Champion Chatter – MAY/JUNE Edition

Welcome

John and Jo at LOT 135, 79 Delight Way

John and Jo share a remarkable story that feels almost destined from the very beginning. Both were born at Bega Hospital in southern New South Wales, delivered by the same doctor just three years apart. Growing up in the coastal community, they attended the same primary and high schools, shared a close-knit circle of friends, and spent much of their youth enjoying the surf and beaches of nearby Merimbula.

Although their lives followed similar paths early on, it wasn’t until later that the full extent of their shared experiences became clear. In their early twenties, both travelled independently, and only years later—after they were married—did they discover they had each celebrated their 21st birthdays in Marrakesh, Morocco, entirely unaware of the coincidence at the time.

Their friendship in their younger years eventually grew into something more. Reconnecting in their late twenties, John and Jo were married just six months later, beginning a partnership that has now spanned 46 years. In the 1980s, they made the move west to Perth, where they have since built a full and rewarding life together.

They are proud parents of three children and grandparents to four, all of whom live locally and remain an important part of their day-to-day lives. Their home is also shared with Jack, their much-loved Jack Russell, who they rescued and who has become a cherished companion.

John’s career in construction has taken him to many places over the years, while Jo built a diverse career across banking, real estate, and corporate reception. A particularly memorable chapter for the family was spending three years living on Christmas Island. It was there they discovered a passion for diving and snorkelling, an interest they continue to enjoy today.

The couple is already planning future adventures, including a return trip to Christmas Island for diving and later this year to Palau in Micronesia, another renowned destination for underwater exploration.

Now settled into their new community, John and Jo are embracing this next stage of life with enthusiasm. John and Jo is looking forward to getting involved in projects at the Hobby Shed, while Jo enjoys spending time in the pool and caring for their grandchildren. Together, they are eager to build new friendships and take part in the social activities on offer, including relaxed sundowners with neighbours.

Their decision to join the village was guided by several factors: its convenient location, the quality of the homes, the opportunity to personalise their floor plan, and the appealing balance of a peaceful, semi-rural setting with easy access to local amenities.

With a lifetime of shared history and a continued sense of adventure, John and Jo are a wonderful addition to the community and are looking forward to the years ahead.

Anzac Day!

A large group of residents braved the cold and attended our ANZAC day Dawn Service. Thanks to Mumbles and Loretta for the loan of their statue placed at the foot of the flagpole

Thanks also to those who were involved with the flag raising and live broadcast as well as the delicious ANZAC biscuits shared with warming drinks afterwards.

The breakfast later in the morning was well attended and donations raised were sent to ‘Soldier On’.

Well done to our Breakfast Crew who did a great job preparing, cooking and cleaning up.

Later in the day the movie ‘Beneath Hill 60’ was screened. Thanks to Vanessa for organising this very appropriate way to end the day.

STITCH, SEW, KNIT and HOOK!

The Village Needlecraft Group meets twice a week. The group has been operating for just over 2 years with a focus on knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, patchwork, or any needle or hook based craft. It is a great opportunity to work on your own projects, WIPs, UFOs, or learn something new in a friendly and supportive environment. Or even just a chance to sit, have a cuppa and a catchup with other Village residents.

With donations of supplies from fellow residents, as well as needlecrafters own contributions, we have fun making quite a few things for different charities and organisations. Things such as: gloves, ear warmers, scarves and beanies for the homeless; teddies as reading buddies for kids in family crisis; blankets, lap rugs and shawls for hospitals and hospice patients; tote bags, children ’s clothing, teddies, bags for Crisis Care; lap rugs and bags for Wheelchair for Kids, and even animal nests for the Darling Range Wildlife Shelter. Some of our donations are included in the photos below.

The group has also built up a stash of interesting supplies that can be used to help residents complete their work. A big Thank You to everyone who has contributed to our needlecraft stash of yarn, fabric, notions, thread, tools, books, magazines, etc.

The needlecrafters have also helped out with several Village activities and events, including the Village Fete, Christmas Dinner and Dog Day Afternoon.

The group get togethers are a great opportunity for skills to be shared, for people to learn, and of course we always love a show and tell. There are some very talented people in the Village, and seeing some of the work they have produced over their lifetimes is so valuable and has led to more creative ideas. We have also been privileged to see some of the heritage work passed through generations.

We ’ve all been learning different things through asking questions and participants sharing their knowledge and experience. The group is also a great resource to seek suggestions, ideas and help with different aspects of any needlecraft work. You don ’t need to be an expert to participate, you can just have an interest or be curious or just want to learn something new. Regular group participants are eager to help.

Come along to any of the get togethers. We meet on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 12 noon, and Saturdays 1pm – 3pm. We are always in the Lodge and would love to see you there.

Contact Vanessa at Lot 66 or just come along to one of the Needlecraft sessions.

All are welcome.

Village Cinema

Over the last few months the Village Theatre has been coming back to life with our own cinema experience. There have been screenings of several movies including Top Gun Maverick, The Dish, The Green Mile and a special screening on ANZAC day of Beneath Hill 60. Vanessa is hoping that we can regularly screen movies and provide the Village with a cinema experience, including treats via our little kiosk that will operate at each screening.

Future movie screenings are planned and will include Dragonfly with Kevin Costner and the recently released Nuremberg, amongst others. Keep an eye out for screening details over the coming days and weeks. Contact Vanessa at Lot 66 if you have any queries.

Books, Games & Puzzles

The Village Library has a large range of fiction books, including an increasing collection of large print books, hardbacks and paperbacks. The non-fiction collection covers various topics including a large number of biographies, war books and sport books as well as art, Australiana, hobbies, travel and many other topics. If you haven’t explored the Library before, just visit the Lodge and see what literary gem you can find.

If you enjoy reading then the Village Bookclub may interest you. The Bookclub meets once a month at 4pm on the last Wednesday in the Lodge. The Village Bookclub reads one book a month, and the type of book changes each month. This is the third year for the Bookclub.

A huge range of jigsaw puzzles and board games are also stored in the Village Library, and are available for residents to borrow.

Flourish Group Easter Raffle

We would like to thank those lovely people that made our Flourish Easter hamper raffle such a success.

Flourish had a great Easter Morning tea in the lodge on Easter Saturday, where we ate lots of chocolate eggs, & held our raffle draw.

We raised $272.00. donated 100% to Alzheimer’s Research Nedlands Perth Australia.

1st prize was won by our lovely Barbara from Tradition, well done.

2nd prize was won by Phil from Tradition.

With our 3rd prize winner being Faye from Oasis.

Flourish had an over spill of donated Chocolate, so were able to make donation of a small Easter basket to the Socal committee for their Easter raffle, Sue accepted it on behalf of the committee.

A big thank you to everyone that purchased our tickets for this raffle enabling us to make a donation to such a worthy cause, Alzheimer’s has touched a lot of us in some way & this donation all stays here in Perth WA

Many thanks Flourish group

Meet your Village Management Team !

Rolls & Responsibilities of Your Management Team

LEAH, KEITH & TIA

Monday – Sunday (Office Open Mon—Fri from 9am-2pm)

• Direct daily operations, including maintenance of buildings, grounds security
• Resident Relations: Address resident concerns, facilitate communication, build community, and manage the move-in/move-out process
• Staff Leadership: Hire, train, schedule, and supervise staff, including cleaners, gardeners, and administrative personnel.
• Financial & Admin Control: Prepare and manage operating budgets, approve expenditures, and ensure financial reporting.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain compliance with safety legislation, relevant Retirement Village Acts, and company policies.
• Marketing & Sales: Support sales of village homes to prospective residents.

BEN/ CHRISTY

Monday – Friday

• Contractor tasked with building new homes, underground infrastructure and new build warranty maintenance requirements

JACK

Monday – Thursday

• Maintains the pool including twice daily testing, spa water replacement, responsible for general repairs that do not require a specialized technician. Performs routine maintenance on buildings and assists with upkeep of the communal facilities.

JEN & ROB, BOB & JAMES

Monday – Friday

• Remove/replace plants and debris and maintains gardens or communal green spaces, caring for plants, trees, shrubs, and lawns to create healthy attractive, and sustainable outdoor environments.

ANDY /TYASIA /ELEONER

Monday – Friday

• Resale post-construction cleans, sanitizing communal area surfaces, and eliminating construction dust with HEPA vacuums and eco-friendly products. Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in various environments, performing tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, disinfecting, and waste disposal of the lodge, gym and pool.