Life in a retirement village offers plenty of fun – just ask the residents at these South Australian villages.
It was in 2022 when the village managers of what is now Keyton’s Townsend Park, Trinity Green, Elliot Gardens, and Vermont Estate communities across South Australia came together to brainstorm ideas.
The mission was to bring the residents and staff members of the villages together so they can get to know each other and build better relationships.
‘4 Villages and a Party’ emerged and it is a rip-roaring success.
With the event entering its second year, it was Elliot Gardens’ turn to host the recent festivities. The event started with various activities involving sports like Pétanque, outdoor bowls, pickleball, croquet, and darts. The residents also participated in a snowman and line dancing competition.
The snowman competition was judged by three primary school boys.
“I had asked Nathan (Cockerill), our CEO, to present the cup for the overall winning village for the snowman and line dancing competitions but the kids trumped him and were begging to hand over the trophy,” Vicki Neilson, Village Manager at Elliot Gardens, said.
“I also had them hand out the prizes to the people who won all the other activities. They loved it and thought it was hilarious that one of the prizes was a roll of ‘I don’t give a crap’ toilet paper.”
Pam Pudney, Village Manager at Townsend Park, said the day went so quickly.
“The residents loved seeing one another. For me, the highlight was the competitiveness between the villages, especially those with a team in every event.”