A supportive and social village life for Alan
Alan sadly lost his wife Phyllis just before the first lockdown in 2020, after the couple moved into the village five years ago.
“They have all been so supportive when I really needed it most. I wrote them all a personal letter to thank them.”
The 90 year old, who has spent his entire life in Christchurch, says his regular expenses are down due to village living and was immediately taken with the apartment opportunity after a tour.
“The security of this place appealed to me, and it was very warm. I also liked that there’s nothing to worry about, you don’t have to think about getting a plumber in for example.”
The couple’s two daughters and son helped them both move into the village, a downsizing that was far easier than Alan thought it would be. Now with a two bedroom apartment, Alan says he really enjoys having a dwelling more compact than his original family home.
“You’ve got to adapt haven’t you, and an apartment is just so easy to keep clean and tidy. I still have a small garden and I like to grow runner beans.”
With a wool buying background and a stint as a golf professional too, Alan has had a busy career but says he prefers the quieter life these days with enough social activities, like bowls and mahjong, to keep him entertained.
Alan helped to start a village choir that now has 24 members and regular practice sessions to prepare for upcoming recitals. The grandfather of five grandchildren and six great grandchildren (pictured with artwork from one of his great grandchildren Tabitha) says he’s always open to welcoming new residents as neighbours.
“To be free of all that worry of maintenance at my time of life is a relief. Plus we could do with a few more in the choir too.”
Get more info about Bupa Fergusson: www.bupa.co.nz...
Upper Hutt Rates Increases.
Please excuse if I am posting this where is shouldn't be. Admins, do remove this if its not appropriate.
I have not done anything like this before so please excuse if my wording isn't quite right.
As most of us are aware the Upper Hutt City Council have proposed to raise their Rates by near on 20% each year over the next 3 years.
If your UHCC Rates are around $2500 per year, after the 3 years of increases they will be approximately $4300 which equals an extra $35ish per week. This will not only hit homeowners, rentals, hirage of venues etc but will be impacting the community as the costs will be passed on with such large increases over a short period of time.
As I am outraged about this, I have created a petition on change.org to hopefully be able to show the council how many are not for these massive increases in a short period of time.
If you would like to support this petition please go to the link and add your voice.
www.change.org...
Thanks in advance.
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.5% Yes
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8.2% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
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