1809 days ago

A supportive and social village life for Alan

Bupa Hugh Green Retirement Village

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 Hugh Green at: www.bupa.co.nz...

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.

We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.

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🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
  • 82.5% Same!
    82.5% Complete
  • 17.5% Would have liked to try something different
    17.5% Complete
189 votes
26 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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