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...
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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41% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.2% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
TRUMP AND TRENTHAM
Years ago when Neighbourly use to be a social media discussion outlet, I wrote a few items concerning Trump and got a stopper response from some people along the lines of what has Trump got to do with Trentham, Hutt Valley, Wellington or New Zealand.
Well let's forget about past years since 2015 and concentrate on this year.
Tariffs - people in Trentham and nearby Martinborough who are connected with the wine industry got especially annoyed about having to find new markets in the world and avoid the USA with Trump having unreasonably impose higher tariffs on NZ exports. Of course an about turn cannot be done instantly and some wine exporters here took a tumble.
War - the Trump war with Iran is affecting locals enormously already. Almost everything is expected to go up in price. Our military might yet be involved and just maybe activity at the Trentham Military Camp is on the increase.
Fuel - The NZ Govt is setting itself up to keep the price of petrol and diesel down to a level below unaffordable for the average bloke and blokess. But options remain open for carless days and working from home where possible working weeks. Despite the detractors like retailers and hospitality people in Wellington, working from home will save a huge amount of vehicle fuel. Our public transport services could not cope with severe carless days.
Online Purchases and Freight - big increases in cost of goods from overseas and the cost of air and sea freight charges.
Emigration - NZ and the Wellington region are prime targets for foreigners wanting to come and live here as we are the safest country of size in the world and the world of Trump and his USA are making the world much more at risk and uncertain. Look out for a new wave of housing demand here.
Lions' Mini Market
On Saturday (28th) at the King Lion Hall, 12 King Street Upper Hutt 8-11am. Outdoor and Indoor Plants; Crafts and Materials; Quality Clothing; Books, Toys & Jigsaws; Household Things and More. Get there early for good parking. Looking forward to seeing you there.
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