More than 40 people converged on Uniting's Bowden Brae Retirement and Independent Living Village to experience a slice of life at the village as part of the Pinot & Paint event.
Guests, including locals and residents, gathered for the twilight event to sip, chat and test their artistic talents around the fireplace in the village clubroom.
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For many it was their first time exploring their artistic abilities, and for some, this produced surprising results.
Husband and wife of 60 years, David and Deanne Chapman, were joined by their extended family at the event who were all very impressed with Mr Chapman's artistic skill.
"It's his first time painting and what he has done is absolutely beautiful - he's got a gift," Mrs Chapman said. "I can't draw a stick figure.
"We have also invited family along today and everyone here is having a lovely time. Everything is so clean and people are so kind here. I held my birthday here in the clubroom last week and had a wonderful time. We love it here. It's a fantastic place to live."
Mr Chapman also said he thoroughly enjoyed the event and that he was delighted with his newfound talent.
"It's the first time I have touched wet paint and I am very pleased with the result. I am a digital artist, but I have not done this before and it's been very enjoyable," he said.
"The facilities here are excellent - it's very well set up and we have a lovely view from our unit and all the amenities are very modern."
Village manager Ross Buchanan said it was fantastic to see everyone coming together and enjoying themselves at a unique event.
"I think it encourages a sense of community throughout the village," he said. "Here at Bowden Brae, we are trying to foster a sense of connection.
"Moving into Bowden Brae means much more than just moving into an apartment. It means becoming part of a life full of culture and socialising."
To find out more about Uniting Bowden Brae at Normanhurst, contact 1800-864-846.
Important milestone
Uniting NSW/ACT has celebrated the official opening of its newest retirement living development - Uniting Nowra Symons House.
Uniting Head of Village Services, Keith Morgan, said the completion of Uniting Nowra Symons House represented an important milestone in Uniting's history.
"The 30-apartment complex is designed to help maintain the independence of residents without worrying about continued upkeep of a family home," Mr Morgan said.
"The 30 new independent living apartments complement the existing Uniting services in the area and include Retirement and Independent Living, Residential Aged Care, Home and Community Care and Counselling and Mediation services.
"The Uniting Church has a rich history and contribution within in the Shoalhaven community and has always recognised the need to support older Australians with accommodation and care."
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Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, said Nowra Symons House was a true asset for Nowra.
"It shows Uniting NSW.ACT's continued commitment to the region and importantly allows people to age in place. I am thrilled to see many of our much-loved elderly people enjoying living in Nowra Symons House," Ms Phillips said.
The symbolic cutting of the ribbon was conducted by Kay Sando and Roslyn Martin, the daughters of Verna and Jack Symons, who the village is named after.
Uniting Director of Property and Housing, Simon Furness, said Nowra Symons House includes six new affordable housing apartments for seniors to meet the needs of households requiring targeted support services and older people at risk of homelessness.
"As a community service provider, Uniting NSW/ACT is also focused on providing essential community and housing support as part of our developments," Mr Furness said.
"Uniting is proud to be part of helping to provide affordable housing and homelessness solutions. We support more government action to address this issue, including more investment in social housing and more targeted support services for older people at risk of homelessness.
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"This is a fantastic example of Uniting using its property portfolio to provide quality accommodation for people from all stages of life, including vulnerable communities."
"The development is a part of a continuum of care that creates ease of access between Uniting's services including residential aged care and home and community care.
"Uniting Symons House will further strengthen connection to community while creating outstanding and affordable seniors living for local residents to age in their local community
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Experienced communications professional. I am a talented writer with a drive to interpret complex information into readable copy. A highly motivated self-starting senior journalist, editor and copywriter trained in all aspects of content production. Writing and words are my passion while I can edit and proof anything. Headlines a specialty. Oh, and I'm not a bad photographer. As a journalist, I can adapt to any writing style. I am aware of the work of public relations and marketing specialists and their needs and I know what is needed to get their message across to journalists. I am a great communicator through social media and just love creating social media conversations. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career has been all about telling stories. Storytelling remains storytelling across the gamut of writing, no matter whether you work on newspapers or in marketing. As a journalist, every day is a lucky dip. You have no idea who you will meet, where you will go or what you will do.
Wordsmith. Experienced communications professional. I am a talented writer with a drive to interpret complex information into readable copy. A highly motivated self-starting senior journalist, editor and copywriter trained in all aspects of content production. Writing and words are my passion while I can edit and proof anything. Headlines a specialty. Oh, and I'm not a bad photographer. As a journalist, I can adapt to any writing style. I am aware of the work of public relations and marketing specialists and their needs and I know what is needed to get their message across to journalists. I am a great communicator through social media and just love creating social media conversations. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career has been all about telling stories. Storytelling remains storytelling across the gamut of writing, no matter whether you work on newspapers or in marketing. As a journalist, every day is a lucky dip. You have no idea who you will meet, where you will go or what you will do.
