Move to retirement village brings family and memories closer
Joan Hodgins was a woman on a mission – to move into Bupa Fergusson Retirement Village in Upper Hutt.
Joan was adamant she wanted to move back to Upper Hutt to be close to her family and the land that holds many memories for her. The 92 year old’s father was a dairy farmer and had four milk rounds on farm land from Whakatiki Street up to Upper Hutt township.
“My father was farming during the time of the depression and I remember growing up with my brother and sister on the land. The farms were busy places with staff and lots of cows to milk,” Joan said.
After retiring to Waikanae with her late husband for 30 years, Joan felt the time was right to move closer to her daughter, grandchild and two great grandchildren.
“At my age I decided to be closer to my family. This area means a lot to me and I know it very well.”
Bupa Fergusson Retirement Village Manager Leigh Anderson says Joan was so determined not to miss out on the new apartment block extension at Fergusson village, she would call Leigh every month to check if there was a move in date for her.
“Joan was really excited about the new apartments and we’re very pleased to welcome her into our village. Now that lockdown is over I expect she will get involved in all sorts of social activities going on here,” Leigh said.
With a background in managing a fashion store, an interest in golf, and a fan of a ‘good gin and tonic’, Joan is looking forward to meeting new resident neighbours as they move into the new apartments.
“There comes a time in life when it’s time to come back to your roots and I’ve found that here in this village,” she said.
