Woodlands Grove Retirement Village recently celebrated 20 years of operation with an afternoon tea which attracted around 200 residents and staff.

Kath Durman and Elaine McIntosh who were two of the centre’s first residents when it opened in 2003, fittingly cut the cake to mark the occasion.

Residents particularly enjoyed reminiscing about the history of the establishment through a slide show and speech by Woodlands Grove Retirement Village owner Vince Versace.

Woodlands Grove Retirement Village manager Raelene Golebiowski said it brought back a lot of memories for the residents.

“It just reminded people of where we started and where we are now,” she said.

“I spoke about who were the first residents there and who are still there.

“We have two couples that are still here from 2003.”

Mrs Golebiowski said the event went well, leaving all the residents happy.

“They really enjoyed themselves there,” she said.

“It was good comradery, they had a great time.

“Everyone sat around and caught up with each other.

“It is the biggest event that we have had there for a few years particularly with COVID, so it was very good.”

Mrs Golebiowski said the village had grown in recent years, and was now seeing children of the residents also moving in.

“We have a few residents here where their children are here,” she said.

“It is sort of like the next generation are moving in.

“There is still a huge need for a change of lifestyle for people over 55.”