Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village recently celebrated the opening of their newly refurbished community centre.

The extension to the lifestyle centre adds an additional 300 square metres in floor area, including a larger lounge, dining for more than 60 people, an enlarged bar and a new kitchen.

Two hundred and twenty residents and friends of the village attended the event last Thursday (23 July).

Mary King and Betty McCormack cut a ribbon to mark the opening. 

Mary King, along with her late husband Bruce, were among the first residents to move into Aspiring Village in stage one in 2010.

Mary King and Betty McCormack

At 98 years of age, Betty McCormack, is the village’s oldest resident and has lived in Wanaka since 1957. “I really enjoy living in the village as everybody is so friendly,” she said.

Entertainment for the evening included pianist Johnny Rogers, along with a fire-dancing crew, and resident Don McLeay, who recited a poem “2020” recalling Don’s experience of events over the last few months, including the lockdown period.

Aspiring Village has 124 independent living villas, 16 apartments, and jointly owns the Aspiring Enliven Care Centre with a priority access arrangement for residents should they need residential aged care. 

A public open day will be held this Saturday (August 1) between 12pm and 4pm, where people are welcome to view the refurbished lifestyle centre and enjoy a complimentary Devonshire Tea.

PHOTOS: Pip O'Regan