Port Macquarie couple Bill and Ellie, moved to Wintergarden in 2023 having retired to our coastal haven 20 years ago. The couple met when Bill was 21 and Ellie was 20. They are now 92 and 93. Bill and Ellie are very happy at Garden Village. The couple have enjoyed watching the Australian Open together in January after a life devoted to tennis!
As avid tennis fans they’ve enjoyed watching the Australian Open together in the comfort of their private room at Wintergarden. Bill is particularly impressed by rising star Alex de Minaur but his favourite player was Australian tennis champion Frank Sedgman who played in the 1950s.
Game set match
It was a match made in tennis heaven when Bill met Ellie in their early 20s. Bill, a tennis coach and Ellie, a top A-grade tennis champion, were brought together by their shared love for the game. A motorbike ride, a date, and two years later, they tied the knot. Ellie said she would accept Bill’s marriage proposal if he sold his motorbike. Which he did and they have been married for over 70 years. Bill and Ellie have lots of nieces and nephews in Sydney and Brisbane and 20 great nieces and nephews.
“My parents never played tennis. My sister couldn’t hit a ball. I started playing at 11 or 12. I met Ellie through tennis, her parents had a tennis court in their backyard in Bankstown and I thought wow!” said Bill.
American Dream, Tennis Dream
Luck smiled upon them when they secured a Green Card for the United States. For 18 years, New Jersey became their home, where they worked hard at the Canoe Brook Country Club to establish the tennis school and coaching. Bill coached, Ellie ran the pro shop, and together they nurtured young talent through summer camps and tournaments. It was a whirlwind of hard work, social events, and a tennis program they proudly built from scratch. During this time from Europe to America on amazing vacations they’ve also seen the world.
Returning Home and Retirement
With ageing parents in Australia the couple returned home and settled in Port Macquarie. Bill continued his tennis game, winning the NSW State Comp for over 65s, proving age is just a number.
“We played all over NSW and Tasmania and all over Australia. It was good. When I turned 70 we ended up winning the Australian Championships for our team.”
Finding Comfort at Wintergarden
The couple were familiar with Garden Village from Probus meetings and friends at the Cascades. Ellie had visited Sharon the Garden Village hairdresser for many years. This made Garden Village an easy choice for their next chapter. Respite turned into a comfortable stay at Wintergarden, a place where Ellie receives the care she needs and Bill can continue to live with her in one of the suites with a kitchenette and a balcony.
At Garden Village they enjoy the Wintergarden Dining Room and the food which Bill is particularly impressed with. Ellie watches Bold and Beautiful and Judge Judy reminding her of their years in America.
Interested in finding out about Garden Village Residential Aged Care? Book a tour with Katie and Eileen our Admissions team.
- A peaceful and friendly village close to the CBD
- Easy access to excellent local medical specialists
- A good-hearted and inclusive community
- Activities and social connections
- Privacy and security for peace of mind
- A beautiful destination for visitors to visit
- Dementia care and allied health support
- 24-hour round the clock care
- Chef-prepared nutritious menus
