Who’s Who in the Village?
Each month Garden Village residents enjoy reading about their neighbours thanks to Kerry Medway’s short stories. The “Who’s Who in the Village” is a monthly feature in the Retirement Living newsletter ‘The Villager.’
Author and resident Kerry Medway shares short and fascinating facts about people’s lives. Kerry and his wife Julie moved to Garden Village just after the COVID lockdown and love the central location, the people and the community spirit.
“Sharing stories is a great way to let people know Garden Village is a good place to be,” said Kerry. “We like Garden Village because it’s close to town and we had heard good things about it,” added Julie.
“The first story about Barbara started as a chat in the garden,” said Kerry. “I asked Barbara about a fascinating plant, which looked like candlesticks. She described it in such wonderful detail and I thought what an interesting person.”
“There are 300 great stories at Garden Village. So many people have done some wonderful things and nobody really knows,” added Kerry.
Kerry has a love of storytelling from his time as a Pastor. He has self published a number of books about adventures in the outback of Australia and the local histories of the Port Macquarie Rotary Club and the Grace Church.
Julie and Kerry recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a reminiscing tour to their honeymoon destination Potato Point on the South Coast which Kerry joked is the honeymoon capital of New South Wales.
“The amazing thing was Potato Point is still the same as 50 years ago” said Kerry.
They lived in Coober Pedy for five years when their three children were young and they now have three grandchildren.
Kerry knew Keith Westerweller the founder of Garden Village through the Rotary Club. “Forty years ago Westerweller had the vision to start an affordable not for profit retirement village and it’s still like that today.”
Kerry and Julie have enjoyed overseas trips to places rich in history throughout Europe and Turkey. As a tour guide Kerry shared the history with Christian tour groups at amazing places like Gallipoli, Ephesus and Pompei.
In Australia Kerry enjoys occasional trips to the Sydney Cricket Ground to watch the cricket with his daughter and golfing in Port Macquarie.
Julie has downsized her book collection since moving to Garden Village but still has a love of reading and recommends the Garden Village library, especially for large print books.
“We’re very impressed with the Retirement Living team and the people who come and check on our neighbours – they are always lovely,” added Kerry.
Retirement Living Manager, Sarah Ogilivie said “We’re delighted residents like Kerry can use their creative skills to support community connections and grow friendships. Sharing stories is a wonderful way to get to know people and create conversations as well as recognising people’s interests and contributions to the community over many years.”
So far the Who’s Who has featured Barbara, Len, Norma, Stan and Jackie.
Follow Garden Village on Facebook to meet the residents Kerry chats with each month. Thanks Kerry and Julie!
