Sir David Moxon and village and care manager Rachael Hall
Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon was among around 100 guests who last week celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Metlifecare St Andrew’s in Cambridge.
Centenarian Thelma Hubbard, who has lived at St Andrew’s since 2004, cut the anniversary cake, with a bit of help from village and care manager Rachael Hall. Photo: Viv Posselt
Speaking at the Moxon Centre, the newest building in the complex and one that bears his name, he unveiled a 50th anniversary commemorative plaque and told guests that those involved in establishing the St Andrew’s Village Trust in 1985 as an independent charitable trust had shown great courage in ‘creating something out of nothing’.
Three of those initial trustees who played a significant part in the village’s formation – Elizabeth Scott, Simon Makgill and Colin Davis – were at last Tuesday’s celebrations.
There was plenty of food and bubbly on hand to commemorate the anniversary. Photo: Viv Posselt
Their efforts had contributed to what Moxon said was an aged care facility that felt like a home ‘filled with goodwill, hope and love’.
“We are thankful for something that is not institutional nor clinical but is based on human need and respect… a home away from home,” he said, adding that its proximity to St Andrew’s Anglican Church meant those living there were cared for in body, mind and spirit, with all stages of their needs met.
St Andrew’s village and care manager Rachael Hall told guests the village began in 1971 with the construction of the St Andrew’s curate’s house at 103 Victoria St, as well as two pensioner flats. In 1975 that property was sold to the church and the site was officially registered as a retirement village. Once the St Andrew’s Village Trust Board was established in the mid-1980s, additional units and land were acquired.
Pictured before the proceedings started are, from left, St Andrew’s social co-ordinator Tamara Elliott, chief clinical and risk officer Helen Kenealy, St Andrew’s village and care manager Rachael Hall, external communication specialist Lara Harrison, head of communication Suzy Clarkson, and Forest Lake Gardens assistant village manager David Cajes. Photo: Viv Posselt
In 2006, The Selwyn Foundation purchased the village from the Trust Board – it went on to build the Moxon Centre which opened on December 1, 2017.
“In March 2022, St Andrew’s Village entered its last phase of growth and renewal under new ownership by Metlifecare,” Hall said. “Since then, significant upgrades and refurbishments have been made to the main building and across the village, enhancing services and creating a more sustainable and future-ready environment.”
Sir David Moxon, right, with three members of the original St Andrew’s Village Trust, Elizabeth Scott flanked by Simon Makgill and Colin Davis. Photo: Viv Posselt
Three of the facility’s long-standing residents, from left, Ian Dunn with Anne and Bill Gibson, pictured with village and care manager Rachael Hall. Photo: Viv Posselt
Hall said the village now comprised 53 villas, 11 apartments and 24 care suites and currently accommodates 90 residents.
The anniversary plaque marks Metlifecare St Andrew’s 50th anniversary. Photo: Viv Posselt
Three of the earlier residents were mentioned. Ian Dunn’s lengthy affiliation with St Andrew’s Village began when he started mowing lawns and doing other handy work in 1987; he now lives in the Moxon Centre and is widely known for his popular St Andrew’s Craft Fair. Anne and Bill Gibson have been at the village for 20 years and moved into the Moxon Centre last December.
Metlifecare chief executive Earl Gasparich spoke to guests via a video link. He highlighted the many positive qualities St Andrew’s village in Cambridge offered, including its link to St Andrew’s Church and its close proximity to the town centre.
“This is very much a celebration of community … a place where life can be enjoyed and connections flourish,” he said.
Special guest Harry Wilson of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura opened the celebrations with a karakia. Photo: Viv Posselt
Sir David Moxon and village and care manager Rachael Hall with the newly-unveiled 50th anniversary plaque. Photo: Viv Posselt
Sir David Moxon and village and care manager Rachael Hall with the newly-unveiled 50th anniversary plaque. Photo: Viv Posselt
