Meemee Phipps and Jenny Magee
A touch of fairy dust enveloped a Cambridge retirement community as they enjoyed a triple celebration with a uniquely St Patrick’s Day flavour.
The ribbon cut, Waipā mayor Mike Pettit and Arvida Lauriston Park village manager Tanya Lindsay cheer at the official opening of the new village green. Photo: Viv Posselt
Village manager Tanya Lindsay speaking to residents on the new green before the official opening. Photo: Viv Posselt
Arvida Lauriston Park saw residents don the green on the day they officially opened a new village green and, at the same time, unveiled a fairy house built atop a tree stump.
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit arrived in time to cut the ribbon across steps above the new $450,000 Village Green. Built over an existing lawn, the new multipurpose green offers residents space for croquet, bowling and putting.
Pictured at the unveiling of the fairy house are four of those instrumental in the project. They are, from left, John Casey, Bill Hughes and an unrelated Claire Hughes, and Barry Harding. Photo: Viv Posselt
The tiny, detailed balcony on the new fairy house. Photo: Viv Posselt
Pettit thanked all those whose “planning and persistence’ had brought the project to fruition, and said it would add to the village’s good record in building friendships and confidence, and reducing loneliness.
“This has been nearly a decade in the making,” village manager Tanya Lindsay said. “It has had great support from all the residents along the way and we’re all very grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”
The second ‘opening’ of the day was that of the quirky fairy house and garden area, close to the facility’s entrance. It came into being after an old elm tree was removed from the site several years ago, and rather than have the stump removed, a group of talented residents elected to turn what was left of the elm tree into an enchanted fairy house.
The ripple of enthusiasm grew swiftly and soon an ‘all hands on deck’ approach saw the tiny house completed and a small fairy garden laid. The interior of the house has been done by women in the group.
“The imagination and talent of these residents has transformed a tree stump into a lovely fairy house. It’s the start of a new story for an old tree,” Lindsay said.
Resident Cathy Newdick with her beautiful parasol added a bright touch. Photo: Viv Posselt
Former ballroom dancer and Lauriston resident Barbara Wilson donned her green ballgown for the village celebrations. Photo: Viv Posselt
Residents hold up a ‘Play Your Way’ message on the new village green. Photo: Viv Posselt
The tiny house atop the elm stump. Behind it is village manager Tanya Lindsay (with hat), Bill Hughes, Claire Hughes and Arvida’s emcee for the occasion, Neena Truscott. Photo: Viv Posselt
Meemee Phipps and Jenny Magee cut fine figures at Lauriston Park’ triple celebration on St Patrick’s Day. Photo: Viv Posselt
