MERTON Village, an aged care complex in the heart of Denman, will celebrate a new milestone in its history this month.
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An opening ceremony – on Saturday, October 27 – marks the completion of the second major stage of the ambitious project established by community leaders, which opened its gates with six independent living units in 2001.
Since then Merton Village has burgeoned into more than 50 units hosting nearly 70 aged people, all housed in two-bedroom attractive separate villas, including attached garages.
Some have an extra room which can be used as an office or third bedroom.
The village has been developed in two stages, the first incorporating 27 units on land fronting Denman’s main thoroughfare, Ogilvie Street, and the second off neighbouring Turtle Street.
In addition, close by is the Merton Court Hostel consisting of 17 rooms, each with ensuite, dining room, sun and recreation rooms and gardens.
The official opening of the Turtle Street complex completion will be conducted, jointly, by two long-time members of the Board of Merton Living, John Pearce and Robyn Wolfgang.
Mr Pearce was instrumental in the design of the village and did all the legwork with the Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Special guests at the opening include Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, Muswellbrook Shire Councillor Brett Woodruff and the council’s general manager Fiona Plesman.
Two men who played major roles in the decision to build Merton Village, Michael Scarf and Lawrie Ayres, are to be honoured guests, too.
Father John Tobin will bless the village and there’ll be some musical accompaniment from the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music and singing by Macey Collins, granddaughter of village resident Norma Goodwin.
The Rotary Club of Denman is providing a barbecue.
Proceedings will kick off from 11am.