An extra special birthday bash at Glenhaven

Every month at Living Choice villages, the staff members host a `birthday bash’ for residents celebrating a birthday that month. The candles are lit, `happy birthday’ is sung and everyone enjoys a cuppa and a slice of cake. It’s just a small gesture but one that reinforces the caring community ethos at Living Choice villages.

At Living Choice Glenhaven on Thursday 25^th February, those celebrating a birthday included Dot Milligan, Pauline Harrington, Ann Gittins, Shirley Smith, Peter Heinrich, Jan Giezekamp and one very special `birthday boy’, Jack Stunnell, who celebrated his 95^th birthday that day. Jack not only had the honour of cutting the cake but later that day, Group General Manager, Jason Sack and Regional Manager, Gail Eyres, surprised him with a giant 95^th birthday balloon.

Jack and his wife of 67 years, Valma, moved into the village one week after the leisure centre opened, in July 2006. In fact, Jack’s beloved Humber played a starring role at the leisure centre opening, following the Hills Pipe Band members in their procession from the village entrance to the leisure centre. Jack has always been passionate about Humber cars and owned around six at one time. He only sold his last one 18 months ago.

Jack and Valma had lived on a 5-acre property in Kenthurst for 32 years before moving to Living Choice Glenhaven. “It’s been excellent – the best move we have ever made,” he said. Jack is still very active, playing petanque and table tennis once a week, while Valma is a member of the village choir.

Jack describes himself as “old-fashioned” and says he does not own a computer, mobile phone or credit card. “When these scammers phone me and tell me my computer has been hacked and I must pay something by credit card, I always have the last laugh!”

Apart from celebrating at the village, Jack enjoyed an all-day celebration at his daughter Wendy’s house in Kenthurst. His other daughter, Jennifer and her family also flew down from Port Douglas so it was a wonderful family day. Happy birthday Jack!