• Andrew is to update the club website homepage.  
• We have discontinued the Club’s PO Box in favour of using one at Community House.
• FYI, the new postal address is:  c/- Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra 9320.
• The ‘Financial Assistance Form’ found on the website will be updated accordingly.
• Andrew, reported on the Christmas Lunch which he and Rosalie organise each year.  This is quite a major undertaking but one that is received very well by those who attend.  The Club sponsored the lunch to the tune of $1100.  Lions are also involved with their BBQ.
• We agreed to support Millers Flat School on an educational trip to Wellington with $1000.
•  The Alexandra Rotary Club logo is to  be put on the recently purchased Youth  Trust van to which we contributed $1000.

 

(Abbeyfield is an incorporated society in New Zealand with charities status)

 

Established in 1992 in New Zealand based on a UK model. Living independently, together is the philosophy of Abbeyfield.

 

Abbeyfield is an innovative housing model for older people wanting to retain their independence but enjoy the company of others.

 

At an Abbeyfield house people live like a big whānau or family, sharing meals prepared by a housekeeper. Abbeyfield houses are purpose-built for 11-14 people, providing a comfortable and homely environment.

 

Abbeyfield offers:
Privacy and comfort in your own studio with ensuite.

 

Nutritious meals prepared by a housekeeper.
Connect with others at mealtimes and in the shared living areas.

 

Affordable rent and no capital entry charge.
Secure, safe setting.

 

Freedom and time to enjoy life.

 

Living at an Abbeyfield house is like being part of a big whānau or family. People can enjoy the companionship of other residents, but still live their own life. Each house caters for up to 14 kaumātua or older people.

 

You can relax knowing you don’t have to worry about managing a household, or planning and preparing meals. The Abbeyfield housekeeper/ cook provides self-service breakfast and two main meals a day, which residents share together in the dining room. The housekeeper also does the household shopping, keeps the communal living areas clean and tidy, and ensures high standards of health, hygiene and safety are maintained. They keep the household running smoothly.

 

Each house is well-designed and located close to shops and other amenities. Residents have their own private studio room with an ensuite, which they can furnish as they wish. Most rooms have a small patio or balcony as well. Residents also enjoy access to communal areas such as the lounge, dining room, laundry, storage and gardens. Some houses have a guest room for visitors too.

 

At Abbeyfield residents are respected and valued and can take part in discussions on the running of their house at regular residents’ meetings. Residents can also contribute to the selection of new residents.

 

There is no capital entry charge and the rent is set to be affordable if your main income is from National Superannuation. The rent covers your board and lodging, power, food, and the house’s maintenance and overhead costs.

 

If a person is over 65, has modest assets, and can live flexibly with others, an Abbeyfield house could be right for that individual. Abbeyfield accepts residents on the basis of need and suitability.

 

Abbeyfield has a network of 14 houses throughout New Zealand. Each is a family-style home, located close to local amenities. 

 

Carol said that Central Otago generally has an older population of those 65+ than in other parts of New Zealand. And it is forecast that by 2048 about 31% of the population in Central will be in the 65+ age group. 

 

It costs 3.5 to 4.5 million dollars to build a 12-to-14-unit complex. Dunedin has the closest Abbeyfield facility and here in Alexandra, fundraising is underway. Funds come from Central and local government as well and currently a request for funding is with the Vincent Community Board.

Poplar Grove update
Arnold Hooykaas project coordinator

(From the CO News 20th February 2025)

 

Residents and visitors to Alexandra have a new picnic area after new tables and benches were installed by the Alexandra Rotary club last week with the help of the Alexandra Lions Club.
Arnold said that the Poplar Grove Park, on the banks of the Clutha River/Mata Au, had been three years in the making.

 

The first piece of work had been to weed and remove some trees to create a clearing for the park. Rotarians completed that work with the help of a local man Richie Stevens and his machinery.

 

Work then began on the concrete bases the benches would be mounted on. Arnold said that the Rotarians were very fortunate to have concrete donated by Allied Concrete and the concrete boxing and steel mesh donated by ITM Alexandra. Allied Concrete would deliver end-of-job concrete and Rotarians would come and smooth it.

 

The steel framing and the timber for the benches had been commercially sourced. The timber did not arrive until mid-January. They could then begin assembling the benches. Rotary teamed up with the Alexandra Lions to complete the work.

 

Poplar Grove was not the first park the Rotary club had helped construct, with one across the river at the boat ramp (Rotary Park) on Dunorling street also being completed by the club more than a decade ago. Arnold said that the new park was built for the good of the community.

 

A nice picture of Arnold accompanied this article in the CO News.

 

 

WORKSHOP IN ALEXANDRA For anyone affected by stroke. 

 

To learn more about secondary stroke prevention, fatigue, lived experience and more. 
Tuesday 25th March 2025, 9:00am - 12 noon Venue: Alexandra Community House 14-20 Centennial Ave.

 

To register: Email: judith.hyslop@stroke.org.nz