Barry lived and worked in Forbes for 25 years before moving into the Jemalong Retirement Living Village in December 2020. Since then, he has not looked back and is thoroughly enjoying Village life!
Barry formerly worked for 25 years as the Secretary to the Manager of Jemalong Residential Village when it was based at its former site in Forbes. In his daily role he supported the Manager with administrative duties such as mailing, sundries, correspondence and preparing letters. He has fond memories of his time back then.
His recent decision to ‘downsize’ and move into his own independent living unit in the Retirement Living Village came late last year. Barry was living in a house with a large backyard and was keen to make life easier for himself by living in a property with less maintenance.
Barry’s daily life is busy and bustling with a multitude of activities to engage in. In particular, Barry actively helps out with the weekly Mass services held each Wednesday. Around 20 residents and volunteers normally attend the services, where there are readings, prayers and hymns.
Barry appreciates the modern new design of the Village, the security and the location. His sister and family are still close enough to pay regular visits so he can keep in contact with them. What Barry truly loves about ‘village life’ is the independence it offers.
“I enjoy the fact that I can still maintain my social life and continue to do activities I used to do, like play lawn bowls in downtown Forbes,” says Barry. “Or there are always so many activities to do around the Village including Thursday night Happy Hour… and then we go and watch the footy afterwards.”
Barry has made a lot of friends and regularly goes to the Jemalong Community Centre to play board games and other activities with his fellow residents. Life for Barry is truly joyful at Jemalong.
Jemalong Retirement Village is a peaceful community of 19 new retirement living homes in the beautiful NSW countryside close to the town of Forbes. The Village features a dedicated Community Centre, café and a chapel on-site.