Laurie and Linda Hayes mark 60 years of marriage

The Samford Grove couple marked the occasion with an anniversary cruise around the tropics, from Brisbane to Hawaii. A stunning achievement, the couple were also lucky enough to celebrate the milestone twice!

With an anniversary dinner to mark their wedding day on April 15, upon crossing the international date line just after Tonga, the couple got to re-live the day with a second celebration, before cruising into Tahiti.

“We had dinner on the Saturday night and once the boat crossed the International Date Line, we had a second dinner for the Saturday again,” Laurie said.

In honour of their anniversary, Laurie and Linda received cards from King Charles III and wife Camila, the Governor General, David Hurley and wife Linda, the Governor of Queensland, Dr Jeanette Young, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and local PM for Samford, Peter Dutton.

Laurie and Linda met while both serving in the army in Melbourne, before marrying in 1963.

“I served in Vietnam then later stationed in Enoggera. We lived in The Gap for a number of years until eventually Samford,” said Laurie.

Linda raised their two children before working as a Car Park Supervisor while Laurie was a SS Manager for the Australian Lighthouse Services.

The couple have two children together and four grandchildren, with their son living in Sydney and their daughter in Brisbane.

The couple moved to Samford Grove in 2021 and both enjoy living in the village.

“It’s very good, it’s a nice place to live, we really enjoy our time here and the people,” Laurie said.

As for the secret to a long-lasting marriage? Laurie said it’s all about communication.

“We like anyone have disagreements, but it’s about making sure the disagreements don’t last.”

Laurie with dedicated cards he received for his anniversary.

/by

Get to know our team member: Desley Arnold

Since day one Samford Grove Sales Manager, Desley has enjoyed watching the vision for the community become a reality and has helped countless downsizers embark on their retirement journey.

“As the Sales Manager here, I am very blessed to work with a great team of like-minded individuals,” Desley said.

“Samford Grove is very unique compared with other retirement villages. We are a small boutique village, and once complete at the end of the year, will only have 131 homes in total.”

Word spreads quickly about Samford Grove…

“Many of our residents are known to each other prior to moving in and we receive lots of referrals, which is the best compliment Samford Grove and Reside Communities can receive – it means we are doing something right.”

Of course, how could we not talk about Samford’s beautiful surrounding valley-views. Desley says it’s not just about the views, but also the community at large.

“It is a wonderful feel every morning driving into the valley – how could you not enjoy the beauty on offer. If I go down to the village shops during the day, I have to allow time for all the little chats that I have with the locals. It’s been great to be involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Bowls clubs nearby. They really appreciate what we do and that our village has value added to their community.”

Samford Grove Sales Manager, Desley Arnold smiling. Desley wears bright orange blazer with a leopard print scarf.

/by

Footy fever and coronation celebrations

It was footy fever at Samford Grove, as residents celebrated the State of Origin with a special happy hour at the bar.

Blues and maroons were proudly out in full force as residents sported scarves and jerseys to support their beloved teams. Excited residents cheered for their teams and rivals egged each other on, all in the spirit of the game.

While at Brookland, it was all about pomp and pageantry as residents came together to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and wife Camilla.

While most afternoons in the bar at Brookland are a chance to kick back, relax and catch up with friends, this Happy hour was a historical moment as residents rang in a new era.

Streamers and the iconic Union Jack flag decorated the café and bar area, while many enjoyed traditional songs and adorned crowns, tiaras and even top hats to enjoy the afternoon’s celebrations.

/by

Resident spotlight: Meet Shirley!

A generous green-thumb, Shirley treats her fellow residents and neighbours at Samford Grove with her home-grown oranges.

“I have a big lemon and orange tree in the yard, normally I get a big basket, collect the fruit, and carry the basket to the function room for the other residents. People pick them up at Happy Hour or make marmalade with them, it’s nice.”

Alongside her carer, Karli, Shirley enjoys getting out in the yard at Samford Grove and giving back to her fellow residents.

“When I walked in here, I knew it was a safe place. It’s a beautiful community. There are good people, beautiful surroundings. Les loves it too.”

At the young age of 89, Shirley has also recently marked a milestone, celebrating her 42nd wedding anniversary with husband, Les.

Married in 1981 the two met as primary school teachers after Les moved from England to Australia in 1975. Les was a Drama Director and received many awards for his acting over the years.

When she’s not giving back to others, Shirley enjoys painting and watching films with Les. Les is also an author and continues his love of writing.

/by

Residents go back in time and step inside bohemian Paris

Samford Grove residents were transported to the streets of 19th-Century Paris following a visit to an interactive art exhibit at Brisbane’s Northshore.

The Monet in Paris event was an immersive art experience, following the life and art of Claude Monet and fellow Impressionist artists like Degas, Pissarro, Cezanne, Renoir and more.

The lucky residents were treated to sensory delights and artistic masterpieces like Monet’s waterlilies, projected on larger-than-life screens, in a 360-degree immersive experience.

Situated in a purpose-built Grand Palais, residents snapped a few photos to mark the occasion, before saying au revoir and heading back home.

Samford Grove residents stepping off the bus, about to visit Monet in Paris.

Senior woman with walker standing next to Le Chat Noir artwork on a digital screen.

Samford Grove residents with digital screen of Monet's waterlily artwork behind them.

/by

What’s brewing at our café this winter

With winter here, the café at Samford Grove is heating up!

At Samford Grove, residents have been tucking into a choice of two winter warmers, either a beef or chicken pie, with a side of crispy, hot chips (yum!)

For those looking for something lighter, there’s a choice of two soups: either pumpkin and sweet potato, or a creamy corn chowder soup. Whichever soup you choose, each option sits alongside a crusty bread roll for dipping on a chilly winter day.

But it’s not just pies and soups, Samford Grove residents are also enjoying the Lamb and Rosemary Filo and Fish and Chips for lunch. While the sweet tooths are loving Devonshire Teas and warmed apple slice. 

Below: Samford Grove residents enjoying lunch.

Two residents enjoying a pie and coffee at the Samford Grove cafe.

  Group of residents eating lunch at a round table in the Samford Grove cafe.

Over at Brookland, the winter warmers are inspired by the footy season. With a selection of beef or chicken pies with chips, or a sausage roll in either spinach and feta, or beef. It’s just like a real footy game, but cheaper, tastier and made with love.

Below: Brookland residents warming up!

Residents casually sitting around a wooden table in the café smiling. Four residents have a winter lunch in front of them on the table. A couple sitting around a wooden table in the Brookland cafe with coffees in colourful mugs in front of them.  Debbie from Brookland wearing green and showing off the winter menu sign. The café has green walls with pie and sausage roll special sign on the bench.

Couple sitting around a wooden table with a resident in the middle. Two coffees in yellow mugs sit on the table alongside glasses and wallets.
 Whether you’re an AFL, NRL or even a soccer fan, everyone can come together and warm up with a hearty pie in the cafe this winter.

The Brookland and Samford Grove café is open Monday to Friday 9:30am – 2pm.

The café is just one of the quality, everyday services and support options that are available to residents at Samford Grove.

 To learn more about Samford Grove or to book a private tour, contact us on (07) 3289 3372.   

/by

Meet the new friendly faces of our growing community

The Samford Grove community continues to grow as we welcome our newest residents, Don and Robbie Creed, who have recently moved into their home in Stage 3A. 

 Drawn to the peace and tranquility of Samford, the friendly and active village lifestyle and being close to family, Don and Robbie relocated from Sydney to start an exciting new chapter in their lives. 

 “After I had a health issue in March 2022, Robbie and I realised we needed to live in a low-maintenance home that was part of a supportive community, that still emphasised an active and independent lifestyle,” said Don. 

 “We have two daughters (and their families) in Brisbane who are only 15 minutes away and our son who recently relocated from Sydney, who is now 10 minutes away. Being close to our family is so important. It is lovely to all be reconnected again.” 

 Robbie said she is already embracing village life, taking part in Pilates and visiting the community Homestead, and is now excited to join nearby Probus and University of the Third Age (U3A) clubs. 

 “Everyone at Samford Grove is so friendly and welcoming. It’s refreshing to see that residents are still living active, social and independent lives. The village atmosphere is fantastic, and we couldn’t feel more at home,” said Robbie. 

 “We moved into our new home at the end of January and it’s the perfect location. We love to sit out on our patio and look out to the paddock with the horses and listen to the birds and nature. It’s very peaceful. Our home is perfect as it offers minimal maintenance, but we still have the space and privacy.” 

With family living only 15 minutes away in Brisbane, Don and Robbie say Samford Grove is exactly what they were looking for.

“It’s exciting to look to the future and be part of the community here!”

 Ready to call Samford Grove home? Enquire now about apartments, villas and town homes for sale within this vibrant, connected community.  

 To learn more about Samford Grove or to book a private tour, contact us on (07) 3289 3372. 

/by

Samford Grove’s new display town home is opening soon

Don’t just visualise what life would be like at Samford Grove, step right in and experience the reality! Our community is getting ready to launch a brand new on-site display town home.  

Open for inspection in mid 2023, the Type F single storey town home located within Stage 3B is ideal for retirees seeking relaxed, low-maintenance independent living without sacrificing style, sophistication and modern inclusions.  

Let’s take a sneak peek at the design to see what makes this a dream residence for retirees! 

Innovation and style at every turn 

The hero of this impressive design is the master suite, which feels like a private sanctuary with a spacious, light-filled bedroom flowing through to a large walk-in wardrobe and modern ensuite. 

Other key features of this town home include the entertainer’s kitchen, complete with a waterfall end island bench, separate laundry, large front patio and private study with half wall and shutters. 

The expansive open plan layout creates bright, liveable spaces for relaxing, dining and entertaining – both indoors and out. 

In 2023, the Samford Grove community continues to grow, welcoming new residents in the recently completed Stage 3A homes.  

Exactly what retirement living should be, each home at Samford Grove is carefully designed and beautifully built, paying attention to every detail from the superior finishes to the façade. 

To enquire about securing a new town home, like the one pictured above in Stage 3B, get in touch with Sales Manager Desley Arnold today on (07) 3289 3372. 

Alternatively, take a look at our Type F town home by viewing the For Sale listing here.

/by

Tis the season to be jolly at Samford Grove

It’s a magical time of year at Samford Grove with our community well and truly getting into the Christmas spirit, connecting with friends and neighbours for a variety of festive events. 

Although it’s the season to be jolly, Reside recognises that Christmas can be a challenging time, especially for older adults who may live alone or don’t have family close by. That’s why, at our communities, we like to encourage connection and wellbeing during the holiday season and ensure residents feels supported. It’s also a great time to enjoy some fun-filled Christmas events that celebrate our amazing residents.  

We’ve celebrated the silly season all throughout December with a number of parties, functions, workshops and experiences for residents, staff and guests. 

Our community has been shining bright all month as many of our residents are proudly decorating and lighting up their villas with festive light displays. It’s been wonderful for residents to walk through the village in the evening and enjoy the Christmas lights. 

Kicking off the Christmas celebrations was our special Samford Grove Resident Christmas Party which was a fun-filled evening event with Reside CEO Glen Brown and Chief Operating Officer Craig Syphers joining in on the festivities. 

Even our four-legged friends joined in on the Christmas celebrations with a Santa Paws photo opportunity. Residents and staff brought along their pooch for their picture with Santa, receiving a photo gift as a keepsake. 

 

One of our own masterchef residents even hosted a Christmas café decorating class which was a huge hit! Teaching other residents how to decorate the perfect Christmas cake, we can’t wait to taste the creations soon!  

Music to our residents’ ears, we also recently welcomed local school students to the community to sing Christmas carols, meet some residents and exchange gifts. 

Wishing all our residents a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 

To find out how you too could call Samford Grove home and be part of our connected community, call us on 07 3289 3372 or fill in this contact form. 

/by

Samford Grove finalised for Seniors Living Excellence

Reside Communities’ Samford Grove Retirement Village joins a long list of highly accredited developments after successfully being shortlisted as a finalist in the coveted 2022 UDIA Queensland Awards for Excellence.  

Recognised across multiple categories including innovation and unique features, planning, built form and architecture, market acceptance, community creation and integration, sustainability, standard of finish, engineering and provision of care, Samford Grove’s lifestyle was thrust into the spotlight at the awards ceremony on Friday, 4th November.  

Reside Communities CEO and Co-Founder Glen Brown attended the ceremony on behalf of the whole team. 

“Although we didn’t take out the win, I’m thrilled that Samford Grove was selected as a finalist for the highly competitive Seniors Living category,” Mr Brown said. 

“All teams involved in the creation of the Samford Grove community, from ThomsonAdsett Architects to GreenFort Capital, Ausmar Homes and of course, our amazing village staff and residents, are to thank for this achievement. 

“I’d like to congratulate the other finalists and the winning community. I am proud that Samford Grove is joining such a converted line-up of Queensland developments.” 

Adding to Samford Grove’s already well-established industry prestige, Ausmar Homes, the building team behind the construction of the community’s new Clubhouse, were awarded the 2021 Master Builders Queensland award for best ‘Commercial building from $5 million up to $50 million’.  

/by