Frances Hodgkins village turns 25

When Frances Hodgkins Retirement Village hit the 25 years of operation anniversary last year, there was a real feeling of accomplishment amongst the team and residents.

But Village Manager Joy Notman and Sales Advisor Kate Morgan felt there were still a few things to tick off before it was time to break out the streamers and cut the party cake.

It was an exciting 2020 for the village. A major refurbishment was still underway which included work on a large area of extra decking, a remodelled kitchen and a care centre dining area. There is also a new reception and more space in the laundry.

Jump back more than 25 years, and in early 1994 initial site work was progressing well. Early construction work was on a flattish area backed by a disused 35 metre quarry face. The village had its opening night on the 8th of June 1995 with Ryman Co-founder Kevin Hickman standing alongside Dunedin Mayor Richard Walls.

It is common knowledge at Ryman that the establishment of Frances Hodgkins village in Dunedin taught the team a lot about marketing.

In the southern city, the sales team found selling new homes to widowed retirees, who had grown up in the depression and had a frugal Scottish approach to life, could be hard work.

"We had to change our approach. We used the slogan: "You deserve it,'' Kevin said.

But, of course, there was a winning formula at play too! Located in Fenton Crescent, St Clair, Frances Hodgkins village is perfectly positioned to capture sun and enjoys magnificent views over the city, the harbour, Forbury Park and down to St Clair beach.

Frances Hodgkins has 42 two-bedroom apartments, which residents can furnish to their tastes, two floors of serviced one-bedroom or open plan apartments, and 51 resthome beds.

Some residents have been in Frances Hodgkins for more than 20 years and staff turnover, in an industry where it is usually high, is low.

"The most rewarding thing is having happy residents, happy staff and happy relatives," Joy said.

Pictured: Frances Hodgkins Retirement Village has a long history in Dunedin. The village also boasts spectacular views.