After spending 15 years in Queensland following a career move, Bruce and his wife Sally found their way back home to Tasmania in 1994. They settled in Hobart, where Bruce bought and operated a BP Sandy Bay service station.
While their daughter decided to remain in Queensland, their son returned with them and later took over the service station when Bruce and Sally made another life change—purchasing an acreage in Lower Langley.
A Change of Pace
As time went on, the daily upkeep of the farm began to take its toll on Bruce. With some gentle persuasion from family members, the couple made the decision to downsize, putting the farm on the market and purchasing a home in Kingston—just over the road from Oak Tree Retirement Village Kingston.
A Change of Mind
A few years after settling into their new home, Bruce began to feel the wear and tear on his knee. Tasks that once came easily, like mowing the lawn and tending to the garden, were becoming more difficult. It was time to start considering retirement villages—but Bruce admits he wasn’t initially convinced.
“I thought I’m far too young to be going into a village like that,” he says. “But I now realise I wasn’t—I was about three or four years too late!”
That mindset changed after a tour of Oak Tree Kingston with the Village Manager. Meeting the friendly, social residents and seeing the welcoming surroundings helped seal the deal. And for a country gent like Bruce, it was a bonus to still see a bit of bushland from his windows—despite the village being just 15 minutes from Hobart’s CBD.
A Change of Scenery
Since moving into Oak Tree, Bruce and Sally have found more time for the things they love. “You haven’t got the gardens and things like that so you can spend more time doings the things that you want to do with your friends,” Bruce says. He’s even joined the village’s social committee, helping organise events like the Men’s Shed, ladies’ craft sessions, and pub trips to Richmond.
When they’re not out and about, the couple enjoy relaxing at the village centre, complete with a barbecue and entertainment area, as well as a bowling green. “We’ve always got something to do, somewhere to go – you have no trouble filling your time, I tell ya!” Bruce says.
A Caring Community
Though the facilities and activities are a big draw, it’s the sense of connection and support that mean the most to Bruce and Sally—particularly as they no longer have family members close by. “In a village like this, you can look after one another, care for your neighbours,” says Bruce. “Which is very, very important as you get older—especially if your close family aren’t nearby. You need your neighbours for a bit of company and security.”