The Irish would have been ‘proud as punch’ to see the Manor residents celebrating on Saturday 17 March.

The community’s private Residents Retreat was transformed into an Irish pub for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Residents, families and friends got into the spirit by dressing up in their greens and preparing for a night to remember. The fun evening did not disappoint with party goers enjoying a classic Irish dinner washed down with a never ending flow of Guinness. With enough raffles to supply an army and live entertainment from an authentic Irish dancer all the way from Dublin, everyone was captivated all night long. The night finished with a classic Irish coffee… what more could you want!

De Paul Manor Estate will be attending the first Retired Living Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Wednesday 23 May 2012.

The day’s festivities will be held in The Dome, where you can enjoy an array of live entertainment and a sumptuous carvery lunch. It wouldn’t be the races without the best hat/fascinator competition, so wear your favourite piece to be in with a chance. De Paul Manor Estate invites all patrons to enjoy a lovely day overlooking the Southern lawn, with free information and advice about the award winning retirement community. Click on the following link for further information http://www.gctc.com.au/event/gold-coast-retired-living-raceday/may-2012/109.

The men of the Manor went all out to impress on Valentine’s Day this year by inviting the ladies of the community to a very special luncheon in the Residents Retreat.

On arrival the ladies were greeted by popular De Paul Manor Estate staff members Bob and Joe, who looked dapper in their black slacks, white shirt and black tie. Guests were seated and served gourmet sandwiches, accompanied with satay and honey soy chicken pieces and dessert. The delicious meal was washed down with a glass of champagne. The gents also organized some raffles on the day, with many ladies going home with a box of chocolates.  The men made sure all ladies were spoilt with a chocolate rose to take home.

As the owner of one of the Gold Coast’s more popular wedding venues, Coolibah Downs you’d think Jill Rees would know something about receptions.

But little did she realize what a warm welcome she would receive when she moved to De Paul Manor Estate. Having moved in just 7 months ago, Jill loves her new life at the ‘Manor’ and already feels a part of the close community. While working part time running the affairs of Coolibah Downs, Jill still has time for her role on the Residents Social Committee, helping organise functions and community social events, which is something she is quite good at! The former Sydneysider and June Dally Watkins model originally moved to the Gold Coast with her late, beloved husband John 26 years ago. Together the Rees’s developed their Nerang hinterland property over a period of 20 years. The Rees’s renovated and transformed it from a home into free accommodation house for patients recuperating from major transplant operations, and finally into the unique wedding reception venue that it is today.

After looking around at some of the options available with her daughter, it took only one inspection around De Paul Manor Estate’s comprehensive facilities and amenities for Jill to make up her mind where her next move would be. “As soon as we walked in here I felt it straight away, there’s such a nice feel about the place. And my daughter also said, Mum, this is absolutely perfect for you” said Jill. Ask Jill why she likes living here and she is quick to respond. “It’s totally independent living here. If you want to talk with someone or want something it’s close by. I feel completely safe here, someone is always popping by to say hello.”

Now that Jill has downsized, moving from her huge home on acreage, she has more time to do the things that she enjoys, despite still running a business. Along with attending social events both inside and outside the community, Jill has rekindled her love of Tai Chi, something she enjoyed years ago. Tai Chi is now practiced by many residents here and is a perfect example of De Paul Manor Estate’s focus on living longer, healthier and happier.

De Paul Manor Estate is proud to introduce Estate Manager Bob Birrer.

Over the past 17 years, Bob has overseen the management of six organizations engaged in aged care and community services. Earlier in his career Bob was an ordained Minister, earning degrees as a Doctor of Ministry, Master of Pastoral Studies and a Bachelor of Divinity. Bob also has a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts degree in Organisational Management and a Graduate Certificate in Health Management. Bob’s warm, approachable nature and unparalleled professional history made him the obvious choice to manage the day-to-day running and affairs of our thriving community.

As part of De Paul Manor Estate’s philosophy to promote a healthy, happy lifestyle many of the residents have joined in the fitness and fun by attending weekly classes in the ‘Residents Retreat’.

Thursday mornings it’s up and at ‘em early with exercise class with health and fitness guru, John Clarke. John is a specialist in exercise physiology, nutrition, rehabilitation, and aged care fitness who creates personalised programmes to suit each individual’s ability and level of fitness. Then on Friday they’re back at it again with a fun, revitalising session of Tai Chi in the Residents Retreat, which is more often than not followed by a relaxing cup of tea and lots of laughs. When the weather is kind, (which it usually is) the keen Tai Chi students head outdoors for classes in a tranquil shady spot amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds.

With the year drawing to an end and the festive season upon us, the Residents Management and staff at De Paul Manor Estate would all like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We’ve all enjoyed an exciting 12 months here at the ‘Manor’ with many newcomers welcomed into our close community. Along the way, we’ve had lots of fun times and activities with the residents gathering together with friends to celebrate anything from birthdays (including our own first birthday) and Valentine’s Day to Charity Tea Parties, St Patrick’s Day and everything in between!

Village Coordinator, Jess Ford, has recently had her role expanded to include Resident Services Coordination. Jess’s Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) qualifies her in Case Management and Counselling.

De Paul Manor Estate encourages residents to lead a well-balanced lifestyle so they can enjoy an active and fulfilling retirement. To access this holistic care, we can provide the means to connect with various services, both government and private agencies.

From podiatry and personal care to medication supervision and everything in between, Jess is available to offer residents and their families, confidential guidance for the types of services available, and the services that best suit each individual’s particular needs. To find out more about this comprehensive list of services, phone Jess on 5582 7999.

Television cameras and photographers were on hand to greet future De Paul Manor Estate resident, Denise Mitchell, after she was ‘taken hostage’ by a band of pirates during a Northern Hemisphere cruise onboard the ‘Ryndam.’ There was no need to call out the Navy however, because Denise was being honoured as the one millionth visitor to Dubrovnik!

Denise was enjoying her cruise holiday with husband Merv and close friend and De Paul Manor Estate resident, Trish Hollindale, when the surprise announcement was made. Denise was presented with flowers and a plaque to mark the occasion while the pirates were presented with a cheque for Denise’s ‘ransom.’

The spacious Resident’s Retreat at the ’Manor' was transformed into a traditional German ‘Bierhaus’ recently when the residents came together to celebrate the time honoured festival… Oktoberfest! Some chose to turn up in traditional costume for the fun evening that was also attended by family and friends.

Lashings of German sausages, sauerkraut, strudel and cream to fill the hungriest tummies were washed down with a range of great German beers. Incoming resident Barry Porter tinkled the ivories and got everyone in the mood for some singing, dancing and lots of laughter!

Prost!