by Greg Martin

We all go through life with its ups and downs , good fortune and misfortune and after meeting and chatting with Ann Hair , it has been my misfortune not to have known her parents-in-law , Bill and Lola Hair .

Bill and Lola were the founders of New Haven Farm Home , the accommodation and lifestyle support service for people living with a disability .

“ Home base ” is the 12-hectare New Haven Farm at Freemans Reach while the not-for-profit charity also

Author , Ann Hair , proudly holds her new book flanked by New Haven Farm Home CEO Annette Allen and her husband , Bob , son of New Haven ’ s founders , Bill and Lola Hair .

has accommodation for residents in Windsor ( five houses ) and three houses in Richmond .

Scottish-born Ann became part of the Hair family in April 1968 when she married Bill and Nola ’ s third and adopted son , Bob .

The senior Hairs ’ first two sons , Billy , now 78 , and Jon , who sadly passed on April 23 this year , were the catalyst for Bill and Nola in establishing a “ loving and caring environment ” for their boys .

Billy Hair was born in February , 1944 , four years after his parents married .

Billy was not diagnosed early with Phenylketonuria ( PKU ), a rare disorder which can lead to a variety of problems including brain damage and neurological problems such as seizures and tremors . Billy was left without speech and required care for the rest of his life .

Doctors told Bill and Lola it was highly unlikely their future children would be affected by PKU but unfortunately , Jon , born in 1947 , tested positive to PKU soon after his birth .

Being diagnosed early and receiving treatment , Jon did not suffer the extremely severe effects as his older brother .

As they say , there ’ s a book in Bill and Nola and their establishment of the visionary New Haven Farm Home project in 1960 . Ann Hair thought so and did so ! She has produced an in-depth recounting of the inspirational Hair family and the history of New Haven Farm Home and its growth down the six decades since .

“ Bill and Lola ’ s Vision Becomes Reality ” is a 48-page book packed with photos and a detailed history of New Haven Farm Home and the many people associated with it .

It was published locally by North Richmond ’ s Words and Pixels Print and Graphic Design who , Ann , says , “ were very kind in their costings ”.

Ann commenced writing her book in 2018 , the year after Lola passed away to join her beloved Bill who departed this place in 1995 .

The book is a fabulous “ read ” and Ann is to be commended for her research and ability to put thoughts into words on paper .

The book is a steal at $ 25 ( although you can contribute more to the charity ) and can be purchased by contacting New Haven on 4579 61 31 or the author herself on 0414 796 078 .

Bill and Lola Hair wanted to provide a secure and caring environment for their Billy and Jon - it was a welcome alternative to the existing services that were available at the time . Remember Callan Park !! Billy and Jon thrived living at New Haven Farm and so have the many other residents who have followed them to the , yes , haven .

New Haven Farm Home is a registered charity , a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing caring , first-class service to people with a disability .

New Haven Farm staff includes CEO Annette Allen , administrative staff , three

Bill and Lola Hair with their first-born , Billy .

site managers in Freemans Reach , Windsor and Richmond and nine villa co-ordinators as well as grounds people .

A short stroll around the Freemans Reach property helps you understand why Billy and Jon , and those who followed , found life on the farm therapeutic .

There are vegie gardens , fruit trees , large lawns , a lovely hen house and animals to pamper and pet .

And professional and caring staff to tend to their every need .

Yes indeed , I would love to have met Bill and Lola Hair .