The concept of a retirement hostel for Hay originated in
1968. Arthur and Kit Smith and Elizabeth McFarland the
instigators. In June 1968 the complex was opened with 12
self contained units.
Alice ‘Annie’ Parson and William Maidement officially
opened the new recreation rooms, unveiling the plaque.
For 11 years, 95 year old Annie has called Haydays home.
In her speech Annie said, “The rec room is a great place
to meet friends. It’s my pleasure to open it.”
As residents became older and needed more care the
facility was extended to 24 rooms with dedicated staff to
aide the elderly residents.
Bill Maidement also said it was a pleasure to open the
rooms adding, “I’ve never seen so many people here in
my life.” “You are safe here from all sorts of things.” One
of those ‘things’ being falls. “If you fall at home, you can’t
get up. At Haydays there is help. Someone will find you.”
He went on to praise the staff for all the care residents
receive.
Haydays got its name from a competition through the local
schools with Trevor Best winning entry ‘Haydays’. Trevor’s
parents, Fay and Jack attended the opening of the new
recreation rooms.
Chairman of Haydays, Wayne Mitchell, encourages the
young to visit residents and hear the stories they have to
tell. “The young can learn from the old”, said Wayne, “I
would love to see this happen.”
Thanking all involved in the building, Wayne, also advised
those present that the Hospital Auxiliary had donated
$16,000 towards the refurbishment.
The new recreation room is light and bright and can be
observed from the new staff rooms through a joining
window. The rec room has also been kitted out with a
kitchenette, allowing residents to do a little cooking if
they feel like it.
Janelle O’Donnell (Hostel Manager), Allen Dwyer (Hay
Shire Council General Manager) and Wayne Mitchell
(Haydays Chairman)
Jim Little, respite care resident
at Haydays, is always a popular
visitor. The new kitchenette
allows him to make cakes for
residents, which are enjoyed
warm from the oven. Jim is a
well known baker around Hay
but has a secret for the cakes
he bakes at Haydays.
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