Welcome to another edition of our Resort Round-up. Living Gems communities are renowned as places where homeowners can keep fit and healthy as well as having lots of fun, with something new happening almost every day.
Talk about close calls! Luck was on Aileen McColl’s side on Christmas night when a tornado hit the Gold Coast and sent a large gum tree in the park behind crashing down onto her Living Gems Gold Coast home. The luck was in the fact that Aileen, 62, and her two dogs were at a friend’s home enjoying some festive fare at the time. It wasn’t until she arrived home later that night that the full extent of the damage was revealed.
“The gum tree hit my carport, bathroom, bedroom, lounge and dining areas. All I saw at first was the carport but then, when I opened the front door, it was devastation central. The ceilings had collapsed, and broken metal was strewn across the mattress in my bed,” said Aileen, who admits the ordeal brought her to tears. She also lost many prized possessions including a collection of Tigger (Winnie the Pooh) memorabilia such as books, ornaments and fluffy toys built up over forty years, and about ten paintings she deemed irreplaceable.
Aileen said her one saving grace was the wonderful help and assistance she received from Living Gems Gold Coast resort managers James and Chelsie, and the Home Owners Association. “I’ve had to move out of my home which needs to be rebuilt, but ever since it happened everyone has been so amazing to help me get through it. I can’t thank them enough!”
A taste of Australiana went a long way on Australia Day at Sapphire by Living Gems. Scores of residents gathered to celebrate with all the traditional fare our country is known for including pies with mushy peas and lamingtons.
Everyone was in fine voice as they sang some of our favourite Aussie songs and there was even a spot of thong throwing which brought many a smile to participants and onlookers. A fun day had by all!
Who knew Amber by Living Gems had so many aspiring ukulele players! Homeowner Larry said it all started when a new resident turned up at his doorstep with a ukulele which he played to Larry and wife Irene’s delight. They loved it so much they both bought one and then put out a call on Facebook for any others interested in starting up a group of ukulele players.
Within three weeks they had 15 newly joined members of the Amber Ukulele Ensemble, and they practise each Saturday. Most are beginners and the enthusiastic group of musicians have already learned their first song, You are my Sunshine.
