Back in 1988, the first residents moved into Rand Aid Association’s newly-built Tarentaal Retirement Village in Lyndhurst. Today, 30 years later, Tarentaal continues to provide a safe harbour for people to enjoy their golden years.
One of the original residents, Grace Snook, died shortly before her 103rd birthday in May this year. She lived independently in her Tarentaal home for 28 years, until the end of 2016 when, at the age of 101, she moved to Ron Smith Care Centre, which is also a Rand Aid property.
Still happily ensconced in the village is Joan Strugnell, who moved in in 1990, two years after Grace, when the village was a mere two years old.
Initially, Tarentaal consisted of 192 apartments. A beautiful thatched chapel was added in the early years, and a dam to attract the area’s rich birdlife was built.
In 1994, the village hall was extended and two years’ later, in 1996, a further 108 units were built, creating a community of 300 double or single households.
With its secure grounds and generous garden areas, the village offers a comfortable existence for its residents.
In June, the chapel committee organised a thanksgiving service and tea to celebrate the village’s birthday and continued existence.
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