Witfield Park Retirement Village turns 50
The retirement village has been growing from strength to strength since it was established in 1971.
Trans-50 Witfield Park Retirement Village celebrated its special 50th birthday on October 27.
According to Marinda Lombaard, the village is delighted to celebrate its fiftieth year of existence.
“Witfield Park falls under the auspices of Trans-50. Being established in the early 1970s, this was the first retirement home in South Africa managed by the South African Railway Association for the Care of the Aged (SASSAR).
“Witfield Park was inaugurated on October 27, 1971, and has been growing from strength to strength ever since.
“During the early 1990s, the name changed to Ravensklip Retirement Centre and in 1999 it was rechristened Witfield Park. The latter was also the time when SASSAR retirement homes were centralised under the banner of Trans-50. Trans-50 functions independently from any welfare, social grants or state subsidy as a non-profit Section 21 company.
“Several flats were initially built and rented out. In 1995 a second development was established and 122 units were sold on a life right scheme.
“Three years ago a new care centre was built and at present, Witfield Park hosts an average of 320 healthy and independent, semi-frail and frail residents,” said Marinda.
She highlighted residents and employees of Witfield Park are grateful for the support received from the local community during the past years.
“We are here to serve you for the next 50 years!”
Celebrations
The village held a fun-filled birthday fair for its main birthday celebration event for residents and staff members. There was a market where some residents exhibited and sold their handwork. The village’s choir performed and musician Pierre van der Westhuizen entertained the attendees.
There was also a canvas for residents to paint on.
Furthermore, the village reminisced about the village’s events leading to its birthday, such as the tree planting event, potjiekos competition, vintage car exhibition and time capsule.
“All the events were a success and I believe residents and staff enjoyed it. We tried to do a variety of events so everybody can be part of it,” she said.
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