Rotarians dream turn into reality
From a chicken farm to a thriving retirement community, Doone Village in Pinetown celebrated 50 years of a dream with a luncheon attended by 200 guests.
DOONE Village in Pinetown hosted a luncheon to celebrate their 50 years of existence.
The retirement community was started in 1974 when a group of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Pinetown gathered at Doone Estate, a chicken farm on the slopes of Fields Hill.
At the anniversary luncheon, where more than 200 guests, including Rotarians; Doone Village residents and staff; board members; and other well-wishers attended, Carolyn Higgs, a Rotarian herself, shared the history of the retirement village.
Higgs is the daughter of Dave Higgs, the builder responsible for much of Doone Village.
“I am here today to recognise the part that Rotary has played, and I am honoured to follow my father, who gave his last 20 years to Doone’s first 20 years as a Rotarian member of the board,” Carolyn said.
Peter Porter, the only surviving member of the initial committee, and the architect and president of the Rotary Club of Pinetown in 1974, was the special guest at the event.
“The secret to this 50-year success story could lie in many areas, from sound management and dynamic leadership to community participation and support.
“However, some would say it is all overshadowed by the unique culture that has developed here. This is a place of happiness; every time I drive through the gates, I feel happiness,” said Adam Pincus, current chairman of the Doone Village board.
Where it all started
The retirement village used to be a chicken farm. The land was donated on a 99-year lease to the Rotary Club of Pinetown by Aaron Beare. After much discussion, it was decided that part of the estate should be transformed into a retirement complex to complement the Pinehaven Retirement Home established by the Rotary Club of Pinetown under Len Benporath a few years earlier.
The initial design of the cottages covered 63 square metres for both one- and two-bedroom units. The Beare Foundation donated R50 000 to the village while Stan Raaff contributed R40 000.
Fifty years later, the Doone Village has reached its maximum development, with 104 cottages, 19 flats, 13 bedsitters and 29 halfway house units. This excludes the 41 beds in the David Beare Care Centre and the two guest cottages.
“The Rotary Club of Pinetown now has little need to manage further projects for Doone Village. The administrative and financial responsibilities lie with the current board and the Beare Foundation.
“However, many Rotarians from Pinetown and neighbouring clubs, such as the Rotary Club of Westville, remain active on the board, the residents’ committee and within the community,” said Porter.
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