A Backyard That's Worth Exploring
Merilyn Philip discovered BaptistCare Aminya offered the perfect jumping-off point for years of adventure exploring her own backyard.
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22 January 2021
Stories
| Retirement Living
Merilyn Philip discovered BaptistCare Aminya offered the perfect jumping-off point for years of adventure exploring her own backyard when she moved here with her husband, Ray, in 2013. And what better way to explore it than with the added company of her fellow residents?
Merilyn’s outgoing nature and eventual commandeering of the BaptistCare Village bus, complete with driver, has landed her with the official title of Village Lifestyle Coordinator. Whilst organising events in times of a pandemic can be challenging, the residents have recently enjoyed cruising the Hawkesbury on the Riverboat Postman Ferry, and this month will visit the Geranium Cottage in Dural for a full traditional roast lunch, complete with apple crumble desert.
“The Postman’s Ferry is always a good trip. There’s plenty of time to sit back and truly enjoy "I’m always thinking of ways to enhance life through experiences" the beautiful Hawkesbury. Everyone was so keen to get out of their apartments after being told not to go too far. It was lovely,” says Merilyn.
Another place Merilyn hopes to tick off her list is The Secret Garden, which has gained five-star Google reviews and featured on the ABC Gardening program with Costa Georgiadis. “They have beautiful gardens at the University of Richmond, run by volunteers. A great range of plants at good value are for sale and all the money goes to people living with disability,” said Merilyn.
“Many residents love to go out for a meal, so we do that, and I try to include an interesting and educational element as well. We’ve been to the Railway Museum out at Thirlmere, Museums Discovery Centre at Castle Hill, and the Bradman Museum at Bowral.”
Merilyn spends a lot of time researching destinations in various newspapers, going to information centres and scoping out locations with Ray.
“I’m always thinking of ways to enhance life through experiences. I’ve always enjoyed travelling and meeting people. My background is music, I play the piano.”
Merilyn’s efforts and excellence in volunteering was recognised by BaptistCare in 2018.