ARRIVING at the Pinehaven Retirement Village 70th birthday celebration, guests were welcomed with soothing melodies from the band Cocktails For Two.

Upon entering the hall, they were greeted by beautifully and elegantly decorated tables.

Speaking at the birthday celebrations, chairman of the home’s board, Mark Leslie-Smith, said it is a joy and privilege to celebrate the milestone.

He said Pinehaven was founded by the Rotary Club of Pinetown to provide homes for the aged in Pinetown, a place where people could live with dignity, comfort and community.

“That remains our vision and we will continue to strive to provide this for the people of Pinetown. Over the decades, this vision has grown into what we see around us here at Meller Road and at Pinehaven Lodge in Manors,” he said.

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As one of the oldest retirement homes in Pinetown, Leslie-Smith said generations have called Pinehaven their home.

“Countless stories have been shared in these corridors, friendships formed, milestones celebrated and memories made that will last a lifetime.”

Leslie-Smith acknowledged the dedicated staff, volunteers, family and friends whose love and commitment have turned Pinehaven into the wonderful place that it is today.

“Today we are also seeing children of previous residents who are now calling Pinehaven their home. Who would have thought that building a few cottages around the perimeter of this property would eventually turn into the beautiful homes we see here today.

“Today we also honour our residents, past and present. Each of you are a living part of this history that we are celebrating today. As we look back with gratitude for all that has been achieved, we look forward with hope. The world has changed so much in the past 70 years but three things remain constant – the need for a safe and secure home, the need for dignity, and human connection, and that is what we strive to achieve at Pinehaven,” he said.

The chairman added that Pinehaven has a dedicated board of Trustees and members who voluntarily give of their time, knowledge and expertise to guide and make decisions for Pinehaven.

“A lot of them have been members for a very long time and Pinehaven is in their DNA and I would like to thank them for their dedication, and honour them for all the work that has gone into making Pinehaven what it is today.”

One of the board members, Jean Senogles, applauded the organisers, saying the planning to celebrate the home’s milestone must have taken months.

“Everywhere I looked there was something else to admire. The thought and work that went into this occasion is beyond my imagination.”

She thanked everyone that played a part in making the day a memorable event.

“We were honoured to have our chairman and his wife, Edlena, making the day extra special with their ballroom dance entertainment.”

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