Meet the residents of Brentwood Village
Meet the lovely people that make Brentwood Village such a welcoming community.
Betty and her husband moved to the village nearly three decades ago, drawn by the positive experiences of their friends. They quickly embraced the community, enjoying the scenic environment and engaging in various activities. Roy, a former principal tenor for Opera Australia, has brought his lifelong passion for music to the village, enriching the lives of fellow residents with his performances.
Betty and her husband have got good value out of their unit
Betty's story at Brentwood Village began almost three decades ago, a decision driven by a conversation with her friends. "We had friends that were already living here in the village. We came to visit them and thought, this might not be a bad idea. Because they were very happy here." But Betty's move to Brentwood Village wasn't just a change of residence; it was a whole new chapter in her life. Having been new to the area, she was pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking surroundings and the proximity to the beach. “It was a nice surprise to discover those things.”
One of the standout aspects of Betty's journey has been her ability to forge deep connections with her fellow residents. "It's a very friendly community. I have always felt secure and it was easy to get involved in things. That's the way you meet people and settle in." Betty and her husband actively participated in the village's activities, creating opportunities to meet new friends. But her contribution to the Brentwood Village community extends beyond friendships. She shared her passion for spinning with fellow resident Margaret, who had a spinning room. After Margaret passed away, Betty continued the tradition, inviting others to join her in this delightful activity. And she also lent a hand backstage during village concerts.
When asked for advice for those considering moving to a retirement village, Betty emphasises the companionship, the village amenities, activities, healthcare options, and the welcoming atmosphere at Brentwood Village. “I would suggest that they consider it as a possibility. People have said they wished they'd moved in sooner. We came in when we were only in our 60s and that was great. We got good value out of our unit,” she smiles.
Roy is Brentwood Village's very own musical legend
"I couldn’t have done anything without music. It was my life."
With a long and varied career as a principal tenor for Opera Australia, singing classical lieders and crooning love songs in Sydney’s club scene, Roy has truly lived a life steeped in music. And as Shakespeare once said, “If music be the food of love,” it might also be the elixir of youth because even in his 90s, Roy remains a dynamic example of the benefits of doing what you love.
Born in Manchester, Roy found joy in music even during the dark days of war. ‘We had to go to the air raid shelters night and day. Our shelter was the underground of a local picture theatre. People used to bring their instruments and they’d have little shows on down there. Being a boy tenor, they’d ask me if I’d sing.’
Roy performing live on stage, captivating the audience with his soulful singing
After his compulsory military service, Roy was keen to return to the stage. A travelling production eventually brought him to Australia where he performed in countless operas and appeared in television productions for the ABC from the 1950s through to the late 70s. One of the highlights of his career was performing at the Bonynge Gala Benefit Concert at the Opera House in 1983, alongside Dame Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti. “It was good fun. I used to help Pavarotti with his English!”
While living in Katoomba in New South Wales, Roy was asked to fill in as lead tenor for the Blackheath Musical Society’s production of HMS Pinafore. It was here that he met Violet, the love of his life. The couple often shared the stage and sang operas together. In 2008, Roy and Violet performed their final concert in the Brentwood Village hall, supported by a chorus of locals - a night that has become part of the village’s history. ‘I couldn’t have done anything without music. It was my life.’
Roy (right) with residents at Brentwood Village celebrating an ‘Over 90s and Still Shining’ afternoon tea
