“I love doing what I do. I’m the first one to put my hand up.”—Bill Ayres, Walmsley Retirement Community resident
Key points
- Walmsley Retirement Community resident, Bill Ayres, is an example of how connection to community contributes to our Real Wellbeing.
- Bill moved to Walmsley Retirement Community in 2010, and immediately became Chairperson of the Social Committee.
- Residents and management value his commitment to community, his vigour, and lust for life.
Walking around Walmsley with Bill Ayers you get a front row seat to the magic he brings to the picturesque retirement community at Kilsyth, located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
He knows and cares for everyone he meets, with examples of Bill’s influence everywhere. Chairperson of the Social Committee, avid member of the gardening group, men’s group, men’s shed, community market, organiser of movie nights, unofficial postal service and, perhaps most importantly, Walmsley’s very own Santa Claus.
Now onto his third Santa suit, Bill has been Walmsley Retirement Community’s Santa Claus since residing here 14 years ago.
“I've done Santa for years and years for the family and all the kids. I just love being involved with people, especially the kids, but the kids have all grown up now,” Bill explains.
“The best part about being Santa at Walmsley is the people. They all know me. They say, ‘Hi Bill. Thank you. Good to see you.’ I get a kick out of giving them a hug. And they love it, they appreciate me doing it. I enjoy that part of it.”
You would be excused for thinking that this is just the latest chapter in a lifelong history of community service. But, Bill’s enthusiasm for volunteering came after retirement, and started in his first week living at Walmsley.
The way Bill tells it, not long after he moved to Walmsley his next door neighbour asked if he could volunteer on the Social Committee’s craft stall. After one day volunteering, he attended his first committee meeting, where Bill was unanimously voted Chairperson. A position he’s held for the last 14 years.
“When I moved to Walmsley, it coincided with the Chairperson at the time standing down. So, me being new and being a bit forward, they pushed me into it. And I’ve been there ever since,” Bill recalls.
It’s possible being the son of a publican from Liverpool, England, that Bill’s jovial charisma is in his DNA. Watching the 83-year-old warmly greet anyone he meets and hearing stories of what he has done throughout his time at Walmsley, there’s no doubt the community is lucky to have this former “chippie” who’s called Australia home for the past 50 years.
“I was a carpenter, or joiner as known in the UK,” Bill recalls. “The building industry in England was very, very poor. I had a young family to look after, and I wanted to buy a house.”
“Australia had immigration promotion nights, so we went to a couple of them and we thought, well, we're only young, so we'll go for the adventure.”
Bill’s trade skills are still alive and well, and put to good use. There seems to be no job too big or small. From making a lectern, tables and shelving for the Community Centre, to printing signs for events held at Walmsley, Bill seems to be involved in everything.
“I’m always first one to put my hand up. Sometimes I wish I hadn't put my hand up, but you do these things. I just like the community, I love doing what I do, and, of course, people enjoy me doing things, they appreciate it. So, I just love being here.”
And it is obvious that the community and management love Bill and appreciate everything he does. As Walmsley Retirement Community Assistant Manager, Helen Gregory, explains the appreciation goes beyond the residents.
“I think he is the definition of community here,” Helen says.
“He runs a lot of the groups. He does Santa. He does Santa up at the RAC [Residential Aged Care]. He will let residents in for us if they lock themselves out. He’s the Easter Bunny. He's whoever we need him to be. Bill doesn't know the word, no.”
“He's our Bill and our superpower.”
In recognition of all he’s done, Australian Unity nominated Bill for the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017. While he didn’t win, the gesture and what it represented meant more to him than any plaque or certificate.
“We really enjoyed it. We were only in the early stages, but even just being nominated and involved it was good,” Bill recalls.
Final word comes from Helen who says Bill’s contribution to the Walmsley community is invaluable.
“Bill, if you're reading this. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Don't change. We love you just the way you are."
Life at Walmsley
Set amongst 12 hectares of gardens and close to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Walmsley is a warm and inviting community and the perfect place for a rewarding retirement in Kilsyth.
Bill describes Walmsley Retirement Community as a lovely place to call home.
“I never used to realise there was a village here until somebody mentioned it. So, one day I actually drove in,” he explains. “If you didn't live around here and you drove in, you wouldn't know you'd been in a retirement village, because it's so beautiful.”
There is never a shortage of things to do at Walmsley. The Social Committee arrange events covering most interests from gardening, to men’s shed, to arts and crafts. Plus there’s a range of day trips, movies nights, even special dinners.
Bill’s advice is, “don’t think about it, do it!”
“We love to be involved in whatever is going on in the village, along with the safety and security, the location of the shops, and the great neighbours and friends we have made. What more would you want out of life?”
To enquire about an open day, inspection, or to find out more, visit Walmsley Retirement Community’s homepage.