The life of Brian

- PROFILE -

He may be 82, but he’s not planning on slowing down anytime soon. Coastal Villas’ Brian Colegate recently celebrated the launch of his second book, Retirement Villages Residents’ Verdicts, a handy guide to leaving the family home and moving into a retirement village. He chats to us about his latest project and gives us a fascinating peek into the life of Brian.

What inspired you to write a book on retirement villages?

I recognised a dire need for a guide that covered all the critical phases, from selling and leaving a home, to becoming a village resident. Prior to my book, the only places to find information were the internet and village marketing packs and open days. I wanted to share what it’s like from a villager’s perspective and thought a hard copy of comprehensive information would be a handy tool for families.

You interviewed a lot of village residents for your book. What did you learn?

Residents were overwhelmingly positive about the village lifestyle, as they no longer had to worry about home maintenance, and they enjoyed a greater sense of safety, more companionship and the convenience of on-site medical services.

This is the second book you’ve written. Tell us about the other one.

Bi-polar Expedition is a memoir of my lifetime adventures, including everything from my difficult childhood in London, to the years spent living in the depths of the Kaingaroa Forest, and my nine-month hitchhiking voyage from New Zealand to the UK. The book delves not just into my personal struggle with bipolar disorder and depression, but into the many ways I’ve discovered to tackle life’s hurdles.

And you’re not just a wordsmith?

This season is my 50th season playing soccer for Kapiti Coast United. I’m a life member of the club and one of the originals. Throughout the years I’ve been a player, coach, referee, club president and chairman, and there’s a trophy in my name for the player who scores the most goals each season. I still play and referee there every Sunday.

You moved into Coastal Villas on the Kapiti Coast just over two years ago. How has life changed?

In many ways, little has changed! The village is near my previous home so my social networks remain unscathed and I continue to do all the things I’ve done for years – play football and snooker, go for spas and saunas at the municipal aquatic centre, visit friends. It’s very convenient having my main meal delivered from the village kitchen, the only day I have to think about is Saturday.

What advice would you give to someone considering retirement village living?

Don’t leave it too late!

RETIREMENT VILLAGES

Residents’ Verdicts

BRIAN COLEGATE

- RECIPE -

Sweet as a nut

Palmerston North Village’s Caramel Walnut Slice is a favourite sweet treat of residents and staff. So good that village manager Wendy Duffy can’t resist taking a slice to her mum each time she visits.

Cook Toni Treleaven and kitchen manager Michael Foxall with their decadent dish.

Caramel walnut slice INGREDIENTS METHOD

200g flour Preheat oven to 180C, grease baking 150g sugar tray. Combine flour, sugar, coconut and 150g coconut 1 1/5 tsp baking powder baking power. Add melted butter to dry ingredients, mix well. Press into greased baking tray, bake for 15 minutes only. 175g butter, melted

TOPPING Lightly beat eggs and vanilla together. 3 eggs Add remaining ingredients, mix well. 3/4 tsp vanilla essence Spread topping onto cooked base and 125g coconut bake a further 20-30 minutes. Cut into 125g walnuts, chopped even-sized pieces. 450g brown sugar Makes approximately 25. 3/4 tsp baking powder

TOPPING

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