World traveller finds new community at Cazna Gardens
Frank Flynn has lived his life in pursuit of his two passions, travel and languages. Now he’s discovering a passion for staying home in his new community at Bolton Clarke’s Cazna Gardens retirement village.
Since moving back to Australia following time abroad - installing telecommunications in the Philippines and teaching English in China - Frank has unexpectedly found himself reveling in his own backyard, enjoying the community spirit on offer at Cazna Gardens.
“I had been in China for eight years when I came home in 2012,” said Frank. “I didn’t know where to turn so I ended up living in a couple of share houses.
“I don’t know why I came back to Australia; I was depressed at first because I really missed China. I was in comfortable surroundings, but I wasn’t happy.
“I missed teaching and all of the exciting cities I lived in and the great people I met, including a few famous ones.
“I met Imelda Marcos – she was a bit of a flirt! And in China the Australians used to meet at a bar, and we ran into Zhang Ziyi from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon – she was a real charmer.”
Frank says rediscovering community helped him to reacclimate.
“A friend took me to church and a community centre and I give English conversation classes at the local library once a week. I found it quite good. Then in January I came across Cazna Gardens.”
Frank moved into his new home in March.
“I felt confident I could fit in here,” he says. “I found it to be the best thing that has happened to me in years!”
“Everyone is very happy and comfortable, there is a great community spirit. I can’t get over how good, how nice and friendly the people are.”
Frank says the support from sales consultant Margaret Silver and village manager Chantal Swanton-Gallant has been great.
“Margaret was very helpful when I moved in, and Chantal is friendly and very good at her job. She’s exactly what this place needs.
“I’m very thankful to Bolton Clarke and the whole team – I still don’t know what it was that made me come and look, but it’s the best thing I’ve done in a long time.
“I like to be amongst lots of different people, and the community I’ve found here is brilliant. It’s given me renewed zest for life!”
