A darn tootin’ good time

Residents of a Brisbane retirement village spent days preparing for their final summer bash last month, a darn tootin’ country hoedown held onsite in their own lounge.

Buntings and balloon farm animals decorated the “barn” at Tall Trees Caboolture, and tables were set accordingly with hessian runners and milk bottle vases showing off gumnuts from local eucalypts.

Resident Cheryl was impressed with the way everyone embraced the theme, even the kitchen staff, who served up a wholesome country meal of roast lamb and apple pie.

But her real highlight was on the dance floor, where toe-tapping quickly turned into an exhilarating round of dips and twirls.

“I didn’t think I could do it anymore but even I got up and danced,” Cheryl said.

Resident Betty got into the mood with a costume of jeans, worn tee shirt and cowboy hat, and she wasn’t the only one who committed herself.

“The music was bright and gay and even the singers were dressed up,” Betty said.

Around 85 revellers turned out for the event, from both host Tall Trees Caboolture and the nearby Tall Trees Redland Bay.

Tall Trees Caboolture resident Mary said the dance was a great way to build camaraderie between the two villages.

“Our friends from Redland Bay joined us which was just wonderful,” she said.

Tall Trees Caboolture lifestyle coordinator Kerri Stockham said onsite events were a fantastic opportunity for less mobile residents to socialise, as well as contribute their creative input towards preparations.

Kerri aims to organise similar themed events every two months, much to the appreciation of the village residency.

“We’re very blessed to have Kerri,” skited Betty.

“She goes out of her way to help us prepare all the decorations and make sure everything is perfect.”

Image: residents pose with the roosters and pigs upon entry to the hoedown.