Build bequest for Carterton resthome

BEQUEST: The first sod is turned at the construction site for two new villas at Carter Court Rest Home in Carterton, courtesy of a bequest from the late Dulcie Routhan. Front row, from left, Chris Clarke, Carter Court Rest Home manager, Archdeacon Hareata Tahana, Elaine Brazendale, Carter Society Incorporated chairwoman, and diversional therapist Faye Leveridge, and her dog Dougal. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The construction of two new villas at Carter Court Rest Home in Carterton was launched with a blessing and sod-turning ceremony last week.

Archdeacon Hariata Tahana led a karakia, or prayer, for a small gathering at the site, as workers waited and watched on, including Carter Society Incorporated chairwoman and Carterton district councillor Elaine Brazendale, Carter Court manager Chris Clarke, rest home trustees, staff and supporters.

Mrs Brazendale said the pair of new homes, which were expected to be occupied by early next year, will be occupancy rights villas in which buyers would live while also retaining ownership.

The construction costs for the villas would be paid out of a bequest from late Carterton woman Dulcie Routhan, who Mrs Brazendale acknowledged as a significant benefactor for the town and community.

She said there were today 41 beds and six occupancy villas at the rest home and five Carterton District Council units under Carter Court management in neighbouring Porritt Pl.

Mrs Brazendale said there were over 50 mostly part-time staff now working at Carter Court.

The society was keen as well to offer hospital beds and consequent 24-hour nursing care "as soon as possible" at the rest home.

"We presently have registered nurses on call around the clock and particular hours each week when they are on site."

Mrs Brazendale has a long association with Carter Court that reaches back to 1998 when her mother Elva Thomas lived in a villa at the Pembroke St rest home.

The Times-Age earlier this month outlined discussions about a prospective merger Carter Court Rest Home and the Wairarapa Masonic Village in Edith St, Masterton.

Mr Clarke earlier said the pooling of resources would bring financial security and a wider range of services for each of the not-for-profit organisations.

Carter Court has been community-owned and operated since 1901, after Carterton founder Charles Rooking Carter had gifted a home for aged men, Carter Home, to the town.