Pat Inch can’t wait to have her 95th birthday in her new home.

She’s ready and waiting and excited to be able to move into one of the district’s new-look aged care facilities, Methven Central, when it officially opens its doors next year.

“I’ll be in boots and all,” she said.

Born and raised in Christchurch, Mrs Inch moved to Methven over 60 years ago and relocated into the existing Methven House earlier this year having previously lived in one of the venue’s senior flats on the property.

Shifting across the property from one the flats into the 101-year-old Methven House provided no issues and there’s no fears around a further relocation into Methven Central either.

“I knew most of the residents here which made coming in very easy.”

Having an aged care facility in Methven was important according to Mrs Inch who couldn’t have dreamed of shifting out of the town she’s called home for more than half a century.

“I wouldn’t have liked to move to Ashburton. There are so many different things we can do here. I go to Housie on a Monday and place scrabble on a Thursday.

“But if you want quiet you can also shut your door. When you have worked all your life it’s just nice to sit down and do nothing.

“I’m a big fan of quiz shows and watching sport on television, so I’m quite happy sitting.”

Methven House was originally a maternity hospital, serving the strong rural community well for many years before it was shut down in 1968 by the then hospital board.

The community fought back to preserve the building and it’s location on Morgan Street and raised the necessary funds to purchase the one-acre block of land and buildings to convert it into an aged care facility.

And while the relocation of residents to Methven Central next year will be bittersweet given the building’s historic value to Methven, the chance to operate from a new, modern location is appealing to residents.

“It’s an amazing legacy, but residents like Pat have been readying themselves for the shift to a more modern facility for a while now,” Methven Care Trust chairperson, Janine Holland said.

In much the same way the building was originally saved back in the 60’s, it’s been community spirit that has helped to bring the new vision to life.

Over the past decade, a dedicated group of Methven locals have fundraised to develop a new rest home for the town.

Plans have changed over that time and there have been many touted locations thrown around but the building that formerly housed The Lodge, which then became Crossroads bar and restaurant, and accommodation proved the perfect location.

The Methven Care Trust also purchased and developed six retirement apartments next door to the location which Holland said has played a huge role in ensuring the project has remained on track.

“Quite simple, our community would be in the position to rebuild Methven House without this income stream,” she said.

Consents for the remainder of the project were received last month and things are now fully under way with the aim of opening during the early to middle stages of 2025.

The Methven Care Trust are holding an open day this weekend on Sunday, September 15 to allow visitors to tour the apartments, look around the complex and see the vision for the future.

A vision which will see residents like Pat Inch, blowing out their next round of candles in a brand new and modern aged care facility.

By Matt Markham