In The Village Yeronga, a group of residents have formed a remarkable bond. Meet The Margarets – a group of women, all with the same name, who gather once a year to catch up, laugh together, and share stories over a cup of coffee. We invited them for a special morning tea so that we could learn a little bit more about this exclusive fellowship of ladies called Margaret.
It all started in 2019, when Margaret Piccini organised the first of what would become an annual tradition. “There were just so many Margarets here,” she recalls, “At that stage there were probably 20, now I think there’s around 24.” The first event was an instant success, setting the stage for regular gatherings that became a cherished tradition.
The first morning tea that Marg (Piccini) organised was really successful,” said Margaret Ball, another key contributor to the Margarets get togethers. “There are lots of ways that you meet people here – Marg (Piccini) has been to water aerobics this morning, I went to hydrotherapy yesterday. There are all sorts of various clubs, but this is what we have in common.” Reflecting on why their unique congregation is so special, Margaret Ball added, “It’s just our name. Not that we like to swim, or we like to play bowls, it’s just a nice broadening of the social groups that develop at The Village.” The gatherings aren’t just about celebrating their shared name though – they’re about creating connections. And for the Margarets, it’s the little things that make their get-togethers so special.
“There’s one Margaret who says it’s her favourite thing for the year.”
From beautiful table settings to gifts, every detail is carefully thought out. “I like to dress the tables,” says Margaret Ball. “That’s my thing – to make them look pretty.” “And we always have a little parcel for them to take away,” adds Margaret Piccini. These gestures create an atmosphere that feels like family, where everyone can enjoy each other’s company, share their happiness (and sorrows too). “You get to share everybody’s joys. You share the sadnesses too, when we lose people, but it’s just lovely to know, somebody’s great-grandchild will come, and you can see how much they’ve grown since the last time you saw them,” says Margaret Ball.
Rumour has it that the Margaret meet-ups have become so renowned within the Village that they may need to start checking ID. “I’ve had a
few people ask if they can come along because Margaret is their middle name… and it’s not easy to tell them ‘no’!”
The Margarets are residents at The Village Yeronga. This article originally featured in edition 5 of The Village Retirement Group’s resident magazine, “Village Living.” Request your copy of the magazine today when you enquire below.
