Bedford Heights turns 20 years young

The residents of Bedford Heights Estate in  Box Hill, Victoria, celebrated the 20 year anniversary of their lovely village on Wednesday, 11 October 2023.

- Supplied by Bedford Heights resident Don Sweeney

What a happy and celebratory event it was. 

The Social Committee and a huge team of talented residents excelled with decorating the room and the tables, baked and decorated the cake, and served a scrumptious high tea, generously sponsored by Southern Cross Care. 

Special guests included Southern Cross Care CEO David Moran and Barbara Seccull, our previous Manager for 19 years. 

We enjoyed reminiscences from four of the original residents who are still residing in the village. 

Phyl Knopp described their misadventures when they realised that their settlement date was incorrect and, then, how establishing a lawn during drought conditions is probably not a good idea! 

But she still thinks she lives on the best street in the village - which is a common theme: everyone thinks they live on the best street here in Bedford Heights!  

Elizabeth Parker regaled us with tales of being locked in the nearby Box Hill Cemetery after an evening walk and having to get a friend with a stepladder to help her “escape”. 

Faye Daniels, our stalwart bar licensee and financial guru, talked about the nearby residents in Bedford Street being delighted that a retirement village was being built, instead of a rumoured high rise development. 

Nell Kleeberger, a very active member of the village, described moving into the village in late 2003, into what was a wet and muddy or dry and dusty building site with no lights, and tradies coming in and out completing minor works. 

Our celebrations were topped off with an amazing cake which was baked and decorated by residents and we all received a celebratory 2024 calendar packed with memorable photos, which was also created by a resident.

A little bit of history: the land for the Bedford Heights Estate was purchased from the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor who have their Monastery adjacent to the property.  

In total, 147 two- and three-bedroom units, each with their own garage, were constructed. 

The first stage of the development was launched in August 2002 with a football match between the champion 'old boys' of the AFL and VFL and the Box Hill Hawks Football Club. 

There was much interest in the Bedford Heights Estate generated at the launch and 25% of stage one was sold on the day.

Bedford Heights Estate today is a special place, the tree-lined streets, the spring blossoms, and the adjoining spacious sports fields, all create a quiet, relaxing ambience - a perfect home.