DAME Marie Bashir, the Melbourne Cup and Costa from Gardening Australia.
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Their visits over the years featured in the reminiscences as Whiddon Kelso marked a milestone this week.
To celebrate 30 years since it opened its doors to the community of Bathurst, a barbecue was held for residents and employees.
Resident Alex Bedwell, 95, has been involved with Whiddon since 1966, and Whiddon Kelso since the day it was planned.
The Bedwell Wing in the new building was named in honour of Mr Bedwell and his family for their longstanding support.
"I fondly remember the opening day. It was muddy and wet, but it was a good day," he said.
"It was an exciting moment when we opened the doors to a brand new aged care home, which was then known as Ilumba Gardens Hostel.
"I remember grabbing a pair of scissors to be used to cut the ribbon during the official ceremony, not knowing that they weren't sharp enough to cut through it. It became a lighthearted moment and we all laughed.
"Whiddon Kelso holds a very special place in my heart. To watch it grow into what it is today is incredibly special.
"I have some beautiful memories, and am very proud to have been part of the very early days of Whiddon Kelso, a place that has been an important part of our community for many years, and a place I now call home."
Sheila Murray was the first director of care services at Whiddon Kelso, holding the role for 15 years.
"Over the years, there have been so many wonderful people who have contributed to Whiddon Kelso," she said.
"In my time there, it was a joy working with the committee, volunteers, staff and service clubs, who all played a role in helping to make it the wonderful place it is today. It was a real community effort.
"I was proud to help grow the home to 52 beds and introduce literary and computer programs.
"We also started a partnership with the local university, which continues today.
"A very special moment for me in my time there was welcoming Dame Marie Bashir to visit our home.
"Another special and proud day was when we welcomed a delegation from Bathurst's sister city, Ohkuma, to look at our home as a model to adapt in their own town.
"It really was a special job. I am just so happy to see how Whiddon Kelso has succeeded and grown. It was lovely to be a part of this, and to meet so many great people associated with Whiddon Kelso over the years.
"I think Whiddon Kelso is a shining light for Bathurst."
Nicole Mahara, who is Whiddon Kelso's current director of care services, will soon celebrate 15 years in the role.
"I became the director of care services not long after Mrs Murray retired," she said.
"I think it is incredible that in our 30-year history, there has primarily only been the two of us holding the director's position.
"I used to work with Sheila when she was in the role and I am proud to have built further on the great work she did.
"A highlight for me is when the Melbourne Cup travelled south to Melbourne, stopping in at Whiddon Kelso [in July 2017] for residents and the community to enjoy.
"Another is the introduction of HenPower, which has gained media attention over the years, including from Gardening Australia - we were thrilled when Costa came to visit [in August 2017] to find out more about the program for the show.
"It is truly a great team here, with so many dedicated and passionate people.
"We have a fantastic employee wellbeing program that we brought to life, we implemented an annual candlelight dinner event and won a Better Practice Award for our Pen Pal program which built on the literary program that Sheila's team introduced. It was the first of its kind introduced in Australia.
"Recently, we introduced a camera club that unites residents and staff who are passionate about photography.
In my time there, it was a joy working with the committee, volunteers, staff and service clubs, who all played a role in helping to make it the wonderful place it is today. It was a real community effort.
"It has been an amazing 15 years sitting in the director of care services seat, and I am so grateful for the support of our team members who make Whiddon Kelso the wonderful facility it is today."
Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said it was an exciting milestone for Whiddon, which he said had been caring for the community for three decades, offering residential aged care, retirement living and, more recently, Community Care services.
"We are very proud to be part of the community of Bathurst. As an aged care provider in rural, regional and remote NSW and Queensland, we are at the heart of our local communities, both as an aged care provider and employer," he said.
"In 2015, we opened the home's beautiful new wing. This doubled the number of rooms available, allowing us to further invest and grow in the region, and ensure that more people in the Bathurst area have access to aged care services.
"I congratulate and thank all who have been part of Whiddon Kelso's journey to date."