Bramblewood Retirement Village

Bramblewood Retirement Village resident Gillian Cole knows only too well what it’s
like to live with a disability and has shared her experience and knowledge in her first
book.

My Kind of Cooking! is a collection of quick and easy recipes for people who find
cooking appetising meals physically challenging.
For as long as Gillian can recall, she was in and out of hospitals, and, while
recovering, loved to read cookery books.
“When I was young I would flick through the pictures and dream about bringing the
recipes to life,” Gillian said.

Village Manager Trish Broadsmith said that Bramblewood offers a supportive
environment that enables residents to remain independent for as long as possible.
“We want our residents to feel that retirement offers them all kinds of opportunities to
pursue new ventures and turn their dreams into reality,” Trish said.

While cooking is Gillian’s number one passion, she also has a degree in Special
Education Teaching and a Master of Special Needs and Intervention Education.
“I loved teaching. It was interesting and very rewarding tutoring 11- to 14-year-old
blind pupils, but a lot has changed since then,” Gillian said.

While working as a braille transcriber for the Department of Education, Gillian was
diagnosed with a chronic debilitating disease and was forced to retire in 2016.
“At the time I was overwhelmed – it was a complete life change for me,” Gillian said.
“I thought to myself I could either have a tantrum or write a cookbook.”

Pushback from friends only made Gillian more determined to succeed.
With a sense of purpose and an appetite for healthy cuisine, Gillian’s recipe for
success is proving to be an inspiration for those wanting to cook simple and tasty
meals.

Gillian said Bramblewood’s location in Normanhurst is ideal as it’s very close to
where her parents live.
“Mum and dad are in the next suburb so it’s very convenient for me to visit every
weekend,” Gillian said.
“I love to cook for them and they don’t mind me experimenting with new recipes!”

 

To find out more about the supportive lifestyle at Bramblewood Retirement Village
visit retireaustralia.com.au/bramblewood