By Tanya Steele
Love in the rolling hills abounded for a couple of patrons from Lifeview Emerald who were surprised with a rickshaw ride through town last week.
A surprise rickshaw ride for couple Dot and Doug brought back wonderful memories as the due were ridden through Emerald on Wednesday 5 February.
The couple were ridden through town on the rikshaw and into Emerald Station Reserve and then met by family members for a surprise special picnic lunch.
The ride triggered fond memories of their time in England, riding a self-converted motorised tandem bike through the countryside.
The couple reflected on their original memories and Doug said the tandem got a bit heavy (later on) with the two of us on it, so I got a small motor, 25cc, which I stuck on the back wheel.
“That took us around for a long time,” he said.
“The tandem bike suited me perfectly,” said Dot.
“Especially after Doug added the motor,” she said.
“When we got really moving, I could put my feet up on the crossbar.”
“Doug found one day that I was sitting there with my legs up and he was doing all the work!”
“And I thought that was very good.”
Lifeview Emerald Glades’ Social Support Coordinator Marc Zywaczewski organised the outing through a program known as Lifeview Magic Moments.
The program specialises in bucket list experiences for residents throughout the year.
“I just thought it would be a great idea to reminisce and experience that feeling again,” Mr Zywaczewski said.
“I wanted them to enjoy the picnic and have their loved ones with them, and I thought, ‘What better way to finish off the moment?” he said.
Doug and Dot’s beaming smiles as they began the journey home were impossible to miss and Mr Zywaczewski said Emerald’s community spirit helped bring the idea to life, with a post on a local social media page rallying support for the idea and execution of the outing.
“It’s such a great feeling up here – it’s like a country town, and everyone just chips in and helps out,” he said.
