Moving on, a good decision for Bess

A resident of the City of Burnside for 71 years and now living in Pineview Village, Bess Welch is as deeply Burnside as they come.

Building her family home on Devereux Road, Beaumont in 1953, Bess lived in the suburb for 63 years, relocating to Pineview in 2016 seeking a smaller home and garden.

Unable to picture herself living anywhere else, Bess adores the area with Beaumont Common especially holding a place in her heart.

‘Council does amazing things and have an incredible reputation,’ Bess said. ‘When I speak to friends of mine about things that are happening, they say “oh my council doesn’t do that”’.

Taking advantage of many of the services offered by Council, Bess is a frequent attendant at Strength for Life classes at the Civic Centre. Strength for Life (SFL) is an affordable way for older South Australians to gain strength and stay fit. SFL also offers social opportunities, with the class (pictured) often staying around after for a cup of coffee and chat. This is where Bess met Elected Member Jenny Turnbull with whom she speaks with about the history of her Burnside residence and appreciation for the community.

Bess also utilises the popular City of Burnside transport bus and is a customer of the Burnside Library Home Library Service – for whom she sings high praise.

‘The Library girls call in with a book for me every month. When I was no longer able to read because of my eyesight they delivered me several audio books.’

Now settled in seamlessly to Pineview Village Bess can sum up her time living in the city with one quick statement – ‘What a good decision!’

Bess Welch (back left in purple) and the Strength for Life class take in a coffee break after their morning workout.