STAFF from a retirement village enjoyed a belated Christmas party with a Hawaiian twist.

More than 100 employees from Middleton Lodge swapped thoughts of crisp winter weather for sunnier climes when they donned Hawaiian themed outfits to sip cocktails and enjoy a limbo and hula contest.

Every year employees are recognised and rewarded for long service and this year was no exception, with 15 staff celebrating 175 years of service between them.

A special mention was made of Val Robson, who has worked at Middleton Hall in housekeeping for 35 years.

Another significant event was the celebrating of Ellen Muldowney 80th birthday, a hostess at Middleton Hall. Older than some of the residents she cares for, the pensioner clearly proves age is just a number.

One of the highlights of the night was the senior management team performing a special welcome back to managing director Jeremy Walford, who arrived back in the country from a retirement village ‘fact finding’ tour of New Zealand.

In the true All Black style, the team performed their very own ‘Haka’ led by coach Debby Lamont, head of care and quality at the Hall.