Our Residents

Carolyn Whiteman

When you sit with Carolyn Wightman for just a short amount of time there’s a real sense of fun and freedom – it’s almost infectious. Walking into her home you’re immediately drawn to the images on her wall – 4 up close and candid shots of lions. You would be forgiven for thinking they were professional photos, but Carolyn has a keen eye for photography, especially while on holidays and the images are hers. And what better way to perfect the craft than to take lots and lots of trips for content?

When I approached Carolyn for ‘her story’ I described her as the ‘poster pin up’ for retirees – the avid traveller who averages time away for around 6-7 months of the year, with her canine companion Doodles and her motorhome at the ready.

As a solo traveller, Carolyn is out of the Village more often than home, exploring the hidden gems the Australian countryside has to offer. If you ask her favourite place to travel, there have simply been too many to list. Moore Park in Queensland however holds a special place in her heart – ‘I visit Moore Park every year, from around June to September. It’s a beautiful spot and the people there are just so friendly. I’ve had people from Wivenhoe come and visit or we’ve met up at other spots. It’s a great way to travel’.

I asked Carolyn if she was ever nervous or scared to travel on her own. “Never. When you’re on your own you meet so many amazing people. You spend time having a few drinks at happy hour and exchanging stories. People invite you to travel with them or meet up on their next adventures. It’s astonishing the places I’ve been introduced to that I’ve never heard of before. There are always lots of great tips to be shared.”

Being the experienced caravanner that she is, Carolyn recognised early that the move to Wivenhoe was one to prepare for her future. “I was happy where I was, however having looked after my sister who had access needs at the time, it became clear that I needed to be prepared if something were to happen to me, so I would be set. I wanted a house that was ready for me as I aged and the people around me who would be a good support and company. When I came into Wivenhoe, it just felt like home.” The best part about Wivenhoe is that it makes travelling easy for Carolyn. “It works for me for a simple reason – I can come and go and not worry about collecting the mail, cutting the grass, keeping an eye on my home. That’s all taken care of.” And her neighbours are amazing, so coming home is not bad either. “As much as I like to be away, I also like to have a base. You need to have somewhere to call home. If I need anything, I just knock on my neighbour’s door, anytime. People are so generous but also very aware of giving you your own space”.

What draws Carolyn to caravan travel? “Caravanning is not for everyone. Some people rather go to a 5-star hotel and that’s ok. But in a 5-star hotel, you might not get the social interaction that you get in your van. There are always people around. I can take the dog for a quick walk and be gone for a couple of hours – everyone wants to chat and are happy to share their story. There is no judgement in a van, we’re all the same and keen for a few laughs and a good time. We’re all there to help each other out if we get into any trouble.” Tomorrow, Carolyn is off to lunch to no doubt plan her next trip with a group of people coming far and wide, all people she has met on her travels who’ve become lifelong friends.

“The best advice I have is get going while you can. There will be plenty of time for me to use all of the beautiful facilities that Wivenhoe has to offer. People need to get out and enjoy life. There’s too much out there to miss out on. A lot of people say, I wish I was you, but everyone can be me. You’ve just got to have the get up and go!’