15 May 25 - Resident stories
Charity begins at home
When Fenna and Gerry Schaddee van Dooren moved into their new villa at Summerset Cranbourne North just 11 months ago, they weren’t expecting it to feel so much like home so quickly. But for this warm-hearted couple, who have spent decades building community and giving back through their church and volunteer work, it’s no surprise that they’ve found a place where they instantly belong - and continue to thrive.
It all began during a Bible study group they were hosting at their old home in Beaconsfield. Friends Patsy and Andrew Pinxt handed them a brochure for the village. At the time, Gerry had already been thinking that their family garden had become increasingly hard to maintain. “Gerry is thorough,” says Fenna, “and it was taking so much time he was becoming a slave to nature.”
Although the couple lived a mere 20 minutes from the village, they weren’t aware of it. The couple booked in a tour. “We were shown a villa and thought it was stunning, just beautiful,” Fenna remembers. Fenna says she hadn’t realised how seriously Gerry was considering the move until he asked the sales manager how long they would have to wait to get a home like the villa. “They told us it had just come onto the market five days prior,” Fenna says, “And Gerry turned to the sales manager and said,’ We’ll take it, thanks!". Fenna agreed and the couple signed up there and then. Just like that, their new chapter began.
Although they have moved to a retirement community, Gerry and Fenna aren’t slowing down and are actively involved in community service. The couple are very involved in their church, which, since they’ve moved to Summerset Cranbourne North, is only a six-minute drive from them. Every Thursday Fenna volunteers at the church op shop, which is run out of the church hall twice a week. “We sell all sorts,” says Fenna. “Electrical items, clothes, housewares, all the money goes to various charities locally and overseas.” A volunteer there for 13 years, the role suits Fenna down to the ground, as she worked in retail for 20 years.
Gerry meanwhile, who before he retired spent 44 years with TipTop bakeries, has spent the past decade volunteering at his local soup kitchen once a week, prepping the food and clearing up. “We love being able to give back,” Fenna says. “We have had such a good life, and there are always people who need help, if you can, you should.”
It was through their sister churches that the pair met. Gerry attended his church youth club in Dandenong and Fenna in Ringwood, and one day, the youth clubs had a joint event. “I was 18 and Gerry was 20 and we have been together ever since!” says Fenna. The pair celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in April. They share two children and six grandchildren, all of whom live close by and who enjoy visiting them in their new community.
“We love it here,” Fenna says with a smile. “It’s beautiful. It still feels like a small community, and everyone gets along so well. We have afternoon teas, we all show up for the Summerset Shout - every time someone new arrives, we all come together to welcome them. It feels like we’ve been here for years.”
Village events, volunteer work and friends keep the couple busy. “There is always something on!” says Fenna. Happily, Patsy and Andrew - who introduced them to Summerset Cranbourne North in the first place - moved to the village too and they all eagerly await the opening of the village centre with its pool, gym and bowling green. And as they prepare for a short holiday in Thailand with friends in June, they’re thankful for the village’s security and close-knit atmosphere. “It’s safe, it’s welcoming, and it’s home,” Fenna says.
This is an article from the Volume Two of our Summerset Scene magazine