Diana Burslem
Location and independent living facilities were the attraction of Auckland’s Epsom Village for children’s author and former teacher Diana Burslem.
The Real Living-owned village is close to Newmarket shops, Cornwall Park and Auckland Domain and within easy reach of the city centre.
Diana, who moved in during 2021, also enjoys the social activities provided by village life.
“You can join into everything or you can be completely apart,” she says. “There’s happiness amongst the people and friendliness and a lot of people who have had interesting lives.”
Last year, the village welcomed in the spring with a ‘take a plunge’ event where some brave residents jumped into the village swimming pool - which was only slightly heated. Diana decided against taking the plunge but took along her homemade ‘Wellness Soup’ to help people warm up post-dip.
Diana was a teacher for more than 40 years and since 2004 has also been among authors for the successful Red Rocket early readers books, published by her sister’s company. These are supporting youngsters to learn to read in New Zealand and overseas and are popular in the American market.
One of the most popular is First to the Top, which tells the story of Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mt Everest.
“It happened in 1953 so of course it’s an event I well remember,” says Diana. “But now we need to teach it to our children because it’s a vital part of our history.”
Diana’s talents now extend to the Epsom Village newsletter too, including writing about events and activities and sharing her poems about village life.