Bigger and better is the plan for this year’s Beolite Village Open Day to be held this coming Sunday, 26 October.

Throwing open its doors to all residents and visitors to Mansfield, the Village will not only hold its annual open garden and craft day but will welcome visitors into the ‘back courtyards’ of some of the residents who will be on hand to give their impressions of village independent living.

The event also includes the annual craft day which has many stalls both inside the community center and around the village in gardens and lawn spaces – such as the croquet lawns at the front.

There will be Devonshire teas, a sausage sizzle, tea and coffee both inside and outside and the popular ‘Maker Market’ which has a huge range of crafts for sale.

“There are many residents in the village now that have some wonderful skills in things like painting, woodworking, jewellery making, card creations and more,” said Village Manager, Bek Lennon.

There will also be a few ‘demonstration’ stalls including Christmas wreath making (and some for sale), computer generated items by Chris Wilson, machine embroidery and diamond dot art.

Of course, it wouldn't be an open day and market without plant sales.

Some residents have been cultivating plants for the event with the Wild Mint Nursery (from Maindample) also on-hand with a range of native plants.

There will be a second-hand book stall for those wanting to pick up a good read.

And there will be an area where ‘giant’ games can be played such as chess and chequers.

Entertainment will be provided by year 12 Mansfield Secondary College student Ella Crathern with her amazing singing voice and Louise Hopwood from LouFit will be giving instructions on how to get fitter with exercises you can take on at home.

Visitors will be invited to explore the landscaped gardens at the Village, see what can be achieved in smaller garden areas and visit the community memorial garden with its amazing sculptures.

Browse home-grown plants and metal garden art for sale and take a ride on a trishaw around the village.

“Our village folk are amazing cooks as well and visitors can enjoy some delicious food and drinks,” Bek said.

"All in all this will be an amazing day which will showcase the best of Village living," she said.

Beolite Village was first proposed some 15 years ago and once the first homes were built and occupied the idea of a retirement village in Mansfield grew.

The Village now boasts some 50+ homes with more currently under construction.

The Beolite Village Open Day will be held this Sunday, 26 October from 10am through to 2pm – 13-21 Kidston Parade (opposite the Mansfield Golf Club).

All are welcome and entry to the day is free.