Unbeknown to the lodge chairman, the fifth-stage extensions had been named The John Bowen Wing in his honour.

“Now I know why I had been asked to leave a couple of the board meetings,” joked Mr Bowen, who was instrumental in having the facility built 20 years ago.

Along with his fellow Stroud Lions Club members, Mr Bowen wanted to have an aged care facility built in the town.

The lodge was officially opened 20 years ago and Saturday was a double celebration for the facility which is now home to 30 residents.

“After seeing my mother suffer in a place up the road for four years . . . it is a delight to have this wonderful facility in Stroud,” Mr Bowen said.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the staff in caring for the residents of the lodge and board members who make the big decisions.

“The board would not function without good people on it and this is the best board we’ve seen.”

Bernie Crooks from Stroud Lions Club spoke of the achievement in getting the facility built – a vision to look after those who couldn’t look after themselves.

“Twenty years ago we embarked on this aged care project for the elderly of the town.

“Who would have thought that 20 years later the lodge has grown and we are now opening the fifth stage.

“While ever there is a club in the town, Stroud Lions is always available to help out in the lodge.

“Our motto is ‘to serve’ and what better way than to serve the elderly of Stroud.”

In officially opening the fifth stage of the lodge, which includes an extra six rooms, Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin said the community of Stroud was the driving force behind the facility.

“For a small community to achieve what you have is phenomenal,” Mr Baldwin said.

“In 20 years I have seen this facility grow and I congratulate all those who have put the effort in day after day.

“It is how a community treats their elderly residents is how a community is measured.

“And it is only fitting for this new wing to be named after John Bowen for his tireless efforts spanning more than 20 years.”