Stunning portrait of Linda Jones revealed by Linda Jones MBE on Ryman’s 40^th birthday

New Zealand’s most famous female jockey Linda Jones MBE was the guest of honour for a dual celebration at Ryman Healthcare’s Hamilton village named after her.

As well as unveiling a stunning new portrait of herself in front of residents and special guests, Linda later joined everyone in donning 80s gear to celebrate the 40^th anniversary since Ryman opened its first village in Christchurch in 1984.

To mark the milestone occasion, residents and team members partied in villages up and down the country, but only Linda Jones Village residents were lucky enough to have their namesake join in the fun.

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Linda’s brief but brilliant career of 65 wins in 18 months was forged in the Waikato, with her first win at Te Rapa in 1978 on Big Bikkies, and a flood of historic firsts followed.

These included being the first woman to win a Group Race, the first to win at Ellerslie, and the first woman in the world to win a derby. She also became the first woman to win against men in Australia.

Linda was also the first woman to be inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame and she was honoured again when she was awarded an MBE, in 1979, for her contribution to racing and to women’s rights.

Ryman’s Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman said while Linda’s career may have been brief, she had ‘paved the way for the many women who have followed since’.

Linda signs her portrait (above) and below from left Sales Advisor John Proudfoot, artist Craig Primrose QSM, Hamilton City Councillor Maxine van Oosten and Linda Jones MBE.

“I’m sure you’ll agree that Linda Jones is a truly deserving namesake, and the new portrait we’re unveiling today is a wonderful way to honour her remarkable achievements.”

Representing Hamilton City Council’s Mayor Paula Southgate was Cllr Maxine van Oosten, whose mother-in-law is also a resident at the village.

As well as congratulating Ryman on its ‘wonderful milestone’, Maxine said honouring Linda’s trailblazing efforts for women on this day was particularly poignant being Suffrage Day.

“It’s 131 years since women won the right to vote in New Zealand and the first in the world, so Linda joins that great collection of women who made that great fight.”

She added that the city wouldn’t be the vibrant, thriving place it is without the important contributions residents make, including their volunteering efforts and the wisdom they shared.

Despite her long list of achievements, Linda told residents who’d gathered to see her unveil the new painting by artist Craig Primrose, that being chosen as the village namesake was a standout.

“Of all the achievements that I have earned, I think this is probably the proudest one that I have,” she said.

“To have such a beautiful village named after me, I’m very, very proud, and my family is proud too.”

She added that she still got a kick out of saying she’d have 500 people over to her place for dinner!

Village Manager Jane Rotton, who took over the role in January, gave credit to the fantastic village team for their hard work and effort, who together with the residents created a ‘truly special vibe’.

“All of you here today, you’re always so welcoming, so friendly and always positive about your experience of calling Linda Jones Village your home. And I, for one, feel joy in your presence each day that I am here,” she said.

Residents really got into the 80s spirit by dressing up at the 80s-themed Happy Hour which followed the portrait unveiling to celebrate Ryman’s 40^th birthday.

Beginning when co-founders John Ryder and Kevin Hickman converted a block of flats into their first rest home, Ryman now comprises of 49 villages and over 14,000 residents across Australia and New Zealand, still remaining true to its founding principle of ensuring it delivers care that must be ‘good enough for Mum and Dad’.