How well do we know people in our community?

Eileen Egerton

Eileen Egerton is a new permanent resident in Martinborough.  Just prior to Covid she returned to New Zealand from Australia, joining her parents and other siblings for some family time. It transpired this was one week before Lockdown.

“When I saw which way, the wind was blowing”, says Eileen, “I reconsidered my options and decided to stay, even though I had lived most of my adult life in Melbourne”.

The starting point was when Eileen went on exchange to Thailand aged 17.  “This was my first introduction to the art of Thai massage, which is an integral part of Thai culture and life.  I realised that massage is a great skill to have, particularly if you are bitten by the travel bug as I was.  I gained my first qualification in Western Australia and followed this up with a second qualification from the Melbourne School of Tactile therapies, a two-year course.  

What I most enjoy about this occupation is that every year you are required to continue your professional education, so you are continually learning new skills such as Acupuncture, Lymphatic Draining and Massages for pregnant women. 

My first position was in Royal Park Hospital where I worked as a Physiotherapy assistant. Then after a year the travel bug kicked in, and it was off to work in the Spa on a Costa Line cruise ship.  The training for this was undertaken in London. The moment I received my papers I flew into Genoa and then on to Naples. Our ship sailed from the Greek Islands to Tunisia, Casablanca, and Morocco. 

My second position was in the Caribbean. One week undertaking the Eastern route and the second week travelling the Western route. Although it sounds romantic the reality was extremely hard work.  Passengers wanted treatments at all times of the day and evening.  However, within that 9-month period I did make some great friends.

Then it was a return to Melbourne where I decided that if I wished to have a relatively normal life- work balance it would be more efficient to provide the client with the service at their workplace freeing up weekends and evenings. The corporate massage provided the answer. Another leap and with the addition of two business partners we established clinics at three gymnasiums.  I am still managing that business from Martinborough. Admittedly it was challenging during Lockdown, but with the help of my Melbourne team it can be managed just as well from Martinborough.

Eileen has leased space at Love and Core where she offers relaxation massages with hot stone therapy. The basalt stones from South America are heavy in iron, so are perfect for retaining the heat to stimulate blood flow and soften the muscle tissue.  Eileen uses bees wax rather than oil because it is so good for the skin and has a lovely aroma.  I did ask whether it was so relaxing some customers might be lulled to sleep. “Yes, occasionally that does happen”, said Eileen “but I am never offended because it shows that the client is really relaxed.”

Martinborough?  “I just love it.  Why wouldn’t you be here rather than in a big city?  The only hiccup is that I arrived with just one suitcase and all my possessions are still in Melbourne. But that will be remedied now I am home to roost. And what better part of the world could you choose to call home?

Lyle Griffiths

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