Around DB June 2024

DBrasserie News

Fans All Over HK excited! Catch All the EURO 2024 Action at DBrasserie!

Grill Special

Choose from our daily grill special featuring Tomahawk, Bone-in, lamb chops, Wagyu 6/7, Flat Iron, Ribs, and much more...all of exceptional, topgrade quality.

Football fans, gather your friends and head to DBrasserie for the ultimate EURO 2024 viewing experience!

Cheer on your favorite national teams as you enjoy the best meat and seafood in town and sample our impressive selection of Young Master craft beers. Our high-definition projectors with stadium surround effect will bring the electric atmosphere of the tournament right to your table, so you won't miss a single goal, penalty, or heart- pounding moment. Pair the drama of the pitch with the mouthwatering flavors of our premium steaks, expertly grilled to perfection. And wash it all down with a refreshing Young Master Pilssner, IPA, Pale Ale, Stout or our exclusive Wunderweizen Wheat beer.

Whether you're a lifelong football fanatic or just looking for a great night out, DBrasserie is the place to be for EURO 2024. Call 9848 1101 to book your table now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Find DBrasserie at Shop 151, 1/F DB Plaza (next to bus terminal) BUY1

Start your matchday mornings with our new waffle special. Indulge in sweet or savory options, perfect for fueling up before the big game and making the young fans happy too.

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福布斯全球物業聯盟香港唯一創始成員 現正招聘有經驗的地產代

Midvale Villag e

Island View

Penin su la V il lag e - Crestmont Villa

WEEKS 6 WEEKS

SUMMER SUMMER CAMP CAMP

Bouncy Castle

F Feast resh

HK$ 398* HK$

（成人 Adult/ 每位 per person）

（小童 Child/ 每位 per person）

Premium Seafood Bowl, with Appetizer, Dessert, Coffee or Tea from buffet table

極上海鮮拼盤配各式自助前菜、甜品、咖啡或茶

Add-on items 追加項目：

HK$ 168* HK$ Semi Buffet Lunch

（每道菜 per selection）

Main Course Selection

自選主菜

（每位 per person） Up/起

Free-flow Beverage Package

*優惠須受條款細則約束，只限堂食。以上價格以每位或每道菜式計算及另收加一服務費。每位客人須先惠顧半自助午餐，方可享用追加項目。 圖片只供參考。詳情請瀏覽 www.aubergediscoverybay.com。

*Terms and conditions

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Good Schools Guide 2024

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PHILIP JAY

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Client services

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CONTRIBUTORS

Ray Au, Imogen Clyde, Nicole Innocenti, Elizabeth Kerr, Peter Sherwood

PHOTOGRAPHER

Richard Gordon www.richardgordonphotograph y .com

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SPORTS SHOE REPURPOSING

To give unwanted sports shoes a meaningful second life, bring them to Discovery Bay Office Centre by June 20 (during office hours). The shoes will be collected by local non-profit Chu Kong Plan and delivered to the homeless, disadvantaged and to children living in poverty in remote areas. Shoes donated should be tied together and wrapped in plastic bags; they must be 80% new, with soles, insoles, uppers and laces intact. To find out more, visit the Dynamic DB Facebook page.

RABIES VACCINATIONS FOR DOGS

Anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs are on offer at 1/F DB Plaza (platform area next to Midland Realty) on June 14, from 10am to 1pm. Dog owners need to bring their HKID card, dog licence (if available) and the HK$80 inoculation fee in cash. If you are authorising someone else to have your dog vaccinated, they must have a copy of your HKID card and a signed letter of authorisation. Dogs aged five months or above are eligible for vaccination.

Happenings STUFF TO

NEXT WAVE BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Get set to chill out on Tai Pak Wan from from June 29 to 30 at the Next Wave Beach Music Festival. You can expect a strong lineup of more than 25 local and international acts, performing everything from pop and rock to hip-hop. Headliners include rapper Tyson Yoshi, Cantopop girl group Lolly Talk and indie band RubberBand. You can also catch P1X3L, Gigi, Nancy Kwai, Billy Choi and Fatty Tai among others. To spice things up, DJs will be blasting out tunes during the two-day event.

Dubbed Hong Kong’s first beach carnival when it debuted in 2023, this year’s edition will have a new stage design, venue plan and art installation. Festivalgoers can expect eight hours of entertainment per day in a venue that’s reportedly bigger than Hong Kong Stadium. You can also expect food stalls and a marketplace showcasing more than 30 lifestyle brands. To add to the fun, there’s a large-scale sea park complete with water slides, and the opportunity for yacht rental. Next Wave Beach Music Festival is open to those aged 18 and above. General admission is HK$588 per day, HK$988 for VIP access. To book tickets, visit www.kktix.com; to find out more, visit www.visitdiscoverybay.com. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF HKRCL.]

THE AMBER FOUNDATION

Cleaning out bathroom cabinets and don’t want to waste your stash of travel-sized toiletries? The Amber Foundation collects unused airline and hotel amenities and toiletries, sorts them and repacks them into male/ female kits, which are distributed to Hong Kong’s homeless, refugees, women in shelters and the elderly. To find out more, visit www.theamberfoundation.org.

& Events! KNOW IN JUNE!

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

We’ll have to wait until October for DB Dragon Boat Gala but there are plenty of alternate ways to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng), which falls on June 10. Races are being held at Stanley, Aberdeen and Sai Kung and there’s a traditional water parade in Tai O on June 30. The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races kick off on June 21 at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade with plenty of free, live entertainment, plus the chance to see top international paddlers compete.

INTERNATIONAL PROVERSE PRIZES

Founded by DB residents, Dr Verner Bickley, MBE and his wife, Dr Gillian Bickley, the International Proverse Prizes for writing submitted and previously unpublished in English (may be in translation) are open for entry through June 30. They are the Proverse Prize for singleauthor book-length fiction, non-fiction, or poetry (founded 2008) and the Proverse Poetry Prize for single poems (founded 2016). You need to be at least 18 years old to enter via https://proversehongkong.submittable.com/submit. To find out more, visit www.proversepublishing.com or email proverse@netvigator.com. [PHOTO BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

YOGA FOR A GOOD CAUSE

By participating in Yoga for a Good Cause you can practice

108 sun salutations with other yoga enthusiasts and contribute to helping cancer patients at the same time. The event is being held at DB Plaza on June 15 and is open to those aged 12 and above, with instruction in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. All enrolment fees (HK$200 per person) will be given to Hong Kong Cancer Fund, the city’s largest cancer support organisation. WhatsApp 5469 1748 to join.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

JUNE 1 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDB.

JUNE 9 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.

JUNE 9 | SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

THROUGHOUT JUNE | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.

ALL-WOMEN'S RUNNING GROUP

Fondly known as the Running Cult, DB’s all-women running group hits the trails four to five times a week. Regardless of individual distances, paces, or health goals, the ladies set out to support and inspire each other, finding solace and camaraderie in their shared passion for running. New members are welcome! To get involved, call Anita Schneider-de Vries on 5629 8123. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Anita Schneider-de Vries.]

O·PARK1 VISIT

As part of its GreenDBers programme, City Management has arranged for residents to tour O·PARK1 on July 6 to learn more about the incredible facility that processes our food waste. O·PARK1 is the first Organic Resources Recovery Centre in Hong Kong, a renewable energy generation plant capable of handling 200 tonnes of food waste per day. The upcoming tour is free and will be conducted in English. Shuttle pick-up will be at the area between DB Fire Station and Hillgrove Village. Enrol on a firstcome-first-served basis at https://bit.ly/3QNZsO7.

MEOW RECYCLING TRUCK

Mill Mill’s Meow recycling truck is back in DB Plaza on June 22 from 3pm to 5pm. As Hong Kong’s first paper-packed drink box recycling pulp mill, Mill Mill can process up to 50 tons of paper-packed drink boxes every day, plus waste paper of all types (books, magazines, newspapers). Stop by the bus, and you can also drop off plastic bottles and bags, aluminium/ tin cans and containers, laptops and tablets. To find out more, visit the Dynamic DB Facebook page.

ERIC WISHART BOOK LAUNCH

Hong Kong University Press has just published a long-awaited book by 10-year DB resident Eric Wishart, the standards and ethics editor, and former editor-in-chief, of international news agency Agence FrancePresse. Journalism Ethics: 21 Essentials from Wars to Artificial Intelligence is aimed at news consumers who want to make informed choices about the trustworthiness of their sources of information, as well as journalism students and working journalists. To find out more and purchase a copy, visit hkupress. hku.hk/Books/New/Journalism_Ethics. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Eric Wishart.]

DBDB TRAINING’S STRENGTH COMPETITION

Residents are invited to head down to DB North Plaza Pitch on June 15 to compete in teams for the title of DBDB Training’s Strongest 2024. Participants will be put through their paces undergoing various strength-based exercises as they lift, raise, curl and squat their way to glory! Teams will be selected randomly by DB DadBods and anyone can join. WhatsApp Andrew on 6897 2454 to get involved; for more on DBDB Training, visit www.dbdbtraining.com.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF DBDB Training.]

FAUST WORLD

IS OFFERING ONE READER A PLACE ON ITS SUMMER PROGRAMME (WORTH HK$3,480)

The placement in Faust’s summer programme (June 24 to August 23) applies to a one-week workshop (Summer Theatre, Musical Theatre, Creative Writing) at various locations across Hong Kong for one child aged 3 to 15 years. During the programme, children focus on performance skills, theatre knowledge and writing skills, while developing leadership and teamwork skills, individual expression and confidence. This offer cannot be transferred to another programme or for credit.

Faust has been bringing the wonderful world of theatre, performing arts and creativity to the young people of Hong Kong since 1999. Students learn in a fun-filled environment where they develop an array of theatre skills through after-school and holiday programmes in Theatre, Musical Theatre and Creative Writing. To find out more, visit www.faustworld.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST ISSUE’S WINNER

Tedmond Fu for a place on a Treasure Island Surf and Adventure Camp

HOW TO WIN!

Summer Camp AD_190x132.5mm_240515-9.pdf 1 2024/5/22 下午1:00

Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply. Simply scan the QR code or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form. (Terms and conditions apply.)

2 to 6 years July 2 to July 26 (weekly enrollment)

1/F,

Out & About! WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!

CELEBRATING HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

Helper Appreciation Month enables all of us in the community –individuals, schools and businesses – to give of our time to ensure that DB helpers feel the love and have some well-deserved fun. A series of empowering, free events were provided for helpers in May including football with Tekkerz, yoga with Anriat and Embody, fitness training with DB DadBods, music lessons with YRock, karaoke at DBIS and beach tennis at Tai Pak Wan. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com & courtesy of DB DadBodswww.dbdbtraining.com.]

AND THE WINNER IS…

Congratulations to Melanie Pascual (pictured) for winning the Helper Appreciation Month giveaway: two vouchers to see a movie of her choice at the Palace IFC Broadway Circuit Cinema. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway by sharing their appreciation of their helper with us! The winner was chosen by lucky draw.

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND

EQUALITY

The successful completion of the DB Community Arts Integration Programme was celebrated at DB Community Green Square on May 18. The smart Love.Together@DB initiative enabled DB residents to create ceramics alongside artists and teachers from St James’ Creation, the Wanchaibased NGO that provides a platform for people with ASD to share and make art. To find out more, visit www.arounddb.com/around-db-articles/ community/diversity-and-equality-inclusionthrough-the-arts. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF HKRCL.]

AT DMR’S ANNUAL SHOW

On May 11, DMR School of Ballet presented The Toy Box at Youth Square, Chai Wan. The recital showcased the dancers’ hard work and expertise as they got on stage to perform as toys. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordonwww.richardgordonphotography.com.]

RUNNING THE PARIS MARATHON

On April 7, Anita Schneider-de Vries and Thuy Mo Nguyen took part in the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, alongside almost 56,000 runners. Anita, who has completed four marathons since January last year, achieved a personal best of 04:41:00. The Marathon de Paris was Mo’s first and she exceeded all expectations clocking in at an impressive 04:55:00, well before the 05:40:00 cut-off. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Anita Schneider-de Vries.]

LANTAU BUFFALOS AT IRONMAN CEBU

A group of 15 DB-based triathletes, representing the Lantau Buffalos, participated in the 70.3 Ironman Cebu on April 21. The triathlon, consisting of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run, was made all the more challenging due to hot and humid weather conditions. Congratulations to all the Lantau Buffalos who took part, and a special shout-out to Jodie Crisp who placed first in her category! [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Jessica Hinojosa.]

AT DB ICE RINK

DB Ice Rink’s East West Spring Classic 2024 - International Youth Ice Hockey Tournament saw 14 international and regional teams including mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia compete. The event ran from April 28 to May 1 and included a Skills Development Session with former NHL player Robert Schremp for the junior players aged nine to 15. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

DMR School of Ballet

2024 - 2025 Schedule is now available!

Do not miss out on enrolling for our new academic year, starting in September 2024. We have classes for little dancers (18 months +), RAD Ballet, Modern(Jazz) and Tap!

Annual Performance

Each year, DMR Dancers showcase their hard work and passion in our annual performance. The ‘Toy Box’ was a great success and we can wait to start preparing for next year’s show!

Hong Kong Disneyland

Our dancers, aged 6+, have an amazing an exciting opportunity to perform at Hong Kong Disneyland, along the parade route. Enrol now to ensure you can join this magical day!

House of May!

THE ARTISAN

Eight-year DB resident Alex May has turned on to leather, creating high-end, one-of-a-kind bags and accessories that oppose fast fashion, beautifully. Elizabeth Kerr checks out Atelier Bouclier

PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphtography.com

Walk into Alex May’s atelier and you’re instantly confronted with the sights and unmistakable scents of leathercraft. The space – a room in his Discovery Bay flat – is floor-toceiling with tools, scraps, glues, buckles, thread, beeswaxes and leather hides from (mostly) Italy and France. Artisanal machines and tools from Japan and South Korea stand across from the main workbench, upon which sits a Moleskin notebook with a deep mustard yellow cover that Alex made. Also on the bench is a belt, navy blue on one side, vivid orange on the other.

On another surface are some old boarding passes, which Alex is using to help guide his next project: the “perfect” travel wallet. On a high shelf is a birthday gift for his wife, a large olivegreen tote bag with his signature tassels on each side. It’s elegant, cool and, above all, incredibly well made with 100% saddle stitching (meaning it’s completely hand stitched, like everything Alex makes). It’s also one-of-a-kind.

To look at him, you wouldn’t take Alex for a designer. By his own admission, he’s more comfortable in button-down shirts and khakis, and his favourite moccasin-style slip-on shoes than anything formal or flash, but he certainly has a gift for accessorising others.

As it stands, Alex calls his high-end, artisan leatherwork a hobby, one that sprang from an urge to do something creative in his spare time. A one-time Chinese and foreign policy student, and a lawyer by trade, he moved to China 25 years ago, just as the country was emerging on the world stage, and spent 18 years there in corporate law and advisory.

Alex has been in Hong Kong for the past eight years, having transitioned from law to a Swiss firm here. DB was his first choice for homebase, and there are no plans to leave. “We’ve been out here for a long time,” he says. “It’s where we live. It’s easy to find quiet. We have the water and it’s just peaceful.”

ART FIRST, UTILITY SECOND

Alex’s taste for creativity has remained strong despite the demands of his corporate career. A self-described “tinkerer”, he grew up with a workshop at home, and always made things. YouTube didn’t exist, so as a child he hit the library when he wanted to learn a craft. An autodidact, Alex developed an appreciation for beauty along the way and found he wanted to create “a physical manifestation [of it] that was meaningful”.

“We drafted 70- or 80-page contracts that were beautiful in a legal way, but who’s ever really going to know it?” he says of his law work. Over the years, Alex also tried his hand at painting, but found the endgame unfulfilling.

“I like the idea of combining art and utility: that’s what appeals about my leatherwork,” he says. “For me, it’s art first, utility second. [Put function before form] and you could just use a plastic shopping bag to carry things around.”

The accessorising emerged as a bit of a fluke after a friend left him several leather hides when he relocated to the UK. Alex hit the proverbial books again and started making accessories with a few tools on his dining room table. But a funny thing happened: he got really good at it. His earliest “clients” were his wife (a former banker) and

daughter, but friends who saw their bags, belts and other accessories started asking where they bought them.

Alex proceeded to develop a name for his studio: Atelier Bouclier [www.instagram.com/bouclier_atelier]. Everything he makes is to his own designs and patterns, clients get to choose the colour and size. “I get orders every now and then, not enough for it to be called a business,” he cracks. “The people who order stuff from me [email info@bouclier.com] are those who want something that’s really nice, very high quality, but isn’t ubiquitous. Some people only want status symbols; they want brands. Some people want something that you can’t get anywhere else; something that is both beautiful and truly high quality.”

One-of-a-kind and high-end, Alex’s creations definitely come down on the “pay for quality, once” side of the equation, and that pushback serves his work well. “I make things to outlast the wearer/ user, which may be a bit old fashioned, but this approach is also the counterpoint to fast fashion and ubiquitous mass luxury,” he says.

“Sustainability is trending worldwide, and I strongly believe that people should buy less and buy better. Buy the best, buy less of it and enjoy it more.”

TIMELESS AND MADE TO ENDURE

A brief lesson in saddle stitching and edge finishing demonstrates why Alex’s bags won’t come apart in a season. He starts by cutting two lengths of leather, adhering them to each other, trimming the edges to ensure they’re flush, punching guide holes for thread, saddle stitching – one stitch at a time – creating an edge parabola for a smooth line, burnishing and sanding, and polishing with beeswax. He fiddles with the edges a few times, shaving off the uneven sides. Alex can spend up to 80 hours on one item like a bag, and it shows. The navy-blue belt on the workbench is perfect.

Accessories are a broad category, which begs the question: is Alex planning to branch out? Will there be Atelier Bouclier shoes, gloves or luggage to go with glasses cases, belts and handbags any time soon?

“I’ve been playing with the idea of a suitcase, but that’s a really big project,” he says. “In this era of strict baggage allowances, people are drawn to lightweight suitcases – old-school aluminium or leather suitcases can get heavy. If I lived someplace where people drove on weekend trips? Yeah, then I would do something like that.

“Ultimately, design is about finding a solution for a problem,” Alex adds “I find I carry an umbrella

"I MAKE THINGS TO OUTLAST THE WEARER/ USER, WHICH MAY

BE A BIT OLD FASHIONED, BUT THIS APPROACH IS ALSO THE COUNTERPOINT TO FAST FASHION

AND UBIQUITOUS MASS LUXURY

- ALEX MAY

a lot in Hong Kong. When it’s not raining, I’d love to be hands-free, so I’m designing something beautiful in leather to do the job.”

Which leads us back to that “perfect” travel wallet: Alex’s idea is for one item for a phone, currencies, SIM cards, credit cards and a passport. “The worst is when you go through security, and you’re trying to find all that stuff in all these pockets and it takes forever. It holds everyone up, or worse you lose things or leave them behind. With this you’d take it out and be done,” he says. “But it’s just an idea.”

Ideas are clearly something Alex has in spades –his mind is full of “designs for various different kinds of bag and other useful items that are both unusual and unique”. So how does he decide what makes it off the drawing board and into the Atelier Bouclier collection? “It’s just a matter of deciding when the design is good enough, beautiful enough to justify making a prototype, and then constructing it in the best quality leather,” he finishes. Easy, right?

Restaurant of the month! DBRASSERIE

Opened in February this year, right opposite the bus station in DB Plaza, with stunning sea views, DBrasserie has already established itself as a go-to neighbourhood meeting point. It’s somewhere to relax with friends either indoors or on the rooftop terrace, while eating, drinking and being entertained.

“We’ve prioritised community engagement,” opens co-owner Thorsten Allenstein. “DBrasserie is a remarkable establishment that encompasses multiple facets of dining, entertainment and events. In addition to our culinary and libation offerings, we host a variety of events that cater to the diverse interests of our patrons. We have regular comedy nights, and there are live music performances every Friday and Saturday.”

A fully equipped live music venue, DBrasserie is by far the best place in DB for bands to showcase their talents, and it’s also the ultimate destination to catch live sports screenings. “We subscribe to all the major international sporting events, and we are showcasing the Euros in June, providing a vibrant setting for fans to come together and cheer for their favourite teams,” says Thorsten.

PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com

ALL-DAY DINING

Open by 6.30am Monday to Friday, and by 7.30am on the weekend, DBrasserie closes at 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and around 1am on Friday and Saturday. You can sample the eclectic Asian Fusion menu round the clock, drop in for a quick (Uncle Russ) coffee during the day, or head there for latenight drinks on your way home from work. The menu is extensive, neatly covering breakfasts, breads, snacks and salads, mains and graffiti bowls, burgers and grills, and desserts.

“We specialise in American BBQ food with an Asian twist, plus a wide selection of Asian vegetarian and vegan dishes,” Thorsten says. “Our menu has been carefully curated by Meeta Nanda and Joe Campbell, two exceptionally talented chefs, who are well-known in our community. They draw on flavours from all around Asia and bring out the best of the cultures combined.

“With our concept centred around sharing a meal with friends, our menu is designed to allow you to order exactly what you need and avoid wastage. Dine with us and you get affordable food your whole group will enjoy!”

There are also plenty of options when it comes to parties and events. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion in the restaurant with a group of friends, hire out the space for a larger event or arrange catering for a party at your home or office, DBrasserie’s friendly and professional staff have you covered.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HANGOUT

Of course, you’re also welcome to drop by just for a drink or two. Whether you’re looking to kickback on the balcony while taking in the breathtaking views, or hang out indoors and watch the live sports, there’s a tempting selection of wines and spirits on offer, plus an extensive range of craft beer. Know too that there’s a “2 for 1 Happy Hour,” Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 7pm.

“As part of our commitment to excellence, we are thrilled to feature Hong Kong-brewed Young Master Craft beer on tap,” says Thorsten. “We have a wide range of styles and flavours, so beer enthusiasts are sure to find their perfect pint.”

DBrasserie is also known for its exclusively brewed wheat beer, Wunderweizen. Bavarian-inspired with a fruity twist and a refreshing taste, it’s

carefully crafted to suit the Hong Kong climate. This month, during the Euros, a German bitter Pilsner is being added to the roster.

“We believe that our commitment to showcasing exceptional craft beer, along with our engaging events enhances the overall experience for our guests,” Thorsten concludes. “These unique offerings, coupled with our top-quality dining options, live music, sports screenings and breathtaking views, make DBrasserie a standout establishment worthy of recognition.”

DBrasserie: Shop 151, 1/F Block C DB Plaza. To find out more or make a booking, WhatsApp 9849 1101 or visit www.dbrasserie.com.

LAKSA UDANG PAIRED WITH A BLUE MARGARITA

CRAFT BEERS AVAILABLE

“FIDUCIARY” FINANCIAL ADVICE

George Adkinson of Private Capital reveals how important it is to perform due diligence when selecting a financial advisor

The first thing you need to know is that anyone who offers financial advice can call themselves a financial advisor but only a specific group of professionals are ethically bound to offer financial advice and product recommendations that are in your best interests. These professionals, referred to as “fiduciary” financial advisors, are key to knowing that your money is being guided responsibly.

A “fiduciary” financial advisor must ensure that their advice is accurate and complete, relying on input from other trusted professionals, for instance lawyers and accountants, as required. “Fiduciary” financial advisors are under a clear obligation to avoid any and all conflicts of interest and to fully disclose all fees. Moreover, they are required to make investment recommendations that align with your goals, objectives and risk tolerances.

An example of a non-fiduciary, would be an advisor incentivised by a fund house. Investing is very different from speculating: a conflict of interests can arise when institutional firms (think many shareholders) listed on a stock exchange seek to increase their revenue. Higher fees will erode investment returns and reduce the overall value of your portfolio. As is often said in investing, you get what you don’t pay for. Beating the stock market is a zero-sum game, before costs.

Ensure your advisor is well qualified to give advice. Do your due diligence. Are they registered with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)? Do they have higher professional qualifications such as Chartered Wealth Manager, Chartered Financial Planner or Certified Financial Planner?

While finding an advisor you trust and feel at ease with is vital, it’s often not enough. “Advisors” may well be salespeople with an extraordinary aptitude for putting clients at ease and promoting themselves, their concepts and their products. Therefore, whether your advisor’s recommendations could lead to a conflict of interests – or not – will have little bearing on how they make you feel. Before you act on any advice, insist to see, in writing, what you are being charged for and how your advisor will be compensated.

COMPENSATION STRUCTURES AND FEES

When evaluating advisors, understanding how they are renumerated should be key to your decision making. The compensation structure can directly impact the advice you receive and the costs you incur. Here are some common ways financial advisors are compensated:

1. Fee-only: advisors charge a flat fee for their services, often a per centage of the assets they manage for you. This model is straightforwar d and transparent, and is used by our financial advisors at Private Capital.

2. Commission: advisors earn a commission for selling certain financial pr oducts or executing trades on your behalf. This model can lead to a conflict of inter est if the advisor is biased towar ds a product that pays a high commission.

3. Fee-based: advisors earn a combination of fees and commissions. They may char ge a fee for financial planning services and earn commissions fr om selling products or executing trades.

4. Salary: advisors are salaried employees of a financial institution. They may ear n bonuses or incentives based on sales tar gets or other metrics.

Understanding the different fees you may be charged is equally important. Typical charges include management fees, trading fees, expense ratios, load fees, performance fees and exit fees. You should be able to walk away from your first meeting with an advisor knowing how much you’ll pay in fees, and exactly what the fees are for. If you’re uncertain, continue your search. You are looking for a “fiduciary” financial relationship that offers fee transparency, full disclosure and freedom from conflicts of interest.

Tanner De Witt is an independent established Hong Kong law firm, consistently receiving top ratings and awards for a wide range of industries and clients both in Hong Kong and internationally. Our practice areas have each been highly ranked by international publications and peers alike. We aim to provide insightful, practical and commercial legal advice with discretion and sensitivity to our clients needs and preferences at competitive rates.

Corporate and Commerical

Banking and Finance

Dispute Resolution

Restructuring and Insolvency

Employment

Family Fraud and Asset Tracing

and Compliance

Telecommunications

KAZAKHSTAN

TIM DREW Partner

JOANNE BROWN Partner

www.dmr-hk.com

DMR is holding dance-andcrafts classes in DB North Plaza throughout July and August on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Children, aged 2.5 to 10 years, get to learn new dance moves and create artwork based on different summer-themed activities. Great packages are available to help fill children’s summer schedule with fun and creativity.

Tel: 5210 7208

Email: info@dmr-hk.com

www.montessori-ami.edu.hk

Montessori Summer Camp (half/ full-day) is running from June 24 to August 2 in DB and Central, taking children, aged 1 to 12 years, on an exciting journey filled with creativity, exploration and new experiences. Fun and educational activities, from arts and crafts to science experiments, sports activities to nature exploration, are designed to inspire children’s imagination and spark their curiosity.

Tel: 2987 1201

Email: enquiry@dms.edu.hk

Guidepost Montessori’s Around the World dual-language (English and Mandarin) summer programme enables children aged 2 to 6 years to explore the history, geography, traditions and natural marvels of different continents. The week-long, half-day camps run from July 2 to 26 in DB North Plaza with the aim to develop global awareness, cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for diversity. Enjoy a 5% discount if you enrol for three or more weeks!

WhatsApp: 9126 6211

Email: admissions@guidepost.hk

FUNTASTIC

BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN

www.bayview.hk

Bayview’s Ultimate Summer Fun programme runs from July 2 to August 9 in DB North Plaza. Kids aged 3 to 6 years can enjoy various activities tailored just for them during morning or full-day sessions. The morning programme includes arts and crafts, outdoor games, music and cooking. In the afternoons, the multi-sport programme features fun games and access to Bayview’s bouncy castle, trampoline and swimming pool.

Tel: 6114 2436

Email: info@bayview.hk

Languages

YIFAN MANDARIN

www.yifancamps.com

Yifan Mandarin’s summer Mandarinimmersion programme in DB North Plaza encourages children to learn the language through fun and varied, hands-on activities. Half-day, week-long summer camps, for kids aged 3.5 to 8 years, run from July 2 to August 9. 一帆中文夏令營已在愉景灣開辦逾十五年，透 過生動有趣的活動，讓孩子沉浸式學習和練 習普通話！

WhatsApp: 9208 7611

Email: learn@yifanmandarin.com

DR BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE

www.facebook.com/drbearschool

Dr Bear Education Centre’s Mandarinimmersive summer camp offers children a creative, motivating and cheerful environment to work on language development. Over the span of 6 weeks, from July 2 to August 9, the DB-based camp covers different topics including summer, family, cooking, sports, Chinese culture and nature. The camp is split into two time slots, morning for ages 3.5 to 5.5 years; afternoon for ages 5.5 years and up.

WhatsApp: 9685 7856

Email: drbearschool@gmail.com

Outdoor

HONG KONG SURFING LESSON

www.hongkongsurfinglesson.com

Hong Kong Surfing Lesson’s one-day or three-day non-overnight surfing camps run from June 17 to August 28 at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Children, aged 5 to 14 years, get their own surfboard to maximise their surfing time. Camps are run by professional ISA-qualified instructors, who help kids progress by making surfing fun and safe. Lessons are also available daily for beginner to intermediate surfers of all ages.

WhatsApp: 6199 0904

Email: info@hongkongsurfinglesson.com

Languages

MANDARIN TIME SCHOOL

www.mandarintimeschool.com

Mandarin Time’s full immersion summer programme provides kids aged 5 to 15 years a 100% Mandarinspeaking environment, with on-campus teachers holding degrees in TCFL or related majors. Running from June 24 to August 29, there are morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions. DB kids enjoy a complimentary daily pickup and drop-off service from DB Pier in Central.

WhatsApp: 6111 0523

Email: info@mandarintimeschool.com

www.jaimiesharpevents.com

Jungle School is back, mornings from July 1 to 5 at DB North Plaza Beach. Kids, aged 4 to 11 years, embark on a journey where nature is their playground and imagination knows no bounds. Experienced instructors guide the children through thrilling activities, encouraging them to take safe risks, develop essential life skills, and create lifelong memories. Jungle School believes in the power of outdoor play to build resilience and foster a love for the natural world.

WhatsApp: 9095 7250

Email: jaimiesharpevents@gmail.com

Outdoor

TREASURE ISLAND

www.treasureislandhk.com

Treasure Island’s Summer Surf and Adventure camps run from June 17 to August 23 on Pui O Beach, and are bookable by the week or day. From hiking and kayaking to raft-building, youth, aged 5 to 9 years, 9 to 13 years, and 13 to 17 years, get to experience a wild range of outdoor pursuits, while developing ecoawareness and leadership skills. Specialised Surf camps are also available for kids aged 5 to 9 years, and 9 to 13 years.

Tel: 5236 7016

Email: inquiries@treasureislandhk.com

SWIMMING

HARRY WRIGHT SWIM SCHOOL

https://harrywright.com.hk/SA_DB.asp

Harry Wright Swim School’s summer programme is being held at the Club Siena pool from July 2 to August 10, for kids aged 4 months to 16 years. Children can choose between the 3-day camp (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), the 5-day camp (Monday to Friday) or the daily programme (Monday to Saturday). Both club members and non-members are welcome to enrol at Club Siena or the DBRC reception.

Tel: 2575 6279

Email: swimming@harrywright.com.hk

Football SOCCER

HK DRAGONS FC

https://dragons.hk

HK Dragons FC’s summer programme, for children aged 4 to 14, runs from July 2 to 12, and August 5 to 9 at DB North Plaza, Pui O and Stanley. Led by experienced coaches, the week-long camps consist of themed daily sessions (60 minutes per day for U4 to U6, 90 minutes for U7 and up). Small group training is focused on players’ individual technical ability, physical conditioning and tactical understanding.

Tel: 6417 3303

Email: theoffice@dragons.hk

www.faustworld.com

Faust’s nine-week summer programme runs from June 24 to August 23, with Summer Theatre and Musical Theatre for 3- to 15-year-olds, and Creative Writing for 6- to 14-year-olds. In any given week, children can participate in all three classes focusing on performance skills, theatre knowledge and writing skills, while developing leadership and teamwork skills, individual expression and confidence.

Tel: 2547 9114

Email: info@faustworld.com

TINYTOTS SOCCER

HK DRAGONS FC dragons.hk

www.tinytots.com.hk

HK Dragons FC’s winter camps, for children aged 4 to 14, run from December 19 to 23 and December 27 to 30. Held at DB North Plaza Pitch, the camps are led by experienced coaches and open to players of all abilities. Themed daily sessions include small group training, and focus on players’ technical ability, physical conditioning and tactical understanding.

Tinytots Soccer Discovery Bay Summer programme will run on Mondays and Fridays, July and August, 3-4pm and 4-5pm for the ages of 18months to 4 years old at DB Community Hall. Tinytots is a professional sports play programme specially designed to develop children’s social skills and promote physical fitness in a structured and fun atmosphere.

Tel: 2987 4274

WhatsApp: 6417 3303

Tel: 3488 7724

Email: theoffice@dragons.com.hk

Email: info@tinytots.com.hk

WITH

https://zumba.com/p/ zumbawithdionina

Zumba with Dionina is holding a parentchild Zumba programme at the YogaUp studio in DB North Plaza for two weeks over the summer, with a class from 1.30pm to 2.30pm July 2 to 5 (week one) and July 8 to 12 (week two). Parents and children (aged 6 years and up) get to learn new dance moves, improve their coordination, have fun in an active way and create lasting memories together. WhatsApp: 9317 6793

Email: dionina1299@yahoo.com

A Little Bit of Trivia! DRAGON BOAT QUIZ

In the days leading up to the festival, find out how much you know about the sport and its origins

BY Nicole Innocenti

1. W hen does Dragon Boat Festival fall t his year?

A. J une 10

B. J une 20

C. J une 30

2. I t’s a public holiday in which countries?

A. H ong Kong, Macau and China

B. H ong Kong and China

C. H ong Kong, Macau, China and Taiwan

3. W here did dragon boating originate?

A. H ainan

B. G uangdong

C. H ong Kong

4. W hat were dragon boats first used for?

A. B oat burials

B. R ecreational paddling

C. Transporting warriors into battle

5. W hy are the boats fitted with a dragon h ead and tail?

A. To honour the dragon water deity

B. To make them more streamlined

C. To frighten other paddlers

6. W here and when did dragon boating e merge as an international sport?

A. H ong Kong, 1976

B. H ong Kong, 1982

C. H ong Kong, 1997

7. W here does dragon boat racing take place?

A. C hina

B. A cross SE Asia

C. W orldwide

8. W here is the world’s longest dragon bo at located?

A. C ambodia

B. L aos

C. T hailand

9. W hich body organises dragon boat racing a t the international level?

A. Gl obal Sports Federation

B. I nternational Dragon Boat Federation

C. I nternational Outrigger Federation

10. W hen did dragon boating first feature as a n Olympic demonstration sport?

A. L ondon, 2012

B. Tokyo, 2020

C. B eijing, 2022

11. H ow will dragon boat racing feature at t he Paris Summer Olympics?

A. A s a demonstration sport

B. A s an official sport

C. I t won’t

12. W hat are competition boats made of?

A. S olid teak

B. D ouble-skinned fibreglass

C. B amboo

13. H ow many paddlers are there in a s tandard boat?

A. 8 to 10

B. 12 to 14

C. 18 to 20

14. W ho calls out to paddlers to help them b etter their placement and time?

A. T he Steward

B. T he Steerer

C. T he Skipper

15. W hat is the role of the drummer?

A. M usical entertainer

B. A ssistant to the paddlers

C. A ssistant to the steerer

16. W hat is the most common race distance?

A. 5 00 metres

B. 1,000 metres

C. 2 ,000 metres

17. H ow fast can championship crews p addle their boats?

A. 2 0 kilometres per hour

B. 15 kilometres per hour

C. 10 kilometres per hour

18. W hich are the strokes used b y paddlers?

A. F orward and backward

B. F orward, backward and draw

C. F reestyle

19. W here are the Hong Kong International D ragon Boat Races held?

A. V ictoria Harbour

B. St anley

C. Pui O

20. W hen is the DB Dragon Boat Gala held?

A. J une

B. A ugust

C. O ctober

You can check your score at www.arounddb.com>20questions>dragon-boat-quiz.

On your Doorstep!WORLD-CLASS BEACHES

Serene, foreboding, dappled with sunlight, or scoured by rain, Lantau’s beaches are where it’s at. Discover our top five

PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon -

Terry Chow & Duey Tam

We are fortunate indeed to have wonderful beaches here on Lantau, from big open bays complete with lifeguard towers and Coca-Cola stalls, to small, hidden gems tucked beneath rugged cliffs. Here are five of the best to visit, or revisit this summer.

PUI O BEACH

Pui O’s environs are hard to beat. The route from the bus stop on South Lantau Road takes you past sleepy Pui O village, and through fields where water buffalo are often found grazing, or simply hanging out. Once you reach the water, you are presented with an untouched beach flanked by a rocky outcrop on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula to the southeast, and Yi Tung Shan and Sunset Peak to the northwest.

At the beach itself, you can spend your day in several ways. Parents can set up shop at Treasure Island’s terraced restaurant and watch the kids gallivant on the beach below. The group also offers beach chair, kayak and board rentals, as well as coolers and beach bags in case you prefer to pick up supplies and lug them across the “black” sand. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from going it alone (by bringing your own board); Pui O is diligently supervised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The lifeguard hours in summer, as with all beaches that are maintained by the LCSD, are from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

One of the most appealing aspects of Pui O is how easy it is to overnight there. The tents and cabanas

TAI PAK WAN

offered by Treasure Island may be the prudent, albeit more expensive option, if your priority is a good night’s sleep. However, the LCSD campsite on the other side of the beach is at most 50 metres from the sea (tide dependant) and there you’ll be rocked to sleep by the sound of the waves smashing the shore. Either way, it’s truly hard to reconcile the fact that you’re in Hong Kong with what you witness as the sun sets on Pui O.

SILVERMINE BAY BEACH

A perfect crescent of sand nestled below Lin Fa Shan peak and the spectacular Mui Wo basin, Silvermine Bay Beach is busier than most on Lantau, largely because it’s somewhere you can enjoy the sand and sea without too much hassle. Like Pui O, it’s supervised by the LCSD. This easily accessible beach has excellent facilities, including barbecue pits. Although, when it comes to getting something to eat you are spoilt for choice, as all of Mui Wo’s restaurants are within a 10-minute walk from the beach.

If you and your friends are the active sort, have a turn using the beach volleyball court nestled under a pair of trees just metres from the river Silver. Alternately, spend a night at Silvermine Beach Hotel and enjoy some of the myriad outdoor activities on offer – you can rent stand-up paddle boards, peddle boats and kayaks.

It is worth mentioning, however, that the water quality at Silvermine Bay Beach is on-average rated as “Fair” by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the grade below “Good,” and the beach can get quite crowded on weekends.

UPPER CHEUNG SHA BEACH

One of two sister beaches divided by an unassuming headland that barely reaches the coast, Upper Cheung Sha is the longest beach on Lantau (3 kilometres), and one of the longest in Hong Kong. To get there simply hop off the bus at Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen, and walk down the slope.

This beach is also maintained by the LCSD, and the lifeguard post at the western end has the usual showers, toilets and changing rooms. While the sand is soft, there are some rocks dotted around both in the water and on the beach itself, so be a bit careful where you set up, and where you swim. Be sure to smile at the passing water buffalo.

Bring lots of water and snacks if you plan to stay the day, as Upper Cheung Sha has less amenities and restaurants than its lower, busier counterpart, and there is very little shade. This beach is best enjoyed under a portable umbrella, with a cooler full of drinks, sandwiches, chips and dips.

PUI O BEACH

UPPER CHEUNG SHA BEACH

TAI LONG WAN

By far the smallest and most remote beach on this list, Tai Long Wan, which translates as Big Wave Bay, actually boasts three beaches. And it’s unique in all ways but in name. There’s a Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung, one on the easternmost coast of Hong Kong Island, and not one but two on Lantau – the other one shoulders Sea Ranch and is only accessible by hike or sampan from Cheung Chau. It’s a spectacular beach, but a bit too out of the way for most.

To visit this particular Tai Long Wan is still quite a trek. After getting off a bus at Sha Tsui at the corner of Shek Pik Reservoir, follow Wang Pui Road (and the sound of crashing waves) through Tai Long Wan village to the beach. If you’re taking it easy, or have small children in tow, it may take up to 30 minutes to reach the beach from the road.

As a reward for your efforts, you’ll likely find yourself on a completely deserted beach. Palms, ferns and Banyan trees dot the waterline and the sand is silky and white. There are no chairs, umbrellas or lifeguards on duty, and definitely no restaurants. Everything you will need for the day, you will have to bring yourself. This may seem like a drawback, but with the hectic lifestyles so many of us lead, simple seclusion (perhaps enjoyed with a few friends or family) is a real luxury.

TAI PAK WAN

Call us biased but this guide would not be complete without a shout-out to DB’s own Tai Pak Wan. Some 400 metres long, it’s our go-to for leisurely swims and long walks, sun worshipping and beach volleyball. Though busy at weekends during summer, it’s first and foremost a neighbourhood hangout, a place for residents – and their dogs –to meet and mingle.

Backed by rolling hills and well-appointed homes, and directly adjacent to both the ferry pier and main plaza, Tai Pak Wan sets the resort vibe for which DB is celebrated. And it’s only as old as the community it serves: created in the 1980s, it’s Hong Kong’s first man-made beach. The sand (300,000 cubic metres, imported from the mainland) is surprisingly soft and white, and the water is generally calm and clear.

Well-maintained by the LCSD, Tai Pak Wan is lined with family-friendly amenities, including a beach playground (Hong Kong’s largest) with climbing frames, slides and swings, even a mini zipline. It’s a hub for community events and increasingly popular with watersports enthusiasts. You’ll find Lantau Boat Club at the far end.

Before heading home, there’s the option to dine al fresco at D’Deck: take your pick from Turkish to Thai – these days there’s even an upmarket fish ‘n’ chip shop right on the seafront.

SILVERMINE BAY BEACH

TAI LONG WAN

Vacation Time! CHASING DRAGONS

Year-round, the world over

DRAGON

BOATING

HAS BEEN PRACTISED FOR OVER 2000

years in southern China, and the Hangzhou Xixi International Dragon Boat Race on June 14 at Xixi National Wetland Park features traditional demonstrations by competitors from across China. As well as races for modern double-skinned fibreglass boats, there are races for “old-style” teak boats that need 30 to 60 people to paddle them.

THERE IS DRAGON BOAT RACING ACROSS THE TERRITORY

in June

(though the Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Gala is held in October).

Dragon boating emerged as an international sport in Hong Kong in 1976, and this year, thousands of the world’s top paddlers are battling it out at the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races off Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade from June 15 to 16.

NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST AND MOST COMPETITIVE

dragon boat festival, the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, takes place at False Creek, Vancouver from June 21 to 23. From small beginnings in 1989, it is now in its 35th year, providing free music and cultural entertainment, as well as world-class racing. Crews are competing from around the world, with paddlers aged from 16 to 80.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

THE ITALIAN DRAGON BOAT FEDERATION

is holding the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) 14th Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna from September 3 to 8. The IDBF was founded in Hong Kong in 1991, and is credited with developing dragon boating into a global modern-day sport that maintains its ancient Chinese traditions.

THE GRUELLING 2,000M PURSUIT RACE

is an annual highlight of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships being held this year at Puerto Princesa in the western Philippines from October 28 to November 4. There are races for men, women, mixed, seniors and juniors over 200m, 250m, 500m and 2,000m. In the 2,000m, two laps of the 500m course are completed incorporating three turns.

THE BIGGEST EVENT OF ITS KIND

in the southern hemisphere, the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival will be held in late January 2025 to coincide with Chinese New Year. Dragon boaters race across Darling Harbour, as spectators look on from Cockle Bay Wharf. In addition to the championship races, there’s a fancy dress race for the six crews that submit the wackiest costume ideas.

HOSTING RACES ACROSS

VICTORIA’S Inner Harbour, the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival runs from August 9 to 11, with up to 80,000 visitors watching from the stands. The event is a Dragon Boat Canada qualifying regatta, and top teams attend from Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Seattle and Portland. Festivalgoers are invited to light a paper lantern come nightfall, with all proceeds from lantern sales going to the BC Cancer Foundation.

7 IMPORTANT HEALTH INSURANCE

TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Neil McCormick, Head of the Insurance Division at Lifestyle Insurance, has the lowdown

If you’d like to receive care at private hospitals or clinics in Hong Kong, you’ll most likely need private health insurance to cover the ever-increasing costs. However, navigating health insurance jargon can be overwhelming. Read the seven most important terms that everyone needs to know:

1. Premium: The premium is the amount that you pay for your coverage. Each insured person’s premium is primarily based on factors such as age, choice of coverage and health conditions.

It’s important to note that premiums are adjusted annually, in line with medical inflation and the performance of the insurer’s portfolio. This will be in addition to any age-related increase, but your own claims will not affect the renewal premium.

2. Deductible: Adding a deductible to your policy is a cost-saving mechanism that is normally optional. This is a fixed amount you agree to pay out of your own pocket for eligible treatment expenses before the insurer will reimburse the remaining expenses.

The level of premium discount will depend on the deductible you choose, with options ranging from US$100 to US$10,000. Usually, this will be applied per person per policy year.

3. Benefit limits: There are three main types of benefit limits:

i The overall annual maximum or headline l imit – the maximum amount the insurer will pay in total for all benefits, for each person cover ed by the policy, in each policy year.

i i. A nnual limits for a group of benefits – the ma ximum amount the insurer will pay in t otal for all the benefits in that group, such as out-patient.

i ii. Individual benefit limits – the maximum amount the insur er will pay for individual benefits, such as physiotherapy

4. Pre-authorisation: This will usually only be required for certain services, such as hospital benefits. Once pre-authorisation has been requested the insurer will determine whether a service is medically necessary and appropriate, including consideration of the need for the proposed level of care and the availability of alternatives.

5. Inpatient: Medically necessary treatment which normally means you must stay in a hospital bed overnight or longer. Some insurers may use a broader term for this benefit, such as hospitalisation and surgery.

6. Outpatient: Treatment provided at a practice/ clinic of a medical practitioner or outpatient department at a hospital that does not require you to be admitted to hospital to stay overnight or as a day-patient to receive treatment.

7. Waiting period: This means that you cannot make a claim for a particular benefit, such as maternity, until you have been covered by the policy for the full duration of the waiting period. Generally, a waiting period will begin at the commencement of your policy if the benefit has been included in your chosen coverage.

While there is a lot to consider when choosing a plan that meets your needs and your budget, with the guidance of a professional insurance broker a tailored solution is only one step away.

DB resident Neil McCormick is Head of the Insurance Division at Lifestyle Insurance, with 15 years of experience advising individuals and families on all types of insurance. Reach out to him at info@lfsinsurance.com for a discussion on your insurance needs, or visit www.lfsinsurance.com.

COOL AS A CUCUMBER

Refresh yourself with these hydrating, low-cal, high-fibre treats – cucumbers are a nutrient-rich food that can help control blood sugar and strengthen bones

BY Nicole Innocenti

CUCUMBER LEMONADE

Serves 6

170g golden granulated sugar

6 large unwaxed lemons

2 medium cucumbers, chopped into cubes

Soda water, for topping up

Mix the sugar with 180ml hot water in a heatproof bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Leave to cool completely. Stir in the juice of the lemons. Cube the cucumbers and tip them into a blender with a splash of water and blitz until liquified. Tip some ice, the sugar-and-lemon mix and the puréed cucumbers into a large pitcher and stir well.

Top up the pitcher with soda water and stir well again, then drop in a few sprigs of rosemary and slices of lemon and cucumber just before serving.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

CUCUMBER, PEA & RADISH SALAD

Serves 8

500g frozen peas

1 large cucumber

300g radish

1 bunch chives

2tbsp mint sauce, from a jar

2tbsp white wine vinegar

2tbsp olive oil

Tip the peas into a bowl, pour over a kettleful of hot water and set aside for 10 minutes. Check the peas are tender, then drain really well and set aside to cool. Halve the cucumber and radish lengthways, then slice.

Just before you are ready to eat, mix in the chopped chives, mint sauce, vinegar and olive oil. Season well and garnish with arugula to serve.

School Camp

Little Farmer Weekend Program

Venue Rental for Partys

Allotment Rental

BBQ & Picnic Rental

will.being.farm.hk wellbeing_farm.hk

Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram #arounddb. You have until the 15th of the month to enter. This is your chance to win four complimentary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar.

We will contact the winner on Instagram #arounddb. Good luck!

WANT TO REACH AN ENGAGED AUDIENCE OF AFFLUENT RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES IN LANTAU?

For 20+ years the Bay Media team has been publishing the original community magazine in Discovery Bay. Around DB is the most trusted source of content for DB residents. From our humble origins we have grown into another two publications, Life on Lantau and Best of Lantau , and a design studio. We have a very active Facebook presence, over 40,000+ visitors to our website every month and provide tailor-made marketing campaigns to reach our unique readership. We are currently offering special advertising packages (both print and digital) 2024.

Discovery Bay Anglican Church

Daughter Church of St John's Cathedral

SKH Wei Lun Primary School, Discovery Bay Road

Sung Eucharist (English) at 10:00am Sundays

Email: dean@stjohnscathedral.org.hk

Web: www.discoverybaychurch.org.hk

Priest in Charge: The Very Revd Kwok-keung Chan

Tel: +852 - 2523 4157

Packing, Moving & Storage Services. Fixed price quote upon onsite survey or choose from the rates below:

Hire a Truck: HK$220/hour. Minimum 3 hours. Short Trips: HK$200 & up.

Hire Movers: HK$120/hour per mover. Minimum 3 hours.

Cartons and Packing Materials:

16x14x14" (Small): HK$12.

23x15x15" (Medium): HK$15. 24x18x16" (Large): HK$18. 36x23x11" (Flat Carton for Hanging Clothes): HK$30. 24x22x47" (Wardrobe Boxes): HK$90.

Plastic Wrap: HK$60/roll.

Packing Paper: HK$160/ream.

Bubble: HK$50/roll.

Packing Tape: HK$8/piece.

Plastic Boxes & Used Cartons can be provided free of charge. (Subject to availability.)

Serves Lantau, DB, Tung Chung and the rest of HK.

(EVERY TUESD

Paks

LOCAL NUMBERS TUNG CHUNG

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot 2988 8282

Tung Chung Fire Station 2988 1898

Tung Chung Police Station 3661 1999

HOME & REPAIRS

Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths 2109 2330

Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman 9343 3718

New Look Design 9783 5840

Papabo 5541 1502

Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488

So Nice Technologies 6206 3497 HOTELS

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong 3602 8888

Regal Airport Hotel 2286 8888

Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0000

The Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery 3602 8989 LEARNING CENTRES

Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8070

Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666

Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538

Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068

Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884

YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 MEDICAL

Bayside Dental 2185 6550

Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396

Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2288 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000

Quality Health Dental 2403 6613

Quality Health Care Medical 2403 6623

REALTORS

3483 5003

REMOVALS & RELOCATION

Akash Moving 2421 8088

Crown Relocations 2636 8399

FTC Relocations 2814 1658

ReloSmart 2561 3030

Rocket Movers 5134 0044

SwiftRelo 2363 4008

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Caribbean Coast Clubhouse 2109 9277

Caribbean Coast Management Office 2109 9288

Coastal Skyline Clubhouse 2179 6678

Coastal Skyline Management Office 2179 6621

Seaview Crescent Clubhouse 3473 8700

Seaview Crescent Management Office 3473 8833

Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse 2403 6770

Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 2109 1222

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY

A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500

Andante, Novotel

Silvermine

Ashville

SOUTH LANTAU

DISCOVERY BAY

Harvey Law Group

International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 24168618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com,

EpicLand

Funfit

La

Discovery Montessori School

A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori bilingual (English & Chinese) education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers. Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

EpicLand

Billed as Hong Kong’s tallest indoor entertainment centre, EpicLand is home to the city's first ‘air trek’, complete with eight sky-high obstacles, trampolines, slides and more. Contact 2441 0098, reception@epiclandhk.com, www.epiclandhk.com

3909

Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724

Rigolo comme la vie 5495 8810

SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608

Treasure House 2987 4217

Woodentots 6108 9131

The Rink Italian Kitchen

ÓNA

Osmanbey

Paisano’s

Pascucci

Pasha

Peony

Pho

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BLONDIE BASHING

Would you risk smoke from the Swifties by saying mean things about their idol? Peter Sherwood says his uncle does – he’s fearless

My uncle Bill in outback Australia is a fan of America’s Got Talent and watches old reruns while hallucinating (without magic mushrooms) to complement his Nobel Prize-winning delusions. He thinks he’s a judge on the show and Taylor Swift is a contestant.

It goes like this: What’s your name, dear? “Taylor.” Seriously? Your family in the clothing business? “It’s Taylor with a ‘y.’” Do you have a surname, Trailer? “It’s Taylor, and yes, it’s Swift.” I don’t care how fast it is. The only Swift I know is Jonathan. Where do you live, kid? “Tennessee.” Bourbon and banjos. You play the banjo? “No, guitar. I write songs and I sing. I want to be a superstar.”

Hey, Trainer, get real. You’ll have to change your name, no one will remember Trailer Quick; how about Dorothy Cowpat, that’s got a good country ring to it. And you’ve never heard of Gulliver’s Travels ? “Can’t I just sing you a song I wrote?” OK, but who are all the blokes behind you dressed as disco queens? They look like gangsters in tights. “My back-up dancers; it’s for a video.” Whatever, get on with it. And what’s with the star-spangled swimsuit? This is not America’s Got Half Naked Talent.

What’s the song? “It’s called Love Story . [She sings.] “Little did I know that you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles, and my daddy said, ‘Stay away from Juliet.’” I gotta tell ya, Trainer… “It’s Taylor!” [She sobs.] I’m not about to jump

on the golden buzzer, kiddo, that was rubbish. If Pavarotti wasn’t so fat he’d spin in his grave. “Oh please!” [Loud blubbering.] And talk about plagiarism. The Shakespeare family will be on the phone to their lawyers.

But I’m nothing if not forgiving. Sing one more of your “original” songs. [She sings Out of the Woods .] Good grief, Trader, you must be kidding! You call these lyrics? Take the chorus: ‘Are we out of the woods yet?’ repeated nine times. ‘Are we in the clear yet?’ Six times. ‘In the clear yet?’ Just twice, whoopee! ‘Good,’ also twice – and more than enough. This is lyrical hiccoughs. Maybe record it to sell to insomniacs. “But everyone [wailing] likes my original songs.” Then they must have coal dust in their ears.

My advice, blossom, get a cleaning job at the Grand Ole Opry, and work your way up. And dump the chorus line. [Screaming, she leaps from the stage and lands on her head.] There yer go, too sensitive and easily offended for show business. Swiftie, gotta learn to shake it off!

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 20+ years. The former head of an international public relations firm, he is the author of 15 books and has written around 400

DON’T MESS WITH THE FANBASE

satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock