Around DB October Issue 2018

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

OCTOBER 2018

Helping kids make the most of expat life How a contractor can create your dream flat

Easy-to-make Halloween treats

PARTY !

Counting down to The BIG Picnic on November 3 ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

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www.discoverymind.edu.hk

Call Us to Book a School Tour

OFFICE 3483 5003

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9331 8141

(S-365384)

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SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG PROPERTIES

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GOLDEN COAST VILLA - CHEUNG SHA 1572’ Net + Rooftop + Garden

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HAM TIN VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Rooftop

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$10.5K 1/F TONG FUK VILLAGE HOUSE 700’ + Balcony

Wonderful village house with rooftop in the heart of Shui Hau. Village house situated in Tong Fuk village. 3 Beds, 1 Bath. Open living/dining 3 Beds, 2 Baths. Open plan living/dining area, great size bedrooms and area with separate kitchen. Living room opens onto a generous balcony. wardrobes. Reverse air cons and just a short walk to a beautiful beach. Great location close to the beach, school, shops and pubic transport.

$35K CHEUNG SHA – LEYBURN VILLAS 990 SQFT + 11 SQFT BAY WINDOW

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Fiber broadband available. Walking distance to beautiful beaches & waterfront restaurants.

$3.9M G/F HAM TIN VILLAGE HOUSE 600 SQFT

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L e t ’ s

FURNITURE

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HOMEWARE

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1/F, 75 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Room 1-2, 3/F, Keen Hung Commercial Building, 80 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 香港灣仔皇后大道東75號1樓 香港灣仔皇后大道東80號三樓301至302室

CONTENTS October 2018

PROFILE David Tolliday Wright

24

IN FOCUS

TALKING POINTS

Getting the most out of expat life

Backstage at The BIG Picnic

RECIPES Halloween treats for October 31

18

SPOTLIGHT Eleanor McColl

20

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

53

DB FACES Community snaps

60

OUT THERE Island life

26

FAMILY MATTERS

34

REGULARS

Tips on renovating DB flats

42

AGENDA 08

DB EVENTS

50

HK HAPPENINGS

54

CLASSIFIEDS

56

PROPERTY

58

LOCAL NUMBERS

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

ON THE COVER 852Blue at The BIG Picnic 2017

To read the cover story, turn to page 42

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

OCTOBER 2018

47

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

Helping kids make the most of expat life How a contractor can create your dream flat

Easy-to-make Halloween treats

PARTY !

Counting down to The BIG Picnic on November 3 ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Rocks

We also publish…

FREE October/ November 2018

2018 / 2019 WIN!

A group SUP session and beach lunch for four at Treasure Island, and a barbecue for two at Le Jardin de Sophie

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email katrina@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email connie@baymedia.com.hk For graphic design, email andrew@baymedia.com.hk Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

Join your community online

HOW REFORESTATION IS BRINGING BACK THE ISLAND’S BIODIVERSITY

WHY PET OWNERSHIP IS BETTER THAN PROZAC WHAT PADDLE SPORTS CAN DO FOR YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS GOALS

Zein Williams

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

MUI WO-BASED ACTIVIST, TEACHER, MOTHER AND RUNNER NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

DB EVENTS

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & SALES ASSISTANT Patricia Jover patricia@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katrina Mercado katrina@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHER Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Kerr Bruce Marsh Suveera Sharma Peter Sherwood Samantha Wong PRINTING Champion Design & Production Company Ltd. Flat D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person.

The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

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www.arounddb.com

TYPHOON MANGKHUT AFTERMATH

Super Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong on September 16, triggering the T10 warning – the highest possible signal. The strong winds caused havoc, knocking down a large number of trees and covering the roads and beaches with all sorts of debris.

DB EVENTS

s t n e v e y t i n u m m o c t n rece IN DISCOVERY BAY

THE HOTTEST

DOLPHIN QUEST

Students from across Lantau joined the Lantau Boat Club and Lantau Island Paddle for a fun day of dolphin watching, SUP-ing and beach cleaning on September 8. Attendees and guests enjoyed an after party at Hemingway’s.

Photos courtesy of Johnny Haines

www.arounddb.com October 2018

9

DB EVENTS

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

Tai Pak Wan was filled with harvest-moon gazing DBers on the night of September 24. Colourful lanterns were on display, and happily most families were considerate of the environment and decided to veto glow sticks.

www.evoqueportraits.com

DC UNIVERSITY FAIR

Students and parents had the opportunity to meet university representatives from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Asia and Europe at the Discovery College University Fair on September 19.

www.evoqueportraits.com

10

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

L A I T N E S S E UPCOMING TO THE COMMUNITY EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

October 2-6

October 6, 13, 20, 27

TO ADOPT A PET through Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188 or head to an Adoption Day in DB Plaza. westsidetheatrereviews.blogspot.com

ADRIFT IN MACAO Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai The Hong Kong Singers, chaired by seven-year DB resident David Benzie, is putting on Adrift in Macao this month. Nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Best Music, the musical is a hilarious parody of classic Film Noir movies, full of quips, puns and shenanigans.

Suitable for those over 13. For tickets, starting at HK$240, visit www.ticketflap.com.

October 6

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm.

For more information, call 2238 3617.

October 6

HAVE YOUR PRELOVED ITEMS COLLECTED Across DB

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

2ndhanditem.wordpress.com

12

Do you have secondhand items – anything from clothes to furniture – to donate to those in need?

Have them collected at your home from 2pm to 4pm, or bring them to the Environmental Toy House collection bins at Brilliance Court, Costa Court and Midvale bus stop. To find out more, WhatsApp Nikki Boot at 9677 6676.

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

Photo courtesy of DBRC

DBRC CHARITY TENNIS CUP Discovery Bay Recreation Club Raise funds to support The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association and Watch Dog Early Education Centre at the 15th Discovery Bay Recreation Club Charity Tennis Cup. Catch 24 teams dress up and battle it out on court, starting at 8am. The event also features a family carnival with games and prizes for kids. For more information, call 2987 7381 or email dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk.

October 14

October 7, 14, 21, 28

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET at DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

ENJOY FREE YOGA FOR HELPERS classes at Yoga Bay, DB North Plaza from 7am to 8am.

To register, visit yogabay.hk.

DBIS SUSTAINABILITY WEEK Discovery Bay International School

PHILOSOPHY OF COLOURS Wong Chuk Hang

DB-based artist Yulia October 15-20 Shautsukova presents her solo exhibition Philosophy of Colours at the Cheer Bell Gallery from 11am to 7pm.

Yulia uses Russian oil painting techniques to create contemporary paintings which invite www.cheerbell.com viewers to explore their inner worlds. Admission is free. For more information and to see more of Yulia’s work, visit www.cheerbell.com.

October 8-12

www.dbis.edu.hk

Discovery Bay International School Sustainability Week kicks off with the Green Walking Bus, which sees students, wearing green, walk to school instead of taking the bus. Students can expect a fun-filled and informative week with plenty of eco activities and talks by guest speakers. To know more, visit www.dbis.edu.hk.

BIG DB COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP Across DB

October 10

October 27

Join DB Green and Plastic Free Seas for a beach cleanup at Sam Pak Wan at 2pm.

Visit www.dbgreen.org.

KIDS IN THE PARK

Siena Park October 27

Photo courtesy of Jonny Haines

The Lantau Island Paddle, with Plastic Free Seas, is encouraging everyone to take part in the Big DB Community Clean-up, a student-led litter collection at beaches, parks and paths across the resort. Adults must accompany children under 10 years. For details, visit lantaupaddle.wixsite.com/lantaupaddle.

Photo by Lorne Christensen

Discovery Bay International Community Church (DBICC) and Discovery Bay Alliance Church (DBAC) are holding their annual Kids in the Park. Families can expect a fun afternoon, with games and activities from 2pm to 5pm. For tickets, priced at HK$20, head to the Alliance Church Centre behind Fusion.

www.arounddb.com October 2018

13

DB EVENTS

DC WHITE NIGHT

NEW in DB

Discovery College October 27

STAR MART

www.starmart.com.hk

www.discovery.edu.hk

At the annual White Night, Discovery College PTA transforms the school grounds into a party venue with delicious food, a fully catered bar, entertainment and music. The party starts at 6pm – attendees are invited to dress in white. For tickets, at HK$500, visit www.ticketingover.com or contact DC PTA on 3969 1069 or pta@dc.edu.hk.

DB BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Discovery College October 28

Star Mart in DB North Plaza offers a wide selection of Indian groceries, herbal soaps, natural cosmetics and Ayurvedic health supplements, as well as international items. Offering products at very reasonable prices, Star Mart also home delivers for a minimum order of HK$200 with no extra charges. To know more, visit www.starmart.com.hk.

EPIC ADVENTURERS

Epic Adventurers playgroup focuses on singing, dancing, social interaction and creative play. Helping children grow and develop their personalities, the classes cost just HK$150 and are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.45am to epiclandhk.com 10.45am, with one hour of free play at EpicLand. To make a booking go to the EpicLand Facebook page or email events@epiclandhk.com.

YOUR OUTSOURCED KITCHEN

Photo by Miriam Safadi

The men’s DB Basketball Tournament Community Health Cup runs from 11am to 6.30pm and is open to spectators. Join the group in promoting healthy living and community cohesion. Players need to enrol by October 2. For more information, visit the LoveTogether DB Facebook page or call 2238 3601.

14

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

youroutsourcedkitchen.com

Packed with healthy and delicious recipes in both English and Tagalog, Maayan Schwartz’ new cookbook, Your Outsourced Kitchen, is now available at Bookazine.

Dishes include citrus sashimi, Mexican quinoa salad and chocolate coconut crisps.

For more information, visit youroutsourcedkitchen.com.

D I S C O V E R Y B AY A L L I A N C E C H U R C H & D I S C O V E R Y B AY I N T E R N AT I O N A L COMMUNITY CHURCH

KIDS IN THE PARK FAMILY FUN AT SIENA PARK

Oct 27

W I T H T I C K ET

S N AC KS & FU N

K IDS A CT I V IT IES & GAM ES

FAC E PA I NT I N G AGES 2

2-5pm

2018

ADM I S SION

- 10

“NON-SCARY HOMEMADE COSTUME CONTEST”

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE ALLIANCE CHURCH - 2987 8136 OR EMAIL : OFFICE@DBICC.ORG

$20 PER TICKET

SPONSORED BY:

DB EVENTS

CONGRATULATIONS NIM SHUE WAN DONATION DRIVE

GAREN ARJUN GURUNG REGALADO

www.evoqueportraits.com

September’s Typhoon Mangkhut caused severe damage in Nim Shue Wan and, in the aftermath, DBers arranged a donation drive and beach clean-up. “DB is a generous and supportive community.

We are very thankful for the generous donations of food, water and other essentials during our time of need,” says Meeta Nayar, one of the coordinators.

Having achieved straight A’s in 12 subjects in his IGCSE exams, Garen Arjun Gurung Regalado, 16, is the toast of his school of four years, YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC). His exceptional results are the best in the school’s history. www.ymcacc.edu.hk

SAVE the DATE KYLE VINCENT IN CONCERT Hemingway’s

November 2

Photo courtesy of Rick Phares

American singer, songwriter, multiinstrumentalist and entertainer Kyle Vincent, aka ‘the crown prince of soft pop,’ is performing for one night only at a special concert event kicking off at 8pm.

Kyle won Best Male Vocalist at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in 2014. For tickets, priced at HK$200 including two drinks, call 2987 8855.

THE BIG PICNIC

DB Plaza & Tai Pak Wan November 3

BOX OF HOPE November 5-9

www.dbis.edu.hk

LANTAU Highlights JAZZ ON THE BEACH Treasure Island, Pui O beach October 6

Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Rocks

Thanks to the support of its loyal sponsors and a new crowdfunding campaign, The BIG Picnic is ready to rock DB again on November 3. To know more, turn to page 42 or visit www.thebigpicnichk.com.

16

Box of Hope is back for its 11th year, pledging to collect a massive 33,000 shoeboxes. All kids need to do is find a box, decorate it and fill it with goodies and essentials for those in need in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. To get involved, visit www.boxofhope.org.

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

www.straitstimes.com

Experience top local musicians Ted Lo, Eugene Pao, Sylvain Gagnon, Andy Garner and Angelita Li playing live on Pui O beach. Treasure Island’s gourmet salads, steaks, sliders and cocktails will be on offer; performances start at 7pm. For tickets, starting at HK$200, visit www.ticketflap.com.

DMR

School of Ballet Est 1984

“Dreams do come true”

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay HK

2987 4338

info@dmr-hk.com - www.dmr-hk.com

SPOTLIGHT

Taking inspiration from her surroundings, DB-based artist Eleanor McColl talks about her 20-year career here in Hong Kong

H

You’ve been teaching art for a number of years now. What do you enjoy about this aspect of your job? If you’re passionate about something, it’s lovely to be able to pass on that enthusiasm. I always enjoy teaching children who love art. I'm lucky to have great students, many of whom have been with me for years. I love seeing them improve and develop their own style. I also enjoy passing on my love of art to my own children, Olive, Arthur and Oscar.

There's always someone with a paint brush in their hand in our apartment!

ow would you describe your artistic style? My work is inspired by my surroundings, so since moving here in 1998 it has had a strong Hong Kong focus. I work with a variety of media from oil and acrylic to collage and photography, and often merge them together on one surface.

What inspires you? I’m interested in capturing small but arresting details that catch my eye; it could be a flash of colour from a dangling piece of washing, the reflection in a shiny building or a mop resting against a rusty peeling door. I find the contrast of blurring and sharp focus fascinating, so I typically use soft-focus techniques which obscure the surrounding scene to reveal pockets of fine detail.

What community initiatives have you been involved in? I was the artist in residence at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) and Bradbury School last year. I really enjoyed working with the children on special projects, as well teaching art as a subject to the DBIS secondary students. It was lovely being a part of the school communities.

Photo by Katrina Mercado

Why is Hong Kong conducive to creating interesting art? For me it’s the contrasts everywhere – the old and new, the shiny and peeling, the rich and poor, the concrete and green. Hong Kong is so compact that all of these elements rub up against each other – the inspiration is endless.

What's next for Eleanor McColl?

I have an exciting year ahead with the launch of new products in my Zodiac range [Eleanor's collection based on the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac] plus the second edition of my book Colour-in Hong Kong. I’m also illustrating a children’s book about colour that I wrote last year and am part of a new business creating beautiful temporary tattoos (wearable art) designed by artists. Aside from that, I will be working on new artwork for the Affordable Art Fair and visiting Hong Kong Academy to work on a big mural project. There’s a lot going on!

You've exhibited at a number of major Hong Kong art shows – what has been your highlight?

Exhibiting for the first time at the Affordable Art Fair six years ago with galleries and artists from all over the world was huge for me. The thrill of showing your work to the public never wears off.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

18

[

[ Centre Stage: Eleanor McColl

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

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GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES!

Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply.

Scan the QR code, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.

Win a place at HK Dragons’ half-term football camp

HK Dragons is offering one child a place at its halfterm camp (worth up to HK$1,200) from October 15 to 19 at the DB North Plaza Community Centre.

HK Dragons Football Club offers football coaching for girls and boys of all abilities from the age of three to 18. Its halfterm camps, running from October 15 to 19, are suitable for Little Dragons (U4 to U5), Junior Dragons (U6 to U8) and Senior Dragons (U9 and up). The camps are themed, and designed to develop technique, improve skills and enable kids to play matches in a fun and safe environment. Each participant receives a certificate at the end of the camp. For more information, visit www.dragons.hk. www.dragons.hk

Win tickets to Geronimo Stilton, Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy MEI LIVE is offering one reader four tickets to see Geronimo Stilton, Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy (worth HK$395 each) at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai on December 1 at 11am.

In this live, multi-media ‘fab-umouse’ adventure, based on the bestselling book series The Kingdom of Photo courtesy of MEI LIVE Fantasy, Geronimo Stilton sets off on a fantastical quest to save the Queen of the Fairies. He walks through seven doors that transport him to different kingdoms, battling witches, mermaids, dragons and pixies to save the day. Running from December 1 to 2; for tickets visit www.hkticketing.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Ada Chan for tickets to KidsFest!2019: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; Sue Whitney and Ingrid Halim for tickets to Waiting for Godot; Shaun Connell, Aleksandra Rodionova, Ivy Luk, Megan Olinger and Lawrence Tan for VIP tickets to the Asia Contemporary Art Show; and Melanie Dale and Stella Phillips for two week’s unlimited classes at Yoga Bay.

OZZIE COZZIE Sale starts October 3rd

RED VELVET DISCOVERY BAY

DB’s Own Online Home Shop

We do custom made Carpets, Furniture and Decorative Lighting & more

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Enquiries: 9462 0352 503 Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane | 17-19 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2810 1356 | Email: info@ozziecozzieco.com

mobile/whatsapp: 90105832 https://www.facebook.com/redvelvetdesignsdiscoverybay/

Visit our Facebook page for products & orders

PROFILE

a life

less

ordinary Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

David Tolliday-Wright may have abandoned Hong Kong Island for Discovery Bay, but that’s as far as the memoirist is going. Elizabeth Kerr reports

I

t’s a dull autumn day in Discovery Bay when David Tolliday-Wright hops, as quickly as his cane will allow, over to greet me at Pacific Coffee. He graciously springs for a cappuccino, while explaining that he’s arthritic, “not so good on the old pins,” anymore. “There’s a fellow at the church who helps me around, and he’s 91!” he declares with a good-natured eye roll.

Now 75 and as ironic as any millennial, David is feeling reflective. He’s spent 53 years in Hong Kong since arriving in 1965, with the exception of three years

to study law in Wales, and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

“I’m very pro-Hong Kong. I’ve been here most of my life. I’m more connected to Hong Kong than my ‘own’ country,” he says.

African patrol Born in Shropshire, near Wales, he and his family moved back to London after the Second World War, and in typical David fashion, he downplays the gumption that brought him to Hong Kong. “I didn’t have much of an education. I was a brewers’ drayman; I was strong as an ox,” he recalls. But to fulfil

a boyhood ambition, he joined the Northern Rhodesia Police when he was 18 and shipped off to Africa.

“My mother told a story,” he says with a smile. “She said I got lost once when I was a kid, in Blackpool.

They found me eventually at the local police station, surrounded by all these Bobbies, and apparently I screamed the place down when they took me away.”

As a young, post-war Brit, David was inspired by a combination of a desire for colonial public service and an old TV show called African Patrol. Filmed on location



Jacqui Green at home in Mui Wo

22

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

David Tolliday-Wright has lived in DB since 2007

in Kenya in 1957, the series relates the adventures of a unit of British police officers based in Nairobi and would, David ruefully admits, “be considered really racist today.”

While with the Northern Rhodesia Police, David helped to keep order in the Copper Belt as decolonisation gathered pace around him, and 1962 saw him policing the very ground on which Dag Hammarskjöld’s plane had crashed so mysteriously the previous year. This was only the first time he found himself occupying a ringside seat in the theatre of world politics.

Law and order After Northern Rhodesia gained independence in 1964, the British police services took David to Hong Kong, where he served with the force until 1980. Along the way he met his wife, Diana (who passed away in 2006) a Hongkonger, and settled down to have a family. In Discovery Bay since 2007, the move suited him at the time, and with his daughter, twin grandsons and granddaughter living next door, it’s just as right now.

David put 19 years into policing, many in the CID, and 30 into

work as a criminal advocate. He pounded the beat during the 1967 riots, where he found himself under machine-gun fire from Maoist mobs during the disturbances at Sha Tau Kok, and in the corruptionplagued 1970s, when Hong Kong was peppered by R&R-seeking American GIs over from Vietnam.

A change of career aged 39 saw David, Diana and their young children moving to Wales where he studied law, just as Hong Kong was preparing for the new political reality of ‘one country, two systems.’ Going back to school after a gap year is hard enough,

www.arounddb.com October 2018



23

PROFILE

but David was motivated. “I had to make a go of it, I had two children, babies, and a wife to support,” he says. “I was determined to study very hard.”

He eventually graduated, and before he could even worry about being a middle-aged man beginning a law career he met Gordon Hampton (of Hampton Winter and Glynn), who he knew from his old policing days. He offered him a job in his chambers back in Hong Kong and David jumped at the chance. His return to Hong Kong got him a good deal of ribbing from cops he knew who were still around. “A lot of the fellas weren’t too happy,” he says. “I was a proper police.”

They got over it.

Grandchild of Empire Given his colourful life, David sat down to write a memoir in 2014, and wound up with the 500page Grandchild of Empire.

“It was published through… not a proper publisher,” he notes, grasping for the name.

Amazon? “Yes, Amazon!” It’s an enlightening and engaging account of the years preceding the final collapse of the British Empire and offers a personal, first-hand recollection of a defining stretch of history – the world’s and Hong Kong’s.

David insists his children (he also has a son living in the US) aren’t terribly interested in his adventures, but his grandkids might be. “I can’t explain why. I was so, so interested in my great uncle George – who fought in the Boer War and the First World War – much more than

in my own uncle or my own father,” he says. “The times were just so different. “[The book is] called Grandchild of Empire because I am. I remember my mother showing me red countries on the globe and saying, ‘That’s ours, that’s ours.’

I’m old-fashioned and I believe

entirely the way the system worked at the time.”

He also recognises the occasionally fraught relationship that has developed between the public and the police lately. “Back in the corrupt old days, there was a distrust.

Caution statements are much better now, and very often corruption came from the top down. The higher-ups wanted results,” he states. “I was always very defensive of the rank and file on the ground. I haven’t noticed an anti-police attitude, but perhaps with the young folks, with this understandable demand for greater freedoms, and the cops siding with the establishment – they have to, they’re the tool of the establishment – things are a little strained.”

He’s still not giving up the SAR, with the exception of the occasional cruise – on a small ship, not a gargantuan ocean liner the size of a small town.

“I go on the ones where the average age is 60. It’s all old farts. You know, you waddle off to lunch, you tiffin, you only unpack once,” he quips. His thrilling travel days are behind him; he’s done his share of David’s memoir Grandchild of Empire came out in 2015 overlanding through Kenya, Sudan, up the Nile and from we did more good than bad, but Kathmandu to London by bus. we’re supposed to be ashamed of it now. It’s popular to say David hauls himself off the everything’s terrible.” bench; it’s time to go pick up the grandkids, like any good, Which is not to say David is some spoiling grandparent. He ponders kind of apologist. Ask him if there is a moment then adds. “I’ve done a downside to colonialism’s legacy few good trips. I got six months and his reply is a quick, “Oh, of every three years when I was in the course. Absolutely. Whatever the police. In six months, you can do system was that I was working quite a lot. I can’t complain.” You for was the wrong system. But it’s can do a lot in 53 years too.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

24

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

COMMENCEMENT OF PRACTICE

IN FOCUS

Renovation works

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of Pete Hymns

Bruce Marsh explores the ins and outs of hiring a contractor and picks up some excellent smallhome design tips along the way

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P

ainting or renovating an apartment is like going out to dinner – you can find a fast-food joint, put a few dollars down and get it over with, or you can go to a chic restaurant and pay a bundle. It all depends on how much time, effort and money you want to spend.

Regardless of the scale of your project, you can opt either to hire an interior designer, or work with a

contractor. The latter is usually the cheaper option and will potentially give you a bigger say in the outcome.

Alternatively, of course, you might find that all your home needs is a fresh lick of paint, perhaps some vibrantly coloured statement walls, to transform it totally.

Choosing a contractor Tom Warren and Vicki Yu have just renovated their flat in Neo Horizon,

August 2018 www.arounddb.com

with the help of DB-based contractor Steve Donovan of Trimco HK. “We requested quite a few quotations from various different contractors but Steve’s quote was the most reasonable,” says Vicki.

“We had also hired Steve to carry out work at our previous apartment and were very happy with the completed job. In addition, we knew that Steve and his team had a lot of experience carrying out

Steve Donovan of Trimco HK

if he’s knowledgeable about the work you want done, and whether you establish an immediate rapport. It’s essential that you communicate well.

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s also advisable to discuss costs and the time schedule. To enable a contactor to stick to completion date and budget, you’ll need to have a clear plan as to what you would like achieved from the get-go.

Tom Warren and Vicki Yu in their newly renovated DB home

renovation projects in DB, so the decision was made.”

Generally speaking, the best way to find a reliable contractor is via a referral from a friend. Note too, that even with a referral, it’s always worth visiting a home that the contractor has renovated so as to inspect the work.

When you sit down with a potential contractor, you’ll be able to see

Once the project is underway, it's crucial that you stay in constant communication with your contractor. As Tom and Vicki explain, “We met face-to-face with Steve and his team throughout the process and we were regularly updated about progress, and about any unexpected or new issues that needed addressing.”

It’s also important to note that on completion, you can expect a thorough follow-up service. The contractor should be on hand to deal with any items or areas that needed tweaking.

The fine print Living in DB, there are obvious benefits to working with a DBbased contractor, or at least

one who is familiar with the City Management Rules and Regulation Manual. There are a number of DB-specific rules to keep in mind, relating to decoration and alteration work. For instance, work may only be carried out between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday – no work is permitted on Saturdays or Sundays.

Additionally, before starting work, details and plans of all the proposed renovations must be submitted to City Management for approval. A refundable ‘decoration deposit’ is also payable to City Management before work starts.

For security reasons, owners must ensure that all workers employed on decoration and alteration work hold permits issued by City Management. For safety reasons, owners are advised to employ only licensed electricians and plumbers.

Additionally, owners must ensure that their contractors have secured all the necessary insurance including workman’s compensation and third-party liability.

Stretching out the space With any home renovation, the whole point is that you end up 

www.arounddb.com October 2018

27

IN FOCUS

In seeking to be hands-on with their home renovation, Vicki and Tom both value the way Steve encouraged them to choose their own materials. “Steve gave us a tiling company to visit so we could choose our own tiles to blend with our design ideas,” Vicki says.

A splash of colour While a white-on-white minimal decor works beautifully in smallsized DB apartments, making them seem larger and improving the flow of natural light, it isn’t the only way to go.

DB-based contractor Pete Hymns, aka Pete the Painter, specialises in creative painting and plaster effects both indoors and out – and he’s all about colour and texture.

blinds to blend well with our chosen paint colour and be practical,” notes Vicki.

“I'm not a big fan of plain white walls and ceilings; all my walls and ceilings at home are different shades of blue and my bedroom ceiling resembles the sky – shades of blue and white clouds – which is very calming,” Pete says. “I often suggest this design of painting to clients especially for children's rooms, as it's easy on the eyes. They can lie there looking up at the sky.

With the apartment requiring few structural changes, Steve was able to focus on upgrading the bathrooms and kitchen. “Many apartments in DB have small kitchens, so it's important to have a light colour paint and bright, well-designed kitchen units, the same applies to bathroom renovations,” he says.

“I like to create different finishes using plaster and paint, naturally I always insist that the customer chooses the colour/ colours,” Pete continues. “I will then make samples from this and suggest designs, after which they make the final decision before I start the work. I love to use and combine different colours.”

Pete Hymns aka Pete the Painter

with the look you want. Be sure to listen to your contractor about the practicalities, and value his input for the best results.

For Vicki and Tom, the main priority was to make their apartment feel bigger, brighter and more modern.

Steve was quick to install new ceiling fans and air-conditioning units, and he advised on a light colour scheme throughout, boosted by new energy-saving LED lights, which are much brighter than the old incandescent lights.

The bedroom and living area have both benefited from dramatic, ultra-modern blinds, which frame the space beautifully and maximise light flow. “We wanted the rooms to be as light as possible, and for the

One of Pete’s powerful statement walls

FIND IT • •

Pete Hymns – Pete the Painter, peterhymns@hotmail.com, 9643 5175 Steve Donovan – Trimco HK, trimcohk@gmail.com, 6149 0894

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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October 2018 www.arounddb.com

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An arts education for life

Photos courtesy of Stamford American International School Hong Kong

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sk any teacher at Stamford American International School Hong Kong and they will all agree that their key aim is to instil an enthusiasm for lifelong learning in every student and equip them with the necessary skills for a happy, successful future.

A fundamental part of the school’s strategy in achieving this is the holistic approach it offers to education, balancing core academic learning with specialist subjects such as the arts.

At Stamford, drama, music and art are taught weekly, beginning at age five and continuing all the way through to Grade 8, with lessons designed to not only impart theoretical knowledge but also provide practical opportunities for self-discovery.

“Children need to be able to express themselves,” explains head of arts Tina BatchelderSchwab. “We spend a lot of time helping them to do that, whether through drawing, painting, taking part in a play or learning a musical instrument; we provide a safe environment where they can find their voice.”

Originally from the USA, Tina moved to Hong Kong in 2017 after a three-year stint at Stamford American International School Singapore, bringing with her 24 years of arts education experience.

“I’ve been interested in music and the arts from a young age,” says Tina. “It was always going to be a part of my life. I was lucky to be inspired by really great teachers as a child. It didn’t matter where you came from; they believed that everyone was entitled to

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

have a great experience in music education. That has carried with me into my daily teaching, and I aim to bring the same energy and positivity to my own students.”

Tina’s teaching team shares the same ethos. “There are seven teachers in the arts department,” she explains, “all of whom are extremely hard working. They really care about the students, and they give everything to ensure that they receive the highest possible standard of arts education. I feel very lucky to head up this group of dedicated, giving people.”

Having opened in August 2017, Stamford is now entering its second year as an international school in Hong Kong, and Tina is excited to be building on the incredible start that the arts department got off to last year.

“We built a comprehensive programme based on the needs of our population here in Hong Kong, including concerts, workshops with visiting artists and field trips to the theatre,” she continues.

“We also launched co-curricular activities (CCA) including private instrument lessons, which have been extremely popular.”

Other highlights from last year include stand-out performances from both students and staff in some impressive drama and musical productions.

“Our biggest production last year was Annie,” says Tina. “It brought the entire school community together, with both performances full. That to me was a sign of the wonderful community spirit here at Stamford. When you have parents coming to see a show whether their child is in it or not, you know you have a great community.

“The kids did a great job too. For many, it was their first experience of being in a musical. To see students who have never done this before be brave enough to put themselves out there was incredible. It was such a step forward from where they started last September. Being an international school, we have a number of students who are still learning English. To watch them

stand up there and speak lines clearly and with confidence, to know and understand exactly what they were saying – that is truly inspiring.”

Building confidence in her students is something Tina sees as vital in her role as an educator, and one in which the arts plays a crucial part.

“Arts lessons offer a level playing field for students,” she remarks.

“Every child can participate, no matter what their ability level is.

Everyone can pick up a paint brush, everyone can express using mime; we provide students with a place they can feel comfortable to take risks.

“Group work is important too, as well as inquiry-based learning.

Whether working together in a drama class or as part of a musical ensemble, we help students think outside of themselves as an individual and teach them how to interact with other people. That’s a really important part of development and something that the children can take with them to their other lessons.

But it actually goes further than that – these are key skills for life beyond school. We’re preparing children for their future.”

Head of arts, Tina Batchelder-Schwab

The strategy certainly seems to be working, and Tina says the children are all eagerly awaiting news of this year’s big production.

“I don’t know what it will be yet,” she says with a grin. “But I already have children asking when they can audition. We’ve also seen huge growth in our CCA signups, so much so that we’ve had to add even more classes to the schedule.”

In closing, Tina says that a major element of Stamford’s success in the arts is down to the support the management team shows to its staff. “If we need an instrument or equipment for The Arena [the school’s impressive performance area], we can get it. We feel very supported in being able to provide our students with the tools they need to learn. We all work as a team to nurture their talents and help them be the best that they can be.”

To find out more about arts education at Stamford, visit www.sais.edu.hk

www.arounddb.com October 2018

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SPONSORED CONTENT

KAPUHALA

where sport, wellness and community come together

J

oin in a class at Kapuhala Train-in-Space in DB North Plaza and it very quickly becomes clear that this isn’t your average gym. Launched in April 2018, Kapuhala’s mission is to offer its clients a holistic approach to sport and wellness, covering everything from fitness to nutrition in a welcoming, social environment.

“Kapuhala Train-in-Space has created a community centred around the idea of using movement to give power to society,” explains co-owner Crystal Lee. “People come and work out, they feel happy, they chat after class and they take away with them nutritious food, including organic local veggies delivered weekly from the New Territories.

Photos courtesy of Kapuhala

“Kapuhala is more than just a gym – we work on physical strength with top-notch instructors, and we work on the happiness of our people and those around us through charity programmes. We move, jump, run, burn calories, eat nutritious food and redistribute to society.

The more we move, the more we give back – it’s a pretty unique set up!”

Workouts on offer at Kapuhala include boot camps, boxing, Spin, Spartan training and the everpopular Les Mills programmes. But while the Kapuhala concept might have started here in DB, its reach now goes much further, with new retreats in Koh Samui and Sicily offering athletes and those aspiring

to improve their overall wellness a haven to work out while recharging mind, body and soul.

“The Kapuhala retreats are Train-in-Farms, where guests can ‘shake their life’ while on holiday,” says Crystal. “We combine sport, nutrition and education in beautiful surroundings, where we grow our own food and support the local communities through a solid charity programme.”

A great option for anyone wanting to get away from the stresses of the city, the Train-in-Farms are completely family friendly, and young guests are sure to delight in picking their own vegetables as well as enjoying a few workouts with mummy and daddy.

“At Kapuhala, we believe that family is the core of society, the basis of the wider community,” says Crystal, “and sport is a great connector for that. All of our guests, both young and old, can join in and become aspiring warriors – athletes who are not just strong physically but also spiritually.”

And it’s this concept of ‘warriors for good’ that is at the heart of Kapuhala, with every person committed to the ‘Burn, Build, Fix’ approach: Burn, in terms of calories plus the desire to make the world a better place; Build, both muscles and spirit; and Fix, whether that’s injuries, the soul or society in general.

This sense of responsibility to society is demonstrated through the Kapuhala commitment to share profits with good causes. At the end of each year, dependant on reinvestment needs, anywhere between 20 and 100% of profits are donated to charity. “This might sound like a lot, but it’s the way we make sure that we walk our talk,” says Crystal.

And with new programmes being launched in January, clients can look forward to even more opportunities to get involved, get fit and make a difference, to be part of something bigger… a growing tribe of warriors for good.

To find out more, visit www.kapuhalaspace.com

www.arounddb.com October 2018

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FAMILY MATTERS

Caption

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Arthur and Stephanie Stiernon with Édouard and Margaux

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Anne Murphy Cohen with her daughter Arielle

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

New horizons When change is the only constant, how do we help kids reap the benefits of expat life?

Suveera Sharma reports

L

ooking out of the window staring at the South China Sea and the lights of the city at a distance, slowly falling asleep to the sounds of the waves, I think, “What’s not to love?”

Hong Kong, specifically Discovery Bay, is now home.

Most of us in DB are living the expat dream. We live in an exotic location, boasting great views and all the first-world facilities, added to which there’s the secure environment that the resort provides. However, there is a non-glamourous aspect of expat life which is just as real.

Moving to a new place, with a new culture, new people and new challenges, is not always a smooth transition. It involves expanding your comfort zone, starting afresh and undertaking new projects.

The challenge is not limited to newcomers. Hong Kong is a very transient place. It changes frequently even for people who have lived here for years and made it their home. In an expat community, with people constantly moving out, and new ones coming in, forming lasting friendships and deep connections can be difficult. It is a harsh reality of expat life – nothing ever stays the same. This can be very traumatic, particularly for children.

Moving to a new city, or even a new school within the city, or experiencing a dear friend moving away is often a child’s first realisation of how unpredictable and temporary life can be. So, how do we make these transitions easier, a bit more worry-free and smooth?

School selection Children spend a large part of their day at school, hence it is essential that they feel happy and settled there. Once a child is happy in school, half the battle is won.

As the director of ITS Education Asia, Anne Murphy Cohen assists families in finding the ‘right’ school placements. Speaking of the anxiety parents and children experience when relocating and looking for a new school, she says: “My term for this is ‘educational anxiety.’ Families are constantly stressed. Recently, I had a conversation with a dad who said to me, “Anne, choosing a new school for my child has been more stressful than buying our family home back in Scotland.”

One of the reasons for this is that waitlists at international schools have inflated exponentially in the past few years. Parents are so nervous their children will miss out on the right placement that many have put their names down at multiple schools, to hedge their bets.

One has to realise that choices are often a compromise, Anne advises. “How a child will succeed at school ultimately rests with how we as parents interact with their education,” she adds. “Both the things they do at school, and the environment at home, are equally important.”

The role of the school Stephanie Stiernon, who has recently moved to DB with her family,

agrees that a good school can play a big role in helping children deal with change: “When we moved from Switzerland, my eldest son Arthur, 7, could not speak much English at all. The inclusion department at Discovery Bay International School really helped by providing lessons at his pace and slowly inching him towards fluency. The teachers were very supportive and positive.”

Anne points out that international schools are particularly wellequipped to accommodate newcomers because there is always a steady flow of expats coming in and out. “Such schools usually have a support system in place,” she says. “For example, teachers are assigned to welcome new students and provide support, there are celebrations geared towards international families, and even buddy systems, where a senior student is assigned as a buddy for the new child.”

Natalie Regazzonia, the owner of DB playgroup Woodentots, sees on a regular basis how kids deal with change. “Younger kids take less time [to adapt], when they move to a new school or when a friend moves away. They do remember their friends, but since they do not have a very strong concept of time, they adjust fast and are more flexible.

However, as they grow older, you start to see more resistance to new schools, and hence more complaints.”

Natalie recently moved her 10-yearold son Charlie to a new school [Hong Kong International Learning 

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35

FAMILY MATTERS

Charlie and Natalie Regazzonia

Academy], which was challenging for the whole family. “There was dissent every day initially,” she says.

“It sometimes still is a challenge to motivate him to go to school each morning. But the good part is that it is improving. It gets better with time. As Charlie makes new friends and gets comfortable, it is slowly becoming easier.”

Getting involved in local life Many people choose to live in DB for its family-friendly vibe and tranquil environment, and newcomers need not be shy about getting involved in local life. It’s important for parents to be relaxed about the new situation – if they show confidence, children sense it and take it on.

“Take your kids to the playground, go to the common places where people hangout, take the club memberships,” Stephanie advises.

“I remember that I made my very first friend at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club pool. Introduce your kids to different activities and encourage them to make new friends. They need to have a sense of belonging. As soon as children

feel included, they will relax and grow. Enrol in sports and other activities as a family. It really helps in making new friends and adjusting and fitting in.”

With this in mind, Natalie stresses how important it is to arrange plenty of playdates when children are in a new place. “It gives them an opportunity to make new friends,” she says. “Encourage them to have a close group of friends but then also branch out into other groups.”

Anne agrees. “Children are more adaptable than we think. Once they start school and get into the swing of a new routine and a new learning environment, all the rest will follow. They become more comfortable and at ease, and before you know it, they have

made a new best friend. “ Natalie’s final word of advice is to try and provide a constant in the child’s life, be that a trusted adult mentor, who can counsel and guide without judging, or a sibling. “Encourage your child to have a strong bond with his/ her siblings,” she stresses.

“Siblings provide stability and support at home when it might be missing outside.”

What’s important is that the whole family enjoys the process of adjustment, by going with the flow rather than overthinking or obsessing. It’s true that if we embrace hardships and keep going, things fall into place. As history has shown, many new destinations are discovered after getting lost.

FIND IT • • • •

ITS Education Asia, www.itseducation.asia Hong Kong International Learning Academy, www.studyhkila.com Discovery Bay International School, www.dbis.edu.hk Woodentots, Woodentots DB Facebook page

Find more family-oriented stories @ www.arounddb.com

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October 2018 www.arounddb.com

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Photos courtesy of DMS

taff from the Discovery Montessori Schools in DB and Central explain how the Montessori method of education develops well-rounded children with a love for learning in a holistic way

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Te l l u s a l i t t l e a b o u t y o u r campuses and classrooms?

The Discovery Montessori Schools (DMS) in DB and Central, and Discovery Montessori Academy (DMA) in DB offer up purposeful, spacious and bright classrooms that welcome students to class each day. From the seafront in DB and the convenient location of Central, our schools promote a peaceful atmosphere and an appreciation for the natural environment. In the classrooms’ prepared environment, living plants and animals, insect models, rocks and fossils are subjects for children to explore and learn. They learn about the creation of the world, the history of life, and evolution in a timeline. Dr Christie Leung, School Supervisor, DMS & DMA.

How would you describe the Montessori curriculum?

We offer a rigorous academic curriculum, including the common subject areas such as maths, language and culture, as well as history, geography, geometry and science. All subjects are presented through an integrated approach so that distinct strands of the curriculum come together. This approach shows the interrelatedness of all things and motivates students to become great observers and scholars. DMS is a member of the Montessori Schools Association (UK) offering a Montessori Preschool (Years 1-6) Curriculum, and DMA is an IB PYP candidate school offering a Montessori Elementary (Years 6-12) Curriculum. Dr Christie Leung, School Supervisor, DMS & DMA. Can you outline the Montessori teaching experience?

All our teachers are certified AMI, MCI, MACTE teachers who have undergone extensive Montessori training, which provides them

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

ERY MONTESSORI ACADE COV MY DIS

DMA

with specific skills to help assist each child to reach his/ her full potential. The teaching experience is over 12 years on average. Our teachers begin in a well-prepared environment, and customise it to create an atmosphere of freedom which allows children to make choices, as well as learn to selfcorrect. Mixed-age group classes encourage children to learn from each other, and the teacher is able to work with smaller focused groups with a low 1:10 teacher student ratio. The teachers model values necessary for a peaceful environment, namely respect, kindness, compassion and acceptance of diversity. Our mission is to help each child develop independence, internal motivation, self-discipline, creativity, selfesteem and a love of learning, as well as strong social responsibility.

Gloria Law, Principal and Marsida Gostivari, Vice Principal, DMS. How do the schools equip students for later life?

There is true freedom within

Find out more at OPEN DAY • Attend the DMA DB Open Day (Ages 6-12) on November 3 from 10am to 12am, contact 2812 9668, primary@dms.edu.hk • Attend the DMS DB Open Day (Ages 1-6) on November 10 from 10am to 12am, contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk • Visit discoverymontessorihk Facebook page or www.dms.edu.hk

limits in a Montessori classroom that encourages children to take responsibility for their learning at a very young age. Freedom and independence fosters a strong confidence in the children and also a love of learning. Through group projects in mixed-aged classrooms, the students learn how to work well with others and how to be mentors. Our Montessorians draw their motivation and sense of self-worth from a job well done.

Because they are not in competition with one another, there is a strong sense of community in the classroom. It really is beautiful to witness. Aimee Rochon, Elementary Directress, DMA. How do Montessori teachers assess children’s progress and what tools do they use?

In the Montessori environment teachers work together with children to drive the curriculum.

While we follow a rich scope and sequence for teaching across the content areas, we are also constantly assessing and observing. Children are assessed through the Montessori teacher’s daily observations to ensure they

excel beyond the benchmark. This assessment is an ongoing process, with daily monitoring to check for mastery and understanding.

Examples of the children’s work give a good indication of progress made and where special attention is needed. Assessments are presented in the form of portfolios, written observations and narratives of our observations of the child. Veena Gupta, Casa Directress, DMA. What additional activities are offered at DMS and DMA? DMS and DMA offer a true bilingual immersion in Mandarin, with a Mandarin teacher present during each three-hour work cycle. The Chinese curriculum is enriched with activities that support children in all aspects of the programme. At DMS and DMA we also offer children a range of extracurricular activities, such as Girl Guides, creative language and creative movement, outdoor sports, mindfulness and yoga classes. These activities promote excellent social interaction in the Montessori environment.

Tammy Chan, Principal, DMA.

FUN FACTS… FAMOUS MONTESSORIANS

• Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Founders of Google) • Jeff Bezos (Founder of Amazon) • Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Nobel Prize winner for Literature) • Anne Frank (World War II diarist) • Prince William and Prince Harry

MONTESSORI TERMS

• P repared environment: A well thought out classroom designed with the child in mind • Three-hour work cycle: Three hours of open, uninterrupted time in which children choose independent work, to become deeply engaged, and repeat to their own satisfaction • Grace and courtesy: Little lessons which demonstrate positive social behaviour • Freedom within limits: Children move freely around the classroom, and choose their own work within limits of appropriate behaviour, i.e. respect for oneself, others and the environment

www.arounddb.com October 2018

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Star Mart : Helping DBers live a healthier life

S

ince opening in DB North Plaza in June, Star Mart has proven to be a popular addition to DB’s grocery scene, offering a wide variety of healthy and natural food and beauty products. Star Mart general manager Samuel Pou explains how the store is helping clients eat wisely and live well.

What does Star Mart offer and how is it different from other grocery and health stores in Hong Kong?

Star Mart features a wide range of Indian fruits and vegetables, plus snacks, ready-to-eat dishes, basmati rice, flours and numerous spices.

In addition to cooking ingredients, we also sell Indian herbal soaps, natural cosmetics, Ayurvedic health supplements and oils. Although international items are not our main focus, we keep a regular stock of products in demand such as milk and yoghurt. All our products are sold at very reasonable prices, and we offer free home delivery within 24 hours for purchases of HK$200 or more.

Photos courtesy of Star Mart

You are big advocates of an Ayurvedic lifestyle – what does this mean? Ayurveda is an ancient Indian art of natural healing, focusing on the relationship between mind and body. This science of life helps people stay vibrant and healthy while fulfilling their full potential. A key aspect of Ayurveda is the importance of food for good health and a sense of wellbeing. This is where Ayurvedic cooking and Star Mart comes in.

What is Ayurvedic cooking? In order to help balance the bodily constitution, one must look at the ingredients used and the style of cooking. Recipes using certain herbs and spices can give varying benefits, depending on the individual’s

Ayurvedic body type – vata, pitta or kapha. An Ayurvedic diet can help to improve digestion, promote weight loss and maintenance, boost your mood, increase immunity and lead to less fatigue.

How do the spices that Star Mart sells benefit health? One of the most popular spices we sell is turmeric powder, which has antiinflammatory properties. This can help people suffering from arthritis and can also be used to help fight stomach and liver ailments. Another commonly used spice offering health benefits is cumin, which can be used to counter diarrhoea, flatulence and colic. Cinnamon is good for regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol, while chilli powder can help boost energy production, red blood cell formation and is also good for the hair and skin.

How are you bringing the Ayurvedic lifestyle to DB? Star Mart offers lots of products geared towards helping customers adopt an Ayurvedic lifestyle. We encourage our customers to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, to incorporate a variety of herbs and spices into their menu and to develop new daily regimens supporting body and beauty care.

We steer clear of products with chemicals and harmful ingredients to promote a healthier and safer lifestyle for the DB community. By leading an Ayurvedic lifestyle, we can maximise our full potential.

Star Mart has shops across Hong Kong – in DB, Aberdeen, Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui, as well as a branch in Macau.

Its DB store is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 8.30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

Visit the shop at G15, G/F, DB North Plaza. To browse Star Mart’s products and discover a range of Ayurvedic recipes, visit www.starmart.com.hk.

www.arounddb.com October 2018

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BIG FU

TALKING POINTS

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of Hong Kong Rocks

BIG FUN!

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Anticipation is mounting for The BIG Picnic on November 3.

Samantha Wong finds out which bands will be rocking the four stages, and how crowdfunding helped save the day

T

he organisers of The BIG Picnic (TBP) – Nick Flavell, Mona GadallaCarter, Carla Acepcion, Heidi Frances, Luke Smith, Duncan Nott, Steve Turner and Kevin and Rebecca Higgins – are expecting another 10,000-strong crowd to show up in Discovery Bay on November 3, for what is rightly billed Hong Kong’s Biggest Community Music & Dance Festival. Punters are invited to experience live and original performances from Hong Kong’s best and rising talent, plus multiple special community events.

The action is again focused on four stages – the Main Beach Stage and Acoustic/ DJ Beach Stage at Tai

Pak Wan, and at DB Plaza, the Main Plaza Stage and Dance Stage.

Festival culture TBP evolved from Picnic in the Park (held in Siena Park), and the new beach-plaza format has been a massive success since the getgo, attracting festival-goers from across Hong Kong in addition to the diehard DB contingent.

“We started to see interest from the wider Hong Kong community back in 2016, and this has grown quickly, in part because of the location change,” says Nick. “Now we have more space for both eventgoers and performers, and we’re

September 2018 www.arounddb.com

ivals, TBP is a Like all the best music fest lts blast for kids as well as adu

really accessible whether by ferry or MTR. Last year, we drew a huge crowd from all over Hong Kong. It’s a proper festival now.”

In opening TBP up to a wider audience, the plan has been to provide a total festival experience – something like a Cochenella or Glastonbury, albeit on a smaller scale. You step straight off the bus or ferry into a Monterrey Jazz-y plaza, which hums with the hustleand-bustle of 80+ Handmade Hong Kong market stalls, two stages and a special activity zone dedicated to kids from toddlers to tweens.

Since many festival-goers make a whole day of it, and need more

UN!

many this year,” Nick says. “People familiar with the Hong Kong music scene are going to enjoy seeing The Privateers, Huckleberry Friend, Jack Rabbit Slim and The Taken playing at TBP this year.”

That’s not to say TBP 2018 is short on DB-based bands. Community favourites already on the lineup include Grounded, 852Blue, Benzine, The Jay Walkers, Rebellion and Helium3. “We also have a couple of new DB bands, like Shum Kin Mansion, performing for the first time,” says Nick.

Thanks to the calibre of its performers, TBP is well on the way to establishing itself as the more

“We’ve been looking for the best live music Hong Kong has to offer, with applications limited to actively gigging bands,” Luke says. “This year, we had over 60 applicants for 30 slots, so we focused not just on vocals and instrumentation but also on the wow-factor – bands need to be interesting to watch.”

The Main Beach Stage features the more established, stadiumstyle bands and is complemented by the Acoustic/ DJ Beach Stage, where you can catch laidback sets between main stage acts. The Main Plaza Stage, meanwhile, is where you’ll find the party bands, playing alternative and/ or original music. It’s also home to the Discovery College

852Blue started rockin’ DB at Picnic in the Park

than a homemade picnic to keep them going, providing plenty of food options has been another priority for the organisers. “In addition to all the D-Deck restaurants, there are multiple pop-up dining facilities,” says Nick.

“This year, Pizza Express and Golden Pig are among the food tents setting up on the beach. Yardley Brothers is also making us a special craft beer for the festival.”

Bayside boogie Just as 2017 saw an increase in attendees from wider Hong Kong, the bands performing were no longer exclusively homegrown. Widening the net allows the organisers to put on an even wilder show. “We had five non-Lantau bands playing last year, and we expect at least as

Hong Kong-side band The Taken are

accessible, less alternative cousin of Clockenflap (Hong Kong’s highest profile festival weekend, which kicks off on November 9 this year), and this is largely due to Carla and Luke’s stringent auditioning process. If you want to perform at TBP you need stage presence as well as talent, and you need to be an established working band.

ready to rock

and Discovery Bay International School bands, and this year’s YRock contingent of talented teen musicians.

The Dance Stage in DB Plaza hosts the hugely popular community acts put on by local studios and clubs.

“This year, we have talented troupes from AERO Kids, A.T. DanceSport

www.arounddb.com October 2018

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43

TALKING POINTS

Unsung Heroes are playing on the Acoustic/ DJ Beach Stage this year

Academy, Bollywood Divas, DMR School of Ballet, Dance for Joy, Embody, Future Stars Dance Academy, Island Dance, McDermot School of Irish Dance, The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio and the like,” says Carla. “Some of the studios will also be giving demonstrations.”

There’s no getting round the fact that putting on TBP costs a huge amount of money – try over half a million dollars – and this year, getting sponsors has been tough. “It’s like there’s a wall between Hong Kong and DB and we can’t break it down,”

People don't expect to pay nothing for an all-day event like this

Backstage business So that’s what’s we can look forward to on November 3, thanks to both the TBP sponsors and the successful crowdfunding campaign introduced this year for the first time.

“TBP has got some great sponsors,” says Mona. “Thanks go to Hong Kong Resort International, RMD Kwikform, Mainstay Asia, Bay Media, Stamford American International School Hong Kong, The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio, Glow Spa & Salon, Yardley Brothers, BeatingHeart, Future Stars Dance Academy, DMR School of Ballet, Hemingway’s, Island Dance, Pyjama HK, The Wanch, Island Health and Uncle Russ.

“But this year, now that TBP has expanded, we’ve also had to raise HK$100,000 by crowdfunding. If people contribute over HK$150, they’re entitled to a wristband on the day, which will give them access to both the beach and plaza stages.

To order a wristband in advance, go to Ticketflap; to donate direct before October 3, go to our Facebook, Instagram or webpage.

says Nick. “But we’ve been doing our very best to push the reality that the wide festival-goer demographic puts TBP right in the sweet spot of corporate sponsorship.”

The TBP team also acknowledges the willingness of the community to help fund the event. “People don’t expect to pay nothing for an all-day event like this,” Mona says. “In 2016, we introduced an optional wristband policy to help us cover costs; this year, we really need everybody to buy one – we don’t want to restrict

FIND IT

access to the event but if we don’t get enough support it may very well be the last picnic.”

Like its predecessor, TBP operates on a not-for-profit basis. “We are all volunteers with day jobs,” explains Nick. “In the same altruistic spirt, all the acts perform for free. No one makes any money out of the event, except our charities.”

This year, 50% of profits raised through wristband sales will be split between homegrown eco-charity Plastic Free Seas and Bethune House, a Hong Kong-based charity which gives emergency shelter to distressed domestic workers.

“Bethune provides a safe haven for the women as they process their legal cases against former employers, often with claims of illegal and abusive practices,” says Mona. “During this time, they are forbidden by Hong Kong law to have employment.”

Purchasing a wristband is an easy way to contribute, plus it entitles festival-goers to perks like discounts on beer, food, some market goods and merchandise.

Here’s looking forward to a really big day (and night) out. Roll on November 3!

The BIG Picnic, thebigpicnichk.com, The BIG Picnic HK Facebook page, Instagram: thebigpicnichk

Find The BIG Picnic 2018 pull-out programme in our November issue

44

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

Who am I? KayeKaye Khemlani, a native English speaker with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

My thoughts: I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. Besides work, we need to consider: Mandatory insurances required by HK Government 1. Domestic Helper insurance (eg FWD) for all helpers including those living at the Marina 2. Office Package Employee Compensation (eg AXA and MSIG) 3. Home owner insurance and public liability (eg AXA and MSIG) 4. Houseboat cover (eg FWD, Generali) and public liability 5. Home renters (eg AXA and MSIG) 6. Medical insurance (individual or group) including high-end expat medical covers such as IHI, A+, AETNA and BUPA 7. Life insurance (eg Trans-America, Sunlife, Standard Life) 8. Automobile coverage (eg Zurich and Liberty)

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RECIPES

Witch’s brew and candy corn!

Get ready for a wickedly indulgent October 31

Witch’s Brew Serves 1

• 1 pumpkin • 1 tsp honey • 1 oz fresh lemon juice • 2 oz bourbon • ⅛ tsp fresh ginger, ground • ⅛ tsp cinnamon, ground • 3 oz ginger beer

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds and stringy fibres, and discard the innards. Peel, and cut into small cubes. Place in a pan of boiling water and cook until tender. Purée down to a liquid and leave to cool. Next, place 1 ounce of pumpkin purée, the honey, lemon juice, bourbon, ginger and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain over ice into a whisky glass. Stir in the ginger beer, and garnish with a  cinnamon stick or jellied sweets.

www.arounddb.com October 2018

47

RECIPES

Candy Corn Makes 25

• 3½ oz granulated sugar • 3½ oz light corn syrup • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 4½ oz icing sugar • ½ oz powdered milk • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 3 drops each yellow and orange food colouring Combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup and ½ a tablespoon of water in a saucepan. Cover and cook for 4 minutes. Add the butter, and bring the sugar syrup to 110ºC. Remove from the heat. Combine the icing sugar, powdered milk, sugar syrup and vanilla extract, stirring to form a dough. Once cool, divide into 3 equal pieces. Add 3 drops of yellow food colouring to one piece and knead well, add orange colouring to the second and leave the third white. Roll each piece of dough into a strand about 18 inches long. Cut each strand in half and roll each piece into a strand that is about ½-inch thick and 22 inches long. Lay the strands side by side and press them together. Cut into 4-inch pieces. Then, press each piece into a wedge, keeping the orange section wide and making the white part come to a tip. Cut each wedge into individual candies.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

48

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

AWESOME BAMBOO SOCKS ANKLE

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What’s more, we’re 100% committed to the community

ONE PURCHASE = ONE PAIR DONATED Let’s reach our 2018 target together: 100,000 pairs of socks will be donated to children in need.

Order online at

www.eurekasocks.com

HK HAPPENINGS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Across Hong Kong

Throughout October

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

www.oxygenmag.com

Women of all ages are called to take action and help raise awareness for breast cancer this month. Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation is holding a Pink Walk on October 21 and registration is at www.hkbcf.org. You can also join Dress Pink Day, part of Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Pink Revolution, on October 27 to raise funds for free breast cancer care services.

To get involved, visit pink.cancer-fund.org.

NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS Victoria Harbour

October 1

WOMEN INSPIRING WOMEN

Admissions Office, Stamford American School, Central October 4 www.hongkongfp.com

www.sais.edu.hk

Listen to four amazing female leaders, from different industries, speak about the opportunities and challenges women face in the modern workforce. Mothers are encouraged to bring their daughters, middle school age and up, for a night of networking.

The event starts at 6pm. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.sais.edu.hk.

HONG KONG TENNIS OPEN

Celebrations are held throughout China, Hong Kong and Macau to signify the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. You can expect special events, ceremonies and parades, as well as the Victoria Harbour fireworks display, which starts at 9pm and lasts for over 20 minutes.

To know more, visit www.hong-kong-traveller.com.

HONG KONG CYCLOTHON

Viewpoint: Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui October 14

Victoria Park, Causeway Bay

October 6-14

www.flickr.com

50

The Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) International Series event, sees top-ranked female players compete.

Catch Elina Svitolina, Jelena Ostapenko, Naomi Osaka, Zhang Shuai and Wang Qiang, plus a special guest appearance by former world No. 2 Li Na. Admission is free for the qualifying rounds on October 6 to 8. For tickets, starting at HK$160, visit www.cityline.com.

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

www.togoparts.com

Cheer on amateur and professional cyclists alike during the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon. Accompanying the main event this year is the Hammer Series Race championship, a team-based road cycling competition held over three days. To know more, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

HK HAPPENINGS

NEW WORLD HARBOUR RACE Start: Tsim Sha Tsui Public Pier

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

October 21

WAITING FOR GODOT

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai October 24-28 www.nwd.com.hk

Organised by the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, the New World Harbour Race sees participants swim from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wanchai, crossing Victoria Harbour. The event offers a range a categories including international, open and youth.

For more information, visit www.hkharbourrace.com.

GISELLE

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui October 26-28

www.aba-productions.com

In a poll conducted by the British Royal National Theatre in 1990, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot was voted the most significant English-language play of the 20th century. It tells the story of two vagabonds – Vladimir and Estragon – as they ponder the meaning of life, while waiting for a man called Godot, who never arrives. For tickets, starting at HK$295, visit premier.hkticketing.com. www.hkballet.com

Follow the dramatic story of love, betrayal and forgiveness as the Hong Kong Ballet presents Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time. Marvel at the brilliant choreography coupled with stunning sets and live accompaniment by Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

For tickets, starting at HK$140, visit ticket.urbtix.hk.

LKF HALLOWEEN STREET PARTY Lan Kwai Fong, Central

October 31

LAMMA FUN DAY

Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma

October 27

www.facebook.com

Help raise funds for Child Welfare Scheme Hong Kong, while enjoying a fun day at the beach. The event starts with a trail run and shifts into a festival with activities, drink and food carts, market stalls and beach sports for the whole family.

Proceeds go to education and training projects in Nepal. To know more, visit cwshk.org.

www.timeout.com

Bump into ghosts, superheroes, zombies and everything in between at Hong Kong’s party central on the spookiest night of the year. Dance the night away and enjoy eerily themed food and drink. To find out more, visit www.lankwaifong.com. www.arounddb.com October 2018

51

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10am CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Alcoholics Anonymous •Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

Church Office: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 40 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

Alcoholics No dues or fees.

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24hr hotline:9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org

DB FACES

Y !

S P A N S T I N U M COM

Who do you know?

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Col Sim (@colsimphotography)

T

he best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share a photo taken in DB or Lantau on our @around_db Instagram page and hashtag it #arounddb. You have until the 10th of this month to enter – so get tagging.

This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

www.arounddb.com September 2018

53

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELLBEING

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY

Michael, a HK resident, is available to deliver documents & small parcels around HK. Available full- or part-time.

Call 9145 6731 to leave a message

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER Seeking a native Tagalog-speaking, qualified kindergarten teacher with musical knowledge, singing experience & at least five years of teaching experience. Full-time position. Send your CV & covering letter to tagalogdb@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS OCTOBER 15

Virtual reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying/ public speaking/ bridges/ enclosed spaces/ storms). * Couples’ conflicts * Overeating * Career/relationship stress * Anger management * Nail biting * Exam jitters Divorce/ post-divorce/ career coaching.

Quit smoking quickly.

Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist.

Contact 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

TUITION & COURSES

HOME SERVICES FTC RELOCATIONS

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates Operating on DB & Lantau.

Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORK

• Painting & handyman work, interior & exterior • PU waterproof injection for external walls • Astro-turfing, tiling & electrics

HOME SERVICES

Contact Roger at 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

SPORTS

• BA degree in English from a US university • Over 10 years’ teaching & tutoring experience • Flexible schedule & reasonable rates • Based in DB Children, teens & adults at all levels of fluency

• Learn to understand, speak & write English well • Gain confidence & a wider vocabulary • Write better essays & improve schoolwork

Call, text or WhatsApp Charles on 9406 8342

LEARN SPANISH

• Packing, moving & storage service • Interior painting & patch-up work • Appliance installation • Hanging pictures & mirrors • Blinds, curtains & shelves installation • Lights & ceiling fan installation • LCD TV mounting & switch replacement

The Squash Pulse is an authentic squash coaching brand founded by a former HK Squash representative.

Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

Call or WhatsApp 6688 8994, or visit www.thesquashpulse.com

Yoga Therapy Class for Senior Citizens

ENGLISH TUTOR/TEACHER

PRIVATE SQUASH COACH

Professional, tailor-made training programmes are provided. Players of all levels are welcome.

Native speake • Experienced teacher & DELE examiner • IB, IGCSE, A-levels & HKDSE • Business Spanish & courses for adults • Flexible schedule & locations • Special offers for students who live in DB & Tung Chung Contact Erik at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

Well known in the Hong Kong MMA community, Marc Guyon guides you through your journey to become a martial artist. As a former white-collar-turned-professional fighter, Marc’s understanding of looking for peak performance in all your occupations & activities is like nothing in Hong Kong.

Tuesday mornings 11:30am at DB North Plaza.

Slow and gentle yoga, taught by a qualified yoga instructor.

English-speaking and easily accessible from Sunny Bay MTR station.

Contact 9303 2996, marcguyonkungfu@gmail.com. www.marcguyon.com

9685 8366 www.g reenwi ch- v i nyas a.com.hk

THE WATCH BUTLER Jan Hofstede m«tc.K £.r«taft4t

I :S,

• Antique watch and clock restoration • Auction & Appreciation service • 2nd hand watch broker

Tel: 9464 7107 jan@thewatchbutler.com

Read

online

All the latest community news. www.arounddb.com

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

SINCE 1997

OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)

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Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB PROPERTY FOR RENT LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, blu-ray home theatre. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view. Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available.

Contact Jacqueline on 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

If you are looking to rent or sell a property and would like to see it listed on this page or at www.facebook.com/arounddb, email info@baymedia.com.hk

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

A Tavola Bar & Grill Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Restaurant Rouge - Regal Airport Hotel Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

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Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Restaurant FI T NESS, SP OR T S & W EL L BEING

Pause by the Banyan - health ∙ wellness South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Treasure Island Group

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

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HOT EL S

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2403 6770

Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

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Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten Mui Wo Language Cafe

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Findley Leung Real Estate Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Tony’s Salon Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop ZenvarA

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SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

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HOME & REPA IRS

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

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Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantao Bus Company

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DB NUMBERS

Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza Trinity Chapel

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2987 2987 2259 2987

0855 3422 8136 4210 7061 5633 6183 7276 7575 9003 3422 9909

Future Stars Dance Academy Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined & safe environment. Contact 2987 6867, melissa@futurestars danceacademy.com, Futurestars Dance Academy Hong Kong Facebook page, Instagram: FuturestarsHk

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, tap & Bollywood classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week.

Contact 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

3102 2977 2987 8460

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza Star Mart, North Plaza

2987 2987 2448 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 1180 4089 9092 6534

The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, GRIT,

The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio BODYSTEP & Zumba (fitness, toning & kids). Piloxing,GRIT, yoga &BODYSTEP, Pilates, plusZumba Latin, BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, Irish,kids), belly &Piloxing, wedding yoga dance.and Classes for (fitness, toning and Pilates, & children, & personal training. for plus Latin, Irish, adults belly and wedding dance. Classes Contact 5194 9630, info@thebeat.com. adults and children, and personal training. Contact hk, www.thebeat.com.hk 5194 9630, info@thebeat.com.hk, www.thebeat.com.hk

Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & a cooking class Contact 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Parsons White Wealth Management Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity & excellence at DB North Plaza.

Contact 2433 6981, 5664 7614, www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

The Stephen Putnam Practice Private Client Wealth Management.

Contact 2914 0388, www.sjpp.asia/tspp

Bank of China HSBC

2160 8585 2233 3000

HOME d-clutter DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

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MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

6323 9156 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2886 2987 2987 2987

1417 0360 1313 4488 5087 1041 0222 7082 0789 8555 0789 9268 4428

Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori Academy, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Dr. Bear Education Centre Early Adventures Playgroup Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathnasium PapyrusEDU SKH Wei Lun Primary School Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

October 2018 www.arounddb.com

6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8088 2987 8088 2914 2202 2812 9206 2987 1201 2987 4338 6762 6264 2987 9644 2441 0098 9366 0000 6302 6327 2416 3198 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2628 3362 6360 1715 2987 8608 2987 4217 9648 2966

Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 2416 8618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, www.harveylawcorporation.com DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza P-Solution Pen’n Paper The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

9502 2529 2987 2987 2987 2987

2381 8256 1777 8898 1368 5151

PETS Kristy’s Paradise - Cat Sitter in Discovery Bay Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

6201 7749 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property

2987 2987 2987 2987 2987

8484 2023 2088 2987 6238

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge Café Duvet Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex Coyote Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s Epic Foods Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Gilmore’s by the Golden Pig Hemingway’s il Bel Paese Island Café Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Solera Subway The Pier Bar TigerLily Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2987 0966 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2987 0036 2172 6111 2987 2915 2987 9123 2662 9168 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2555 0772 2914 0005 2520 2166 2997 8688 2840 1188 2987 6232

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

HK Dragons Football Club Football for girls & boys aged 2.5 years to 14 years. Contact 2987 4274, dragons.hk

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand FIT 852 Kapuhala Train-in-Space MAS FIT MGK Fight Club Nutrition and Fitness with Emilie YogaBay YogaUp

2911 4833 2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 6624 8712 2441 0098 9680 7665 6101 8434 9387 0735 9303 2996 6385 5425 6704 9851 8197 5591

24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Lost & Found Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 3651 2238 2238 2987 2435 3661 3467 2987 2835 2811 2824

2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 2345 3601 3388 6046 4511 1694 7000 6738 1473 0788 5000

WELLBEING

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com

DB Pure Spa Beauty begins within. Open 9am to 9pm at DB Plaza, for ladies only.

Body massages available for HK$198 and up. Contact 9794 0918, DB Pure Spa Facebook page

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

Elly House of Beauty Highly skilled skincare specialist committed to providing the most effective skincare services to the DB community. Contact 6131 9039, Elly House of Beauty Facebook Page, www.ellyhouseofbeauty.com

Ingredients of Wellness Mindfulness training. Teaching young people skills to direct attention, be calmer & concentrate better. Contact 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com, www.ingredientsofwellness.com

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0577, or email info@baymedia.com.hk Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Freedas Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure

2987 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 4555 2060 8826 4112

www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com October 2018

59

OUT THERE

N

ow, here’s a philosophy for life we happily don’t see much of in Hong Kong. It’s a national Australian conspiracy – the irrational desire to retire early to the ‘good life,’ a utopian vacuum with a beach.

I’m an Aussie and I first observed it when a bloke I knew made a stack of money in his 20s and headed someplace sunny to lie around and sweat and work on his melanomas.

He became a super-tanned allpurpose complainer, whining about the filthy unemployed who leached on the government, while he shovelled offshore the fortune he had lucked into… and indulged in infinitely meaningless rounds of golf.

In Oz, the real conversation from the first day in the rodent race is about saving, planning and yearning for retirement. Long ago, your company would give you a cheap watch at 65 – but no time to go with it. In Australia today, retirement flats are purposebuilt for ‘the over 55’s.’

Photo courtesy of www.unsplash.com

Hell, an 80-year-old man recently topped out on Everest and the median age of most 60 Minutes reporters is 90. Paul Newman was making decent movies when he was seven years older than Iraq.

60

No surprise then, that preternaturally early retirees flood the internet with pathetic old-people jokes. They want anyone actually old enough to claim a state pension to feel antediluvian and decrepit, so they can hit the sofa minus a conscience.

Don’t buy it. They start asking you to read books that could be titled ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Early

Rotting in Retirement

Do people who retire early have it all figured out?

Peter Sherwood says not and explains why he’d rather take a hike than go on a cruise Onset Dementia,’ and sending you stuff about losing your memory and forgetting your car keys. I had a car at 18 and forgot my keys every damn day.

And so to cruising…

The faux elderly question the sanity of a fit old codger like me hiking a mountain without a paramedic team, while they go ‘cruising.’

Picture it: Vast hordes shambling around anonymous ancient ruins before heading back to the mothership for an all-you-can-eat extravaganza with a few thousand other lost souls. Cruising is a worldwide phenomenon created for 55-year olds with money, and

a spirit of adventure that extends to jumping the queue at the oyster bar.

Imagine what 2,000 cashed up ‘young’ retirees get up to all day when they find it impossible to force down another prawn cocktail – they head for the bar. The booze is duty free, for the vessel’s owners anyway. Just how much expensive intoxicant can 2,000 bored passengers consume? After a couple of weeks of excess, their floating home-from-home is as dry as Death Valley.

I forget the name of the musician who said, “Man, you’re either composing or decomposing.”

Right on.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 19 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com October 2018 www.arounddb.com

STAMFORD NURTURES BALANCED LEARNING READY FOR LIFE BEYOND THE IBDP*

BOOK A TOUR TODAY! Limited spaces for 2018/19 Pre-Primary – Grade 8 Applications open for 2019/20 Pre-Primary – Grade 9 For more info: www.sais.edu.hk SCHOOL CAMPUS

25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong +852 3467 4500

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

Suites 4005-4007, Level 40, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong +852 2500 8688

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*Stamford American School has applied for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme candidacy and will seek authorization for the school’s first graduating cohort.