North Sydney Sun May 2023

Grosvenor Lane shopkeepers worried Coles development will drive them out of business

By Grahame Lynch

Grosvenor Lane retailers are worried that a proposed excavation of the council carpark by a future Coles development will put them out of business.

As has been reported, Coles owns the present Woolworths site in the lane and intends to take it over for development when the current lease expires late next year. It has flagged plans to excavate the existing council car park in the lane in order to build an underground extension of the current basement parking facility in the supermarket building. A plaza would replace the overground carpark.

With much acrimony, North Sydney Council voted last month 6-4 to grant Coles “owners consent” to incorporate the council carpark and surrounding lanes in a future development application.

Local retailers and landowners converged on that and a subsequent council meeting to express their opposition to the Coles plan and Council’s approval of its use of community land. They were particularly critical that Council granted the consent ahead of the results of a new Neutral Bay planning study, currently underway be-

cause the current councillors cancelled the last one on the grounds that it enabled too much high-rise.

Dimitri Janakis, who says he is the “third generation” owner of Blue & White Dry Cleaners, told the meeting that: “From dawn to the late hours of the night, families are working long hours, dedicating their life to give Neutral Bay residents the best possible experience. It blows my mind that we are putting the future of Neutral Bay in the hands of a supermarket giant that hasn’t spent one day serving the community of the village. Why are we rushing this? What is the point of the planning study?”

Janakis added: “There is no doubt that the car park needs to evolve but we have an opportunity to do something amazing without losing the soul of Neutral Bay, the small businesses. Successful, long-term and generational businesses are draw cards for the area. Olympus Sports, Mr. Gordon, Cosmo’s Florist, Chaos Cafe, Inform Pharmacy, Priceline by Ivan Lulic and Chargrill Charlie’s have been here forever, just to name a few.”

Janakis predicted that what he estimated would be a “three-year excavation on our public land will destroy us to create more parking for a supermarket.”

Cosmo Nati, who owns the neighbouring florist concurred with Janakis. “Parking is crucial, not only for my business, for all the small businesses surrounded by me. Loading zones as well, how do we receive stock,

how do our couriers get in and out?

There are over 100 small family businesses in Neutral Bay Village that have been operating for many years, creating jobs for people. People are working seven days a week just to make a living, to keep their doors open,” he said.

“Where else can you park your car on a ground level and have access to a variety of stores, such as a liquor store, the butcher, books, a fish store, Baker’s Delight, an alteration shop, the patisserie shops. My concerns are the demolition site for two to three years, where will customers park? How will they get access to all our stores? We all have leases in place for four to five years. Will there be no public access to anywhere? So putting a car park underneath, you know what’s going to happen? Will there be

access for us at the southern side to get customers through? I don’t think so. Coles will have, probably by then, in two to three years time, they’ll have a pharmacy, flowers, dry cleaners.”

WHAT COLES SAYS

Coles has conciliatory words for concerned shopkeepers, pointing out that it hasn’t even finalised its designs or plans as of yet.

Tim Atkins of Titanium represented Coles at the Council meeting, telling those present: “In November 2024, the Woolworths lease expires and they’ll be vacating the existing supermarket that forms the heart of Neutral Bay, currently. Coles have two options, one is to repurpose the exist-

Continued Page 3

Camilla Ingall: Get more out of your apartment space

TPG to vacate North Sydney for Barangaroo

TPG Telecom is pulling up stumps on its North Sydney office tower and moving to new premises in Barangaroo at Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

The migration will take place in August and is described as greatly benefiting “TPG Telecom's current and future employees who will have access to best-in-class facilities, ease of access and collaboration spaces to support the telco’s flexible workforce.”

TPG leased seven floors of office space totaling 10,000 sqm at the tower on the corner of Pacific Highway and Berry Street in North Sydney: a tenancy dating back to 2016 when its subsequent acquisition Vodafone moved into the space.

Commodore Hotel bought by emerging pub baron for $29m

At Barangaroo, TPG will occupy four levels and more than 9,000 square metres of office space in Tower Two, pictured above..

TPG Telecom group executive, people experience Vanessa Hicks said: “This exciting move positions TPG Telecom and our people at the heart of Sydney — a place where creativity meets community, and where our teams will flourish. With easy access to fantastic amenities, high-quality and modern workspaces, we are creating the perfect environment for our people to come together to be at their best, be closer to our customers, and drive innovation.”

The new Barangaroo office delivers larger floor plates across less floors, which will also provide greater opportunity for cross-functional interactions and collaboration.

A key feature of the new premises will be its new client & concierge floor which will host executive meetings, client showcases and events for larger team functions. Tower Two also aligns with TPG Telecom’s sustainability initiatives with its carbon neutral certification and achieves a significant reduction in TPG Telecom’s Sydney office footprint.

By Hannah Wilcox

The Commodore Hotel in McMahons Point was bought for $29 million by hotelier and developer Glenn Piper, who will receive the keys to the establishment in August. He bought the pub from the Good Beer Company .

Piper plans to spend the coming months learning more about the pub’s history and the community around it, assuring “any refurbishment plans respect the rich culture that it has developed over the decades.

“Standing proudly on the corner of Blues Point Road, the Commodore Hotel is without a doubt one of North Sydney’s greatest pubs - and one with an incredibly rich and colourful history. I am honoured to continue the Commodore’s long legacy and excited to have the opportunity to elevate it into something really special that reflects the community today,” he said.

Commenting on the sale, JLL Hotels Executive Vice President Ben McDonald said “Capital continues to seek exposure to ‘alterative assets’ that display strong IRR characteristics and have the ability to generate strong cash flow through trading operations. With genuine value-add potential via the approved DA, in addition to the compelling investment drivers, The Commodore was keenly pursued by those selected to participate in the sale process.”

JLL Senior Vice President Kate MacDonald also added “The significant brand equity of The Commodore in the local hospitality scene was a

major drawcard for the purchaser who will certainly build on the pub’s strong reputation and business. We look forward to seeing the Commodore evolve over time under Mr Piper’s watchful eye.”

Located at 206 Blues Point Road, the Commodore’s history dates all the way back to 1854.

One of the very first settlers in the North Shore, Billy Blue, was a freed African-American slave who was transported to Sydney from England after stealing a loaf of sugar.

He made a living by rowing people across the harbour from his home on the shore, which evolved into a punt service for horses and carriages and, eventually, a larger service which could carry cars.

Blues Point and the namesake road is named after Billy Blue according to archived materials from The Town and Country Journal, originally published in 1901.

Blue was known by locals as ‘The Old Commodore’, sporting a bright blue naval jacket from previous ser-

vice experience in the Royal Navy.

His son, John Blue, was granted a “new licence” for a two-storey sandstone inn on March 7, 1854 and named his new pub after his father’s nickname.

John Blue ran the Old Commodore Hotel up until his death on August 21, 1891.

The pub was demolished in 1901, and was replaced by a two-storey Victorian style hotel which traded until the 1930s with rumours the Old Commodore was once the drinking spot of choice for writer Henry Lawson.

It was then demolished in the 1970s and rebuilt with a “tavern licence” which remains trading till this day with several redevelopments over the past 50 years.

Piper can now add this longstanding historic establishment to his quickly growing portfolio; alongside the Harbord Hotel on the northern beaches, Newcastle’s Merewether Beach Hotel and a leasehold of Hook Island in the Whitsundays with plans to open an eco-lodge.

TPG at North Sydney

Tower Two at Barangaroo

Glenn Piper

Consent for Coles in Neutral Bay divides councillors, community

Continued from Page 1

ing building as it is, which will leave us with a poor loading dock solution and a building that is actually at the end of its useful life,” Atkins said.

“The second option is to propose to develop a site and deliver a new town plaza and integrate a community car park and a world-class supermarket. It has long been a strategic objective of this council to deliver a new heart for Neutral Bay and this is a chance to bring this vision to life. This is the first step. So to summarise, providing Coles’ owners consent will provide us the opportunity to further explore the design and delivery possibilities of the plaza proposal with the community. We want to preserve the village feel and develop a world-class shopping centre for Neutral Bay customers and the community,” he added.

Atkins also had assurances for concerned local retailers. He said: “Neutral Bay Chamber of Commerce has made that very clear to us that part of this has to be a consideration of them being able to trade and us being able to stage car parking during the development, to preserve their right to trade and we acknowledge that that is part of the consideration that the council will be reviewing and determining in the future once we have to go with this proposal.”

But the CEO of local property owner Arkadia, Ric O’Connell, said: “What is it Coles ultimately want to do? They want to expand their car park over 144 car spaces, dressed up as a council car park, dressed up as a local community plaza.”

“You are kicking off a process when your own (planning) process isn’t even done, it makes no sense, whatsoever. Starting a new process before your own process is done, is just frankly the wrong thing to do … Why wouldn’t you take the time? There’s no rush. Coles will always be there. They can develop their own land right now and they can have the car parking that they’re (currently) allowed.”

WHAT COUNCILLORS SAY

Four of the ten councillors—Crs Spenceley, Lepouris, Gibson and Mutton— are opposed to the grant of consent to Coles, and attempted to move a recission motion against the original approval, which failed on the same numbers.

Cr James Spenceley told the Sun that the question is simple for him.

“If a neighbour shows up at your door and asks you to sign a DA submission to include your property but gives you no details on the DA, who would actually sign that? Our council just did. I fully support and encourage the development of the Grosvenor Lane carpark into a plaza. But it needs to come after a responsible process,” he said.

He told the last Council meeting: “I am in support of something happening in this area. I just want it to be done with good governance, with good process and with great community consultation and with protections in for the small businesses. Now I ran a public company, I know how public companies work. If I was Coles, I’ll be sitting there going, fantastic, we’ll get them to agree, we’ll do all this and then we’ll save some money on the bill by digging the car park out, and we’ll wind up with closing the businesses down for four years, not two years and we end up with 18 cafes around the Coles. That would be a fantastic result for Coles.”

Cr MaryAnn Beregi, summing up the arguments in favour of granting consent to Coles, said: “Coles have come to us and asked the council to give owner’s consent to move forward with a DA, which incorporates the plaza that we have been working towards for years. And yes, there are... they’ve got incentives. Funny that, that’s how business works. They bought a site and they take it over at the end of next year. And yes, they could just put in a DA on their site, just on their site, and we lose an opportunity. We do not lose any control by just allowing the process of granting owner’s consent. And at the

same time, any other developer can put in a DA as well. The point is, is that this has been something on our agenda for years, for the community.”

Beregi continued: “I will, however, say to the small businesses that we understand change is difficult. We understand that, you know, and we all shop at your shops. That’s what we do. We live in our community, but you know that change is coming. And the best thing to do is to get involved. Go and speak as Councillor (Shannon) Welch said, come to the meetings, go and visit Coles. Come and speak to council officers, but we are going to move forward.”

Earlier, Cr Welch said: “Council owns a proportion of the land which will be the subject of the proposal, the car park. And therefore retains full control over the future of the proposal. Regardless of the owner’s consent for the DA, or even approval of the DA, council effectively has veto powers if negotiations do not proceed satisfactorily. I’ve sat here tonight and I’ve listened to so many of the local business owners and I can really feel the angst that’s going on. Mr Atkins from Coles has said that he’s willing to hear your concerns. He’s going to be talking at a number of precinct meetings. I really suggest that you negotiate or you talk with Coles because they’re willing, they’ve said it.”

If and when Coles submits a DA it won’t be ruled on directly by North Sydney Council, but by the Sydney North Planning Panel.

Meanwhile, Council officers are recommending that councillors oppose a planning proposal by Fabcot acting for Woolworths at its nearby Rangers Rd site. This would see a part six and part eight story development with a supermarket, retail, residential and commercial premises with a 1,000 sqm plaza and 88 public car spaces.

This recommendation is, in part, because “is inconsistent with ...the objectives of Council’s renewed Study for the Neutral Bay Town Centre” which is still under development.

The Sun Says…

One of the few international television series set in Sydney’s North Shore has begun weekly telecast on the Ten Network.

“North Shore” tells the story of the death of a UK politician’s daughter in Sydney Harbour, the ensuring investigation by Australian and UK detectives, and the political intrigue which the death inspires.

We would love to be able to report that the combination of a gripping story and eye-candy scenery may conspire to turn Kirribilli Avenue into Sydney’s own version of Ramsay Street.

Alas, we do not expect that to be the case.

North Shore is worthy enough, but the production and characterisations are less than stellar, particularly the “chip-onher-shoulder” attitude of the local female detective.

And there is little to actually show that it was made in the area, except for a seconds-long exterior shot of the Harry Seidler office building in Milsons Point, standing in as a police station.

There is one amusing mention though where a visiting UK detective is informed by a local that Sydney’s North Shore is akin to London’s Chelsea.

We’re expecting a bunch of extras masquerading as Neutral Bay’s version of the Sloane Rangers to burst forth in future episodes.

Regrettably though, we will need to remain content in the reality that the most successful TV series set in Sydney’s North remains Skippy, albeit entirely shot in a national park with little to show of the nearby city.

Copyright Decisive Publishing.

All rights reserved.

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Responsibility for election

comment taken by G Lynch

Office address: Unit 704 6a Glen St

Milsons Point NSW Australia 2061 Phone: 0415756208

URL: www.northsydneysun.com.au

Email for editorial:

grahamelynch@northsydneysun.com.au

Founding editor and Decisive CEO: Grahame Lynch

Associate publisher: James Mullan james@northsydneysun.com.au

Business Development: Amy Carswell amy@northsydneysun.com.au

Printer: Spotpress, 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place

Marrickville NSW 2204

Minimum of 15,000 copies circulated to homes and businesses in the North Shore electorate. Printer statement available on demand

State government high rise mandate could challenge Labor councillors

Talk of the town

By Grahame Lynch

The new NSW Labor government has now confirmed in power what it flagged in opposition: that it expects areas around expensive new Metro railway stations and transport hubs more generally to house a greater population density.

‘‘We have to go up,’’ Premier Chris Minns was quoted as saying at a cities summit. ‘‘Sydney can’t grow by adding another street to the western fringe every other week ... you have to stretch social infrastructure over a bigger and bigger plane. I think the best way to ensure we protect open space is to have buildings that go up and don’t encroach on much-loved parkland.’’

Now we doubt that’s a view that will go down well with North Sydney Council, whose boundaries include two of those Metro stations at Crows Nest and North Sydney.

The current Council has generally opposed most high-rise development that has come before it, including specific proposals in Crows Nest.

But the state government’s embrace of more high rise at transport hubs could make life a tad more interesting at Council where the progressive majority of six councillors who elected Zoe Baker as mayor last year includes two Labor members.

This progressive majority has led to a remarkably harmonious Council. One Sun correspondent estimates that of the 231 votes that have been taken by the current Council, the progressive six have only split from each other on a mere seven occasions.

But if the State government is to enforce density mandates on local councils, the two Labor councillors could find themselves with some challenging dilemmas in terms of maintaining this harmony.

State Labor, if anything, is likely to extend the policy as it thinks through and develops its position. If North Sydney and Crows Nest are considered transport hubs, then why not Neutral Bay, which is the first stop on the express B-Line route?

The current council has already signalled its objection to proposed residential development on top of the Woolworths site in Rangers Rd, in part, because of perceived traffic impacts. It also opposed a proposal to extend the height of a residential development across the main road in Waters Rd by one storey, despite the offer of a $2 million contribution to fund an open plaza in neighbouring Grosvenor Lane.

It even sent back a $2 million contribution from the NSW government for a permanent Young St Plaza,

mainly on the basis that it wasn’t seen to fit in with a Council-led plan for open space in Neutral Bay.

In nearby Cremorne, Council has also knocked back plans for higher density developments aimed at seniors in preference to preserving historical buildings with perceived heritage value.

In the past, it was a no-brainer for a councillor to present as sceptical or even hostile to ever higher residential development. Thus, a desire by State Labor to build more high-rise along with the objective of Federal Labor to pump up immigration to record levels will present major challenges to the orthodoxies of North Sydney’s local tier of representation.

PICKLED POSSUM OWNER BUYS INTO LEICHHARDT

The low profile owner of the legendary Pickled Possum bar in Neutral Bay has reportedly bought the Italian Forum in Leichhardt.

Redstone, owned by Robert Paterson, was revealed last month to be behind the acquisition of the prime Italian community site in the inner West for a reported cost of just $11 million.

The Forum land was bequeathed by the then NSW premier Neville Wran in the 1980s. It was owned from 2014 by Italian community charity Co.As.It.

According to the charity, it agreed to the unsolicited offer from Redstone partly because “The Italian Forum had become difficult to manage and for reasons outside our control the precinct has seen a significant drop in patronage. Faced with the growing pressures to support our broader programs, the sale of the property will provide significant opportunities for both consolidation and growth in our core programs to the community.”

While there are fears that Redstone’s ownership may disrupt the community ambience of the Forum, wise heads suggest there is nothing to fear from Paterson, known to his

friends as “Possum Bob.”

Paterson is widely credited with reviving the Pickled Possum as one of Sydney’s pre-eminent dive bars (meant in the nicest possible meaning of the term) without altering its fundamental DNA in any significant way.

Meanwhile, another lower North Shore institution, Sails at Lavender Bay, has changed hands after 15 years ownership by chef Greg Anderson and partner Patricia Nunes.

The new owner is Bill Drakopoulous’s Sydney Restaurant Group, which operates Ormeggio at The Spit and Ripples at Chowder Bay.

Drakopoulous will certainly have more time to spend on Sails than might have been the case. His group holds the ongoing leases for Ripples and Aqua at the North Sydney Olympic Pool—currently closed as the pool undergoes renovations that are running potentially up to 500 days late.

These leases have been the target of some criticisms from councillors given they were grandfathered without tender, but it would appear Drakopoulous is the one who would have the greatest cause for complaint given the immense loss of trading opportunities caused by the Milsons Point pool delays.

DIGITAL AD SIGNS COMING

Development applications by JCDecaux reveal their intention to erect a number of “freestanding digital advertising structures” across the municipality.

Featuring a 1.5sqm screen on one side displaying advertising on one side and a touch screen allowing access to council and community info on the other, the first is slated for Brett Whitely Place in North Sydney.

Others are also on the way at Military Rd, Neutral Bay; Pacific Highway, Crows Nest; Miller St, Cammeray; Broughton St, Kirribilli; Alfred St South, Milsons Point and Mitchell St, St Leonards.

The screens will also be able to display official emergency messages.

More high-rise on way for local LGA?

Neutral Bay. Is it to become a “paved paradise?”

Military Road was dotted with “villages” that formed at the junctions of the tramlines from the wharfs at Neutral Bay, Cremorne Point, Mosman and Athol. With the opening of the Harbour Bridge, road vehicles displaced ferries as the preferred means of travel to and from the city and around our suburbs.

Suddenly there was a need for car parks.

Reminds me of Joni Mitchell’s 1969 hit, Big Yellow Taxi:

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

Don’t it always seem to go

That you don’t know what you’ve got

Till it’s gone

North Sydney Council was in on the act of putting up car parks – it acquired the land that is now the Grosvenor Lane car park. If ever there was a gleam in a developer’s eye it is this car park.

Question: Should we retain Neutral Bay’s “village” atmosphere of do we really want Council to pursue a strategy that sees bigger retail spaces and more parking?

What’s Council’s vision for Neutral Bay “Village”?

Council recently commissioned the Neutral Bay Town Planning Study to chart a future for the town centre that balances development and the need for additional public spaces and facilities. Community consultation is slated to start shortly.

RECENT DECISIONS OF COUNCIL IMPACTING ON NEUTRAL BAY’S “VILLAGE” FUTURE.

Young Street Plaza

An opportunity to lessen the impact of cars on Neutral Bay “village” and make space for pedestrians came with the introduction of the BLine bus service and, with it, the State Government’s aim to reduce the number of intersections with Military Road. The opportunity saw the conversion of Young Street to a temporary Plaza.

The plan to make the Plaza permanent (which was funded by the State Government) was defeated when six Councillors voted not to go ahead with the Plaza and to re-open Young Street both to through traffic and kerbside parking.

That was a loss for pedestrians and open green space.

COUNCIL CONSIDERED PROPOSALS REGARDING:

> land bounded by Waters Lane, Grosvenor St and Waters Rd,

> Monford Place off Military Rd at Cremorne and

> Coles and Council’s Grosvenor Lane car park

12-14 Waters Road (near Waters Ln, Grosvenor St)

The proposer offered to pay Council $1.9m and give Council (by way of a setback) land to widen the footpath along Waters Lane by 1.5 meters “to provide an improved pedestrian environment” in return for consent to build to a height of 24 meters with street access from Waters Lane (with the Lane now included in the Coles proposal). It would have been a win for pedestrians and Council’s coffers. The Council majority voted against it.

Monford Place

Monford Place sits on the edge of the Neutral Bay “village”. It’s a “dead-end” road being completely surrounded by the Redlands

Campus. Council was asked to consider the sale of the Place to Redlands. The arguments against sale were that closure would result in the loss of kerbside parking and Council assets should not be sold.

It would have been a win for Council’s coffers. A majority of Council voted against it.

Coles, back to that gleam in a developer’s eye.

Coles requested Council, in its capacity as owner of the site now occupied by Woolworths, to consent to the inclusion of: Coopers Lane, Waters Lane and Grosvenor Lane car park in a Development Application to be lodged – it foreshadowed an increase in parking beyond the needs of a residential complex to be built above the retail facility (almost as high as the one proposed and rejected for Waters Lane, Grosvenor Street and Waters Road.

Coles’ request was granted by Council.

Council’s grant made without condition. Why so fast?

Coles is dictating the timetable

Not surprisingly, many of the business owners that make the Neutral Bay “village” viable and delightful are scared by what Coles and now Council may have in store for them both during the construction phase and after completion.

As for the community, one speaker who recently spoke to Council in public session in support of Coles authorised a pamphlet published at time of the last Council election in which it was noted:

Locals Lose Out. Loss of the convenient Council carpark that provides access to all local shops, with parking to be relocated multiple levels underground – for the developer’s commercial benefit.

The same six Councillors voted for returning cars to the Young Street Plaza, retaining Monford Place, rejecting the Waters Road development and for Council to join with Coles.

When it comes to Coles, I think Council should have waited for the completion of the Neutral Bay Town Planning Study given that we are constantly talking about the importance of community consultation.

Tell me your thoughts on how improve Neutral Bay’s “village” –write to me at imutton@crafers.com

Ian Mutton www.ianmutton.com

Coworking space meets childcare as BubbaDesk moves into St Leonards

Australian paid parental leave covers between 18 and 20 weeks.

Yet for many parents and carers this isn’t enough time with their child or they aren’t mentally prepared to return to work, not to mention the potential loss of income and stagnation in career progression.

Lauren Perrett is one of many parents who was experiencing this after the birth of her son. When her parental leave was exhausted, she “wasn’t ready to go back to work mentally or logistically.” Needing to return to work, she also found herself stuck on childcare waiting lists.

“You have to be putting them on wait lists pretty much when they are conceived. You are on about 20 waitlists and you don’t even get a choice at the end of the day, you get whatever you can take.”

Facing the prospect of 200 children competing for 12 spots, Lauren opted to hire a nanny. But that was a solution that still didn’t fit right with costs and suitability a big issue.

At her mothers group, she found many others had the same issue. When Lauren suggested they all chip in for a nanny she had what she described as a light bulb moment.

Three months later, BubbaDesk was born. BubbaDesk is a coworking space with onsite childcare which un-

like conventional childcare or nanny options, allows you to be close to your child “because they are just next door.”

Lauren explains that for some parents “they are just not ready to be away from their child all day, which is what day care is. You drop them off, then you leave no matter how much your maternal instinct is telling you that you shouldn’t do that, it’s what society expects you to do.”

Another reason for needing to stay close to newborns is their breast feeding requirements.

Lauren highlighted the fact the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding until 12 months, far in excess of the up to six months possible in Australia with paid leave.

“I, for one, was feeling guilty that I wasn’t performing the same way prior to my baby in my role and because I was trying to do my role well, I wasn’t performing as a I should be as a parent. There’s that balance of trying to do it all, and do it all well,” she told the Sun. Lauren believes BubbaDesk helps strike that balance and perform well in both worlds.

ST LEONARDS LOCATION

After success with a centre on the Central Coast, BubbaDesk is now about to open up a second site at 92 Chandos Street Naremburn, in the St Leonards

CBD.

“St Leonards gives us the opportunity to have a great sized space. We’ve got an entire building over two floors which we need to cater for the interest that we have had.”

She felt places like North Sydney by contrast only offered office type settings while Neutral Bay and Mosman didn’t have to scale BubbaDesk needs. The location is ideal as there is relatively good parking, especially for people arriving with prams. The public transport options are also seen as an advantage for easy accessibility to the

site.

Lauren says they have been overwhelmed by the response. Without any advertising, they already have over 140 pre registrations.

The St Leonards site is due to open in June with 32 desks, 4 private meeting rooms, an on-site gym and showers. Aside from the shared office space there will be a separate floor for children with black out rooms for sleeping with 4-1 carer to child ratio.

BubbaDesk will host an open day on June 3rd with details at www.bubbadesk.com.

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A guide to maximising your apartment space

75% of North Sydney LGA residents live in flats or apartments, an astonishing 54% higher than the NSW state average. Another 12% or 4,121 of residents live in townhouses or semi detached dwellings.

The vast majority of Northsiders thus live in high density places, trying to make the most out of smaller spaces. Not only this, more people are opting to work from home with census data from 2021 revealing 60% of North Sydney LGA residents were working from home at least some of the time. Despite the fact this number may have skewed high due to COVID restrictions at the time, there is no doubt that more people than pre pandemic levels are ditching the office.

Enter Camilla Ingall. Originally from the Central Coast, she has made a home in Kurraba Point after moving down a decade ago.

She has extensive experience in the interior design industry including everything from furniture to flooring, rugs, lighting and staging homes for sale.

Three years ago Camilla founded her own design firm called Unfolded, specialising in interior styling practice, for residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Knird Bar in Crows Nest had Unfolded design its interior.

Who better to talk to about maximising high density apartment living than a local North Shore interior designer? So, we sat down with Camilla to find out all the hacks to making the most out of smaller spaces.

Maximising your living space

Apartment living rooms in apartments often have multiple purposes from dining to study, entertaining, storage and more. Camilla has some simple tips to make the most out of the living room from maximising space to design aesthetics. Her first golden rule is to always take time to work out the proportions and furniture dimensions. “If you’ve got the communal living space where you have to navigate a dining area, a living area and a study it’s best to work out the proportion of the space equally. So don’t overdo it with a large modular sofa that’s going to take up three quarters of the space but not have a dining table.”

Another key design aspect to consider is colour as this can impact perceptions of space.

“Work on focussed pallets and stick to it. A lot of colour can tend to overwhelm a space. Instead, confidently work with a few colours.”

Mirrors can also increase the feeling of space and are also great for improving the amount of light in the room. Bringing the outdoors in through plants is another quick trick to bringing the space to life however Camilla cautions to make sure you

have a chat with your supplier to make sure you get the right plants for your space, taking into consideration factors such as light, temperature and water needs.

Working from home

Only three months after Camilla established Unfolded, Covid reached the shores of Australia.

People who had never had to set up a home office before were forced to make it work regardless of space. With many still opting to work from home for a variety of reasons, it looks like this trend may be here to stay.

Camilla told us one of the biggest mistakes people make working from home is having your desk or work space in your bedroom.

“From a mental health perspective, if you cram your desk into your room you’ve got a dual function space and if you are going to sleep at night worrying about what you are going to do at that desk tomorrow morning. You’re not clocking off or separating your sleep and work routines.”

She recommends moving the desk into the living space. Even if you don’t have separated spaces or rooms it is possible to section of the are without putting up walls such as incorporating rugs.

“Rugs can help to define an area. For example having a round rug under your desk can help to visually separate that area from the space.”

Brightening the bathrooms

Bathroom standards and styles have changed vastly in just a few decades. Out are mint tiles, green walls and brown baths, replaced by monochrome, clean looks.

If your bathroom is stuck in the 70s Camilla recommends moving towards a lighter colour pallet. Not only for a modern look but also darker colours in bathrooms makes the area feel smaller. “In a small bathroom you want to think of neutral colours. Keep it light,” Camilla recommends.

A simple, shorter term fix to transform the pallet is to spray tile paint. Even if you don’t own your place Camilla says “due to the relatively low cost and labour requirements for this job landlords may be more open to allowing the improvement.” Tile spray paint on average costs between $20$30 per can.

While mixing up the colour pallet can make your bathroom feel bigger, there are also easy solutions to freeing up the physical space. Picking up a storage mirror is a simple way to free up space while also adding the utility of a mirror which can improve lighting in the room. Another quick lighting fix from Camilla is investing in LED lighting strips, best attached along a mirror but can also be effective in brightening

up any section of the room with little installation required.

Brilliant Balconies

For people who live in apartments, typically the balcony is the only outside area. Crucial for fresh air, sunlight and sometimes a stunning view maximising the utility and aesthetics of your balcony is very important in places with limited space.

Camilla recommends “herb and green walls as they will help make the apartment feel more like yours, providing a garden feel, even in a tighter space.”

Long linear pots are particularly good as they slot into smaller spaces without sacrificing too much ground area. As for enjoying time on the balcony, Camilla says two chairs and a side table is especially preferable, similar to sidewalk seating at cafes.

“But if you really want to maximise the space, use a bench with cushions.”

A long slim bench can provide storage space underneath and even double

as a side table.

Balconies can also be used as a primary dining area for those who can’t fit a table inside or maybe want to utilise their living room as a home office. One of Camilla’s hacks is to pick up a bar stool and table arrangement, instead of your conventional dining table set up, to utilise outdoor dining without cramming the space.

Let it flow!

Airflow in apartments can at times be difficult to manage leaving stale air and the potential for bad smells to linger. An easy way to improve you may not have thought of is using light fittings to install fans. Any electrical outlet in your ceiling can have a fan.

Camilla says most landlords will approve it, especially if you pay for it yourself. Luckily it’ll only set you back around $200.

Privacy screens can also help as they allow you to open up the windows that you might have not for privacy reasons.

Artists impression of the Victoria Cross development

Proposed development at 88 Walker St

Newlands (artist impression)

Camilla Ingall

Five fantastic new places to dine locally

By James Mullan

Bon Pollo North Sydney

15 Blue St, North Sydney

You might recognise this Lebanese chicken joint from St Leonards but did you know there is a new Bon Pollo right next to North Sydney station?

North Sydney now finally has a great spot for Middle Eastern chicken and late night takeaway.

Owner Bakr hails from Egypt and previously worked at a chargrill chicken shop in Merryland before joining the famous Lebanese chain El Jannah.

In 2011 he made the move to Bon Pollo Chicken, St Leonards and only three years in was offered the opportunity by the former owner to buy the business.

It was at this time the old shop site was bought out to make way for the ‘Landmark'’ skyscraper at 500 Pacific Highway, St Leonards. After Bakr spent a year back in his home country Egypt, he reopened Bon Pollo at St Leonards Arcade, just next to St Leonards’ major north bound bus station at 20 Pacific Hwy.

After four successful years serving up quality Lebanese cuisine, Bakr was keen to make a change, leaving the St Leonards store to his business partner. Originally he tried to open a new Bon Pollo in Petersham but zoning laws made it too difficult.

So Bakr made up his mind to return to the North Shore and open up a brand new location in North Sydney.

“I chose this area because we are well known here in the North. As soon as I opened up it was busy and the location is very good,” Bakr told the Sun. We also asked him what makes the chicken unique: “It’s a secret but the basic ingredients are lemon, vinegar, pepper and salt, but that’s all the most I can tell you.”

But it’s not just the chicken “The lamb wrap and chicken shawarma are very popular. Even before I open in

the morning we get online orders for the wraps.” Both wraps are made with marinated meat, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and a choice of sauce. The garlic sauce, baba ganoush and tahini particularly stand out, packing some serious flavour.

Bakr used to buy shawarma pre seasoned before mastering his own recipe. “I can do the real one so I cooked it by myself using my recipe and it came up perfect.” In fact, just about everything is made in house and prepared daily.

If you want to try the all star lineup at Bon Pollo, the BBQ platters are a good place to start. You can grab a standard quarter or half chargrilled chicken, or mix it up with the 4 skewers plate including kofta, adanna, lamb and chicken tawook.

The platters are served with fresh tabouli, hummus, garlic, pickles, and flat bread. If you are vegetarian the falafel is sensational. Crispy on the outside, fluffy and flavourful on the inside, and of course not dry at all.

To finish you simply must try the baklava which comes in 3 styles; chocolate, pistachio and kuru (syrup coated). They are simply divine; rich, sweet and the layers dense but light layers of pastry will melt in your mouth. Bon Pollo is open 11am until late and is chicken definitely worth crossing the road for.

Layers Crows Nest

Clarke Lane, St Leonards

Tucked away in a hidden street between Crows Nest and St Leonards, this modern bakery cafe is serving up truly unique coffee and delightful pastries in a location which provides the perfect retreat from the wind, traffic and construction in the area.

Owner Frances Song had been working in the patisserie industry for years and once her daughter was due to be born, made plans to move to Korea and start her own cafe. However

due to an untimely sickness, Frances decided to stay in Sydney and instead open up in St Leonards where she had been a long time local with her husband Jiyoon.

Frances had patisserie expertise and Jiyoon was already working for Headlands Coffee as well as working alongside renowned Japanese coffee expert Takumi Sakamoto.

Layers brews coffee using unique Headlands Coffee, which Jiyoon roasts himself. This includes an exclusive ‘Layers Blend’ which Frances describes as possessing “natural notes of honey, peanut butter, cinnamon and chocolate. We are trying to encourage people to drink milk coffee and enjoy the caffeine fix without the sugar.”

The coffee is incredible but it’s the food that will keep you popping by for more. “We wanted to open this place to share what my husband and I really like; cooking for people and that includes pastries.”

Everything is baked fresh in house including chocolate, almond and plain croissants to Frances speciality macarons and chiffon cakes.

At Layers, they believe their point of difference lies in the softness of their pastries compared to others. Frances thinks that too often pasties are over baked, ending up with burnt butter and excessive breadiness.

By contrast “Our pastry base is very light, crispy, buttery, flaky and moist. Even when it cools down its still has a bit of a crunch and still stays nice cold or reheated.” All their goods also only use natural flavouring so they aren’t overly sweet.

As for the space: “We wanted something very warm and inviting.”

The layout encourages interaction without any of the conventional cafe table chair set ups. Instead long coach seating and stools are complimented by small round tables. They want to encourage interaction between people and groups while enjoying their coffee.

Layers is also available for small scale events of any kind as the space is versatile plus they have a liquor licence.

YoYo’s Chinese BBQ

116 Military Rd, Neutral Bay

15 years ago Polly Ji moved to Australia from China. Fast forward to 2023 and after years of hard work in hospitality, she has now brought classic Hong Kong cuisine to Neutral Bay.

Polly and her husband had been working at Phoenix Chinese Restaurant where he had been a chef there for over 10 years.

After hearing from a friend who owns a sushi store in Neutral Bay that the area had a strong local community with friendly people, they decided it would be the perfect location to bring their Cantonese style BBQ. They named the restaurant YoYo’s after their daughter.

From the classic roast ducks in the window to the fold out chairs and silver tables, this joint is a classic Hong Kong style eatery with the food to match: from BBQ pork to classic Chinese dishes like Mongolian beef and honey chicken.

“We freshly cook the BBQ meats everyday in the morning and again in the afternoon for dinner. It’s been quite popular!”

It really is hard to go past the duck but also on the menu are the classics like noodle soups, fried noodles, fried rice, dumplings, Szechuan chicken, Choy Sum and much more.

YoYo’s also has plenty of refreshing drinks to try.

“We do the Hong Kong milk tea and ice lemon tea with a very cute ice block.”

She wasn’t kidding as an ice bear popped out of the glass to cool off the smooth tea. All their teas are made in house and brewed to order, adding a very rich and unique flavour.

From le : Great Middle Eastern food at Bon Pollo, scrump ous croissants and cru es at Layers and fantas c Cantonese cooking at Yoyos

20 May - 18 June

Saturday 20 May, 8:00PM

Kings of the Blues - Live on Stage

Venue: Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne

Blues guitar virtuosos BB, Freddie and Albert join Kings on vocals covering all things blues, from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton and much more. The Kings of Blues bring the legends to life for one night only.

Friday 19 May, 7:30PM

Hip-Hop Commune

Venue: Big Top, Luna Park

HipHop Commune is a hot new Hip Pop show coming to the Big Top, featuring today’s hottest Chinese lyricists and mega-star and rapper Yitai WANG, and numerous talented artists including; PACT, WatchMe, Shi Xinwenyue. WANG made it to the top six in the 2018 China New Rap finals and has over 1m social media followers.

WHAT’S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY

Monday 22 May, 7:00PM

The Greatest Surf Movie in the Universe - Sydney Premiere

Venue: Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne

With a star studded cast of Mick Fanning, Luke Hemsworth and featuring Kelly Slater this film tells the story of a freak virus with a vaccine that may threaten surfing forever. This Sydney premiere is followed by a Q&A with directors Vaughan Blakey and Nick Pollet.

Saturday 27 May, 8:00PM

Paper Lace (pictured)

Venue: Norths Cammeray

In 1967 when singer/drummer Phil Wright got together with bass player Cliff Fish, little did they realise that by 1974 they would have sold over 30 million records with the biggest selling songs in the world of that year which included “Billy Don’t be a Hero”, “The

Night Chicago Died”, “The Black-eyed Boys”, “Hitchin’ a Ride 74”, “So What if I Am” and many more.

Wednesday 7 JuneSunday 18 June

Sydney Film Festival

Venue: Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne

It’s that time of year again and the world renowned Sydney Film Festival is back on the North Shore. This year there is a stacked line up will have your mind wondering. Documentaries about everything including climate, carnival life and a folk music icon. Watch the best of international cinema from Ireland to India and Italy.

Saturday 17 June, 2:00PM

Todd McKenny sings Peter Allen

Venue: Norths Cammeray

Fresh from his successful role in the musical Hairspray and as judge on

Dancing With the Stars – ALL STARS, Todd McKenney is back on stage and celebrating 40 years in showbiz with his smash hit show ‘Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen’ that is guaranteed to give you plenty of laughs, along with all the great hits from Peter Allen and songs from his all-time favourite performers.

Five hot new North Sydney dining locations, continued from previous page

S’Top St Food & Coffee House

41 Oxley St, Crows Nest

Tucked in on the Oxley Street side of the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre, you may recognise this Crows Nest cafe as Le Cafe Wraps and Rolls.

The current owners James and Mable had been working at bakeries when the previous owner of Le Cafe was looking to offload the business. After taking over management in 2020, they have opened up a second site and renamed themselves S’Top Food & Coffee House.

It wasn’t easy taking up the cafe in February 2020 with COVID restrictions setting in soon after. However Mable said they managed to keep things rolling along “We were lucky to keep busy. One thing was the construction site had a lot of workers. We also tried to do the best for our customers by looking after them with food and easy takeaway.”

Up until a few months ago, they were operating out of a small space offering food such as “traditional Vietnamese rolls, noodle soups, vermicelli noodle bowls. So we kept all the traditional food and we do some western style food like sandwiches, wraps and burgers to give more choice,” Mable said, adding that wraps and rolls are the most popular items, especially the crispy pork banh mi. In that same shop they also had juice, coffee, sweets and pastries.

“We were doing a lot of food there in a very small space as we were getting busier,” Mable told the Sun. With this in mind James noticed the shop next door had been vacant for about two years and decided the time was right to expand. The new site would specialise in drinks, from coffee, smoothies and protein shakes to fresh juices including sugar cane juice that is made fresh on site. It also has their sweets options like caramel slices,

croissants and muffins. Mable says it’s still early days and they will expand their menu to include Vietnamese style coffee and more cold drinks as the weather warms up.

Meanwhile the original site still has the rolls, wraps and burgers “but now we have salads like chicken avocado and Caesar salad as well pastas.” Mable said it’s now a lot easier to offer more as every food now has its section with the rolls station and salad bar w at the original store with drinks and sweets just next door.

But perhaps the best aspect of their new shop is the upstairs seating, something they struggled with when it was just the original site. With 10 tables on the second floor, it is a peaceful escape from the street level with loads of natural light and a view of the surroundings.

It’s exciting time for S’Top with more space to do more of what they are so good at.

OHHO Gelato & Dessert Cafe

307 Military Rd, Cremorne While on a trip to Italy, Nikky stumbled upon an inspiration that would change his life.

“We went to one of these infamous

gelato stores in Venice called Suso. We tried the gelato and thought that one day we wanted to open up a store if we had the opportunity.”

At the time he had been working in a government job but the gelato store opportunity eventually popped up in the form of a vacant shop front on the corner of Spofforth St and Military Rd. He decided on Cremorne after a friend recommended the suburb and site, especially considering the void in the market.

“Cremorne is a neighbourhood that already has some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars in the area. However, one thing that has been missing is a place where locals can go to enjoy high quality gelato and desserts throughout the day and night.”

The closest gelato cafe is in Neutral Bay and Nikky was keen to point out that OHHO will fit into the current marketplace and complement surrounding businesses, especially with the Orpheum Theatre across the road. When we sat down with Nikky he said “Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where people of all ages can come together and enjoy a sweet treat whether it’s on a hot summer day or a chilli winter evening.”

All of their gelato is made by specialty chef Vincent.

“He put his heart and soul into making different flavourful gelatos using traditional, artisanal methods and Australian produce.” Nicky said.

One of their best selling flavours so far has been their Mango Sorbet which is made using North Queensland produce. Biscottino is another hit which Nicky describes as a “better version” of cookies and cream.

They also have new flavours every week with Apple Pie proving to be a hit recently. They also have more traditional flavours like pistachio, macadamia, strawberry, raspberry, panna cotta and passion fruit, to name a few. All in either gelato or sorbet form.

If you aren’t in the mood for gelato, OHHO has cruffles (croissant style waffles) and crepes.

“Most importantly, one thing that Cremorne doesn’t have particularly after 3pm. Can you guess it? Coffee” he pointed out. Nicky added saying he has had many people happy to find a spot serving up brews after most cafes shut. Their red velvet hot chocolate topped with homemade cream is another unique drink offering to keep you warm this winter.

Artists impression of the Victoria Cross development

From le : Stop at S’Top in Crows Nest, a wide range of gelato at OHHO dessert café at Cremorne Junc on

NORTH SYDNEY WELLBEING

Neutral Bay start up a game changer for LGBTQI+ health

By James Mullan

David Cairncross grew up on the Northern Beaches and went to high school in North Sydney.

Coming out as gay at the age of 23 years old was an extremely difficult experience for him: “Upon coming out my parents kicked me out of home. I would only be allowed back in if I undertook conversion therapy. Through that process it was really challenging for me as I had to come to terms with who I was but also wanted to find a place in society that was unique to me so I had to re-evolve.”

Throughout this period in time David found it near impossible to find psychologists or GPs who could provide the holistic care he needed. “It took me about five years and two cities to find a psychologist and GP that could provide me that context based therapeutic setting that I needed to feel unique in my own journey.” His psychologist was part of the LGBTQI+ community which David says helped him truly find his place in the world.

It also helped him to realise there was a huge need for dedicated ‘rainbow’ services, especially with 60% of the LGBTQI+ community suffering with depression from the ages of 18 and above, compared to 10% amongst the rest of the population.

Wanting to fill the need for these services, David single-handedly created Unboxed Pride; an online psychology support service created by and tailored to LGBTQI+ people. The platform launched on the 18th January of this year which luckily coincided with

Midsumma Festival, Melbourne’s equivalent of Sydney’s Mardi Gras, as well as World Pride 2023. This gave the platform a huge boost, connecting people in need of support with qualified therapists and psychologists who offer evidence-based tailored therapeutic techniques and practical solutions for clients.

One of the key points of difference between Unboxed and similar services such as Better Health and Pride Counselling is the localised expertise on offer: “Some of the dangers that come from internationally based therapists is you could have completely out of context councillors.” David used the example of a transgender person in Australia receiving support from a therapist in a conservative US state.

“We made sure with our team, every psychologist, therapist or counsellor was affirming and had lived experience of being LGBTQ or are fierce allies.” This was to ensure Unboxed Pride is a safe, non judgmental and understanding space.

“Coming through a journey of not being able to find the right healthcare options or therapist in the field, it was all about having individuals who have been looking for something like this for so long and they’ve finally found it,” he said.

The service begins by matching clients with therapists based on personality, experience and a range of preferences. Consultations are set up in under 24 hours as part of offering a simpler, easier to access service than face to face.

As it stands, David has funded the whole project out of his pocket but hopes to secure private capital or government funding to make the business more financially sustainable. Clients with a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan can be eligible for a Medicare rebate for 10 psychology sessions per year. Looking forward, regional and remote expansion is also a key priority for Unboxed Pride.

The Sun asked David about the LGBTQI+ community specifically on the North Shore. “When we had World Pride you would cross the Bridge and see an array of colours, celebrations, campaigns and promotions, but you come back to the North Shore and it's almost dormant. There is bit and pieces but it goes to show the way people think” he observed, adding in refer-

AROUND THE GROUNDS

ence to the same sex marriage plebisite of 2017. 28% of respondents in the North Sydney federal electorate voted no. “There was still a large proportion of those who voted No, so there is still work to be done,” David said.

From a medical perspective the North Shore has relatively few LGBTQI+ friendly GPs.

According to ACON’s Gay Friendly GPs directory there is only one clinic in both Mosman and Cremorne with two each in North Sydney and St Leonards for a total six across the region.

Unboxed Pride is helping to offer more support for LGBTQI+ people and it all started in Neutral Bay, which is not only a great local tech start up story but welcome news for a community in need of support.

Bombers off to a flying start for 2023 with hot streak

The mood around Gore Hill Oval is overwhelmingly positive with both the Bombers’ men and women Premier Division squad starting well as they celebrate their 120th season in Sydney’s AFL competition.

Last season, the Men’s Premier squad went all the way to the Grand Final only to fall to the minor premiers UNSW. This year, the boys in red and black haven’t missed a beat, currently sitting atop the ladder. They set the tone from Round 1 at Gore Hill Oval dismantling UTS 117-25 thanks to 4 goals from Max Thomas while both Josh Rayner and Captain Ned Campbell booted 3 goals.

Thomas was at it against the next game at Kenbridge Oval, scoring an incredible 6 goals to lead the Bombers to a 138-46 win over East Coast. Originally a North Ryde Dockers Junior forward Max Thomas joined the Bombers in 2016, debuting in Premier Division in 2017 and recently boasting

a league second best 40 goals last season. The star forward has picked up where he left off with 16 goals in the first 5 games.

In round 3, all eyes were on Henson Park for a grand final rematch with UNSW. Outscoring the defending premiers 25-8 in the first quarter set the table for a convincing 87-47 revenge win. Throughout the early rounds, ruckman Sam Barkley has consistently stood out as one of the best on ground. Barkley attended high school at St Ignatius College, Riverview, playing his junior footy with Drummoyne before joining the Bombers in 2015.

With Sydney Swans VFL and Sydney Uni NEAFL experience he is now one of the leaders at North Shore.

Next up against St George back home in St Leonards, Josh Rayner stepped up, booting 4 goals with Max Thomas sidelined. Captain Ned Campbell kicked 3 goals too, providing a

strong veteran presence in his 7th season at Gore Hill Oval.

Remaining undefeated so far, the Bombers handled Inner West 125-43 thanks to an impressive 5 goals from new signing Tyson Pratt.

Originally from Port Lincoln, Pratt joined the team after an impressive junior career with South Australian powerhouse club Norwood where he booted 8 goals in 8 games last season. The last time the Bombers’ men won the premiership was in 2007 but with this red hot start this might be the drought breaking season.

The North Shore’s premier Women’s side had a slower start to the year but have bounced back in emphatic fashion in recent weeks. They currently sit 4th on the ladder which is the same position they finished in at the end of the 2022 season before crashing out in round 2 of the finals. In round 1, goals from Arabella Hendricks and Genevieve Love weren’t

enough to lift the side, going down 2234 against UTS. It was much the same next week in a sluggish 2-44 loss at the hands of East Coast.

But by round 3 the squad had their first win of the year, taking care of UNSW 39-17. Captain Matilda Eder booted a hat trick in the victory and is in her 6th season in the Bomber’s Premier side. This was only the start of their winning ways as in the next game they seriously decimated the Southern Power by an incredible 162-1 margin.

Meanwhile, Lucy Krimmer is in great form this season as part of one of the deadliest half forward lines in the comp which includes Eder and Love. Her sister Emillie Krimmer has also featured in the squad, shoreing up the half back line. The Bomber’s Women will take consolation in the fact they have only lost to the top 2 teams in the division and have plenty to be optimistic about as they prepare to try to go one all the way this season.

Dr Amy Edmondson

David Cairncross

WORDSTEP

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step.

CLAMS

QUICK CROSSWORD

SKINT

There may be more than one possible answer.

CODEWORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

WORD FIND No. 028 ARCTIC BEANIE

QUIZ

1 In the tongue-twister, what did Peter Piper pick a peck of?

2 Who wrote the opera Madama Butterfly?

3. For whom was the song Candle in the Wind originally written?

4 Which plant with a bright yellow flower is also known as rapeseed?

5 True or false: The Simpsons characters Comic Book Guy and Barney Gumble are both voiced by Hank Azaria?

6 Who wrote the book Murder on the Orient Express?