My Favourite Things: Ben Chard

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Ben Chard

Ben has been a Lifestyle Co-ordinator with Hall & Prior for two and a half years, but it’s his 19th year in the aged care sector. Here he shares his favourite things - and it’s a varied collection as you’ll see, from ham and pineapple pizza to charcoal drawings.

TEDDY AND BOO (MY DOGS)

Whenever I walk through my door I am greeted by two dancing Pomeranians. Boo is three years old and Teddy is approaching his first birthday. Both are full of life and personality brightening up anyone’s day who gets to see them. Teddy and Boo have been in to visit residents in Hall & Prior homes and very much enjoy the attention and cuddles.

MUSIC

I have been producing music and performing live in bands for most of my adult life. I am currently working on a solo album in my home music studio. Writing music or sitting down to play the guitar or piano makes me feel very relaxed and at peace. I have 30 different guitars in my collection - my favourite two were passed onto me from my father.

Italian food is at the top of my list if I am ever trying to decide what to cook or order for my dinner. Spaghetti bolognaise is a dish I have perfected over many years of trialling recipes and mastering the ingredients. Ham and pineapple pizza is a close second to this and is a must with any pizza order I make. I never understood how people could not like pineapple on pizzas.

FESTIVE HOLIDAYS

I have always loved holiday seasons spent with family. My relationships with my family and close friends are very important to me. The festive seasons give me a chance to connect and share special times with these people. It also gives me a chance to dress up Teddy and Boo as Santa’s little helpers.

BARBEQUES

Nothing is more welcoming at a party or event than a fired-up barbeque. My family would always have Sunday barbeques with friends over, music playing and a piece of art pavlova for dessert. I now continue the tradition with a barbeque on my balcony at home which I enjoy whenever possible. Recently I was able to take part in cooking barbeques for all the staff in all of our NSW homes.

THE OCEAN

I spent my early childhood in Cronulla so I have always loved being around the beach or seeing the ocean. The sound of the waves, smell of the sea and feeling of the warm sand between your toes makes any worries melt away in seconds. Whenever I have a quiet weekend with nice weather, I pack the dogs into the car and head to the closest beach.

DRAWING

I have been drawing for as long as I could hold a pencil. My favourite artistic mediums are charcoal or pencil drawing. I designed my high school year 12 jersey drawing cartoons of all the schools’ teachers to their delight. I have a very special drawing I drew when I was five years old of dinosaurs on display at home that my nan kept.