Hibernate NZ Autumn 2022

Hibernate AUTUMN EDITION 2022

BONSAI IS MAKING A COMEBACK Want to learn an ancient art form?

ST JAMES THEATRE WITH RNZB Preparing for a grand reopening.

DO YOU HAVE TIME TO VOLUNTEER? It’s this easy to lend a hand.

e m o c l Wetumn edition

to our au ibernate of H

Here’s to those who create! Artists, dancers, chefs, growers, and people making the world a better place. This edition of Hibernate is brimming with passion and drive. Dive in to learn what makes creators tick and enjoy a dose of inspiration while you’re at it.

We celebrate the upcoming reopening of the St James Theatre in Wellington (page 4), The Royal New Zealand Ballet shares a sneak peek at their upcoming show (page 5), and ballet-loving Ryman resident Val is as graceful as ever (page 6).

Volunteers keep Aotearoa turning, so we explore how to donate your time (page 10). There’s something for everyone – retirees, professionals, even the kids can get involved. Lynn is so passionate about protecting our native species, he’s recruited fellow Ryman residents to build pest traps (page 8).

The art of bonsai grows large outdoor trees in miniature form (page 12). Grown for ornamental gardens and playful interior décor, bonsai fans have discovered that once you pot it’s hard to stop!

Fashion aficionado and Ryman resident Caroline is hooked on beautiful fabrics. Her wardrobe is awash with colour and bold design (page 14).

Chef Troy brings his signature passion for food to yet another delicious selection of dishes (page 16), Ryman’s book club is racking up the reading hours online (page 20), and we get crafty outdoors with a mosaic ball how-to (page 22).

Kylie and the Ryman Healthcare team.

Cover image: Royal New Zealand Ballet Soloist Kihiro Kusukami, photograph by Ross Brown.

In this issue 04

EN POINTE

06

THE DANCER

08

MUCKING IN

The Royal New Zealand Ballet is delivering a beloved classic… with a twist.

Val has dedicated her life to movement by practising and teaching ballet.

Everyday Kiwis are volunteering for DOC. And loving every muddy step!

06

12 14

16

12

MINIATURE TREES

14

SHE’S THRIVING

Bonsai is making a comeback, with people everywhere artfully creating miniature trees.

Caroline’s wardrobe is overflowing with colour and fabulous design.

16

CHEF TROY

20

PAGE TURNERS

22

A CRAFTY GARDEN PARTY

He’s done it again! Ryman’s own Chef Troy delivers a healthy, comforting Italian menu.

Avid readers across Ryman villages have found somewhere new to hang out – online!

This DIY mosaic ball will brighten up your garden in time for autumn.

The wait is (almos t) over

Wellington’s St James Theatre closed for seismic strengthening and refurbishment in 2018. According to the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Susannah Lees-Jeffries, the RNZB has been counting the days until its return to the grandiose St James stage.

Photo credit: Venues Wellington Described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Wellington’s art scene, St James Theatre has been missed. Facing Courtenay Place, this stunning heritage building, classified as a ‘Category 1’ historic place, appears empty. But, as Susannah says, “tucked away on the second and third floors of the building, you enter the secret world of the Royal New Zealand Ballet" (RNZB). The St James has been the RNZB's home since the late 1990s and the costume department, production teams, administration office, and rehearsal studios have continued to occupy these floors since St James closed its doors.

“We’re possibly Wellington’s best-kept secret, hidden away amid the hustle and bustle of Courtenay Place.” Susannah laughs as she explains that no one walking past would know that RNZB dancers are filling the rehearsal studios six days a week.

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Completing the building’s major work has been a huge project.

But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. While the RNZB leases their premises from Wellington City Council, the RNZB is responsible for all fit-out and maintenance. “We’re near the end of fundraising three million to begin refurbishment in May with a move-in date of September.”

Described by the RNZB as ‘a new creative hub for dance and the arts’, the iconic St James Theatre is set to be a cornerstone for the national arts community. And a welcome return home for the RNZB. And they can’t wait. After all, this is where they belong. “Our dancers and production team spend so much time at the Theatre.” Once the St James reopens, those dancers and teams will know that they’re performing just through the wall.

And Susannah is looking forward to the sense of belonging this will give everyone in the company.

A new

season

THE ROYAL N EW Z EALAND BALLET I S RETURN I NG TO THE STAG E (AN D OUR HEARTS) I N 2022.

If you attended the Ryman Healthcare Season of Hansel & Gretel in 2019, you’ll recall what a wild ride that Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) performance was.

And you’ll be delighted to know that choreographer Loughlan Prior and composer Claire Cowan are bringing their immense talent to another Ryman Healthcare season at the ballet. This time, with an original interpretation of Cinderella.

Cinderella is a “ very exciting prospect because it’s a brand new ballet, made especially for us, and it will mark our return to the St James Theatre.

”

Having created a show described as ‘feisty, fun, and fabulous’, Prior and Cowen are joined by Emma Kingsbury’s fashion design prowess.

The Cinderella story is universal, so it can be shaken up, turned inside out and unfold timeless themes of much-loved characters stepping up, following their dreams, and taking chances.

Loughlan Prior, RNZB’s master storyteller, says it best. “Cinderella is a stargazer,

a dreamer and a unique spirit who finds herself in the wrong story. Set within an enormous, embroidered tapestry, the ballet is a kaleidoscopic collision of detail and colour, illustrating a timely twist on the classic tale.”

The RNZB intend to share their performance of Cinderella with as many people as possible. A five-centre tour has been planned, starting in Wellington on the 3rd of August before travelling to Auckland, Napier, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

Two years ago, when New Zealand first entered lockdown, the RNZB broadcast to living rooms across Aotearoa for free. “Over nine weeks, Kiwis and ballet lovers overseas consumed six million minutes of ballet online," explains Susannah Lees-Jeffries of the RNZB. Audiences loved the opportunity to connect with dancers over Facebook Live, chat with the company in the comments, and watch performances from the archives. “Our following increased by 20,000 and we’ve retained those followers.” Last year, RNZB branched out again with paid broadcasting via a streaming service. Their highly anticipated Firebird tour was curtailed due to pandemic restrictions, so a live performance was edited and offered online. “4,000 people from 20 countries paid to view Firebird online.”

With the success of their foray into the digital space, the RNZB has been wondering “what’s next in that space?” And considering how they might connect with a larger audience in new ways.

As Susannah admits, New Zealand “isn’t a sensible country to travel around throughout the year logistically or environmentally, but we want to connect with as many Kiwis as possible, onstage and onscreen."

So, technology will remain front of mind for the RNZB, and as always with this creative powerhouse – watch this space!

Image credit: RNZB Soloist Katherine Skelton in a publicity image for The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella. Photograph by Ross Brown, additional illustration by Homegrown Creative.

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A life of poise, grace and discipline Ballet is Val’s calling. A convert from age 12, she quickly realised that ballet would be a lifelong passion.

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As a 5-year-old, Val Murray was first introduced to ballet when the family doctor suggested it might help with her flat feet. Like many young dancers, the thrill of being part of upcoming concerts was the most appealing aspect to Val. But it didn’t take long for her love of ballet to grow.

At the age of 12, Val had moved to the Nettleton Edwards Ballet School in Auckland. By that time, Val says, “I was besotted with ballet.”

A talent for teaching ballet began when a neighbour asked if Val would teach their daughter. Val recalls, “I always thought I’d be a school teacher, but then I knew I would teach ballet for the rest of my life.”

From there, Val went on to start her own studio in a local hall. It was a popular time for ballet and the roll grew very quickly. Within two years she was teaching over 100 students.

Children are one of Val’s passions, and so she excelled at teaching.

She loved the self-discipline of ballet, the stance, musicality, artistry, and physical grace. Many of Val’s students carved out careers in ballet and gained entry to renowned companies such as the Royal Ballet in London, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and Australian Ballet. However, she affectionately maintains, “I’m proud of every single child that I taught.”

In the midst of running ballet schools across Auckland, Val also raised five sons. It was a very busy life, but Val wouldn’t change a thing. Her son Roger once commented, “Fancy living in a house with classical music going on all the time and a father building boats.” Val's son Andrew then quipped, “Our whole life seems to have started with B's – boys, ballet and boats!”

I'm proud of “ every single child that I taught. ”

Now retired, Val lives at Ryman’s Edmund Hillary Village in Auckland.

But she hasn’t hung up her ballet slippers just yet, as she enjoys teaching a group of residents there whom she fondly refers to as, ‘my girls’.

Like all of Val’s classes, ‘the girls’ practice to live music provided by pianist William Green, who’s played for Val for over 20 years. Their favourite dance is a pretty waltz.

Val has modified her teaching to align with their ability. “Anything that’s on two legs, no jumps!”

Val explains.

One of Val’s ex-students Alison comes along to demonstrate some of the work. Alison is a resident at Ryman’s Bruce McLaren Village in Howick. She loves jumping in on the classes at Edmund Hillary which is a great help to Val. Val is recognised as one of New Zealand's most celebrated dance educators and was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for her services to dance in 2002.

She has made a remarkable impact to the lives of countless students over her 60 years of teaching children and young adults. Not just in the physical ballet moves and dances they learn, but also in the life skills that the discipline of ballet teaches. As one ex-student explained in a tribute to Val at her jubilee celebration.

“Ballet has put down the foundations for an exceptional life for me in being able to go into anything with poise, grace and discipline. These are not with us when we start life but are taught.”

To be able to pass on such amazing qualities to so many people is a remarkable achievement. It’s a legacy that will last for generations to come.

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Made with Love

LYNN’S COMMITTED TO A PEST-FREE NEW ZEALAND.

A passionate conservationist, Lynn has taken pest prevention to the next level in recent years. A resident at Ryman's Charles Upham Village, Lynn has brought together the Department of Conservation, Ryman who supplies all the trap materials, and fellow residents who volunteer to build pest traps. And the impact they’re having is significant.

Lynn and his crew of woodworking residents are hard at work building 200 traps destined for Doubtful Valley. As Lynn says, “it can’t be just me, we all need to work together to eradicate these pests that have run rampant for too long”. With such a large order to fill, Lynn has recruited two additional villages to pitch in. The woodwork sheds at Anthony Wilding Village and Diana Isaac Village are also humming with trap construction.

And while Aotearoa’s native birds benefit from Lynn’s traps, they’re not all on board. Unsurprisingly, our native kea is putting up resistance.

Keas have been caught tampering with traps by loosening screws “like a woodpecker”, throwing traps off cliffs, and using perfectly sized sticks to hit the tension pad, setting off the trap before moving to the next one. Lynn points out that due to the

trap design they never reach the bait, so either keas have a wicked sense of humour or, as Lynn suspects, they’re simply bored and mucking about. In response, trap designs have had to evolve to protect them from interference by cheeky keas.

Once constructed, each trap is stencilled with “Made with love by Ryman residents”. And for Lynn, this is a labour of love. He and his wife Christine have spent years trapping on the Ashley River to protect the wrybill. Classed as a ‘vulnerable’ species, the wrybill nests on riverbeds. “They’re so well camouflaged you can’t see them until they move. And their grey and white eggs look like stones.” His team at the village builds 10 traps a month to help boost numbers for volunteers who work on the Ashley River and rural gardens in the surrounding area.

traps go in, the sound of the birdlife “Once increasing is incredible. That’s all the motivation I need.

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”

You need to put yourself forward “ and help make a difference. You can’t

just sit back and complain without doing something about it.

”

Stoats and weasels are common knowledge predators, but Lynn stresses the threat posed by hedgehogs and rats. “Hedgehogs are a dangerous predator to eggs as well as birds. They’re very violent and can smell an egg from a great distance.” Meanwhile, rats attack animals, eggs, plants, and seeds.

“We made traps for Medbury Scientific Reserve which has a plant – there are only 250-odd left in the world – and rats eat the seeds. Rats can wipe out this plant simply by not allowing it to seed.”

But the biggest impact Lynn credits to his trap-building team is in the Nina Valley. And he’s quick to stress that the work doesn’t end once the traps are built. “A huge number of people are involved in all this.”

With immense gratitude in his voice, Lynn lists the many people who volunteer for jobs like keeping the trap lines open, cleaning and maintaining traps, and re-egging every month.

From hikers and conservationists to the kids at Hurunui College – they all volunteer for vital maintenance work.

Making a difference SO, WHAT KEEPS LYNN IN THE SHED BUILDING TRAPS?

“It helps the environment and saves plants and animals, in particular birds. It’s so important and the only way we’re going to make a difference is by coming together.” Lynn stresses the importance of taking action, in any way that suits your passion or skillset.

Lynn (top left) and some hard-working Ryman residents pitching in to build traps.

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Unsung heroes

Peek into the world of volunteering.

Everywhere you look superhumans are making a difference, positively impacting the world each day.

And all without lycra suits or capes.

This is exciting!

Who should I help?

Successful volunteers find the ‘right fit’. They pair themselves with organisations that share their values and vision or offer the personal benefits they seek. Time is valuable and you’re donating yours, so it’s important that you enjoy what you do and benefit from volunteering.

Plenty of people donate their time to improve their local neighbourhood. Others contribute to city-wide projects. Many volunteer for national organisations and others are focused on global charities. What ties them all together is their willingness to donate time and make the world a better place.

What’s all the fuss about?

Volunteers donate their time and skills to help individuals and communities in need.

And their donation is a gift – without financial reward or goods in exchange.

It’s no secret that society is lifted up by volunteers. These are compassionate people, committed to creating a better tomorrow. They’re in our neighbourhoods, all around the world.

And they’re making a difference.

Gillian, a resident at Bert Sutcliffe Village.

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Many hands make light work LYNN DAWSON HAS GROWN PEGGY & FRIENDS FROM A SINGLE COMMUNITY KNITTING CIRCLE TO A NATIONWIDE MOVEMENT. ALL TO HELP VULNERABLE KIWI KIDS FEEL SAFE AND WARM.

Lynn runs Peggy & Friends knitting groups from the deep south to the far north. “And all points in between.” She’s kept busy travelling to provide supplies, advice, and support.

Knitters knit at their own ability. A straight line makes a scarf while several squares can be combined to make a blanket. Practised knitters make cardigans and beanies.

But whatever items they make, Lynn's groups are fast! “As an example, I have a report from a convenor stating that last year their

group knitted 1,764 items, including 300 blankets, that went to 6 different charities.”

To date, around 50,000 items have been knitted for Peggy & Friends and donated to vulnerable children. “It’s great because our partnership with Ryman sees Ryman residents and Ryman’s sponsorship combine in a way that directly benefits their local communities.”

Keen on knitting? Form a group and donate your cosy goods to charity!

Sandra, a resident at Logan Campbell Village with Alison, a resident at Bert Sutcliffe Village.

Great, so what

are the benefits?

Individuals have many reasons for volunteering.

Some are passionate about the cause and helping others, some enjoy feeling needed and find that volunteering gives them purpose, others benefit from the social interaction that comes with volunteering.

Most importantly, volunteers offer essential support to causes and organisations that serve a social need.

Many charitable organisations rely on the generosity of volunteers to operate, with some comprised entirely of volunteers. It’s indisputable that volunteers make our world a better place to live.

But volunteering is a two-way street. Volunteers themselves enjoy plenty of benefits.

01.

SOCIAL CONNECTION

Experiencing a rich and diverse social life helps people feel a sense of belonging and community.

So make an effort to meet new people who share common interests and volunteering is also a great way to regularly engage in fulfilling conversation and strengthen your social skills in a supportive environment.

02.

BODY & MIND

When it comes to physical benefits, active volunteers increase their fitness level and physical health. And how about those brain benefits? Challenging yourself to develop skills and learn something new is great for brain health.

Volunteering can also be a mindful experience.

Group activities are a great way to build strong support systems. And if you prefer your own company, working with animals is known to reduce anxiety and stress levels. After all, helping others provides us with meaning and a sense of purpose.

03.

HAVING FUN

Intertwine volunteering with what you already love to do because meaningful work is an energising break from the everyday. Plus, volunteers who share a common purpose often become friends, making this an easy way to laugh often. And don’t be surprised if your newfound sense of motivation positively influences your personal life!

But what if I’m really busy?

Aren’t we all! Fortunately, volunteering doesn’t have to fill your schedule. Volunteering happens on your terms, as often as you like, when it suits you.

You might take on a board-level governance role, step in to support one major fundraising campaign per year, stop by to contribute your skillset each month, or take a role at the heart of an organisation with daily commitments.

There really is something for everyone when volunteering.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit volunteeringnz.org.nz

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Living Art Miniature trees are surging in popularity.

But while it’s 'on trend' bonsai is far from new.

HI STO RY OF BONSA I While bonsai has long been practised by the Japanese, the Chinese can trace this art form back to the Han and Qin Dynasties (221 BC – 220 AD).

Later, it was developed in China during a time of art, architecture, and gardens. By the 13th century, bonsai (then known as penjing) had been introduced to Japan where it took off. It was practised by the Japanese aristocracy and samurai and quickly assumed a Japanese identity. In the 1800s, the art form became known as bonsai.

“Once you 'pot' you can't stop!”

What used to be meticulously practised by Japanese aristocracy and samurai is now sold in ‘get started’ kits. But if you treat your bonsai like a throwaway fad, it won’t last long. These incredible miniatures are easy to care for but need love and attention to thrive.

From all reports, once you get the hang of bonsai tree pruning, you’re likely to start many more. Hardcore bonsai fans fill every corner of their homes with miniature trees in pots while others take the leap outdoors.

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It’s one of those ‘once you pot you can’t stop’ situations.

While they look miniature, bonsai trees are born with big potential. They have the ability to grow meters until they reach full size. What makes them miniature is bonsai. This art form uses pruning techniques and training wire to control the growth of a tree.

Most bonsai trees take 10-15 years to reach maturity. And that’s exactly what makes them a labour of love.

If you begin with a seed, you could

wait five years for your bonsai to start looking like a miniature tree.

This is why most first-timers purchase pre-grown trees that are around five to seven years old. The perfect age for growers to get busy with their tiny pruning shears!

In the long run, whether you grew from seed or purchased pre-grown will fade in importance. The real bonsai journey lies in how you grow alongside your bonsai and what you learn to appreciate.

Take your pick Every bonsai tree has unique properties. Find the right fit for you before taking the plunge.

Crafting mindfulness

from nature A FEW REASONS TO TAKE UP BONSAI AND STICK WITH IT!

Japanese Maple

A hot favourite for its striking leaf colour and adaptability when pruned.

CREPE MYRTLE Its branch formation and showy flowers are beloved by bonsai practitioners.

INDIAN LAUREL FIG

BODHI TREE

Perfect for beginners, this tree is easily cured of pruning mistakes and twists well.

This tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment, grows heart-shaped leaves.

BOXWOOD

Another great starter for bonsai newbies, boxwood is hardy and grows quickly.

Pine

A popular bonsai variety, this hardy evergreen sports needles in bundles of two to five.

Common Beech

One for the patient artist, it grows slowly but enjoys a dramatic upright style.

01

Enjoy feelings of peace and tranquillity

02

Practise patience and perseverance

03

Beautify your home with whimsical living art

04

Collect species that purify the air

05

Lower your stress and anxiety levels

06

Maintain the humidity in your home

07

Grow self-confidence alongside your bonsai

08

Apply your compassionate, nurturing side

09

Create an heirloom for the next generation

MONEY TREE

An ideal choice for home décor, this tree trunk braids and twists beautifully.

Learn more about bonsai at rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ lifestyle Hibernate | 13

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Cmoylowuorrld!

Chic and sassy Caroline’s philosophy is to not just survive but thrive!

As the eldest in a family of seven children, growing up on the family farm in the 1950s Caroline Kells didn’t have much use for the party dresses worn by the teenagers in the city.

However, that didn’t stop her dreaming.

Caroline spent hours thumbing through the well-worn pages of her treasured scrap book of glamorous film stars, like Rita Hayworth, Rock Hudson, and her biggest idol Grace Kelly.

“My dreams for the future were to be like Grace Kelly in ‘High Society,’ sunbathing around a swimming pool, drinking martinis, with a towelling beach robe at the ready!” she laughs.

“I loved their beautiful clothes, the way they dressed and their lifestyles.

I got my sense of style from them.”

“ I always look on the bright side of life. ”

After finishing school, seventeenyear-old Caroline left the quiet farming life to head to Auckland. City life suited her, and she settled into Homecraft Teachers’ College, learning how to construct beautiful clothes, cook and present meals at the table, along with tasteful interior decorating.

In the 1960s Caroline flatted with a group of National Airways Corporation (NAC) air hostesses in Christchurch and decided to join the airline too. She wore the golden cloud uniform with the ‘pot’ hat.

Next was the Mary Quant look with daring above the knee pink, green and white uniforms and wet-look white boots!

“We had to wear bright lipstick and matching red nail polish, and bouffant hairstyles above the shoulders. Then wigs came in, and we all started wearing them.”

Caroline worked for the airline, wearing a uniform for 46 years. Now, she says, she can express herself with her own design and colour. She is confident with her fashion sense.

“Sometimes others are fascinated by my outfits, but I’m not afraid of colour and I love wearing hats.”

Caroline’s quirky sense of humour is matched by her eclectic style which is immediately apparent as soon as you walk into her James Wattie Village townhouse. Surrounded by

colour, flowers, and bright artworks, she sits in her stylish leopard print chair, while looking downon her in the kitchen is a bright painting of her three sisters – always keeping an eye on her!

The big Hawkes Bay sky is a joy to Caroline, and she loves the light and the colours around her, especially how the four seasons are so distinctive.

“ I'm ageing

”

with attitude.

She enjoys exploring the surrounding area with others on the village walks and has discovered lots of new places for coffee. Mah-jong is a favourite past-time to enjoy with other residents.

“Some of my friends were surprised by my move. Not everyone can comprehend that we are in our swinging 70s having a fabulous time,” she laughs. Caroline says that she can’t believe how successful her shift to the village has been. “I have no worries here. And I did it all on my own through the uncertainty of a pandemic. It’s the best decision I’ve made in 50 years!” And she couldn’t have found a better place to call home. Because, as Caroline says, “I’m not young, but I’m young at heart!”

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Italian Feast C H E F T ROY WAS I NS PIR E D BY I TA L IA N CO MFORT FOO D WH EN C R A F T ING T H IS AUT U M NA L MENU. Fresh, slow-cooked, heavy, and light. Whatever you’re craving, Italian fare has an answer. Simple ingredients are common in Italian cooking. They’re often combined using little fuss and plenty of love.

With mouthwatering results.

Chef Troy’s lamb shank is no exception, while this Caprese salad couldn’t be easier to throw together. And his soul-soothing risotto may physically transport you to the Amalfi coast. (Which we take no responsibility for!) But while you’re there, take a bite of this zesty limoncello tiramisu – it’ll melt in your mouth.

" P repare for take-off.

Your taste buds are heading to Italy!”

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Caprese Salad

WITH FRESH PESTO INGREDIENTS

20g fresh buffalo mozzarella 3 fresh, ripe tomatoes 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, to garnish PESTO

3 garlic cloves, crushed 20g pine nuts ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 20g parmesan Salt and pepper, to taste METHOD

1. Slice the tomato and mozzarella into 1/3-inch slices. Alternate them on a serving dish.

2. Lightly roast the garlic, set aside then lightly toast the pine nuts.

3. Combine the garlic, pine nuts, and remaining pesto ingredients in a food processor. Grind to a rough paste.

4. Drizzle the pesto over the tomato and mozzarella.

5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Alternatively, drizzle with balsamic and olive oil to serve.

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MUS HROO M RI S OT TO INGREDIENTS

50g dried shitake mushrooms 650ml chicken stock 3 garlic cloves ½ bunch thyme leaves 200g white button mushrooms, sliced 200g portobello mushrooms, sliced 1 small onion, diced 200g arborio rice 150ml white wine 50g butter 50g parmesan, grated Salt and pepper, to taste METHOD

1. Rehydrate the dried shitake mushrooms in a cup of chicken stock for 10 minutes and squeeze out the excess liquid. Reserve this chicken stock for the risotto.

2. Add a little oil to a saucepan and sauté the garlic and thyme. Add all the mushrooms to the mixture and set aside.

3. In another saucepan, sauté the onion in a little oil then add the rice and sauté briefly. Add white wine to deglaze the mixture and 18 | Hibernate

reduce the liquid until most of the wine has evaporated.

4. Add the stock, a ladle at a time, to the rice while stirring. Repeat until all the stock has been absorbed by the rice.

5. Cook until the rice is al dente then add the mushroom mixture.

6. Turn in the butter and parmesan then season to taste.

7. Garnish with thyme and extra parmesan.

Cook your shanks “until the meat falls off the bone. ”

L A M B S H AN K S INGREDIENTS

METHOD

4 lamb shanks

1. Trim excess fat from the lamb shanks and coat them with the chopped garlic cloves, thyme, salt and pepper. Leave covered overnight in the fridge to marinate.

3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 bunch thyme leaves 2tbsp flour 2tbsp oil 1 large onion, diced 100g garlic, crushed 1 carrot, diced 1 leek, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 250ml red wine 1 can chopped tomatoes 500ml beef stock Salt and pepper, to season

Limoncello Tiramisu

INGREDIENTS

2. Coat the shanks with flour then sear them in a frying pan with a little oil.

Set aside.

100g sugar

250g mascarpone

100ml water

200g lemon curd

200ml limoncello

Zest of 2 lemons

3. Sauté the onion, crushed garlic, carrot, leek, and celery. Add red wine to deglaze the mixture then add the can of tomatoes.

300ml cream

1 packet Savoiardi biscuits (lady fingers)

4. Transfer to a slow cooker and add the beef stock and lamb shanks. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat falls off the bone.

5. Reduce the liquid to make a thick sauce and season with salt and pepper as required.

Serving Suggestion Serve with creamy mashed potato.

50g icing sugar METHOD

1. Heat the sugar and water to make a sugar syrup then cool. Once cooled, add the limoncello and set aside.

2. In a blender, use a balloon whisk attachment to whisk the cream and icing sugar into stiff peaks. Set aside.

3. Blend the mascarpone, 150g lemon curd, and 1/3 of the lemon zest. Once blended, fold in the whipped cream mixture. Spread half the mixture across the bottom of a shallow serving bowl or tray.

4. Dip the Savoiardi biscuits in the limoncello mix for a few seconds each to absorb the limoncello. (Be careful not to disintegrate the biscuits.) Layer the biscuits on top of the cream.

5. Spread the remaining cream over the biscuits and garnish with the remaining lemon curd and lemon zest.

6. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

Hibernate | 19

Relax, read, repeat There’s nothing better than getting lost in the pages of a really good book. Hours seem to pass like minutes, chores get delayed – it’s a blissful escape from reality.

so interesting “ toIt’shave contact

with other people who have a shared interest.

”

What makes the reading experience even better is finding someone else who’s read the same great book and the discussions that follow. In fact, if you come across a not-so-good book or one that divides option, those discussions can be pretty interesting too. Simply throw a few more people into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a book club!

There are a great many book lovers at Ryman villages, many of whom have already been part of book clubs themselves. However, with it being more difficult to get out and about lately, Ryman villages have been trialling virtual book clubs. And the best part about a virtual book

club is that members can connect with fellow residents from Ryman villages throughout New Zealand and Victoria, Australia.

Betty is a resident at Diana Isaac Village in Christchurch who’s been an avid reader all her life. Having had a stroke a few years ago, Betty is enjoying the ability of being able to participate online.

“Something virtual I can do in my own home is much appreciated,” she says.

The ease of participation coupled with the social aspect of talking with residents from across New Zealand and Victoria have been highlights for Betty. And although the group are only on their second book, she’s impressed with the standard of reading choices and the discussions they’ve led to. “It’s so interesting to have contact with other people who have a shared interest.”

Mourne is another book club member who is thoroughly enjoying the online experience. A resident at Julia Wallace Village in Palmerston North, Mourne loves to encourage the group to delve deeper in their discussions and enjoys the sense of connection that online groups like the book club can offer.

Suellen, an avid reader and resident at William Sanders Village, is lost in the pages of a good book.

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Mourne explains that a sense of belonging and a chance to share are vital for a healthy life. And as she says, “What better way to do that than a book club?”

RY M A N ' S P ICKS T H IS AUT UMN T H E P ROMIS E DAMON GALGUT, 2021

Galgut’s award-winning story intimately describes the implosion of a white South African family living on a farm outside Pretoria. With emotion at the core, this tale follows the cultural change of a country as it moves from division to a proposed fairer society. Spanning the last 40 years, the cultural change that the characters live through carries the tale. Woven throughout is a promise made, and broken, to a Black woman who spent her life working for the family.

Fluidly moving between the characters, Galgut’s narrating eye is keen and merciless in its observation.

Described by Galgut as “a kind of amalgamation of everything I grew up with in Pretoria”, it’s no surprise that his telling is as deft as it is powerful.

THE B LI ND ASSASSI N MARGARET ATWOOD, 2000 T H R O W B A C K

As enduring as all Atwood’s works, The Blind Assassin is well worth a re-read. This beautifully crafted story within a story sees Atwood weaving with threads. Which she deftly draws together to reveal secrets and, unsurprisingly, an unforgettable final twist. Touching on suspense, romance, and science fiction, the story begins in 1945 with the mysterious death of Laura Chase. The story shifts to her sister Iris, who, decades later, recounts the dramatic deaths plaguing their wealthy family’s history.

At once entertaining and deeply serious, this story sees Atwood display her trademark combination of daring and talent. The result is a delightfully original story drawn from a remarkable imagination.

BUG WEEK & OTHER SHORT STORIES, AIRINI BEAUTRAIS

EMPIRE OF PAIN, PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE, 2021

GREAT CIRCLE, MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD, 2021

THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY, AMOR TOWLES, 2021

Award-winning for good reason, this collection of tales has been cleverly honed with patience. They’re diverse and delightful with touches of the strange and disturbing.

Exhaustively documented and deeply compelling, this portrait spans three generations of one of the world’s wealthiest families and their responsibility for the opioid crisis.

A powerful epic, Shipstead’s ambitious story weaves together two astonishing lives. A daredevil aviator and the Hollywood rebel who will play her on screen.

Bestselling author Amos Towles has delivered another absorbing novel. Set across 1950s America, this fateful tale is bursting with life and unforgettable characters.

“ Something virtual I can do in my own home is much appreciated.”

Betty, virtual book club member and resident at Ryman’s Diana Isaac Village.

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It s’ party time in the garden THIS MOSAIC DISCO BALL IS THE GARDEN DÉCOR YOU NEVER KNEW YOU WANTED. UNTIL NOW!

Autumn is the perfect time to think about garden decoration.

A splash of colour will brighten your small space balcony garden or large outdoor area, and contrast beautifully with your evergreens.

M AT E RIA LS Polystyrene ball PVA glue to seal the polystyrene Optional: cement-based glue for weathertightness Tiles (pre-broken) A tile glue suitable for polystyrene Grout Gloves

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e c a p s or o d t u o r u o y g " Brin h it w , n m u t u a is h t e to lif a mosaic disco ball! "

S E AL

01

Seal your polystyrene ball with a 50/50 mixture of PVA glue and water. Set aside to dry completely. If your ball will hang outdoors in the elements, you can seal it completely with a layer of cement-based glue.

02

DESI GN

Sketch a design before you begin or lay your tiles on a flat surface to create a design you’d like to replicate on your ball.

APPLY

03

Apply the tile glue directly to the ball in small sections as you attach your tile design.

You might use a paintbrush to achieve even glue coverage.

Set aside for 24 hours.

04

G ROU T

Prepare your grout according to the packet instructions and stir until smooth. Set the mix aside for 10 minutes, then stir again. Cover your ball with the grout, ensuring to work it into every crevice and smoothing the final surface.

Set aside for 30 minutes until the grout becomes hazy.

Take a slightly damp sponge and wipe the haze off your tiles then buff them with a dry cloth until clean. Leave your grout to dry for three days.

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WE HAVE PASSIONS A generation of Kiwis aren’t retiring from life.

They’re looking for a new way to live.

Ryman residents like Audrey live their lives with purpose and passion. They push further and go beyond the ordinary.

Audrey kicks up her heels at every opportunity.

She danced the night away at a recent wedding.

And staged a witty pantomime with some village friends last year. Audrey loves living at a Ryman retirement village. It makes it easy to further explore her passion for dance and performance.

We’re committed to pioneering retirement living for one simple reason. To better serve a generation of New Zealanders.

“I first started dancing when I was four. It’s always been a part of my life. I just love it.”

Audrey Dancer and resident at Margaret Stoddart Village

rymanhealthcare.co.nz