Woodcote News Woodcote Retirement Village • Autumn edition 2019
Summer Party Clowns and fantastic fun was the order of the day for our annual Children’s Party
Meet Jude and Alan
Train Adventure
St Patrick’s Day
Greetings from Liz... Hello and welcome to the autumn edition of the Woodcote News. I hope 2019 finds you all happy and well.
I would like to say a big thank you to the staff who work at Woodcote. They are a fantastic team and I am very proud of the work we do.
We are into the year with gusto; our Children’s Party was a huge success! It was so cute to see the children dressed up and playing games. Then we had our village barbeque, the weather wasn’t great, but a few hardy souls put on coats and ate outside.
Please call in to say hi if you are passing by. My door is always open, and I love catching up with everyone’s news. Kind regards,
The train trip to Kaikoura was stunning and worth the 6am start. It was a huge day out and the residents loved it. Our Anzac Day service is always very moving, and it is always fantastic to see residents coming together for the day. Also coming up is a Devonshire afternoon tea on Mother’s Day, again we welcome families to join in.
Liz Hampton Village Manager Ph: 03 349 8788
A note from Susie... I hope you can find some time to put your feet up and enjoy reading about village life here at Woodcote. It’s been wonderful to meet residents and friends of Woodcote recently and I would like to thank you for your warm welcome. Woodcote has such a special feel about it and a real sense of community. I look forward to hosting some fun events. We recently enjoyed a wonderful concert by pianist Carl Doy (pictured) who performed beautifully. We can’t wait to invite him back. Please call me if you would like to chat about your retirement living options, come in for a coffee or have a tour of the village.
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Susie Alayne Sales Advisor Ph: 03 338 7696
Village news
Children’s Party Our annual Children’s Party was a real blast for residents, staff and their families! Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren turned up as clowns and other characters to fit in with our clown theme for the day. We welcomed back the fantastic Adam Allsorts, and he entertained everyone with his magic tricks and fabulous balloon art. Children could ride on ponies with quite a few enjoying a second ride. There were rabbits and guinea pigs to cuddle, and many got their faces painted. Games such as gumboot throwing, seeing who could get the most quoits on a stick, and a race with a croquet mullet and ball certainly got their appetites going. Delicious treats including candy floss were very popular and goodie bags were handed out before we finished with our traditional lolly scramble. What a fun-filled family day! Pictured: Resident Lorraine Smitheram-Baylis with her granddaughter Arohaina and daughter Leisa. Inset: Little Evah enjoying candy floss in her spectacular costume.
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Long Road Home brings team together Ryman supports veterans’ charity event A memorial service to celebrate the end of The Long Road Home charity trek brought a tear to the eye for many involved in the walk. The walk was organised to raise awareness for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), and was sponsored by Ryman Healthcare. The early new year trek from St Arnaud along 110km of high-country station roads ended in Hanmer, on January 12, with a memorial service at Soldier’s Block in the South Island township. Dozens of onlookers gathered at the block to hear accounts from the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Charitable Trust (NZMRT) team that took part in the horse-ride and walk. They had followed the route taken by soldiers returning from World War 1, 100 years ago, but with the benefit of blue-sky days and a support team.
The event remembered that soldiers returning from WW1 were often left to make their own way home. Many felt abandoned, hopeless and segregated from their fellow Kiwis after witnessing the horrors of war. The walk was a success and Ryman has signed on to support the trek next year, and the plan is to make it an annual event. The trust was also in contact with overseas groups, to help spread the idea of supporting those with PTSI. PTSI continues to impact the lives of soldiers that have served in arenas such as Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Timor and Afghanistan. “I think 800 people a year are exiting our current armed forces … some of those will definitely be suffering from PTSI,” Mark said.
Organisers Bernard Shapiro, Murray Hill and Mark Appleton, president of the NZMRT, said the group was raising funds for people suffering from PTSI as a result of traumatic events.
The walk was a success and Ryman has signed on to support the trek next year, and the plan is to make it an annual event.
There were wreaths laid at the memorial on behalf of Ryman, a sponsor of the trust and its work.
Above: NZMRT members, Ryan Haigh and Anna Keehan, with their horses.
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Book review
Dust to Gold The compelling story of Bendigo station, home of Shrek. Written by John Perriam and photographed by Stephen Jaquiery. This fascinating history of Central Otago’s iconic Bendigo Station is illustrated with stunning photographs of a wild and rugged landscape. It also showcases the farms owners, the Perriam Family as well as stockmen, animals, wildlife and memorable characters including the legendary Shrek, filling the pages with vibrant colour. Shrek was the woolly hermit merino, whose story captivated the world when he was discovered high in a mountain cave after avoiding muster for six years. Read about his famous discovery and his subsequent travels throughout the country as an ambassador for Cure Kids. Incidentally, all profits from the sale of Dust to Gold will also go to Cure Kids, a worthy charity for sick children. As you read, you begin to feel part of this resilient family, joining them in their struggles and setbacks as they nurture the land in their care while also promoting their merino breed of sheep from “fleece to fashion”. I felt their pain as they watched their family’s original farm, brimming with memories and dreams, sink below the waters of Lake Dunstan: the trigger
for the eventual purchase of Bendigo Station. From droughts, weeds, gorse and rabbits to indifferent bureaucrats and meddling politicians, many battles were fought and not always won. The Perriam family story is a compelling one. “For me it was a nostalgic reminder of my roots in the nearby North Otago high country.” This is a book for rural and urban dwellers alike. For me it was a nostalgic reminder of my roots in the nearby North Otago high country. It is also an insight into the lives of those who work with and care for our land and country, a blue print on diversifying and a connection with the past for us all. John Perriam’s prose is easy and uncluttered, with the pages full of accurately drawn high country characters and the sometimes cruel events impacting on the lives of his family. Reviewed by Phyllis Thorby Edmund Hillary Retirement Village.
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Melbourne bowls challenge Ryman supports trans-Tasman bowls excursion A group of Charles Upham village lawn bowls enthusiasts have made the most of a trip across the Tasman making friends and enjoying some Ryman hospitality in Melbourne. The group of bowlers and supporters from the Canterbury-based village took on some of the best from Australia at Melbourne greens located at the Glen Waverley Bowls Club, not too far from where Ryman’s Weary Dunlop and Nellie Melba villages are based. They won the right to represent Ryman having topped a South Island Ryman village competition held at Charles Upham village in November. The bowlers Barbara McJarrow, Bruce McCorkindale, Alan Pegley and Frances McDowell plus supporters Trevor McJarrow, Anna Armstrong and Gill Small flew out on Boxing Day and stayed in Australia until New Year’s Day. Ryman is a major sponsor of the Glen Waverley club and bowls carnival. Alan says the team competed on four of the five days in the open competition. “The calibre of competition was of a very high standard with many of the locals having represented Victoria and Australia,” Barbara says.
“We won a few and lost more than we won,” Alan adds. Two days saw temperatures in the mid-30s, with more than 150 players at the club to contend with the sweltering conditions. The thermometer reached 36.4 degrees on the first day. Between them the group members have been bowling for a considerable number of years and have watched changes in the game including more modern bowls running on a ‘tighter draw’, meaning they don’t have to be played so wide. Nowadays the events are social, colourful and regularly held at most Ryman villages.
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Gemma wins the Cashin Scholarship Gemma Ballantyne’s year has got off to the best start possible thanks to the 2019 Cashin Scholarship.
Gemma has opted for a pharmacy degree after her first year, which adds another four years at university followed by an internship.
Gemma, 18, will use the scholarship to fund her pharmacy studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin.
Gemma’s looking forward to starting back at university and says the scholarship will be a big help with a busy year of learning ahead.
She was thrilled to get the news.
“I’m thrilled to win and I’m honoured that the Cashin family selected me,” Gemma says.
“I’m thrilled to win and I’m honoured that the Cashin family selected me.” “It’s awesome to win. It means that it will ease the financial stress this year and allow me to focus on my studies so that I can be the best that I can be.” Gemma has been part of the Ryman family since 2016, when she was a part-time receptionist at Anthony Wilding Retirement Village in Christchurch.
“I’m really grateful.” Blair Cashin, Mike Cashin’s son, said the family wished Gemma all the best with her studies. There were 100 applicants this year, a record for the scholarship.
The Cashin Scholarship
She says she loved the job from the very start. “I was 16 and it was my first job and I couldn’t have had a better place to work. I loved talking to the residents, they were always interested in what I was studying and it was like having 200 grandparents.” In 2018 she began her first year at university, studying health sciences at Otago University. She worked at Yvette Williams Retirement Village in Dunedin part-time to support herself.
The Cashin Scholarship was established to honour the memory of former Ryman director Mike Cashin. Mike was a strong believer in the power of education to change lives and was a great advocate for Ryman Healthcare and its staff. The scholarship is designed to provide a helping hand to members of the Ryman family who are taking on tertiary study. Each year the Cashin family help select the winner of the $5,000 grant, which is intended to help with study costs.
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Independent resident profile
Meet Jude & Alan
They lived in Hamilton, Fiji, Rotorua and Blenheim before coming to Christchurch in 2004 to support their daughter, who had lost her husband in a tragic accident. Their family consists of two sons and a daughter. Three of their seven grandchildren live in Christchurch with the other four living in Australia. They have five beautiful great-grandchildren. Alan worked in land surveying, then ran his own business, Plansonline. Jude worked in education and then became an administrator for Canterbury Organics. They had just retired before moving to Woodcote.
They love to work on short stories, poetry and memoirs. Jude and Alan Belcher happily moved into the village and a newly refurbished townhouse in March 2018.
Sport has always been an activity for the pair, who have played hockey, golf, tennis and table tennis. Their passion now is croquet, a great game for all ages. In 2014 they entered the World Veteran Table Tennis Championships, held in Auckland.
Jude spent her childhood on a farm at Roto-o-rangi, near Cambridge. Alan arrived in New Zealand in 1952, aged 11, with his family having survived the London blitz.
Their other interests include writing and continuing in education, through involvement with U3A, the University of the Third Age. They love to work on short stories, poetry and memoirs.
They met at a show in Hamilton. British skiffle singer and songwriter Lonnie Donegan was on the bill, and the experience helped them take a keen interest in music.
Having lived in Halswell, Lincoln and Rolleston, the Belchers became ‘westies’. Attracted by Woodcote’s trees and gardens, they moved into a village where they’ve found lovely, caring people.
Village news
Train adventure Townhouse, serviced apartment and resthome residents gathered together for a fantastic train journey to Kaikoura. In the early morning we headed to Addington Railway Station and it was lovely to see the landscape and views while sitting back to relax. We were lucky enough to see the dolphins frolic in the sea as the
train passed Goose Bay coastline. After sightseeing Kaikoura, including the seal colony and lavender farm, we headed to the Pier Hotel for a delicious lunch before heading back home. Pictured: Resident Denis Hubbard taking in the spectacular view.
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News from our care centre residents
Finding friendship
St Patrick’s Day
A move to a retirement village can be quite daunting, but for resthome residents Joan Peek, Kerry Matson and Pat Kennard it brought with it a wonderful friendship. The three residents can often be seen together having a chat or spending quiet moments together.
For St Patrick’s Day, residents helped to create decorations such as balloons for the festivities. The green dessert went down a treat as the 2 Jays entertained residents and staff. Residents were also encouraged to dress up in all things green!
Pictured: Joan, Kerry and Pat during one of their catch-ups at the village.
Pictured: Residents Bruce Mackwell and Shirley Byrnes enjoyed the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Staff profile
Introducing Nicky
Hello, my name is Nicky Anderson and I am the clinical manager here at Woodcote. I was brought up on a farm in Southbridge and then Ellesmere. During my secondary school years, I had part time jobs during the weekends and holidays and worked at Meadow Mushrooms and the Prebbleton Dairy. I became at expert on making milkshakes!
I am really enjoying my job thanks to the lovely residents and amazing staff.
I began nursing in 1981 at 17, training at the Christchurch School of Nursing. Since then I have had a variety of nursing
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experiences working as a district nurse, in a doctor’s practice and resthome and hospital care. Nursing is so rewarding. I have four children. Three boys and a girl. In my spare time I am usually seen walking Frankie the Jack Russell. I enjoy gardening, home decorating, and love a good book. Woodcote has a nice feel to it with a warm friendly atmosphere. I am really enjoying my job thanks to the lovely residents and amazing staff.
Puzzles Word finder • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
A chorus line Aida Amadeus Annie Avenue Q Buddy Cabaret Cats Chicago Deathtrap Dreamgirls Equus Evita Funny girl Gemini Grease Guys and dolls Hairspray
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Harvey Jersey boys King and I Les miserables Lion king Mame Mamma mia Mary poppins Music man My fair lady Oklahoma Oliver Phantom of the opera Pippin Rent Sleuth The producers The wiz Wicked
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Crossword Across 1. Darwin’s ship, also a breed of dog (6) 5. Arm muscles (6) 10. Whim (7) 11. Endurance (7) 12. Peril (6) 15. Element, C (6) 16. A long time ago (colloq) (4,3) 17. Submerged rock (4) 18. Inheritor (4) 19. Serviceman (7) 20. Scorwch (4) 22. Swift (4) 25. Deeply embarrassed (7) 27. Glum (6) 28. Hold in custody (6) 31. Yearning (7) 32. Manner which a doctor should have (7)
Across: 1. Beagle, 5. Biceps, 10. Impulse, 11. Stamina, 12. Danger, 15. Carbon, 16. Year dot, 17. Reef, 18. Heir, 19. Soldier, 20. Sear, 22. Fast, 25. Ashamed, 27. Morose, 28. Detain, 31. Longing, 32. Bedside, 33. Gently, 34. Yonder. Down: 2. Expense, 3. Galley, 4. Even, 5. Best, 6. Cravat, 7. Pliable, 8. Finder, 9. Banner, 13. Remorse, 14. Gradual, 15. Covered, 20. Simple, 21. Arrange, 23. Avarice, 24. Tanker, 25. Assist, 26. Deaden, 29. Ugly, 30. Obey.
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33. Softly (6) 34. Visible, but distant (6) Down 2. Cost (7) 3. Ship’s kitchen (6) 4. Level (4) 5. Overcome (4) 6. Men’s neckwear (6) 7. Easily bent (7) 8. Discoverer (6) 9. Long flag (6) 13. Deep regret (7) 14. Step by step (7) 15. Overlaid (7) 20. Uncomplicated (6) 21. Organise (7) 23. Greed (7) 24. Bulk liquid carrier (6) 25. Help (6) 26. Muffl ffle (6) 29. Unattractive (4) 30. Comply (4)
Savoury or sweet profiteroles fi Ingredients ¾ cup water 125g butter 1 cup high grade flour
Pinch of salt 4 eggs
Savoury filling 150g middle rindless bacon
Sweet filling 200g fresh or frozen raspberries 3 tbsp icing sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 200ml double cream 150g white chocolate 50g shelled pistachio
(diced)
500g smoked chicken breast (diced)
125g sour cream 125g mayonnaise ½ cup spring onions
A note from Ryman chef,
Timothy Garlick This makes a delicious finger food as it’s small and easy to eat. It’s always a big hit with everyone and you can change it up and serve it as an entrée or dessert. This is on the menu at Jane Mander Retirement Village and the residents absolutely love it!
(finely chopped)
Profiterole method
Sweet filling
• Preheat oven to 180˚C. • Bring water to the boil in saucepan, add butter and stir until melted. Sift in flour and salt, and mix with a wooden spoon over a low heat until the paste starts to dry out. Allow to cool. • Place paste in a bowl and beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing really well after each egg is added. • Place tablespoonfuls of mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool profiteroles on a wire rack.
• Put the raspberries, icing sugar and lemon juice into a food processor or mini blender and blitz until smooth. Press through a sieve into a bowl. • Whip the cream until stiff, then fold in 4tbsp of the raspberry sauce. Spoon the filling into a piping bag and make a hole in each profiterole. Make sure the profiteroles are cool before piping in the filling. • Break up the chocolate into a small bowl and melt in the microwave on low for 1½-2 mins. Leave to cool briefly until slightly thickened. • Carefully spoon the melted chocolate over each filled profiterole and sprinkle with pistachios. Leave to set. To serve, drizzle the remaining raspberry sauce over the profiteroles.
Savoury filling • Fry the diced bacon and place in a bowl to cool. Add the diced chicken with the sour cream, mayonnaise and spring onions. Slice the top off the puff, add the filling and put the lid back on top. • Serve with your favourite chutney.
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Village news
Begonia gardens At the beginning of February the residents of Woodcote went on a van outing to a private Begonia garden in Hornby. Audy and Francis Smith were our hosts and showed us through their magnificent garden that has over 200 different begonias in various shades and varieties. The hot weather wasn’t putting anyone off looking at the numerous begonias around the garden. Refreshments were provided by Audy and Francis before we headed back home. What a wonderful day! Pictured: Resthome resident Betty Faithful takes in the colourful flowers. Inset: Residents Merlene Woodham, Gwyneth Bryden and Bruce Boyd.
Liz Hampton Village Manager Ph: 03 349 8788 Call Liz for general enquiries, or information about resthome care.
Susie Alayne Sales Advisor Ph: 03 338 7696 Talk to Susie for information about townhouses or serviced apartments.
29 Woodcote Avenue, Hornby
www.woodcote.co.nz