Coffs & Clarence, December 2016

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Inside

Sixty-four too old for a new career?

Not for surfing storyteller Phil Jarratt Story: Page 3

Embracing Ageing feature \ PAGES 13, 14, 15, 16

No bull, meet this big van winner \ PAGE 27

\ PAGE 11 CREATIVE PATH AHEAD: (L-R) Phil Jarratt , John Brasen and Norm Innes checking the waves.

Upcoming events CINEMA

DANCE

CINEMA

TOURING SHOW

Screenwave International Film Festival Discover the Coffs Coast’s heart of film.

Epoch Raw, moving contemporary dance.

Flickerfest Australia’s largest travelling short film festival back for 2017.

Shirley Valentine HIT Productions present a new show about mid-life transformation.

Show: Jan 4 – 28

Show: Sat 14 & Sun 15 Jan

Show: Fri 10th & Sat 11th Mar

Show: Fri 17 & Sat 18 Mar

THEATRE NEWS

Volunteers A strong local arts scene is made of passionate people.

Speak with the Box Office about volunteering for the Jetty Theatre!

be entertained | feel inspired

www.jettytheatre.com jettymemorialtheatre

@jettytheatre

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm Phone 6652 8088 | 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour

Proudly supported by

2 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

In this edition

Local profile....................................................page 4 Wellbeing..............................................pages 9 & 10 Live and Let’s Save...............................pages 18 & 19 Travel..................................................pages 21 & 22 Puzzles.........................................................page 23 Online...........................................................page 24

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Simple pleasures

MERRY Christmas readers, What a joy to see the signs of

Christmas emerge throughout the coast and hinterland. Enormous trees have taken up their regular Summer residence in the middle of towns, golden stars, baubles and angels swing from their branches and their fairy lights flash a festive message.

If you are fortunate, Christmas is a time of choice; take it easy, speed up the entertainment, travel,

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Consultant Sue Dee sue.dee@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or 07 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $36.30 for one year (11 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs & Clarence Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications.

Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794). Printed by APN Print, Yandina.

Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endoresement by the owner/publisher.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

take time out to catch-up on social time, swim, sun and barbecue. Certainly people like Warren Hollyman and his team of senior Sawtellians personify the many people on the Coast each year, who not only love to do all these things, but also make time to organise huge Christmas events to

ensure that everyone shares in the joy of Christmas.

I’m really grateful to these great organisers we are a better community for their kind acts of giving.

This year Seniors Newspaper Network has also shared some very nice competition gifts including the Garoover Caravan winner $69,990.00. (p.27) On behalf of all Seniors Newspaper staff, I wish you, our readers and advertisers, a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas.

Gail.

Seniors Newspaper in the giving mood AS WE near Christmas, many of us are thinking about the gifts we will give loved ones.

But here at Seniors Newspaper, we have been in the giving mood throughout the year, with a series of wonderful competitions.

Here we announce some of our most recent winners.

CARAVAN COMPETITION: See the announcement about the winning entry on page 19.

Yvonne Biddle, the Wide Bay region books pack winner.

Linda Wilson, the Brisbane region books pack winner.

Moira McNally, the Central Coastbooks pack winner.

MILES FRANKLIN BOOK PACK WINNERS: Seniors Newspaper recently drew the winners of our Miles Franklin books competition.

The lucky winners from each region were: ■ Sunshine Coast:

J. Barnes, Caloundra.

■ Toowoomba: D. Marrie, Toowoomba.

■ Brisbane: L. Wilson, Bribie Island.

■ Gold Coast: M. McDonnell, Surfers Paradise.

■ Wide Bay: Y. Biddle,

Wide Bay. ■ Northern New South Wales: K. Podboj, Casino.

■ Central Coast: M. McNally, Canton Beach.

■ Coffs and Clarence: B. McKinnon, Coffs Harbour.

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Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 3

Legendary surf writer rides new career wave

Vintage journalist Phil Jarratt ventures into world of movies Gail Forrer

THERE’S plenty of talk about 50 being the new 40 and 60 the new 50 etc. But what does that really mean? You still wear cool clothes, you still like rock’n’roll and you’re on Facebook?

In the case of vintage journalist/surfer Phil Jarratt, it means the start of a new career at 64 years old.

With 32 books behind him, a history of print editorship and founding the annual Noosa Festival of Surfing, Phil has moved from the small-scale print page and gone to the big screen.

For the man who was editor of Australia’s first surfing magazine, Tracks, it’s the story he had to tell – the colourful journey of the pioneers of the Australian surfboard industry known affectionately as the Brookvale Six. “Through the stories of these Aussie pioneers we trace the roots of the modern Australian surfboard, from fine-tuning the toothpick for wave riding in the ’40s through to the arrival of the Malibu chip, the development of the Omani in the ’50s and the peroxide surf boom of the early ’60s,” he said.

The Noosa-based author is a daily surfer, but after suffering a series of minor heart attacks and undergoing the insertion of a stint, he is lucky to be alive.

He said he’d been

SURF PIONEERS: Gordon Woods, one of the Brookvale crew, (far right) in a 1966 ad for his surf shop.

DETAILS Jarratt was born in 1951 and raised in Wollongong, starting surfing in 1960.

He’s written more than 30 books, a dozen or so that are surf-related, including Salts and Suits, which was shortlisted for the Blake Dawson Prize (business literature). He He was the head of marketing for Quiksilver Europe and a special projects manager for the brand in California. He’s been named one of Australia’s 50 most influential surfers by Surfing Life magazine and has been awarded Surfing Australia’s Surf Culture Award three times. Phil is also the founder of the Noosa Festival of Surfing, which began in 1998. ❚ Men of Woodand Foams"Pioneers of Australian Surfing"was produced by Panga Productions with Noosa-based, Shaun Cairns.

experiencing heart disease symptoms, but ignored them.

“Until then, I thought I was bullet-proof,” he said.

He reckons that, like most people his age, he has mellowed.

But just like his health scare, the arrival of this state of mind has also sneaked up on him.

During his early journalist surfing days, he said he took no prisoners.

“When you look back, you wonder how you weren’t beaten up behind the pub more often,” he said with a smile on his white-whiskered face.

Phil’s writing career

started with five years at the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It was a great foundation,” he said.

From that point on, his career was all about words and waves. Later on, his wife of 40 years and his children entered the equation.

His huge amount of creative work required a lot of production time.

“Yes, I’m a workaholic,” he said.

“I work long hours, I work late, but I don’t recognise weekends and I work from wherever I am.”

He said a trip to Sri Lanka this year was the

first time he actually hadn’t worked.

“I liked it and might do it again,” he said and grinned.

Meanwhile, his biography The Life of Brine, A Surfer’s Journey will be out next year. This promises to be a fun and truthful account of an Australian surfing storyteller.

He said the first person he had to check it with was his wife Jackie. After that, a few mates mentioned were allowed to read it.

He’s proud of his happy family, including three daughters and four grandchildren, and is glad they are living close by.

He has stepped down from his role in the Noosa Festival of Surfing and his daughters have stepped up.

“The festival numbers are 35% up this year already,” he said proudly.

And it’s about this time of year he takes a small step back into the festival to support his daughters.

Other than that, life goes on as usual. Except, in deference to his age, he’s given up short boards.

“I ride a longboard now,” he said.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Park fills with art for one day

Sculpture event chooses shorter showing period ARTURUNGA’S Sculpture in the Park co-ordinator David Southgate says CREATIVE ANSWERS: Sculpture in the Park organiser, artist necessity has provided a David Southgate, said Urunga had to look for new ways to brilliant solution to some attract visitors. of the problems which have plagued other sculpture exhibitions.

Sculpture in the Park is a one-day-only event at Urunga’s riverside Morgo St Reserve and this year it will be held on Sunday, January 15, from 10am to 4pm, with more than 50 sculptures on show.

“Because it’s only one day, the sculptors don’t have to worry about the work being lasting – it only has to survive one day, “ affordable and dignified funerals Mr Southgate said. secure funeral plans available “And they can’t forget about it, they have to a large variety of timber and come and collect it at environmentally friendly 4pm,” he said. cardboard coffins Mr Southgate said as well as avoiding the cost or of insuring work left in a public place overnight and 124 West High Street, Coffs Harbour offering a space for artists

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to experiment with fragile and lightweight materials, the format avoided a little-known downside of long-term sculpture exhibitions – redundant sculptures left behind by recalcitrant sculptors.

“We know of situations where organisers have been left with storehouses full of work after a sculpture exhibition,” he said.

Run on a shoestring budget, with support from the Urunga-Mylestom Chamber of Commerce, local business houses, Bellingen Shire Council and North Coast Holiday Parks, Sculpture in the Park has grown steadily since it began four years ago.

This year visitors will see at least 50 different works from well-known sculptors and local individuals, families and local schools.

Those entering work are encouraged to address the show’s underlying theme of sustainability, either in the subjects they choose or the materials they use.

Recycled materials are often prominent, shown in last year’s giant Gangarru

by Nick Warfield, which incorporated old furniture, and the flock of little terns in flight created by Sawtell Primary School students, which was made from two-litre milk bottles.

A painter, potter, art teacher, traveller, marketer and business man, Mr Southgate, who describes himself as an “autodidact”, brought together his self-taught knowledge and his wide-ranging contacts to launch Sculpture in the Park with the help of wife May. This year for the first time they have the help of a small committee.

The Southgates operated their studio pottery, gallery and holiday accommodation at Hungry Head for 21 years and still live in the area, which they love.

Ms Southgate’s mobility problems, the result of an accident, do not stop her from helping her husband with Sculpture in the Park and taking part on the day.

“I’m the admin person in the tent,” she said.

“The sculptures are just wonderful.”

supported by the Australian Government Department of Health www.dss.gov.au

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Seniors 5

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Excitement is building Sawtell’s annual super fun day bigger and brighter every year

SAWTELL’S big event of the year, the Sawtell Super Fun Day on January 1, is looming and there are a thousand and one things to do.

This event is more than 50 years old and is gaining in popularity every year under the auspices of Little Athletics.

Warren Hollyman has been resident of the Sawtell Super Fun Day for 12 years and just taken on a challenging extra role as Sawtell Golf Club president.

He said he had an excellent committee for the Fun Day, but as always the buck stopped with the president, as did the flood of emails, questions and decisions.

“They are one of the best committees you’d ever see, but no one wants to lead,” he said “I’ve run business and been a leader all my life, but I’m getting older.”

The contribution of senior Sawtellians to this popular event can be seen in the combined ages of

his committee, whose seven members can draw on more than 500 years of experience.

The new year will have Sawtell celebrate its 97th Sawtell Fun Day and Mr Hollyman and his committee are on a mission to make the event bigger, brighter and more fun every year until they hit the centenary in 2020.

Mr Hollyman said after that year he might get to enjoy a Fun Day. “On the day, I’m running around like a blue-arsed fly, so I don’t get to enjoy anything at all,” he said.

“The best thing on the day is sitting down and having a cold beer at the end of the day after the kids have gone home.”

Mr Hollyman is wrangling events into the packed program which includes a line-dancing exhibition, an all-day carnival, a street procession, a sprint

FABULOUS EVENT: Children's activities are a major focus of the annual Sawtell Super Fun Day, and (inset) Warren Hollyman.

program, children’s fun sessions and foot races, a wood chopping program, market stalls and the famous 5.5km Sawtell Fun Run. Then there is the presentation to the

Sawtellian of the Year.

Mr Hollyman said he wanted to see as many nominations as possible for this significant local honour.

Those nominated can be volunteering and/or

working in any field or many, and need to have made a significant contribution to the Sawtell community, even if they do not live there.

Mr Hollyman said he

was looking for unsung heroes and he needed people to provide a profile of the person nominated and describe what they had done.

Email whollyman @bigpond.com.

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A national model of affordable housing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Talk ‘n’thoughts An Australian model of affordable housing MEET Michelle. She’s a warm and stable 64-yearold lady, divorced with two children in their late 30s and lives in Brisbane.

She is one person who doubts if she would be alive today without the particular assistance offered by Bowen Court.

If you checked Michelle’s CV you would find an impressive work career including administration in Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s office, secretary to an SBS chairman and with her husband, she owned and and managed a successful coast tourism business.

In the private sphere, she has two adult children, who are educated, employed and good people.

She was divorced after 20 years of marriage.

What won’t be noted down is how her daughter battled a dreadful drug addiction at 19-years-old, followed by a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and how Michelle had to leave her own career to care for her and ensure her daughter’s passage to health.

“I just did what any mother would do,” she said.

After that, her divorce further damaged her financial situation.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

“I had a little money,” she said “And while I didn’t have to pay full rent,” I managed.

For some time a friend rented her their holiday house. When that finished her ex-husband let her live in his unit and pay just a $100 a week. When he wanted to raise more rent, she had to leave.

His money was from his family, not from their marriage.

Michelle’s personal grooming portrays an innate stylishness.

Her smile is warm and she’s ready to be upfront with me, but she is challenged.

Due to cancer treatment, she has lost all of her teeth, she shows her underarm, where a long scar has replaced skin excised to replace her cancerous tongue.

Nevertheless, she’s happy to make the effort to speak and is easily understood.

“The doctor said that it’s only because I was

such an articulate speaker, that I am managing to speak this clearly now,” she said.

Michelle is also speaking now because she was fortunate to find accommodation at Bowen Court, New Farm, Brisbane.

What is Bowen Court?

It’s a 51 unit complex developed under a partnership between Blue Care (Uniting Care Queensland) and BHC

(Brisbane Housing Company) which brought about the renovation of an existing, uninhabitable building into affordable, modern apartments for low income earners over the age of 55.

Joint owners Blue Care were approved for 51 incentives (rent assistance) under the National Rental Affordablity Scheme (NRAS). BHC undertakes the tenancy management

at the development and NRAS compliance for incentives. * Bowen Court won the 2016 UDIA Award for Affordable Housing, through the transformation of the ing retirement village into a thriving inner-city community for over-55s.

STRONG: Michelle has had a tough life.

HOW GOVERNMENT ACTIONS CAN AFFECT THE PROPERTY MARKET NRAS (National Affordable Rent Assistance Scheme) 2014: The Abbot-lead Federal Government abandoned the fifth instalment of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (known more commonly as NRAS).

Applicants who applied for the fifth round of approvals (which closed in August 2013) were abandoned entirely.

Conversely, those projects already formally approved still received government concessions. Up until 2014, NRAS delivered 14,575 dwellings with a further 23,884 in the pipeline.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING BHC (Brisbane Housing Company) COMPANY PROFILE BHC is an independent, social business (with both public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient status) that provided affordable rental accommodation.

Since the organisation started in 2002, it has developed more than 1500 homes in key growth areas. BHC has created more than $400 million in residential dwellings and has sold in excess of $100 million to investors and owner occupiers.

The portfolio is the largest wholly-owned, purpose-built affordable housing portfolio in Queensland.

APPROACH BHC’s rents are set at a discount tied to the local area’s market rental value, ensuring a balance between affordability for tenants and the financial viability as a social business. BHC retains ownership and/or management of the majority of the housing developed and therefore has long-term vested interested in these communities.

Its mixed tenure model means that many of its developments are home to low- to medium-income tenants, owner occupiers and market renters alike. Through this approach, BHC offers investors and owner occupiers the opportunity to purchase properties that are competitive in the market, with the additional social benefits of contributing to Queensland’s supply of affordable housing.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.

A word from Andrew Heathcock B.Pharm (Hons)

CHC Pharmacy is about service and making sure each person speaks to a pharmacist every time they are in. I love having that contact with our customers and making sure they get exactly what they need each time they visit us.

A lot of seniors suffer silently if they don’t understand their medicines or if there is a problem such as difficulty swallowing a tablet. There is almost always an alternative and that’s where pharmacists can be at their most helpful by simplifying medication regimes or finding alternatives to problem drugs. The most important thing for seniors is not to be afraid to call and ask! We pharmacists are here to help in whatever way we can.

Our most popular service is our webster packing service. This allows customers to have one convenient medication pack which they can have delivered to their home for free or they can pick up at their convenience in-store. Many customers find having to manage multiple boxes of medications that all run out at different times stressful and confusing. Medication packing at the pharmacy solves all of that.

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- Advertorial

Three-year rebate freeze is a hard pill to swallow says Coffs Coast GP USE of blunt instruments by governments is hurting those who can least afford it, says a leading Coffs Coast GP, and the wounding will worsen as time goes by.

Dr Ian Arthur, chairman of the Mid North Coast Division of General Practice, said the three-year freeze on Medicare rebates to GPs; subsidising private health insurance and forcing people on higher incomes to take out private medical insurance or face an extra tax were all blunt instruments of policy.

He said the proposed but abandoned GP co-payment, while it

Board Chairman of the Mid North Coast Division of General Practice, Dr Ian Arthur.

would have superficially helped GPs, was another blunt measure that would not have been in the public interest.

He said research had shown it would be more

economical, efficient and equitable to redirect the money now paid into the coffers of private health insurance companies and private hospital owners into the public health system.

Dr Arthur said estimates showed the freeze on GP rebates, which is in place until June 30, 2019, would cost the average GP a drop in income of about $50,400 and when the freeze ended, any new increase would be on a lower base, which would have a long-term effect on the viability of GP practices well beyond 2020 and would

encourage the growth of corporate medicine.

He said government figures showed bulk billing rates had dropped by half a percentage point in the last quarter, the first decrease in a significant time and showed a tipping point had been reached.

But he said because most doctors used a mix of bulk billing for some procedures like spirometry and wound dressing, while charging for consultations for some patients, figures showed the bulk billing rate just for consultations was around 69% rather than the overall 85%

quoted for overall bulk billing rates.

He sees no evidence that bulk billing has encouraged people to visit their doctor unnecessarily.

Dr Arthur said the effect of the freeze would be gradual and the first to feel its effects would be people who had lower incomes, but were not eligible for pensions or health care cards, as GPs gradually reduced the number of people they bulk billed.

The Mid North Coast Division of General Practice covers the area north to Ulmarra, south to Stuarts Point and west

to Dorrigo, an area which includes about 135,000 people.

Two general practices in the region have closed in the last 18 months.

Political activist group GetUp is organising a petition to the Federal Government, saying patients at one Sydney practice that had abandoned bulk billing were facing gaps of up to $18 for pensioners and $38 for others.

Their report shows GP patient costs rising at 6.5% a year, putting pressure on local practices as the Medicare rebate stays at $37.05.

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wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Give the gift of listening Loved ones often appreciate more than material goods

AS Christmas approaches, family members are often at a loss about what gift to give their mother or father.

Often as people get older they no longer want material things but would prefer something more meaningful.

The Christmas holiday season is often the only time of the year when families are all together.

One important gift a family can give to their older relative is to set aside a time for the person they love to talk to family members about their health care wishes and concerns in case the time comes when they can no longer make their own decisions.

This is called Advance Care Planning.

Older people often report that they want to talk about Advance Care Planning but younger family members don’t want to, or say that it is morbid; it is not.

Advance Care Planning can not only give an older person peace of mind but can also provide comfort and reassurance to family members at a time of crisis, and prevent

arguments at such a stressful time.

Advance Care Planning allows the person to write down their wishes and values for their end-of-life care in an Advance Care Directive and appoint an Enduring Guardian to make sure those wishes are respected.

❝

Advance Care Planning can not only give an older person peace of mind but can also provide comfort and reassurance to family.

The Advance Care Directive and the Enduring Guardian appointment only come into effect when the person making them loses decisionmaking capacity. While this may never happen, Advance Care Planning is like an insurance policy – you hope you don’t need it but it’s good to know that it’s in place if you ever do.

Two important points to

KNOWLEDGE SHARING: Professor Colleen Cartwright is principal director of Cartwright Consulting Australia Pty Ltd, which provides education, information and training services on age-related topics for the health, government and public sectors.

Emeritus Professor Cartwright was the Foundation Professor of Aged Services and Director of the ASLaRC Aged Services Unit at Southern Cross University

remember: If a person has an Advance Care Directive and it applies to the current situation, it is legally binding (in NSW it is legally binding under Common Law) and cannot be ignored or overturned

by doctors, nurses, the Enduring Guardian or anyone else.

For decisions not covered by the Advance Care Directive, an Enduring Guardian has the same authority the person themselves would have if

they were able to speak for themselves. (A person holding Enduring Power of Attorney cannot make health care decisions for the person who appointed them. Enduring Power of Attorney in NSW applies only to property and

money).

Professor Colleen Cartwright is Emeritus Processor of Ageing, Southern Cross University; principal director, Cartwright Consulting Australia Pty Ltd.

To stay mentally and physicially fit and healthy - keep the ball bouncing

ACTIVE AGEING DR ALEX McHARG PhD and overeat the wrong foods.

It is a time to re-connect with family, friends and establish new relationships.

Be the first person to

Are you looking for quality after hours medical care?

Doctoronduty comes to you All visits bulk billed*

say hello to someone you have met at social gatherings, at the health food or other shops and introduce yourself as a “Positive Aging Connections” person and be willing to share experiences.

As promised, here is some more information on using weights and cardio-training.

I have always advised using free weights such

Doctor Home Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday: 6.00pm – 8.00am Saturday: Noon – 8.00am Sunday & Public Holidays: All day and all night

as dumbbells to begin with. A good weight to start at should be 3kg.

Your basic weight training exercise routine, (while in standing position), should consist of a variety of bicep and forearm curls, full side rotation shoulder movements and then vertical presses.

A gym facility can help to introduce you to a mix of safe exercise routines.

Phone Lines Open: Monday to Friday: 4.00pm Weekends: from 10.00am Saturday and then all weekend

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You can slowly increase the weight as you grow stronger. Begin with 10 reps of each movement going up to 30 and do this six times a week. Don’t forget to stretch first and afterwards. I have always included an exercise bike as a cardio routine and I suggest you put one in your living area so there can be no excuse for not “getting on your bike”.

Q : A:

There will be more on using an exercise bike and weights exercises in 2017.

To all the readers of the Seniors newspaper, have an enjoyable and particularly healthy Christmas and use your new year’s resolutions to focus on a naturally healthy and active lifestyle in 2017.

All the best season’s greetings.

What can be done about my cracked heels?

Our clinic is a safe and sterile environment to have your hard skin and callus reduced. Cracked heels can lead to infections so it is important to have these treated safely. We use scalpels to reduce the amount of skin and smooth it out. We can give you advice on best moisturising creams and ways you can reduce these cracks from forming. Call us now to get your feet Summer ready!

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HI, it’s me, Dr Mac. I began my last column with diaphragm breathing.

I re-emphasised the importance of a balanced diet, the need to use weights to avoid frailty issues and the importance of cardio-training.

Just because it is coming up to Christmas does not mean that you have to “drop the ball”

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

Evidence hard to swallow Experts warn air pollution is killing us

CRUNCHING NUMBERS ❚ 27,519 healthy years of life are lost by Australians every year from exposure to air pollution ❚ 3000 Australians die preventable deaths each year from air pollution ❚ $2.4billion – the total economic cost in the year 2000 of air pollution from motor vehicles alone. ❚ Up to $8.4 billion – the annual estimated health costs of air pollution in Sydney. ❚ Zero – the safe level of exposure to many of the major air pollutants.

MORE than 3000 Australians die premature deaths each year from SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AUSTRALIA urban air pollution, with seniors among the most susceptible, experts have warned.

World Health Organisation Director in the department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health Dr Maria Neira said the evidence of health issues and deaths linked to air pollution was too big to ignore.

"The risks from air pollution are now far greater than previously thought or understood, particularly for heart disease and strokes," she said. "Few risks have a greater impact on global health today than air pollution; the evidence HIGH RISK: An estimated 3000 Australians die each year from air-pollution. signals the need for concerted action to clean disadvantaged, those Few risks have a greater up the air we all breathe." living near major roads or WHO estimates indoor industrial areas and in impact on global health air pollution was linked to some cases rural areas. today than air pollution; the 4.3 million deaths The people most evidence signals the need for worldwide in 2012 and susceptible to health externally 3.7 million issues caused by air concerted action to clean up the air deaths from urban and pollutants are the elderly, we all breathe. rural sources. children, pregnant women — Dr Maria Neira, World Health Organisation It states the increasing and unborn children and number of factories and people with chronic motor vehicles, which disease.

Department of effects, he said it all came release harmful gases, is The Chairman of Elanra Pharmacology and down to the balance of a major contributing factor Medical, a Gold Bioclimatology (Hebrew ions in the air. to respiratory issues in Coast-based company University Israel) said, it is “These winds cause a western countries. which specialises in air a direct result of this type large increase of positive Griffith University’s quality and its impact on of hot, dry wind with low ions in the air. It is this School of Engineering the human body, Joshua humidity that is notorious mixed with the pollutants Professor Igor Agranovski Shaw, said the recent hot, for causing depression, that is bad for mankind,” said major air pollutants dry wind in Victoria which allergies, asthma, fatigue, he said. affecting Australians right saw hundreds of people migraine, irritability and Positive ions are now were inorganic and suffer asthma attacks and moodiness plus more,” Mr believed to be linked to organic gases, particles of allergic reactions, was Shaw said. making people feel mineral nature and proof air pollution was rife Having spent more than lethargic, tired and biological particles. in our society. half a century studying depressed whereas He said those most at "Just as Professor F G this phenomena and negative ions are linked to risk were the Sulman of the trying to reverse its feelings of energy and

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enthusiasm.

He said the way we lived today meant more positive ions were produced every day, creating an imbalance.

"The impact of living in concrete vertical villages (apartments), wearing synthetic clothes, synthetic carpets and fluorescent lights, wi-fi and air conditioning are the biggest modern issues," Mr Shaw said.

"This modern way of living has separated us from the earth, the way we were intended to live, creating a large quantity of positive ions in the air; too many.”

Mr Shaw developed Elanra ionisers in an attempt to rebalance the ion levels.

“The earth corrects this

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imbalance with storms and lightning. But inside your home, the only way to correct this imbalance is to use an Elanra device next to your bed as you sleep,” Mr Shaw said.

“It’s simply nature in a box, but this type of nature is extremely difficult to make and extremely sensitive.

“Over time, you will notice the difference as you enjoy good health and wellbeing, less sick days, better sleep and easier breathing.

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12 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

Nambucca Valley wellequipped for retirement MANY OF US have a favourite childhood holiday we went on.

There was plenty to do and the fun was non stop.

The weather was great and you had plenty of friends around.

For some of you this very memory may be in the popular Nambucca Valley situated on the coast halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.

We see many grey nomads enjoying all the Valley has to offer but when it comes time to putting some roots down, the Nambucca Valley has the perfect balance of everything.

The Valley has the full spectrum of natural beauty. Starting from the 20km of pristine beaches,

Nambucca Heads, where the stillness of the rivers meet the sea, where birds and paradise offer equal serenity for the perfect retirement.

winding up the rivers and estuaries to the top of the mountains and rainforests with farmland all around.

Shelly Beach in Nambucca Heads has just been voted in the Top 10 beaches of Australia.

There is a plethora of water activities from boating and fishing, waterskiing and kayaking

as well as snorkelling, surfing and diving.

There are over a dozen boat ramps so you can take your pick from offshore mackerel and snapper to estuary flathead, bream and whiting. For the “colder” months there is even a heated pool to keep up your hydrotherapy.

Three golf courses, bowling clubs and tennis courts will keep you busy.

Then there are countless bush walks along the coast with view points to see humpbacks and dolphins as well as majestic views in national parks and state forests.

There are also cycleways along the river

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with well-serviced rest areas perfect for picnics.

For those looking to participate in local community groups, there are branches of the Lions, Rotary, Probus and CWA clubs to name a few.

The Valley is equipped with a soon to be expanded and upgraded hospital. This is within the

Mid North Coast Local Health District and is supported by both Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour Base Hospitals.

The upgrade of the Pacific Highway will mean both Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie are only down the road.

This will leave little excuse for friends and family to visit with two major regional airports just over 30 mins away.

The area can also be access by rail from Sydney.

Living options are endless from affordable caravan villages through to penthouses.

Retirement villages are aplenty with independent living options as well and full nursing home care.

14 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Nambucca & Macksville embraces ageing feature

The story behind community transport THERE IS no doubt that local volunteers are the backbone of our community and to celebrate their contribution to society and our region, author Carrolline Rhodes has penned a new book.

Commissioned by the board of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Community Transport (CBNCT) the book is entitled Wheels – the History of Community Transport in the Local Government Areas of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca.

Chief Executive Officer of CBNCT, Bethany Simmonds, says it is an insightful work that captures the challenges and the pioneering spirit of our community.

“It’s not simply a narrative about volunteer drivers making a dramatic difference in disadvantaged people’s lives.

“I think Carrolline has really captured the drivers’ rewards, which are multi-layered and of great social worth,” Ms Simmonds said.

NEW: Carrolline Rhodes, a renowned local author, has written our story about Community Transport.

Carolline Rhodes, says CBNCT was established in 1986 and grew from tentative beginnings in a borrowed office using volunteers’ cars. It has now become a multi-million dollar social enterprise.

“In its delivery of social justice, community transport has had a wide impact in the western world, providing affordable and

readily-accessible transport for those who are ill and frail, people with compromised mobility and financially disadvantaged people, as well as the elderly and those who don’t have access to regular public transport,” Ms. Rhodes said.

Wheels is believed to be the first official history of a community transport organisation anywhere in the world.

“The volunteering sector boosts the Australian economy by an estimated $200 billion per year, which outstrips revenue from mining, agriculture and retail sectors,” she said, Carrolline has written seven titles, all aim to capture the essence of rural and regional Australia.

Wheels is available for $15 from the CBNCT office in Macksville, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour.

Contact Bethany Simmonds 02 6651 1137 or Carrolline Rhodes on 02 6569 5067.

Providing our community with diversity of lifestyle choices Aged cARe seRvices

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Carers service much appreciated by the Nambucca residents OVER 10 years ago, Mr and Mrs Perry made the decision to relocate from the hustle and bustle of Cessnock to the picturesque Nambucca Valley to be closer to their extended family.

Prior to retirement, they both held active community positions in the NSW Fire Service and St Johns Ambulance, enjoying both an exciting professional and highly energetic lifestyle. They viewed the Nambucca Valley as the perfect place to see out their retirement and embrace ageing with the support of their family.

As their needs have changed over the years and Mr Perry was diagnosed with vascular dementia as well as other health conditions, they felt the time was right to source support services that create encouragement to enable him to stay at home living independently whilst maintaining his connectedness and social interaction with the wider

GRATEFUL: The Perrys thank the staff at MNC Commonwealth Respite and Home Care Packages.

community.

Both have active ageing regimes in place on their rural property in the Nambucca Valley, enjoying time by the river in Macksville and parking the car at Bellwood Park as they take a leisurely walk up to the V-Wall in Nambucca Heads.

As Mrs Perry’s caring role developed, they sourced support through MNC Commonwealth Respite and Home Care Packages (MNC CRC&HCP).

The support has a two-fold effect: one-on-one social support for Mr Perry, whilst enabling Mrs Perry to maintain her regular family connections and carer-focused education and training, made available through MNC CRC&HCP-funded programs.

The Perrys have made lifelong friends in the wonderful local staff who are employed by MNC Commonwealth Respite and Home Care Packages. www.upa.org.au

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Nambucca & Macksville embraces ageing feature

Coffs and Clarence

Helping drive our community

AS WE get older, simple tasks such as getting to medical appointments, dropping into the supermarket or just getting out to spend time with friends gets harder and harder.

But thanks to the work of some very generous volunteers there is a community service available to drive local residents around for essential living and independence.

Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Community Transport (CBNCT) has over 35 vehicles travelling everyday throughout the region picking up passengers who are frail aged, elderly or living with a disability so they can access essential services.

CEO Bethany Simmonds said passengers are offered a unique door-to-door service for those who are having difficulty getting around, can’t use public transport or other transport services are just not available in their area.

“We are a non-for-profit organisation funded by a number of Australian Government initiatives, which focus on keeping

HELPING HAND: Community Transport volunteer driver Paul Orman helping Nambucca residents Lee and Pat Kealy home from an appointment.

people independent, healthy and socially active as well as living in their home longer,” Ms. Simmonds said.

“It’s the volunteers that work tirelessly giving up their precious time that make this a truly personalised service for our community,” she said.

Volunteers donated over 35,000 hours to the service last year, equating to around 85,000 kilometres travelled

throughout the Mid-North Coast.

“Our wonderful volunteers are truly the backbone of our service, they develop very close relationships with our passengers and vice versa. The fleet itself also offers solutions for a variety of passenger requirements, from wheelchairs, wheelie walkers or just a walking stick,” she said.

Nambucca residents

Helping the Elderly

Lee and Pat Kealy have been using the service for many years, mainly to access medical and specialist appointments in Coffs Harbour and Macksville.

“Driving long distances ourselves was just not an option any more. Without Community Transport we would have to rely on family and friends to take us to appointments, we are very happy that we can maintain our lifestyle

without putting other people out,” Mrs Kealy said.

“It’s not only the convenience of being dropped off right at the door of our appointment, but we have a service that we can call on to get us there at a low cost. We really don’t know what we would do without this service,” she said.

Events are organised on a monthly or needs basis to a number of different venues as bus outings, with up to 20 people attending.

“When we make a booking we try to give CBNCT as much notice as we can, so that our social outing or appointment can be arranged and we don’t miss out.” she said.

CBNCT does have a criteria eligibility and encourages anyone interested in using the service to call and discuss their individual travel needs.

“It’s important that anyone wanting to access transport in the future that they do so sooner rather than later,” Ms Simmonds said.

More information can be found at community transport.net.au or call 1300 812 504.

Seniors 15

Senior specific skincare

CLINICALLY-proven support of frail elderly skin products is available in Macksville.

Optiderma products are specifically designed to assist frail or aged skin or those affected by mobility or nerve neuropathy from poor circulation.

The Optiderma products have been proven to support even the most complex hard-to-heal wounds and diabetes.

The Optiderma Skincare range of products have been scientifically proven to be antiinflammatory and improve circulation.

Visit our Health Focus Pharmacy in Macksville to discuss with our pharmacists.

Products available at Independence Australia and Priceline pharmacies. www.hfpa.com.au

We’ve Gone

Social!

La-z-boy lift chairs from $999

King Single Domino Adjustable Beds $1999

Furniture and Manchester

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16 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

POPULAR: Ascot Lift chair.

PHOTO: JOHN BRAGAGNOLO

From farming to furniture IN 1983 ELIZABETH and Alan Beattie and their family sold their wheat and sheep property at Parkes and moved to Nambucca Heads to establish Beattie’s Furniture & Manchester.

They always had a passion for quality furniture and starting their own business allowed them to fulfil that passion.

Strong values of honesty and helping your neighbours have come through the family-owned business.

Beattie’s treat their customers as friends and will assist in any way offering free delivery to Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Dorrigo, removing old furniture or mattresses and re-arranging furniture in your home as part of their service with their

own friendly delivery drivers.

They are the largest stockist of La-Z-Boy recliners and lounges on the North Coast.

The team offers lifetime warranty on their mechanism and 10 years warranty on their frame and foam.

Beattie’s are also the largest stockist of Australian company Tessa furniture, in the region. Tessa recliners and lounges make a statement in any home of class and elegance.

Choose from their range of 150 rugs to tie in the lounge with the rest of the room or see the team about their range of curtains, made to measure or off the shelf.

Located at 2 Duke Street, Nambucca Heads or call 02 6568 7484.

Nambucca & Macksville embraces ageing feature

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Nambucca Valley Care for fitness

You can be fit, you can be strong, you can improve your balance NAMBUCCA Valley Care has established exercise groups for older people living independently in the community called Nambucca Valley Fit. These exercise classes are led by Lisa George, registered Certificate IV fitness instructor specialising in exercises for older adults.

These exercises help improve or maintain your current level of strength and balance while working at a pace that suits your individual needs.

One of the most important rewards for older people who exercise is the opportunity to socialise.

Social isolation and mental stagnation are key issues in the older population that can be addressed through group exercise.

Older people, and other adults, prefer to do activities with people of similar age, ability and outlook.

GET UP: Exercises class at Macksville.

Classes are held at Nambucca Heads on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and at Macksville on Wednesday and Friday and cost $6 a class.

After the class why not indulge yourself with a well-earned coffee and delicious cake at our café whilst chatting and socialising with your friends?

In fact why not stay and have lunch or take a lunch home with you?

Bookings for the BlueGum Function Centre in the grounds of Lakeside Gardens, Macksville has increased as word spreads about the great quality food and service provided.

A range of menu and setting styles are on offer to ensure one is suitable for you. The centre can cater from 20 to 100 guests.

TESTIMONIALS

★Kerry says “I am more

flexible since starting classes with Lisa, I love the social interaction and my specialist has confirmed my improved strength. ★ Kay loves the Friday morning class and says she is definitely stronger and fitter ★ Trevor enjoys the exercises and socialising with the wonderful group of friends he has made ★ Marie states she had a trip but didn’t fall, believes it was due to increased leg strength. ★ Clive says his specialist told him to keep doing what he was doing. ★ Kath is feeling stronger and fitter and does the exercises with her husband at home. ★ Elaine is feeling more flexible with less leg cramps ★ Jan reports the exercises are a good pace, not too fast Phone: 6598 5000.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

Finance Rise in pension age to begin next year FROM next year, the qualifying age for the age pension will start to progressively increase by six months every two years for people born on or after 1 July 1952.

This change will help Australia meet the challenges of an ageing population by encouraging more people to stay in work and contribute to the economy.

The taxpayer-funded age pension provides an important safety net for people who are unable to support themselves fully in retirement, and supplements the retirement incomes of those with lower levels of private savings.

But it is important for those who can to save as much as possible for

their retirement.

From 1 July 2017, retirees will be able to access the Age Pension once they reach 65.5 years of age, then 66 years from 1 July 2019, 66.5 years from 1 July 2021, and 67 years from 1 July 2023.

This change will not affect the value of the age pension.

Recipients of Veterans’ Affairs payments will not be affected.

Go online to www.humanservices .gov.au/agepension

Festive spending THE festive season is just around the corner, and plenty of us will be hitting the stores to stock up for Christmas. Research shows we’ll collectively splurge $9.77 billion on gifts alone this year – that’s about $539 for each of us, and this doesn’t include turkey and all the trimmings. So it’s worth thinking about how you’ll manage the cash squeeze to avoid hitting the new year strapped for cash or weighed down by debt.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year but it can also put extra demands on our finances.

Getting in early for festive shopping lets you stagger spending over time, which can make things more manageable.

Research by Finder shows more than five

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE million Australians started their Christmas shopping in October 2016 or earlier.

The real shopping frenzy is expected to peak in early December.

The usual rules of smart shopping apply at Christmas – shop around for a good deal; draw up a purchase list to avoid impulse buys; and hold onto receipts in case Aunty Ethel isn’t so keen on the power tools you’re planning to give her.

Important rules also apply to the way we make purchases. In particular, aim to pay with cash or a debit card. It’s easy to get

caught up in all the pre-Christmas sales and go overboard with spending, however sticking to cash wherever possible means you shouldn’t get into too much trouble.

If you don’t have the cash, consider lay-by. It may be old fashioned but it’s a perfectly acceptable way of buying, and with most retailers you’ll pay no extra charges.

A big incentive to choose cash over a credit card is that you’ll avoid interest costs – an extra expense that can take the shine off a bargain very quickly.

Figures from the MoneySmart website show last year the majority of Australian dipped into savings to pay for Christmas buys.

However one in five of us

relied on credit cards. The majority (80%) of these people paid the purchases off within three months, but the rest took as long as six months to pay down the card debt.

Who wants to still be paying off Christmas in June?

If you need to reach for a credit card think about whether it’s really the right purchase for you – especially if you’re already juggling ongoing card debt. Aim to rely on the folding stuff instead, and don’t be afraid to ask if a cash sale will score an extra discount.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

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18 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Live and

Christmas Recipes Poaching prawns 1 kg green prawns 2 litres water Juice of 1 lemon Salt Add the lemon juice, salt and raw prawns to water and gently heat the liquid.

Cook on a gentle heat until the prawns have changed colour and are just opaque. This should take about three minutes.

Be careful not to overcook the prawns, or they will become rubbery and unpleasant.

Drain and refrigerate.

Variations Extra flavour can be added to the poached prawns by using a stock, or flavouring the water with herbs and spices.

Seafood sauce 1 cup (300g) whole-egg mayonnaise 2 tablespoons tomato sauce 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika Mix together until blended.

Calamari rings One medium hood is

Let’s be frugal but very festive BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN

TENDER: Poach your own prawns for more flavour.

OF COURSE you bought your Christmas cards and wrapping paper when it was on sale in January, right?

No? Well here’s some ideas to save you money before the merry madness begins.

Let’s look at Christmas gift wrapping and decorations on a budget.

enough for one person Slice into rings 5mm wide. Toss in rice flour with lots of salt and pepper and flash fry.

Serve with a garlic aioli.

Garlic aioli I cup of good quality mayonnaise 1 dessertspoon of crushed garlic or as much as you enjoy Mix together. Voilà!

Apple sauce 2 large apples, cored and chopped Water to cover 1 tablespoon sugar

✰IT’S A WRAP✰

★ Discount stores will have the cheap, thin paper but does it really matter when it gets ripped off and thrown away? ★ If you buy the expensive wrap, you can always recycle it for next year. ★ You can make your own wrapping paper by buying a roll of brown paper. Add some ribbon in Christmas colours and tie off with gum nuts or holly. ★ Save your boxes and containers of various sizes from the recycling bin. ★ Wrap them in Christmas paper and use for the more delicate gifts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Linda Explains Challenges in Retirement Longevity risk · Inflation risk Market risk · Legislative risk Estate planning · Health issues

Australians are living longer; Baby Boomers are more active in retirement and like to travel; over time inflation can erode the value of your income and capital; superannuation and Government rules change and significant market volatility are all risks that need managing.

✰DECORATIVE IDEAS✰

★ Table decorations – some can be pretentious so for a more natural and less expensive alternative, fill a glass jar

In addition to the above, the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our families can have a detrimental effect on our savings.

Count Coffs Harbour Pty Ltd (ABN 96 003 523 653) and Linda Ingleby are Authorised Representatives Count Financial Ltd ABN 19 001 974 625 AFSL 227232

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Securing the best strategy to meet your short, medium and long term needs, including maximising Age Pension entitlements and minimising tax and Aged Care costs, all require careful planning.

For more info call Linda at Kerry Albert & Co 02 6652 1202

✰CHRISTMAS TREE✰

★ If you’re over dragging out the old artificial tree, go evergreen and use a live plant or tree.

You can decorate it for the festive season then use in your home or garden after the season is over. ★ Alternatively, find an old spray of branches and paint them gold or silver, add some fairy lights and you have a festive look and an up-cycled tree.

Have a very merry and thrifty Christmas.

Keeping

YES, IT is possible to enjoy your Christmas lunch without breaking the bank. The best way to do this is to share the load and a budget. Don’t hesitate if a guest asks if they can bring something.

Have a list ready to go and write down who is bringing what so you get a good coverage and don’t double up.

Make it simple and just remember don’t overdo it.

Start with a punch and a few dips and nibbles.

Just a few as you don’t want to ruin your lunch: also ask guests to BYO drinks.

If you decide to go with the seafood lunch you can go to your local fishing co-op before Christmas and order the prawns. Buy green and frozen prawns as they are much nicer when you poach your own.

CHEAP EATS, NO TRUFFLES CHRISTINE PERKIN The sweet, meaty flavour of prawns makes them perfect contenders for poaching and helps to retain moisture and gives the opportunity to add flavour by adding aromatics to the poaching liquid.

Prawn cocktails are a nice starter. Making your own dressing for prawns is so quick and simple instead of paying $. If you buy in bulk, you can reduce the cost per kilo quite significantly. Why not see if a friend wants to go halves in a 5kg box of prawns?

Endulge in merry

If you rely on investment returns and superannuation money to supplement your Age Pension to meet your living expenses in retirement, they need to be regular and dependable.

See a licensed Financial Adviser to discuss your personal needs.

or vase with Christmas bush or some greenery from your garden, add water and a tea-light for a floating candle effect. ★ Wreaths – get artistic by using many materials such as flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs, ornaments and candy canes. ★ Pine cones – spray paint them gold or silver or roll the pine cone in some glue and then in some glitter for a sparkly finish. ★ Hang from your tree with a ribbon. ★ Cinnamon bundles – take five cinnamon sticks and form a bundle. ★ Tie with a piece of ribbon or string and make a bow on top and use as a place setting on the table. ★ Bauble ornaments – remove the top off the clear balls and add glue and glitter or tinsel inside for a brighter, more decorative effect.

Mince Tarts Shortcrust pastry sheets Jar of fruit mince Baking tray, greased with butter Cut out rounds of pastry to fit tray. I usually use a glass to cut pastry.

Add dessertspoon of fruit mince (don’t overfill) to pastry.

Cut a lid, place on top with a little water around the edges then cut a small slit in the top.

Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar and cook as per pastry directions.

Plum Pudding 475g sultanas 150g raisins or prunes, coarsely chopped 250g dried cranberries 100g glace cherries (optional) 185ml (3/4 cup) rum or brandy or whatever you have in the cupboard.

Port is also delicious 200g butter, at room temperature 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 4 eggs 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (use gluten-free for GF)

let’s save TOP FIVE TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND STILL SAVE 1. ALLOCATE MONEY IN ADVANCE

it simple Calamari and mussels are tasty and cheap seafood so don’t hesitate using these delicious sustainable morsels on a platter. If you buy sliced leg ham from the deli instead a large piece or leg you will only use what you need far less outlay.

Buying cheaper cuts of meat can save bucks and will taste wonderful when marinaded and cooked slowly. This can save quite a few dollars off your budget if you use a shoulder cut instead of leg of lamb or pork buy early before the rush and freeze. Roast chicken is also a better idea than turkey much cheaper and less prone to drying out.

Making your own sauces can be very simple, quick and cost effective and yum.

Why not have a baking

day and make your own mince tarts and plum pudding? Home-made always taste better. The process is fairly simple for mince tarts. Buy the pastry and a jar of fruit mince from your local supermarket and bake a batch. Shortbread is also another simple treat to make. Plum pudding can be fiddly but well worth the effort.

Cold desserts can be made of fresh fruit with dipping sauce, pavlova and my all-time favourite trifle.

Just remember less is more so you can enjoy your day. Try to make sure most of your preparation is done the day before or earlier and write that list of what you need to do and when to do it.

Have a very tasty and Merry Christmas!

Even though Christmas is an annual event, many people don’t prepare themselves financially in the lead-up to December.

It is actually the perfect time to create a personal budget. Allocating money in advance is a great way to prevent finances from going into the red during one of the most expensive times of year.

Before deciding on the amount of money for Christmas spending and gift buying, put together a comprehensive budget and cash flow forecast as this will help determine the final figure. In the budget, include all additional expenses such as food, drinks and socialising. For parents, sticking to one main present per child is a good way to prevent overspending.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE SHOPPING

Get in early and make online bargains part of your Christmas shopping mix. Completing payments with debit cards rather than credit cards avoids the risk of being hit by a seasonal spending surcharge – in the form of unwanted interest payments in the new year. A great way to make sure you stay within the Christmas budget you have set is by keeping an ongoing tally of your spending.

3. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE KRIS KRINGLE

If your family still spends up big at Christmas, it’s time to introduce them to the delights of Kris Kringle.

Not only does it have an element of surprise, but it also helps to considerably reduce the cost of gifts for everyone.

Kris Kringle involves buying one significant gift of meaning for one person, rather than lots of little ‘obligatory’ presents that people either don’t need or don’t want.

4. SET UP A SAVINGS PLAN

Saving $20 per week might not seem like a lot but it adds up.

A set-and-forget periodic payment of this amount in your internet banking will give you $1000 to spend on Christmas this time next year.

This proves the old adage that little and often really does fill the purse or wallet.

5. FIND OUT WHAT OTHERS WANT

Gift vouchers can also be great presents to give as Christmas is always followed by the sales period, with most retailers starting their sales on Boxing Day. Ensure the recipient is aware of the expiry date so it can be redeemed within the set time frame.

For more information, go to www.sortmymoney. com.au.

mince tarts and plum pudding 3/4 cup plain flour (use gluten-free for GF) 1/2 cup self-raising flour (use gluten-free for GF) 1 cup slivered almonds 1 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger Vanilla ice-cream, to serve Method Combine the dried fruit and cranberries in a bowl. Stir in alcohol.

Cover and set aside, stirring every few hours, for 6 hours or overnight to macerate.

Grease a 2L (8-cup)

pudding basin with butter and line the base with baking paper.

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition (it will look curdled). Add the fruit mixture, breadcrumbs and combined flour.

Stir in almonds, mixed spice, cinnamon and ginger. Spoon into prepared basin. Smooth surface.

Place an upturned, heatproof saucer in the base of a large

saucepan. Fill one-third of the saucepan with boiling water. Bring to a simmer over low heat.

Cut a 30cm-square sheet of baking paper and a 30cm-square piece of foil. Place paper on top of foil and fold to make a wide pleat in the centre. Place over basin, foil-side up.

Tie a double piece of kitchen string under the rim to secure.

Make a handle, tie a double piece of string loosely over the top of the basin.

Use the handle to lower the basin onto the saucer in the pan. Add enough boiling water to reach two-thirds of the way up the side of the basin.

Simmer, covered, adding more boiling water as needed, for four and a half hours or until a skewer inserted in the centre is clean.

Set aside 10 minutes before turning onto a plate.

Serve with brandy caramel sauce, custard and ice cream.

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 19

FROM PAGE 18

Add to saucepan cover with water and add 1 tbsp of sugar.

Simmer until soft.

Brandy caramel sauce 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1/3 cup brandy Stir the sugar and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves.

Stir in the brandy.

Stir for 2 minutes or until well combined.

STRAWBERRY AND BUBBLY PUNCH I x 750ml bottle of sparkling wine 1 cup orange juice, chilled 1 x 750ml bottle of ginger beer, chilled 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves ½ punnet of strawberries, hulled, frozen and cut in half 1 x 750ml bottle of lemonade, chilled Ice cubes to serve, optional Mix liquids together in a 4-litre bowl or jug, add strawberries and mint. Delish!

EASY TRUFFLES

1 packet Arnott's Marie biscuits crushed 1 tin Nestle sweetened condensed

Strawberry and bubbly punch will get your Christmas off to a good start.

milk 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 2 cups shredded coconut Method Place biscuits into a bowl.

Add the condensed milk and cocoa powder.

Mix together until well combined.

Roll heaped tablespoons of mixture into small balls.

Dip each ball in the coconut until it has covered the whole ball.

Repeat this step with remaining mixture.

Then put onto a plate and refrigerate for about 15 minutes.

Views from My Office

CEO Deb Ryan

Community Care Options is a not for profit provider, meaning we maximise available funding for our clients and invest any profits back into our business and our community.

We are local – our head office is right here, meaning allocated government funding stays in our local community, it doesn’t get funnelled back to support infrastructure elsewhere. We have been operating in our local community for over 26 years. We have an unrivalled reputation for quality and innovation. We are an award winning service.

Upcoming sector reforms focus on portability of funding and client choice of provider.

When you choose; choose the provider that will best meet your needs – Community Care Options.

Approx. 200 clients joined us for our Christmas Party this month – our biggest yet.

Thank you for your loyalty and for trusting us with your care.

As one client commented – ‘CCO is like family, not a provider’.

We would like to wish all of the Seniors in our community a very Happy Christmas.

Come see us about joining our growing family in 2017.

Community Care Options – It’s your Choice.

02 6650 2000 www.cco.net.au

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Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

20 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Gardening Do you sometimes go out in the morning to find pieces of your plants have disappeared overnight?

Identifying the culprit can be difficult.

First, clear the names of any suspects that couldn’t possibly have caused the damage.

Next, look at how much plant material has been removed. If big chunks have disappeared, possums will be your number one suspect.

Rats can also eat plant parts, birds are rippers and tearers, and check for caterpillars.

Other chewers are grasshoppers, weevils, earwigs and beetles.

Baythroid, a low toxic synthetic pyrethroid, will control many of these pests.

Yates has a range of products available to control pests.

Read more at www.yates.com.au

Sowing your seeds

Three important factors for germination SOWING DEPTH

■ Depends on the size of the seed.

■ Fine seed should be barely covered.

■ Medium-sized seed may be planted to a depth of about 6mm.

■ Larger seeds are planted more deeply.

Seeds that need light ■ Some tiny seeds need to be contacted by light for germination to occur. Examples are begonias, impatiens, petunias, primulas and coleus.

■ Press these into the surface of moist seed raising mix.

■ Cover with plastic wrap or glass.

■ Keep in bright shade.

■ Water by misting with fine spray or immersing the base of the container in a tray of water.

■ Varieties: ageratum, alyssum, antirrhinum, aquilegia, begonia, campanula, impatiens, petunia, primula, salvia, stock, lettuce.

Seeds that need dark ■ Some seeds need to be totally protected from light. Examples are violas, pansies and nasturtiums.

■ Cover with a sheet of newspaper or cardboard.

Remove after germination.

■ Varieties: calendula, cornflower, delphinium, forget-me-not, gazania, pansy, schizanthus, sweet pea, verbena, viola, coriander.

SOIL MOISTURE

Seeds have differing moisture requirements.

■ Some very fine seeds, (eg. some petunias) have been ‘pelletised’, coated with a layer of inert material to make them easier to handle. These should be watered more frequently than uncoated seeds.

■ Avoid watering while the soil remains moist or until the seedlings emerge. Do not pre-soak these seeds.

■ Keep soil or seed raising mix moist for slower germinating seeds (such as pansies which may take 21-28 days).

■ After seedlings have emerged, water thoroughly but less frequently to encourage the development of good, strong roots.

SOIL TEMPERATURE ■ Soil temperature is critically important for successful germination.

■ Soil should be consistently warm before sowing warm season

Join us for gentle exercise classes to improve your balance

varieties direct in the garden.

■ Cool soils cause many failures with seeds of summer plants (such as tomatoes) that are sown in early spring.

■ Seeds can be sown in pots in a warm, sheltered spot and transplanted out into the garden when conditions are more favourable.

■ A hint for raising temperature-sensitive seeds, such as petunias, in early spring is to sow into a 15cm diameter pot, water well and enclose the pot in a plastic bag that is sealed around the rim.

Place the pot on a gentle

source of heat – such as a hot water tank or a refrigerator. As soon as seedlings appear, remove the plastic bag and harden off seedlings outdoors.

Fertilising ■ As soon as seedlings have emerged begin fertilising every week with half strength Thrive Soluble Plant Food. Don’t apply to dry soil or mix.

■ Once plants are established they can be fed fortnightly at regular strength.

Sowing direct into soil Larger seeds are usually the most suitable for direct sowing.

■ Flower seed examples are nasturtiums, marigolds, sweet peas and zinnias.

■ Prepare the soil by mixing in some well-aged compost or manure.

■ Add some Thrive Granular All Purpose plant food.

■ Dig well so that the soil ends up with a fine, crumbly structure.

■ Scatter seed thinly along the rows and cover with seed raising mix.

■ Water well with a fine, gentle spray.

Read more at www.yates.com.au

Coffs Coast Low Vision Clinic

Do you or someone you know have issues with low vision? Maybe difficulties reading, watching TV, reading prices or the newspaper?

The Guide Dogs Low Vision Clinic may be able to assist.

The next Low Vision Clinic in Bellingen will be held Tuesday 28th February.

6333754ab

All level of fitness welcome. Only $15 for 10 weeks Unit 12, Lot 5, Druitt Court, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone: 6651 2143 / Fax: 6652 9430 Email: admin@coffshomemods.com.au www.coffshomemods.com.au www.facebook.com.au/coffshomemods

IN BLOOM: Petunia's are one of the many plants that need light for successful seeding and germination to occur.

To make a booking please call

Kym on 02 6691 8500

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What’s eating my plants?

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Travel Tropical utopia Resort Rarotonga, with its 2ha of tropical gardens, is one of many luxe resorts, a good choice for us seniors.

At its toe-in-the-sand restaurant, the food is served in portions so big you’ll feel obliged to take out one of the free kayaks to paddle it off.

Or you could just don a snorkel and step off the sand into the lagoon’s underwater kaleidoscope of fish and coral. If that’s too much effort, make use of the resort’s glass-bottom boat, it goes out every afternoon.

Other not-too-difficult activities include a half-day cycle with Storyteller’s Eco-Cycle Tours. You’ll cycle about 10km with operator Dave and his co-star Uncle Jimmy, but it is mostly on flat ground through the island’s back roads in the lush hinterland with its

mist-shrouded mountains.

You stop every five minutes (very agreeable) to learn about the island’s bounty of taro plantations, avocado and mango trees and myriad plants with healing properties.

Dave and Uncle Jimmy care for you every kilometre through the verdant island and you’ll feel alive, especially when you finish the tour with a frolic in a hidden waterhole (an effort to get in but worth it).

As South Pacific tropical utopias go, the Cook Islands are right up there. The welcome is warm (there is a lot of cheek kissing, get used to it) and the pace is slow.

If you are over 50, ladies you’ll be called ‘aunty’ and gentlemen will be ‘uncle.’

Cook Island tourism guru Aunty Nane greets

most planes and with her beaming smile and ample curves covered in a mu mu (remember them?), she radiates instant welcome.

When the sun goes down (and it does spectacularly) there is night-time stand-up paddling off Pacific Resort’s beach, where LED lights under the board light up the crystal waters beneath you.

Kave from Ariki Holidays promises to have you standing on a board even if you are a good age.

“We have had people in their 70s get up on the board within 10 minutes,” he said. “You can kneel or sit on the board if you don’t want to stand, the experience is just as good.”

A Progressive Dinner involves no more activity than getting on a bus and going to three homes, where local

families wait with an entree, main course and dessert cooked by themselves using locally grown produce.

It gives charming insight into Rarotonga’s culture as well as cuisine.

For a big night out, it has to be Te Var Nui, the largest over-water night show on Rarotonga.

Learn the island’s cultural history in a series of pavilions with interactive shows before going into the enormous gardens surrounded by rocks, waterfalls and mini lagoons, where you eat your fill at a grand buffet (be careful, it’s overwhelming), before a show featuring energetic dancers and musicians performing on floating and fixed stages.

A 45-minute flight from Rarotonga takes you to Aitutaki, an island of sapphire water so gorgeous it defies belief.

A cruise of the luminous-blue lagoon will reinvigorate you (and possibly add another 10 years onto your life, it is that special). The good people of The Vaka Cruise Company will help you on board their Polynesian-style boat, Tit-ai-Tonga, for a six-hour cruise to three islands, including the famous One Foot Island.

The cheerful crew barbecue tuna to serve with bounteous salads while you play in the water, and when you reluctantly sail back to shore and reality, they entertain with music.

At Aitutaki’s Tamanu Beach Resort, with its swinging hammocks and fresh petals on the bed, you breakfast on tropical fruits overlooking the lagoon, sip a cocktail as small waves gently lap your feet. You’ll wonder what the rest of the world is doing.

The writer was a guest of Cook Islands Tourism.

More information and full details of the Cook Islands are online at sale.cookislands.travel.

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Ann Rickard proves seniors can be pleasantly active on a tropical island.

JUST A five and a half hour flight from Australia’s east coast takes you into another world of dazzling island landscapes and delightful cultural differences that make a week in this idyll feel like a month-long holiday.

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific offer the perfect escape for mature travellers: not too far to get to, an island to laze on if you are so inclined, but also a place for soft activities if you like a little adventure with your island lolling.

The main island of Rarotonga is small (just 69sq km) and surrounded by a coral reef that creates a lagoon so clear and dazzlingly blue its presence, peeking through palms from so many vistas, is instantly soothing and simultaneously energising.

The beachfront Pacific

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2 days River Kwai, 1 day Rose Garden Resort. Visit to Bangkok International Motor Show Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia & Greece. Small group tour.

2 days Hong Kong. for those interested. alaska & Yukon oVerland

VieTnaM explorer $2625

15 day Tour

dep. May 10 & oct 18

$6895

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spain, porTugal & Morocco

Flying Air Canada into Anchorage. 13 day Alaska tour visiting Anchorage, Valdez, Tok, Whitehorse $5495

3 Week Tour

dep. oct 4

Skagway, Dawson City, Fairbanks, Denali National Park. 3 days Victoria Canada with the spectacular Flying Emirates into Madrid. 16 day tour of Spain, Portugal & Morocco. 2 day Dubai stopover.

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi plus 2 flights within Vietnam. 4 nights Butchart Gardens.

Saigon, 4 nights Hoi An, 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Halong Bay with cruise. scandinaVia & The arcTic circle

across aMerica $6995

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dep. May 9

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Flying Qantas into New York and out of Los Angeles. 24 day coach tour across America. 2 days Anaheim. day at the Chelsea Flower Show. 2 days Bangkok.

The prices listed mainly include return air fares from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane, airport taxes & fuel levies, tipping, good twin share accom., many meals, all transfers, Australian tour leader & local tour guides.

$6875 3 Week Tour dep. aug 18

Flying Thai into London. 3 week tour of England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales. 4 days London with a Flying Thai into Stockholm and out of Oslo. 17 day tour of Finland, Lapland, the Arctic Circle & Norway. 2 day Thailand stopover.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents Travel Accreditation Number: A1038

22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Tahiti sets the holiday pace with the Moorea Marathon Fully Escorted Group Tours 2017 • 24 day Canada & Alaska – We have been escorting this custom-made tour for over 15 years.

Over the years we believe we have it just right! Its takes in the best that Canada and Alaska has to offer at a slower pace giving you time to enjoy this most amazing place.

• Walks and Tastes of Tuscany – This is a small group tour designed to immerse you in the local culture and tastes of Tuscany. It’s guided

by Barbara & Bruno Marriotti who live in this amazing place. There is no better way to experience a place than to be shown by a local!

• 20 Day best of South America – This Tour is a showcase of what this incredibly diverse continent has to offer. The tour includes the must see locations throughout this fantastic continent.

• Africa Annual Migration Tour – This tour is a small group tour, totally organised by us to showcase the people Birds and animals of Africa. We have handpicked our camps, the guides and most importantly the right time of year for this tour to ensure a trip of a lifetime. Herds of animals in the tens of thousands make for a photographers dream you can literally put yourself in the middle of an Attenborough documentary.

• Spirit of The Outback – This tour is a rail holiday utilising the Spirit of the outback Rail from Brisbane to Longreach. Once in Longreach we visit historic and authentic outback towns giving a great insight into this special place.

• Queensland Dive trip – 5 Day Diving trip to experience firsthand the Great Barrier Reef.

Includes 2 night on board the Kangaroo explorer catamaran.

• Singapore Getaway – This short 5 Night trip is ideal to anyone who wants an introduction to Asia. Our staff will be there on hand to orientate you around plus give you plenty of ideas to make this place even more special.

• State of Origin P&O Cruise – We have a group booking on this cruise. Meet some of the past players and enjoy friendly rivalry with your fellow guests then join us for Game 1 of the three match competition.

“What have you been waiting for?

www.windsongtravel.com.au

“For further information on any of the above tours please don’t hesitate to contact any one of our offices

Book Now

Bellingen – Windsong Travel Bellingen – 02 66550855 Inverell – Windsong Travel Inverell – 02 67223011 Coffs Harbour – Coffs Coast Travel – 02 6651 2022

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TAHITI’S stunning island of Moorea will next year host one of the world’s most picturesque marathons.

During the annual Moorea Marathon, runners of all ages will be lining up on March 25, 2017 to pound the pavement during one of three events, from a full 42 kilometre marathon to a 21km half marathon or 5km colour run, each offering views of Moorea’s imposing mountain peaks and stunning blue lagoon.

Held annually since 1988, this year’s event is expecting 1200 participants including 20 from Australia and New Zealand.

Entrants planning to combine the run with a beach break can enjoy a seven-night package from event travel specialists Tahiti Mana.

Priced from $3550* per person twin share, travellers will receive registration to the event of their choice, five nights at the Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea in a garden view room with breakfast, two nights at the Manava Suite Resort in Tahiti in a lagoon studio room with

HOLIDAY PACE: The Annual Moorea Marathon has a scenic view.

PHOTO: CHRISTIAN DUROCHER

breakfast, return economy flights with Air Tahiti Nui from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane via Auckland and transfers including inter-island ferry.

While in Moorea guests will also receive a stand up paddle boarding guided tour and a 50-minute monoi massage at the Manea Spa to help recovery.

Early bird deals are available and there are also upgrade options for those wishing to prepare for the race in style from their own overwater bungalow.

As part of the race entry, runners will receive a souvenir t-shirt, access

to the pre-race pasta party, post-race marathon lunch and beach activities.

Held on Temae Beach, the event festivities have become popular with marathon participants who enjoy the opportunity to experience traditional Tahitian culture during their stay.

For more information about the Moorea Marathon or to book, visit www.tahitimana.com.au.

For more information on Tahiti visit www.tahititourisme .com.au. *subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.

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puzzles

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

1

2

3

4

6

ACROSS 6 What phrase from French means “having a good or detailed knowledge of”? (2,4) 7 Which river flows through Omsk in Russia? (6) 10 What might a distinguished conductor or musician be called? (7) 11 Duff Beer is the favourite drink of which TV Simpson? (5) 12 What is a brood or nestful of pheasants? (4) 13 What mayonnaise is seasoned with garlic? (5) 16 According to a proverb, what is the staff of life?

(5) 17 What passport endorsement allows the bearer to enter a country? (4) 20 What tropical fruit with yellow skin and pink pulp is used in desserts, jams and jellies? (5) 21 Butch Cassidy was jailed as a what in Wyoming in 1894? (7) 22 What acid was called aqua fortis by alchemists?

(6) 23 In 1967, which football team won the Scottish League, Scottish Cup, League Cup, Glasgow Cup and the European Cup? (6)

5

7

8

9 10

11

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Coffs and Clarence

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

6

5

7 8

9

DOWN 1 Jimmy Smith was the first and greatest jazz virtuoso of which keyboard instrument? (7,5) 2 In Turkey, what oral title of address is equivalent to Mr? (7) 3 What strap around a horse’s belly holds the saddle in place? (5) 4 In TV’s All Creatures Great and Small, who was house- keeper to the vets at Skeldale House? (3,4) 5 Averaging 130cm in height, the Congo Mbuti people belong to which subpopulation? (5) 8 The Somali Peninsula is also known as what?

(4,2,6) 9 What is the card game Patience more commonly called in the US? (9) 14 Zagreb is the capital of what country? (7) 15 In exile on Elba, Napoleon told his friends that he would return to France with the appearance of what flowers in the spring? (7) 18 Which 1945 conference was between Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin? (5) 19 Cars of which US car marque from 1919 to 1932 included the Super Six model? (5)

ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

S

O A

11 13

18

E

MANGO BE GALS NICE BAT TIDY MANE REAL THING

E

P

16

E

S

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

19 20

SOLUTIONS

airs ARTHRITIS artist astir hair hart iris rash rats rishi sari shirr shirt sirrah sitar stair star start stir strait strath stria tars tart thirst trait trash tsar

21

A E

15

S O

A

14

17

17/12

5x5

10

12

Seniors 23

22

WORD GO ROUND GK CROSSWORD

S L E D S

Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: AMONG, BAGELS, CABINET, DYNAMITE, EARTHLING.

DOUBLE CROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD

R T

Across: 6. Differs 7. Demon 9. Beg 10. Matrimony 12. Ill-favoured 15.

Pastoralist 17. Foretells 19. Coy 21. Feted 22. Liberty.

Down: 1. Bided 2. Aft 3. Area 4. Reimburse 5. Founder 8. Travel 11.

Cluttered 13. Forced 14. Cajoled 16. Booty 18. Lair 20. Hew.

397

T O T E S

R

O R A T E

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 17 Excellent 22

S I

P A G E R

WORD GO ROUND

I H

SUDOKU

5x5

S C A M P

T A

Down 1. Waited (5) 2. Behind (3) 3. Region (4) 4. Refund (9) 5. Originator (7) 8. Journey (6) 11. Disordered (9) 13. Compelled (6) 14. Coaxed (7) 16. Loot (5) 18. Animal’s home (4) 20. Chop (3)

Across: 6 Au fait, 7 Irtysh, 10 Maestro, 11 Homer, 12 Nide, 13 Aioli, 16 Bread, 17 Visa, 20 Guava, 21 Rustler, 22 Nitric, 23 Celtic.

Down: 1 Hammond organ, 2 Effendi, 3 Girth, 4 Mrs Hall, 5 Pygmy, 8 Horn of Africa, 9 Solitaire, 14 Croatia, 15 Violets, 18 Yalta, 19 Essex.

Across 6. Disagrees (7) 7. Devil (5) 9. Plead (3) 10. Wedlock (9) 12. Unattractive (3-8) 15. Sheep or cattle farmer (11) 17. Predicts (9) 19. Shy (3) 21. Celebrated (5) 22. Freedom (7)

S E C R E T O A C A D E M I C

U O R I S S F F O Z A K E C A

B E A U T Y R I N T R U D E R

T C W I E G G S T B W M I Q P

R O L L E R J I R R I T A T E

A O I R M W P V O A N H N P T

C I N D E R E L L A H Y K Q I

T T G X D J R I L E D M S P S

C T X S P A C C E L E R A T E

A N C R S S E X D H L T N Y A

C O A S T I N G W D E P I C T

R C V O R D T J U N G H T F B

O R I G I N A L L F A M I N E

S G A H K Y G Q B S T T S N L

S O R C E R E R Z C E M E N T

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

A C A D E M I C

I O N T A R U E D E A R

I T R R W I T I A T P E

S U B T R E E O C R A W L R U L E S T E E T Y R

T N

D A R C C L E L D E R S A T S E

A C T I I N G D M E R P E L O L A N

A C O C A S S T I E N G D D L E P N I C A T

F C G A T E M M T I S E N N B E L T R O R V I G R I N T A L

S S O A R C K E R G E R

24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

tech savvy

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Online

To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au

www.seniorsnews.com.au

Trades & Services Appliance Repairs

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Kitchens

email: welmove@hotkey.net.au

Give your kitchen a facelift!

HANDMADE ONLINE: Merry Christmas from the team at Seniors Newspaper.

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• Fit new doors and handles • Relaminate old benchtops or replace with rolled edge tops • Add an extra cupboard or two

There’s festive fun to be had app-arently

lic. No. R96832

Marc Bailey 0417 256 934

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Tip

Don’t Do the Limbo!

You shouldn’t set the bar too low! Ask for a low price and you may have every man and his dog looking for a bargain.

TECH TALK GEMMA WESTACOTT FESTIVE fun and frivolity is only a few clicks away this Christmas – if you know where to look.

There is a myriad of apps and websites that are sure to light up your festive season, ranging from ‘phone calls’ from Santa that are sure to keep the grandchildren entertained – or at least behaving ‘nicely’ – to personalised Christmas videos and e-cards that will have your family dancing with the elves, so to speak.

Here are a few of our tops picks:

CHRISTMAS: STARRING YOU! APP

An easy to use website (or app) that allows you to ‘elf’ yourself (or up to five people) and star in a personalised video featuring your photos superimposed on dancing elves.

Upload your photos from your camera roll or Facebook, select a dance theme, and the app will generate a customised clip you can share online.

ICAUGHTSANTA APP

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when your grandkids see a photo of Santa in your home!

Simply take a photo of your location of choice – next to the Christmas tree, beside that strategically placed plate of cookies – use the app to add a Santa ‘sticker’, save and share.

Make yourself or family and friends the stars of festive-themed music and dance videos, which you can then share via Facebook, Twitter or email for free.

Cast up to five people in your clips, using existing photos on your phone or tablet.

This tip brought to you by www.finda.com.au v LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/seniorsnews.com.au

THE IMPOSSIBLE TEST CHRISTMAS

Test your brain power, reactions and speed to answer Christmasthemed questions.

Challenge your family, then swipe, tilt, drag and tap your way to victory.

CHRISTMAS EVE SLIDING PUZZLE

Challenge your brain’s perceptive skills and memory.

Choose the sliding puzzle size and number of pieces to increase or reduce the difficulty, then slide the pieces around to create the Christmas and New Year themed scenes.

A CALL FROM SANATA! APP

Magic free ‘phone calls’ from Santa to encourage good behaviour in your grandkids. Customise the age and gender which Santa will mention during the call, countdown to

Christmas, and check the weather at the North Pole or track Santa, to find out what he’s doing right now.

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 25

JANUARY 2017

26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES

HELLO readers, would you like to promote your club or group and let your community know what’s going on with your members for free.

You can also submit a photo but please ensure the quality is at least 180dpi and of peoples faces and nice and bright.

Club Notices deadline for the next issue is January 18.

Send your notices and enquiries to Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au. We look forward to hearing from you.

Nicky and Chris.

SPIRIT OF GIVING: Probus Club of Grafton Inc members celebrating a Merry Christmas with Santa.

PROBUS CLUBS ■ COFFS CITY

COFFS City members recently met with The Armidale, New England Probus Club for a combined Christmas

lunch.

This was held at The Heritage Hotel Motel in Dorrigo. The venue was about half way between the two clubs.

A most enjoyable day was had by all who

Christmas luncheon that had been prepared and served by the staff of the Lawrence Tavern. The meal was beautiful and the entertainment provided by David and Joanne was enjoyed by all members present and some of the other guests at the tavern. The first mid-day luncheon for 2017 will be held at the Australian Hotel on Tuesday, February 7 with the first meeting for the year following on Thursday, February 16 at The South Grafton Services Club in Wharf St, South Grafton at 10am.

Our club welcomes new members. For information phone our secretary on 6642 5160.

Probus Club of Coffs City president David Hough and Armidale New England Probus Club president Tricia Stewart.

attended.

The motto of Probus was upheld – friendship, fellowship and fun as well as the fourth F being food.

For more information on our club, call 6652 7904.

■ GRAFTON INC.

OUR members enjoyed their last meeting for 2016 .

It was a joyful and jovial atmosphere for the

Seniors writing about the time of their lives self-published her own romantic fiction stories and also conducts writers’ workshops for the Coffs Harbour Writers Group and the Grassroots Writers Festival, said the course was designed for people who had an actual writing project in progress and wanted to know the techniques for getting it moving and completing it.

“I have to say all the students have improved amazingly over the three terms,” Margaret said.

“We have become a very positive group and enjoyed each other’s stories so much we decided to put them together into a limited edition self-published book, just for us and our friends, so we can

TIME OUT: Members of the U3A Novel and Memoir Writing Group and tutor Margaret Penhall-Jones (in green) get their first look at The Times of Our Lives. PHOTO: BELINDA SCOTT

remember our great year together.

“We have Betty who is 90 writing about Sydney during the 1940s and WW2, Jill writing about her friendship with a family of 1970s Vietnamese refugees,

Seniors News

Rhonda about chasing Pokemon in 2016, Dianne about helping a blacksmith in inner Sydney in the 1960s, Joanne with her Norwegian motorbikeriding boyfriend, Poly on safari in Africa and

Thelma who was one of only five female government chauffeurs in the 1980s.

“What connects us is the wealth of lived experience we all have and that we are all writing about that experience.”

If you like what you’re reading, why not advertise here?

We’d love to share your stories and promote your business to readers just like you. This is the perfect opportunity to share what your business has to offer to those who are most interested. Don’t miss your chance to reach our readers!

Embracing Ageing

BOOK THIS SPACE!

“I am totally ‘green’ and 70 years old,”said Norwegian-born Johanne Kristensen.

“I didn’t think I could learn something so complicated, but I know now I can write.”

“Everyone adores the teacher,” said Poly Schmidt, who migrated to Australia in 1997 and is now attempting to write in English.

“Everyone is unique and Margaret shows us different ways to approach our stories.”

Their book, The Times of Our Lives, is not available for sale but there are copies available at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library; the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum and the Coffs Harbour District Family History Society.

To find out more about advertising in Senio ors Northern NNSW and Seniors s Coffs and Clarence call me edia sales consultant Sue Dee on 1300 0 880 265 or get in touch at sue.dee e@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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WRITING has proved both educational and cathartic for a group of 11 Coffs Coast seniors who have spent many months this year plumbing their memories and their imaginations.

The women have been taking part in a University of the Third Age (U3A) course called Novel and Memoir Writing, under the supervision of tutor Margaret Penhall-Jones.

In spite of a range of ages from 55 to 90 and a wide variety of nationalities and first languages, the women have become a tight-knit group.

Now they have pooled their efforts to create a 60-page collection of stories they have written during the year.

Margaret, who has

Monday, December 19, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

competition

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 27

Riding their way to the win

DELIGHTED WINNERS: Rodney and Jenny Simmons were the lucky winners of the $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway with this creative photo. BELOW: Some of the other entries in the competition.

photo. Rodney, who often visits the farm to mow the lawns for the kids, said one son had come across a life-size bull statue some years ago that had pride of place in the

paddock. “We were walking past and my son said to his mother, ‘Jump on that bull!’ ” Rodney said.

“She told him she’d never be able to get up on

it and he went and got her a ladder. Old mother climbed up the ladder and I pretended to be getting chased over the fence.

“It was funny. We were having a scream of a

laugh about it.”

Rodney said in 70 years they’d never won anything of note, until now.

“It doesn’t happen to us. We’re just little old parents who’ve got three

boys, two granddaughters and four grandsons,” Rodney said.

“You cannot believe how pleased we are.”

Palm Lake Resort chief executive officer Manuel Lang and Seniors Newspapers general manager Geoff Crockett chose the winning entry at PLR headquarters on the Gold Coast on Monday, November 28.

Mr Lang said it was a great photograph that really captured the spirit of the Retired Not Expired motto. He said it was wonderful to see the prize going to such a deserving family.

Mr Crockett agreed, saying the judging process had been a lot of fun and generated lots of laughs and plenty of challenges.

He congratulated all the entrants on their efforts and wished the Simmons happy travels with their new van.

The Win a $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway competition opened in August and has been a partnership between Palm Lake Resort and Seniors Newspapers.

Thanks so much to all those who entered.

THE KING OF TALKBACK RADIO JOHN LAWS ON 2HC AND 2GF With over sixty years of commercial broadcast experience, John Laws asks the hard questions – and cuts through the political spin. For unmissable news, information, entertainment and talkback, Australia relies on John Laws.

Don’t miss the host who calls it like he sees it.

Listen every weekday from 9am – midday.

Coffs Coast 100.5 FM | 639 AM www.radio639am.info

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THE Palm Lake Resort and Seniors Newspapers’ $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway competition brought out the creativity and sense of humour in hundreds of entrants.

There were so many great entries, it was hard to pick. But in the end, there is only one winner and that is ... Rodney and Jenny Simmons, who were helped to victory by an internet-savvy son with a larrikin streak.

Rodney, 70, said his son spotted the caravan competition online and sent an email off to Seniors Newspapers to request a sticker, after telling him it would be the perfect prize for he and Jenny to try for.

When the sticker arrived in Windsor, NSW, where the family has lived for all of Rodney’s life, its Retired Not Expired slogan struck a chord.

“We’ve retired all right, but we’ve not had it yet,” Rodney said.

The couple’s three sons have a small farm at Pitt Town where the grandkids go to ride their bikes and get away from it all – and it was there the creative spark arrived for the

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 19, 2016

Coffsharbourrelocations.com

02 6650 0123

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28 Seniors Coffs and Clarence