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2 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

In this edition

Cover Story: Andy Thomas .....................................Page 3 Wellbeing ...........................................................Pages 9-14 Travel ...............................................................Pages 19-21 What’s on................................................................Page 23 Money......................................................................Page 25

Contact us General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1800 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite – 1800 880 265 kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@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 $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”.

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

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

Published by News Corp Australia.

Printed by News Corp Australia, 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 endorsement by the owner/publisher.

Welcome

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

The extraordinary timeline of change HELLO readers, This month our cover page features Adelaide-born astronaut Andy Thomas. If ever there was a dramatic story showcasing the extraordinary pace of technological advances and their implementation into daily life, then it belongs to Andy.

The experiences of the 66-year-old now Houston USA resident, range from memories of ice being delivered to neighbours to fill the family’s icebox to rocketship launches and walking in space.

While most of us have not walked in space, according to our age, we could all draw up an interesting timeline detailing our own experience of technology change.

For a start, I’ll share a bit of mine. I’m 60 years old and my first-grade writing materials consisted of a slate and a slate pencil, the next year they were replaced with paper and lead pencil, but it was one marvellous day

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

when I saw the bright, gaudy colours that issued forth from ‘Neo Magic’ pens (I think this was the beginning of ‘fluoro’ colours).

Television broadcasts were in black and white and the news of colour made life feel, well, very much improved.

Manual typewriters turned electronic – who remembers the IBM Selectric? I think seatbelts (as we know them) were yet to be made, let alone legislated as compulsory.

There were plenty of cars on the road that could be labelled ‘rust buckets’, hardly the case these days.

And talking of TVs, how about the invention of the all-in-one television, radio and record player. By the

time I started to seriously navigate a kitchen, the microwave oven arrived and it seems around the same moment I was typing away on a word-processor, that, looking back featured quite user-unfriendly programs.

Today, as I watch my four-year-old grandchild deftly use her iPad, I wonder what sort of changes she will experience and perhaps communicate, in a yet-to-be-known medium.

This edition also features this year’s Senior

❝

Today, as I watch my four-yearold grandchild deftly use her iPad, I wonder what changes she will experience... in a yet-to-be known medium.

Australian of the Year, the eminent scientist Dr Graham Farquhar.

He said he felt a sense of responsibility to voice his views on Seniors’ issues including seniors in the workplace.

“The challenge is how to make better use of their experience and talent without necessarily reducing prospects for younger people to get a job.”

He closed his acceptance speech, with, as journalist Tracey Johnstone said, “an evocative life outlook”.

He said: “To me the most important things in life are to struggle to improve, to struggle to be honest, and to struggle to re-evaluate one’s prejudices.” I agree.

I trust you enjoy our varied stories on health, wealth and happiness and don’t forget to checkout our stories: www.seniors news.com.au or drop into facebook at www. facebook.com/seniors news.com.

— Cheers, Gail

Fostering keeps treasured pets in loving volunteer’s hands “I JUST like dogs. They are very nice people,” Animal Rescue Coffs Harbour dog foster volunteer Dawn McInnes said.

“They’re no fuss, very loyal, very intelligent and I like their company.”

Dawn, 71, has taken on dogs that have been abused and ones that desperately miss their aged owner.

“Very often you get animals that are emotionally damaged and sometimes physically damaged, but almost

always emotionally damaged in one way or another,” she said.

Through compassion, patience, a calm environment and a secure, escape-proof back fence, Dawn has given a foster home to many dogs over the last four years.

Some come to her for a short while, maybe only a week. Others are with her for several weeks or months.

“I wouldn’t foster if I didn’t like dogs in the house,” Dawn said.

“Often they have a need to be close to you rather than out in the back yard.”

On arrival at Dawn’s home she introduces them to her “stable” dog, which was the first of the fostered dogs that she adopted.

“He is fantastic with other dogs,” Dawn said.

“He puts them at ease.”

She keeps the new fostered dog in the house to start and keeps the noise to a minimum.

“Most of them aren’t

up to kisses and cuddles,” Dawn said.

“You can tell with an animal. It will come to you if it wants cuddles.

Most of them just want to find a quiet corner. They gradually get used to you.”

When it comes to those foster dogs being rehoused, she insists on having the final say on whether the “forever” applicant is suitable to her fostered dog.

“The hard thing is letting them go when the proper ‘forever’ person

comes along and falls in love with them. It’s not easy to let them go,” Dawn said.

“Before I took on the fostering, one of the musts was I would get to have the veto if I didn’t like someone who wanted to adopt the dog.”

Dawn has adopted one of her foster dogs, Sadie, “as she is never going to be adoptable to anyone else” after two years of helping her settle down.

It’s only now that she allows people to touch her.

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FOSTER MOTHER: Dawn McInnes with her rescue dogs and now family members, Louie and Sadie.

People who are worried about how to care for their pet or who want to foster one can contact the service on 0409 838 380 or animalrescue.org.au.

Cover Story: Andy Thomas

CHANGING WORLD: Dr Andy Thomas.

PHOTO: NEWS LTD

JOURNALIST TRACEY JOHNSTONE ANDY Thomas’s feet are now firmly on the ground, but it wasn’t so long ago he was setting records as the first Australian-born NASA astronaut.

Dr Andy Thomas AO participated in four space flights, spending over 177 days in space including one space walk, and four months living in zero gravity on the Mir space station.

But back on the ground in his birth city of Adelaide for a short visit, the 66-year-old shared his practical take on what life has been like and what he sees are the challenges ahead.

Dr Thomas has seen dramatic changes around him since leaving the Adelaide suburb of Fullerton after finishing his University of Adelaide doctorate in mechanical engineering in 1978.

In his early student years slide rules were the only tool available for

calculation. “By the time I finished post-graduate, we had calculators,” Dr Thomas said.

“The other was computers. We had huge computers which we would submit programs in with punch cards; you would have a shoebox full of cards. Then you would wait a few hours to get a response out. Now, of course, you have more computing power on your desktop than we could ever have imagined back then.

“I can also remember when I was very, very young, the neighbours having ice delivered to their house because they didn’t have a refrigerator; they had an ice box. And I can remember the milkman would come in the middle of the night to leave milk, and he used a horse-drawn cart to deliver to the neighbourhood.

“I have (also) seen a lot of changes in technology over my lifespan.”

Dr Thomas was back in Australia over the Christmas holidays to visit his elderly mother, who still lives in Adelaide.

While helping her with her care Dr Thomas became

acutely aware of the challenges facing older people, not only in Australia.

“Commercial enterprises are becoming totally reliant on computer systems and internet access,” Dr Thomas said.

“For example, if you want to run a bank account today you have to have a cell phone.

“I get very frustrated by this. I think it’s very presumptuous for banks, for example, to assume that everyone has a cell phone. Some seniors aren’t comfortable with a cell phone and don’t want one, and are entitled to that, yet you have these organisations that immediately assume you have to have a cell phone for any kind of transaction.”

He has been confronted by the challenges of food packaging while shopping for his mother. “They are packaged in ways that are almost impossible to get into and that provides huge challenges for elderly people,” Dr Thomas said.

As for the shopping experience, with “bricks and mortar” stores

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Sky high man is acutely aware of earthly challenges

decreasing as online shopping becomes the norm, “I think that is going to be a challenge for senior people because they’re not necessarily comfortable buying through the internet,” Dr Thomas said. “They are accustomed to walking the aisles of the grocery story, for example, and trying things on and picking what they want.

That’s going to be relegated to the past and I think it’s going to be a big challenge for a lot of people.”

He also laments the lack of evidence-based thinking and the amount of fake news among the broader community. “We don’t teach rational thought that comes with scientific education,” Dr Thomas said.

Dr Thomas wants Australia’s grandparents to turn this around. “I urge everyone to encourage their children and grandchildren to study science. You cannot survive (in the modern, technology world) without having some understanding of science and mathematics.

“We have a culture

where we don’t ascribe enough value to evidence-based thinking.

You have these extraordinary fake news stories getting perpetuated through the internet which gain traction even though they are utter nonsense. Some politicians in the US are very schooled at exploiting this; we have a president that exploits it.

“I think it’s really important that we teach people to value evidence-based thinking, empirical evidence and respect for facts, true facts, not fake news,” he added.

He also encourages Australia’s younger generations to aim high.

“The sky isn’t the limit, based on my own experience,” he said. “I encourage young people to follow their dreams and bring them to reality because I think it’s important they have hope for the future.”

Dr Thomas remains resident in America as his wife, Shannon Walker, 53, is also a NASA astronaut.

She flew eight years ago and wants to fly again next year.

“If you are in the space fight business, you have to be in Houston, Texas, if you want to be an NASA astronaut,” Dr Thomas said. “So, for the immediate future I will be staying in Houston to support her.

“I retired from the agency about three years ago,” he said. “I had four great flights, four more than I ever thought I would get, so I have no complaints.”

Dr Thomas still retains a keen interest in Australia’s progression in space programs. He said he was one of many voices that in recent years has pushed the Federal Government to form a national space agency to collect satellite data, for communication, and for environmental, strategic and national security monitoring.

“Space is the modern, critical infrastructure that countries need in order to function in the modern world,” Dr Thomas said.

“I have pushed very hard for Australia to embrace that and have an in-country capability and infrastructure built around the space sector.”

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4 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

News: Senior Australian of the Year

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

Australia’s top senior in 2018 Seniors News

THE man seeking to find the answers to food security, Professor Graham Farquhar AO, is 2018 Senior Australian of the Year.

Dr Farquhar was completely surprised by the Australia Day announcement which was awarded for his lifelong work in helping to reshape the world’s understanding of photosynthesis, which is the basis of life on earth, through his work on how the world will feed growing populations into the future.

He has been researching how water efficient crops can protect food security in a changing climate.

Notably, he has worked on developing strains of wheat that can grow with less water.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Farquhar, 70, acknowledged how lucky many of fellow seniors are.

“We can, on average, live longer and more healthily and thereby contribute more. We can be creative. We can struggle for honesty. And, we can deal with failures.

We are all lucky because of our ability to embrace creativity and hence progress as a nation,” he said.

“Creativity is not limited to the arts or science. It can be applied to most activities I can think of.

“I would like to see in Australia, that values creativity of all kind – scientific creativity of course, but also technical, sporting, artistic, organisational creativity.”

Dr Farquhar feels a sense of responsibility to use this year to voice his views on these and other issues seniors feel strongly about.

While he recognises he needs to do some background research on seniors in the workplace, Dr Farquhar’s initial view is that Australia should be making much better use of the talents of seniors.

“In terms of energy and intellect, and also experience, that quite often gets lost,” Dr Farquhar said.

“The challenge is how to make better use of their experience and talent without necessarily reducing prospects for younger people to get a job because we don’t want

to do that.

“There are some jobs where volunteers can be working on a casual basis which has no legal implications, but for jobs that require some sensitivity, I think we need to clarify what exactly is the role of the senior person who is volunteering. It may be that it’s not a problem.

“I do see a lot of talent that’s not being used and I am imaging, why not? It struck me it could be a bit awkward for large organisations to manage.

“But, I am going to talk to a few of those organisations and just find out whether I am dreaming.”

Dr Farquhar’s challenge going forward is his availability due to commitments around his 2017 Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences which will take him on a lecture tour to the US and England, plus a side tour to Turkey.

He also has his continuing research work at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“I think it’s happening,” Dr Farquhar said.

“I’m not sure what my colleagues think with me swanning around, winning

TOP SENIOR: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with 2018 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Graham Farquhar AO. PHOTO: SALTY DINGO

medals while they carry on at the fort. I have to make sure I balance my time better than I have been doing recently.”

He still has on his 2018 resolution list to join a Golden Oldies dance class, but as he has accepted a number of speaking invitations his other resolutions will sit

on the backburner.

“I do feel there are one or two things that I might be a catalyst with,” Dr Farquhar said.

“I am not saying I will be original or creative myself, but at least I hope I can help those that are creative in this area have a voice, and I can speak up on their behalf.”

The scientist, who is described as having a “childlike joy of discovery”, closed his awards speech with an evocative life outlook.

“To me the most important things in life are to struggle to improve, to struggle to be honest, and to struggle to re-evaluate one’s prejudices.”

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AS IMAGES from the film Swinging Safari started to unveil themselves on the big screen in front of me, the memories came flooding back from when my family were growing up in a suburban Sydney cul-de-sac.

Once I got home from the cinema it was out with the old photo albums and on the phone to the family to reminisce.

I remember the two boys across the road with air guns, a madly barking Alsatian protecting the loud opera singer in the second house up the road, lots of teenage boys and girls to grow up alongside, a small park at the end which everyone played in and used to let off the occasional bunger, and plenty of freedom to visit the neighbours.

We knew we were free to roam and have fun.

In the summer, it was down to the beach all day where we fried ourselves with coconut oil, while we

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tried to blonde our hair with lemon juice and then peroxide.

Were we surrounded by “rudderless families” as profiled in the retro movie? Since I was in my mid-teens, I don’t really know.

But when I asked my oldest sister what she remembers about the antics of our cul-de-sac families, she very firmly replied “not for the record”.

She did however remind me of some of the fashion of her friends and their parents which made up a lot of the movie wardrobe – everyone with long hair, halter tops, long dresses, big lapels, chunky earrings, neck scarves, bell-bottom pants, thongs and platform shoes, mission brown and burnt orange colours, men with hairy chests and heavy gold chains and rayon, lots and lots of rayon.

Even the old flammable pyjamas made a showing.

Constantly tucked in around the outrageous Swinging Safari parody with a swingers party that goes very wrong and an exploding whale, is a

myriad of 1970s memorabilia; you just need to keep a close eye on everything happening in front of and beside the main movie characters.

❝

In the summer, it was down to the beach all day where we fried ourselves with coconut oil...

There is the shag pile carpet with plastic cover to protect it, almost unbreakable Parker-type furniture with its vinyl seat covers, pearlescent plastic chimes, the beach umbrella with its awful fringe, vinyl records, amber glass tumblers and the very trendy fondue set. Remember the rumpus room? Do we still have them?

They were the best indoor place to play and hide from the parents.

In Swinging Safari the kids thrive in the rumpus room where they hatch some crazy stunts.

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was murky green) and the Kingswood gets a show-in, so does K-Tel and the “free steak knives”, the Avon lady, space food sticks, Chiko Rolls, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kahlua and milk and last, but not certainly not least, cask wine.

The favourite neighbour dog, the over-fed golden Labrador is in there too.

We had one called Bambi.

Once we had fed her she would visit many houses around the cul-de-sac for more of the same, even though we put a sign around her neck saying ‘please don’t feed me’.

On the way home from the cinema I stopped outside the nearby retro furniture shop to gaze at the contents and shake my head over the prices.

I wonder, just wonder; if we had kept all that wonderful, mad ’70s artwork, clothing, cars and more, we might just have made a lot of money from it now?

At least we could wear it, drive it and decorate with it, and be back in fashion.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 7

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

No mistakes, it just happens FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

FOR the past 12 months, I have written many articles to raise awareness on the increasing number of older women experiencing homelessness.

According to a 2014 report commissioned by the Mercy Foundation, Older women’s pathways out of homelessness, researched by UQ academics, “the largest proportion of older women presenting with housing crisis in Australia have led conventional lives and rented whilst working and raising a

family. Few have previously been involved with welfare and other support systems”.

This month, I received a letter that succinctly described the circumstances that landed one woman in a precarious housing position.

Here is an edited extract: “My fear/anxiety is housing or lack of. I need the government to supply more housing.

I am a single female aged 76 and paying for private rental. I have never married and I am living on a pension. Anxiety about my living arrangements has been with me for 20 years when I realised I would not earn any more money in my job.

I have never married or had children, or applied

for a government firsthome loan. I have rented privately for 50 years at different addresses, as owners wanted to sell, I had to move. I do not smoke or drink. I have worked full time for over 50 years with not much sick leave, I am still healthy and well and active. I do have six hours a month paid employment doing data entry which also helps my computer skills. When I was working I tried to get a bank loan to buy a house and was told ‘single female, not enough deposit’. I was not ‘allowed’ to join super until my late 40s.

I did not choose to be single. When you are young and have a partner you can plan your future, which I never did. I just ‘expected’ I would marry

and then it was too late and I was in my 50s when I started to think about retirement and my living arrangements.

Before I left work in Sydney, I researched rental villages and was put on waiting lists. I enquired about housing commission and was told about 15 years wait, if ever.

I decided to move to Queensland when I retired, as living in Queensland is cheaper than Sydney. The costs of removalists over the years I haven’t added up but it would be thousands.

I have been on the housing commission list here for over 10 years and have just been told I may never get accommodation as there is not enough for the homeless. They put

me on the NRAS list which I check regularly and there have been only two or three places suitable but not much cheaper, I feel secure where I am.”

Jeanette Large is one person working towards finding answers to this terrible problem. She has worked in the community housing section in Victoria for more than 30 years.

She is CEO of Women’s Property Initiatives, a not-for-profit provider of affordable, long-term homes for women, and of Property Initiatives Real Estate, a social enterprise established to create a revenue stream for WPI. Ms Large has addressed the issue of older women and housing through the foundation of a new community housing model. This plan is for

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

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affordable housing for women who do not own a home but do have, with some superannuation, say between $100,000 to $300,000.

The model’s finances are accessed through a philanthropic source, commercial loans and a financial contribution from the women. At this stage, Ms Large has secured the funds, however, due to the model undergoing further legal examination to ensure women will receive appropriate ownership in return for their funding and long-term tenancy, the construction start date has been delayed.

However, Ms Large is upbeat about its success and forecasts a start date in the next few months.

The project is taking place in Melbourne.

8 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Seniors News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

New style of senior parks

With customised facilities and options, a recreation area dedicated to seniors is a great idea Ann Rickard

WE HAVE parks for children, so why not parks for seniors?

This is the philosophy of Dr Myrla Sales who believes we should have parks fitted with suitable facilities and equipment for the mature-aged.

She has conducted a study to prove the benefits.

Dr Sales’ Victoria

University research has found outdoor exercise parks specifically designed for seniors can help them better enjoy life and could lower rates of costly falls common with ageing.

A trial park proved exercise on ramps, balance beams and step-up benches dramatically improved participants’ functional health, or their ability to

cope with daily activities such as tying shoes, shopping, gardening, or catching a bus.

About 70 residents aged 60 to 87, took part in the 18-week clinical trials.

Dr Sales, who based her PhD on the research, said seniors have few exercise options in public spaces in Australia, despite the popularity of these kind of parks in

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other countries, particularly Asia and Europe.

She suggested exercise parks for seniors be co-located with children’s playgrounds so grandparents could exercise while supervising their grandchildren.

“Participants really enjoyed the social interaction these kinds of initiatives promote,” Dr Sales said.

“They loved that they were exercising outdoors, noticed lots of improvement in muscles, balance, physical functions, walking more easily.

“Some parks have

pieces of gym equipment, but that can be more harmful than good because seniors don’t know how to use them.

“The seniors’ parks require more functional things; mats to help people walk so they are forced to lift their feet and work on their balance.

“They need platforms, gangways, fun and different ways to work, different from gym equipment. They need to challenge their balance, their co-ordination. Some seniors have never exercised before and they are afraid.”

Dr Sales’s findings showed participants

improved muscle strength, balance, and physical function, all risk factors for falls.

She said more senior exercise parks could lower incidents of falls among older Australians, which are often accompanied by devastating downward spirals in their health.

While only 17 per cent of the study had ever exercised regularly before, they all reported feeling better physically and mentally after the trial.

“These people are not from an exercise generation and technology has replaced much of the incidental exercise they once did,” Dr Sales said.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

Wellbeing

One politician’s ❝ battle to balance work and health

This New Year’s Eve resolution was more exercise, less food and less alcohol.

Then I read everyone has made the same one.

SIMPLE & SINCERE FUNERALS

FORMER tennis great in the 1970s and now Federal Government MP, John Alexander OAM, works long hours in his public life which puts a strain on his health.

A younger man may not think this is a significant issue, but for the 66-year-old, who in a former life was extremely active when competing on the international tennis circuit for 18 years, finding a balance between work and health is important to

year he makes a commitment to finding a better health balance.

“This New Year’s Eve resolution was more exercise, less food and less alcohol,” Mr Alexander said.

“Then I read everyone has made the same one.”

It’s a tough resolution to achieve as Mr Alexander, like many other MPs, is on the job at least six days and often six nights a week as well.

While many politicans put on weight, Mr Alexander has consciously worked on lowering his weight, even following the 5:2 Diet to trim off the edges of a lifestyle that involves a lot of work functions. Preserving at

least one day a week for relaxation and outdoor activity is a must for him.

Sometimes he gets that day, sometimes he doesn’t.

But when he does get a day off, he enjoys his golf or a social game of tennis.

Otherwise, he tries to fit in a little bit of running, walking and gym work.

“I am reasonably active, but nowhere near regimented enough because the life of a politician doesn’t give you that standard 9 to 5,” he said.

“You might be out seven nights in a row so when you are and have to work through the next day, you try to catch every minute of sleep you can,” he said.

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living a healthy and consequently, happy ageing life.

Seniors News spoke with the Member for Bennelong while he was savouring the short Christmas-time break from Canberra, distracting him from a game of golf with his partner Deb Chadwick, for a chat about keeping healthy in a fast-paced world.

“I’m very good at lecturing people about it, but I’m not very good at doing it myself,” Mr Alexander said.

“Inevitably you do what has to be done at work and then you squeeze in whatever you can as far as maintenance goes.”

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Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

Over 60 years old and male looking for love Tracey Johnstone

HITTING 60 and being single doesn’t mean you cannot start all over again.

Use some of these tips to kickstart your journey to finding a new companion.

BRUSH UP YOUR OUTLOOK

■ Put pen to paper and list out what are your personal strong points and what you enjoy doing; sport, recreation, hobbies, general

interests.

■ List what you want from a partner: age, interest, passions, religion and whatever else is really important to you.

■ List out what you want to share with a partner.

GET A GREAT PHOTO

■ Tidy up your hair and maybe shave away the five o’clock shadow.

■ Put on a clean shirt and one that makes you feel good.

■ Take off the sunglasses and get a friend to take a head shot of you that shows off your smile.

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■ Get online to find a dating website that you like the look of, is affordable and that you find easy to use.

■ If you aren’t sure, talk to your friends, both male and female.

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them who have been online and can give you advice on which site to use and how.

■ Don’t lie about yourself when you list your details.

Always stay true to yourself.

■ Learn how to keep your profile updated and how to respond to people who show interest in talking to you.

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■ Ask around your friends and family about local groups that are open to new people joining in their activities.

■ Check out meetup.com for group ideas – it’s a great way to get active and meet new people, both friends and partners.

■ Ask at your local library for information on local social and fitness groups.

■ Join in and enjoy!

BE HONEST IN YOUR CONVERSATIONS

■ We all want honesty in our relationships so it’s wise to stay true to yourself and to your profile so you can quickly build trust between you and the people you meet online.

■ You don’t have to tell everybody everything, but it’s good to be consistent with the amount of information you share.

RELAX

■ Try to find places to meet new people where you also will be comfy. If you don’t like bars, don’t agree to meet in one.

■ Remember, both of you are going to be on edge and making judgements about each other – just try not to judge too quickly.

■ End your meet-up with an honest farewell, maybe

a commitment to talk again. Even better, ring or message your date in the following 24 hours to thank them for meeting you and let them know if you want to meet again or not, and then hope they respond.

HAVE FUN

■ Don’t forget to enjoy the experience of meeting new people.

■ Not everyone you meet, either online or in person, is going to be the right one for you. It may take many dates before you find someone who is just right.

But, think on the bright side, imagine how many interesting and varied people you will meet, how many new coffee shops or restaurants you will get to discover, and maybe how many new friends you will make.

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Wellbeing

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 11

Sex and happy ageing

This is a conversation we all should have now

remaining sexual, whether you are partnered or on your own,” Dr Malta said.

“Society has tended to cringe about older people being sexual.

“A lot of today’s older people grew up in an JOURNALIST era when sex wasn’t TRACEY JOHNSTONE talked about, and masturbation was WE NEED to have a actively discouraged, chat about sex for older so a lot of older men Australians because it’s and women probably time we got upfront wouldn’t feel about how it can be a comfortable that they positive experience if can explore their own practised safely. bodies if they are on Feeling better about their own or with a yourself and improving partner.” your quality of life, Dr Malta has found alleviating depression, that as more older increasing life people are getting satisfaction and divorced, they are general wellbeing are looking for and all important outcomes entering new of an active sexual life relationships. The for ageing Australians, advent of online dating says researcher Dr Sue has also opened the Malta, from the door to older people National Ageing realising they can again Research Institute and be sexually engaged.

University of Dr Malta said that Melbourne. this voyage of “I think the most discovery important thing is and enjoyment should

include practising safer sex with the help of condoms as sexually transmitted infections are still an issue, even in later life. Enjoying sex at an older age can be redefined as people take their physical limitations and disabilities into account. It doesn’t have to involve intercourse, it may involve “outercourse”.

“There are all sorts of ways you can have sex,” Dr Malta said.

“It’s not just about intercourse; it can be doing other things that give you pleasure and make you feel good.”

Women can find that after menopause they discover a resurgence in sexual feeling.

“It’s not like menopause means the end of your sex life,” Dr Malta said.

“In some ways, it’s just the beginning.

Some women during and after menopause might have a heightened sex drive

and others who have lost the inclination, regain it. It’s not all the doom and gloom we have believed it to be.”

Dr Malta also said some women felt they had lost their sexual drive when they no longer had a partner, but in fact it could be dormant and with practice or with the help of stimulating tools, they could rediscover it.

“Research shows that people into their 80s, 90s and beyond can remain sexually active and sexually interested,” Dr Malta said.

She recommends a visit to a sex shop where a range of items are on offer that can assist with sexual experiences, and where she has found the staff are often pleasant, caring and knowledgeable. A good lubricant is also recommended by Dr Malta.

“There are certain

ones that you shouldn’t be using such as petroleum jelly, and there are some that are better for you depending on what you want them for,” she said.

One helpful website is www.joanprice.com which has a lot information including lubricant names. Her blog address is betterthaniever expected.blogspot. com.au. Dr Malta and her team at Melbourne University are hoping to develop a comprehensive website containing information on all issues relating to sexuality and ageism through the Sexual Health and Ageing Perspectives and Educationproject.

While that project waits for further funding, Dr Malta recommends websites: jeanhailes.org.au and andrologyaustralia.org.

SEX AND AGEING: It's important for good health to remain sexual, whether you are partnered or on your own.

Clarence Care + Support for Seniors Positive ageing in the Clarence Valley • Aged care • Home Care Packages • Short term Restorative Care • NDIS services • Shopping • Personal Care • Home from hospital support

Home Library Services If you’re a person with a disability or an older person who experiences challenges getting to and from your nearest library, then home library services are able to assist with borrowing books or other items.

Local libraries operate these services and usually, a library staff member will be in touch to discuss the types of books and/or other resources you wish to borrow. Staff or volunteers will then deliver items directly to your home, free of charge. They will also collect items that need to be returned.

Remember libraries have more than books including: • Standard print or large print books • Audio books • CD’s • Videos • Magazines • DVD’s • Books in other languages.

So keep your mind active and give your local library a call about this free service.

Storm season

Well last month I spoke about being safe in the holiday season and keeping the number for the SES handy and then we had a mini cyclone in Maclean. The storm came in very quickly and we only had time to lock the office doors and keep safe. The electricity went off, phones didn’t work and the front of the building and signs all went flying down the street. Fortunately no-one in the area was injured and the Council workers did an amazing job of getting the streets cleaned up, checking our building and getting us up and going again by the next afternoon. All our customers were safe and staff continued to provide services.

One of the local pubs did not do so well with their roof coming off completely and landing in the middle of the main street.

So to everyone keep safe and have emergency numbers close by.

If you think you may need some extra support to remain living at home give My Aged Care a call 1800 200 422 who will arrange for an assessor to come visit.

You can then choose the organisation you wish to provide a service.

If you need any assistance with this process please give our customer service team a call on 6645 0400.

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12 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

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Wellbeing

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Activating life

Seniors 13

Exercise is good medicine THE exercise rehabilitation techniques practised by Hayden Fisher are fast becoming so popular among seniors that he now has many centres opened across Australia including areas such as Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, with the most recent opening in Coffs Harbour.

Hayden and his accredited team of health professionals use exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs to help manage and rehabilitate seniors with aged related health issues such as posture problems and chronic diseases.

Hayden’s practices are strongly engaged with the ex-service community and they pride themselves on their ability to effectively treat various chronic health conditions.

If you are a veteran, Hayden strongly recommends you check your eligibility to receive exercise physiology

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Through individually tailored sessions, Exercise Physiology can assist in the management of arthritis, cancers, chronic pain, depression/PTSD, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

sessions through a general practitioners referral.

He said it is very rewarding seeing the older generations restoring their health and effectively regaining what they thought they had lost a long time ago.

Many people underestimate the power of specific exercise prescription and the many benefits that flow on the back of regular exercise

intervention.

Exercise Physiology is a service devoted to examining the body’s response to physical activity.

In a nutshell, its primary focus is “exercise is medicine”.

Through individually tailored sessions Exercise Physiology can assist in the management of arthritis, cancers, chronic pain, depression/PTSD, diabetes, heart disease

and osteoporosis.

If you are at the age where ailments are knocking and you are worried about having an unsustainable state of health, movement and fitness then you can locate a clinic near via our website.

For more information, go to the website www. activateliferehab.com.au or phone (07) 5502 0018.

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14 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Advertising Feature

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

LIVING WITH PAIN 2017 Global Pain Index reveals high cost of pain

PAIN: There is a whole raft of treatment options that are useful for pain management.

PHOTO: KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ

Is codeine change good for pain control?

MEDICINES containing codeine are no longer available over the counter; instead, a doctor’s prescription for it will be required.

Pain relief products such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus, Mersyndol as well as cough relief products such as Codral and Demazin, and any generic pharmacy medications carrying codeine will be off the front shelves and moved into the back of the pharmacy.

As a consequence, there will be more people visiting their doctor for pain prescriptions and a

greater demand on GPs to do a better job at managing chronic pain complaints.

Pain Australia’s chief executive officer Carol Bennett sees this change in policy by The Therapeutic Goods Administration as advantageous for the one- in-five Australians who regularly suffer chronic pain.

“I think it has highlighted the extent of the problem and that people are desperate to manage pain in whatever way they can,” Ms Bennett said.

“At the moment what you are seeing is a lot of inappropriate use of codeine and it’s masking

underlying conditions.

People are taking it because it seems the go-to thing and it’s easy to get.

“We know it doesn’t address chronic pain and we know it’s not effective.

There are much more effective medications and other treatments.”

Ms Bennett said the next step is for a fully endorsed national plan to consistently manage pain treatment which is one of Australia’s most chronic and expensive problems.

With codeine off the shelves, Ms Bennett expects the community will push hard for that plan to be put in place.

The Federal

If you are a public or private patient suffering from any of these conditions you can now access an assessment by a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician. The following procedures are available and may form part of your treatment plan.

• • • •

Government announced at the end of last month an interim trial program called Pain MedChecks, which is being managed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

The program will facilitate pharmacists, through face-to-face consultations with patients, reviewing the patients’ medication and analgesic use and developing a written action plan, incorporating education, self-management and referral to doctors or other experts where additional support is required.

Pain Australia is also offering information on the range of pain

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management options, which it has listed on www.realrelief.org.au.

“We know people who access pain clinics, 80 per cent of them get effective treatment,” Ms Bennett said.

“There is multidisciplinary, which is the gold standard – physiotherapy, massage and psychology services.

Then there are the medication options. There is a whole raft of options that are useful for pain management.”

To find if your pain medication has codeine in it, go to www.nps.org.au /medical-info/medicine -finder?, and enter the search word codeine.

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■ The 2017 Global Pain Index has found that Australian workers took 3.3 sick days for body pain, as well as 1.4 days for head pain in the past year, costing the nation $10.6 billion.

■ Australia ranks highest in the world for weekly body pain (impacting 68 per cent of Australians).

■ One in four (25 per cent) experience both head and body pain on a weekly basis, negatively impacting almost every aspect of their lives.

■ The study puts a spotlight on how pain is decreasing our quality of life, leading to missing out on moments in life, including valuable time with family and friends.

Is pain impacting our careers?

Almost a third (30 per cent) of Australian workers with body pain frequently struggle to concentrate at work because of their pain, and another three in 10 regularly lose motivation (30 per cent).

Pain is taking a toll on family time Half (50 per cent) of Australians surveyed say they have trouble enjoying everyday moments with their family due to pain.

Why are Australians ignoring pain?

Almost all body pain sufferers in Australia (94 per cent) and most head pain sufferers (79 per cent) say they know the cause of their pain, and many have had the cause of their pain diagnosed by a healthcare professional (58 per cent). However, more than four in 10 (42 per cent) say they have self-diagnosed the cause of their body pain.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Living

Melanoma man learnt the hard way JOURNALIST TRACEY JOHNSTONE LIVING a carefree life outdoors without a care in world almost cost John Middleton his life when at age 52, a suspicious mole started to develop on his back.

Luckily John and his wife, Sue, went straight to the doctor to have it checked.

“She told me it wasn’t a

good-looking thing,” John said.

“It was changing shape and colour. I certainly knew my years in the sun could be an issue. That’s why I went early on to have it looked at.”

He was diagnosed with an advanced or Stage IV melanoma and quickly admitted for surgery.

As a child John loved his surfing, hiking, waterskiing and lots of motorbiking.

In the ’60s and ’70s, Australians hit the outdoors as much as possible with no concern

about what damage could be happening to their skin. John was no different.

Even in his 30s and 40s, nothing changed.

“Once you grow up in that environment, that becomes the norm; it’s very hard to readjust and change your outlook,” John said.

John acknowledged he had seen and heard the various awareness messages put out into the community by organisations such as Melanoma Institute Australia, but it wasn’t

Seniors 15

❝

As a child John loved surfing, hiking, waterskiing and lots of motorbiking.

MELANOMA: John Middleton during his June Simpson Desert adventure. He took his hat off briefly for the photo, but the rest of his skin now remains safely protected from the harsh UV. PHOTO: RPA

until his melanoma diagnosis that he significantly readjusted his approach to his outdoor activities.

He now keeps to a rule of full skin coverage while outdoors except for the occasional moments in the sun to soak in the Vitamin D when he will allow some of his skin exposure to UV.

“I think it’s an important part of the message; it’s not a 100 per cent block-out as that can also have health issues,” John said.

John is still participating in a MIA research project which is being conducted in conjunction with the USA’s John Wayne Cancer Institute.

All his lymph nodes in his left armpit have been removed while other participants have had only their infected ones removed.

While the project continues, John is receiving a full body check-up every six months. Once it’s completed he will return to having his check-up done by his GP. John is determined to get on with life and enjoy it, and that is exactly what he is doing.

Last June the resort manager for the bushland Eagle View Resort in northern NSW led a group of friends through the Simpson Desert, using motorcycles and 4WD vehicles.

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Advertising Feature

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

INDIGENOUS SENIORS HEALTH

10 years is an anniversary well worth celebrating!

Carexcell are compassionate and caring and have total respect for all the people that they care for in the community

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We believe that without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community Carexcell is very proud to have a local employee base that is supported with education and mentoring.

Our staff say that working for Carexcell provides them with employment flexibility, the opportunity to provide care and see it positively impact people’s lives.

“We believe that quality care and services are the

We provide:

“ Without a sense of caring there can be no sense of community” Phone: 02 6651 1649 Office Address: Email: info@carexcell.com.au Shop 10, 1-3 Hi-Tech Dr, Toormina, NSW

www.carexcell.com.au We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future

wonderful experience for Carexcell.

It has been a privilege to be with and support our clients as they prepare and participate in this community event.

Carexcell supports a range of local and national initiatives that are building better communities.

Carexcell is looking forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week in 2018.

The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘Because of her, we can’.

We are delighted to be celebrating NAIDOC Week and the amazing things that women have contributed to our country.

While we’ve grown and will continue to grow, we strive to meeting the

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to age well and happily in their own homes.

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result of solid relationships.”

At Carexcell, we are committed to employing local people to work in their local community.

We focus on improving the knowledge and skills of staff, which enhances their lives as well.

Carexcell has a track record of supporting staff to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

We provide a flexible work environment to meet our staffs needs and work with our client’s care.

We are passionate about improving lives and building a better and stronger community.

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her life.

“Carexcell are compassionate, caring and have total respect.

The staff go the extra mile when things are hard and I need help. They sort out any issues I have quite quickly and the staff are fantastic. I couldn’t be more grateful for what they have done.”

Our provision of care to the indigenous community has grown into other areas including The National Disability Insurance Scheme, Department of Veterans Affairs Home Care and our Care and Housing program for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

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CAREXCELL Community Care is proud that we have provided life enhancing care and services to elders of the Coffs Coast for the past decade.

Traditionally this anniversary is marked with tin and aluminium, which represent the durability and flexibility needed to build a business.

And it’s durability and flexibly that has enabled Carexcell to thrive.

Carexcell is proud to be a local business, who employees local staff to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders in the community.

We have grown from a community care program that cared for ten people to a multi-service organisation helping people in our community to thrive.

We work with our clients, their families and advocates to provide a range of services that are important to the person.

Flexibility to meet individual needs and enables a person to stay at home or help them to find a home, this is the foundation of everything we do.

“We believe that without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”

When speaking to a client, she told us what Carexcell has meant to

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Community

WEEKLY activities for Grafton Senior Citizens have resumed for 2018 and all groups will welcome more support.

The AGM and first general meeting in mid February and the first bus trip to Bellingen and Dorrigo on February 23 was well supported.

The eight day tour to Mudgee area in September is virtually full, but reserves will be noted.

Our next day trip will be to Ballina Thursday Plantation and historic Ballina Manor (Friday, April 6) now on sale.

An Open day on Thursday, April 12 during Senior Citizens Week, when prospective new members can visit rooms at Grafton Racecourse, view activities and complete membership application form.

All inquiries and further information available from publicity officer Sandra on 6642 7720.

NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL - If you would like to provide information on activities and events for inclusion in our Calendar of Events (March edition), please email your submission by March 7. Include the event name, date, time, cost, contact and a brief description and location details to Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@ seniors newspaper .com.au

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

COFFS Harbour City Council is offering a special workshop for local community, sporting and cultural organisations, service clubs and not-for-profit organisations on February 27 to help them build skills, confidence and embark on long-term planning.

The workshop will help

HEART ON HER SLEEVE: As it was National Heart Day, as well as Valentine’s Day, all Ingenia Gardens residents, including Pat Rentsch, wore something red to celebrate.

organisations to think differently so they can use innovative ideas and solutions to establish solid, long-term plans for community projects.

On Tuesday, February

27 from 9.45am-3pm.

Coffs Harbour Surf Club, Ocean Parade. Cost: $10 per person (includes lunch). Tickets are available at https://chccworkshop.

eventbrite.com.au.

Council is also offering a complementary bonus workshop – How to win grants and influence people – at 6pm on Wednesday, March 14 at

Seniors 17

the Coffs Harbour Community Village, Earl Street, Coffs Harbour.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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FROM PAGE 17

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

MARY Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum invites you to a special event. The International Women’s Day - Historical Inspirational Nambucca Women on Thursday, March 8 at 10am-noon.

Music by Wild Women from Anywhere Beach.

Cost $5.

“Leave no woman behind” is the theme for International Women’s Day. We aim to focus on many of the forgotten inspirational women in our local Nambucca Valley.

As Norma Townsend said, “the voices of women are even more

difficult to hear” particularly from the imperfect and selective recordings of their lives.

RSVP on 6568 6883.

Facebook: www.facebook. com/events/ 906608026170329.

WOOLGOOLGA RED CROSS BRANCH

EVERY last Friday of each month (except January and December), Friendship Afternoon Tea (FAT) is an afternoon tea provided for members of the public at the Seniors’ Centre in Woolgoolga at 2pm for a cost of $2.

Last year saw the commencement of a bus to transport folk from the retirement village to the event. These were started over 20 years ago by

Neighbourhood News Robyn Rooth, continued under Keryn Rodham and now organised by Kerry Chaffey.

The FAT organiser invites talented people from the district to perform during the afternoon session.

Performers include children’s choirs from the Woolgoolga Primary School, local musicians and singers, also duets or groups such as the Ukulele strummers, dancers or occasionally a poetry reader.

The MC, Scott Rodham, leads community singing of old songs from a song book, accompanied by Val Moase on the piano. Gaps in the program are filled with jokes or trivia usually on the theme of the afternoon.

An Easter Bonnet parade with prizes, Anzac Day is honoured, a soup afternoon during winter and a fashion parade for the Melbourne Cup are examples.

Sometimes we have a guest speaker to tell us about legal matters, health matters and services provided by the local chemist, the fire brigade come and remind us to ask for help if needed to change a battery in a smoke alarm.

The president of our branch usually gives us an update on what has been happening, how much money has been raised etc from month to month.

Woolgoolga is the biggest branch in NSW and we provide many and varied services to the

Cover up in March, stay protected from the sun EVEN though Australia has dropped down the ranking list to second highest country reporting incidences of melanoma, there is still great concern for how we look after our skin.

The over 60s are still recording peak numbers.

Melanoma Institute of Australia chief executive officer Carole Renouf said this is due to many

years of over-exposure to UV. “This is before we knew about sunscreen and sun safety,” Ms Renouf added.

She recommends we cover, monitor and act to protect our skin.

Cover up It’s never too late to protect your skin even if you have sun damage from your younger years,

Ms Renouf advises.

■ Stay out of the sun at the hottest time of the day; from 11am-3pm.

■ Use SPF 50 blocker, and apply at least 15-20 minutes before going outside.

■ Reapply the blocker every two hours.

■ Wear a broad-brimmed hat with a brim of at least 7cm, rather than using a baseball cap.

■ Seek shade wherever possible.

■ Wear UV protection clothing when in the sun.

Monitor your skin ■ Know the skin you are in by keeping a regular eye on it.

■ Look for changes, particularly if you have a lot of moles and freckles – colour, size, asymmetry, border, itching or

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

community. Each member is asked to bring in a plate of food to share with a cup of tea or coffee before a raffle with several prizes is drawn.

Doreen Liddle overseas the afternoon tea to make sure there is sufficient eats and drinks for everyone. At 4pm we all hold hands and sing Auld Lang Syne.

TECHNOLOGY SESSIONS

DON’T know an iPad from an eyebrow? Starting to feel left behind by technology that even toddlers understand?

Then come along to Coffs Harbour Libraries’ free ‘Get to Know an iPad’ workshop series at the Harry Bailey Memorial bleeding.

■ Get your skin checked by your GP or a dermatologist.

Protect You can prevent further damage.

“It’s also largely preventable if you use the right sun safety measures,” Ms Renouf said.

“Melanoma is one form of skin cancer.

“Many people don’t realise, it’s the most deadly one.”

Library.

You can either bring your own iPad or borrow one for free when you attend the ‘Get to Know an iPad’ series of three workshops that run from 10am to midday on the following dates: Session 1: Navigating the iPad – Saturday, March 3; Tuesday, May 1 or Thursday, August 2.

Session 2: Getting online on the iPad – Saturday, March 10; Sunday, May 8 or Thursday, August 9.

Session 3: Discovering apps – Saturday, March 17; Sunday, May 15 or Thursday, August 16.

To book your place, phone Coffs Harbour Libraries on 6648 4900, drop into your local branch or go to libraries. coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au.

It only represents two per cent of all skin cancers, but it causes 75 per cent of skin cancer deaths.

“You want to find out early,” she said.

“If it’s there it is very treatable provided you get it early.”

Details of the Melanoma March national awareness program and fund- raising campaign is at the website www. melanomamarch.org.au.

THE SENIORS NEWS FOR YOU Be sure to collect Seniors March edition for all the news you need to know about the upcoming 2018 NSW Seniors Festival taking place from Wednesday 4 April Sunday 15 April.

For more info visit

seniorsnews.com.au 6729615gt

18 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

T ravel

FOOD is an important part of travel and for many it is the main purpose of visiting a country. Ann Rickard believes in embracing the cuisine of the country you are in, forgetting all your usual favourite foods and taking your taste buds out for new experience. Be brave and try, she says.

These are her 10 favourite food countries, but you surely will have your own.

■ CHINA STICK to the familiar if you are nervous, but dumplings, Peking duck, yum cha and stir fries as we know them are taken to a new level of flavour.

For the adventurous, everything is possible.

We’ve braved chicken feet in a Guangzhou restaurant that seated 1000 people, eating everything from what looked like battered spiders to slippery eels.

■ VIETNAM FAMILIAR and fabulous is Goi Cuon, a translucent

best food destinations spring roll filled with minced pork or crab and coriander. Not so familiar but a must-try is Banh Xeo, sizzling fried pancakes with prawns, bean sprouts and egg, wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped into a spicy sauce. Steer clear of the wet markets unless you have a strong stomach. Live frogs, snakes and turtles in buckets might disturb us but the locals love them simmered in a spicy sauce.

■ FRANCE IT’S not all Michelin-star dining, although it is quite the experience to sit down in elegant surroundings to confit duck and foie gras.

But the real pleasure comes in finding a rustic bistro (often behind a tabac in a small village) serving three simple but good courses for 15 euros – the lot, including wine.

Then there are the vibrant markets to pick up a pungent cheese, gnarly

DISCOVER THE LAND

AROUND US

tomatoes, marinated olives, an obligatory baguette and maybe an apple tart tatine. Where’s the nearest picnic spot?

■ THAILAND WE’VE eaten five-star here at David Thompson’s Nahm restaurant with its teak and wood panels, but we also love pulling up a plastic chair at a tin table on a footpath while something nearby sizzles in a wok or chars on an open burner. Don’t be afraid to eat on the street, but stick the rule of eating at stalls with crowds of locals, and watch your food being cooked (beware of anything in a food warmer.) For the timid, street food tours with English-speaking guides in the cities and towns will show you the ropes.

■ SPAIN HIT as many tapas bars as possible for lunch and feast on hundreds of varieties of small bites.

Then have a long siesta

and go out to eat at 11pm like the locals do. Paella at one of the waterfront restaurants along the Passeig de Joan de Borbo might be touristy but when you have a towering pan of fragrant, saffron rice filled with moist chicken and fresh seafood in front of you, being a tourist among other tourists is okay.

■ MALAYSIA BREAKFAST on roti canai, a griddled pizza-like dough with a pile of lentils on top, (or an egg if you are conservative.) Eat at least six times a day here where food is king and all the familiar dishes are tastier than we know them: nasi goreng, rendang curry, satays. But a snack on the street of kuey teow, rice noodles cooked over charcoal with chilli, prawns and soy, eaten out of a paper parcel, will make you feel like a local.

■ ITALY ENJOY your pizzas with thin crusts and simple

mozzarella, prosciutto and tomato topping, and eat one all to yourself (locals do) and then take the taste buds out of their comfort zone with insalate di polpo (boiled octopus salad) or trippa (tripe).

Each region has its own trippa recipe but it is often cooked in a tomato and wine broth. Look for cacciucco, a seafood stew in a chilli tomato broth.

■ GERMANY FOOD is not the first thing you think of here, more like beer, but start the day with bread and you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Crusty outsides, soft or dense insides, Germans eat bread with every meal.

Then there are the slow-cooked pork knuckles, smoked meats, sauerkraut… let yourself go but do save yourself for a large slice of Black Forest Cake.

■ SWITZERLAND THIS small land-locked country never blows its trumpet about its cuisine

Introducing Seniors newest addition, Discover Australia!

Featuring all you need to know and how to make the most of travelling far and wide throughout our great country.

but some of the tastiest food in the world is here.

Rosti, thinly grated, pan-fried potatoes is a national dish, enhanced with salty bacon and fried egg and raclette cheese (Rosti Valaisanne) and eaten with tangy gherkins and pickled pearl onions.

Finish that off with a Swiss chocolate or two and you’ll know you’re in a country that loves its food.

■ GREECE IN A taverna in the Plaka with views of the Acropolis I once ate a slab of moussaka so rich, I could barely lift my stomach off the ground for two days. But moussaka is a must in Greece, as is stuffed squid, a Greek salad, meatballs and baklava. Octopus, fresh off the boat and cooked over a grill on any Greek Island is going to be a lasting memory.

Read more of Ann’s musings at www.annrickard.com

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apriL!

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20 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

Blue and jazz cruise with Glenn A Baker Music doyen shares his love of all things tunes Gail Forrer

BLUES and jazz fans, come on down. This is your chance to do a slide riff into the birthplace of jazz and blues with the master of music, the legendary music journalist and historian Glenn A Baker.

In 2014, Glenn A Baker, a three-time winner of the BBC’s Rock Brain of The Universe title, label owner and nationally syndicated radio presenter led a tour to Beatle Week in Liverpool via Hamburg and London.

The tour didn’t miss a trick including visits to famous sites such as George Harrison’s house, Penny Lane and the obligatory pic across Abbey Road.

Glenn said the commonality of purpose really brought the tour together, but he was over-the-moon, when various tour travellers called it the trip of a lifetime.

The positive feedback was a key factor in his hosting of the 2018 Mississippi River cruise.

According to the man with the encyclopaedic knowledge of music, the 16-day long cruise (June 22-July 10) has a lot of romance attached to it.

Perhaps the love begins with the American Queen, this riverboat claims the reputation of the world’s most luxurious and opulent one of its kind, a floating palace that that

Glenn A Baker.

glides regally between the banks of the Mississippi River, where memories of Huckleberry Finn and his childhood adventures are scattered through the river’s wilderness along the with soaring emotional melodies that found root in this fertile country.

Glenn A Baker’s easy conversation and brilliant knowledge will reveal to you the music and its makers when you visit the hot spots such as New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and many more including a cruise to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Louisiana Delta Museum, The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studios, Fame Studios, New Orleans Studios and the Blues Foundation’s Fall of Fame, New Orleans.

In each new destination, you will be immersed in a musical nirvana, celebrating the birthplaces and historical landmarks of gospel, blues, jazz, bluegrass, country and rock‘n’roll.

Also, a two-time Travel Writer of the Year recipient, Glenn has visited more than 120 countries, making him the ideal guide for the American Queen’s voyage into the heart of American blues, rock and soul.

“I can’t wait to get on

THE BEST GIFT IS LOVE, ACTUALLY (But a gift card’s a close second)

MUSIC AND FUN: Spectacular cruising aboard the American Queen.

❝

According to the man with the encyclopaedic knowledge of music, the 16 day long cruise has a lot of romance attached to it.

Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee is lined with blues clubs and restaurants.

board our version of Proud Mary,” Glenn said.

“Not only does the cruise explore so much history, but it takes passengers to the haunts of some of the truly pivotal

acts of America’s musical history – to the Crossroads where the devil and the blues are supposed to have interconnected, to the recording studios where

some of the greatest sounds of the twentieth century were captured.

“The cities we’re visiting were at the centre of, and shaped the face of music for decades.

“On top of that, it’s going to be a huge amount of fun, with like-minded people indulging their passions.”

TOUR DETAILS The cruise offers fine dining each night prepared with local produce by celebrated American chefs.

On the American Queen, passengers are treated to breakfast every day, along with luxurious five-course dinners with included wine and beer.

The ship also boasts a vast library and a two-deck-tall Grand Saloon to showcase the cruise’s Broadway-worthy entertainment.

Prices start at $9990 twin share including air fares, accommodation, food and drinks on board the ship and world-class entertainment.

For further details, visit www.travelrite.com.au or phone 1800 630 343.

Event Cinemas Movie Gift Card Winner Announcement Congratulations to our winners: Rosalind Bird Heather Inwood

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Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Travel

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 21

5 reasons to visit NZ Events from across the ditch among the vines. Or make your way to FAWC, the Hawkes Bay Food and Wine Classic, also in November. Push the boat right out and set course for Cloudy Bay in the heart of the South Island’s Marlborough region, where the proprietors can arrange everything from a simple tasting to a mouth-watering meal or helicopter wine tour.

Cloudy Bay also offers half- or full-day wining and dining tours aboard a 54ft yacht. The choice is yours.

■ Watch the Warbirds over Wanaka Celebrating 30 years of spectacles in the sky, Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow is one of the world’s bestloved aviation festivals.

Established by Sir Tim Wallis, a live deer recovery pilot looking for a way to showcase his private collection of WWII aircraft, the biennial event is held in even-numbered years at Easter (March 30-April 1, 2018), attracting up to 50,000 aviation fans.

Wanaka is arguably one of New Zealand’s most

INTERNATIONAL HOBBIT DAY: Hobbiton movie set.

picturesque regions.

Framed by dramatic alpine scenery, it is the South Island at its most majestic. For the air show, roads are closed and nearby towns burst at the seams, while Wanaka Airport buzzes with all manner of aircraft.

Watch in awe as aircraft from the pioneer days of flight astonish with their aerobatics, then marvel as more modern flying machines zoom overhead.

■ It’s a World of Wearable Art in Wellington The World of Wearable Art Awards Show, or WOW as it’s fondly known, is one of the highlights of Wellington’s annual diary

and features works by some of the world’s most innovative designers and couturiers competing for prizes worth more than $165,000.

With a range of events, the major drawcard is the showcase of the top entries, the creme de la creme of creations.

WOW has been described as a collision of theatre, fashion and arts, and with 2018 being its 30th year since starting out in a Nelson country cottage, they’ll be pulling out all the stops.

If you can’t be in Wellington in spring (September), but want to experience the WOW factor, visit the WOW

■ Get in training for the Golden Oldies in Christchurch Promising fun, friendship and fraternity, the Golden Oldies games in Christchurch in April 2018 is a month-long celebration of sport with the focus on mature participants.

Featuring basketball, cricket, netball, lawn bowls, squash, softball, rugby, golf, football and hockey, this biennial event attracts sports fans and teams from around the world. As much about the love of sport as it is about winning, you don’t even have to be a member of a team to take part because many teams are eager for extra players. Contact the organisers prior to the event and it’s likely you’ll be able to slot into a team. There’s no upper age limit and participants can be as young as 35.

With 10,000 entrants expected to converge on the city, this will be Christchurch’s biggest participant event ever and also the first time in Golden Oldie history that all the events have been held in one location.

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

Clarence Valley 1206 AM | 103.9 FM www.radio2gf.com.au

CR114733AA

A NEW year is upon us and for keen travellers it is the ideal time to start planning our new adventures, with New Zealand sitting at the top of many wish lists.

Renowned for its cinematic landscapes, kilometres of pristine coastline and welcoming locals, the Land of the Long White Cloud also offers a lot of stuff to do.

And whether you’re visiting for adventurous pursuits or you have more refined pleasures in mind, you’ll find five good reasons to start planning a trip to Aotearoa/New Zealand right here.

■ Indulge in the wine of Aotearoa There are more than 450 wine experiences to be found on New Zealand Wine’s official website www.nzwine.com/en/ visit-us and in 2018 there are barrels of compelling reasons to visit New Zealand if you’re viticulturally inclined.

Toast Martinborough, held each November in the Wairarapa region, promises good times

Gallery in Nelson, where winners from each season are on display.

■ Happy Hobbit Day at Hobbiton With the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins on September 22, International Hobbit Day will be celebrated in style at Hobbiton in 2018.

Festivities on the day include a guided tour of the Shire at dusk. Fans will be escorted through the 4.85ha site, learning fascinating details of how the movie sets were created. Arriving at The Green Dragon Inn, there’ll be plenty of time to relax in front of open fires and enjoy traditional Middle Earth ales and ciders.

Then stroll around the Marketplace where individually themed stalls hawk Hobbit wares, local cheeses, breads, cured meats and fresh produce.

All the while, roaming entertainers mingle with guests.

When the buffet is served, pace yourself, as Shire tradition encourages second helpings. To end the night, you’ll wander back along lantern-lit trails – pure magic.

22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

NOW IN CONSTRUCTION. MOVE IN LATE 2018.

LIMITED EDITION LUXURY BEACHSIDE APARTMENTS WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LIFE. IT BEGINS HERE Bathers Beachside is the Peninsula’s newest and most prestigious waterfront development. Designed and developed by Traders in Purple with luxury living in mind, these exquisite residences deliver an unprecedented attention to detail and finishes second to none. Perfectly positioned in a premier waterfront enclave right by the beach on Margate Parade. Each apartment features three large bedrooms, two deluxe bathrooms, contemporary kitchen with Miele appliances as well as spacious living areas and large balconies that encapsulate the breathtaking never-to-be-built-out Moreton Bay views.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

What’s on MADE WITH LOVE MARKET

AVERAGING 100 stallholders every market everything is handmade and locally made. Find everything from candles and soap, artwork, woodwork, upcycled and recycled products, plants and flowers, homewares and more. Be amazed at the local talent, chat to the stallholders, place a custom order and buy something unique for yourself or someone special. Most importantly, support local and support handmade. On Sunday, March 4 from 9am-2pm at level 1 carpark, Park Beach Plaza, 253 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour.

Phone 0424 588 411 or Facebook.

Maclean is like a Scottish town in Australia

MACLEAN MARKETS

MACLEAN Community Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month in the main car park, near the Maclean Bowling Club. Next held on March 10. Stalls offer an array of items including jewellery, clothing, plants, craft items, freshly baked cookies and cakes and a great range of fresh produce. So bring yourself and the family and come on down to the Maclean Community Markets, from 7am-noon at Cameron Park (between Main Street and the bowling club).

Maclean Markets is a community-oriented market organised and run by a committee of volunteers. See Facebook for more.

YAMBA RIVER MARKETS

9am-2pm and located at Ford Park on the foreshores of the beautiful, scenic Clarence River. There’s always something new at the Yamba River Markets, which feature around 120 stalls, and more in the peak seasons. The best way to spend a Sunday morning in this beautiful coastal town. The stalls range from fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, plenty of food stalls including Asian foods, second hand furniture, books, jewellery, clothing, arts and craft and more. The market features local and regional food and provides free live entertainment, showcasing local emerging talent as well as touring bands and

musicians in a village atmosphere. Go to www.yambariver markets.com.au.

SUZANNE ARCHER

THE Journey Woman exhibition explores the actual journey of physical travel, and also the unavoidable course of one’s life journey as they intertwine, direct and inform each other. For Suzanne Archer, travel is an overwhelming and enriching source of new ideas and a visual expansion of her artistic vocabulary. This multimedia exhibition of travel sketch books, artist’s books, drawings, paintings, sculptures and installation developed from the artist’s most

PHOTO: LYNNE MOWBRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

recent journeys to China.

From March 9 to May 5 at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, corner of Coff and Duke Streets. Phone 6648 4863 or go to coffsharbour.nsw. gov.au/gallery.

MACLEAN HIGHLAND GATHERING

GRAB your kilt and get to Maclean, the ‘Scottish Town in Australia’. Walk among the clans that invade the town for the Highland Gathering every Easter from around the country. Next gathering is March 30 and 31 (Easter weekend). Piping competitions take place non-stop at different venues, as well as street concerts with dancers,

pipers and singers. A parade along the main street of all participating bands takes place on Easter Saturday (8.30am sharp) and is followed by traditional Scottish games and dancing – tossing the Caber and hammer throwing, food stalls and Scottish products await the bands and visitors at the showgrounds before a Grand Scottish Concert at the Civic Hall. For more information, visit macleanhighland gathering.com.au.

CELEBRATE WORLD POETRY DAY

THE Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the longest major poem by the English poet Samuel Taylor

LARK IN THE PARK

LETS get outdoors and enjoy an old fashioned picnic at Bongil Bongil Reserve on April 9 from 10.30am-2pm. After a short scenic drive from Coffs Harbour, enjoy a relaxed old fashioned “picnic” in a tranquil National Park setting, live entertainment, competitions and games.

Complimentary lunch stations will be scattered throughout the park, followed by a “yesteryear sing along”. Participants requiring transport will be picked up by coach and returned free of charge.

Bookings are essential.

Phone Margaret Bridgman on 6658 7380 or Boambee East Community Centre 6658 4655.

6737540aa

HELD on the fourth Sunday of the month from

EASTER CELEBRATIONS: See the Highland Gathering parade on Easter Saturday.

Coleridge, written in 1797-98 and published in 1798 in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads. It relates the experiences of a sailor who has returned from a long sea voyage. Come and see the enchanting local exhibition Rime of the Ancient Mariner featuring paintings by well known local artist, rugby coach and literature lover, Geoff Mould. Celebrated poet John Bennett will be in conversation with Geoff about his life in sport and art, his exhibition, and reflect on the Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Then we will be joined by some local poetic voices as they perform short renditions on the theme of the sea.

Light refreshments will be served. This is a free event but bookings are requested. On March 21 from 5.30-7pm. Coffs Harbour Regional Museum, 215A Harbour Drive. Email diana.weekes @chcc.nsw.gov.au.

PHONE 02 6653 1577 EMAIL: info@sawtellrsl.com.au ADDRESS: 38-40 First Avenue Sawtell

Waves Café:

Open from 10am till late each day

24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

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IN THE summer of 1976 it’s picking season on an Australian stone-fruit orchard run

by Celia, a hard-working woman in her early 40s.

Years ago, when her husband was killed as a bystander in an armed robbery, Celia left the city and brought her newborn daughter Zoe to this farm for a secure life.

Now 16, Zoe is a passionate, intelligent girl chafing against her mother’s protectiveness, yearning to find intensity and a bit of danger.

Barging into this world as itinerant fruit-pickers come a desperate brother and sister from Sydney.

The hard-bitten Sheena has kidnapped her wild, ebullient 18-year-old brother Kieran and dragged him out west, away from trouble in the city.

Kieran and Zoe are drawn to each other the instant they meet, sparking excitement, worry, lust, trouble...

How do we protect people we love?

How do we bear watching them go out into the perilous world with no guarantee of safety or happiness?

What bargains do people make with darkness in order to survive?

From the creator of Offspring and author of Useful, The Whole Bright Year is a gripping, wry and tender novel about how holding on too tightly can cost us what we love.

Debra Oswald’s The Whole Bright Year is in bookshops.

Published by Penguin.

RRP $32.99.

White Gum Creek A ROMANTIC and uplifting tale about two people haunted by their pasts, the story of White Gum Creek plays out against an authentically vivid rural backdrop.

Nick Langtree has lived reclusively on his farm, Winters Hill, ever since the death of his wife.

On the occasional trip into nearby White Gum Creek he keeps to himself. And though over the last six years the townsfolk have tried to reach out to Nick, he’s pushed them all away.

Whenever Nick comes into the Gumnut Bakery,

Natasha Duroz tries to engage him in conversation.

There’s something about him that intrigues Tash, but she’s not sure if it’s because she feels sorry for him or there’s something more.

At last encouraged by the warmth of a few old and new friends, Nick gradually begins to re-engage with the outside world.

Then, suddenly, some minor vandalism on his farm escalates and odd things begin to happen on Winters Hill. Is someone out to hurt Nick or have

his years of solitude been playing tricks on his mind?

This entrancing novel is about overcoming heartache and loss through the power of friendship and love.

Published by Allen & Unwin, available in bookshops. RRP $29.99.

Event Cinemas Seniors Ticket Giveaway

Thanks to the Event Cinemas’ Cinebuzz for Seniors club, we are giving away double passes for seniors to see any movie at their local BCC or Event Cinemas!

To be in the running, simply visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitions to enter online. Good luck!

PLUS, Why not join Cinebuzz for Seniors? It’s free to join and members get $9* standard movie tickets at BCC and Event Cinemas, plus more great benefits. Join now at cinebuzz.com.au

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558.

Promotional period 05/02/18-05/03/18. Competition drawn 11am 12/03/18 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors April Editions 2017. Total prize value $200.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas. and NSW regions Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast. NSW Permit number NSW/LTPS/18/21522.

Wellbeing + Travel + living + Money

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Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au for more information.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 25

Money

Aged Pension acid test FINANCE TONY KAYE

THE new assets test has become an acid test for many who were receiving a part Age Pension.

Almost 90,000 individuals and couples around Australia who previously received a part Age Pension payment completely lost their entitlements in 2017 as a result of the Federal Government’s changes to the pension assets test rules, it can be revealed.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of individuals and couples who were previously receiving a full pension have had their payments reduced.

The revised pension assets test rules introduced last year also mean many Australians who had calculated their retirement income stream around receiving a part Age Pension in the future should seek out professional advice urgently to re-evaluate their financial position.

The Federal Department of Social Services has confirmed to Eureka Report that around 86,600 part rate age pensioners had their pension cancelled directly as a result of the assets test changes that came into effect on January 1, 2017. And, as we head into 2018, more retiring Australians will likely miss out on receiving any level of age pension.

The Federal Government set new

limits on the amount of assets outside of a family home that could be held by couples or individuals before their pension rate was reduced. The amount of pension received is now reduced by $3 per fortnight for every $1000 over the new limits under what is known as the pension taper rate.

THE ASSETS TEST LIMITS

■ SINGLE Home owner $250,000 Non-home owner $450,000 ■ COUPLE Home owner $375,000 Non-home owner $575,000 USING the latest official government data, our research has found that between the end of December 2016 and the

end of June, the number of recipients receiving a part Age Pension under the assets test fell from 486,031 to 321,106, a variation of just over 147,000. The DSS has claimed only part of that difference was due to the actual changes in the assets test, and that no full rate age pensioners have had their pension cancelled due to the assets test changes.

However, between December 2016 and mid-2017, the total number of Australians receiving an Age Pension dropped from 2.57 million to 2.49 million. The number of couples receiving a full or part pension fell by around 61,000, from 1.43 million to 1.37 million, while the number of singles slipped from 1.13 million to

1.12 million.

In terms of assessing the Age Pension under the assets test, the DSS data shows that around 1.18 million recipients are couples owning a home. A further 660,000 are singles owning a home.

These cohorts tend to have the highest value level of assets outside of their homes.

The pension assets test does not apply to the family home itself, but does to its contents and any other assets owned including property, vehicles, caravans, boats, superannuation holdings and funds in bank accounts.

Average superannuation balances at retirement already put many Australians close to or over the new asset test thresholds. But one of the

biggest problems for those in this position is that having higher superannuation retirement savings may actually generate less tax-free income than those who only receive the Age Pension. In other words, having more can equal receiving less.

As such, the changes to the assets test could deter some individuals and couples from putting more money into their superannuation so they can still supplement their income with a pension.

But this is a complex area and it’s definitely worth seeing a financial adviser to assess all your options.

Tony Kaye is the editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by financial services group InvestSMART. www.investsmart.com.au

Five key questions to ask when planning your will Stephanie Smith said.

Ms Smith said this timely advice especially applies to those people who don’t have a will.

“Writing a will is not something that should ever be postponed – we never know when it will be required.”

Equity Trustees recommends starting with five key questions: 1. Who should benefit (and why)?

Determine who you want to leave something to – and those you don’t

want to leave anything to.

It’s important to remember when compiling this list who you are responsible for, financially or otherwise.

2. Who to appoint?

Decide who you want to appoint to specific roles, including executor of the will, and any powers of attorney, and have a conversation with them. Think about who could take on the role if your preferred option is not able or available when they are needed.

3. Who gets what?

List your assets (and liabilities) – especially the important ones – whether they are important because of their financial or emotional value. A list also helps your executor know where and what everything is.

4. What’s changed in the past 12 months?

Review any changes that have occurred in the past year, and whether this requires your will to be changed as well.

5. Do I have documents?

Make sure all your documentation is in order and accessible.

This includes bank accounts, mortgage and insurance deeds, birth, marriage and divorce certificates, superannuation, and details of any investments.

Getting specialist advice means your response to these questions can be properly dealt with.

“A specialist will ask

the critical next level questions to ensure what you want to have happen, can happen – that your will meets your objectives and is legally binding,” Ms Smith said.

“It’s often the case that people who don’t get specialist advice end up having their will challenged and overturned, creating hardship for those people who are left behind.

“By getting it right in the first place, this can often be avoided.”

THE SENIORS NEWS FOR YOU Be sure to collect Seniors March edition for all the news you need to know about the upcoming 2018 NSW Seniors Festival taking place from

Wednesday 4 April – Sunday 15 April.

For more info visit

seniorsnews.com.au

6729615ip

IF BEING more organised, or paying more attention to those you love (or a variation on either of those) are on your list of things to ‘be better at’ in 2018, then a key part of that will be making sure your will and estate plans are in order.

“The main thing is to ensure your documents are up to date, legally valid, and reflect your current family and financial circumstances,” estate planning lawyer at Equity Trustees

26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018

Let’s save

We’re living in the ’70s THE ’70s; what a time to be alive. It was when Glam rock was born, the music and the clothes were outrageous with furs and flares being the norm.

Food was starting to evolve with the influx of immigrants into Australia. Our tastebuds started changing.

Takeaway was only available from the local fish and chip shop, then the Chinese and Italian restaurants started to arrive with such incredible flavours and ingredients.

I remember going with mum and taking a large

BRIE FONDUE WITH THYME

Serves 8 This is a rehash of the ’70s fondue with today’s ingredients.

The fresh herbs and wine in this fondue add a decadency that masks

how simple it is to prepare.

You can also add in luxurious ingredients like fresh crayfish, crabmeat, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach.

Crisp tart apple slices are good for dipping; you can also use carrot sticks, roasted potato wedges or bread cubes.

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp butter 1 large shallot, finely diced (about 1⁄4 cup) or white onion 1 ⁄2 cup white wine 500g brie, rind removed and cut into 1-inch pieces 11⁄2 tbsp cornflour 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme Freshly ground black pepper Salt 4 medium Fuji apples

COOKING IN THE 70s: Brie and Thyme fondue.

cored and cut into 1-inch slices (about four cups)

METHOD

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally,

until soft and translucent, about three minutes.

Add the wine and quarter cup of water, and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, toss the brie with the cornflour to coat and then whisk into the wine until the cheese

Peace, love and lava lamps BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN WHAT screams the ’70s more than flares, tube tops, tie-dying, tang, beaded necklaces, disco balls, platform shoes, clogs, cassette tapes, pet rocks, etch a sketch and talking on a phone with a cord?

Each decade has its own colour palette and the ’70s was totally about

chocolate brown, avocado green and burnt orange.

Many homes got groovy with a wall hanging of an owl or some kind of animal print and, possibly, a macrame potted plant hanger.

One of the earliest recorded uses of macrame-style knots as decoration appeared in the carvings of the Babylonians and Assyrians. Fringe-like plaiting and braiding adorned the costumes of the time. Macrame travelled from North Africa to Spain, France and then

on to other European countries. Many Australians were into macrame in the ’70s and

the creative flow of that era.

Materials used in macrame include cords

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GET GROOVY: Explore your own creative flair by making a macrame pot plant hanger.

made of cotton twine, linen, hemp, jute, leather and yarn.

completely melts, about two minutes. Stir in the thyme.

Season then transfer to a fondue pot, set out skewers, and let guests serve themselves by dipping bread into the fondue.

Cords are identified by construction, such as a three-ply cord, made of three lengths of fibre twisted together.

For larger decorative pieces, such as wall hangings or window coverings, a work of macrame might be started out on a wooden or metal dowel, allowing a spread of dozens of cords that are easy to manipulate.

If you would like to get mellow with macrame and go back in time some 40 years, check out the free patterns and tutoring videos available online: free-macramepatterns.com/ and youtube.com/user/ macrameschool.

For a modern spin on macrame creations, visit: modernmacrame.com.

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HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN

saucepan to the Chinese takeaway to collect fried rice and dim sims in the early ’70s.

It was such a treat.

Chow mein entered the menu at home along with the delicious apricot chicken, spaghetti bolognaise (still is) and fondues.

The fondues were a must for any dinner party, sweet or savoury, and that is still relevant today.

For more recipes go to www.seniorsnews.com.au

Puzzles

Monday, February 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

26/2

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

O N

S C H M F A

B P O L X

E S L

M U

L O O L A I N D

I C E C N I R C

S C O O F L F

T H E U B

S A P S L H

I E M O N I

S T C E D

A P Z R E R

O N P O T P

S A D E U

E D G E E

V A E K R D E

O U L E L

M

L

H A F

A R L

C U T E U M A

D E V R C

B L E L E

R P I R L O A

I E F N L N C Y

A R E B T

I T

B I

E E R

Coffs and Clarence

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 6. Praises (6) 7. Relating to spring (6) 10. Makes certain (7) 11. Worries (5) 12. Greek god of love (4) 13. Staggers (5) 16. Rebuke (5) 17. Circle of light (4) 20. Bury (5) 21. Tell a story (7) 22. Pluckily (6) 23. Reddish brown (6)

Down 1. Slowing (12) 2. Hearing distance (7) 3. Unadorned (5) 4. Males (7) 5. Concluded (5) 8. Mislaid items (4,8) 9. Rising (9) 14. Briefly (7) 15. Feeling of uneasiness (7) 18. Baffle (5) 19. Swindling (5)

1

2

4

6

5

7

8

9 10

11

12

13 14

15

16

17

18 20

TRIO

3

Seniors 27

19 21

22

23

Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?

SUDOKU

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

X

Across: 6. Exalts 7. Vernal 10. Ensures 11. Frets 12. Eros 13. Reels 16. Chide 17. Halo 20. Inter 21. Narrate 22. Gamely 23. Russet.

Down: 1. Decelerating 2. Earshot 3. Stark 4. Menfolk 5. Ended 8. Lost property 9. Ascendant 14. Shortly 15. Malaise 18. Stump 19. Fraud.

QUICK CROSSWORD

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JIGGERED

BETTER music and moRE of it

91 Fitzroy St, Grafton. NSW 2460 Phone: (02) 6642 5097 Email: admin@fm1031lovinglife.com.au Website: fm1031lovinglife.com.au Facebook: /FM10 03.1LovingLifeGrafton

TRIO: pAN

INTO FM 103.1

SUDOKU

BREATHING NEW LIFE

ALPHAGRAMS

Good 17 Very Good 24 Excellent 30+

RANGy, SEAMEN, TROuNCE, uNSOILED, VALENTINE.

C C

N C U T O E P U M A E S O N A D E U C H I E F N L F A N C Y O P S U L E H L E E L E D G E R E

522

H S

P I O R P O A T B I L E M E I M I S M F T S C A L D A P E Z S E R

TODAY

P

ANGRY ENEMAS COUNTER DELUSION INVENT ALE

S C O R O F L F L I C E C N I R C L T H E U H B A A S R T E B T E V A E K R D E R

T I

O K

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, e.g. he burns with anger.

B P O L X D E V R C L A R B I L L O O L A I N D O N M U

WORD GO ROUND

WORD GO ROUND

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 five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

chip chips chop chops CHOPSTICK cockpit cops hops kips optic opts photic pick picks picot pish pitch pith piths pits pock posh posit post pots ship shop skip spit spot stop tips topi topic tops

ALPHAGRAMS

28 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 26, 2018