Northern NSW, August 2019 by seniors

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August, 2019

WELCOME

INDEX 3 4 6 10 11 12 15 21 23 25 27

News – Out of the pool Cover Story - Byran Brown News – For the love of a child What’s on Community group guide News - Chamber music village Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Money Puzzles

Local community groups & events

AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

Weaving of old and new Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor THIS month we lead with Aussie actor Bryan Brown’s new movie and an interview where he expresses his delight at making a film specially for we older folk. Similar to the line of the movie, I think many of us can relate to meeting-up with old friends in a convivial setting and coming up with revelations and resolutions. Personally, I find it carthartic to have the ability (that comes with age) to check back in time with an understanding and forgiveness that was much less developed in my youth. But looking forward is equally important. I thought my friend Matt Eliott expressed it well when he wrote on his Instagram account: “At the tender age of 63, I can say one of the biggest traps of growing older is a narrowing of one’s world. I see it already in the people of my age in my life: seeking out fewer new experiences or new people, cultivating an increased need for familiarity.” I think new experiences can be anything from checking out a new book, joining a choir or becoming accomplished in

the age-less art of tai chi . On the other hand it might be travelling across the high seas. In this edition our Wanderlust section features our regular travel correspondents John and Yvonne Gardiner who share their colourful travels through Norway, while fellow world explorer Paul Coffey gives us a taste of the unusual with his story and photos showcasing the capital of Azerbaijan. This country’s extreme juxtaposition of ancient culture and amazing modern architecture is something to behold. Finally, great news for coffee lovers (that’s me) - the word is there’s no harm at all here! I know health reports relating to various products seem to change according to the weather - but I’m sticking to this one. For plenty of more good news, read on....

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au 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 “Northern NSW Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast 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.

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SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

NEWS

Out of the pool for a fresh start Tania Phillips

TIME FOR NEW SORT OF FUN: Glenn clowns around with long-time pool employee Jenny Bryant.

AN ERA is about to end at the Tweed River Aquatic Centre with the retirement of long-time manager Glenn Nott this month. There aren’t too many people who remember the Murwillumbah pool without a Nott in charge, with Glenn taking over from his dad, Don. His dad started at the pool in 1974 and he returned from Mt Isa in 1979 to join the family. “I started working here when I was 22, about to turn 23 – dad was already here,” Glenn said. “So, I’ve been here, Notts have been here for nearly 50 years. We’ve seen some changes. “Dad was manager too – it started off with him as pool superintendent, then pool manager, then supervisors and all sorts of different names. “But there’s been a Nott in charge of the pool for nearly 50 years, it’s an end of an era.” So, does he have

another family member wanting to take over? “No, noooo,” he laughed. “Nobody wants to do it, it’s changed in 50 years. “I was working in Mt Isa in the smelters up there, I was 22 years old, my father asked me to give him a hand for six months. “And now 40 years later I’m retiring – it was a long six months. “The pools have changed, when we first arrived it was a very open area and not much barriers between the inside and outside, fences were installed and the water slides. “The big one was 10 years ago when we did the redevelopment, but it’s come on and it’s looking really good now.” So why stay in one place for so long? “It’s varied,” he said. “I deal with lots of different people which makes it quite interesting. “I deal with nearly every branch in council, I deal with politicians,

councillors, all sorts or members of the community and it’s not a bad office. “Every day’s different, it can be challenging with some of the clients we have but it’s just been a good life. “We’ve had lots of crazy things – some of the external jobs we did when we used to close for winter. “Jeff Collier and I used to be put to work in other council divisions. “We’ve done dog registration, change for the surveyors, building. But the last 20 years has been full-time at the pool. “We run all three pools (Kingscliff, South Tweed and Murwillumbah) all under the same banner.” Glenn’s wife Anni Brownjohn runs the highly successful Ozganics, organic food company, and while they will be taking a trip to the UK after his retirement, he said Anni would find him plenty to do.

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Brown puts

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PALM BEACH: A good start to long weekend party.

Photo: Elise Lockwood

WELCOME! “Come on in and join the party,” says Bryan Brown. The backdrop is a glorious Sydney summer day of sparkling blue water and crystal clear skies. The lunch table is piled high with a sumptuous feast. The guests are arriving to celebrate a significant birthday. They’re boisterous, full of energy and excitement at being reunited after a long time apart. While you’re not actually seated at the table, but rather sitting in a cinema, you feel as though you are in fact there in person as the 11 guests gather round the table, anticipating a weekend of shared memories and new connections.

“I made it for you,” Brown, 72, said of his role as the co-producer. “It was made like, let’s put a movie out there that my age group can relate to.” While his wife Rachel Ward was the director, Brown said she had no choice in casting him in the lead role. “I own the movie. I asked her to direct it,” he laughed. Let me introduce you to the Palm Beach guests. There’s Frank, played by Brown. The quintessential Australian actor is the linchpin of the movie. He’s retired, depressed and living a complicated life. “That’s what we are facing out there,” Brown said. “People who are retired or sell their business and they have been active all their lives. It’s like: ‘What will I do? I’m lost. I have no purpose’.” His wife of 30 years, Charlotte (Greta Scacchi), is trying to deal with menopause. Friend and musician Billy (Richard E Grant) is struggling with a life of professional failure, while

his actress wife Eva (Heather Mitchell) is now only being offered grandmother roles. Another friend, journalist Leo (Sam Neill), has health problems and his wife Bridget (Jacqueline McKenzie) is trying to work out if Leo is planning on leaving her and her daughter Caitlyn (Frances Berry). Frank and Charlotte are two different characters. Their daughter Ella (Matilda Brown) is a successful doctor, while son Dan (Charlie Vickers) is struggling to find his way in life and isn’t being helped by Frank’s high expectations on what that way should be. Joining them is Holly (Claire Van Der Boom), the daughter of their old band’s singer Roxy. The buddying young singer is also struggling to find her way and has brought along a surprising new playmate, sheep farmer Doug (Aaron Jeffery). The three-day party has all the hallmarks of a fabulously relaxed, liquid, long weekend – until the veneer is scratched. Deep

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Palm Beach is easy to relate to

SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

COVER STORY

on seniors hat for role secrets emerge that drive the friendships, and partners, away from each other. So many of the conversations in Palm Beach resonate with me as a viewer. Each of the characters are realistic, their stories drawing out the challenges of changing times and dealing with ageing. Think back to when you have attended a reunion of old friends. How often has the conversation delved deep into the past and at other times skirted the realities of your shared experiences? “I had gone through a period of anxiety and seen a psychologist about it as I didn’t know what the hell was happening to me,” said Brown, who was roughly 65 at the time of such a reunion. “It was during that period leading up to a Christmas that I had together with some other men. “One had lost his job and one had sold his business. “Of those characters, none necessarily reflect

ENSEMBLE EFFORT: A scene from Australian movie Palm Beach. things that I might be dealing with now, but I can recognise in those characters there... “Take Richard Grant’s character – a musician at his age, they’re all going to the young guys for music, he’s doing diaper ads. “You know, I have

mates that are older actors that would love to be acting, but there aren’t roles for them.” Brown said his children totally understood the issues the older actors reveal in Palm Beach. Two of them were involved in the movie – actress Matilda, who he

Photo: Elise Lockwood

has worked with several times previously, and graphic artist Joe. “They have always mixed with older people,” he said. “They have seen relationships break up; they understand how painful they are and how real they are.”

When Brown turned 70, Matilda observed in her father that age was just a number – it’s more about how you live your life. He’s now a grandfather to Matilda’s nine-week-old son Zan. “I’m handling it pretty good,” the veteran actor said.

“I am still doing things and still looking for things to do, and people are silly enough to still ask me to do things.” Brown’s next acting project is the second series of Bloom for Stan. He’d like to do more movies around seniors as he sees many more stories to be told. As he heads out to go surfing, walking, doing thrice-weekly pilates classes, and belatedly wearing a sun hat, he says: “I am not aware that I am getting older. Except when I watch Palm Beach and realise that I am”. Brown said he had never let age determine what he did. “We have got to find a way to step around that as a generation,” he said. The movie beautifully raises contemporary seniors issues as relationships are tested, dissolved and somehow reunited. “It’s a story about us getting through things and that there is plenty of life in front of us to enjoy,” Brown said. Palm Beach is in cinemas this month.

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AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

For the love of a child Why Shelley Argent became an activist Gail Forrer “THERE are times parents should stand behind their child, other times they should stand beside them, but this was my time to stand in front of James and fight for his right to be seen as an equal.” These were the words that sent Shelley Argent into battle to ensure her son James, who came out as gay in 1995, would have the same rights, the same opportunities, the same protection as everyone else in Australia. As co-author Leanne Edmistone wrote in the foreword to Shelley’s life story titled Just a Mum: “She was just a mum who wanted both her sons – one gay and one straight – to be treated equally by the law and society.” The book recounts Shelley’s life, from her childhood spent in a poor, dysfunctional 1950s Brisbane family to the woman who went on to disrupt the highest echelons of Australia’s social and political establishments. Last month, Shelley and Leanne’s family, friends and fans gathered at Brisbane’s Avid Book Store for the book launch. For those not familiar with Shelley’s personality, there was a short introduction written in point form with white chalk on a large blackboard. It read: “Always has an open house; Ring any time; Love a coffee and a chat; Pretty good cook.’’ At the launch, Shelley’s engaging personality gave an insight into her warm heart, enormous love for family and her innate traits of stubbornness and determination that supplied her with the courage to walk the talk of equality, confront discrimination, lobby politicians and march as the sole mum among the LGBTQ+ community. But Shelley did not just ask wider society to respect the rights of her son, she expected the same from family and friends and she relates that all but one were able to do so. “There was only person who didn’t agree with me.”

UNBREAKABLE BOND: Long-time gay rights advocate Shelley Argent and her son James.

‘‘

The only truth is that a child is born as they are – not groomed, encouraged or turned gay. For Shelley that was a deal-breaker that ended their long relationship. Not withstanding her unwillingness to compromise on this issue, Shelley understood that acceptance can take time. Referring to situations when children announce their coming out, she wrote: “After the initial shock, parents will often go through the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, hopefully, eventually, acceptance. “Just as it takes our children time to accept their sexuality, so too will it take parents. “There is a lot of someone or something to blame. “Did we smother him/her. Did we spoil him/her? Did we spend enough time with them as

children? Is it my fault? Is God punishing me? “The only truth is that a child is born as they are – not groomed, encouraged or turned gay.” Just a Mum also includes her long, happy marriage and partnership with Don, dealing with sexual abuse endured by her son and the joy of academic achievement. Shelley studied Social Sciences at QUT and graduated in 1997 as a mature-age student, a path that enhanced her understanding and ability to challenge the system. Nevertheless, Shelley said one unlikely thing she was able to use to her advantage was her conservative, middleclass suburban housewife appearance. “It reassured so many parents, who were expecting to be greeted by a cheesecloth and silver bells type personality,’’ she said. One father she had arranged to meet actually walked past her, thinking he would be meeting “a woman with shaved head, big boots and a razor blade in her ears”. Another point she noted was that her gay son, who at 28 became the Queensland Police Service’s youngest sergeant, had fewer rights than the people he locked

Shelley Argent OAM. up. The only legal right he held in Queensland was to be gay without fear of arrest. “It was a discrepancy I often highlighted during my lobbying,” she wrote. Shelley’s journey as a campaigner for equal rights resulted in her

Photo: David Kelly

Photo: Russell Shakespeare

receiving an OAM in 2006 and took her to places and people she could have never imagined in her Brisbane childhood. She was a regular visitor to Canberra’s politicians and enjoyed marching in the Mardi Gras. But ultimately, her work

has been rewarded with state and federal policy legislative reform, culminating in marriage equality in 2017. To obtain a copy of Just a Mum, go to the website shelleyargent.com/or facebook.com/ JustAMumShelleyArgent

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Change of pace for Karen

Time for social rights advocate to look back on achievements Tania Phillips

A BREAK during the Sydney Olympics led journeywoman and social rights advocate Karen Collins to the place she now calls home. The much-loved Tweed Shire Council aged and disability development officer retired this month after a lifetime of helping people in various roles around Australia, including working south, north, west and east in the country. Gardening and crafting are on the top of the list of “things to do” as part of having a whole six months off in the town she and husband Bill fell in love with on a driving holiday north during the Olympics. However, for someone with Karen’s experience, she already knows there will be other projects. “I’ll probably do a bit of consultation on projects that interest me,” she said. Her retirement marks the end of eight and a half years of service to the Tweed Community and

more than 40 years of similar work around Australia. “It’s a bit weird but good,” she laughed when asked about finally putting her feet up. But if anyone has earned a break, it’s Karen. For almost a decade after coming to live on the Tweed she has worked on making sure people with disabilities in the region have been able to live and work with more freedom. “This was my first experience of local government. I have worked all across Australia but never for a council before.” Here she was able to have a small regional focus and see the impact her work has had first-hand, something she has obviously found rewarding. Her legacy? Karen believes that is the Disability Action plans she has helped put in place to make the council and region more inclusive. The plans had a big impact right across council, something she is rightfully proud of.

MOVING ON: Karen Collins at her Tweed Shire Council farewell.

She is also the woman behind the annual Tweed Shire Access and Inclusion Awards launched in 2013 to

celebrate achievement and innovation in building an accessible community. The awards recognise and acknowledge action

by individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses that build and promote a more accessible and inclusive

Photo: Contributed

Tweed and culminate in an awards ceremony in December to coincide with the International Day of People with Disability.

Beauty of sublime world depicted in paintings A BOOK and the world around her Northern Rivers home have inspired Emma Walker’s latest exhibition The Dark Sublime – on at the Lismore Regional Gallery through to Friday, September 13. Described as an ode to the shadowed beauty and crucial relevance of forests and what lies

beneath the surface, The Dark Sublime is, surprisingly, the artist’s first solo exhibition at the Lismore gallery in a career that stretches back to her teens. “I’ve been in group shows but yes this is my first solo show there,” she said. This is not her first exhibition all up though – far from it – with the artist holding 19-20 solo exhibitions at other

locations. Her work is featured in several major public and corporate collections and in private collections in Australia, Indonesia, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the US. Abstracted landscapes, her artworks are multi-layered and as much about the medium of paint and the process of painting as with an experience of nature.

“They are quite complex,” she said. “I think I’m going slower, the paintings take a long time. They are carved and shaped.” She said this exhibition had probably taken about six months to prepare for. Not only is the execution of the paintings quite complex, so is the idea behind it. “It was initially inspired by The Overstory by Richard Power which

features many different stories relating to trees in very different ways,” Emma said. In the same ways that the stories were interconnected, so were the trees themselves under the soil, she said. It was a subject that obviously struck a nerve with the artist and led to more research and eventually the artworks themselves. Emma said intricate

and far-reaching networks of communication and exchange occur beneath our feet. “Worlds of relationship, chatter, barter and life, hidden in the dark cavities of soil under our lawns and roads’” she said. “Invisible to the eye, like love and fear, the interwoven ecosystems in our forests and the natural world echo the unseen connections that bind us all.”

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Tania Phillips

SUBLIME SHOW: Emma Walker with examples of her work for her new exhibition, The Dark Sublime. Photo: Contributed

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What's on

BALLINA PLAYERS GO CUCKOO

TICKETS are now available for Ballina Players’ performance of the drama/comedy One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest either on-line or Just Funkin Music. The movie of this play was very successful and most of patrons will recognise the title and know the movie. It will be directed by Mike Sheehan and Peter Harding (Mike directed the very successful play A Few Good Men in Mar/Apr 2018). Starring John Rado, Kasadevi Curtis, Gray Wilson and Dane Bodley, Cuckoo's Nest will appear over two weekends from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, September 1. Go to ballinaplayers.com.au/ performance/one-flewover-the-cuckoos-nest/.

WALKING FOOTBALL DISPLAY

A DEMONSTRATION of Walking Football will be held at Saunders Oval, Ballina on Friday, August 23 from 6pm. Ballina’s fledgling Walking Football Club now has 25 players including several women, with most players being in their 50s and 60s and also a few younger and older models. The group comprises individuals from all walks of life and varying skill levels from complete novices to former professional players. Despite the cold weather lately, they've had

MAD ABOUT IT: A scene from Ballina Player's One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. good turn outs on Thursday evenings with 20 players present one evening, allowing them to play a four team round robin on two adjacent pitches.

SQUARE DANCING

LOOKING for something different? An introduction to Square Dancing will be held Thursday, August 15 4.30pm - 5.30pm at the Lismore Heights Sports, Recreation & Community Club, 181 High Street, fixed price: adult $7.

EXHIBITION: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION OF PHOTGRAPHERS

THE latest exhibition from Crawford House Museum, Alstonville is all

about showcasing the Ballina Shire, Countryside and People during the 1950s to the mid 1980s.Crawford House is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1-4pm. Pop in and see the exhibition right in the heart of Alstonville. For more information visit 10 Wardell Rd, Alstonville or phone 02 6628 1829.

NORTH COAST MUD TRAIL

THE Mud Trail is on again on Saturday and Sunday, August 17-18. The trail showcases 21 local pottery studios open to the public for one weekend! Enjoy demonstrations, workshops, artist talks in some beautiful, unique

artist studios scattered across the beautiful Northern Rivers.Pick up a copy of the program at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre or visit their website for further details go to northcoastmudtrail.com. au/open-studios/.

FELTING WORKSHOP

ENJOY a felt workshop at Creative Artisans Gallery and learn to felt a hat in a colour of your choice. Materials used are of the highest quality merino wool. Cost is $50 + $10 materials. Bookings are essential so please phone to secure a spot, 0435 941 591, Shop 1 Wigmore Arcade, River St, Ballina.

Photo: Contributed

2019 QUOTA CRAFT AND GARDEN FAIR

THE Quota Craft and Garden Fair, August 24-25 is a two-day event showcasing the best Craft artisans of the Far North Coast and SE Queensland. With two halls of craft and art and a pavilion of Garden related products, this is the largest fair of its kind on the North Coast. Over 90 stalls of things to buy, see and make. Presentations from some leading Garden Speakers will inform you over the two days. Great quality plants for sale. All proceeds from this event goes to Quota projects in the local community. For more

information, email craftfairquotaalstonvill e@gmail.com or phone 0416 214 012.

RAINBOW REGION DRAGON BOAT CLUB REGATTA

BE A spectator at one of the region’s most exciting sporting eventsDragon Boating on the banks of Shaws’ Bay for a family friendly and alcohol-free weekend. August 24-25, Saturday 1-3pm: Splash n dash, round robin and State of Origin, Sunday 8am-3pm: A full day of 200m sprints with NSW and QLD sports and local community teams racing for fun and glory. An officially sanctioned Dragon Boats NSW regatta.

Shakespeare brings Whitney back to the future AS A schoolboy in the 1970s, David Whitney was in the audience to see the Nimrod performance of Much Ado About Nothing starring John Bell and Anna Volska as Benedick and Beatrice. It was a moment that obviously not only stayed with him but also had quite an effect on the would-be actor. Fast forward 40 years and David is not only seeing a new generation of Beatrice and Benedick (played by Zindzi Okenyo and Duncan Ragg) but he’s in the Bell Shakespeare Production playing Leonarto – Beatrice’s uncle and Hero’s father. “Seeing the Nimrod version wasn’t the main reason I became an actor but it was fairly crucial at the time, I’d been in a few plays at school,” David

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: Marissa Bennett, Vivienne Awosoga, David Whitney, Suzanne Pereira.

On stage with Vivienne Awosoga, David Whitney and Will McDonald.

said. Bitten by the bug, he applied for NIDA a couple of times before becoming part of the graduating class of 1982 and while he’s done other theatre and musical theatre (My Fair Lady for Opera Australia) and television (A Place to Call Home) he admits to having a particular love for the

And he loves to see a new generation working on the plays, particularly the moment they “get it”. It’s also five months’ work and a good solid three months on the road – starting in Orange a few weeks ago before heading to Melbourne for a two-week season then heading north to play

bard. And he’s no stranger to Bell Shakespeare, completing his first show for them 20 years ago – he’s done 10 since then, including Hamlet, Henry IV, As You Like It, The Tempest and his very first production – Romeo and Juliet. He admits he loves the language.

everywhere from Darwin down to the Gold Coast’s HOTA (September 4-5), Lismore Town Hall (September 24-25) and the Glasshouse at Port Macquarie (September 30-October 1). “We have five to six weeks in Sydney at the end but we are on the road for three and a half months,” he said.

“But it’s not all travelling, we have time to get back home and there are chances for family to visit. “My wife is coming to Port Macquarie and to the Gold Coast.” And it’s a chance for David to revisit a play he obviously enjoys. He’s already played villain Don John – a role he admits is a favourite. This time around though, he’s the old man of the cast, Leonarto. And while David remembers John Bell’s Benedick fondly, for most of us our first foray into the story of Claudio and Hero, Beatrice and Benedick came from the Kenneth Branagh 1993 film. It’s this film that David believes gave audiences a familiarity and fondness for the play.

SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

Community group guide WE welcome your contribution to our community note page. Please email your community notes and pictures to: editor@seniors newspaper.com.au

MEDICAL SUPPORT GROUP

FIBROMYALGIA, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Information and Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month at 10:30am at the HACC Community Centre, corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South. All welcome. For further information, phone Bronwyn on 07 5593 9319.

TWIN TOWNS & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

WE MEET at the South Tweed Sports Club on the second Monday of the month at 8.30am. In December the meeting is replaced by a Christmas Luncheon and awards ceremony. August 12, 2019 will be our 40th year – we have great plans — prizes galore. Members only. Our next club Meeting will be on Monday, September 9. Venue will be South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed in the downstairs auditorium. Guest Speaker: Marty Skok. The Tweed: An Eden for Gardeners and Nature Lovers -but why? Native & honey bees; GCCC native bee hive grant information; Skok’s Raw Honey for sale. The hall opens at 8am for entry and benching, with the general meeting commencing at 9.30am. Cuttings and Trading Tables will commence selling at 8.15am, so come along and snap up a bargain. Cost: $4 entry fee paid at the door, which includes Morning tea. Remember, if your benching, it closes at 9.15am. Raffles, lucky door prizes and much more. Hope to see you there, bring a friend and a coffee mug to help save the planet. For more information, phone Monika Ross on 0412 638 373 or go to twintownsgardenclub. com.

U3A

Tweed Coast SOS for new Course Leaders U3A Tweed Coast, launches into Term 3 with one life-changing gap. We’ve Seniors keen

to learn about their tablet/computer/ internet/phone technology. Can you help? Some are beginners, some more advanced. Our course leaders are unpaid volunteers. Joining U3A to teach reduces membership fee to $5 per annum. It connects you with like-minded people to bring a thankful smile to your day. You can also access other courses. More information? Hit or cut corners and ring Doug on 07 5524 3846.

TWEED THEATRE COMPANY

WE PROUDLY present ‘A Brown Slouch Hat’ - A musical meander through the war years at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre on September 6, 13 & 20 at 7.30pm and September 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 at 2pm. Devised, Written and Directed by Doug Williams. Adult: $18; Concession: $15; Child: $10; Table of 8: $13. Tickets available from Tweed & Murwillumbah Information Centres, go to tweedtheatre.com.au, phone 1800 674 414 or at the door.

VIEW CLUBS

Coolangatta/Tweed NEXT luncheon will be the August 15 at the South Tweed Sports Club, staring 11-11.30am. All ladies are very welcome to come along and enjoy the company of our friendly ladies. We meet on the third Thursday of the month. Guest speaker is Detective Sergeant Brad Foster on safety. Bookings/apologies phone Elaine 07 5524 4461 Monday prior to our luncheon. Grafton AT THE July meeting Merrelle Trill was presented with her member’s badge and officially welcomed to the club. The lucky door prize was received by Lyn Irving and the raffle prize went to Barbara Franks. Grafton VIEW was formed in 1967. Club members are involved in raising donations for the Learning for Life Program, which is targeted towards the education of disadvantaged students, whom we support. VIEW is a not for profit organisation. If you truly believe that supporting a child's education is the best way to break the cycle of disadvantage, then all you need to do is come along to enjoy a meal in friendship with

entertainment, which is usually an interesting and motivated guest speaker. The daytime meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, Grafton. For more, phone Helen on 02 6642 3867. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a lovely lunch, friendship and entertainment. At the same time you will be making a huge difference in the lives of disadvantaged students. If you wish to attend the meeting, phone Vorna on 02 6642 4719 for catering purposes. Twin Towns Day OUR club proved once again we have interesting and entertaining luncheons when we had the daughter of the late, great Jack Evans. Daughter Toni Cameron is famous in her own right being a natural swimmer, table tennis player, extensive globe trotter, and she is very proud to recall stories of her early days with her dad the famous Jack Evans who was the Tweed’s life saver, shark catcher and owner of the Snapper Rocks Porpoise pool which was situated in the rightly named Jack Evans Boat Harbour. Our club meets on the first Thursday of each month at the South Tweed Sports club at 10.30am for 11am, for tasty two-course luncheon, included for $26. Our club is very proud in supporting our seven “Learning for Life” students, hand picked especially for us by “The Smith Famil”. Ladies of all ages enjoy their time with our club and the more the merrier. Interested? Phone Freda on 07 5524 1357 or Kathie on 0407 709 629.

PROBUS CLUBS

Banora Point RETIRED? Looking To Meet New People? Banora Point Probus meet on the fourth Monday of each month at the South Tweed Sports Club at 10am. Cost is $5. We are a mixed club and have interesting speakers, as well outing each month. This months speaker is Dennis Smith Living with Parkinson’s and will be held on Monday, August 26. Phone Ron or Annette on 07 5523 4016.

FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

AUGUST is the National Family History Month. During this time, events which focus on family history, heraldry and related subjects.

Community notes

TALENTED TONI: Twin Towns Day VIEW club hosted Toni Cameron, the daughter of the great Jack Evans at their recent luncheon. These events include how to start your research, free research assistance, ebooks about family research, assistance with DNA and medical connections, special interest groups etc. As part of the August celebrations, the Casino and District Family History Group will offer a day of free research to all group members and the public. Our opening hours will be the usual Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-2pm and Wednesday 12-4pm. We will also be opening for an evening on Tuesday, August 20 from 6.30-9.30pm. For more, phone 02 6662 8114.

BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

JOIN in on Sunday September 1 for the Fathers Day’s Dads doing it Proud, at RSL Ballina Club, Boardwalk Lounge, 11am-5pm. Free entry for the live country music with Mike Aleman’s Sandfire. The special guest artist is Laura Downing. She is one of Australia’s most popular performers. Laura is a country musician and stand-up comedian, and yodels, and has won competitions across Australia, New Zealand, USA and Europe. Her latest award came for Female Vocalist of year in Queensland for 2018. There’s also a fantastic line up of walk-up artists. Ballina Country Music Club welcomes Country Music musos of all walks to perform three songs either by themselves or with the band. For more details, phone Keith Holmes on 02 6686 7956 or 0400 867 956 or email

holmeskm@bigpond.com.

TINTENBAR SENIORS

THERE are activities for Seniors at Tintenbar Hall in August and September. The social, chatty game Carpet bowls is on fortnightly from 10am-12pm on August 9 and 23, and September 13 and 27. Morning tea is served. For more information, phone Marg on 02 6687 8033.

TWEED VALLEY TOASTMASTERS CLUB

IMPROVE communication skills and confidence by joining in. As well as being good for you, it’s also fun. You are welcome to visit on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 9.45am for a 10am start. Finish time is around 12pm. For further information, email 2018onwards@gmail.com or phone Alison on 0405 461 008.

2019 POLICE AND COMMUNITY CHARITY BALL

JOIN us on Saturday, August, 24 at the fabulous Star Casino, Gold Coast where guests will be treated to canapes upon arrival, a scrumptious three course meal and five hour drink package. Your night will be fulfilled with entertainment including our host, talkback radio broadcaster and channel nine commentator Mr Ray Hadley OAM and the Queensland Police Service band, Band of Blues. The ball is a tri-agency ball hosted by the Queensland Police

Service, together with the New South Wales Police Force and Australian Federal Police. Last year, an idea regarding police supporting community organisations was conceptualised through the Police and Community Charity Ball being born. Little did we know how strong the response would be from our peers and very generous community. This year we want to achieve more! Monies raised will be achieved through live and silent auctions and raffles throughout the night. All funds raised will be donated evenly to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Inc. to help families in our community who are facing difficult medical challenges. You can help these families by supporting this years Ball. Get a table or group together and join us for an amazing evening for a very worthy cause. Don’t forget to dress to impress. Tickets range from: $0 – $155.56. Purchase at: eventbrite.com.au/.

MUD TRAIL TIME

THIS month take a day out and wind your way around 21 pottery studios. You can meet the artist and if you a fancy a lovely piece of pottery make a purchase. The studios are open to public from Saturday, August 17 - Sunday, August 18. There’s a host of associated activities including demonstrations and workshops. Email murwillumbahpotters @gmail.com or go to northcoast mudtrail. com.au.

NEWS

AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

Chamber music fest Annual festival includes a range of interesting events IT’S that time of year again when the historic Tyalgum Hall will fill with the sound of chamber music as part of the award-winning Tyalgum Music Festival. And heading up an impressive guest list for the event, September 6-8, is one of Queensland, Australia and the world’s most loved percussionists, Michael Askill. Collaborating with some of the world’s leading musicians and choreographers including Australian’s Graeme Murphy and Meryl Tankard, Dr Askill is also a former artistic director of Synergy Percussion. Before embarking on a successful independent career, he was principal timpanist with the Melbourne Symphony and then principal percussionist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Dr Askill was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Percussive Arts Society in 2016. He heads an impressive program for this year’s festival held in and around the Tweed village, says co-artistic director of the festival, Anna McMichael. She said this year’s artists included leading Australian soprano Greta Bradman; the virtuosic Tinalley String Quartet; Viney-Grinberg Piano Duo; Camerata String Quintet led by Brendan Joyce; a unique collaboration between Tibet’s Tenzin Choegyal, cellist Katherine Philp, and Grammy Award-winning flautist Tim Munro leading a Roving Opera throughout the village. “Combining fine music, leading artists and new experiences, Tyalgum Music Festival sees the entire village become an energetic hub of vivid live music and art,” Dr McMichael said. “From the

MUSICAL MASTER: Michael Askill is one of the stars of this year's Tyalgum Music Festival.

kaleidoscopic opening gala, featuring Strauss’s stunning Four Last Songs for soprano and piano quintet, the Tyalgum adventure weaves through immersive Renaissance brass in-the-round, sumptuous French Romanticism, enthralling

contemporary improvisation and more.” She said the weekend was aimed at being both immediately approachable and welcoming for any music lover and yet inviting a new adventure around every corner. “These virtuosic and

enthralling performances are accompanied by a uniquely warm and vibrant community atmosphere,” she said. “Across events such as nibbles and drinks at the opening gala, communal afternoon tea at the closing, improvised

musical ‘conversations’, and pop-up events throughout the village, everyone is welcomed into the Tyalgum family.” Tickets: 4mbs.com.au or 07 3847 1717. The program is on tyalgumfestival.com.au.

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Principal’s future is still in our schools Tracey Johnstone EVEN in retirement, Brian Ralph keeps his education skills sharp as he strives to facilitate connections between fellow retired high school principals. Mr Ralph, 69, is a key member of the team behind the Principal Futures website, which shares information with current and former principals about preparing for retirement and various post-retirement options including employment and volunteering. The germination of the idea to provide a platform for retired principals to stay connected started during Mr Ralph’s 14-year tenure on the executive of the NSW Secondary Principals Council (SPC). He had written into its constitution the idea of a retired principals group to provide support and advice both to the council and to currently serving principals.

But nothing more happened until he retired in 2009 after 38 years of work, when he pulled out his long list of retired high school principals’ contacts he had acquired. In 2010 he started off with a group of about 130 across NSW, inviting the retired principals to participate in quarterly lunch meetings. “It was obvious that people wanted to stay in contact and feel that they were still valued,” Mr Ralph said. “For those that had been through tough times, often it’s only other principals who’ve had similar experiences that can understand the stress that’s involved. “Our lunches fulfilled a really useful function.” Mr Ralph also shared email with his group about professional news and even job opportunities. In 2015 he was invited to join forces with innovator Cassy Norris, the principal of Ryde Secondary College, who

had already set up the Principal Futures Reference Group which was looking at how public school principals could continue to be engaged post-retirement. A subsequent survey of existing and retired principals revealed 70 per cent of the latter were continuing to work or volunteer using their professional skills up to 10 years after officially retiring. “I chaired the reference group for two years,” Mr Ralph said. “We discussed many ideas and collaboratively developed an outline of those topics we wanted to cover in the website.” He took on the enormous task of creating the Principal Futures website to cover topics across retirement, for keeping in touch socially, post-retirement options, further study options, tours and travel, memories from the past and employment opportunities.

From there he corralled a group of volunteers to bring the website to life. The SPC funded the start-up and continues to help out with the website management, which now connects about 370 current and retired principals. “Brian demonstrated extensive expertise and experience in writing materials of this nature,” Ms Norris added. “He then wrote all the instructions for the writing team and we all got to work on writing sections of the site.” Jobs available for retirees include executive officer roles, leading project teams, providing professional learning to staff, coaching and mentoring existing school staff. “These people bring extensive knowledge, skills and experience to any work they do,” Mr Ralph said. “It works both ways. People really appreciate their expertise, while on

PRINCIPAL RETIREE: Former high school principal Brian Ralph. the other hand, the retired principals continue to stay active and engaged in life.” Mr Ralph has put more than 1000 hours into getting the website up and running, and recognises that it is essential to identify a successor to take his place at some stage. While Ms Norris fields enquiries from those

wanting to recruit a retired principal, Mr Ralph continues to manage the website and organise the retired principal meetings, which now include professional learning sessions. He remains an invaluable resource in keeping retired principals informed and engaged in secondary school education in NSW.

Showman reaches out to the needy isolated and lonely elderly Australians. In 2018, 1.1 million calls were made by the Red Cross volunteers. A friendly call from Dave, now 71, for a brief morning chat on how they are and whether they are safe can make all the difference to the lives of seniors, who often tell Dave the Telecross calls are the only ones they get. It’s not only these clients who have benefited from Dave’s over the past five years. “I am lucky that I am

fully recovered, but my former job required me to do a lot of talking and I had to give up the job early,” he said. “It was a wonderful job and I was a bit depressed then someone suggested I do a bit of volunteering. It’s turned out to be a godsend for me.” While volunteering as a welfare officer at his local RSL club in Sydney, Dave heard several of his clients mention how beneficial the Telecross calls were. “That’s what got me

into it as it seemed like a good idea,” he said. The Red Cross provided him with some training on how to speak to the clients and what to do and not do when talking with them. “You do acquire skills in cheering people up who are feeling down and lonely, and may be in a bit of pain,” he said. Dave works from notes about each client which helps him to know about their first name, situation, interests, pets and family. “You can always talk

about that,” he said. Once a fortnight on a Sunday, Dave travels across Sydney to join the Blacktown Telecross team, who range in age from high school students to seniors. For three hours from 7-10am, he turns his warming voice into a welcome call to anywhere between 30 and 40 people. Info: redcross.org.au/ get-help/communityservices/telecross or phone 1300 885 698.

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SUPPORT OVER THE PHONE: Telecross volunteer Dave Jeffrey.

DAVE Jeffrey is putting his people skills to good use each week by making phone calls to lonely seniors who benefit from his uplifting voice. The former Captain Cook Cruises commentator, who was forced to retire from work due to throat cancer when he was in his mid-60s, has found a new life by volunteering with the Red Cross as part of its Telecross team. Each year the seven-days free service makes a daily call to

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Baku’s stunning buildings Paul Coffey I’M IN Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on the Caspian Sea, north of Iran, at the start of a two-week tour with Peregrine Adventures through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. It’s my first step in a longish Europe trip; in a few weeks my wife Anne and I will meet up in Prague. I’m stunned by Baku. I knew it had some interesting architecture, but I didn’t expect the innovation that I’ve seen. Even the drive in from the airport was a joy: truly amazing buildings and wonderful urban design. In the city proper there is a mix of architectural styles; some Islamic motifs, neo-classical columns, early 20th century mansions that fuse neo-Gothic and neo-Baroque elements, and timber balconies that jut out from the building facades. Many apartment buildings even have interesting design elements that provide variety instead of dreary

CONTRASTS: The architecture in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan is a magnificent juxtaposition to the ancient city.

Photos: Paul Coffey

sameness. The bridges have elegant balustrading, the roadside landscaping is careful and formal-ish, the street lights and some poster columns and borrowed direct from Paris; together with the street trees and some wide boulevards, there’s a distinct Parisian feel. But there are also delightful news stands or Kiosk Press that I saw in

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Marriage of old and new in Baku,

Istanbul decades ago (the word ‘kiosk’ is a Turkish word). Even the service stations are designed with some flair. There’s no sign of brutalist Soviet architecture here. Just as importantly signage is muted: no huge billboards along roadsides, no large neon signs or giant screens, and no big arches at the McDonald’s – it’s like

Noosa’s design principles but on a much larger scale. And there’s no litter. The city is clean, but not sterile. Clever up-lighting on the city’s old buildings at night is exquisite. And it has an old city too. It’s a delightful walled enclave with some historical buildings, lots of little winding alleyways, some cobblestoned

streets and plenty of touristy cafes and restaurants. Yes, there’s been a lot of renovation, which is ongoing, but old cities are just great. No doubt a great deal of renovation has been necessary after the 70-year period of Soviet overlordship from 1920 until Azerbaijan independence in 1991. And it’s not crowded;

you can quickly find yourself alone, and there’s a gentle, casual feel to the tourism game. I love it! Odd fact: Baku is 28 metres below sea level, the lowest-lying capital city in the world. My driver from the airport seemed to consider the 120km per hour speed limit inadequate for getting from A to B, and many others thought likewise. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia form the sub-region known as the South Caucasus, that is south of the Caucasus mountain range, which runs east-west between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. North of here is Russia. To the south are Turkey and Iran. There are a multitude of different ethnic groups, and languages, and therefore a great deal of historical tensions and conflicts within the Caucasus. It’s been sandwiched between Persian and Byzantine (and earlier, Roman) empires; and fought over by Ottoman, Persian and Russian empires.

The cobblestone streets of Baku.

The Baku buildings are eye-catching.

A traditional street wedding.

SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

10 Bangkok to-do highlights Kerry Heaney WITH new budget flights from Brisbane to Bangkok, a holiday in one of Asia’s most exciting cities just got a whole lot more achievable. AirAsia, recently named Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 11th year, has fares from Brisbane to Bangkok starting at just $199. Their four weekly flights bring the bustling street markets, thriving nightlife and iconic temples of Thailand’s capital city within easy reach. Here are 10 Bangkok highlights you shouldn’t miss. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) Standing more than 80 metres tall, Thailand’s most photographed temple on the bank of the Chao Phra River is also one of the country’s most revered. You can climb the steep stairs to the first level and marvel at the ingenious decoration created from pottery shards. Bangkok Flower Market Open all day, every day, this market is filled with

beautiful local blooms and exquisite, handmade Phuang Malai garlands. You’ll see orchids, lotus, jasmine, chrysanthemum, gerbera, and lilies. Most of the flowers are grown in the provinces nearest to Bangkok. Sook Siam The ground level of the ICON Siam building has been turned into a food and craft market with stalls from Thailand’s 77 provinces. It’s filled with food, flowers and produce and makes a fascinating wander. You can see traditional foods being made and try them too. Best of all, the whole market is air-conditioned, so if you can’t make an open market, this will give you a taste. River Cruise The easiest way to see both the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), ICON Siam and the Bangkok Flower Market is to take a ride on a Hop on Chao Phraya Hop-On Hop-Off Boat. Cruising the river is a fast and refreshing way to travel to the sights. An all-day, all-night pass costs just 300 baht

FLOWER POWER: Bangkok markets are full of colour.

Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya Historical Park.

(around $14 AUS). Yaowarat Road Chinatown It all happens after sunset at Chinatown when the footpath becomes a kitchen and dining area lined with stalls. The cuisines are varied, and the queues are long, so go early and hungry. Look for stalls with a round red Michelin star sticker to find the most flavoursome treats. Jim Thompson House Museum Go to see the Bangkok home and Asian art collection of the late James H.W. Thompson (aka the Thai Silk King), but you’ll also be amazed

and definitely easier for some than others. The downside is exiting through three levels of a duty-free shopping mall, and there is no escape. Ayutthaya Historical Park This day trip from Bangkok to discover the UNESCO’s listed temple ruins and historical sites that were once Thailand’s capital city. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes Wat Phra Ram and Wat Mahathat. The Royal Palace, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit also can be found here. Staying there Stay at Shama

by the lush tropical garden. Expect to be tempted by the beautiful silk products in the adjoining store and dine in the onsite restaurant and enjoy delicious food. Thai Bus Food Tour Thailand’s first double-decker bus food tour will serve you a delicious traditional Thai style afternoon tea. You’ll also see the city sights in air-conditioned comfort. Mahanakhon Skywalk See Bangkok’s skyline from Thailand’s highest outdoor glass floor observation area on the 78th floor. It’s a lot of fun to dare yourself to step down onto the glass floor

Lakeview Asoke is a 10-minute walk to fast public transport at Asoke BTS Station and Sukhumvit MRT Station. Their shuttle bus makes the trip even easier. The spacious units all have a fully equipped kitchen, large flat-screen television with a separate lounge area and an ensuite bathroom. With a pool, fitness centre and children’s playroom, it is perfect for couples, families or intergenerational holidays. The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Authority of Thailand and AirAsia.

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AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

one of the best places on earth to see the enchanting aurora borealis.

GLORIOUS NORWAY: A panoramic view of Tromso from Mt Storsteinen.

Photos: Yvonne Gardiner

Gateway to the Arctic

This month explorers John and Yvonne Gardiner share their wonderful experiences as they discover ‘The Gateway to the Arctic’

OUR trip to Norway began in the north, at Tromso, one of the best places on earth to see the enchanting aurora borealis. Tromso lies 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in northern Norway. The first night of searching for the elusive northern lights was the best, with shimmers of green in the late-night sky and a surprising encounter with the multi-coloured aurora from the bus on the way back to town. Despite the climatic challenges, human settlement in the Tromso area dates back thousands of years, although the city itself was founded only about 200 years ago. Tromso soon became the centre for animal trapping in the region, and in the early 1900s it was the starting point for expeditions to the Arctic – hence its nickname, Gateway to the Arctic. Apart from the phenomenal northern lights, Tromso is

The captivating Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. renowned as an adventure capital where thrill-seekers can speed up their sightseeing on an RIB (rigid inflatable boat) along a deserted fjord or

take teams of panting sled dogs for a run. A less strenuous pursuit was an overnight stay on the Lyngen Peninsula northeast of

Tromso in a “lavvo”, a glass-top teepee that allows a wide view of the night sky. These cosy cabins are equipped with wood

heaters for maximum comfort. Each day offers a rich variety of “wow” experiences. Definitely an experience

SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

A street scene in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

On the way to Flam along the Sognefjord waterway.

The Flåm Line is a 20.2km-long railway track.

The National Theatre stages world class performances.

is an adventure capital

not to miss is the cable car up Mt Storsteinen, which reveals a dazzling panorama of snow-topped mountains, the shimmering sea and an astounding vista. When we arrived back at the hotel, quite literally chilled, the hot tub and sauna revived much-travelled bodies. Norway’s attractions are many, with its spectacular scenery, a chance to see the northern lights, fascinating Viking history, and a diverse and entrancing mix of people. The capital Oslo was next on our itinerary, a city bursting with beauty and culture. Oslo was named European Green Capital 2019 for its dedication to conserving natural areas and reducing pollution. Tram 19 took us to the National Theatre at the centre of Oslo’s tourist trail. There’s no shortage of museums to explore. Most mesmerising of all was the Viking Ship Museum housing the remains of three boats. Seeing the best-preserved Viking

The Vigeland sculpture park in Oslo. boat in the world was a show-stopper. An intricately carved wooden cart, farm implements, textiles and sledges were all buried in the boat with their

high-status owner in the ninth century. Oslo’s Historical Museum hosts eclectic displays on the peoples of the Arctic region, some Egyptian mummies,

American Indians and the Middle Ages. Vigeland, aka the Sculpture Park, came highly recommended. Apparently it attracts millions of tourists a year.

While a beautiful space for ambling and appreciating the splendid autumn colours, I felt that the hundreds of sculptures modelled on naked people were

underwhelming. Next day we caught the train to Bergen, a trip lasting seven hours and the most scenic of all as it passed raging rivers, dinky timber houses, massive pine forests and snow-clad mountains. For a spectacular two-hour cruise up the Sognefjord waterway flanked by steep mountains and frequent waterfalls, we boarded a ferry at Gudwangen. Overnight we stayed in the delightful village of Flam (pronounced Flom). Never having experienced the supreme comfort of a room with a heated floor while the snow fell outside, we soaked up Norwegian hospitality and feasted on reindeer burgers. In the morning, the historical railway from Flam to Myrdal chugged for an hour through snow-white valleys and wonderful mountain scenery. It felt like being in a life-size train set, everything so ordered and tidy, including the uniformed railwaymen. It was a great experience.

AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

MEDICAL ALERT!

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SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

The new shingles vaccine is available

SHINGLES, also called hepes zoster, is a common but lesser known preventable disease which can severely affect older Australians. The older you are if you get shingles, the higher your risk of being seriously affected. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles later in life. About one in three people who have not been immunised against chickenpox or shingles will get shingles at some time. The Department of Health advises shingles, which is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, causes a painful localised blistering rash on any part of the skin. Most elderly people have had chickenpox as children, or as parents of children, before the development of chickenpox vaccine. Hence they are at risk of reactivation of the virus to form shingles. It’s described as a

Wellbeing

DENTAL HEALTH: Follow these easy tips to stay on top of your keep your teeth healthy. Photo: Alliance

How’s your teeth? WE NEED to twice daily brush, once daily floss, eat healthy and regular visit our dentist to maintain good dental health. Food, glorious food Our eating habits play a major role in tooth decay which is a diet related disease. What to do? Eat three regular meal times a day rather than snacking and grazing, and limit sugary treats to be part of a meal rather than as a snack. Get drinking, water that is Tap water in most areas of Australia contains fluoride, one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to help prevent tooth decay. Regularly sip it

BETTER HEALTH: Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles later in life. Photo: fstop123 serious disease because it can cause severe nerve pain that can last for months and even years. This has a great impact on quality of life. Shingles in its early stage is contagious and so also has implications for carers. It can also lead to: ■ Serious eye problems,

including blindness ■ Pneumonia ■ Hearing problems ■ Swelling of the brain ■ Or worse, death Shingles immunisation development is relatively recent and is currently recommended for free under the National Immunisation Program for adults aged 70 years to 79 years.

It is also recommended for people aged 60 to 69 years, 80 years and older, and for those aged 50 or over who live in the same household as someone who has a weakened immune system. For more information about shingles, go to beta.health.gov.au/health - topics/shingles-herpeszoster.

throughout the day, including with and right after meals. Chew on this? Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can prompt your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps neutralise decay-causing acid attacks. Brushing Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Too much pressure when brushing can damage your gums and tooth enamel. Which toothpaste? Choose one that contains fluoride. Fluoride can also help remineralise (heal or reverse) early decay. Info: ada.org.au.

See the world and be seen with the stylish ATTO BRAND INSIGHTS TRAVEL in style and dignity with the ATTO. The ATTO is the smartest high-performance mobility scooter on the market. The ATTO mobility scooter is beautifully designed, engineered and manufactured using aviation grade aluminium and plastics. The result is a light and reliable scooter, flexible

and stylish. Venture anywhere you wish with ease: by car, coach, train, aeroplane, cruise ship or yacht. Simple! The compact design enables it to be placed in all vehicles and is extremely convenient for those who previously struggled for space. Features include a built in USB charging port, deck storage and adjustable seat height. Don’t put up with having

‘‘

Venture anywhere you wish with ease: by car, coach, train, aeroplane, cruise ship or yacht. Simple! to walk long distances. The ATTO has a mere three-hour charge from its 48 volt lithium battery allowing you to travel up to 16km (about 2-3 days worth of travel). There are some of the

testimonials from our valued and satisfied customers as can be seen on Moving Life website: Jeremy: “Totally revolutionised my life! Without sounding like a

cliche, I feel like my ‘Moving Life’ has literally started again! Great machine, easy to use, sturdy and worth every penny!” Harold: “I am delighted with it. Been to Cyprus with the ATTO for seven weeks. I rode the ATTO from the boot of the car right through the airport, immigration, right up to the aircraft where it was folded and put in the hold. Wonderful! Easy!” Mrs Maria Stableford

enjoyed her trip to Disney World with her ATTO. “I had an awesome time travelling around the magic kingdom and universal studios on my ATTO. A trip made possible by the ATTO and its super folding and pull along functions.” Get back your freedom with the ATTO! Distributed in Australia by Drive & Carry Pty Ltd. Go to driveandcarry.com.au or phone 1300 917 733.

No Gap Eye Surgery At The Eye Care Clinic, our eye surgeons and specialists care enough to see you as people, not just as someone with a problem. Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Lamont personally see you all the way through your procedure - right from the first visit till they are totally satisfied all is well. Nor does this high level of care mean that you are charged an arm and a leg. We actively work to keep the costs as low as possible, and provide services including age related macular degeneration, cataract surgery, glaucoma, lid tumours, diabetic eye disease, iritis, laser surgery, dry eyes and lid malpositions. Those who are insured also enjoy the cost saving benefit of our No Gap Policy. What’s more, there’s no need to travel out of the local area for the actual surgery as our surgeons operate in Tweed Heads. When you want someone that takes a sight better care of both you and your health, ask for The Eye Care Clinic. You’ll see we really do care.

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COMPACT DESIGN: The ATTO has a mere 3 hour charge from its 48 volt lithium battery allowing you to travel up to 16kms. Photo: Contributed

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WELLBEING

AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

Looking at eye surgery Ophthalmologist gives insight to refractive cataract surgery BRAND INSIGHTS IT’S A fact that most of us will need reading glasses sometime in our mid 40s or 50’s when we find that our arms suddenly don’t seem quite long enough to see the fine print. Sometime later, many find that distance vision also begins to lose definition too. These changes are due to the normal age-related deterioration in the focusing power and clarity of the natural lens within our eyes. We become increasingly reliant on readers, varifocals, bifocal glasses or contact lenses. We often find that we need stronger glasses scripts every year to compensate for the ageing changes in our own lens. The same is true for those who underwent laser vision correction surgery years earlier. In the great majority of cases, laser eye surgery corrected the vision for distance whereas a smaller number were treated with laser to achieve monovision or “blended” vision.

This means that as middle age approaches, you will still end up needing to wear reading glasses, even after laser eye treatment. Furthermore, you will most likely develop cataracts (age related loss of clarity of the lens within the eye) in your late 50’s & beyond, which can reduce or eliminate the benefits of any previous laser eye surgery. To correct vision, the aged, cloudy lens is completely removed & replaced with a transparent “high tech” plastic lens, which remains clear indefinitely. The lens implant will out live us all! The exact power and shape of the lens implant required is calculated to suit the unique dimensions of your own eyes thus significantly reducing dependence on glasses after surgery. No two eyes are quite the same. This surgery corrects both the focus of the eye and the cataract at the same time. It offers a permanent solution to cataract which then cannot “grow back”

EYE EXPERT: Ophthalmologist Dr Cathryn Edrich from See View Eye Specialist Clinic. since the source of cataract (the natural cloudy lens) has been removed. Nowadays, there are many designs of lens implant available to replace the natural lens. The choice of lens implant design is carefully tailored to best suit a person’s specific individual circumstances, taking into account factors such as work

requirements, lifestyle, hobbies and any contraindications to a certain lens implant style as well. Dr Edrich has expertise with a wide variety of lens implants over the years, including the newer generation “extended range of vision lens” implants which can provide a more seemless quality of vision and enhanced freedom from

glasses. Dr Edrich also optimises cataract surgery outcomes for those having had previous eye laser surgery. Cataract surgery is carried out as a day procedure at the JFH fully-equipped day surgery where you will be fully asleep under a “twilight” sedation. Recovery is typically quick and surprisingly

comfortable and involves the use of a short course of post-op eye drops and reviews in the clinic. There is also the option of an overnight stay at JFH after your day surgery if needed for any reason. For information and treatment, contact Dr Edrich at See View Eye Specialist Clinic on 07 5598 0885 or go to goldcoastvision.com.au.

Hearing Aid alternatives outperform world’s best NEW TV Earphones Outperform World’s Best Hearing Aids. Hearing Specialists have released new TV Voice Clarifying Earphones, which have outperformed the World’s Best Hearing Aids in delivering clearer TV speech and dialogue. Hearing Specialist Don Hudson says the new TV Voice Pro Air earphones were developed based upon over 1000 hearing test results of those with hearing loss, and proven TV listening difficulty. “Hearing TV dialogue clearly is a significant problem for those with hearing loss. The clarity of the TV audio itself is highly variable, as many channels differ dramatically in intelligibility, and the volume is often changing between programs and advertisements too. Hearing aids find it hard to correct this problem, as the originating problem is how the audio has been mixed for each TV program.” The new wireless TV Voice Pro Air earphones

EASY LISTENING: The new wireless TV Voice Pro Air earphones overcomes this problem by altering the original TV audio. overcomes this problem by altering the original TV audio. The TV audio is recalibrated to a speech enhanced frequency response, with particular adjustments to high frequency consonants, such as s, f, th, p, to clarify TV dialogue. Audiologist Suzanne

Porter says hearing aid clientele are always searching for better clarity, with up to 60% of those with hearing aids reporting ongoing difficulties hearing speech and dialogue. “Although the overall benefits of hearing aids are very good, often

clientele still report difficulties in certain situations, such as difficulty hearing the TV dialogue, or trouble hearing on their Mobile Phone. For TV, hearing aid wearers said they were often missing the punch-line on their favourite TV programs,

and fed up not hearing TV dialogue clearly, spoiling their overall enjoyment.” The new TV Voice Pro Air System utilises the most beneficial audio clarity setting based on feedback from customers. The product was also tested with hearing aid clientele at a busy

audiology practice, with overwhelming feedback of improved clarity for TV listening over their current hearing aids. The TV Voice Pro Air system has a specialised volume range up to 110dB; adequate volume for those with any level of hearing loss, from mild to severe. It works with any TV, new or old, and the earphones operate wirelessly up to 10 metres from the television. The audio and volume of the TV for others in the room is not affected. The TV Voice Pro Air system connects in under two minutes to any TV in Australia. The earphones are rechargeable and no batteries are required. The purchase price is $349. TV Voice Pro Air comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. To order, phone 1300 300 446 or order online, go to TvVoicePro.com.au. TV Voice Pro is currently offering free express courier delivery for a limited time.

SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

Tips for a top night’s sleep

Living

Meredith Yardley IF YOU don’t sleep well, you may be sabotaging yourself without even knowing it. Good quality sleep is essential for your health. If you don’t sleep too well, here are some tips that have been proven to aid the most important 6–7 hours of your day. Preparing your space ■ Unless you are bedridden, get rid of as much technology from your bedroom as you can. These items can release electromagnetic frequencies that disrupt your sleep patterns. ■ Keep your bedroom cool and dark to help you maximise your natural sleep rhythms. ■ Let your body know you are getting ready to retire by dimming the lights a couple of hours before going to bed. Preparing your body ■ Eat at least three hours before retiring, so your body focuses on relaxing, not digesting. ■ Do ‘bed readying’ activities, such as cleaning your teeth, a couple of hours before retiring. That way you don’t wake yourself up again to clean your teeth or stack the dishwasher. ■ A bath with lavender oil is a nice way to relax. Or you can lie on the floor (if you can get there) and stretch your legs up the wall – a sure-fire relaxation technique. ■ Avoid caffeine (including black tea) or alcohol close to bedtime as they can keep you awake. ■ Put away your devices (phone, tablet) two hours before retiring. The blue backlight can upset your body’s melatonin release, needed to sleep. Preparing your mind ■ Write down anything you might stress over – it can wait until tomorrow. ■ If you can’t turn off your mind, think of random items by going through the alphabet, eg, A for antelope, B for boots, C for car.

AGEING WELL: Australia’s CALD community members face common and unique challenges as they age.

Photo: xavierarnau

Ageing issues unique

Tracey Johnstone MIGRANTS from non-English speaking backgrounds now make up between 30 and 35 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over. That’s a significant number of people whose ageing issues are both common and unique. For many, not having role models around them as they grow older in Australia presents one of the most complex problems explains chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), Mary Patetsos. “Some of them have been here for the majority of their life,” Ms Patetsos said. Migrants have been arriving into Australia

since the turn of the century; many of them came from Afghanistan, eastern and southern Europe, filling jobs in major infrastructure projects like the Snowy Mountains scheme, the Sydney Opera House and railways. “They have often arrived as very young children or 10 or 20-year-olds,” Ms Patetsos added. “They grow up, study, go to work, raise families and then find themselves at 84 or 86 ageing in a country they have migrated to. “They aren’t growing in the village or town or place that they have seen other people growing old in. They are really making their way in a new place.” Where these ageing Australians find they are suffering with dementia or

they aren’t regularly using English in their everyday activities, regressing back to their mother tongue restricts their ability to deal with the range of ageing issues and community services. This is where Aged Care providers have a critical role in overcoming language barriers. Some CALD communities are of such size that they have been able to establish ethno-specific Aged Care facilities, but there is much more support required for migrants living outside of the catchment area of these facilities. FECCA are working to increase the profile of these ageing Australians. “Once you need support, you need to know the system can look

after you so we need to ensure that providers understand that responsibility, that they understand the need to communicate, use translators and interpreted materials and perhaps employ bilingual staff,” Ms Patetsos said. She has noticed some facilities have actively sought the employment of staff fluent in the language prevalent within their clients. Others have encouraged existing staff to learn basic words to help them communicate with their CALD clients. Diversity in the Aged Care workforce is another initiative being rolled out by some providers. “Not all of it is a burden,” Ms Patetsos said. She argues that bringing diversity to the

Aged Care living space can benefit non-CALD residents. She also sees that the well-travelled Baby Boomers will be looking for more interesting experiences as they age. “There are some wonderful examples where Greek or Italian or Italy food, depending on dietary needs, has been introduced into nursing homes and playing some easy games like Bocce and music; it can be fun for all residents,” she added. “Multiculturalism is an advantage for all of us as it makes our life more interesting. If we take it that way it will be less of burden and more of a joy. “We also need to make sure consumers know their rights and are able to access My Aged Care.”

You can feel safe and stay independent with this medical device BRAND INSIGHTS “LOSS of independence can be debilitating for seniors who have spent their entire lives living independently, working jobs and raising families and making decisions,”

Paul Joseph from Emergency Medical Services Pty Ltd, providers of the safeTwear medical alert system, said. “We understand the natural effects of ageing can sometimes make independent living harder. Difficulties with

mobility, the risk of accidents and falls and issues such as isolation and loneliness are just some of the contributors.” This is a core reason behind the decision to combine the safeTwear system with the safeTcare 24/7

response and monitoring centre – ensuring help is always available. The peace of mind for not only the client but their families and friends is immeasurable, not to mention the benefits of having regained independence, including: ■ Feel like an

individual: The ability to make choices has a big impact on self-esteem. ■ Maintain balance and strength: Retaining balance and strength is a huge determining factor in someone’s ability to stay independent and active. ■ Sense of purpose:

Loss of independence can be isolating. Seniors who are isolated often develop feelings of hopelessness and depression. If you would like to arrange a free demonstration, phone 1300 699 159.

LIVING

AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

DRINK UP: Enjoying a coffee a day is still OK.

Photo: SeventyFour

A coffee a day? That’s OK ‘‘

RESEARCHERS have found that our daily dose of coffee doesn’t change a person’s risk of being diagnosed with, or dying from, cancer. That’s good news for about 46 per cent of the Australian population that enjoy drinking coffee. The research by QIMR Berghofer which is published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that there is no relationship between how many cups

of coffee a person had a day and if they developed any particular cancers. So, for seniors, having an extra coffee each day won’t make a difference to your cancer risk but drinking a lot of coffee can have other health impacts. Its potential anti-cancer effect however hasn’t been established. QIMR Berghofer lead researcher Jue-Sheng Ong said the study also looked at some common

For seniors, having an extra coffee each day won’t make a difference to your cancer risk...

individual cancers such as breast, ovarian, lung and prostate cancers and found drinking coffee did not increase or decrease

their incidence. “There was some inconclusive evidence about colorectal cancer, where those who reported

drinking a lot of coffee had a slightly lower risk of developing cancer, but conversely examination of data from those people with a higher genetic predisposition to drink more coffee seemed to indicate a greater risk of developing the disease,” Mr Ong said. “The disparity in those findings would suggest more research is needed to clarify if there is any relationship between colorectal cancer and

coffee.” QIMR Berghofer’s Statistical Genetics Group Associate Professor Stuart MacGregor said the study had implications for public health messaging around the world. “The health benefits of coffee have been argued for a long time, but this research shows simply changing your coffee consumption isn’t an effective way of protecting yourself from cancer,” Prof MacGregor said.

The spectacular Royal Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be performing at the ANZ Stadium, Sydney for four shows only in October.

THE brooding, magnificent castle is an unbeatable backdrop to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. A 1:1 scale Edinburgh Castle has been built to stage the 2019 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo spectacular. The replica castle is a massive 29m high and 80m across, complete with the figures of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce standing guard over proceedings. History of the tattoo The tattoo has a proud history beginning in 1950 as part of the Edinburgh International Festival; an event that was created, first and foremost, to

support the services and arts charities. Today it plays a central role in the Edinburgh summer festivals and each year runs for 25 shows during August. About 220,000 people attend the show live each year with a further 100-300 million viewing it on television globally. The tattoo has only left Edinburgh Castle four times. The show is 90 minutes of breath-taking performances from the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments and military and civilian performers from elsewhere in the UK and

around the world. The cast involves up to 1400 performers. With its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre the tattoo is a vivid and intensely emotional display. Four shows only – from Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, October 19 – held at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Booking inquiries: phone 13 28 49, visit any Ticketek outlet or go to edinburghtattoo sydney.com.au/tickets. Bookings for groups of 20 or more, phone 1300 364 001.

SENIORS \\AUGUST, 2019

What is deeming ...and why care? Dianne Charman RECENTLY there has been a lot of chatter around deeming rates and changes made for part-pensioners. Deeming is the method that Centrelink and the Department of Veterans Affairs use to calculate the income from your financial assets when determining your entitlements for the Age Pension (as well as other benefits such as Disability Support Pension and Newstart Allowance) under a means test. Deeming assumes that financial investments are earning a set rate of income, regardless of the amount they are actually earning. There are two components of means testing – an asset test and an income test. Centrelink calculates your Age Pension on the test that generates the lowest eligible pension amount. For seniors with financial assets who are assessed under the income test, the change in deeming rates is welcome given the current low interest rate environment. The government has cut

the deeming rate for large investments from 3.25 per cent to three per cent, and for smaller ones from 1.75 per cent all the way down to one per cent. Individuals may earn up to $174 per fortnight, couples up to $308 before their pension entitlements are impacted by the income test. Income in excess of these amounts reduces pension entitlements by $0.50 for every dollar assessed for income test purposes. The changes mean that couples whose income is assessed using deeming may receive up to $1053 extra year, while singles could receive up to $804 extra a year. While the payments will be backdated to July 1, 2019 the payment adjustments will be processed from the end of September 2019. So, what should I be doing? Embrace technology My biggest tip is to become friends with the MyGov portal. Learning how to navigate the website will pre-empt the need for long, frustrating calls and time spent waiting on hold to Centrelink. Embracing new technology might seem a

little overwhelming at first but it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Regular reviews Regular maintenance and keeping your Centrelink details up to date will pay off, both in terms of your finances and your valuable time. I helped clients last year update investment values during the share market downturn. Doing so resulted in a back payment of $517 and an increase in pension entitlement of $42 per fortnight per person or $2184. Don’t overvalue your home contents When adding your home contents remember this is not the insured amount but the ‘fire sale’ value. Think about if you were to put all your possessions in a garage sale, what would you receive? I’ve seen cases where home and contents are valued at $60,000 and when you think about the fire sale value it’s really nowhere near this amount. Check your super / income Your superannuation/ income stream provider updates Centrelink with your balances in March and September each year.

MONEY ADVICE: Understand deeming and how it works. If you see a change in your pension payment around then check the latest balances on MyGov as this might explain the adjustment and save you another Centrelink phone call. Finally, here are a few things you can update / do yourself online: ■ Upload bank statements, rental agreements, superannuation and income stream information ■ Upload receipt details for assets purchases

such as your new car, trailer, caravan, motorcycle etc ■ Update your income ■ Change your bank account details ■ Update your personal details, such as change of address, phone numbers, email ■ Lodge your application for Age Pension, Carer’s Allowance or Pension ■ Manage appointments with Centrelink ■ Change your nominee arrangements ■ View your payments history and next payment

Money

Photo: Wavebreakmedia

details ■ Submit complaints or provide feedback Dianne Charman, of Jade Financial Group, is an authorised representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd. Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

Superannuation catch-up provisions explained FINANCE commentator Andrew Heaven, AMP financial planner at WealthPartners Financial Solutions, addresses how superannuation “catch up” provisions, that came into effect from July 1, will work. His example is a person aged 55 and with a super balance of $405,000. He earns $100,000 a year and receives the 9.5 per cent employer superannuation contributions. Since July 1, 2018, individuals with a total superannuation balance of less than $500,000 are able to carry forward their unused Concessional Contribution (CC) cap for up to five years. The total superannuation balance is calculated by adding together all the amounts you have in the accumulation phase and pension phase of your super at June 30 of each

financial year. The CC cap refers to the limit on the concessional superannuation contributions you can make in a financial year. This includes salary sacrifice and compulsory employer contributions, as well as any personal contributions which you may claim as a tax deduction in your tax return. The cap for the 2018–2019 tax year is $25,000. Amounts of unused CCs arise when you have not fully used your CC cap in a tax year. Individuals will be able to utilise their unused CC cap on a rolling basis for a period of five years. Amounts that have not been utilised after five years will expire. If you earn $100,000 and receive 9.5% Employer Superannuation Guarantee Contributions (SGC), you receive $9500 of CCs.

MONEY ADVICE: Learn more about the new rule around superannuation contributions. Photo: Squaredpixels Assuming you make no additional concessional contributions in this financial year, you will be eligible to carry forward $15,500 of unused CC cap into future financial years from the 2018-19 tax year. Assuming your income

doesn’t increase and you made no additional concessional contributions this financial year, nor in the 2019-20 tax year, in the 2021-22 financial year, you would be able to personally contribute a tax-deductible

contribution $46,500 which represent three years of the unused CC cap of $15,500 a year. Under the rules for carry-forward contributions, your total superannuation balance is determined on your June 30 closing balance

in the financial year prior to the start of the financial year in which you wish to make the additional concessional contributions. For example, if you wanted to make a carry-forward concessional contribution in the 2019-2020 financial year, your total superannuation balance must be under $500,000 on June 30. To be eligible to contribute to superannuation you will need to be either under age 65 or satisfy the work test of 40 hours in a three-day period in the tax year prior to making a contribution if older than 65 up to age 75. The Coach is published on wealthpartners.net.au. Any general advice in this story doesn’t take account of personal objectives, financial situation and needs.

CLASSIFIEDS

AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

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

PUZZLES 4

11 12 13

18 20

22 23

Down 1 What was a professional clown at courts during the Middle Ages? (6) 2 Rooks and knights are pieces in what game? (5) 3 What is a small knot or lump in yarn or cloth? (4) 4 What is a covered arched passageway? (6) 5 What is the time taken for the radioactivity of a substance to fall to half its original value? (4-4) 6 What disease is also called rubeola? (7) 7 What is a ballroom dance with a Latin American rhythm? (3-3) 12 Who was leader of the Roundheads in the English Civil War? (8) 14 According to Aristotle, one what does not make a spring? (7) 16 Which republic on the Baltic Sea voted in 1990 to leave the Soviet Union? (6) 17 Ben Kingsley won an Oscar for which 1982 ﬁlm? (6) 18 What is an operational ﬂight made by a military aircraft? (6) 21 Which country was last to see the year 2000 arrive? (5) 22 What do leguminous plants have? (4)

Across 1 Who was the first to win a world motor racing championship driving his own make of car? (4,7) 8 What waxy fatty substance (___ acid) is used in candles, cosmetics and shaving soaps? (7) 9 Which domesticated relation of the camel is common in many South American countries? (5) 10 What direction is 180 degrees from west? (4) 11 “I felt the knife in my hand, and she laughed no more.” Who is Tom Jones singing about? (7) 12 What is a signal for an actor or performer to begin? (3) 13 Until 1917, what was an emperor of Russia? (4) 15 What do ichthyologists study? (4) 17 What is a Scottish word for “give”? (3) 19 What is a deficiency of red cells in the blood? (7) 20 What is the capital of Norway? (4) 23 What device controls the passage of fluid through a pipe? (5) 24 Colloquially, what is a submissive person whom others habitually treat badly? (7) 25 What was Aleksei Leonov the first to do? (4,2,5)

27 10/8

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

7 8

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ﬁve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ﬁveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

11 12

O N

HARMS HOT GUN TEDIOUS SPORADIC AT INQUEST

R N

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

19 20

SOLUTIONS

delve develop dole eleven elope eloped envelop envelope ENVELOPED lend leone levee lode lone lope loped love loved needle novel olden peel peeled pled plod pole poled veld vole

WORD GO ROUND

E N T E R

R E S T S

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 6. Make way 7. Tarry 9. Box 10. Smooching 12. Considerate 15. Encouraging 17. Ferocious 19. Oar 21. Demur 22. Adjusts. Down: 1. Havoc 2. Pen 3. Warm 4. Gathering 5. Trinity 8. Top dog 11. Monologue 13. Strain 14. Entered 16. Earth 18. Undo 20. Buy.

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 14 Very Good 19 Excellent 25

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

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: MARSH, NOUGHT, OUTSIDE, PICADORS, QUAINTEST.

P E

N O O S E

E N

WORD GO ROUND

A L O N E

SUDOKU

5x5

S C R I P

O D

V E

Down 1. Ruination (5) 2. Cage (3) 3. Tepid (4) 4. Congregation (9) 5. Holy trio (7) 8. Person in charge (colloq) (3,3) 11. Soliloquy (9) 13. Stress (6) 14. Went in (7) 16. Soil (5) 18. Loosen (4) 20. Purchase (3)

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Jack Brabham, 8 Stearic, 9 Llama, 10 East, 11 Delilah, 12 Cue, 13 Tsar, 15 Fish, 17 Gie, 19 Anaemia, 20 Oslo, 23 Valve, 24 Doormat, 25 Walk in space. Down: 1 Jester, 2 Chess, 3 Burl, 4 Arcade, 5 Half-life, 6 Measles, 7 Cha-cha, 12 Cromwell, 14 Swallow, 16 Latvia, 17 Gandhi, 18 Sortie, 21 Samoa, 22 Pods.

Across 6. Move aside! (4,3) 7. Delay (5) 9. Carton (3) 10. Kissing (9) 12. Thoughtful (11) 15. Supportive (11) 17. Fierce (9) 19. Paddle (3) 21. Object (5) 22. Alters (7)

X N G M G F G S J B U G K J S

C E R A M I S T J A L E V E L

X W Y L X E N Y U R N R J W P

T I N D E R Z L A B O U R E R

Y S G E D C O I D I H N U L F

C H A M P E R S Q C U D D L E

E W T E B V N T W A A V K E Z

E M P R E S S I E N Q U I R E

B O H B J M C O C F N P Q C P

E N I G M A R L O D E S T A R

V O Y A O L F D L I D T T N L

E X E M P L A R Q S E R M O N

G I X E I F Y O A B L O L I H

E D I T O R G P L A N K I N G

A E S E D Y Q E M R Y E R T G

BLACKOUT

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

DOUBLE CROSS

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

E E M O N O P I R G A E M S M A L S O L D E O N D I Q E U P S T I T R A N E R

E E X I D E E I M E T E P O L F R Y A R O P E L S B A R E N R O K E M I O I N T N G

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AUGUST, 2019// SENIORS

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