Northern NSW, November 2017

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Seniors Northern NSW

November, 2017

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2 Seniors Northern NSW

Welcome

In this edition

Feature Story: Marian Keyes ..........................Pages 4&5 Travel & Cruising feature.................................Pages 9-14 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 15-17 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 23

Contact us Editor: Gail Forrer; gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager: Kristie Waite kristie.waite@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 “Northern NSW Seniors Newspaper”.

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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.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

So many ways so many days WELCOME to our November edition.

This month our pages are jam-packed with super personalities, starting with the awesome Rhonda Burchmore, whose long legs are still scrapping the stage ceilings around Australia. When you have people dancing like Rhonda, singing like Rhonda and showing up like Rhonda, then you have to believe that age really is just a number.

While Rhonda is dancing, internationally acclaimed author Marian Keyes is writing about her view from life now that she is in her 50s. The same as her books, Marian is open, honest and insightful. This glass-half-full person has faced a lot in her life, including alcoholism (she has been sober for 24 years) and depression, which she has also overcome, no doubt, along with her natural literary ability, it is these

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

experiences that allow her to look into the lives of others, identify the nuances, differences and idiosyncrasies and weave them into hugely appealing stories. In this interview, Keyes is upfront about what she sees as the real agenda for older people – hope you enjoy the read on pages 4&5.

That marvellous movie The Marigold Hotel captured the colourful picture of retirees who, for a myriad of reasons, have chosen to retire overseas. In this edition, our journalists speak to people who are both

working or retiring overseas and through their conversations reveal the motivation behind their choices. Not so long ago, this sort of retirement would seem a far-fetched thought for most of the population, but these days fast communication such as internet, has indeed

❝

These days fast communication such as internet, has indeed turned the world into a global village turned the world into a global village, where next door neighbours could not only be around the corner,

but across the ocean.

Certainly, the vast majority of people who are presently retired or planning to be in the near future, are looking at a world full of options that were not available to our parents.

One lady who had recognised the changed circumstances of contemporary ageing is Queensland’s 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford. After a lifetime working as a professional in the wellness industry, she has created a retreat where people can consciously examine ageing. Through workshops and guidance, she makes it possible to recognise alternative routes on the ageing journey.

There’s plenty of more reading on all sorts of topics, I hope you can take your time and enjoy the stories. Cheers Gail

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For more than four years, Jan Aitken has played a voluntary role in “meet and greet” at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

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the information centre too,” she said.

Jan says the information centre is busy from the time the doors are opened.

“I like meeting the people, learning things, and everyone’s got a story to tell,” she said.

“I always laugh when they get off the plane, they say, ‘we’ll just walk to Byron Bay (35kms away)’.

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Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Cover Story: Rhonda Burchmore

Northern NSW

Seniors 3

Rhonda, still ABBA-solutely fabulous at 57 Delightful entertainer talks about staying young Ann Rickard

THOSE flawless long legs were a gift from God, but everything else about legendary entertainer Rhonda Burchmore is a case of hard work and balanced living.

Touring Australia with her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show alongside co-star Lara Mulcahy, Rhonda is a picture of health and vitality that belies her 57-year age.

“I started clocking off how old I was when I got to 30,” she laughed. “It is how you age and feel that works.”

Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter.

“My daughter keeps me on

my toes. I love hanging out with her, and I love working professionally with young people in the band,” she said.

“Some of the band members are so young I have had to introduce them to ABBA.” The ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show is not a tribute show, rather a fun party showcasing all the iconic ABBA songs along with plenty of humour and a storyline. It requires Rhonda to slither into a skintight gold jumpsuit that leaves nowhere to hide.

“I can’t have fish and chips before I get into that suit,” she laughed. “I don’t know what (ABBA) were thinking in the ’70s with those jumpsuits, but doing the show is a joyful thing for me now.”

At 182cm tall, Rhonda is long and sleek, a delightful contrast to her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous co-star Lara Mulcahy,

a small bundle of Rubenesque curves.

“We are like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito,” Rhonda said.

“We don’t care. We are a certain age and proud to get into our Lyrca and spread the old girl-power message. Lara is very voluptuous and as short as I am tall.

“I think that is part of the joy we bring – the message that you can be fabulous at any age, get out and have a good time. We have the audiences up singing and dancing.”

Obviously, the high-energy performance requires a good level of fitness, which Rhonda works into her daily routine.

“I have two standard poodles I walk every day,” she said. “I don’t ever sit idle too long.

“I am much better creating a project or running around. I’m

active all the time. I pine for those times when I can strip off all the make-up and the bling and go for long walks. It revitalises me.”

Even though Rhonda appears to live a life of showbiz glamour, entertaining and attending parties, she emphasises the need to keep mind as well as body at peak performance as you age.

“That is one of the reasons I am doing the (ABBA-Solutely Fabulous) show. It is my outlet to go out and entertain, to enjoy life.”

Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy and their show are currently in Queensland. More details online at www.rhonda burchmore.com.

GOLDEN GIRL: Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter.

PHOTO: JOHN MCRAE

Worthy women are given Hidden Treasures title Yvonne Gardiner

THRILLED: Jane Harrison is recognised with a listing on the Hidden Treasures honour roll.

JANE Harrison is “thrilled to bits” to be named a Hidden Treasure among nine women in the Clarence and Richmond valleys.

She’s also a little embarrassed about being acknowledged yet again after taking out the Woman of the Year prize some years ago.

Jane, who’s just turned 89 and aims to “wind down” soon, is still a member of the Ellangowan Rural Fire Service Brigade where she was secretary

for 23 years.

Her longtime support of the Country Women’s Association also continues.

“The first club I joined was the CWA when we moved up from Sydney,” she said.

Jane was president of Civilian Widows for years and a member of the local Probus, VIEW, Laurel and Quota clubs.

Other 2017 Hidden Treasures are Susan Howland, Yamba; Patricia Hughes, Coraki; sisters Janice and Vanessa Kapeen, Coraki; Kerry

O’Connor, Coraki; Judy Mussared, Minnie Water; Tania Peene, Maclean, and Joan Smedley, Evans Head.

Susan worked as a community worker with Clarence Valley Council for 25 years. She is an advocate for improved mental health services.

Patricia is president of The United Hospitals Auxiliary of Coraki which now fundraises for the new Health One Facility, formerly the Campbell Hospital.

Sisters Janice and Vanessa, along with their

mum Alvina and dad Russell, have been leaders and advocates for the Aboriginal members of the Coraki and Box Ridge community.

Kerry is The Coraki Rural Transaction Centre president and volunteers at the St Joseph’s Op-Shop every week.

Judy joined the Minnie Water Bush Fire Brigade in 1988, and has served as secretary since 2000.

Tania joined the Gulmarrad Rural Fire Service in 2011.

Info at: dpi.nsw.gov.au search Hidden Treasures.

4 Seniors Northern NSW

Feature Story: Marian Keyes

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

Keyes talks about the Happiness, sadness, divorce, kids, parents, finding love ...

Alison Houston

BEST-SELLING author Marian Keyes has never been afraid to tackle life and its issues head-on.

And while her protagonists may be slightly older, that is just as true in her latest novel The Break.

“When I started writing at 30, I was writing about people in their 20s. Now I’m in my 50s, I’m writing about people in their 40s because, of course, as I get older my concerns are going to change entirely – the way I view things and the things that are affecting the people around me,” Marian said.

She hinted that menopause, with its associated anxiety, sleeplessness and questioning of life for many, would play a part in her forthcoming novel.

“The whole issue of menopause has not been written about to my satisfaction. It’s infuriating that these women are not treated

with any compassion,” she said.

“I want to write about that honestly, so people say, ‘Oh, thank God, it’s not just me!’”

The Break deals with a couple in their 40s who are facing their own mortality, fading love and attempting to rediscover themselves as individuals.

After 22 years of her own marriage, Marian said she believed change was inevitable, but keeping the lines of communication open was the key to remaining happy together.

“I think if you’re with any person for any length of time, you are going to live through serial relationships. That crazy love of the early days isn’t sustainable.

“But you’ve got to keep making sure you’re on the same page, or at least communicating.

“It’s easy to get lazy in a relationship and just think the other person will always be there.

“You have to keep

connected with who you are, and who they are, and what your unique bond is.”

In The Break, Amy is gobsmacked when her husband of 18 years, Hugh, who has been grieving the loss of his father and a close friend, announces he needs six months to go off alone and “find himself” – and he doesn’t rule out sexual encounters.

Marian admits it was hard work to write so that Hugh remained a likeable and sympathetic character to readers, and show that Amy was not without her flaws.

“I was so bored of reading about midlife crises where the man was painted as a complete arsehole without any sort of sympathetic features and the woman was some

sort of sappy martyr,” Marian said.

She wanted to create a realistic portrait of life in those years when you become “almost viscerally aware of your own mortality”.

She also wanted to challenge the idea that “people of a certain age no longer have sex”.

“It annoys me that, especially for women, people believe when they get to a certain age that they are just sexless – that’s codswallop!” she said.

While she admits some people are quite happy for that area of their lives to diminish, some are still excited by the idea of being found sexually attractive. “Why shouldn’t they? And no one, especially young people, has any right to pass judgment.”

Marian said while she had always found it “mortifying” to write sex scenes, it was no more difficult for older characters, and she wanted to ensure they could enjoy “properly

raunchy sex” too.

“I was very much making a statement,” she said.

In The Break, Amy discovers that she has lost herself in her marriage and family, something Marian said happens all too often.

“Especially now for ‘the sandwich generation’ – people who have the worry of elderly parents with illness as well as the demands of children.

“Life is hard, work is hard and money is short and often it’s easy for women to come last.”

As is characteristic of Marian’s novels, Amy and Hugh do not operate in a vacuum, but are surrounded by family … however dysfunctional. In The Break, that includes Amy’s father who has dementia, something Marian has personal experience of.

“Dad has Alzheimer’s and the hardest part was when it began,” she said.

“It’s really frightening when you realise it’s happening. My family’s response was to go into denial, but now that it’s full-blown, it’s become

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Feature Story: Marian Keyes

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

big issues

normalised – he’s still Dad.” Again, Marian hopes that by dealing directly with the subject, it may open conversations about not just those experiencing the disease but their carers, and their need for greater government support.

“It’s ridiculous that spouses and kids are just expected to be able to take care of these people,” she said, hailing her mother as a superwoman.

“It’s awfully hard work.

It’s like child care in reverse, but it’s different because they can be really obstreperous, and of course they are fully grown.”

Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years.

She said while she felt alcoholism was “just very much a part of my story”, something she understood was an illness, not of her choosing and would not be shamed for, when

depression hit, she did feel ashamed.

It brought her to the lowest of lows, terrified of the world and spending hours each day considering how she would kill herself.

“Society is very quick to blame the person with

❝

Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years. depression, as if they caused it themselves, or it’s just self-pity. But this is something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.”

She said it took her a long time to realise that depression, too, was a disease and that how she was feeling was not her fault.

“Even with cancer,

people talk about people’s ‘battle with cancer’, and if they die, it’s as if they didn’t battle hard enough.

It makes me so angry that the onus is being put on the sufferer – not only are they ill, but they are responsible for their own cure.”

As a result of her illness, it’s been 11 years since Marian was last in Australia, but she said “from the word go, from my first book, people in Australia understood, they got it.”

She believes this is due to the similarities between the Australian and Irish personalities.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she said. “Humour is important to us and we have the ability to laugh at ourselves and at misfortune.”

And that, of course, is a characteristic of Marian’s books, that even – or perhaps especially – when dealing with the darkest subjects, there is always humour not too far away.

If you are battling depression, call Lifeline 13 1114 24 hours a day.

Seniors 5

WE’RE A LOT ALIKE: Marian Keyes has just completed a promotional tour for her 13th book The Break, but says Australians have ‘got her’ from the start because, like the Irish, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. PHOTO on page 4 taken in 2006 on Australian book tour.

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Local Story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

A passionate cyclist gives rail trail a boost THE Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been given a giant boost with a $17,500 donation from a cycling enthusiast – to add to the $75,000 already raised through crowdfunding.

Brian Hodges moved to the area just one year ago from Santa Barbara, in the US, and lives 500 metres away from the disused rail track in Brooklet.

“It was clearly on my radar and I was curious as to what led to the demise of the train, and my initial thoughts were it would be great to have a train service restored,” Brian said.

“Digging a little deeper, I discovered there were real economic issues related to the viability of the train and the infrastructure investment and then I learnt of the organisation and it made much more sense to me.

“I think the community benefits will be much greater and I’ve seen successful examples of this in the states and New York.”

As a cyclist, Brian would be an avid user of a rail trail.

“I feel that there’s a big problem with usable roads to cycle on here – they seem to be quite narrow and dangerous,” he said.

“I recently moved to Australia and we shipped a container over with all of our goods and seven bicycles.”

The bikes in his possession included an electric hybrid bicycle, mountain bike and beach cruiser.

“Regrettably, they are gathering dust. It’s something I did daily in California,” Brian said.

“I’m eager to get back on a safe place and use my bicycle, not just as a recreational tool but something I can

FUNDING TRAIL: Northern Rivers Rail Trail committee members and supporters Hilary Wise, Marie Lawton, Jennifer Regan, John Bennett, Geoff Meers and Neil McKenzie welcome the generous donation from Brian Hodges (fIfth from left).

use as a functional device... go shopping with it and use it for transportation.”

Northern Rivers Rail Trail secretary Geoff Meers said one of the main drivers of the group was to help people have a healthy recreation.

“The donation is going to help us generate a good business case and hopefully get some funding,” Geoff said.

“We have got some funding in the Tweed end but this is the Casino to Bangalow end of the trail.

“To get funding, you need to have a decent

business case.”

The trail treasurer Marie Lawton says a petition will be presented to Parliament asking the Federal Government to match the $6.5 million from the NSW Government to build the section of the trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes

Creek.

“We reached nearly 2000 signatures which was an excellent result,” she said.

Marie says Casino is poised to be one of the greatest beneficiaries of the trail.

“The Old Casino Railway Station, redeveloped as the rail trail head, would be a facility that could provide information, and portray all the excitement and adventure of setting out on the journey,” she said.

While there is no opposition to the rail trail from government, there is some opposition from enthusiastic train supporters who continue to lobby for the rail line to be restored.

“We figure it is better to use the corridor for the public to use as an active transport corridor rather than see it become more and more overgrown and derelict,“ Marie said.

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.

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Northern NSW

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

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8 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

All Things Legal INTER-FAMILY LOANS TO YOUR CHILDREN. IS IT A GIFT, OR IS IT A LOAN? Parents and Grandparents are providing financial assistance to their children and grandchildren by way of inter-family loans at unprecedented levels. Attwood Marshall Senior Associate Hayley Condon discusses this important topic for families.

With the cost of living increasing and property prices soaring in most capital cities it is becoming increasingly difficult for our children to purchase their first home and make their way into the property market. So where do our children turn for finance? Usually to a financier that is normally flexible on its terms, charges minimal to no interest, AND does not always require regular repayments or security …. the increasingly popular ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’!

It is not unusual for an adult child to sit around the dinner table with their parents accompanied by their partner and request financial assistance. There is usually a discussion between the parties where the parents agree to lend funds for the purchase of a property. The advance is typically unsecured and not in writing because the parties want to keep the arrangement informal as it is a loan between family members (inter-family loan). In many cases they also do not want to inform the bank that the children are obtaining their home loan from.

BUT what can happen if this well intended financial assistance to give your child and their partner a start in life is not properly documented?

What happens if your child and partner separate?

Although parents may be completely transparent with their intentions when advancing funds to a child and their partner (i.e. that the loan is to be repaid), disputes often arise over the terms of the loan if the relationship between the child and their partner ends. Naturally, upon the breakdown of the relationship, the child will staunchly maintain that the advance was a loan to be repaid to their parents from the asset pool and the former partner will maintain that the advance was a gift made by the parents and that the value of this gift should remain part of the asset pool.

If the former partner is not prepared to concede that the advance was a loan (which is often the case) then the parents can end up being dragged into their child’s property settlement matter in the Family Court. The parents would incur legal costs to engage their own legal representation to argue that the advance was a loan or to intervene as a party to secure an order for repayment of the loan.

If the issue is litigated before a Family Law Court and the advance is deemed a “gift,” then the advance amount (which generally is equity in a property) will form part of the asset pool to be divided between the child and their former partner and the parents will not be repaid – in essence the parents lose their money.

An example of where the Family Court found that an advance made by a parent to their child and their child’s spouse was a “gift” is in the case of Carpenter v Carpenter.

In this all too common scenario, the father of the husband advanced $200,000.00 to the husband and his then wife. The funds were used by the husband and wife to purchase land on which they intended to build a family home. The loan was not formally documented. After the husband and wife separated, the husband maintained that the advance was a loan to be repaid to his father and the wife asserted that it was a gift. As the father was aware of how his son and his then wife intended to use the advance the Court determined that the father had gifted the money to his son and his son’s wife to financially assist them. Accordingly, the $200,000.00 did not have to be repaid to the husband’s father and the value of this gift remained in the asset pool for the benefit of the wife.

To avoid ending up in a situation similar to that of the husband’s father in Carpenter, it is important that any inter-family loans are properly documented by way of a Loan Agreement and secured whenever possible by way of mortgage.

By taking this simple step, parents can ensure complete security of repayment of the advance and have a strong case against any argument raised by their child’s former partner that the advance was a gift.

Inter-family loans – how does this affect siblings and their share in the estate?

We have only touched on issues involving the Family Court with respect to inter-family loans. There is also the impact of lending funds to certain children and whether this is taken into account if the loan is outstanding when the parents die. This can cause friction between siblings when the child who has the benefit of the loan argues that it was a gift and does not have to be repaid from their share of the estate! Again, it is very important that any such loans are properly documented and the parents Wills are updated to reflect their wishes with respect to any loans made to children. It is not uncommon for parents to provide in their Wills that loans are to be taken into account in the distribution of their estate or forgiven as the case may be.

Community SEND your community notes to: communitynotes@seniors newspaper.com.au The deadline for next issue December 6.

TACT COMPUTER CLUB

WE ARE coming to the end of a wonderful year of being able to assist students at our friendly computer club. All tutors have gained a lot of self-satisfaction seeing students walk out of the classes with a smile on their faces. The TACT classes will finish on Thursday, December 14.

The new year will start Friday, February 2. We restart classes Monday, February 5. Classes are available Monday to Friday. The club is located at South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South. Call 07 5524 9212 or www.tact.org.au.

RED HOT: U3A Twin Towns’ Kay Jacobi and Jo Caboche.

November, December and before 12pm on January 24, go into a draw for refund of membership fee as first prize, and refund of course fees up to $30 as second prize. Call 07 5534 7333 or email u3atwintowns@ gmail.com.

■ TWEED COAST

U3A

WE HAVE had another great year of learning and fun. The last term ends on December 15 and we start again at the end of January. The annual fee will still only be $40 to attend as many of the 42 classes as you like. Our members love to learn new things, so if you have a talent or passion you could share with others why not become a group leader, we would love to hear from you. No qualifications needed just enthusiasm. www.tweedcoast.u3a net.org.au/wp or call Val 0421 686 310.

■ TWIN TOWNS

VIEW CLUBS

KINGSCLIFF LIONS CLUB

COME along and support the Lions Kingscliff Beachside Markets, Marine Parade. Held every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 8am–1pm. All stallholder fees are collected by Kingscliff Lions Club and disbursed to the needy in our local community.

WE ARE offering enrolment for 2018 now.

New members who sign up for 2018 can start their memberships immediately and are welcome to join in classes for the balance of 2017 at no extra charge.

New and returning members who enrol in

■ MURWILLUMBAH EVENING

OUR next dinner meeting will be on Monday, December 4 at Murwillumbah Services Club. The meeting starts at 6.30pm for a

two-course dinner at 7pm.

Cost $25. This will be our Christmas party so come along and help us celebrate with a traditional Christmas meal, Christmas decorations and Christmas trivia. Be sure to wear your festive clothes. If you would like to attend or know more about our club, please contact Lesley Larsen on 6672 6753.

■ TWIN TOWNS EVENING

WE MEET on the second Wednesday of each month at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club 6.30pm. New members are most welcome to join a group of like minded ladies to enjoy a great meal, conversation and guest speakers. The combined clubs of the zone will be having a Christmas service and luncheon on Friday, December 15. For info: Facebook (Twin Towns Evening VIEW) or call Trudy on 07 5524 1770 by 1pm on the Monday prior.

ART EXHIBITION

WE ARE holding an art exhibtion at Kirra Hill Community Centre on November 13–24.

Exhibitors of Heather Bell art group will be selling all genres of art just in time for Christmas. All art is reasonably priced. Open 9am–4pm Monday to Friday. Call Heather Bell on 0438 241 991.

TWEED LIBRARIES

THE redeveloped Tweed Heads Library opens on December 6. To assist with book relocation the temporary library will be closed from November 13 to December 5. Call Murwillumbah Library 6670 2427.

Other issues about inter-family loans Some other relevant things to consider if making an inter-family loan to a child or grandchild:

Funerals | Burials | Cremations | Pre-arranged Funeral Services | Private Crematorium 6189035aa

1. The loan agreement is often stated to be ‘repayable upon demand’ – sometimes this can cause issues with the statute of limitations and the loan cannot be recovered after 6 years; 2. Are there any tax or Centrelink issues with the loan – it is wise to obtain taxation and financial planning advice; 3. Are there any issues with the Bank of your child? Sometimes borrowing further funds from a ‘third party’ can be a breach of the loan covenants; 4. Are the parents of sound mind with no capacity issues or is there an Enduring Power of Attorney from the parent to the child? Sometimes there can be a conflict of interest if this is the case; 5. Make sure the parent’s Wills are updated to reflect the loan agreement and any other family

43 Holland St Goonellabah

members are informed.

If you are intending to advance funds to your child and require assistance with the preparation of a Loan Agreement or if you require legal advice in terms of recovering payment of funds advanced to a child and their former partner, please contact our Family Law and Wills and Estates Department Manager, Donna Tolley on direct line 07 5506 8241, email dtolley@attwoodmarshall.com.au or free call 1800 621 071.

Freecall 1800

621 071

Visit our website attwoodmarshall.com.au Coolangatta | Kingscliff | Robina Town Centre

Ample onsite parking Alfresco area Private viewing area Easy access Spacious Chapel Catering services available

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21 Kalinga Street WEST BALLINA www.parkviewfunerals.com.au

Northern NSW

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

Travel

INSIDE: CRUISING SPECIAL

Why take a tour with a guide?

ADVANTAGES

■ Local knowledge UNLESS you are a fanatic about research before you travel, you will probably miss many a highlight and relevant information. A local guide will take you to all the important sites and ensure you don’t miss anything.

■ Safety SOME countries and

destinations should never be considered without a tour guide, on safari for example (you preferably want one with a stun-gun), or in India where just leaving your hotel is a journey into chaos. A tour guide will not let you venture into dangerous parts of any town or city either, and this is a big one for seniors’ safety.

■ Jumping the queue A GOOD tour guide will have access to pre-booked tickets that you, as a free-spirited traveller, will not. This is especially welcome at crowded and popular museums, cathedrals or sites where the queues extend for several kilometres. Skipping the queues is a big advantage for seniors.

■ Saving time

ALL travellers have experienced the frustration of wasting time looking for that famous landmark, site, icon. Many an argument has sprung between couples over a map and a confused expression. A guide will get you there effortlessly and take all the responsibility. A guide will also know places or sites to avoid during rush times, saving you hours of frustration.

■ No driving DRIVING in foreign countries on the other side of the road is stressful for everyone, let alone the nervous senior.

Anyone who has driven in Rome or navigated the multiple lanes around the Arc de Triomphe will tell you horror stories. A guide and driver will move you

smoothly through even the most frenzied city and get you as close as possible to the destination.

DISADVANTAGES

■ Too much structure A STRUCTURED tour means you are locked in.

You will not be able to visit that delightful trattoria, bistro or patisserie you passed on your way to a famous landmark, no chance of going back to discover those tempting markets you passed on the bus – you have an itinerary to stick to. You will never know what you have missed.

■ Other people GROUPS mean there will always be someone annoying (never you, of course). It is impossible to love everyone in a group and there will be

Norway Greenland Iceland

Luxury Safaris Photographic Tours Small Group Maximum 18

exhausting.

■ Way too much to do MANY tours have their guests up at dawn and into a big bus to complete a busy full day’s itinerary before a hotel dinner (again structured) and then bed. Too much travel means you won’t remember half of what you see or do, will not be able to take your time and soak up the atmosphere, let alone immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals.

Ann hosts groups of eight on her Provence tours, with a large house as a base from where she does day trips, allowing for plenty of free time around the pool with a glass of French wine and flexibility for shopping.

More information at www.annrickard.com.

Partner flies FREE to Europe return, if booked before end Nov ’17 for July/Aug ‘18

Arctic Odyssey

South Africa

occasions when you must grit your teeth and bite your tongue or end up in an argument.

■ Trapped into buying IN POORER countries you will often find your tour guide taking you to his brother’s carpet shop or his cousin’s souvenir store where you will be stuck and hassled to buy something you don’t want.

■ Too much information WHILE tour guides will give you inside knowledge about that fresco in a cathedral or the carvings on a temple, they can often be too long-winded for most travellers, who want only the minimum information. Trying to pay attention to every small fact and historic date is difficult… especially for the senior who finds standing in one spot

Botswana

Traditional Camping Safaris Small Group Maximum 12

Tonga

Swimming with Humpback Whales Small Group Maximum 8

NSW Travel Agent 2TA10493 6692202aa

TRAVEL author Ann Rickard has been hosting small-group tours in Provence for 13 years.

She has also been on many a trip herself where tour guides have hosted her. She gives us some of the advantages and disadvantages for seniors when it comes to holidaying independently or with a tour group.

Ph: 02 6554 7478

info@QuestTours.com.au

10 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

CRUISING

Icebergs are stunning to see.

Polar bears are abundant in Spitsbergen.

MAGNIFICENT: Rembrandt van Rijn sets sail from Svalbard en route to Greenland over 18 days, with plenty of time to absorb the splendour of the Arctic at the best time of year.

Set sail with Rembrandt and view the glory of the Arctic Cruise the Arctic on the classic topsail schooner, Rembrandt AN ARCTIC cruise is the best way to relive the glory days of exploration and discovery under sail aboard a classic gaff-rigged, three-masted, topsail schooner through Quest Tours. In July next year, the magnificent 56m, 33-berth Rembrandt van Rijn sets sail from Svalbard en route to Greenland over 18 days, with plenty of time to absorb the splendour of the Arctic at the best time of year.

“Our voyage is timed to experience the best of the Arctic, polar bears on Svalbard, hopefully the Aurora Borealis (Northern

2018 TOURS

Lights) plus the option to experience sled dog mushing on an Icelandic glacier,” tour leader and award-winning photographer, Ron Hunter of Quest Tours said.

“The spectacular Arctic light show is on an 11-year cycle and we’re about to close this cycle for another decade, so it could be the best chance for many of us to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.”

Whilst wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, it is expected to see polar bears as we sail around Spitsbergen, for here there are 3000 polar

July is the best time of year to see stunning views on this trip.

bears, the biggest concentration in the

world, in fact there are more bears than people

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here. We also expect to see walrus, icebergs,

glaciers, seals, muskox, reindeer, orcas, belugas, birdlife and whales, as well experiencing Inuit culture.

Prior to the 18-day Arctic cruise, we visit Oslo, Flam, Bergen with fjord train and boat tours, then Longyearbyen, Ittoqqortoormiit and Constable Pynt.

The Rembrandt van Rijn cruise is just part of the 29-day Arctic itinerary that Quest Tours has put together. The tour departs Sydney on July 21, 2018 flying to Oslo.

For more information, phone Quest Tours on (02) 6554 7478 or 0409 466 958 or go to www.QuestTours.com.au or email info@QuestTours. com.au.

1800 072 535

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Book your 2018 tour before 31/12/17 and receive 5% discount off the price of your tour.

___________________________ Mail to: Down Under Coach Tours, PO Box 149, Maryborough Q 4650 or Email details to: info@downundercoachtours.com.au WBS0917

Northern NSW

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

2018 ESCORTED GROUP TOURS 2018 13 Day Escape to BALI Exclusive small Group Tour!

2018 6 Day DUBBO Backyard Tour Join your host, Richard Mazzer on this 6 day Explore your Backyard trip to Dubbo!

This exclusive group tour includes:

This fantastic small group tour escorted by Robyn Mckay includes:

31 January 13 February 2018 Price pp twinshare: $2,499 Single Supplement: $1,000

• 3 - 4 Night hotel stays • Experiencing Balinese cuisine including eating like local with exclusive dining experiences • Joining a cooking class to learn how to cook the food you enjoyed • Enjoying a relaxing spa treatment • Going on a morning Tour to Tanah Lot, Royal Temple and Bali Butterfly Park • And lots more!

• Exploring The Rural Museum at Gunnedah • Visiting the Mckellar Center, a poetry lovers world

18-23 March 2018 Price pp twinshare: $1,679 Single Supplement: $795

Join your host, Chelsea Mangan on this 18 day South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana tour! This exclusive group tour includes:

• Thailand Railway walk on the bridge over the THE River Kwai • Experiencing a train Excursion on the Death Railway to Nam • Attending the ANZAC Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass • Visiting Kanchanaburi and Donrak Cenotaph with ceremonies at the War Graves Cemetery

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• Visit Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian and Beijing • Enjoy a 4 Night cruise along the magnificent Yangtze Rive • View the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors • Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding • Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City • Take a walk on the Great Wall of China • Enjoy the various tastes of China experiencing different cuisines throughout your tour

Join your hosts, Mark and Robyn McDowell on this exciting 24 day tour! When you join this Canadian memory-maker, you will: • Visit Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield • Jasper National Park and Banff National Park

04-27 July 2018

Price pp twinshare:

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Join your host, Claire Grantham-Smith from Casino Travel Shoppe on this exciting 29 day Britain and Ireland trip of a lifetime! On this tried and tested experience you will:

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$2,600

18 October – 10 November 2018 Price pp twinshare:

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• Explore in CALGARY STAMPEDE grounds at your leisure • Sail on a 7 Night northbound Alaska cruise aboard the Coral Princess in an outside cabin

• Visit Lisbon, Algarve, Evora, Fatima, Coimbra and Porto, covering the north and south of Portugal

• Attend The Edinburgh Military Tattoo • Enjoy a guided tour of magnificent BLENHEIM PALACE

• Stay in the Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff Fairmont Hotels

Join your host, Portuguese national Tony from Casino Travel on this amazing trip! On this Mediterranean experience, you will:

• Visit London, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh • Have a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal

• Travel in style on the Rocky Mountaineer in Silver Leaf

2018 24 Day PORTUGAL Discovery Including MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE!

2018 9 Day 29 Day BRITAIN & IRELAND Indepth

04 August – 01 September 2018

• Visit Maun, Okavango Delta, Chobe River and Victoria Falls • Enjoy two game lodges • Enjoy a 6 hour excursion the outskirts of the Okavango Delta • Sunset cruise on the Chobe River • 2 Morning and two afternoon game drives • Visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls!

• And lots more!

2018 24 Day CANADA and ALASKA Adventure!

Join your hosts, lzaak and Tony from Casino Travel Shoppe on this exciting trip of a lifetime! On this dream tour you will:

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• Spending an evening of night sky viewing at the observatory in the International Dark Sky Warrumbungle National Park

Join your host, John Dougall on this 9 day ANZAC Day Commemoration tour! This exclusive group tour includes:

2018 15 Day CHINA Escape Exclusive Small Group Tour!

Price pp twinshare:

• Take a tour of the Emu Logic emu farm

18 Day SOUTHERN AFRICA Tour!

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18 June-2 July 2018

• Experiencing the 1800s jail life at Dubbo Gaol

9 Day Thailand ANzAC DAy Tour!

• Visiting POW War Cemetery Chungkai

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• Spending a full morning at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

13 September – 6 October 2018

Price pp twinshare:

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2018 26 Day NORTHERN LIGHTS and Amazing BRITAIN Join your host, Izaak du Plooy from Casino Travel Shoppe on this exciting 26 day Northern Lights and Amazing Britain trip of a lifetime! You will:

2018 15 Day Wonder of INDIA Exclusive Small Group Tour!

Join your host, Chelsea from Casino Travel Shoppe on this exciting 14 day India trap of a lifetime! You will:

• Visit London, York, Glasgow, Liverpool and Edinburgh • Have an orientation tour in Edinburgh and orientation of York, Durham, Glasgow, Bristol and Bath • Visit prehistoric STONEHENGE • Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and view Anne Hathaway’s cottage • Enjoy a 14 night Northern Lights cruise visiting Alta, Honningsvag, Trosmo, Andalsnes and Bergen in search of the mystical Northern Lights

• Explore the sights of Delhi, Red Fort and bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk, Qutab Minar and the Connaught Markets • Visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), explore Agra Fort and See the sunrise in Taj Mahal • Enjoy looking for tigers in Ranthambore National Park • Visit Badal Mahal, Chittor Fort and cruise on Lake Pichola • See Hawa Mahal, “Palace of the Winds” and Amer Fort • Watch a magical Bollywood Performance

02-16 November 2018

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• Home pickup and delivery from the Clarence Valley, Northern Rivers, Tenter field and Tweed Gold Coast including airport Transfers • All transport including return airfares in economy class • Quality Accommodation • Includes most sightseeing entry fees • Breakfast daily and other meals as detailed in each itinerary TERMS and CONDITIONS: Prices current at 25 October 2017 and are per person twin share. Single supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Non refundable deposit required at the time of the booking. Non-refundable final payment required at least 60 days prior to departure. Travel Insurance is compulsory. Please read our detailed Term and conditions PRIOR to booking

Phone: (02) 6662 6255 Email: enquiries@casinotravel.com.au www.casinotravel.com.au

109 Barker Street, Casino | @ WEHRSL 11-13 McDonald Place, Evans Head 6705164aa

12 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

CRUISING

Cruise with a difference

These are special trips that focus on exotic and cultural

Romania tour has a number of departures in June and September 2018 and includes a visit to Transfagarasan Rd, dubbed ‘the greatest road in the world’ by Top Gear.

In response to holidaymakers’ desire to get away from the masses, Peregrine’s small-group trips are now even more intimate, with 20 new small ship cruising charters added to the 2018 calendar.

The inaugural charters will include eight-day cruises from Lisbon to Malaga, around Iceland’s Wild West Coast, Croatia’s Central Coast and the Hidden Gems of Greece.

Cruises run from May to October and are priced from $2735* per person twin share.

Peregrine’s Limited Edition range for 2018 includes an 18-day tour of the UNESCO-recognised Fes Festival of World

ANCIENT DISCOVERIES: Moors and Christians Festival Alhambra palace.

Sacred Music in Morocco, priced from $3215* per person twin share.

Peregrine will become the first operator offering a dedicated tour experience when the music festival gets under way in May next year.

Other highlights include 6706692ac

PEREGRINE Adventures has released its latest European brochure, with the introduction of brand new destinations and new small ship cruising charters among the highlights of the 2018 program.

The new brochure offers unique European itineraries from the Moors to Transylvania and Central Europe to the Canary Islands, and incorporates iconic cultural events in Scotland and Morocco.

The Australian-owned travel company has earmarked Romania as the next European hot spot, with a brand new itinerary taking in Bran Castle in Brasov, the pristine forests outside Viscri, and offering the chance to stay in an 18th-century guesthouse owned by a real-life Count.

Priced from $3415*, the 11-day Secrets of

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the14-day Scottish Highland Games tour, which is regularly attended by the Royal family and priced from $5995* per person twin share.

Also the 12-day Moors and Christians Festival in Spain, which offers the

chance to take part in parades, battle reconstructions and military marches, from $6560* per person twin share.

Train buffs will enjoy the 10-day Alpine Railway Journey, which lets travellers experience the

romance of the railway through Italy, Switzerland and Germany, priced from $5530* a person twin share.

Meanwhile, Peregrine Adventures will continue to offer its 11-day Greek Island Odyssey, a staple of the annual European line-up, starting from $5770* a person twin share.

“Europe has always been a hot destination for the Peregrine traveller and now we have incorporated unique historical experiences and festivals into our new trips to cater for specific interests,” Peregrine Adventures general manager Robyn Nixon said.

“In 2018 we have also lowered the group size on our trips from 16 to just 12 people, which allows us to create special, intimate moments with local people.”

For more about the tours on offer, visit peregrineadventures. com. *conditions apply

A dental kit to fit into your travel packing

WHAT’S in the first aid kit? We all love to travel and explore with family or friends.

Despite many hours of careful planning and preparation, things can and do go wrong. So a well-equipped first aid kit is a wise investment.

The most frustrating and unexpected problems which occur are usually tooth related.

A dental check-up before leaving is a good idea, but even though everything looks OK dental problems can still occur while away.

Currently available first aid kits only deal with a range of medical problems lacking any effective means of dealing with dental problems (apart from pain-killers).

Dental problems won’t kill you but how annoying if a tooth or filling breaks away leaving a sharp, jagged edge and there is always the possibility of toothache.

How many holidays are ruined by dental problems?

Blu Tack and chewing gum don’t work so how

BE PREPARED: Dentist In A Box, the go anywhere dental emergency kit that is the best gift you can give your family and friends for Christmas.

long can you survive on pain-killers?

These problems occur without warning, anywhere, anytime.

Skilled help may not be that easy to find wherever you are. Can you imagine trying to find a dentist for you or your family “out of hours”, away from home or unable to speak the language?

Why isn’t a first aid kit for dental emergencies available?

Dentist In A Box products launched more than 20 years ago are Australian-made kits which assume no dental

or medical knowledge.

About the size of a CD case the kits provide clear, concise instructions and materials to temporarily deal with unexpected dental problems anytime, anywhere until you can see a dentist.

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Northern NSW

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

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14 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

10 Tuscan towns to put on your bucket list Ann Rickard

HILL-TOP towns, endless sunshine, renowned wines, sublime food, undulating hills, haystacks, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees…Tuscany is the essence of Italy. Travel writer Ann Rickard says If you plan well it is possible to visit many of the iconic towns in one unforgettable Tuscan adventure.

FLORENCE

THE big one of all them all. A must for its art, treasures, culture, history and architecture.

But the summer queues outside the Uffizi Gallery mean a three-hour wait.

Best go off-season if you have no tolerance for long lines.

LUCCA

AN HOUR’S train ride from Florence, this

sedate walled-town exudes history and refinement – it is birthplace of Puccini after all. Walk or cycle the five kilometres on top of its walls and then stroll the lively Via Fillungo for the designer shops and restaurants.

SIENA

YOUR jaw may drop at first sight of Siena’s magnificent Piazza del Campo with its tilted floor fanning out to surrounding buildings and the soaring Torre del Mangia (tower). Hang out in one of the cafes along the permitre of this most celebrated of all the world’s medieval squares – and just watch.

VOLTERRA

A SMALL town dating back to Etruscan times, mostly overlooked for the more popular San Gimignano. Plenty of tall

tourists as the cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo.

MONTALCINO

medieval Manhattan.

Only 14 of the 72 original towers built in the 14th century remain, but they are visible from far away.

FAMOUS for its Brunello red wine, this surprisingly small walled-town will welcome you for wine tastings on every corner.

Wine is king, don’t try to resist as you walk the cobbled streets. After your fill of wine, stop at one of the many restaurants with panoramic views over Val d’Orcia National Park.

Drink a glass of Brunello with your pasta.

PARMA

PIENZA

FULL OF WONDER: San Gimignano has 14 medievel towers.

towers to gaze up to, evocative Roman theatre ruins, a crowning fortress, an Etruscan museum and stately palaces surrounding the elegant Piazza dei Priori, all make Volterra worth leaving the well-trodden Tuscan track.

SAN GIMIGNANO

THE full wonder of San Gimignano hits you as you round a final bend in the winding country road and gaze up to its 14 towers rising like a mini

YES, it isn’t quite in Tuscany, but close enough and home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the famous prosciutto. Giant wheels of cheese in varying ages and enormous legs of prosciutto sit splendidly in deli’s all over the city and attract as many

TINY, and not so well known, but worth a visit.

Inside the walls, narrow streets are flanked by handsome buildings. A stroll along the Corso il Rossellino pretty much does the entire town, but it’s a great base to explore the nearby wineries.

MONTEPULCIANO

LUXURY shops on the Via di Voltaia nel Corso sell leather bags, exquisite shoes, fine jewellery and beautiful antiques. If you can get past the gauntlet of shops, the panoramic views over Tuscan country-side are breath-sapping. Have lunch at Osteria di Bacco on the Via di Gracciano nel Corso and try the nettle gnocchi with white truffle.

PISA

DON’T need to say much about this one, other than you simply must take a selfie of you trying to prop up the tower. Pisa is great fun, but crowded, so best to have your fill of the tower first, and then explore the narrow back streets.

You need a car in Tuscany, and parking outside the walled-towns can be tight but worth it.

Travel happily by following these eight top tips DO YOU spend long hours and even days planning your next trip only to find once it’s over you feel let down? Turn your holiday into an experience you want to remember by using these travel tips from Jaime Kurtz, of USC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Centre: 1. Get advice from those who’ve gone before you ■ Ask others about their experiences in the same place at the same time of year.

2. Mix up destinations

and experiences ■ On a holiday, it’s good to linger and to relax – but not too much.

■ Move around and mix up our experiences. If we don’t, we may spend two of our three weeks on Maui pining for something different or even wishing we were back at home.

3. Minimise choices ■ If you’re a maximiser, you may be worried about making the most of your experiences while also having strong fears of

missing out.

■ It might help maximisers to limit their holiday choices so that making decisions becomes less fraught.

■ Going to a small town with few options might be better than going to a big city with lots.

4. Consider your own personality ■ Are you more extroverted or introverted? Do you like novelty and adventure or comfort and stability?

These factors can help

you decide whether or not you might want a beach vacation in Cancun – where relaxation and socialising are primary – or a solo hike in the alps where adventure and isolation are key.

■ However, we shouldn’t neglect the importance of challenge, meaning getting a little out of our comfort zone.

5. Don’t let cost worry ruin your trip ■ Spending money can be stressful, and there’s no getting around that

travelling can be expensive.

■ It makes sense to consider buying prepaid holiday plans, where costs are up-front.

6. Plan for some uncertainty, doses of awe and flow ■ To keep things fresh, it’s good to leave some uncertainty in your plans.

■ You may think a spa holiday is what you really need, but it’s usually best to mix it up with some exploration of new things.

7. Choose immersion

and connection ■ It is often more satisfying to aim for immersive experiences, like avoiding restaurants catering to tourists or luxury chain hotels.

8. Take time to savour experiences ■ Being mindfully present for any experience can heighten our sense of enjoyment when we are travelling.

■ Put your phone away for large parts of your trip. Story first published: greatergood.berkeley.edu

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Northern NSW

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 15

Wellbeing Pathways to new age

Marlene Rutherford is inspiring people to acknowledge the wisdom and greatness of age Gail Forrer

HOW do you feel about getting older? Good, bad, indifferent.

For 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford, the time arrived to examine her own feelings about ageing after seeing her father end up in a nursing home and knowing he had never wanted to be in one.

Marlene, a mother of four and grandmother of five, started her career as a psychiatric nurse, going on to gain a post-graduate qualification. She furthered her career in health with courses in alternative medicine including qualifications in reflexology.

Her background in wellness has provided a solid foundation to begin a conscious examination of ageing. Right from the start she became aware of certain repetitive phrases.

“I noticed I kept hearing comments like, ‘It’s a bugger getting old’,” she said.

“Of course, we get old and things don’t work the same as they use to – but there are other things we can do.”

The key, she thought, to

finding the things we can do, was in gaining an understanding of what was possible and that meant finding out who you wanted to be, identifying your beliefs about death and learning how to construct a new path.

“We are pioneers of this new age and our wisdom is so needed, let’s not tuck ourselves away to age quietly, let’s bring ourselves fully into the

❝

community. How to find your own “conscious ageing rhythm” and how to look afresh to recreate yourself.

Additionally, Marlene said she delved into questions such as: ■ If I need help as I age what is my vision for how I want to approach this spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically?

■ What facilitates compassionate and

The key, she thought, to finding the things we can do, was in having an awareness of what was possible and that meant finding out who you wanted to be, identifying your beliefs about death and dying and learning how to construct a new path. light as elders and manifest our greatness to help shape family, community and society,” she said.

To that end, Marlene has created her Ageing Consciously, Step up as an Elder in your Community weekend retreats.

Within the retreat, exercises explore the areas of work, creativity, spirituality, and

mindful discussions about our own end of life plans as well as for those we love?

Retreats are held in comfortable accommodation in Brisbane and the Gold Coast hinterland.

For more, go to joyfulawakenings.com.au.

CONSCIOUS AGEING: Marlene Rutherford helps find a unique path.

Legal | Advocacy | Education Your rights. Your voice.

Seniors Rights Service provides free and confidential legal advice, aged care advocacy and community education.

1800 424 079 Website: www.seniors rights service.org.au

Email: info@seniors rights service.org.au

Seniors Rights Service Inc. ABN 98 052 960 862

16 Seniors Northern NSW

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

STAY AT HOME

Questions to ask when looking for help at home WE’RE sharing a list of top questions to ask to help you choose the home care provider that’s right for you.

How does the home care organisation staff their home care services?

Do they use their own staff or agency staff? Will you have the same people caring for you and visiting your home each week?

What do they charge for their hourly rates?

Many providers have different rates based on the different types of services and these rates affect what you pay for the services you receive. For example, the hourly rate for care with a registered nurse may be different to the hourly rate for housework or for assisted transport.

Will you be charged an exit fee? How much will it be?

Home care providers

are now able to charge an “exit fee” if they wish to.

They are required to publish their maximum exit fee amount but there is no cap on exit fees and the amount differs greatly between providers so it’s important to ask about exit fee amounts.

What types and range of services does the organisation offer and are they the services you need?

Does the provider offer what you’re looking for to help you live safely at home? Do they offer any additional services, like social programs and outings, wellbeing and healthy ageing programs?

Do they offer case management?

What does it cost?

What does it include? Are there different levels of case management involved to suit your preferences and needs?

SUIT YOUR NEEDS: Talk to providers about how they use case management and ask them how it could support you to achieve your goal of living at home.

PHOTO: KERRY WILSON

Talk to providers about how they use case management and ask them how it could support

you to achieve your goal of living at home.

This article is published on YourLife, a website run

by The Whiddon Group providing information, practical suggestions and inspiring stories about

healthy ageing and aged care. Visit: whiddon.com. au/yourlife.

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Anne, Bill and their family have peace of mind knowing they’re living safely in the home they love, with all the support they need.

Wellbeing

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 17

STAY AT HOME

Stay safely in own home ADVERTORIAL

WHEN it comes to making the decision to stay at home for as long as you can, one of the challenges people face is understanding how they will deal with the increased possibility of falls and health issues such as heart attacks.

Technology is moving fast in this area with a wide range of medical alert systems now available for purchase for a wide range of budgets.

Emergency Medical Services’ Paul Joseph, whose company provides wearable alert systems for its customers, said technology in this area had changed over time.

“In the ’90s we discovered that we could have a separate button on a home security alarm panel which gave us a different signal and an alarm noise, so when we rang the house we would know it was a medical emergency,” Mr Joseph said.

“In the next seven or eight years after that, we were able to develop safeTlink which had many

KEEPING SAFE: A safeTwear medical alert pendant.

restrictions including a stationary base station attached to phone line which restricted the two way talk facility of the device (they had to be within five metres of the base station to be heard).

“The current medical alert pendants we provide are called safeTwear and have the capability of having both a medical alert button and automatic fall detection and there is no need for a base station.

“The device has inbuilt two-way voice communication which allows us to talk to and hear the customer

whether they are in the shower, in the garden, or interstate visiting family and friends.

“This is where the GPS location function is another great feature as we know exactly where they are, accurate to within 2.5 metres, should an incident occur.

Mr Joseph said their devices were linked to a team of trained professionals that linked their client’s health history direct to the ambulance.

Mr Joseph said key points to look for in a device were freedom (to wear and use the system anywhere), fall detection, long battery life, quality speaker clarity and volume with directional microphone, GPS tracking and photo identification sharing ability.

In terms of the costs, Mr Joseph said they ranged from $1 to $3 a day.

Mr Joseph said one thing people should note about the safeTwear product was that not every alarm ended up in an ambulance call.

Book an obligation-free demo on 1300 699 159.

Cancer checks set to reach new heights ACCREDITED Skin Cancer GP Dr John Stretch is pleased to announce the opening of The Skin Cancer Centre at Airport Central, Gold Coast Airport. Located within The Lotus Institute – Coolangatta, Full Skin Checks, Skin Spot Checks and a wide

range of Skin Cancer treatments (both surgical and non-surgical) are provided.

Dr Stretch and a team of accredited and experienced Skin Cancer Doctors will be available at this modern and centrally located medical

Dr Emanuel Svoboda

Dr Meon Lamont

awarded the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation and our unique rail system means that we can fit an Acorn Stairlift to all types of staircase, and what’s more, we can do so within a matter of days rather than weeks.

A visit from one of our friendly surveyors will allow you to see what sets Acorn Stairlifts apart from any other stairlift company.

After assessing your

needs, our surveyor will instantly be able to give you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how affordable an Acorn Stairlift can be.

Acorn has always been at the forefront of the stairlift industry.

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Your home is a cherished part of your life: a place to welcome your family and friends, to entertain, enjoy and simply relax.

It is the perfect place for you.

It is a simple truth that staying in your own home gives you a wonderful feeling of independence. The freedom to move around easily and without fuss makes all the difference.

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facility. Skin Spot Checks (one or two suspicious spots) are bulk billed (all ages) and Full Skin Checks will also be bulk billed for patients 40 years and over. Referrals are not required.

For an appointment call 5536 7477.

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.

Easy access for making moves in your home

1800 870 617

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION

18 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

Living

Retiring in Malaysia Tracey Johnstone

RETIRING overseas wasn’t on Australian Cheryl Fankhauser’s bucket list, but after travelling and working in Asia for several years, the decision to retire in Malaysia was easily made.

“I couldn’t imagine myself coming back to Australia,” Cheryl, 64, said.

“Number one because of the expense and number two, I have had 10 friends die within the last four years so I am slowly losing my circle of friends in Tweed so I thought, why not stay in Asia.”

The former Tweed Heads resident and nurse has been in Georgetown for about 18 months.

Prior to settling permanently in Malaysia Cheryl taught English at Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Bengbu City, China for 10 years.

Choosing not to continue working and living in China was really driven by her age.

“It was definitely not the right place to retire in,” Cheryl said.

“It’s difficult to retire there. It’s very hard to get a visa, especially for Australians.

“And the weather; I was in an area where it snowed and we had four or five months of winter.

“There was also the language problem with no one speaking English and I really got fed up with that after a while so it was

easier to come to a place where everyone speaks English and the food is fantastic.”

Before making her final decision on where to retire to Cheryl looked hard at both Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, visiting both of them often.

“KL was too big, Malacca was too far away and Georgetown is just perfect,” she said.

Cheryl has chosen to live in the suburbs in a low-rise apartment building on Penang Island where there are 750,000 residents including a large ex-pat community.

International Living this year named Malaysia as the best place for Australians to retire to in 2018, describing the country in just the same way as Cheryl which she calls friendly, with almost every imaginable service available, a low cost of living and a vibrant cultural life, made up of Chinese, Islamists, Indians and ex-pats.

Cheryl also notes that the medical support available is good quality and eminently affordable.

However, the aged care facilities are still very new.

“Supported accommodation is very new; it’s just happening now,” Cheryl said.

“There are a couple of places that some European ex-pats are about to open.

Keeping active and connected is Cheryl’s way of staving off any ageing health issues.

OVERSEAS RETIREMENT: Georgetown resident, originally from Tweed Heads, Cheryl Fankhauser.

She does water aerobics and Malay classes twice a week, is one of the founding members of the art

society, attends lots of community events and festivals, and eats.

For her 65th birthday

she is tossing up between three months in Europe or a facelift which will cost about $1000.

While she still owns a

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Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Living

Northern NSW

Seniors 19

LIMITED EDITION OF 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 apartments deliver an unprecedented attention to detail and finishes second to none. Perfectly positioned in a premier waterfront enclave, right on the beach on Margate Parade, these apartments offer spacious living areas and large balconies that encapsulate the breathtaking never-to-be-built-out Moreton Bay views.

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20 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

Money

The energy of finance The link between sport and managing money IF YOUR golf clubs have been under wraps or your tennis racquet has been tucked away for some time, it could be worth dusting them off.

Research by AMP found Australians who play sport regularly are 64 per cent more likely to achieve their financial goals than those who don’t.

With the weather warming up, plenty of us will be thinking about getting in better shape.

That can mean heading outdoors for a round of golf, a dip in the ocean or just kicking a ball around the local oval with the kids.

The health benefits of physical activity are well documented, but AMP’s study also found a clear link between our sportiness and the way we

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE manage our money.

According to the survey, playing sport on a regular basis makes us more likely to think about our long term financial wellbeing.

As a guide, people who frequently play sport are 66 per cent more likely to make extra contributions to their super fund, and more than twice as likely to own an investment property as less active people.

If you ride a bike or play netball, take a bow – the AMP survey found you’re likely to be among the

nation’s most financially savvy thinkers.

Cricketers are most likely to have a financial advisor, and golfers top the league table for personal savings – with one in three having more than $50,000 in savings.

When you think about it, these results aren’t all that surprising. Keen sports people often achieve success by setting personal or team-based goals.

So it’s a natural step to set goals in other areas of life like money management.

A number of overseas studies confirm AMP’s findings that physical and financial health often go hand-in-hand. One group of US researchers explained the link, saying that people who make

HOLE IN ONE: Keen sports people often achieve success by setting personal or team-based goals which helps with money management.

healthy choices today to enjoy good health tomorrow, are also more likely to regularly put money aside to achieve greater financial security in the future.

I freely admit I’m no sports scientist, but it’s

fair to say there’s another link between physical health and fiscal fitness – both can be achieved when you make it part of a regular routine.

Getting physically fit involves taking the time to exercise regularly. It may

not happen overnight but your fitness should improve over time.

The same applies to financial security.

It’s all about developing and sticking to good money habits – like using a budget to gain control of your cash, spending less than you earn, and saving and investing for the long term.

It’s not hard and it delivers great results without working up a sweat. If you’re sure where to start with your financial wellbeing, take a look at the MoneySmart website for sensible tips on managing your money.

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

If you think you have been ‘Overcharged’ or ‘Ripped Off’ With Excessive Legal Fees by your Lawyer, you probably have been!

Have you planned ahead?

By planning ahead you remain in control of critical life decisions Specialist staff from our Lismore branch regularly hold Planning Ahead Days where you can make or update your Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship documents in the following areas: • Coffs Harbour • Tweed Heads • Grafton

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Situations where you may want to update your Planning Ahead documents include: • marriage • separation or divorce • retirement • buying or selling a house • welcoming children or grandchildren into your family • a beneficiary or executor named in your Will has died.

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Northern NSW

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Let’s save

Have fun recycling

Community prize win for being in the know

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN together, have a good time and meet other people in their community. Recycling and reuse events can be held between a group of friends or work colleagues, schools or neighbourhood areas.

Swap Parties: Hold a party with a group of friends, at your work or publicly to swap certain items, from clothes to toys, DVDs to sports equipment. Planet Ark’s Swap Guide makes it easy to host your own party.

Second Hand Saturday: Neighbourhood-wide garage sales organised

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: At the Resilient Australia Awards, Richmond LAC’s Senior Constable Chris Brien, Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow, Carolyn Forbes, Casino Red Cross’s Maureen Lynch, Inspector Daniel Ainsworth (Northern Rivers Zone), Casino SES unit controller Penney Macrokanis, station officer David Mooney, Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis and NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman.

PHOTO: DOUGLAS MARTIN

Yvonne Gardiner

WHEN emergency services volunteer GO GREEN: National Recycling Week 2017 is from Monday, Maureen Lynch saw a November 13 to Sunday, November 19 but all year round is ideal. need for her Casino community to be better for the same day, often Buying and Selling: There prepared for disasters, she decided to do arranged by the local are many easy options to council. You could arrange buy and sell your preloved something.

She had been one for your street. goods from a local to motivated by an SES No Waste Wednesday: wider level. Listings can workshop, Stepping Up in This is a day at work or be placed in your local Your Community, and also school where you all classifieds or community a successful evening in minimise the waste you websites.

Kyogle called Bounce discard from lunch. Bring For more information: Back From Disasters. reusable containers and www.recycling Maureen, who’s spent recycle cans and bottles. week.planetark.org.

10 years with the Red Cross in Casino, is now a team leader.

She organised a community-led event called Get in the Know Casino to ensure people were more informed and prepared for natural disasters and severe weather events.

Highlights of the event included a preparedness performance by a group called Drama in Rural Towns and also giving opportunities for people to share knowledge and experiences unique to the Richmond Valley.

There were also KEEP IT SIMPLE: Marinated prawns are an easy addition to any displays from meal. organisations such as State Emergency hard, it’s just all about jars of mustard and Services, Rural Fire preparation sauces to go on the table, Service, Fire and Rescue, Using condiments are or make your own.

Police, Casino Hospital, always a great way to jazz Recipes at www.seniors local lands services and up a meal, so buy a few news.com.au.

Rural Adversity Mental

Tasty ideas to get your BBQ on!

IT’S time to clean up the barbie and get ready for outdoor entertaining.

Barbecuing is an easy way to entertain and socialise at the same time.

Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a salad or dessert to simplify the day. That way you can enjoy yourself as well.

The humble snag is a must-do when you have a few people over – it’s cost-effective and there are so many flavours available.

Marinating your meat, seafood or vegetable selection can also make a simple meal delicious.

Honey soy marinade is easy and makes chicken

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN wings a taste sensation at a very affordable cost, and the kids love them.

Haloumi is also a great alternative on the barbie, only takes a minute or two to cook and will be very well received – your vegetarian visitors will love you for it. Or why not try partially cooked corn on the cob finished off on the barbie?

Cooking a barbecue really doesn’t need to be

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www.lifelinkresponse.com.au FER0547 10/17

Health.

Casino Red Cross has been presented with the top prize in the community division of the prestigious Resilient Australia Awards.

Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis said the awards were a national program to recognise and promote initiatives which strengthened community disaster resilience.

“The Casino Red Cross won for its development of the Get in the Know emergency services forum,” he said.

“Their project, which included a school focus, helped to raise community awareness of disaster risks and how to prepare better for emergencies.

“This is a big deal and well-deserved recognition for our local hero volunteers.”

Maureen oversees a team of 11 Red Cross volunteers in Casino.

“They’re for personal support. If there’s an emergency, their role is to offer cups of tea and talk to people and link them to the services they need,” she said.

“It’s a very worthwhile job to do.”

Maureen said the forum Get in the Know for emergency services would be held again next year.

For more information, visit www.redcross.org.au.

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THE dates for National Recycling Week 2017 are Monday, November 13 to Sunday, November 19 but of course it’s good to encourage recycling at any time of the year.

There are many ways to donate, trade and exchange – to give your unwanted items a new home, or to get new things that doesn’t cost the earth. Some of the ways you can get into good recycling habits are: Exchanging: Charity op shops can resell your unwanted items, and the profits go towards the charity’s aims. Remember to ask them what types of items they accept.

Reuse and Recycling Events: Events are a fun way to reduce, reuse or recycle. They help to get people motivated

Seniors 21

22 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017

Reviews Maggie Beer’s recipes for life

MAGGIE Beer’s Recipe for Life is so much more than a cookbook.

She has teamed up with world leading Alzheimer’s researcher Professor Ralph Martins to fight one of the most debilitating diseases of our times.

“To have a healthy old age you must act now, whether you are 30 or 50,” Maggie said.

“I have two great passions – sharing my love of cooking delicious simple food and improving the health and nutrition of older people.

“I hope this cookbook does both but it’s not for ‘old’ people, it’s for you.

“These are my recipes for every day, for everybody, full of deep flavours and beautiful ingredients that will nourish you and your family.

“Nobody wants to eat worthy food that tastes like cardboard.

“For me, food without flavour is unthinkable!

And so is the notion of restricting whole food groups.

“This is not a diet

WHAT’S ON FOUR EXHIBITIONS

NORTHERN Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina, launches four exciting new exhibitions this month. In liminal, Kate Dambach uses saturated colour, glazing layers and subtle shifts to create an emotive experience through paint.

Homage to Home by Sharon McIlwain features landscapes worked from photography, plein air paintings, drawings and collective memories.

David Robson’s specialty is watercolour in Winds of Change, and in Seven Years in Solitude, Anna Nordstrom uses discarded domestic

The humble great Aussie shed

book – it’s a way of life.”

Based on the latest scientific research, Maggie has created more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health.

More than a million Australians are affected every day by Alzheimer’s or its impact on their family but the good news is that you can eat well to age well, from this

building material. The exhibitions open November 15, and continues until December 17. The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is at 44 Cherry St and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am–4pm and weekends from 9.30am–2.30pm. Details call 6681 6167 or visit www.nrcgballina.com.au.

MAKERS AND FINDERS

SET in a relaxing and creative environment, Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Market is an excellent venue for artists, vintage wares and musicians from the Tweed region. Located in the family friendly Knox Park, on the third Saturday of each month,

moment on.

The proceeds from Maggie’s Recipe for Life will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Published by Simon & Schuster, Recipe for Life is available in bookshops and in ebook now.

RRP $39.99

ONE of Australia’s best-loved celebrities Scott Cam raises a toast in stories, anecdotes and photographs to an enduring Australian icon, the (not so humble) backyard shed. He loves his sheds so much, he has two of them. He loves spending time in them, sometimes doing absolutely zip; just having a beer, looking around, turning random things on and off, sanding a bit of timber for no reason.You’ll be inspired by the owners’ fascinating stories, and by the stunning images of their pride and joy and you might even join Scotty on his mission to make sheds great, make them essential, and make them loved again.

Published by Murdoch Books, Scotty’s Top Aussie Sheds is available in bookshops. RRP $35.

Bewitching Zanzibar Wife THE Zanzibar Wife is a bewitching novel of clashing cultures and conflicting beliefs, of secrets and revelations, of mystery and magic, by the author of the international bestseller The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul.

Set both in Oman and on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, The Zanzibar Wife is the story of three different women, each at a turning point in her life . ..

Oman. The ancient land of frankincense, wind-swept deserts, craggy mountaintops and turquoise seas.

Into this magical nation come three remarkable women, each facing a crossroad in her life.

As the three women journey together across this weird and wonderful land, they are forced to confront their darkest fears and their deepest wishes.

Published by Penguin, available in bookshops and ebook. RRP $32.99

from 9am–3pm. Details email makersand finders@outlook.com or check out the website.

Café, from 10am. See the group page on Facebook.

Sue Lewis on 0423 555 739 or email sue@aussiesfororphans. org.

SPRING EXCHANGE

AUSSIES FOR ORPHANS

THE OVERTOPPING

SPRING is in her full, majestic flight and the time is drawing nearer to harvest her fruits to share and swap. The Federal Exchange happens the last Saturday of each season, next on November 25.

Bring any excess food you can harvest from your garden to swap with each other ... fruit, vegies, seeds, herbs, cuttings, seedlings, worms, compost, eggs, flowers, nuts, manure and honey.

Leave your money at home – this is a rare, completely cash-free event. At the Federal Park, opposite Doma

AUSSIES for Orphans is a charity based in Skennars Head that was founded in 2005 by Steve and Sue Lewis. This year’s fundraiser is to kick-start Project Destiny, a ground-breaking education initiative in partnership with a Delhi-based charity. Enjoy a gourmet Indian banquet, lucky door prize, major raffle and auction items on November 25 at Club Lennox, Lennox Head. Cost $55 includes champagne on arrival, three-course meal and entertainment, 6.30–11pm. To book call

THE Overtopping is a creative investigation into disaster, recovery, trauma and resilience based around the extreme weather event Cyclone Debbie and its impact on Lismore. It is a site-specific, multi-sensory theatrical experience based on stories of the April 2017 flood and its aftermath.

Cost free. At cnr of Keen St & Larkin Lane, Lismore, from November 3 to December 1.

ARTSTATE LISMORE

PRODUCED by Regional Arts NSW in partnership with Arts Northern Rivers,

A guide to living longer

EVERY day we’re bombarded by often-contradictory advice on what to do to keep ourselves healthy.

The Longevity List is a witty and instructive guide to help us sort the medical fact from health industry hot air – to help us live a long and healthy life.

Professor Merlin Thomas runs a research unit within Monash University and frequently travels the world lecturing on health-related matters. In his new book he looks at each item on the “longevity list” in turn, analysing why it’s come to be considered a health priority, and giving his scientifically backed verdict on how much attention we really need to pay to it.

Available from www.exisle publishing.com.au and stores. RRP $34.99.

Artstate is an exciting four-day arts event encompassing an inspiring two-day speakers’ program alongside a diverse multi-genre arts program, from November 30 to December 3. For details and tickets, visit www.artstate.com.au.

MUSICAL THEATRE

DAUGHTERS of the Rum Rebellion at the Star Court Theatre, Lismore, on December 1 is a musical theatre production that reveals the hidden history of Australia’s female bushrangers, starring Gleny Rae and Ilona Harker. Cost $20/$15. At the Star Court Theatre, Lismore, 7–8pm. Details on the theatre’s website or call 9270 2500.

Puzzles

Monday, November 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

6/11

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 ts in with that letter and write in the letters.

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

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

V E

S E A

M A K W H E R

S E C M A P S

I T Y T S C H

S C

A R T L E I O N

B C R A O R

H S P M P

T I I M M C

A S S S M A

R A R E W I T

T A E A R E

R C E R A

I

L O N Y

S T H N A T

R M A D E S S

S E T E I D C

S U E M E L A

D E Z E F A

R N E D I I

L A Y R S C I

D E A S T

C H E D A O

E V C L A E

E N S S T

I

I

N N E

Northern NSW

QUICK CRoSSwoRD Across 1. Comprehend (10) 7. Majestic (5) 8. Bewilders (7) 10. Laughs (8) 11. Knoll (4) 13. Charm (6) 15. Debacle (6) 17. Debauched party (4) 18. Numerous (8) 21. Spread from (7) 22. Anticipate (5) 23. Qualities (10)

Down 1. Provocation (colloq) (5) 2. Grand (8) 3. Symbol (6) 4. Doubtful (4) 5. Adds up (7) 6. Decipher (5,1,4) 9. Outline (10) 12. Divert (8) 14. Beauty contest (7) 16. Excellent (6) 19. Strategies (5) 20. Even-handed (4)

1

2

3

Seniors 23

4

5

6 7

8

9

10

11 12

13

14

15 16

17

18

19

20 21

22

TRIO

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

SUDOKU

23

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

WORD GO ROUND

ALPHAGRAMS

Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 28+

KEEPS, LOWERS, MARBLES, NIGHTCAP, ORIENTATE.

TODAY

L S

TRIO: UNC

490

Z Y

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

L

T A L T I V R E A Y S H A R P A S S S E A D

E F

PEEKS ROWELS RAMBLES PATCHING ONE ATTIRE

L A Y S R H S C I N A N R S I N C E E C R A R I T E T W I T C H R H N E D S I I M P E V A C L A S S E M

U T

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.

SUDOKU

JIGGERED

B D E C R A Z E R F A O S U E D E A M E L A S T I T I I M M E N S S T C A S E C T M E A R A P S E L M A K W I O N Y H E R

woRD Go RoUND

QUICK CROSSWORD

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

Across: 1. Appreciate 7. Regal 8. Baffles 10. Chortles 11. Hill 13. Appeal 15. Fiasco 17. Orgy 18. Multiple 21. Emanate 22. Await 23. Attributes.

Down: 1. Aggro 2. Palatial 3. Emblem 4. Iffy 5. Tallies 6. Crack a code 9. Silhouette 12. Distract 14. Pageant 16. Superb 19. Plans 20. Fair.

alpHaGRaMS

fell fells felt ue ute uty fuel fuels full fullest fulls fully left lefty lest lets lust lusty lute lutes lutz self sell style sully tell tells tulle yell yells zestful ZESTFULLY

F

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24 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 20, 2017