Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper december 2013

S ENIORS ONE S TOP

& Darling Downs

Toowoomba

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Your Local Seniors’ Newspaper - Written for Seniors by Seniors

Vol 1 - Issue No 2

December 2013

1300 880 265

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Connecting people through singing

Sing Australia Toowoomba members, back row left to right: Selma Jones, Wendy Brunkhorst, Glenda Anderson, front row left to right: Peggy Pearl, Frank Mann, Gwen Cooper and Tony McKeon

SINGING is a very personal and emotional expression. It is a universal language that has the capacity to bring people together in friendship. Just think about it, people sing just about all over the world. Most countries have their own songs.

Although different cultures create different types of music, the fact that they all sing makes them equal to us in their desire to express themselves through singing. Singing is therefore a natural and magnificent way of connecting with people all over the world.

Photograph by Barry Whisson, Vice President, Toowoomba Photographic Society

Sing Australia was founded by Colin Slater OAM in 1985, with a primary goal of encouraging people to sing.

He envisioned Australia as a country where everyone sings.

Gwen Cooper leader of the Sing Australia Toowoomba group says: “Many people say they can’t sing and have had bad experiences in choirs, but Sing Australia is for everyone who enjoys the sheer pleasure of singing.”

Continued on Page 2

Are you interested in Volunteering?

Volunteering can be a valuable and enriching way to spend your spare time You can meet new people, while contributing to the community With 18 Retail Shops on the Darling Downs and a Distribution Centre, Lifeline offers many opportunities for volunteers

Head Office: 33 Russell Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 I Ph 1300 991 443 I www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au

If you are interested in Volunteering, please phone 1300 991 443 or visit our website

community news Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Newspaper ABN 26 089 559 697

Independently Owned & Operated IN THIS ISSUE Lifestyle .......................... Page 16 Law & Finance .............. Page 18

Connecting people through singing Continued from Page 1 “Our Toowoomba group is a diverse mix of people with a few talented singers, but most of our members have never sung in a group before and some can’t read music.

“It doesn’t matter as all are welcome to come and join us.

“We employ a professional conductor and accompanist and it’s amazing how good we sound after just a few

weeks of practice,” said Gwen.

Gwen explained that Sing Australia Toowoomba is just one group of 150 scattered around the nation.

“In Toowoomba we have 50 members with about 30 attending singing practice each week, but there’s no necessity for people to attend every week. We meet in St David’s Church Hall on the corner of Mary and Alford Streets at 6.30pm, singing from 7pm

to 9.00pm, and pay $6 each. There are no auditions. There is no need to be able to read music.

There is no need to be able to sing in parts. No previous experience needed. Our singing nights are run in a very friendly atmosphere, with many saying it is great medicine - a time to forget your troubles.

“We are also very community minded and like to promote Toowoomba. In September 2012 we in-

vited members from other Sing Australia groups in S.E. Qld to join us for the Carnival of Flowers weekend of celebrations. In February we hosted a concert with the total proceeds going to the Hospice.

“We volunteer our services at a variety of places, from house warming parties, aged care complexes, retirement villages, birthday and breakup parties and Christmas events. We’ve

even sang at Bunnings.

There is no pressure on anyone to sing in public, but those who do get quite a buzz out of it.

“For those who enjoy singing and like to volunteer in a different way our group could be the place for you.

Everyone is welcome so come and join us.”

For more information phone Gwen on 0402 158 456 or visit www.sing australia.com.au

Health ............................ Page 20 Travel ............................. Page 24

Christmas Down Under in Warwick

Crossword ..................... Page 30 Entertainment ................ Page 31

Readers, please tell the businesses you shop with, to consider advertising in the paper. It’s advertising revenue that pays for your newspaper each month.

All Advertising, Editorial & Distribution enquiries:

1300 880 265 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au P.O. Box 1062, Tewantin Q. 4565

Subscribe Now Only $36.30 for 1 year (11 Editions) subscription - includes GST & postage anywhere in Australia. Call 1300 880 265

Toowoomba Seniors Now Online

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Also publishers of • Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper • Brisbane Seniors Newspaper • Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper Printed by APN Print, Toowoomba Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspaper are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

Distributed to libraries, clubs, shopping centres, select chemists and newsagents, seniors and community centres, senior specific groups, associations, over 50s complexes, aged care facilities and retirement villages.

Friendly Country Style Care at BEAUARABA LIVING!

BEAUARABA LIVING is located on the Darling Downs, just 25 minutes south west of Toowoomba in the serene town of Pittsworth.

BEAUARABA LIVING offers residential aged and respite care with 44 low-care places with ageing in place, and 36 high-care places, including eight secure dementia beds.

• The facility encourages residents to become engaged in everyday life in a meaningful way.

• We recognise that every person is different, their care programs provide many lifestyle choices to satisfy unique residents’ needs. Encouraging active involvement in day to day life and experiencing a better quality of life.

• Features include single ensuite and furnished rooms with built-in wardrobes and reverse cycle air conditioning, TV and phone connections to rooms. Residents can bring their own small furniture and items to make their room feel like home.

• 24 hour emergency call system • Healthy menu with a chef on site • On site Medical Centre, hairdressing and laundry service, air-conditioned lounge, dining, TV rooms, library and internet and email access.

10 Weale St, Pittsworth. QLD. 4356 Phone: (07) 4619 8422 www.beauarabaliving.org.au Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

Maria Ryan and Lane Ellis making Christmas decorations

CHRISTMAS Down Under provides an opportunity for the region’s children and their carers to experience the Christian message of Christmas. Senior volunteer parishioners from Warwick’s Christian churches use craft, face painting, story-telling, interactive figurines and music with life-sized puppets to demonstrate that Jesus is the reason for the season. The children feel relaxed with someone who is as familiar as their own grandmother and the actions as much as the words convey the gentle message that today’s often stressful round of shopping, gifts and partying is not the real story of Christmas. Children are encouraged to bring along their family members to have a free family photograph taken around the nativity scene which will be mounted on a special souvenir card. Come along to 90 Grafton Street, Warwick from Tuesday December 17 to Friday 20 between 9:30 am and 1pm.

For further information call Dianne on 4661 3527 or 0427 000 887 or contact Sue at sue.nalder@gmail.com

Carols in the Chapel THE Scots PGC College and Warwick Uniting church invite you to a programme of readings and carols to foster a meditative approach to the Celebration of Christmas. Come along to Scots PGC Chapel at Oxenham Street, Warwick on Thursday 19th December, 2013 from 7.30pm. Supper will follow in chapel hall.

For further enquiries please call 0417 720 152. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news New local Seniors paper is important information resource

Cr Geoff McDonald Toowoomba Regional Council Chair Environment and Community Committee Portfolio Leader Tourism & Events and Property Services

THERE is no doubt that the best outcome for a community come from within that community.

The Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is a shining example of a community leading the charge for its community - in this case a paper for over 50s produced by the over 50s.

November’s edition marked the start of what is potentially the most

important networking and information resource for Seniors in our region.

Congratulations to everyone involved in recognising this opportunity to link, educate and entertain the regions growing demographic of over 50s.

It may well have taken 10 years to see this paper “hit the stands” in Toowoomba and the

Darling Downs but like any great success there need to be a solid foundation to maintain its sustainability.

Having the very modest beginnings of being formulated around the family kitchen table in 1998 to boasting similar newspapers in the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast/Tweed, there is a track record that points

Local award-winning photographers share their stories and inspiration

SOME of Toowoomba’s award winning and internationally recognised photographers share their images, stories and tips at Cobb+Co Museum’s new exhibition, Icons on Icons: A lifetime of living with the camera Icons on Icons will run until Monday, 27 January 2014 and features the work of acclaimed photographers John Elliott, Graham Burstow, duo Doug Spowart and Victoria Cooper, and David Seeto.

Coinciding with the exhibition will be a range of events and workshops for aspiring photographers and lovers of stunning imagery. Cobb+Co Museum Director Deborah Bailey said whether you are interested in photography or just beautiful images, In the Dark Room will give people the opportunity to meet the Icons at a series of associated events starting at the official opening of the exhibition.

“We are excited to announce that the official opening will feature the opportunity to meet our Icons and hear them discuss their iconic images ‘on the couch’ with world

Photography Workshop on Saturday 18 January has been designed for you to get the most of your digital camera and break free from Auto mode. This full-day workshop costs $110 and will cover camera terminology, deciphering your camera manual and lighting.

Bookings for the all In the Dark Room events and Shutterbug Workshops are essential. Visit cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au to book online or phone 4659 4900

renowned photographer and commentator Ian Poole,” she said.

Other In the Dark Room Events include: Doug Spowart and Victoria Cooper sharing their knowledge on the Nocturne Project and Photographing night lights on Friday, 13 December 2013 Graham Burstow talking about Photography and Symbolism on Friday, 10 January 2014.

Tickets to each In the Dark Room event costs $25 per person and

to ongoing editions for many years to come.

Enjoy the December edition of Toowoomba

and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a safe

and happy festive season and a year ahead filled with many memorable moments.

Make life easier with an Acorn Stairlift An Acorn Stairlift could be the key to retaining your independence, while still being able to enjoy the beauty and space of the home you love.

Direct from the manufacturer Best price guaranteed Safe, reliable and trouble free For straight or curved staircases Ask about our free home assessment Indoor and outdoor lifts available

includes a drink on arrival and nibbles.

There will also be a series of Shutterbug Workshops in January to provide tips on how to get the most out of your camera, smartphone or tablet.

ABC Open’s Ben Tupas will conduct a free workshop on how to take fabulous photos with your smartphone or tablet on Friday 17 January 2014. This workshop requires you to bring your own device. While a Basic

Season’s Greetings to everyone THE team at Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper wish all our readers and advertisers a Christmas time full of sharing and kindness and wish you a healthy, happy New Year. Please note that we don’t publish a January edition, however we will be back in 2014 with your paper packed full of information, and looking bigger and brighter than ever. Our first edition for the year will be published on Friday 7th February and we welcome your community notices and photographs, which need to reach us by Wednesday 29th January.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

A NEW report has revealed that dating and romance scams have cost Australian victims more than $23.3 million in 2012.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest annual report received more than

community news Girlfriends are so important FOR forty eight years these six good friends have made time to stop during their busy lives to sit, talk and listen to each other.

Something very special grew from those early days when Thea, Marcia, Wendy, Cecily, Gwen and Bev met while playing social tennis.

There were others in the group over the years, however the same six have stuck together.

Watching their children grow, marry and have their children, sharing and caring in all their ups and downs. They have been there for each other all the way. Tennis went by the wayside when they found they were spending more time talking off court , so now they hold court every Friday and enjoy a coffee and a chat. It’s true families are important, however work careers end, love waxes and wanes, children grow, marry and move away, but girlfriends are always there, running along beside you, telling you, ‘you can do it’.

Supporting you with a kind word of advice and offering a sympathetic ear when needed.

Back row - left to right: Girlfriends, Thea Horner, Marcia Dearling, Wendy Davis.

Front row - left to right: Cecily Black, Gwen Singh and Bev Mead at the City Golf Club

Love scams targeting older Australians 83,000 contacts about scams with losses reported of over $93 million in 2012.

In Australia, women over 50 are the most susceptible to romance scams.

Scams asking victims for advanced fees/up-front payments was the

number one scam followed by romance scams and those scams derived from investment seminars and real estate.

And it seems women over 50 are the most susceptible to romance scams, according to Detective Superintendent Brian Hay from the

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

Queensland Police.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay, who was not commenting directly on the ACCC report, said women over 50 who use online dating sites or chat rooms were often targeted by fraudsters who spent months building a relationship

Toowoomba City Bowls Club celebrates 75 years

Madam President of Bowls Queensland Ladies Section, President Dawn Forrest presenting President Gloria Reedy with a plaque commemorating the milestone event

with their victims before suddenly asking for big amounts of money for an emergency.

Phishing and identity theft continues to be another big problem for Australians with nearly 500 people contacting the ACCC reporting financial loss.

Readers!

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Life Member and Past President Pat Backman, President Gloria Reedy (who is also a Past President) and Life Member and Past President Iris Upton

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1300 242 535

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Seniors Enquiry Line offers information on discounts and concessions UNITINGCARE Community’s Seniors Enquiry Line is a faucet of information regarding most things to do with seniors which includes providing access to materials and information that can help seniors find discounts and concessions which could make their journey of senior-hood more comfortable.

The Business Discount Directory for Seniors and Carers is one such resource available for seniors who hold a Seniors Card, Seniors Business discount Card and/or Carer Business Discount Card. This directory shows the wealth of discounts and concessions available through participating businesses. In the past these directories have been posted to card holders however now limited numbers are being made available through various outlets in Queensland like Seniors Enquiry Line.

“Seniors Enquiry Line has limited numbers but the directory is also available on the Queensland Government’s website at www.communities. qld.gov.au where seniors can also find information about senior’s concession cards in general,” said Julie Argeros, Seniors Enquiry Line Coordinator.

“Seniors Enquiry Line can not only provide copies of this directory to interested seniors but they can also give information over the phone about concession cards, eligibility for those cards and other concessions available to card holders,” she said. This information is also available through Smart Services QLD (13 74 68) and at www.communities. qld.gov.au There are 8 regional editions of the directories and a directory and discount offers listed in the directories are provided voluntarily by businesses and that not all businesses provide discounts to all card holder types.

For more information from Seniors Enquiry Line about seniors discounts and concessions or on the Business Discount Directory for Seniors and Carers, please phone 1300 135 500 or visit us online at www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Helping hard-hit farmers the best medicine for Aussie Helper Brian

By JIM BOWDEN FARMER Brian Egan struck his heel on a cake of dry dust, loaded the truck and drove away from his grain and cattle property at Dalby for the last time - broke after three years of drought and not a drop of rain.

Like many other good, experienced drought-hit farming families with their hearts in the soil, back then in 1999 it seemed like the end of the road for Brian and his wife Nerida.

Shortly after losing his property, Brian developed co-morbid depression after a long battle with post-traumatic stress following service inVietnam and Indonesia; for a long time he was catatonic, unable to cope with life and went into Greenslopes Hospital.

Then advice from a psychologist friend turned his life around. ‘’The best thing you could do is find someone worse off than yourself and help them,’’ Brian’s friend said.

Recovering, Brian formed Aussie Helpers 11 years ago with his wife Nerida,

Lift that bale, tote that truck .. Brian Egan sends off another load of hay to drought-stricken farmers

a charity that assists farming families in need.

“The most valuable thing we give is someone to sit across the kitchen table and listen to them over a cuppa,” Brian reflected.

“Time and time again we see a deep, genuine thankfulness that someone really cares.”

Now based at Charleville, the 70-year-old former Queensland Senior Australian of the Year talked to Toowoomba &

Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper about Aussie Helpers and responded enthusiastically when we told him the newspaper and its family of publications were going to support and promote the charity.

“Good on you blokes,” Brian said.

Aussie Helpers operates with about 40 volunteers, among them military veterans, ‘grey nomads’, former farmers, and

truckies, who have travelled more than one and a half million kilometres to assist farming families all over Australia.

Brian and Nerida have the support of their four A help in children, too. now ha g hand . . . Brian Egan s good reas on to smile “They’re grown up now and scattered all over the place.”

Jones at Sydney’s 2GB Brian says it’s a dust bowl who had promoted the out west right now. campaign far and wide.

“I reckon 60% Brain says he may be 70, of Queensland is in but he enjoys working up drought,” he said. “This to 16 hours a day for the is the big one that snuck cause. up on us. But it’s not only And the figures for feed that’s running out – Aussie Helpers speak for it’s water. themselves – more than “And it worries me that 3000 families assisted and both state and federal the delivery of 3000 governments seem to be tonnes of groceries, 4000 fiddling while tonnes of stock feed and Queensland burns.”

20 tonnes of personal The situation spurred hygiene and paper packs Brian and his volunteers – all donated. to start up their Buy-A- ‘I wouldn’t be alive if I Bale Campaign, a joint wasn’t helping people,’’ venture with Aussie Brian Egan said. ‘’It’s my Helpers, which already medicine. All negativity is has raised nearly $575,000 driven out of my head. to provide mostly feed Nothing in life makes you and diesel to affected feel better than caring for farmers. someone else.’’

He praised the support of Visit: www.aussiehelpers.org. radio personality Alan au or www.buyabale.com.au

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

community news Elegant dining gone, but not forgotten

THE Railway Refreshment Rooms were an integral part of travel in the days of steam.

Regular stops for the loco to take on water and coal gave passengers a chance to alight and head for the Room, usually located on the platform, for tea or coffee, cakes or scones, or if they were lucky, a sit down meal with alcoholic beverages.

Railway Refreshment Rooms had their heyday in the years between the world wars when almost 100 Rooms were in business across Queensland. Toowoomba was always one of the better ones.

Local girl Gabrielle Cullinan began working there in 1949 when she was 20, not long after WWII. Now Mrs Gabrielle (Gaye) Bianchi, she recalled how “the boss” employed only country girls because he thought they were better workers.

She worked first in the tea bar, moved on to the dining room when it was busy, sometimes helped the cook in the kitchen, then served in the milk bar and the bar.

“It was very busy in those days,” she said.

The boss lived on the premises, and so did the wait staff.

“There were about 13 or 14 girls and we had four bedrooms with three girls in each bedroom,” she said.

“The boss and his wife lived across the

Back row; Von Ebling - Tmba, Daphne Mitchell - Pitsworth, Gabrielle Cullinan - Helidon, Dulcie Bartowski- Meringandan, Dolly Donovan - Tmbaq, Isobel Schamburg - Millmeran, Mabs Beckman - Crows Nest, Joan Sullivan - Tmba - June 1954

Dulcie Bartowski, Peg Breydan, Jean Flynn, Margaret Alexander, Dawn Berkley, Gabrielle Cullinan, Beverley Reithmuller, Daphne Reithmuller, Margaret Bell, Dolly Donovan, Elaine Reardon,Betty Stanke

passageway, it was like a big family. “ I left to get married in 1957 and Dulcie took over as head girl after I left but she sometimes called on me to help out when it was busy.

“The Room was called ‘Dulcie’s Room’ although that changed later.

“The young ones now

can’t believe that we used to get down on our hands and knees and wash the floor, then polish it ready for the next train.

“On Wednesday and Saturday every piece of silver had to be cleaned and polished. “They say ‘But didn’t you have a union?’ and no, we didn’t.

“We had no arguments,

we laughed a lot and we got into it and all worked together.”

Mrs Bianchi said their day started at 5 o’clock and if the train was late they would still be there at 11 until the train came through.”

There were more laughs as she remembered the Railway Refreshment

Room staff trying valiantly to cope with the influx of visitors for the first Carnival of Flowers.

No one expected the tens of thousands of people who turned up on the trains, supplemented by a couple of McCafferty’s busloads.

“They kept coming in the doors and in the end we couldn’t cope but we kept on going,” she recalled.

“We couldn’t get the washing-up done quickly enough so we had the McCafferty’s men doing it and we roped in the boyfriend of one of the girls who turned up and of course the men had water all over the floor,” she said.

“Our boss was away and he was mad he missed it all. “Finally the relieving boss said, ‘that’s it, go and get dressed, I’m taking you up to Middle Ridge to the dance hall, we’ll do the washing up in the morning.”

“And we were, still washing up on the Monday morning.”

It didn’t turn her off though.

She continued to work every Carnival of Flowers after that first one and still goes in if she gets the call to help out.

Mrs Bianchi still lives in Toowoomba and keeps in touch with the seven or eight former “girls” who worked in the Railway Refreshment Rooms.

Every year they get together for a Christmas catch-up.

Missing link divided Warwick and Toowoomba

INTER-CITY tempers have thankfully cooled since 1886, when Warwick and Toowoomba were facing off in a bitter conflict over the Via Recta.

The Via Recta (probably means a corrective track) is “the line that never was”.

It was proposed as a direct rail link from Brisbane to the border that would give Queensland the advantage in competition with NSW for goods haulage. Construction was approved and started but the final link between Maryvale and Mt Edwards was never completed.

To confirm that “the line that never was” is a lost cause, the railway line to Maryvale has since been pulled up.

The trial survey from Spicer’s Peak Road Gap to Rosewood was completed in June 1884 but did not yield favourable results, according to the annual report of the Commissioner for

C-17 Class locomotive, No. 971

Railways. Issues of the very steep gradient, plus the higher cost of initial construction and ongoing burden of running extra locomotives because of the gradient, put an end to the project.

The details are not so clear but evidently the Via Recta would have provided a direct link to Warwick and by-passed Toowoomba, which ignited a furious response in the newspaper of the time.

Both cities claimed rights to the line and the

Warwick Argus took up the fight, pushing for the construction of the line to carry freight despite opposition from Toowoomba residents.

“The provision of another trade faucet,” trumpeted the paper, “would break the unjust monopoly Toowoomba has so long fattened upon at the expense of her neighbours.

“It behoves the people of this district to push their claims without regard to the petty selfishness of

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

their jealous neighbour.”

Again on July 3, 1886...”The knights of Redmud City are determined to obstruct the making of this muchneeded railway...because it will shorten the distance between the Downs and Brisbane by a number of miles.”

And later again...”Wake up Warwick and demand your just rights and don’t stand by while other people trade on your good nature.”

But it was all to no avail.

The full story can be found under “Historical Information” on the website of Southern Downs Steam Railway (SDSR), a not-for-profit group based in Warwick and run entirely by volunteer train buffs.

Their pride and joy is the C17, Number 971, built in Maryborough in 1951, rescued from a park in Chinchilla and completely rebuilt.

The C17 is used for running vintage steam train excursions from Warwick around the Southern Downs district including Clifton, Hendon, Stanthorpe, Wallangarra and Goondiwindi.

A new extension to Toowoomba will be operating next year.

The train is available for charter. Bookings on 4661 3530 or 4661 9788.

A catering car is currently under construction and hopefully will be operational early next year.

The rise and fall of Railway Refreshment Rooms

Courtesy The Works hops

Rail Museum

SERVICE in the Rooms was regarded as a desirable career for women and girls, who were mostly employed from the age of 15 or 16 as barmaids, waitresses, cooks or “generals”.

They were paid according to the job, not their skills level.

In 1918, a waitress was paid between 15-27 shillings for a 48-hour week and managers between 20 shillings and 4 pounds a week.

A female cook was paid between 35 shillings and 3 pounds, as against a male cook’s 3 to 4 pounds.

The girls were reasonably well looked after, receiving allowances for accommodation and some board in addition to their salaries.

The Queensland Historical Atlas* traces the rise and fall of the Railway Refreshment Rooms.

The Refreshment Rooms began to appear soon after the opening of the State’s first railway in 1865. Toowoomba was among the first, with Mrs Littleton of the Royal Hotel providing refreshments in a Room close to the station in 1867.

The same year James Bassingwaite, licencee of the Lady of the Lake Hotel in Helidon applied for a licence to sell refreshments including wines and spirits.

As the Rooms proliferated across the railway network some were licenced and some were designated Temperance Rooms.

Passengers could buy hampers fitted with crockery and cutlery, provision and napkins to take on their continuing journey.

The Allman family, hoteliers from Warwick, had four Rooms which they set up with their own branded china; Mr D Allman became the general manager of the Railway Refreshment Rooms in 1917 when the Railway Department took over control of the Rooms.

The Refreshment Rooms were in decline by the 1950s, rendered obsolete by air-conditioned carriages, a buffet car on most long-haul trains, the growing popularity of car travel and finally, the advent of diesel trains which did not need to make regular stops to clean the fire and smokebox and take on water.

Almost all Rooms closed but Toowoomba, Central and Roma St continued to function although the days of elegant dining while travelling had passed into history, along with the steam trains. *The Queensland Historical Atlas : Railway Refreshment Rooms By Geraldine Mate and Merv Volkers. (2012) www.qhatlas.com.au

Stories by Margaret Johansson www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Cousin Jim wants to hear from those baby boomers of the bush MEMORIES of sloshing through snow and rain as a schoolboy in Scotland and riding a stockhorse in the middle of summer on rugged Glenhaughton Station at Taroom were two extremes that came quickly back to Jim Bowden when he was asked to recall some of the stories he wrote for children in his weekly column Kiddies Korner in Queensland Country Life in the 1950s and early 1960s.

As a green-behind-theears Welsh-born cadet journalist, Jim was given his first assignment in 1957 – reporting on livestock sales at Cannon Hill.

A year later, his editor Wallace Skelsey made him a columnist – a lowly one, preparing short stories, puzzles and poems for a

growing band of young readers all over country Queensland as Cousin Jim. “This was just such a wonderful time,” Jim said. “I made friends with scores of outback kids who wrote regularly and had their letters published in the paper.”

Jim still has most of those columns pasted in a frayed book of clippings that also contains a lot of articles he wrote over his 30 years with Country Life.

He went on to become chief of staff and associate editor at the paper and in the 1980s established his own publishing business.

Cousin Jim and Rusty Now he is arranging to have the animal odes that he wrote every Kangaroo, Percy Bandicoot among them. week for Kiddies Korner Platypus, Elmer Emu “They all carried a published – Katie and Bertie the message in rhyme about good behaviour and respect for our elders, told in a humorous way,” Jim said.

“And it’s just possible,” he said, “that there are some readers of Seniors Newspaper out there who might have read the column or wrote

Eric (Tex) McGee from Leyburn receiving the Diligent and Ethical Service Medal for his service to the Rural Fire Brigade.

Eric was Leyburn Fire Warden from 1991 to 2013 and is now Deputy Fire Warden. Now 86 years of age he began with the Fire Service at 16 when they used a rake and wet bags to fight fires.

and short stories about his adventures as a rural journalist, with an odd ode or two included for good measure.

He wants to encourage readers to write in, to ‘talk’ to him in the printed word, and to share memories of growing up in country Queensland.

“And if you are one

of my Country Cousins from a long time ago, that would be extra special,” Jim added.

“Where are you Kathleen Nell Kylittle?”

Write to Cousin Jim, C/Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, P O Box 1062, Tewantin Q. 4565, or email him at cancon@bigpond.net.au

TOENAIL CUTTING in your own Home Yes We Come to You! letters way back when.

“They would be the baby boomers of the bush – and it would be great to know a lot of them are still out there and maybe would like to get in touch.”

So here’s another story.

Jim is going to write a regular column for your seniors newspaper, peppered with humour

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community news Enjoying National Seniors Garden City Christmas Party GARDEN City Branch of National Seniors Australia played host to ninety members and visitors at their Christmas luncheon Party on Monday November 25.Visitors came from as far away as Stanthorpe, Warwick, Gatton and Dalby as well as from our sister branch, Toowoomba. All enjoyed the entertainment by Scott Tweedie on keyboard and the singing of many old favourites. A delicious Christmas lunch was provided by the staff of South Toowoomba Bowls Club. Our oldest member, Frank Eulenstein, cut the Christmas cake made by Pauline Hennessy. Everyone returned home with a Drakes IGA grocery bag containing pantry supplies. Some were also lucky enough to win one of the donated prizes in the multi-draw raffle.

This is our final activity for the year, and we will meet again at South Toowoomba Bowls Club on 20 January 2014. Hazel Gillies President Garden City Branch Yvonne Lewis and Raelene Packer

Tom Plant and Betty Siebenhausen

Keith Sims (Stanthorpe), Hazel Gillies (Garden City), Marg Sims and Dawn McCosker (Stanthorpe) Back: Ursula Schuman and Elina Mikkonen, Front: Gisela Matt and Irene Earsman

June Wagner and Crystal Hersth

Frank Eulenstein and Pauline Hennessy

Dell Jensen, Julie Nutley and Marion Neilsen

Carmel McQueen (Warwick), Wendy Whitehorn (Toowoomba) and Dawn McCosker (Stanthorpe)

Will you reach out at Christmas time?

The Management & staff would like to wish all their customers a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

YOU might want to bear in mind that the coming days of sharing and festivities don’t necessarily hold as much happiness for everyone. People who find themselves alone, perhaps with no family nearby and their usual friends busy with their own families, may feel lonely and even sad amid the music and bustle that seems to have passed them by. If you can think of someone in this situation, alone for Christmas, give them a call, or invite them to share your Christmas meal.

No-one should feel totally alone at Christmas. ’Tis the season to be jolly not lonely. You could make a difference to someone’s happiness by reaching out in friendship.

Maybe you are of those who may find yourself alone, but you too could look around, think of those you know who may be in the same boat and invite them over or meet up with them on Christmas day. You might want to visit a hospital or hospice where many elderly folk have no-one to visit them. Don’t just sit at home wishing you were celebrating with lots of friends and family.

There is always far more joy in giving to others than in receiving.

Toowoomba Day VIEW Club

WE are having our Luncheon on Tuesday 10th December 2013 at 11am for 11.30am start. Come along to Regents on the Lake for our Christmas Breakup and Bring and Buy Table. There will be a two course meal for $20 plus Raffle and Lucky Door. Booking by Sunday 8th December to Marlene on 4636 1311. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Toowoomba Remembrance Day OVER 200 Ex Servicemen and women, family and friends assembled at the Mothers’ Memorial on Nov 11th to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that saw the end the first World War 11/11/1918 ”The war to end all wars”. The Catafalque Party was drawn from Cadets from 13 Australian Army Cadet Unit, the Guest Speaker was Cadet L/Seaman Kie Williams, Training Ship Toowoomba Australian Navy Cadets and a senior student St Ursula’s College and recipient of the 2013 Toowoomba RSL ANZAC award. The music for the service was supplied by the Harlaxton RSL Brass Band . 28 wreaths were laid by Council, Serving Units Ex- service oganisations and citizens during the service. Spokesperson Bill Hills OAM said that there has been a marked increase in the numbers attending memorial services and it is very pleasing to see the number of younger people taking interest and participating and

hopefully taking over the running of commemoration services from the “Old Brigade” in due course.

The annual Commemoration Church Parade was held again at St Lukes Church on Saturday Nov 9th when the regimental colours of the 25th Battalion RQR were paraded along with the Ensigns of the Australian Defence Force and Merchant Marine. The guest speaker was the former Bishop of the defence force the Rt. Rev. Len Eacott AM KSJ, an’ old Toowoomba boy.’ The Cadet from ANC, AAC and AAFC participated in the service and music for this occasion was again provided by the Harlaxton RSL Brass Band.

(L to R) CDTCPL Emily Cavanagh, Mr Sid Taylor - he is the last surviving Airman in Australia from Tobruk, CDTCPL Meagan Bradley, Mr John Gillan OAM - 28 years of service, including 1RAR, 5RAR, 8/9RAR

Salvation Army launches Typhoon Disaster Relief Appeal for the Philippines

Help Red Cross stock up for Christmas AS the festive season fast approaches Red Cross is appealing for urgent donations of unwanted summer clothing to help stock local Red Cross Shops for Christmas. National Marketing Manager, Jayne-Anne Power says ladies summer clothing is in hot demand, particularly dresses but anything light and in good condition is always appreciated. “The early summer weather in many parts of the country has depleted our stores of summer clothing” says Jayne-Anne. “Christmas is the busiest time of the year for our Red Cross Shops. “We need more stock in the next few weeks to cater for the many hundreds of people who’ll be coming into our stores during December to buy something special for Christmas and help a great cause at the same time. The proceeds from our shop sales help support people during disasters, provide daily phone calls to check on the wellbeing of isolated or elderly Australians, and prepare nutritious breakfasts for children who need a healthy start to the day. To donate summer clothing simply walk into a Red Cross Shop and hand your items across the counter or place them in the donation box at the entrance to each store. To find the location of your nearest Red Cross Shop visit our website or call 1800 339 888.

IN the wake of the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan, the fiercest typhoon to have ever made landfall, The Salvation Army has launched a Typhoon Disaster Relief Appeal to assist communities which have been devastated in the Philippines. The Salvation Army, as an international movement, has a strong presence within the Philippines with local personnel assisting the communities impacted both prior to and after Typhoon Haiyan hit.

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander for the Philippines Colonel Wayne Maxwell, an Australian, says the devastation is catastrophic and widespread and unlike anything he has experienced before.

“There are no words which can describe the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan,” Colonel Maxwell said.

“Thousands of people are missing and feared dead, with the bodies of innocent men, women and children all over the place. The needs of the survivors are massive but

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also very basic; they need water, food, tarpaulins for shelter and mats to sleep on.”

The Salvation Army in the Philippines has already released considerable resources to purchase water, food and medical supplies to assist the victims, with Salvation Army medical personnel also being deployed to typhoon affected communities. “Salvation Army personnel are currently on the ground supporting with the relief effort and will remain for as long as it takes. The Salvation Army has a strong presence within the Philippines and we would ask that the Australian community dig deep to assist those who had very little before the typhoon, but now have absolutely nothing,” Colonel Maxwell said.

Australians who would like to support The Salvation Army’s Typhoon Disaster Relief Appeal can do so by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online salvos.org.au or in person at Westpac Bank branches across Australia.

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December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Nyrambla House cracked codes that helped win the war in the SW Pacific

by Jim Bowden

SECRETED behind a tall, well-manicured hedge in Ascot, the stately old twostorey home blends gracefully with many of the grand houses in this wealthy northside suburb.

Secrets? The rambling Nyrambla House at 21 Henry Street, built in 1885, was full of them during World War 2 – particularly from 1942 to 1945 when it housed General Douglas MacArthur’s ‘own’ signals intelligence unit for intercepting and decoding Japanese intelligence.

We walked up Nyrambla’s wide tree-shaded driveway to the front door, a red cedar portal through which had stepped such military giants as the ‘American Caesar’ himself and Sir Thomas Blamey, Commander of Allied Land Forces in the South West Pacific, a general in both world wars and the only Australian to attain the rank of field marshal.

Our welcoming ‘guide’ this day was Carol Cuming, partner of Rick Roberts, the son of Nyrambla’s owner Andree Look. Nyrambla was requisitioned by the US

Army in July 1942 as headquarters of the Central Bureau in Australia, a joint USAustralian secret codebreaking organisation that operated instruments from a large garage at the rear of the house. Nearby is a semi-underground bomb shelter, now used as a support wall for a swimming pool. In April 1943, from this backyard Ascot garage, operators decoded an intercepted a Japanese signal that led to the ambush and death of Admiral Yamamoto, the mastermind of the attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941.

MacArthur arrived in Australia with his wife and son Arthur in March 1942 after a harrowing escape from the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, vowing “I came through and I shall return” – which he did after another two years of fighting in the Pacific.

He set up base in Brisbane as the Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific, and on September 2, 1945, accepted Japan’s surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. MacArthur shifted from Nyrambla to his new

Built in 1885, Nyrambla House at 21 Henry Street retains its stately appearance

headquarters at 229 Queen Street, occupying a building that, with exception of the war years, was the Queensland offices of the AMP Society until 1977. Another separate intelligence operation was located at Palma Rosa at 9 Queens Road, Hamilton, a 3-level sandstone mansion built in 1887, which was commandeered as headquarters for the Counter Intelligence Corps, G-2 Section, US Army Forces in the Far East. In 1941, military authorities took over the Ascot racecourse, then

Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

known as Camp Ascot, to house thousands of American troops.

Combatants in the First World War, or the Great War (1914–1918), will be saluted on Remembrance Day, November 11 (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) to recall the end of hostilities on that date – “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

We suggest timely visits to some military museums in Brisbane to remember the sacrifices so many gave in both world wars in the cause of freedom.

Queensland Military

Memorial Museum, 28 Church Street, Fortitude Valley. Tel: 3852 3565.Features more than 2000 items, from weapons to uniforms dating back to the early 1800s.

MacArthur Museum, 201 Edward Street, Brisbane.

Tel: 3211 7052. Open to the public: Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays, 10 am to 3 pm. A rough Australian equivalent of Britain’s Cabinet War Rooms in London. The museum takes visitors back to the World War 2 era of air-raid shelters and blackouts and includes American General

General Thom as Blamey insp ects his and G en er al D ou gl as M ac A rt hu r’ s C en tr al Bureau signal intelligence un it at Nyrambla House in Ascot on February 25 , 1944.

Douglas MacArthur’s actual office where he devised his war strategy.

Victoria Barracks Museum, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. Tel: 3233 4531. Open Sundays 1-4 pm. Admission free.

Operated by the Army History Unit, in conjunction with the Queensland Military Heritage Foundation.

Located on a 19th century Australian Army base, the museum offers a glimpse into life back in the early days of the commonwealth and has an impressive collection

of weapons used between 1899 and 1972 by Australian, Allied and enemy forces.

The 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment Museum, Chauvel Drive, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera (via Lloyd Street). Tel: 3332 6648.

Admission free. Named after regiments of the famous Queensland Mounted Infantry, the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, the museum houses a large collection of military artifacts from the 19th century and early 20th century.

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December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

THE Cobb & Co museum is in the unique position of having two people whose forebears helped to keep the coaches running still closely associated with the museum in Lindsey St Toowoomba.

They are the museum’s Learning Program Manager Janelle Insley and Kev Teys, who has been a volunteer since the museum’s opening in 1987 and says he does “whatever he can to make himself useful”.

Janelle Insley’s great grandfather Abraham Horrobin and grandfather Bob Horrobin were both grooms at the change station based on their property “Bainbilla” between Yulaba and Surat.

They were Cobb & Co grooms for 34 years.

Bob Horrobin’s wife Louie (Janelle’s grandmother) would make scones and tea for the passengers’ enjoyment while the team was harnessed.

Bainbilla was 22 km from Surat, and when the waiting grooms heard the sound of the bugle, it was a signal to get the horses ready, and for Louie to bring on the tea and scones, for which the

community news Legends of the Cobb & Co

by Maragret Johansson

Photo courtesy Cobb+Co Museum This image is of the Bainbilla horse change or changing station, on the Surat to Yuleba Cobb & Co Coach route, showing some of the activity that occurred when the coach arrived. A fresh six-horse team has been harnessed to the coach by the Cobb & Co groom, Robert or “Bob” Horrobin. He is standing beside the coach with his wife “Louie” who would sell homemade scones and tea for a cost of one schilling. The driver of the coach is Fred Thompson and the ‘passengers’ are other members of the Horrobin family who had just arrived in the sulky that can be seen behind the coach. The photograph was taken in 1922.

passengers paid one shilling.

This Surat-Yulaba route was the last operated by Cobb & co, and the last coach ran on August 14, 1924.

Bob and Abraham actually

harnessed up the horses on that last run.

Kev Teys is the fourth generation of his family to maintain a connection with Cobb & Co. His great-grandfather David Teys was a regular

Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

coach driver who drove the last coach from St George to Surat.

David Teys came to Australia in 1836 when he was a child and became a coach driver stationed in St George. Kev Teys

remembers him well, living with his son (Kev’s grandfather) in Toowoomba. David Teys was the stuff of legend.

“Once a Mrs or Miss Tosh, in St George, told me she was on his coach the

day the coach was intercepted by bushrangers just outside St George,” Mr Teys said.

“They unloaded everybody and robbed them but they didn’t touch the ladies, and they didn’t get what they were after.

“Instead of putting the valuables and money in the strong box, my great grandfather put them in his cushion.

“They let the passengers get back on the coach and then they stampeded the horses.

“He didn’t do anything until they got to Liverpool Plains and then he drove them round and round the plains until they were knocked up.

“That’s why he was known as ‘The Whip’.”

He recalled how his greatgrandfather always slept under a fig tree; if it was raining he dragged his bed into the stables.

Grandfather Bertie Teys was not employed by Cobb & Co but he still managed a connection.

Sometimes when his father was away from St George, young Bertie and a mate would saddle up the horses and go for a ride.

Until...

One Sunday afternoon the boys went out to a place called Union Camp where striking shearers were encamped.

Unluckily for them the shearers recognised the horses and the two lads so they grabbed them and took them down to the camp.

They set up a mock judge and jury on a high sandbank, under a tree they called the Hanging Tree and grilled the terrified boys over taking the horses.

When the jury came back Bertie told the judge he didn’t mind if they hanged him but to take the horses back or his father would get into trouble.

It had a happy outcome; afterwards the boys used to walk to Union Camp and have tea and brownies with the shearers.

The next generation was Kev’s father Noel whose first job was on a Cobb & Co change station at Yulaba, where he had to have the new team of horses ready for harness when the coach arrived and have the billy boiling for the driver’s cup of tea.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Light Horse Troop celebrates Newtown Park Centenary WITH the Historic Home and Memorial of 11th Light Horse Darling Downs Troop situated at Newtown Park, it was of great significance for the Troop to conduct the raising of the flag at their Memorial and perform as part of the parks centenary celebrations.

Pictured is David Hall, Troop Historian of 11th Light Horse Darling Downs Troop who was on hand to share his knowledge of the Light Horse Troop with the many people who attended.

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community news

GROW YOUR MONEY TO RETIRE WITH THE SHAREMARKET IS UNSTABLE, HOUSE PRICES ARE BALLOONING THERE IS ALWAYS A CRASH WHEN PRICE EXCEEDS VALUE CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD NOT TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING ELSE

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Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

Interested in the new roofing alternative for Australian homes?

THERE is an urgent need to provide improved roofs for houses, both from householders trying to reduce electricity costs and from Government endeavouring to reduce the demand for electricity. The Federal Government, with the failed pink batts scheme, was attempting to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. But every house roof within Australia has a flaw that can only be fixed by replacing the roof with a better material than those currently available.

The flaw of course is that heat is allowed into the roof space because all available domestic roof coverings have no insulation value. Roof space temperature rises rapidly as the insulation is at the bottom of the roof space on top of the ceiling and fibreglass batts or other air entrapping insulation is used to keep cost down. However, all such insulation materials are air permeable and on a summer day the 60-70°C of the roof space is soon passed down to the habitable areas of the house.

The typical way to combat this increased temperature is to turn on the air-conditioning and feed refrigerated air to the rooms of the house using ducts that pass through the roof space.

Rapidly rising electricity costs are making the folly of this method of cooling the house with inadequate insulation more obvious as air conditioners are very expensive to run. A properly insulated roof can save 45 per cent of household electricity consumption as most winter heat loss or summer heat gain of dwellings occurs from the roof or ceiling.

Limitations of current installation methods for the insulation of roofs is made worse by the reality that cement roof tiles have not been a long term solution for roofing houses. Cement roof tiles have been used on the majority of houses built in Australia since the 1950s and most have gone beyond the end of their useful lives. Early coatings employed to waterproof cement roof tiles were not durable and an industry has developed for the recoating of cement roof tiles. However, the recoating of the tiles is only a temporary fix as the paint employed also breaks down and peels off making further coating next to impossible. Terra cotta tiles and slate are more durable products but like cement tiles have no insulation value. With corrugated roof sheeting a blanket of fiberglass insulation is placed directly under the roof covering but this method also does not work because fiberglass insulation is air permeable and the insulation is squashed flat when the roof sheet is fixed to battens or trusses thereby destroying any insulation value.

Roof ventilators are fitted to try and vent

heat from the roof space but heat is vented all year, even when the house is being heated to raise the temperature of the house in winter.

More importantly, the vents without a vapour barrier under the roof covering can create condensation problems leading to the growth of mould that can cause health problems and the vents are an open entry point for vermin and insects to the house. The solution to the extreme heat generated in the roof space of a house is to use an insulated panel as the roof covering so that temperature build up within the roof space is eliminated. Insulated roof panels with an expanded polystyrene core have been manufactured in Australia since the 1950s.

However, expanded polystyrene insulated panels are not suitable for residential roofing primarily because they are not fireproof or the core melts in a fire and secondly because they are too thick at R3 insulation rating to replace roof tiles. In 2005 a suitable alternative insulated roof panel was manufactured in Australia for the first time and the market share for this panel has increased dramatically every year since then. The core of the panel is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) which has the highest insulating values of any foam insulation available today combined with significantly better reaction to fire properties as PIR only chars and does not burn or melt, making it ideal for use as an insulation material. Currently all PIR insulated roof panels manufactured in Australia are made for use in factories and commercial buildings and are unsuitable for house roofs because of appearance and high production cost.

BONSUL has devised methods to drastically reduce the production cost of PIR panels in a profile that matches the accepted appearance of a roof within the Australian housing market. A product that will eliminate the roof space heat trap of houses and thereby significantly reduce air conditioning costs for home owners, in essence the roof will pay for itself over time.

This breakthrough has enabled the adoption of proven business models for the supply of roofing to new homes and replacement roofing for existing homes. Also the production cost breakthroughs developed by BONSUL are incorporated into a factory for the manufacture of energy efficient housing at reduced cost to the homebuyer.

BONSUL is seeking assistance to set up operations in Australia and full details can be viewed at www.bonsul.com.au.

For a limited time Michael Manning, is available to answer any questions you may have, contact details available on the website, www.bonsul.com.au or call Michael direct on 0400 972 097.

McGregor Summer School art and music classes

BE inspired and challenged by the finest artists and musicians from around the nation in a supportive and creative atmosphere. There are over 50 classes to choose from like oils, water colours, ceramics, jewellery making, wood carving, cloisonné enameling, photography, millinery. For musicians there is a wide selection of instruments to learn like bassoon, clarinet, guitar, violin, music theatre to song writing, contemporary voice and more. Classes range from beginners to advanced. McGregor Summer School will celebrate its 46th season in 2014.

Enrol 8-18 Jan 2014 at USQ Toowoomba. Ph 4631 2755.

Affordable accommodation when visiting doctors

GLENNON House provides affordable accommodation for country people and their carers who often have to travel hundreds of kilometres to receive medical treatment. Glennon House doesn’t receive any Government funding, so they rely on guests staying there to cover costs. Volunteers are needed and Jenny the manager is grateful for their time and recognises their valuable contribution.

Glennon House is a not-for-profit registered charity with DGR status and Glennon House Chapel is open all day and prayer support can be arranged. Glennon House Motel is situated at 683 Ruthven St., Toowoomba. Phone Jenny the manager on 4638 3466. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

Lifestyle Rotary Club of Toowoomba East - St Barts aged and infirm seniors Christmas lunch

THE function is held at Regents on the Lake, (opposite Lake Annand) in Perth Street each year. It is sponsored by Rotary with elder citizens selected by St Bart’s family of workers and supporters. This year the guests came from Anglicare, Symes Thorpe, Lourdes, Blue Care and Toowoomba Respite care centres. Margaret Coutts and Rev Ron Spindler of St Bart’s were the main organisers. Rotary club of Toowoomba East’s , President Richard Black said that this event was started several years ago and whilst all isolated older residents cannot attend, it does give the carers from various homes an opportunity to bring a little cheer to some of their clients at Christmas by taking them on an outing and sharing carols and good cheer..

There were quite a few Rotarians and ladies working hard on the sidelines, in the car park, welcoming, making the ‘go home’ puddings, delivering meals and even replenishing water bottles.

Well done team.

Rotary raises funds from various projects each year including BBQ catering, Outback tours, golf days etc.

This project is just one of many community service works undertaken by the six Rotary clubs of Toowoomba - all of which meet at Regents on the Lake. The Rotary Club meets at Regents on the Lake at Lake Annand, every Thursday from 12.30pm. For further details visit www.toowoombaeast9630.org or please call Graham on 07 4635 0518 or email grahamp@bigpond.net.au

Entertainment and carols were presented by Toowoomba Vocal Ensemble - Nick Clarkson, Ian Speers, Jane Hobbs, Glenda Hutchinson, Lorna Poulton, Deb Gilmartin, Sheena Liley and Fay Miller (obscured - pianist)

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

Trivia with Allan Blackburn 1. Half brothers Dwayne and Darren Bravo play cricket for which international team?

2. What is a wahoo?

3. In which month of 2013 was Pope Francis appointed?

4. Which Australian state or territory has the Sturt Desert Rose as its floral emblem?

5. What is the formula for the area of a triangle?

6. Which Australian coin has the larger diameter: five cents or two dollars?

7. What kind of product were California Poppy and Brylcreem?

8. How many wives did Henry VIII have?

9. According to the proverb, what do “birds of a feather” do?

10. What meat is traditionally used in ossobucco?

11. In the TV series, “The Cosby Show”, what was Bill Cosby’s character’s job?

12. Prior to decimal currency, how many pence made a shilling?

13. In a petrol car, what device produces an explosive air-petrol mixture?

14. What man-made device was the first to break the sound barrier?

15. What was the adopted name of singer Marvin Lee Aday?

16. What does a Scotsman call the furry pocket hung in front of the kilt?

17. In Zoology, what does hircine mean?

18. Who was the American politician known as LBJ? 19. Tallinn is the capital of which Baltic state?

20. What version of a gambling game can have fatal consequences?

Answers on page 30

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Lifestyle Who can you trust these days?

IS it me or is there so much more choice in goods and services today? I know when I go to buy the simplest item from the supermarket, like toothpaste for example, my eyes get sore from reading through all the different types available, and they all seem to be in the same coloured box to confuse me even further.

Take me back to the good old days when Mr Ganley from Whites Cash Store came round to our house and took my Mum’s grocery order and then a day later Mr Thornburn delivered them to us. If no one was home, he came in through the front door, which was never locked and put them on the

kitchen table. He even put the cheese and butter in the fridge (after we upgraded from the ice chest). Now, that was how it was back then. Good service built on trust.

Today there also seems to be so much choice in shops that sell floor coverings and window furnishings in the area. It can be really confusing choosing the right one.

Fortunately some things haven’t changed at Andersens Toowoomba.

That same good old fashioned service, down to earth service for over 50 years is what you get every time.

Mal Chaffey, Andersen’s Manager said “We take that extra time with all our

customers and really care and listen to what they want. He said, “The same goes for our commercial section. We take pride in giving local businesses throughout the region the same reliable trusted service, backed up with an extensive range of hard wearing quality products to choose from.

Over many years, retirement villages, aged care facilities and the like, plus so many of the region’s businesses have used Andersens for their commercial needs. Mal said, “Repeat business is very high, and again it’s because local businesses can trust Andersens to deliver on reliability, service and also have

Back to Basics with Kitchen Conversations IN keeping with our ‘back to basics’ approach of promoting our charter on sustainability, Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) is introducing the “kitchen conversations” initiative as a means to share experiences and knowledge about living more sustainably.

The office, located at 22 Vacy St, Toowoomba, is pleased to host a regular 2 nd Monday morning of the month kitchen conversation over a cup of tea.

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peace of mind knowing that everything will be alright from start to finish.

On the domestic side, literally hundreds of mature aged people across the region have been thankful that they have Suzie Jordan’s phone number. Yes she is a good sort but that’s not why they have her number. It’s because she is the number one person at Andersens who has all the professional advice on colours and textures for your home. She makes it so easy when it comes to choosing carpet, tiles, blinds, vinyl, cork or timber flooring, or even ceramic wall and floor tiles for that matter.

If you are looking for a

special look for your home or maybe some nice cool tiles for one room this summer, you can trust in Andersens , your long established true local company. Phone 4638 4344 now and if you can’t come in to town and see them at the corner of James and Prescott Streets, Mal will arrange to send their ‘Showroom on Wheels’ out to you.

With an amazing 15% discount* for Seniors Card holders and RACQ car holders, it makes good sense to present your card and save yourself some money today. (*Not available on already discounted prices or special offers including interest free.)

Coffee and Chat TOOWOOMBA Quota Club are holding their last morning tea for the year at 10am on Saturday 7th December at the Coffee Bean House, Gardentown. Why not pop down and say hello to our lovely ladies and find out how they help in our community. Enquiries to shirley 0498 691 or Cheryl 0400 762 722. Quota International is a service club who work in the community helping needy groups and people. We do specially help children with hearing impairments and cochlear implants and their families and work with The Hear and Say Centre. We do run functions and raffles from time to time to enable us do this.

Still working at Sid’s Place

THERE’S something really rewarding about working for a good business and doing a job you enjoy, and Cliff Fuller is proof of this.

Cliff started work at Sid’s Place when he turned 14 years of age and has been working there for over 50 years. His jobs have entailed driving trucks, forklift driver and he rose to being a foreman, until a knee replacement set him back. He currently works

as a Dispatch Clerk at Sid’s.

Cliff speaks highly of the management and fondly of the staff, and has seen a lot of changes, from the early days when things were done manually to today when machines do much of the work.

Cliff said he has enjoyed all of the past 50 years of working at Sid’s Place,and with his hobby of brewing his own beer, gardening and future plans to travel to New Zealand and West Australia with his wife, he truly is blessed. We wish Cliff and his wife all the best for the future, and for Cliff many more enjoyable years of working at Sid’s Place.

Looking for something different to do?

WHY not consider joining U3A Warwick where members gather to learn new skills and make new friends. We have a variety of things to do. for e.g. learn computer skills, go bird watching, play mahjong, learn mosaics, cryptic crosswords plus approximately another 15 courses. We are holding and information morning on Friday 31st January 2014.

For further information contact Erica Ph. 4667 0848

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

La w, F inance & Y OU Law Finance YOU Our next edition of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper will be 7th February 2014 Deadline is Wednesday 29th January

Free legal help for war veterans WITH the recent commemoration Of Remembrance Day, Legal Aid Queensland is reminding veterans, or their war widows/widowers who are trying to get disability pensions, that they can access free legal help.

The War Veterans’ Legal Aid Scheme provides free legal help to veterans and their dependants who want to appeal a decision made about disability entitlements by the Veterans’ Review Board.

Legal Aid Queensland CEO Anthony Reilly said Legal Aid was concerned some veterans may be paying for legal assistance when going before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, rather than getting free legal help.

“Veterans or their war widows/widowers can contact Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 to find out about their entitlements,” Mr Reilly said.

“To be eligible for the scheme, veterans or their widows/widowers must have a case for a ‘warcaused’ pension claim that has been presented to the Veterans’ Review Board and refused.

“The matter can then be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and a Legal Aid lawyer will be able to represent the veteran or their widow/widower. “Our legal representative will prepare the case, gather evidence including medical or other expert reports and provide representation at the hearing.” Mr Reilly said there was no charge to veterans or their widows/widowers who appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

“Legal Aid Queensland will provide veterans and their dependents with a high-quality service that will help them with their appeal at no cost,” he said.

“There are no fees involved — not even when they win their case.”

For more information about the War Veterans’ Legal Aid Scheme, call Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 (cost of a local call from a landline in Australia), visit one of its 14 offices around the state or visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au

Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

Understanding retirement property legal issues SHEELAGH Gray of Gray Lawyers Toowoomba discusses some of the key legal issues in retirement property documentation.

Fees payable and other costs The fees and costs relating to retirement living options(resorts, villages, nursing homes) vary greatly from facility to facility. They may include aged care fees, rent, maintenance, entry and exit fees, personal services charges, general services charges and others. How these are calculated can be complicated but the property manager must provide this information to you and give you the opportunity to have them reviewed by a lawyer who can explain when and how they apply.

Depending upon the type of residential facility you enter the fees payable are determined in part by your assets level and the legislation.

It is therefore very important to start the planning process early and involve your solicitor and financial planner so that they can offer advice around what fees may be payable.

The operator’s obligations Unfortunately many people move into a retirement property with a poor understanding of what the operator

is responsible for. Again, the services provided can vary considerably and you need to be sure that those being provided are a match for your expectations.

Documentation for the property will outline both the operator’s and your obligations and responsibilities and knowing this information can help avoid irritation or disappointment at a later date. Finding the right property can mean relying on the operator’s obligations to take care of many issues for you and greatly reducing your day to day concerns.

Your obligations Make sure you understand from the outset that most retirement properties are not like owning your own home, with its own separate legal title. When you reside in a retirement property it is likely you will have additional obligations that are not imposed on a simple home owner. Reading your documentation carefully to identify these obligations and discussing them with family and a professional advisor is strongly recommended.

Sheelagh Gray, Gray Lawyers Toowoomba (Wills & Estates and Elder Law) 07 4613 5794 www.graylawyers.com.au

Do you have an advance health directive?

THE best time to make an advance health directive is before any urgent health condition arises. However, it is particularly important to make one if you are about to be admitted to hospital, your medical condition is likely to affect your ability to make decisions or you have a chronic medical condition that could result in serious complications such as diabetes, asthma and heart or kidney disease.

You can download the Advance Health Directive form on the internet at www.justice.qld.gov.au/ __data/assets/pdf_file/ 0007/15982/advancehealth-directive.pdf for free, or you can buy one

from a newsagency or some bookshops and stationers. Part of the Advance Health Directive form needs to be completed by a doctor, so get them to explain your options, any unfamiliar terms, and ask them to provide more information if you need it.

Before completing the form, first take time to carefully reflect on the decisions you have to make. Remember, you are putting in place a plan that will determine your future health care.

Consider what is important to you.

Discuss these matters with your family or close friends.

You will also need a witness, who is

responsible for making sure that your signature is genuine, and that you understand the decisions you are making.

Your witness must be over the age of 21 and be a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, lawyer or Notary Public.

You don’t need to lodge your completed form with any authorities.

Keep the original document in a safe place and give a copy to your doctor, a family member or friend, and your attorney for personal matters if you have one.

You might also want to carry a card stating that you have made an Advance Health Directive and where it can be found.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs office in the Darling Downs region is located at 99 Russell Street Toowoomba and is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Our office can provide information on the complete range of DVA benefits, pensions and allowances and if necessary, personalised assistance with one on one interviews . We also provide a regular on base advisory service to the nearby Oakey and Cabarlah Defence bases.You are very welcome to visit our office but for more complex matters requiring an interview such as pension claims, aged care assets assessments and financial updates, please phone ahead to make an appointment, this will avoid delays with your enquiries. 07 4638 1555.

Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to assist you. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

La w, F inance & Y OU Law Finance YOU Aged Care - Find clarity out of the confusion DEALING with decisions on aged care can be overwhelming, but identifying the key issues and getting the right advice can help give you the clarity you need. There is no doubt that the complexity surrounding aged care ccommodation options and financial affairs can be daunting. Fortunately there is a way to achieve clarity out of the confusion and help is available to get you there.

The fundamental objective is to achieve the best care without spending more than is necessary. The issues of assets, income, pension entitlements and type of care are interrelated and complex and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.

In the world of Aged Care there are five key questions we have identified that need to be addressed: 1. Low care and high care facilities each cater to different levels of need and have different cost structures.

2. The cost of care can vary depending on the type and value of assets held, but costs can be dramatically minimised with the right planning.

3. The family home is often the biggest asset, but don’t assume it needs to be sold – there may be better options.

4. Maximising the age pension requires expert knowledge of how aged care can affect asset and income test rules.

5. To achieve the best ongoing income, all aspects of cost of care, pension entitlements and investment planning need to be coordinated

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properly. We can help you find meaningful answers with advice that can help you to: • minimise aged care fees • maximise Centrelink entitlements • structure assets and investments • provide the best possible ongoing income solution. A vital piece of a bigger picture - Our advice is designed to complement other assistance sourced from professional and government based services, such as your family doctor, the Department of Health (Aged Care, Assessment Team), your solicitor and Centrelink.

Accessing our advice is simple - If you decide you want to explore how our advice can help, the first step is to simply have a chat so that we can collect information on your situation and understand your concerns and wishes. We take this information and make a careful analysis to determine action steps. At a second meeting we present all the options clearly and simply, so that you can make decisions with certainty and confidence. If you agree, we can then proceed to put the plan into practice.

What Next? Contact our office, RI Toowoomba & Ipswich, to arrange an obligation free consultation to discuss your unique and very personal situation on 07 4639 3733 or visit our website www.ritoowoomba.com.au.

RI Advice Group Pty Limited (ABN 23 001 774 125), AFSL 238429. This editorial does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, ircumstances and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances

Proposed GST hike ‘devastating’ for thousands of mobile-home residents

Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss

FEDERAL MPs on both sides of the House have expressed concern over a draft proposal by the Australian Tax Office to slap GST on rent for pensioners and families living in caravans and mobile homes. Thousands of pensioners and retirees living in mobile-home parks, many of them based in Sth East Qld face a 10% hike on their rents.

Up to 100,000 families who own a mobile home but rent the site could pay GST for the first time.

Many of the families include pensioners and low-income families who own their own mobile home but pay site fees of between $100 to $250 a week to rent the land.

When the GST was

introduced, movable home sites were regarded as exempt. They could now face an annual GST bill of up to $1200 a year if a 10% tax is applied.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has demanded the Prime Minister step in to overturn the draft decision and Leader of the Nationals and Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss is urging mobile home park residents to let the Tax Office know their thoughts about the proposal. Mr Truss said the proposed ruling could potentially see mobile home park owners liable for GST, which may then be passed on to residents.

“Obviously I am concerned about any adverse effect on people who live in mobile home parks, many of whom choose to make their home in the Wide Bay region,” Mr Truss said.

“Anyone who has concerns about the issue should make their views known to the Taxation Office through the consultation process, because it will help the tax commissioner make an informed decision about the impact of the proposed changes on mobile home

owners.” Mr Truss stressed that if the ATO had not finalised the ruling and it would not apply retrospectively.” The legal nature of the decision means the issue is a matter for the commissioner of taxation,” he said.

Richmond MP Justine Elliot, who has taken up the fight in parliament has slammed the plan as “devastating for thousands who simply cannot afford a 10% increase in their rents”.

Ms Elliot has called on the government to rule out the plan to overturn a decision by the Howard government in 2000 to exempt mobile-home residents from the 10% GST. “This is an attack on the nation’s most vulnerable, particularly pensioners who are already struggling with cost of living pressures and can’t afford this rent hike,” Ms Elliot said. She said that on July 1, 2000, when the GST was introduced, moveablehome estates (mobile home parks) were deemed residential premises and therefore exempt from GST. “However, on October 30 this year the ATO released

a plan stating that these moveable-home estates would no longer be considered residential premises and therefore not exempt from GST.” The Affiliated Residential Park Residents Association has launched a campaign to stop the GST-based rent increase and a petition circulated around the Tweed has so far attracted more than 2000 signatures.

What action can you take?

Contact Steven Iselin direct at the ATO, P O Box 9977, Chermside Q 4032 or phone (07)3213 8418.

You can also email him at steven.iselin@ato.gov.au Also call your local MP to voice your objections too.

The deadline was to have been Nov 29, but has now been extended to Dec 20 for objections. Please note that this is only a proposed ruling at this stage, however by sending a clear message to Steven Iselin at the ATO and phoning your local MP your voice will be heard.

Tell them to leave the legislation as it stands- GST exempt.

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

FEELING GOOD

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Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and

Women avoiding intimacy because of discreet menopausal symptoms MORE than 70% of post-menopausal Australian women have avoided intimacy with their partner as a result of a common, yet widely misunderstood condition, according to a new national survey.

The CLOSER (CLarifying vaginal atrophy’s impact On SEx and Relationships) survey [conducted in Australia by Lonergan Research from August 20-Septembver 3, 2013] initially involving more than 8000 participants worldwide has now been repeated in Australia.

The Australian survey includes 1005 participants, with about 500 postmenopausal women with symptoms and an additional 500 male partners of women with symptoms.

It highlights some of the physical and emotional impacts of vaginal discomfort – a somewhat awkward topic – on Australian couples.

Vaginal discomfort, which can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional as vaginal atrophy, is a relatively common genital condition in menopausal women as a result of changes in the levels of female hormones the body produces.

Vaginal atrophy is most commonly diagnosed in women experiencing the natural menopause but can also be a result of surgery to remove ovaries and after treatments for certain medical conditions.

According to women’s health specialist Dr Jane Elliott, immediate past-president of the Australasian Menopause Society, the survey is an important step in debunking the stigma associated with discussing vaginal atrophy.

“Unfortunately, vaginal atrophy is considered a taboo subject, and even doctors can find it difficult to talk to their patients about it.”

Dr Elliott said.

“Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching and painful intercourse and may lead to serious long-term problems, including contributing to incontinence.

“If left undiagnosed, vaginal atrophy can have a significant impact on women and their partner’s lives.”

The local CLOSER survey revealed 56% of Australian women surveyed admit to having sex less often as a result of vaginal discomfort. Loss of libido (60%), painful sex (44%), or a worry that sex will be painful (44%), are the main reasons Australian women surveyed with vaginal discomfort said they avoided being intimate with their partner.

In addition, many women admitted the condition had a negative impact on their self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, with about half (47%) worrying that their long-term vaginal discomfort will never go away and have a long-term effect on their relationship as a result.

More than half said the condition made them feel old (59%) and upset that their body did not work the way it used to (58%).

Professor Rod Baber, president-elect of the International Menopause Society and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sydney, encourages couples to recognise the impact of vaginal discomfort on their relationship and seek advice from their healthcare professional.

“There are practical things women can do to minimise irritation to the vagina such as clothing choice, use of low-allergenic washing products and non-scented hygiene products, Prof. Baber said.

There are also numerous nonprescription treatment options available including creams, lubricants and moisturisers. If necessary, your doctor may also recommend prescription medications that may help relieve symptoms.

All treatments have benefits and risks; please discuss these benefits and risks with your doctor. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you must advise your doctor before commencing treatment.

Gardentown Discount Drug Store is moving to RedEdge on James Street YES the date is set for Ian and Lea Bentley and their friendly, professional team to open their doors on Monday December 16. at their stores new location.

Lea said there will be no inconvenience or disruption to customers and they will be open as usual during the move.

Their last day trading at the Gardentown location is Saturday December 14, then the doors will open on Monday December 16 at RedEdge shopping centre at the corner of James and Pechey Streets.

Lea and Ian would like to thank all their wonderful customers for their continued support and loyalty and look forward to seeing your faces at their new location where you will continue to receive the same high standard of customer service and personal attention to all your heath needs.

This year Gardentown Discount Drug Store has made shopping for Christmas gifts easier on the purse strings for you.

Especially if you have a lot of grandchildren and great grandchildren to buy for it can get a bit too much at this time of year. Lea understands this can be a real concern for some of her customers, so she has a lot of lovely little inexpensive gift lines in store to suit each and every one of your family and friends.

Ian, Lea and their team are excited about relocating and invite everyone to come in to see their new store from Monday December 16 onwards. Please phone 4639 2441 if you are concerned about any of your health requirements during the festive season. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD dependent and Staying In

Local Business - Local Service 22 years Local knowledge of the Darling Downs

Migraines no headache for much longer

AUSTRALIAN migraine sufferers won’t have to live in the dark much longer. Queensland-led genetics researchers have just launched a final, Phase Three clinical trial for a treatment that could drastically reduce symptoms in around 20 per cent of sufferers. The trial is headed by Professor Lyn Griffiths, the new Executive Director of QUT’s Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation. She and her world-leading team have identified several genes implicated in migraine and are translating that genetic information into new diagnostics and treatments. Professor Griffiths said one of those genes causes a mutation in a particular enzyme, which stops the enzyme from working properly. “We’re trialling a specific combination of vitamins that can make that enzyme work better and make the gene then function properly,” she said. “Results so far have shown that, taken preventatively, the treatment has a very big impact on migraine - significantly reducing how severe they are, how frequent they are and the pain associated with any migraines.

“That can be very beneficial to sufferers with that gene mutation. “This last phase in the trial is focused on dosage levels and, if it proves successful, we expect to have a tablet on the market in just over a year. “This week is Headache and Migraine Week, an initiative of the Brain Foundation. Roughly 12 per cent of Australians suffer from migraine. It affects around 18 per cent of woman, six per cent of men and four per cent of children. And there is a strong genetic link - about 90 per cent

of people who experience migraines are not the only one in their family. Professor Griffiths was one of the first scientists in the world to study the DNA links for migraine. “I suffered from migraine as a teenager, my mum suffered from migraine, but as a geneticist looking at genes for various disorders I didn’t even think about migraine until my son at about the age of four started suffering from migraine, including visual disturbances. “So when you have someone close in your family who you really care about, you realise just how debilitating, how severe, it is; and I thought something needed to be done.”We haven’t identified all the genes yet.

There’s still a lot more research needed to identify all of them. “Professor Griffiths is urging people who suffer from migraine to join the Headache Register at headacheaustralia.org.au.

There, sufferers can access the latest in migraine news and research, learn about current and upcoming treatment trials and download a Headache Diary to help them manage their disorder. Professor Griffiths is confident researchers will find more targeted treatments in the future. “You can’t do this sort of research unless you have people in the public helping you,” she said. “I don’t think people realise just how common migraine really is - it’s a really common disorder, extremely debilitating and there’s a real need to develop new treatments for it. “We believe there are a number of different gene mutations that play a role in migraine and those different gene mutations need different treatments.”

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Menopause: let’s start the conversation Hormonal change is a fact of life for women, whether a mother, a career woman or juggling both. But once menopausal hot flushes start to dissipate, hormonal change can continue to impact women’s wellbeing.

Post-menopause brings a series of common physical changes, which may extend beyond the individual.1-4 Up to one in two post-menopausal women will be affected by vaginal atrophy – a condition that may cause dryness, discomfort, irritation, burning, itching, chafing and uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse.3

Speak to your doctor today to discuss any symptoms you may have, ways to minimise vaginal irritation, whether you need treatment and if so, the options available that are suitable for you.

All treatments have benefits and risks; please discuss these benefits and risks and any pre-existing conditions with your doctor before commencing treatment.

Visit www.menopause.org.au or www.jeanhailes.org.au for independent, up-to-date information and support on menopause and vaginal atrophy References 1. Australasian Menopause Society. Menopause and body changes information sheet (2006) http://www.menopause.org.au/for-women/information-sheets/33-menopause-and-body-changes. Last accessed October 2013.

2. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. September 2012. Menopause Factsheet. Available at: http://www.managingmenopause.org.au/images/stories/Education/Documents/info/menopause.pdf. Last accessed October 2013.

3. Nappi RE, Kokot-Kierepa M. Vaginal health: Insights, Views and Attitudes (VIVA) – results from an international survey. Climacteric. February 2012; 15:36-44.

4. CLarifying vaginal atrophy’s impact On SEx and Relationships (CLOSER). Research conducted in Australia by Lonergan Research from 20 August – 3 September 2013. Research on file.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Article sponsored by Novo Nordisk® AD8_HT211 | Date of preparation: October 2013

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

FEELING GOOD

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and Star rating system for packaged foods announced

Joan Kahler, Del Ridgway, Coralie Longwell and Pam Bligh playing Mahjong and enjoying a chat at the Masonic Centre

Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

PACKAGED foods will feature a health star rating to assist consumers make informed, healthier food choices. Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek and Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Shayne Neumann made the announcement following the Food Regulation Forum in Sydney.

“Front-of-Pack Labelling will support consumers to make healthier food choices by giving them at-a-glance information about the food they buy,” Ms Plibersek said. “The star rating system will contribute to alleviating the burden of chronic disease, overweight and obesity issues in Australia.

“Overweight translates into chronic diet-related diseases, hospitalisations and a significant rise in longterm care so this is a significant step in assisting consumers make informed choices.”

The health star system will apply to packaged, manufactured or processed foods presented ready for sale.

The system will consist of a star rating scale of ½ a

star to 5 stars, with ½ star increments and a “slider” above the relevant star/half star with the corresponding number to highlight the star rating of the food.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Shayne Neumann said the star rating is underpinned by a modified Nutrient Profiling Scoring System.

“In short, the more stars, the healthier the food.”

The preferred implementation option in Australia is a voluntary system, subject to there being a consistent and widespread uptake of Front of Pack Labelling. If, following evaluation after two years, a voluntary implementation is found to be unsuccessful, a mandatory approach will be required. This would require Food Standards Australia and New Zealand to develop a standard.

“The Federal Government commends the development of the health star system as an important preventative health initiative to assist Australian consumers to make healthier food choices.”

Coping with grief at Christmas CHRISTMAS may be a time when you get together with family and friends. Often, if you have lost someone you love, you will be reminded that they are not around.

This may be hard and everyone reacts differently to this.

It may be that it causes you to react more sensitively to things, but everyone has their own way of coping.

It is important that you look after yourself and find your own way of getting through the hard bits.

Here are some ideas that may help you better manage the Christmas holidays.

Allow yourself to be sad – Christmas may have been a time you spent with someone you have lost.

It is normal to feel sad that they are not with you. It may help to take some time out, to remember the person you love. You may want to find a quiet spot to remember all the good things about the person or go and do something that you used to do together; or you might be able to revisit that favourite spot you had, to recall some of the memories.

It is also acceptable to enjoy yourself – it may be hard to celebrate when you are missing someone you love, but getting together with family and close friends may be a chance to remember the good times and it is ok to relax and have a laugh. Having fun is not necessarily a sign that you miss that person any less.

Look after yourself – remembering that this may be a tough time for you is important. This may mean that you have to treat yourself with a bit of care.

Avoid making major decisions until after Christmas is over. If possible, treat yourself to something you enjoy doing. It may be that you go to the beach or for a walk; perhaps listening to some favourite music will warm your spirit.

Do you need a dose of Vitamin D? DID you know 58% of Australians are deficient in Vitamin D? We all need Vitamin D to maintain good bone health, healthy blood glucose levels, blood pressure control and brain health.

Nowadays because we protect ourselves from the sun at home and work with covering our skin with protective clothing we don’t get our daily dose of sunshine. More children also spend more time indoors than ever before. Whatever the reason we are missing out on sunshine and Vitamin D. You can get your Vitamin D levels checked by your doctor with a simple blood test. So, remember we all need a little sunshine in our life.

Courtesy ‘The Comet’ Vol. 45

A change in perspective WHEN you change the way you see things, the things you see change.

Author unknown www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

endent p e d In g in y a t S d an

Too hot to sleep?

IF a loved one who is a resident at an aged care facility is restless during summer nights, Ron Grunstein, Professor of Sleep Medicine at Sydney Medical School, may be able to help.

“Sleep and body control of temperature are intimately connected. Body temperature follows a 24 hour cycle linked with the sleep wake rhythm,” he writes. According to Professor Grunstein, body temperature decreases during the night time sleep phase and rises during the wake phase.

Sleep is most likely to occur when core temperature decreases, and much less likely to occur during the rises. He adds the hands and feet play a key role in facilitating sleep as they permit the heated blood from the central body to lose heat to the environment through the skin surface.

The sleep hormone melatonin plays an important part of the complex loss of heat through the peripheral parts of the body, Professor Grunstein explains.

“At sleep onset, core body temperature falls but peripheral skin temperature rises. But temperature changes become more complex during sleep as our temperature self regulation varies according to sleep stage,” he says.

Research has shown how environmental heat can disturb this delicate balance between sleep and body temperature. For instance, an ambient temperature of

22 or 23 degrees Celsius is ideal. Any major variation in this leads to disturbance of sleep with reduced slow wave sleep (a stage of sleep where the brain’s electrical wave activity slows and the brain ‘rests’), and also results in less dreaming sleep (rapid eye movement or REM sleep).

According to Professor Grunstein, during REM sleep, our ability to regulate body temperature is impaired.

Restless sleep may contribute to problems with complex memory retention, higher judgement (poorer decision making and increased risk taking behaviour), blood pressure control and regulation of glucose in the body. More than half of men and women aged over 65 years complain of at least one sleep problem. Many older people experience insomnia and other sleep difficulties on a regular basis.

As we age, our sleep patterns change. In general, older people sleep less, experience more fragmented sleep, and spend less time in stages 3 & 4 and REM sleep (deep sleep and dream sleep) than younger people.

“The clear message is this: if you’re going to make some big decisions during a heatwave, sleep in a carefully controlled air conditioned environment,” Professor Grunstein says.

Is there a nurse in the room?

IN fact there were over 70 at St Vincents Private Hospital Nurses Reunion held in November at the Metro Café.

Organized by Joyce Buckley and Karen Hauser, this is the 4th reunion breakfast held. Aged from 35 to 75 years of age, many a tale from their nursing years were told with plenty of laughs had by all. .

Getting his own back A very shy guy goes into a nightclub and sees a beautiful woman sitting at the bar. After an hour of gathering up his courage, he finally goes over to her and asks, tentatively, “Um, would you mind if I chatted with you for a while?”

She responds by yelling, at the top of her lungs, “No, I won’t sleep with you tonight!” Everyone in the bar is now staring at them. Naturally, the guy is completely embarrassed and he slinks back to his table.

After a few minutes, the woman walks over to him and apologises. She smiles at him and says, “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. You see, I’m a graduate student in psychology and I’m studying how people respond to embarrassing situations.”

To which he responds, at the top of his lungs, “Two-hundred dollars? What do you mean $200?!”

GARDENTOWN DISCOUNT DRUG STORE

Relocating to New Premises 16th December!

Gardentown Discount Drug Store is proud to announce its re-opening as James St Discount Drug Store on Monday 16th December.

We’re proud to offer you access to a huge range of health and beauty products at competitive, discounted prices – and we do it without compromising the quality and professional healthcare you expect from your local pharmacy.

Located in the RedEdge centre on the corner of James & Pechey Streets, we’re excited to invite you to come and see the new store, and our great range of gift ideas for Christmas, all with the same great service!

TRADING HOURS Monday to Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday: 8:30am - 7:00pm Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

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GARDENTOWN DISCOUNT DRUG STORE Gardentown Shopping Centre, 222 Margaret St Toowoomba Phone: (07) 4639 2441 SPECIALS ON SALE FROM 5TH DECEMBER 2013 – 25TH DECEMBER 2013. ALL ITEMS IN THIS PUBLICATION HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN GOOD FAITH ON THE BASIS THAT THE GOODS DESCRIBED WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF SALE AND ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST. FAILURE BY THE SUPPLIER TO DELIVER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAMPLE , DESCRIPTION OR ALL UNINTENTIONAL CAUSES MAY RESULT IN SOME PRODUCTS BEING UNAVAILABLE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO AMEND PRICING DUE TO MANUFACTURER PRICE RISES OR PRINTED ERRORS.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

HOLIDAY & Leisure

AT Stonestreets Coaches, we have had so many people say to us, they’d love to come on a particular tour to see a certain section but have already seen so many of the places we’ll be visiting. Well.

We’ve listened to these people and have come up with a solution. We’ve designed many our new tours so they can be done in sections. People can travel on one or multiple sections to see those places they’ve always longed to visit without having to sit through the

The Winchester Mystery House

Bits and pieces of the South East circle

by Allan Blackburn

other bits and pieces.

One such tour, which just happens to be one of Stonestreets most popular tours, isheading off again in March next year – the South East Circle. It’s a tour made up of 5 distinctly different sections of 7 to 8 days taking in The East Coast, The Sapphire Coast, The Shipwreck Coast, The Island Coast and The Peninsula Coast.

Beginning in Toowoomba, The East Coast tour will travel along the Pacific Highway calling in to Ballina, Coffs

Harbour then 3 fantastic nights in Warners Bay near Lake Macquarie before arriving in Sydney for flights back home.

Passengers have the option to extend their tour and travel the next section – The Sapphire Coast tour.

From Sydney, The Sapphire Coast tour travels through some fabulous scenery to Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Merimbula, Bega and Lakes Entrance then to Phillip Island for 2 nights where we’ll watch those delightful fairy penguins

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

waddle up the beach on their daily parade.

Section 3, The Shipwreck Coast follows the rugged yet beautiful coastline along Australia’s most iconic road- the Great Ocean Road.

It also visits Ballarat and the old gold mining town of Sovereign Hill, the Blue Lake in Mt Gambier and Historic Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. Some people will choose to end their tour in Adelaide, others will stay on while others will join the next adventure, The Island Coast tour.

As the name suggests The Island Coast tour visits an island Kangaroo Island. But it visits the Barossa Valley first sampling Barossa wines and calling in to Maggie Beer’s kitchen.

Cruise the Coorong and ride a horse drawn tram then walk among seals and visit some Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island. There’s so much packed into this fantastic 7 day tour.

The last tour of this series, The Peninsula Coast will amaze you with its extraordinary coastal scenery. It is also the tour of ‘2 night stays’. With two nights in Wallaroo near the ‘Copper Triangle’, two nights in Port Lincoln – the ‘Seafood Capital’, then two more nights in peaceful and historic Streaky Bay. If you want to explore some or all sections of The South East Circle tour, call Stonestreets Coaches on 4687 5555.

We have brochures available with more details on all of these trips that make up the bits and pieces of one big wonderful adventure.

WILLIAM Winchester made his fortune from the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, marketers of the famous rifle. His widow, Sarah, was apparently told by a medium that she must “build a home for herself and for the many spirits who fell from this terrible weapon.” She was also told that she must never stop building, if she did, she would die. Sarah chose a site that is about one hour’s drive south of San Francisco, in what is now San Jose. Construction began in 1884 and continued around the clock, without interruption for 38 years until her death at age 82, at which time work immediately ceased.

The result is a bizarre legacy, now a tourist attraction.

The mansion is renowned for its size and utter lack of any master building plan. Prior to the 1906 earthquake the house was seven stories high but suffered damage in the quake and was restored to just four stories.

It has 160 rooms including 40 bedrooms, two ballrooms, 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 10,000 windows and three elevators. It is a veritable hodge-podge of doors, stairs, passageways, cupboards, rooms, windows and balconies with no sense or order in the layout. One door opens onto a blank wall, several others open to a sheer drop. A staircase goes right up to a ceiling and just stops. Posts are upside down. There is a window built into the floor. Some passageways have dead ends.

One chimney is four floors high and stops just short of the ceiling.

Sarah suffered debilitating arthritis and had special narrow steps with low risers that zigzagged back and forth to go from one level to the next. Some passageways are so narrow that an ordinary person has to turn sideways to get through. The number 13 had special significance for Sarah. Chandeliers hold 13 candles, clothes hangers are in multiples of 13, stained-glass windows have 13 colours, 13 windows in a room, 13 panels in each window, 13 drain holes in the sinks, 13 petals on daisies. One had to wonder if she was mad or possessed. The mansion had some features unheard of when the house was built. It had forced-air heating, indoor toilets and plumbing, push-button gas lights, servant call buttons and piped hot water. Sarah slept in each of the 40 bedrooms in turn. Legend has it that she never had any visitors and only three people ever went through the ornate front doors – herself and two builders.

The roof is a maze of spires, turrets and peaks with nothing matching and no symmetry. The grounds have a foreman’s house, fruit-drying shed, pump house, aviary, greenhouse and a museum of the “Gun that won the west”. Guided tours are available. These take about two hours and cost around $40. It is a unique experience!

199 Boundary Street, Coolangatta Qld 4225

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure Portugal: Europe’s new hot spot

WITH a mild climate, fascinating history, great natural beauty and friendly welcoming people, it’s no wonder that Portugal is enjoying a surge in tourism with an almost 10% increase in 2013. This is a trend expected to continue, partly due to lower prices than in most other European destinations but also because of the easier access from countries like the USA and Canada….and Australia. Emirates Airlines now flies daily to Lisbon from Dubai, meaning a convenient one-stop connection to and from Australia.

It’s hard to understand why so many of us have been to Spain and France multiple times, yet have never gone one step further to investigate all the attractions that Portugal has to offer. The capital Lisbon has a definitive charm with a history dating back to the 7th century BC; the south of the country offers the Algarve region with its Mediterranean and Atlantic beaches;

and the north has the unique city of Porto and the Douro Valley to explore. Then there are mountain villages, medieval castles and churches, and wonderful pousadas or inns to stay in. Perhaps most of all, a food and wine culture that Australians will definitely relate to. And, dare we mention it, excellent shopping for footwear, leather, ceramics and trendy new designer fashions.

The logical starting point is Lisbon, where you’ll find so many attractions that deciding how many days to stay will be a challenge. Three days minimum will allow you to soak up a bit of the city’s vibe, including historic churches, the splendidly restored St. George Castle, excellent museums and great walking tours [tip: runners are a must in the cobblestone streets].

The funky little trams will get you around, and the no. 28 is a tourist mecca in its own right as it winds through narrow streets and up the hills.

Porto River

Traditional Portuguese food such as bacalhau [cod fish], hearty meat dishes and healthy salads laced with arguably the world’s best olive oil are on offer everywhere; and you’ll be tempted to over indulge in pasteis, devilishly delicious egg custard tarts. With local wines such good value, forget the diet.

From Lisbon, you can take bus or train [but a rental car is better, and

the highways are easy] north to Coimbra. This is a university city with a long history dating back to Roman times and then the Moors who ruled the area until the 11th century. After that, Coimbra was the Portuguese capital for over a hundred years.

One of the finest museums you’ll find anywhere is the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, next to the

by Phil Hawkes

Croft, Offley and Taylor’s.

All have showrooms and continual tastings for those able to stay awake [and sober]. No need for a car here. Porto is also the jumping off point for the Douro Valley with its spectacular terraced vineyards plunging down to the river and local inns and hotels ready to welcome Englishspeaking travellers. The local cuisine using fresh ingredients represents some of Portugal’s finest.

Much more could be written about this, but a little internet research will have you licking lips in anticipation. There are You’ll find yourself university overlooking various ways to the city. There’s also the getting carried away with experience the Douro medieval monasteries of the emotion of the crowd, region, on tours unable to resist that extra [advisable if wine Santa Clara and Santa nightcap!

Cruz, both with imprestasting], by car or by river From Coimbra the road to cruises from day trips to a sive stories to tell. the north brings you to At night the old town week or more on board. comes alive with tiny bars Porto, famous for its port It’s no wonder that and restaurants befitting wine industry and a must- Portugal is enjoying a university clientele and see destination on any renewed interest, if you’re lucky, you’ll find itinerary. The city stands particularly by Austraon both sides of the yourself in a small café lians who love “lifestyle Douro River, near the where students dressed travel”….there’s so much in traditional black cloaks mouth, and is the to explore and it’s now so headquarters of wellperform fado, a unique easy to get there. And known brands such as song-form expressive of great value as well.

Sandemans, Porto Cruz, the Portuguese spirit. www.visitportugal.com

Noosa Lifestyle beckons!

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

HOLIDAY & Leisure Personal Pilgrimage: A Childhood Dream

by Thea Booth

QUEEN Elizabeth II flew into World Expo Brisbane 1988, as we flew out on Olympic Airways air-bus to Athens, via Abu Dhabi oil rigs on fire in the Gulf.

Part of a mixed group of N.Z. - Australian pilgrims non-denominational free thinkers, students of life, religious history and archaeology.

Our common bond was to follow Christ’s footsteps from Corinth to Tel Aviv, taking in Patmos, Hydra, Aegina (Greek Isles), cruising Hydrofoil cruise boat on the blue Mediterranean Sea. Kittens dined on catchof-the day tiddlers, on a waterfront of ancient defence cannons.

Donkeys waited to take us to the slopes dotted with Greek-style residences and pristine white stone Orthodox chapels, entrance door of butcher blue. Icons and lit candles flooded the sanctuary.

Back to our host hotel, pumping the ivories for fellow French visitors along the way. We noted wayside prayer stops, smothered in yellow wildflower creepers, after a look-see of the underground city ruins of biblical Corinthians.

Early to bed, after hearty moussaka; get up and go to a tank guarded airport, our Egyptian flight (no pork served) introduced

Tomb of Jesus Christ, Church of Holy Sepulchre

Ramadan fasting. We booked into Gordon of Khartoum’s once occupied ‘fortress’ hotel Cairo, with it’s teeming millions showcased vibrant sewing machine

Xmas in Rhineland!

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Winter rentals from $200AUD/ week. Small groups OK too.

book@myeuropebase.com www.myeuropebase.com A.H Call 07 4635 2508

markets, a camel-pyramid Giza experience as one by one we succumbed to ‘Cairo-belly’ bug. After a moody Nile River trip to Aswan, complete with Nubian musical group, packed up; off across the Suez, into the shale rock of the Judean wilderness, with mountain cave hermits, Bedouin tents and date palm oases, singing towards Jericho, recollecting our visit to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. At Mount Beatitudes, we read the sermon on the mount, then full immersion baptism performed in the River Jordan was John the Baptist style. We sat under Australian - gifted gums, then moved onto Cana’s Capernaum, after the healing pool of Bethesda, playing Church of the Holy Sepulchre pipe organ, onto a boat across the choppy Sea of Galilee to Tiberias secret hill service, St Peter’s fish specialty. Sleep, onto Petra, Church of the Nativity - special highlight for all of us undoubtedly with Shepherds fields. We ascended to the Holy City of Jerusalem. An evening of Israeli treats served with a David harp solo at Hotel Calvary. Next morning early communion in the Tomb Garden of Gethsemane,

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

the Western Wall, Mt of Olives, via Dolorosa, Mt Zion’s Upper Room; Masada followed on to the Holocaust Museum, Megiddo plain where the final battle of Armageddon is prophesised to eventuate, Haifa to Tel Aviv completed a whirlwind 21 days, taking in a kibbutz. It was a long flight homeward, heads reeling with sights, sounds, smells of these countries and places beyond imagination.

Expo called, playing in a music trio from my home, Lockyer Valley - Gatton display pavilion. Was this a dream??

Take an affordable break at Sunset Strip, Coolangatta

BABY boomers and seniors - finally someone is listening to what you want, at the price you can afford.

Sunset Strip is the perfect old fashioned, friendly place to stay on your Gold Coast getaway. Fun and relaxed, Coolangatta still retains that ‘old Gold Coast feel’.

Sunset Strip is your holiday home away from home. Positioned on a unique north facing peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides, the resort is set on one acre in a quiet pocket of Coolangatta/ Rainbow Bay. It is centrally located, yet quiet and spacious.

Guests enjoy a safe, friendly and relaxed environment with a wonderful choice of activities.

Superb beaches, river, parklands, shopping, dining and entertainment (Twin Towns Club) are all located within a two minute walk and the area has minimal traffic and is well illuminated and safe. Imagine yourself unwinding watching a magical sunrise or

sunset while strolling on the beach or walking along the river. Here you can renew your spirit, refresh your mind - and take the memories back home with you.

Sunset Strip is a holiday environment focused upon old world values providing affordable holiday accommodation for those who want to avoid the ‘glitz’ of the Gold Coast.

It offers two different styles of accommodation – the guesthouse or a self-contained holiday flat.

The guesthouse offers a unique 60’s retro style with 42 secure, separate, comfortable, quiet rooms, including singles, twins and doubles. All bedding, linen and bath towels are provided and all rooms are equipped with vanity basin, wardrobe, ceiling fan and good security. A large, fully equipped kitchen and dining room are available for use.

Communal clean showers and toilets are set on each level (separate male/ female) and there are shady outdoor areas and a huge sundeck.

For those who want to be more active there is a

twenty metre swimming pool and gym area. You won’t have to worry about the security of your vehicle either as safe, off-street open air car parking for 20 cars is available.

The self-contained holiday flats comprise ground floor, large fully furnished and equipped units. These are older style but refurbished and clean, comfortable and quiet. The one bedroom consists of 1 double and 2 single beds, sleeping up to 4 persons. All bedding and linen is provided and there is a fully equipped kitchen with everything you will need. Your own bathroom has a shower, toilet and vanity.

All guests of the holiday flats have full access to all the facilities located in the main guesthouse building including the swimming pool and car park.

See the advertisement in these pages for the very affordable rates at Sunset Strip, which is located at 199 Boundary Street, Coolangatta or call their friendly hosts on 07 5599 5517.

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HOLIDAY & Leisure Spend time in jail on Jack Sim’s fascinating tours of Boggo Road

PRISON ‘inmate’ Maggie O’Brien serves us a delicious high tea of quarter-cut egg salad and roast beef sandwiches and prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella with hot blueberry scones to follow.

Sipping a strong cup of Earle Grey, I goad Maggie: “Better than bread and water, eh?”

“Sure is, love,” replies Maggie brushing her baggy rough-sewn woolen dress, typical of the garb worn by female prisoners at the Brisbane women’s jail at Boggo Road when it opened in 1903.

Maggie is one of a group of men and women who masquerade as prison guards and inmates to give visitors an eerie but fascinating insight into the notorious and heritage-listed compound at Dutton Park.

Boggo Road jail – so named after a stretch of dirt on Annerley Road that turned into a bog after rain – was built in the early 1880s as a high security prison until it was closed in 1989.

Jack Sim, who holds the license to manage Boggo Road jail, has been running historical and ghost tours around Brisbane for 15 years.

A noted historian and writer, he has authored many books on Brisbane’s dark past.

But Boggo Road continues as the main attraction for hundreds of inquisitive visitors who have joined Jack’s tours of the jail since they started a year ago.

Its very name conjures images of rooftop riots, hunger strikes, protests and escapes, tough crims, and tougher warders.

The first cellblock opened in July 1883.

RED Hatters don’t have to travel far to have fun!

More than 80 Red Hatters converged on the Farmers Arms Cabarlah for the official crowning of their Queen Joan and The Absolutely Fabulous Red Hatters of Cabarlah 7th birthday. The Ab Fabs meet at Highfields weekly and if you would like to make some new friends, and share some fun and laughter call Rosalie on 0409 784 588.

Jail keeper .. Jack Sims outside the Boggo Road compound

Over the years many other buildings came and went on the site.

The first buildings contained 57 cells and were constructed using materials from the demolished Petrie Terrace jail.

A jail for female prisoners was built in 1903.This became known as No.2 Division and is now the only prison building still standing.

No.1 Division, built in 1883, was the scene of 42 hangings, including that of Ernest Austin in 1913 – the last execution in

Queensland.

“We’re celebrating our first anniversary and our jail tours are just as popular now with locals as they are for visiting tourists,” Jack said.

“Senior citizens are regular visitors and we have taken more than 70 seniors groups on tours of the jail.”

Between 1883 and 2002, more than 500,000 people passed through the prison gates as either staff, visitors or inmates.

We talked to Jack as he was rushing to a book signing in Ipswich –

All dressed up and nowhere to go .. female prisoners at Boggo Road jail in the 1900s

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“Innocence Lost: The Last Man Hanged in Queensland’, a story about Ernest Austin who was executed on September 22, 1913, after being convicted of the murder of a 12year-old girl near Samford.

In Australian folklore, the ghost of Austin is said to haunt the confines of Boggo Road jail.

Jack Sim’s jail tours are open six days a week but close on Mondays.

Through historical tours, re-enactments and immersions, educational experiences, functions and events, the drama and stories of human beings, their failings and their achievements within the walls of Boggo Road jail are brought to life.

“Week-day tours are the most popular with seniors,” Jack said.

“We arrange a variety of different activities.”

These include catered tours that provide tea and coffee through to high-teas for organised groups. Visitors are served by men and women who recreate the appearance of

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female inmates and prison staff of the 1900s.

Sittings can be for up to 60 people, but Jack Sims says forward bookings are essential.

Tours led by former prison guards are also popular.

“We are getting great feedback from seniors who tell us how lovely and polite our tour guides are,” Jack said.

If you ‘want to do time’ in the jail, tours can be arranged by calling Jack on (07) 3844 0059 or on mobile 0411 111 903 – the last four digits being the year the women’s prison opened at Boggo Road.

Email: bookings@ boggoroadgaol. com.

Visit or book tickets on line: www.boggoroad gaol.com.

by Jim Bowden

Lady Bev and Queen Joan cutting the cake

Guests at the Queen Crowning

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www.boggoroadgaol.com December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

HOLIDAY & Leisure Why a travel agent can save you heartache when booking a cruise

Craig from Travelscene Jan McSweeney enjoying breakfast inside the harbour in Monte Carlo

CRUISING, whether on the ocean or a river, is a great way to holiday.

Unpack once, enjoy your holiday and then packup only once. The inclusive pricing means that cruises are great value for money and you know fairly well how much your holiday is going to cost. Your fare normally includes your accommodation, transport, all main meals and most entertainment. You get to decide how busy or relaxed you want to be.

Choosing the cruise for you however is not so simple. There are a myriad of cruise lines to choose from. You can cruise on basic ships

through to ultra luxury and on ships varying in size from 12 to 6000 passengers. Do you want an expedition cruise, a relocation cruise, a sector cruise or a roundtrip cruise?

Add the options of so many cabin types and such varied destinations and it all becomes rather confusing.

This is where your cruise expert comes in. Let Craig and his team use their expertise, training and knowledge match the right cruise to you. They are all accredited cruise agents and have done as many as 10 cruises personally. Travelscene Jan McSweeney. Phone 4636 2622 or info@janmcsweeneytravel.com.au

Gaudi or Gawdy?

MOST Aussies probably have never heard of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. However, to residents of Barcelona, his name is synonymous with their city. Gaudi’s style is unique and his buildings instantly recognisable.

He took much of his inspiration from nature, emulating the curves and natural forms found in plants and animals. He abhorred straight lines and flat surfaces. Consequently, his constructions are a strange combination of bends and flowing lines with lavish use of odd colours. Gaudi (pronounced gowDEE) lived from 1852 till 1926.

Much of his work was centred on Barcelona and many buildings in the city are recognisable as his inspiration. Casa Battlo is a multi-storied house in the heart of Barcelona and is open to the public to view his work. None of its windows are rectangular, doors are not flat, walls are curved, ceilings twist with different textures and finishes, weird shapes emerge from surfaces, chimneys are bent, even

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Travelscene Jan McSweeney 144 South St Toowoomba 4350 PH: 4636 2622 info@janmcsweeneytravel.com.au Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

by Allan Blackburn

Sagrada Familia

the floors are not level.

Gaudi’s creative genius would have been a headache for the builders. To traditionalists, his style is totally over-the-top. You either love it or hate it. His crowning masterpiece is the Sagrada Familia or Temple of the Sacred Family, a huge Roman Catholic church. Work began on this iconic structure in 1882 and it is still unfinished, but estimates guess at a completion around 2028. Gaudi devoted much of his life to this project and it was less than a quarter complete when he died. At one stage he remarked, “My client is not in a hurry.” Teams of architects have continued the work. It is totally funded by tourist visits and donations, with no support from government or church sources.

The edifice is intended to have a total of 18 spires of varying heights. Their completion will make Sagrada Familia the tallest church building in the world. Construction cranes dominate the skyline. It will have three

Casa Battlo

grand facades. The Nativity Façade and the Passion Façade are complete while the Glory Façade, still undergoing work, will be the largest. They are all heavily ornate in Gaudi’s inimitable style.

The exterior looks somewhat like melting concrete, flowing down under gravity – the work of a madman or a genius?

The interior is in the shape of a Latin cross with five aisles. The detail and complexity are unbelievable and difficult to comprehend. One won-

ders how a single person could have conceived such a complex design.

Each piece in the puzzle is unique and required individual construction by painstaking artisans using complicated moulds.

Gold leaf adorns many decorations. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, testifying to Gaudi’s exceptional creative talent. With a total construction time of over 140 years, the Sagrada Familia must rank as one of the most incredible structures on Earth.

Use your skills, have fun and travel AUSTRALIAN Business Volunteering (ABV) contributes to poverty reduction, sustainable development and good governance by providing Australian expert volunteers who, through sharing their skills and experience, assist businesses and organisations in developing countries to grow and thrive.

They focus on people in South East Asia and the Pacific. These aims are to help reduce poverty and create sustainable development. Promoting good governance is also an important goal of the aid program. Many micro, small and medium sized businesses, community groups, non-government organisations, and government agencies in developing

countries need all kinds of practical advice and training but cannot afford to pay for professional consultants. ABV ask them to provide accommodation, food and a modest allowance for volunteers. ABV volunteers are mostly retired or self-employed people who freely give their time and assistance.

They are tradespeople, professionals and business people, both men and women, who draw upon many years of experience in their fields. If you would like to use your skills, have some fun and travel - volunteer for Australian Business Volunteers. Phone Number: 02 6285 1686 or Email Address: info@abv.org.au www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure Make Noosa your destination!

look out for each other. It’s not often you can find a place where you can come home and find vegetables sitting on your doorstep, which one of the neighbours has grown and left for you, or where you hear a ‘cooee’ from someone who has gone out in their boat and caught some fish and want to know if you want some. That’s Hilton Esplanade.

A little piece of yesteryear filled with a handful of wonderful caring neighbours, who love living here.

Listed below are some of the features of the house to help you make up your mind to move to your new riverfront lifestyle.

The house is a modern architecturally designed, two story home with stunning panoramic waterfront views. You can stand in your large gourmet kitchen upstairs or your spacious Caesar Stone kitchen downstairs and look out past the open timber bi folds across the upper and Relaxing and fishing by the Noosa River lower full length, entertaining decks and take in the long riverfront views. Moor with local ‘Henry’ the heron your boat on your own large private jetty, WHY have retired farmers bought throw a line in, launch your kayak, or kick property in Hilton Esplanade Tewantin? back with a glass of wine and watch the Mention Hilton Esplanade and its sunsets. foreshore area to locals and the few You’ll love the large alfresco back deck tourists who stumble across it, and they’ll that flows out from the downstairs level, tell you that it is the most pristine and which is where you’ll find your six seat peaceful place in Noosa. The foreshore hydrotherapy-swim spa to relax in, or use area has remained unchanged for over 80 as a work out pool all year round. The years, accept for a few picnic tables and a downstairs bathroom is a large wet room BBQ area. You will only find a few homes style bathroom which is suitable for in this much sort after quiet riverfront disabled access, and big enough to street, and a large percentage of the shower the grandchildren all at once. The owners are from the land. Yes that’s right, owners had the foresight to wire the with the most recent neighbours being house for a lift, should mobility in years to retired cotton farmers from Moree. Some come become a problem. country people have a holiday house here Clubs, local shops and restaurants are all and others have chosen to live here within easy walking distance. The house permanently. has been designed so that two families Besides the quietness of the street due to can holiday here in total comfort. one end closed off to through traffic years Whether you want to live in this unique ago, it’s being able to still do what you place, or opt for holiday renting your may have done years ago on summer investment, this lifestyle is truly like no holidays with your family that adds to the other place in Noosa. special feel of this street. You can throw a Other features include: Gated entry, line in out the front and maybe teach your security system, laundry chute from grandchildren how to catch a fish and master bedroom, ducted vacuum system, then cook it on the free council BBQ. Drop two dishwashers, big garden shed, two car your crab pots off the jetty, and show the carport and plenty of storage inside and next generation of your family how to run out. Richardson & Wrench Noosa are the the prawn net at night on the little sandy agents and welcome your enquiries. Phone beaches that are still dotted along the 5447 4499 or call Shane McCauley 0403 river’s edge.

646 930 or Jennifer Carr 0412 158 433 If you are used to good old fashioned direct. You can also view the property on country hospitality this lifestyle is for line at www.rwnoosa.com.au /53hilton you. Wonderful neighbours who care and (See advertisement on page 25)

Dipping your toes into Cruising

I get seasick in the bathtub. I also get bored easily. So I have lived my life until now thinking that cruising was just not something that was for me. Friends and clients alike tell me how wonderful cruising is and how they incorporate a cruise each year into their annual holiday planner. I just couldn’t understand.

Really.

However, when planning our latest adventure I decided it was time to dip my toes into cruising, it was important for work I chided myself. So I picked a 3 Night Bahamian cruise because: it fitted around the rest of my plans, it was only three nights, surely I could sleep off seasickness for three nights, I could be on land everyday which meant something to see and did I mention land. What makes cruising so enticing? My husband loved that once we were onboard and unpacked we did not have to repack until the final day yet we still visited new and exciting destinations as we woke each morning.

For me, it was the never ending supply of mouthwatering food included in the price of your cruise and the extraordinary levels of customer service from every member of staff that you encounter. Don’t forget the sublime entertainment that would cost the same price as the cruise alone on land. I felt totally spoilt in my comfortable and immaculately kept

stateroom and the personal attention of our wait staff who stayed with us each night learning our favourite drinks and dishes. The activities offered at each port made it difficult to choose what to see and explore to make the most of our time.

Best of all, despite it being a little rough on our first night of sailing I did not even feel queasy and not for one minute was I bored. In fact, I did not want to disembark and would have been quite ready to go again. By the second morning on board over one of the best chai lattes I have ever drunk, my darling husband and I were busily planning and plotting cruises into our many planned trips ahead: there is Hawaii, Alaska, back to back cruises in the Mediterranean even a Baltic cruise, or maybe New Zealand or a fly cruise to Asia. So know like a reformed smoker I can proudly join the cruising is so wonderful, really you haven’t lived until you try it brigade.

If I can enjoy cruising then I truly believe anyone can. My Personal Travel Planner is a locally owned and operated independent travel agent in Toowoomba. The agency is a member of CLIA – the Cruise Line International Association. Owner Ainsley Hardie, holds the CLIA Australasia Accreditation Certificate. For information on your next cruise holiday contact her on 07 4637 8235.

Specialising in

Travel Arrangements with a Personal Touch

Locally owned and operated Travel Agency 23 Bridge Street Toowoomba Q 4350 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

(07) 4637 8235

email: enquiries@mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

www.mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

community news Seniors Twospeed Crossword Cryptic Clues

Straight Clues

ACROSS 1 Having left the army, got rid of one’s cellphone, perhaps 7 Avoid giving a direct answer to a windbreaker 8 Dislocated a twin pair 11 Therefore model a cereal disease 12 Chat tirelessly about clothes 14 Tolstoy’s Ms Karenina was the governess to the King of Siam 16 A bloke may briefly catch apples 19 Deliver a blow and take industrial action 22 Enthusiastic enjoyment during August, overseas 24 The specialist returns to become a contestant 25 An eagle’s claw made from metal once

ACROSS 1 Disbanded army troops 7 Row of bushes 8 Two 11 Fungal disease 12 Dress 14 Early Indian coin 16 Fellow 19 Withdraw one’s labour 22 Keen relish 24 Go in 25 Sharply hooked claw 26 Went backwards

DOWN 1 Widely cultivated flower 2 Psychopath 3 Cry of a calf 4 Afterwards 5 Shiralee 6 Surface hollow 9 Devastate 10 A tittle 13 Sample 15 Part of speech 17 Cured

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 31

18 Put in hock 20 Trunk 21 Bury 22 Toothed wheel 23 Let it stand

A GREAT SENIOR’S SPECIAL

Holiday in the Hinterland

at Clouds of Montville

26 Reversed, and degenerated DOWN 1 Some howdah liabilities make a bloomer 2 Dr Jekyll’s alter ego was a lunatic 3 Complain about the cry of a sheep 4 Eventually in koala territory 5 Bluey points to silver 6 Sedentary during the depression 9 Sabotage a sunken vessel 10 Jot some radio talks

13 Flavour, in a sense 15 A major form class definitely not unattached 17 Patched up some of the ale deliveries 18 Pledged a chess piece to end heartlessly 20 A headless, limbless statue found in the west, or south 21 Lay to rest in the main territories 22 Give out arrow heads for personal belongings 23 A printer’s instruction from the east, etc

Facts and oddities of the English language Euouae, a 6 letter English word consisting only of vowels, also contains the most consecutive vowels.

Trivia Answers from page 10 1.

2.

3.

4.

West Indies Fish March Northern Territory 5. Base times height divided by two 6. Two dollars 7. Hair oil 8. Six 9. Flock together 10. Veal

11. Obstetrician 12. 12 13. Carburettor 14. The crack of a whip 15. Meatloaf 16. Sporran 17. Goat-like 18. Lyndon Baines Johnson 19. Estonia 20. Russian roulette Veronica Kavney and Rose Huddle share a cuppa at Figgies, Clifford Gardens

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Available Sunday to Thursday ONLY 3 Nights accommodation for 2 in a self contained/air conditioned ground floor GARDEN UNIT Plus Cooked breakfast each morning served to your unit

TOTAL PRICE $295 per couple

SAVE $197 on our normal mid-week rates!

OR 5 Nights accommodation for 2 in a self contained/air conditioned ground floor GARDEN UNIT Plus Cooked breakfast each morning served to your unit

TOTAL PRICE $435 per couple

SAVE $295 on our normal mid-week rates!

Upgrade to a first floor unit with great coastal views for only an extra $20 per night!

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER

Enjoy a traditional Christmas Lunch or Dinner for 2 including Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Only - at the Famous Montville Bar & Grill (Free transport if required)

49

$

Available from 1st Dec to 24th Dec

per couple

Callwww.cloudsofmontville.com.au us Now 07 5442 9174

NOW OPEN “The most exquisite gardens I’ve seen in my 41 years in the garden business.

It will be the next wonder of the world” Graham Ellis, The Garden Guru.

Set on over three hectares of uniquely layered and manicured gardens, positioned high on the escarpment, the magnificent, privately owned gardens are a panorama of waterfalls, ponds and colourful plantings. Idyllic rainforest surroundings and the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains backdrop create a truly unique garden.

Entry by admission Devonshire Tea available

Open 7 days 9am - 4.30pm info@malenybotanicgardens.com www.malenybotanicgardens.com PH: 07 5408 4110 or 0400 091 731 233 Maleny-Stanley River Rd, Cnr Mountain View Rd, Maleny Qld Group Bookings Welcome

Page 30 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

Answers on Page 31

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

National Seniors Toowoomba set for a stroll down memory lane

NATIONAL Seniors Toowoomba Branch wishes all readers a Merry Christmas!

From February to November, we meet for morning tea at Regents on the Lake on the first Thursday of each month and we have a bus trip on the third Thursday.

During the holiday season, we have a Christmas Party in December and a special activity in January.

Our special event for January 2014 will be Down Memory Lane - a golden oldies movie session to be held at Regents on the Lake onWednesday, January 15 commencing at 9.30am with morning tea, and including a salad luncheon during intermission.

Old time movie lover Joel Archer will present some historic cartoons and newsreels as a prelude to two classic movies,

Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus (1928) and the hilarious Hollywood hit, It Happened One Night (1934) starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.

The Circus won Charles Chaplin an Academy Award at the first ever Academy Awards presentations ceremony on 16 May1929. The special award was for ‘versatility and genius in writing, acting, directing and producing’.

Paradoxically, Chaplin does not once mention the film in his autobiography. For many decades, it seemed this was a film he preferred to forget.

The reason was not the film itself, but the fraught circumstances surrounding its making.

Chaplin was in the throes of the break-up of his marriage with Lita Grey. In the divorce proceedings, Lita’s lawyers sought

Above: Charlie Chaplin in The Circus Right: Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night

every means to ruin Chaplin’s career.

At the height of the legal battle, production of The Circus was brought to a halt for eight months, when Lita’s lawyers sought to seize all the studio assets. Chaplin

was forced to smuggle the footage already shot to a safe hiding place.

In the late 1960s, after the years spent trying to forget it, Chaplin returned to The Circus to rerelease it with a new musical score of his own

song much better. So he was persuaded, at the age of 79, to record the song.

It seemed to symbolize his reconciliation to the film which had caused him so much stress.

Frank Capra’s romantic comedy It Happened One Night was the first film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay).

It tells the story of a pampered socialite (Claudette Colbert) who falls in love with a roguish reporter (Clark Gable).

This film also travelled a rocky road to production, with Claudette Colbert throwing many tantrums.

For the filming of the famous hitch-hiking scene, she initially baulked at pulling up her skirt to entice passing drivers, complaining that it was unladylike. But when an exasperated Capra brought in a chorus girl to act as a body double, an outraged Colbert screamed, “Get her outa here. I’ll do it.

That’s not my leg!”

The cost for Down Memory Lane will be $40, and bookings may be made with Yvonne on 4638 5252. Payment must be made at the Suncorp Branch in Margaret St by Thursday, January 9 to confirm your booking.

composition. He even composed a new theme song, ‘Swing Little Girl’, to be sung over the titles.

A professional vocalist was engaged, but the musical director, Eric James, recognised that Chaplin himself sang the

Come join the Longyard Country Music Club THE Longyard Country Music Club Inc. in Toowoomba celebrated its sixteenth Birthday on the 11th August 2013. The club began when members of the King family decided to get together for family ‘Jam Sessions’. Soon friends indicated they’d like to listen and join in and there became the need to move of family lounge rooms into a Hall. Like Topsy, the Jam Sessions grew and Club became Incorporated. As the Clubs Socials became more popular and the audience grew larger venues had to be found. Local Charities have benefited from thousands of dollars donated from the proceeds of the Clubs Socials. Since

foundation Members, Ron King, Robert and Nola Williams and Elva Just. The club holds its Socials and Meeting and Practices in the Wyreema Hall, Umbiram Road, Wyreema.

Socials on the 1st Sunday each month (except January and September ‘Fathers Day’) from 12 noon to 5pm.

Meetings and Practices are held on the 2nd Sunday each month (except May Mothers Day) from 10am to 5pm. The Meeting begins at 1 pm. BYO Lunch.

Celebrating 16 years in the entertainment business

it’s official beginning over 200 Applications for Membership have been received and present Membership stands at 56, which includes four of the

Biggest New Year’s Eve concert ever! don’t like to be out late there will be a 6.00pm performance and it will finish in time for the first fireworks display. This will allow you to get home early if travelling down by car to Brisbane.

This is the 30th New Year’s Eve concert for the Pops so there is a DON’T miss your opportunity to ring in the special treat for 200 people. A Black Tie New Year with Patrick Premium A Res ticket will Pickett’s Queensland include Champagne and Pops Orchestra on Tuesday December 31 at canapés on the roof top the Concert Hall, QPAC. to watch the fireworks and mix with the stars.

Artists include, Tenor – Ticket prices start at $80 Rosario La Spina, for Friends, $85 Soprano Emily Burke, Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth Concession, $90 A Res General, $150 Black Tie Lewis and Baritone Jason Barry-Smith. This Package.

Book at QPAC.com.au or year there will be two concerts. For those who call 136 246 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Brain Training Answers from page 30 Staircase: Spectre, Lamia, Bunyip, Undine, Merman, Naiad, Griffin The word is: SANDMAN

Crossword Solution Answers from page 30

Number Jig: 7516 StepRiddle: Hunks, Bunks, Banks, Basks, Basis, Basic

Who do you call ...

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane)

Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500

Centrelink: Retirement 132 300

Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254

Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717

Veteran Affairs Network 1300 551 918

Employment Services 132 850

National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110

National Aged Care Information 1800 200 422 www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au December 2013 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

FACILITIES/ACTIVITIES • Resort Style Pool • Heated Spa • 2 Heated Indoor Swimming Pools • Water Aerobics • Pool-Side Entertainment Area • BBQ’s & Outdoor Areas • Fully Equipped Gym

• Personal Trainer • Well-Appointed, Luxurious Country Club • Elegant Dining Facility • 60 Seat Cinema • Library with Computers and Broadband Access • Grand Piano • Dance Floor

• Dancing Activities • Giant Chess • Indoor Carpet Bowls • Undercover World Class Bowling Green • Security Gated • Pool/Billiards/Darts/Bar • Tai Chi (From Beginners to Advanced)

Page 32 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2013

• Yoga • Visiting Doctor • Visiting Physiotherapist • Visiting Reflexologist • Resort Hair Salon • Beautician and Massage Therapist • Resort Bus • Weekly Shopping Trips

• Flood Lit Full Size Tennis Court • Art & Craft Room • Fully Equipped Workshop • Pet Friendly • Security Gated • Ask About Our Free Weekly Meals

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au