tha it s’ t’s right...
FREE!
free Issue: 8 june 2012
Everything Old is New Again
Stunning vintage styles
Luxotica
Offshore Productions brings Victoria’s Secret to Newcastle
Journey Through India pt3 The Colours of Rajasthan
Atherton & Daintree with Wildlife Photographer Jim Thomson
social/life magazine : JUNE 2012
social/life magazine steve dunkley - creative director stevedunkley@sociallifemagazine.com.au mobile: 0428 438 663
steve james - sales & marketing director stevejames@sociallifemagazine.com.au mobile: 0447 688 770
contributors elle sheedy jim thomson
photography aaron mansfield chuck grotte emma hunter, pure blush photography tania dunning peta wood
consultant graham dunkley
“I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
- Mark Twain
For those who don’t already know, you can read this magazine, and all previous editions on our online library. Just navigate your computer browser to our website and click on the edition covers. And while you’re online, find us on facebook and click LIKE and then SHARE with your friends. ...You’ll never miss out on all the brilliant stories, fashion, restaurants, entertainment and tours, people, events and travel that we bring to you each month. Did you know you are invited to share your own stories with us? You can just email us and include your very best photos, or you can go to our website and click WRITE YOUR STORY... Maybe you’ve had an interesting holiday, seen the sights, met a celebrity, performed a winning song, danced, built your own manshed... Really, you might not think it’s very interesting, but the rest of us would be fascinated. Our very good friend, Sandy Saunders concluded his homebuilt kayak trek from his backyard to the beach at Nelson Bay with his adventuring mates in this edition. Sandy’s a modest seventy-something but will happily regale you about his love of the outdoors. The kayak trek has been a wonderful story to follow. Thanks for the emails and words of encouragement from you dear readers. Yes, he’s an amazing fellow indeed.
website: www.sociallifemagazine.com.au facebook: www.facebook/sociallifemagazine advertising enquiries: info@sociallifemagazine.com.au © Copyright 2011 social life magazine. Unauthorised copying or use of any material contained herein prohibited. All contents remain the property of social/life magazine. Reproduction or use without permission prohibited. Disclaimer: social/life magazine is published in Newcastle, NSW. Submissions by readers, third-parties, contractors or contributors do not necessarily express the views of the publishers, staff and associates. No responsibility is offered or implied by social life magazine for views expressed herein.
cover: Photography: Aaron W. Mansfield
www.aaronmansfield.com
Location: Fashion:
Exchange Hotel, Hamilton Miskonduct Klothing
www.aaronmansfield.com
Accessories: Rock-A-Bye Billy
www.rockabyebilly.com
Model:
Emma Jean
Our “Everything old is New Again” fashion spread presents with 50’s and 60’s designs that are finding a new contemporary audience. Welcome back to style and glamour. - page 12
Special thanks goes to our friend, Pat Tobin from Swansea Belmont Surf Lifesaving Club for the brilliant account of Women in Surf. If you get a chance to thank the members of this amazing organisation in person, you should take it. Wouldn’t it be great to get every Novocastrian who’s even been rescued to shout thanks at the same time. What a great sound that would be. We’re also over the moon about this month’s fashion shoot. Emma from Miskonduct Klothing has transformed our models into beautiful time-travellers from the 50’s and 60’s. Stunning neuvovintage fashion beautifully shot by Aaron Mansfield and presented in gorgeous vintage colour.
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Another special thanks to Kath and Stewart at The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton for the cool location.
web: www.sociallifemagazine.com.au
If indeed Mark Twain, can live on a compliment for two days... By that reckoning, we should surely live forever. - Steve
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
page 4
Sandy Saunder’s Kayak trek concludes
Everything Old is New Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 Vintage Fashion make a Stunning return
Luxotica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10 Fashion event featuring Victoria’s Secret
Journey through India Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 Tegan Hughes explores colourful Rajasthan
Cabaret of Perversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16 Jeff Thomson’s dark circus
Atherton and Daintree
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
page 18
Travelling with Wildlife Photographer, Jim Thomson
Raid My Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Fashion Event is on again
Puppy Playgroup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
page 24
Croudace Bay Park hosted the Puppy’s Easter
Women of Surf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Pat Tobin presents the Ladies of Lifesaving
Recipe
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
page 30
Yummy Porcupine Meatballs like mum used to make.
The Darkness and Groovin’ the Moo . . . . . . . . page 31 Photographer Chuck Grotte shoots two great events send in your social snaps from events around the area for next edition info@sociallifemagazine.com.au - name each pic with a caption and email - easy.
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Sandy Saunders and his mates have realised their dream of kayaking from the Myall Lakes to Nelson Bay in a unique river adventure... Story: Steve Dunkley
For fun and adventure in the great outdoors.
A group portrait.
Sandy Saunders and his mates have realised their dream of kayaking from the Myall Lakes to Nelson Bay in a unique river adventure... Regular readers of Social Life will know Sandy from previous editions as we followed his progress in building the unique kayak that he planned to use on the trip. The quick build took a couple of weeks for Sandy, an avid outdoorsman and handyman. He designed the keel mechanism and the custom seat for his own back. The 1930’s design features an option for sails making this an uncommon sight on Lake Macquarie where Sandy resides. Before long, it was in the water and looking brilliant with it’s glossy yellow and red finish. 4 social/life
The support boat heads off.
Dubbed “If Only,” the name of the kayak is a private joke reflecting Sandy’s innate good humour and love of life and nature. The plans for the lake-to-bay kayak journey started with a keen enthusiasm to get the little boats on the water and to also share a few days with mates. Experience was in no shortage as several of the party have enjoyed similar expeditions to Mount Everest and the Kakoda Track. The group made sure they had all the support they needed and they organised a mate to man the support boat if any of the paddlers needed a break or a tow. Although initial plans for the trip were simple enough with just Sandy and his mate Tony McCullum, it wasn’t long before other adventurers decided to join in.
“The more the merrier,” said Sandy, “We didn’t mind how many wanted to come along. It was going to be a great time and worth sharing.” Another home-built craft, by friend Ryan Rogers was among the group as well. The party shipped their boats to Bulahdelah for the launch and made their way into Myall Lake. From there they followed the Myall RIver south into Nelson Bay, camping out “old school style.” “Having the trip during the March-April time of year helped us avoid most of the insects,” said Sandy. They stayed close to the shoreline making good progress without turning the trip into a race or a marathon.
Mealtime after a long paddle down the Myall River
In the role of organiser, cook and camp-establishment-bloke, Tony would travel on ahead of the group and get the camp site set up for the party. The occasional visitor to the site included a goanna who considered the human arrival a bit much before taking off into the scrub. The journey concluded at Nelson Bay where the lads beached their craft and celebrated with a round of photographs. As Sandy had predicted, “...it was certainly something to remember.”
Sandy with his home-built kayak “If Only.”
The support boat transports the camp, food and provides a tow.
If you have a tale to tell, share it with us. Send your stories and photos to graphics@sociallifemagazine.com.au or call 0428 438 663 for more details.
At Nelson Bay on the completion of the trek.
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As the song suggests... Everything old is new again... fashion trends seem to cycle every few years or decades but true, glorious style lasts and lasts. ... Welcome back to the age of glamour and style.
Models:
Emma Jean Alicia June
Photography: Aaron W. Mansfield www.aaronmansfield.com Tania Dunning Art Director:
Steve Dunkley
Fashion:
Miskonduct Klothing
www.miskonduct.com
- Modern Vintage Boutique
Accessories: Rock-A-Bye Billy & Hosiery www.rockabyebilly.com Hair:
Hairfreaks2
Location:
The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton
Dita Dress $169.99 Priscilla Dress $179.99
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Lavish Dress Joan Dress
$159.99 $149.99
Red Lucite Jitterbug Handbag $109.99 Maton Apollo 505 #288/300 (1970)
social/life 7
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$154.99 $69.99
Rosie Trousers Blue Ivory Check top
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Cherry Maria Bamboo Bag $69.99 Plumeria Small Bamboo Bag $59.99
8 social/life
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12 social/life
T H E
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RAJASTHAN STORY & PHOTOS: Tegan Hughes
It is the vivid colours of the saris and turbans that stand out against the backdrop of the desert and rural Rajasthan.
social/life 13
It was here in Rajasthan, I found the heart and tradition of Indian culture.
The houses and buildings in cities in this Northern Indian state are even splashed in colour. Jaipur is known as the pink city, Jodhpur the blue and Udaipur, the white, ‘Venice of the East.’ Beautiful handicrafts were everywhere: cashmere, yak wool, silk, cottons, as well as the amazing skills of the Indians in block printing, weaving and embroidery, and are sought after by many top world designers – I was lucky to be with Ranny, who knew the best bazaars and export houses full of exquisite scarves, throws, bed covers and curtains. It was here in Rajasthan, I found the heart and tradition of Indian culture. A rough and bumpy, five-hour Jeep ride from Jaipur took me to the rural village of 14 social/life
Tordi Garh. In the afternoon I was able to wander and explore the dusty streets. Women dressed in bright pink, blue and yellow skirts with midriff tops, a traditional outfit known as ghagara choli, washed clothes in tubs. Their bangles and anklets made music as they moved. Others sat outside their homes gossiping and decorating saris with embroidery and jewels, to make extra money for the household. Children chased after me shouting “Photo? Photo?” followed by, “See? See?” Amazed at the magic of the still moment captured in the screen at the back of the camera. Men sat on their haunches in cotton
pants and shirt, with their turbans coiled intricately on the top of their heads. The colour and style of the turbans revealed the caste that the men belonged to. Ranny, our guide explained to us the intriguing but complex Indian social structure that consists of four main castes, based on occupations: the priests and intellects, the warriors or soldiers, traders and farmers, at the very bottom were the untouchables, who did the menial and dirty jobs of society such as cleaning and handling the dead. This Caste System, is not recognised in the constitution or evident in major cities, but is visible and active in the villages. At five o’clock I took camel cart to the sand dunes to watch the sunset and
In the afternoon I was able to wander and explore the dusty streets.
enjoy a chai. ‘Chai Time’ had become my favourite time of day. Chai or masala tea was not at all similar to the café style you get here. It was a mixture of Indian spices and herbs, brewed with buffalo milk, and if necessary, sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar not honey. We lived like Maharajas staying in a palace, a castle, an orchid and a home stay, enjoying homemade meals: the real Indian. Expect the unexpected, was the best attitude to have in India, and I quickly learnt, the unexpected was never bad, whether it was the filming of a Bollywood movie in the Amber Fort, or goats wearing T-shirts and jumpers – this just intrigued me!
It was wedding season and weddings were everywhere. On the streets wedding parties danced along with a procession of amps and lights hooked up to a truck in front. The groom would be seated on a white horse with a child, as the bride, in her red sari, weighed down with gold and jewels, and the families danced in front. Every night was New Year’s Eve as the sky filled with fireworks celebrating the newly weds. Most marriages in India were arranged. Society’s view was – as I saw stated on the back of a rickshaw on Valentine’s Day – “Love is Danger.” Ranny told us about his arranged marriage, despite being in love with another woman for fifteen years.
Both knew from the start they could never marry, because of the remnants of the caste system. His mother picked out his wife, and they barely knew each other, when they married, but he trusted the choice his mother had made. Indians have a strong connection to their culture and families and arranged marriage is a way of life. While it seems a sad story, it isn’t to Ranny or to other Indians. He believes he will still have his fairy tale ending, as they try to love each other. Back at home, I miss it: the colourful culture, vibrant people, and simple way of life, that all make India so alluring. The question is: why wouldn’t you go to India? n social/life 15
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Atherton &Daintree ... travelling with
Wildlife Photographer, Jim Thomson
Spotted Cat Bird
This article is a change from the usual wildlife subjects we publish, about this time of year and in the next few months very large numbers of people including retired people make their way to the Far North. We will cover a section which has magnificent birds, mammals, landscapes and points of interest. As a wildlife photographer visiting those areas one of my favourite spots would have to be the Atherton Tablelands, with its rolling hills, waterfalls and rainforests. This area has everything including a superb climate, also the majestic Daintree area is something to behold. Lets start from Innisfail, a coastal town at the base of the southern Atherton. Just to the north we start to climb up through the rainforest. On this section of road there’s good camping sites and wildlife. The bird life includes the Pale Yellow Robin, the magnificent Rifle Bird which, 18 social/life
if you are lucky you will see displaying in early spring. Numerous Bower Birds, including the fantastic Golden Bower Bird, which although small, makes an enormous bower to attract the female. There are also numerous possums, tree kangaroos, owls... No shortage of wildlife, which we should try to preserve. As we arrive at our high point, we come to a short circuit with 3 magnificent water falls. I usually do this circuit clockwise, the first falls you come to are the Millaa-Millaa falls - a fantastic spot in the rainforest, (pictured) the other falls are equally dramatic but not as easy to reach without a climb. Moving along we come to the small town of Yungaburra, right in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands. It’s a great centre to cover all the points of interest in that area, however in Yungaburra we have one of the best wildlife guides in North Queensland,
Alan Gillander who will show you all types of wildlife . Alan is a very busy guide and bookings are recommended. Just down the road is Lake Eacham and an adjoining lake. Both lakes have walks right around and the wildlife found here is fantastic. There is a boathouse, coffee house, gift shop where you can quite easily spend the day. Lake Eacham also has a caravan park which also has cabins. Not far from here we have the town of Atherton. Close by are the wetlands with built bird hide where you can watch, Jabiru, Jacana and a great number of water birds of North Queensland. A visit to the Atherton would have to include a visit to Mereeba and its magnificent wetlands nearby. We have everything at this spot - boat trips, all the North Queensland wildlife - It’s a great place to spend time,
Atherton Circuit Falls
Moving further west we come to the small town of Mount Mollow, turn at that point for Port Douglas. Some distance down the road you will come to Kingfisher Park which caters for bird watchers and Photographers. A truly fantastic place to investigate the wildlife in the area. Bookings are a must, they also have guided tours day and night. Our next stop is Port Douglas, it has many boat trips to the outer islands, but one thing not to miss is their Wildlife Park truly the best I have ever seen with all kinds of environment in different sections of the park. It’s quite easy to spend a whole day here. Port Douglas is also the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and no visit would be complete without a visit to the well-known Daintree Village. We have many boat trips to see the crooks and for those who want to see the bird life, a trip with Carl Dalberg is a must. Carl knows every bird on the river and is
Male Golden Bower Bird, Decorating Bower.
truly an expert in his field, through him I have in the past been able to photograph a great number of birds which can be otherwise difficult to find.
culprit, a Spotted Catbird in a gully.
4WD drivers can take the road through the Daintree all the way to Cooktown. Drivers should take care to watch the weather as rain can make the many water crossings difficult.
The following day was my last and it was coming down with torrents of rain, completely covered in wet gear, and with the assistance of two American bird watchers, we went into the forest set up a step ladder, while they held umbrellas over me. Eventually we strapped an umbrella above the camera and flash moved back. We were doubtful that the birds would come in - but they did and I was able to get some nice shots with remote control.
There are so many magnificent birds in this area including the Male and Female Golden Bower Birds. (pictured) Unfortunately my picture of the female is a bit soft but it was the only time I came across one. Flash duration was the problem could not get close enough. My other image with this article was a bit of a surprise, I was hunting the forest at Kingfisher Park when I continually heard this cat call. I thought there would not be cats in a place like this! Moving forward slowly I soon found the
It continually came back picking up food, eventually I found a nest with chicks. It was late afternoon and I had to leave it that day.
I do hope this has been of some help to travellers going North Jim Thomson is a well-known wildlife photographer from Maitland and is a member of the International Salon of Photography. web site: www.maitlandsalon.com
Female Golden Bower Bird
social/life 19
North
travelling Fraser Island
Rainbow Beach Tin Can Bay
Story & Photos: Chuck Grotte
Stepping out onto the massive sand mountain known as the Carlo Sand Blow is enough to make even the most seasoned traveller feel small. Standing its top, the ocean and incredible coastline stretch for as far as the eye can see. Behind, the forest spreads inland for miles, dotted with small hills and towns along the way. Massive isn’t the right word. Majestic perhaps. At its foot lay the sleepy town, Rainbow Beach. It is quaint by any standards, but the locals have character and the coffee is good. Up north is Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island with big fishing, whale watching, a thriving dingo population and legendary 75 Mile Beach. While the dingoes are colourful characters of Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island, it’s actually against the law to feed them or interact with them. Most tours will take people to the island for one or two days on an adventure vehicle, a mix of coach bus and 4x4 dump truck. Loaded onto barges from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay, it’s a short ferry ride across the water before they speed off onto the sands and early morning waves on the island’s east side. Fraser Island became a world heritage site in 1991 and is the only place in the world where a rainforest grows at 200 meters. Old logging tracks wind through the forest to places like Lake McKenzie, a huge freshwater lake in the middle of the island. Surrounded by a beach of ultra-fine silica sand, a variety of trees grow out from the crystal clear waters. There’s so much to see and do on Fraser - wander through the refreshing waters of Eli Creek, visit Colored Sands, and of course The Moheno shipwreck. A tourist favourite for good reason, the sight of a huge ship being slowly eaten by the sea and sand is not easily forgettable. Wild dingoes abound and you can take a brief (and slightly frightening) air tour above the island for about $70 -
20 social/life
taking off and landing on the beach. Further down the Sunshine Coast, towns like Noosa are lots of fun. Full of picturesque bridges and canals, Noosa is an enjoyable holiday spot alive with restaurants and shops. It is far more commercial than a place like Rainbow Beach, but it is still easy to spend a couple days up here. The abundance of clean, spacious beaches so full of what our northern neighbours are so famous for- natural beauty. n
social/life 21
Refresh Recycle Reinvent
What first began as a way to clear out her wardrobe and reinvent herself back in 2010, has now become the greenist, funkiest preloved fashion shopping event in Newcastle three times a year. The event stemmed from the wardrobe of Broadmeadow mum, Rachel Prest, who became a fan of refreshing and recycling secondhand clothing during her less affluent times as a student. After finishing her degree, and teaching for years, the time came for Rachel to refresh, recycle and reinvent her own life - to pursue her interests and balance her wardrobe, her home life and a job she was passionate about. “We all have those items in our wardrobes that ‘just-in-case cocktail dress’ or those ‘when I get back to that size again pair of jeans’. I toyed with the idea of selling on eBay or other markets, but thought it would take too much time and effort for little return. She thought “it would be awesome if we could just have one big hall set up, where people could sell their items and others could come to shop” and so Raid My Wardrobe was born. With encouragement and support from her husband and friends, Rachel transformed this idea into a simple, low cost and rewarding reality. The name and branding is all her own design, she even features in the logo herself, with help from her photographer friend Ric Woods who insisted she come up with a logo that was small enough to look good on anything from a bumper sticker to a billboard. “I wanted something that reflected the events professionalism, but also personal enough to make you stop and think, Hey, I could be a part of that”. Thousands of Newcastle and Hunter women have embraced the concept. Stalls are in high demand and book out in a few weeks of opening. The event offers recycled clothing, jewellery, bags, shoes 22 social/life
and other accessories. “Raid My Wardrobe is the perfect guilt-free shopping experience and the perfect way to reuse and recycle quality clothing and accessories,” she said. “All tastes are catered for from chain-store chic, sleek high-end designs and quirky vintage fashions.” Making it a great day out to have fun shopping, styling it up and refreshing the wardrobe. The innovative idea, encourages women buying and selling to ‘Refresh-Recycle-Reinvent’ their wardrobes, “We all have beautiful, no longer worn clothing sitting in our wardrobes’, said Rachel, ‘What better way is there to recycle and have fun in the process?’ Raid My Wardrobe events are held at the Newcastle Basketball Stadium, Broadmeadow and attract hundreds of women of all ages from 16yrs to 60+ and from all areas from Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Upper Hunter to the Mid-North Coast. Past events have attracted crowds of around 600 – 800 sometimes even over 1000 have attended. “It is great to see so many women who wouldn’t normally shop at op shops embrace the Raid My Wardrobe concept,” Rachel said, “Many women are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and socially aware of the impact of fast fashion and the fashion industry.” Buying second-hand is trendily eco-friendly too; it stops perfectly wearable clothes from wasting away as landfill. With so many women travelling to the event, Rachel has begun taking the event to other regions including Central Coast and Sydney.
Even though she is busy organising the day Rachel always manages to fit in a shop. In the last hour of the day many stalls reduce the price of their items, so while it’s worthwhile to get there early to see everything on offer, coming later won’t mean that you will miss out. A directory of the stalls is uploaded to the Raid My Wardrobe website the week before the event that women can peruse. The stallholders spend weeks preparing their garments and stall display ready to see their preloved treasures off to a new home. Rachel said, “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a whole new wardrobe full of beautiful clothes and accessories.”
ere h w e c a l s e he P t t a r b e l e eC l t s a c w e N
The concept of reinventing is central to Raid My Wardrobe, one ladies trash is another’s treasure. It is the perfect way of clearing out clothes that you don’t wear, while knowing they’re going to a loving home. Many women who’ve taken the time to clear out their wardrobe for a stall, still don’t want the unsold clothes, so Raid My Wardrobe has begun collaborating with different charities and at the end of each event the un-sold clothes are bagged up and donated. Lifeline, Vinnies, Red Cross and Samaritans have all benefited over the past two years with clothing donations from Raid My Wardrobe. Raid My Wardrobe’s 2nd Birthday event is to be held at Newcastle Basketball Stadium, Broadmeadow on Sunday, June 3, from 10am to 1pm, the event will offer 45 stalls full of nearly-new designer and vintage garments like Guanabana, Lisa Ho, Sass & Bide, Morrissey, Saba, Alannah Hill, Witchery, Metalicus, Charlie Brown, Cooper Street, Kookai, Ladakh, Oroton, Mimco, Olga Berg, at bargain prices as like-minded women take the opportunity to clear out their wardrobes.
Refresh n Recycle n Reinvent When: . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 3rd June Location: . . . . Newcastle Basketball Stadium, Cnr Curley Rd and Young Rd, Broadmeadow
Times: . . . . . . . . 10am – 1pm Sizes: . . . . . . . . . 6 – 22. Shoes: . . . . . . . . 5 – 11. n
Free parking, $3 entry fee, Coffee and refreshments available.
n
Cash sales only. No ATMs. Support our recycling theme by bringing your own bags.
Website:. . . . . . . www.raidmywardrobe.com.au
Beaumont Street Hamilton Bookings: 02 49611985 Website: www.theexchangehotel.com Find us on facebook: facebook.com/BeaumontExchangeHotel
croudace bay
puppy playgroup
easter parade
Millie’s smile says it all!
2012
Kuta and Tania in the Easter Parade.
Croudace Bay Puppy Playgroup members gathered for their annual Easter Parade. The group boasts more than 400 doggie members with owners and families regularly attending it’s yearly and weekly functions. This year, CBPP held it’s regular Easter Parade at Croudace Bay Park on a perfect Saturday morning. Hundreds of four-legged members turned up, dragging their helpful
Tiger-Lilly
JayDee. Rests after judging the Parade costumes while Brad Moore organises events.
persons along for the ride. Organiser and Lake Macquarie resident, Brad Moore has been running the group with his best mate J.D. (Just Dog) for several years often financing the events himself for the enjoyment of others. But the group’s members are a generous lot and this year’s event was a great success with plenty of prises, food for both
people and puppies as well as coffee and lots and lots of play friends. Every Saturday morning, rain, hail or shine, Puppy Playgroup members can be seen letting their little pals off the lead for a run with friends. “Ninja and Panda (a pair of friendly dalmatians) love to come every week to visit friends,” said members Ray and Sue.
Classically trained, the heart of Tony Harrison’s cooking and leadership in the kitchen is a well-tuned. confident response to hand-selected ingredients. Every dish at Nor’East begins with an uncompromising approach to securing the freshest and highest quality seasonal produce.
The integrity of these ingredients is then carefully maintained from source to the kitchen and kitchen to plate, as tastes and flavours are enriched and revealed rather than complicated or overworked. Nor’East is Newcastle’s newest, unique, waterfront dining experience.
Exciting, modern cuisine, Oysters, seafood and grill. Great wines by the glass, Fully licenced 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle 24 social/life
i
Lunch 7 Days
i
Dinner Monday to Saturday
i
Telephone (02) 4929 6444
i
www.noreastdining.com.au
A great day in the park for Zoe and Bella
An extra pair of ears for Kyah.
This year the puppies joined in a massive Easter egg hunt with specially prepared eggs containing doggie treats. The eggs were scattered across the shoreline of the Lake and the puppies sniffed around en masse to locate every one. The Easter Parade itself was a spectacle of puppies in costume, like puppy cosplay, they wore Easter hats and bonnets, capes
Suzy and Bella
and suits. Some owners and children dress for the occasion as well so that their puppy pals didn’t feel to self-conscious. Prizes were given and lots of pats and praise for well-behaved doggies. Brad was a jovial MC for the event, “I’m still trying to remember just a few of the dog’s names,“ said playgroup member, Tania, “He seems to know
Alley iseager to win the Easter egg hunt
everyone and their dog.” The Croudace Bay Puppy Playgroup meets every Saturday morning (early) at Croudace Bay Park. Go to the group’s Facebook page : www. facebook.com/groups/me4jaydee for more information.
SLDL081311-1
social/life 25
Seeing
Beyond the
Blue
The third Seascape and Beyond art exhibition and fund-raiser for beyondblue: the national depression and anxiety initiative, held at Merewether Surf Life Saving Club from the 27-29 April is now an event to mark on your calendar!
Categories of art works included oil, acrylic, mixed media, water colour, pastels, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and glass art, photography, airbrushed aluminium, jewellery and print making with all the work submitted by artists from as far as Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Stephens. The works were sold to raise funds.
Pictured: Some of the art exhibited.
The opening night festivities impressed with wines from Tyrrell’s Wines and catering by Acquazul Restaurant. State Liberal Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen officially opened the exhibition allowing buyers to purchase competitively priced and outstanding art. The buying was enthusiastic. Exhibition organiser, Juliet Clark was pleased with the weekend’s constant attendance with a huge raffle proving irresistible. By way of entertainment, the Newcastle Ukestra entertained with their unique take on some well-known numbers played on Ukuleles. “We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors,” said organiser Juliet Clark, “Thank you to our major sponsors Hunter Laser Vision and Surf House, and the numerous supporters and helpers.” Seascape and Beyond art exhibition raised an amazing $10,000 and the organisers are planning another event for 2013... Something to look forward to. n Photos: Penny Creighton
For more information visit: www.wix.com/ajkchook/seascapeandbeyond
Eugenia Dunlevey, Julie Baigant, Craig Hamilton, Leslie Stevenson, Penny Creighton, Sue Quadrelli (Hunter Laser Vision), Wayne Horton, Juliet Clark (Organiser), Marc Allardice (Surf House), Daniel Joyce.
Craig Hamilton (Beyond Blue Ambassador) Juliet Clark (Exhibition Organiser)
Art Bazaar for Maitland The Hunter’s premier artisan bazaar is being held at Maitland on the long weekend. Art Bazaar is held quarterly by the Hunter Arts Network. When Hunter Arts Network (HAN) holds their first Winter Art Bazaar there will be over 70 designers & artists spread out on the expansive grounds of the impressive Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG), High St Maitland on Sunday 10 June. The Art Bazaars are FREE entry & there is also demonstrations & live music.
Macquarie City Art Gallery was a resounding success for the stall holders, the public and HAN. “We have developed a loyal following which is attracting large crowds to each Art Bazaar every season & the Autumn Art Bazaar received fabulous feedback”, said Leah Fawthrop, President of HAN, “all participants need to go through a formal application process assessed by a panel of Art Professionals in order to participate - this way HAN can guarantee a very high standard.”
Art Bazaar is the ideal platform for the community to invest in locally produced visual arts, craft & design, including professional practitioners, who will have their work showcased in a supportive and creative atmosphere.
Shoppers will enjoy meeting the artists & designers who have carefully created for the reputable event providing access beyond the boundaries of the gallery. It is an affordable opportunity for both the public & the creative people of Newcastle & the Hunter.
The popular event has grown & evolved & there is now one Art Bazaar every season, an increase from only one per year. HAN’s first Autumn Art Bazaar in the grounds of Lake
There’s the chance to win one of five lucky door prizes. One prize will be drawn every hour. Win striking art & dazzling jewellery which has been hand-
made by our talented artists & designers. Enjoy the atmosphere of a world class Gallery and meet the Artisans of the Hunter. There is an on-site café that will be open serving breakfast and lunch and will also have an extra food stall available in anticipation of the crowds. Only a 30 minute drive west of Newcastle, please make Winter Art Bazaar Maitland, your destination this long weekend.
Winter Art Bazaar MAITLAND Sunday 10 June
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Phone: 02 4962 4131 *Free week may be redeemed on first visit or exchanged for special membership discount. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations. © 2009 Curves International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Strengthening Women SL117767
social/life 27
Story and Photos: Pat Tobin
Women made an outstanding contribution to laying the foundation of the club and have been instrumental our success which otherwise would not have eventuated. In the early years their main involvement was in fund raising and social activities. Since 1980 when women were given full membership rights they have been involved in patrols, competition, instructional and administration duties. In the early days, particularly around the great depression women addressed vital activities such cutting out and making patrol and march past caps,the clubs march past pennant, conducting kiosks in conjunction with our famous open air dances and the kiosks each Sunday. The kiosks ensured the clubs financial security at the time (where are they now?) These women toilers included Mrs Charlton (wife of first President Joe, grandmother of caretaker and former President Jim), the McPherson, Anne Gregory (wife of jock who the auditorium is named after), Kit Charlton, Joan Ridley, Mrs Roy Brynes, Joyce Brynes, Audrey Mitchell and Nita and Joyce Behrends. Memories of the 50’s and 60’s include Mrs Charlton and her helpers preparing lunches in the clubhouse for members. During the 70’s they “manned” the kiosk which was located in the now nippers board storage shed. The girls at the time socially interacted with trips to various fashion parades and paddy’s markets in Sydney and the like. The involvement of our ladies in predominantly male dominated surf sports in the early years included the guest appearance in 1932 of a women’s surf boat crew at a Stockton surf carnival who talked the boys the boys into letting them row. The ladies in that crew included Mrs Bruce (nee hall) Mrs Gilmore (nee partridge), D Hughes, A Chapman, and E Watkins. The girls only rowed for a season but they were the first women’s boat crew in this area if not Australia. Around 1949 we entered a ladies March
28 social/life
The involvement of women in the Swansea Belmont Surf Lifesaving Club dates right back to the formation of the club even though they were not given equal status to the men in terms of all aspects of our activities until july 1980.
past team in competition with teams from the Newcastle and Central Coast branches. The girls trained assiduously, made their own costumes and had moderate success.
Australian gold medals over the period in beach flags competition. In 2003 she won both the under 19 and open Australian Womens Beach Flags Medal.
The struggle in the late seventies throughout the movement to give women full membership rights and the massive debate at the time is well documented. Swansea Belmont at the time were well up there in the debate and many of our “old champion” male members still recall the firery meeting in 1980 when a vote was taken to allow admission.
Since then Kirsty Waugh, Emily Chaffey Nikki Chapman and Danielle Radford achieved much sought after Aussie gold in 2008. Our girls in this time and now present or presented a recognisable and well respected team unit in every area of competition-from surf swim, boards, beach events through to boats and surf rescue.
Once admitted the first ladies to attain their bronze medallion came from a squad that included Helen Rodney, Kara Aspley, and Michele McDonald. In the same squad Nicole Beavis (nee marsh) our current club secretary gained her surf life saving certificate or qualifying certificate as it was then known. That was October 1979 actually just prior to the vote. Incidently Rob Burge qualified in the same group.
There have been a number of successes in the NSW State Championships and we have had great representation in NSW State Representative teams.
In 1987/88 Dianne Bray became our first female Patrol Captain. Also from our female ranks have come four club secretaries, a Treasurer and an Education Director - As well as many more administrators:several patrol captains, an IRB captain, boat captain, and some highly qualified instructors as well as our competition officials and section leaders in major carnival organising committees (State & Australian Championships held at “Blackies”). In the “patrol the beach” area, the real reason why we exist, we have had and still do have significant female representation in our rostered patrols. It wasnt until 1986/87 that the women of our club started to make great impressions in ladies surf sports competition. A turning point in the club as the girls to that time were quite reluctant to compete. Nadine Watson, Melissa Thurlow and Justine Sneddon were selected in the 1987/88 Newcastle Branch team. Melissa went on to become our first Female Australian Champion in 1989. In 2001-2005 Lisa Wright became a legend in the club achieving five
This year 2012 the girls were “on fire” with good representation across all age groups from under 15 to open in all disciplines-swim, board, ski, beach, and boats. Results from throughout the year including the recent branch and state championships speak for themselves. Our under 15 girls including renee and Tayla Gregory, Georgia Muir, Amelia Johnson, Alex Mcgloughlan have performed exceptionally well, in the 17 yrs bracket we have Hannah Trypas, Brooke Walker and Breanna Hoff the 19’s Marnie Robertson and Maddison Murray, the under 23 women’s boat Rachele & Kirsten Brokenshire, Anne-Marie Gibson and Samantha Hewitt and in the Opens, Angela Leadbeater, Danielle Radford, Hannah Lemke, Cherie Morton and the evergreen Lisa Wright. At the 2012 NSW State Championhips (Kingscliff/Cudgen Headland) the girls achieved 14 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze) out of a total of twenty for the club. The girls, between medal winners and those that made finals, significantly contributed to the clubs overall finish in the top 10 in the state (7th) and the top Hunter branch club (by 1.5 Points). The Masters Section are also quite strong in ladies competition with good representation from Dale Mowbray (50-54 yrs) and Marylin
Clarence (55-59 yrs). Both medalled very well at both the state and branch championships to help the club finish overall 8th in the NSW Masters pointscore. At the 2012 Australian Championships at Kurrawa in March/April our 2011/12 girls were again in the action amoungst the medallists with open competitor Angella Leadbeater achieving bronze in the 2km run,our under 15 girls Renee & Tyla Gregory, Georgia Muir winning medals in the board rescue and board relay, under 17 Hannah Trypas a bronze in the rescue tube and masters competitors Dale Mowbray and Marylin Clarence taking out 8 medals between them in the 50-54 & 55-59 age groups, The preparation for the 2012/2013 season is now already underway with sprint training at marks point oval. Pool swimming squads will commence in mid June and craft (board & ski) training is about to start. Longer distance run training is about to start also. This season at the club is to be extra special for our dedicated female competitors with the World Championships being held in Glenelg near Adelaide in early November. If any ladies would like to participate in activities (either in surf rescue squads or in surf sports) at the club they can start by contacting either Pat Tobin (promotions director pat@cardiffofficesmart.com.au) or Dave Marshall (surf sports director: jeldinvest@iprimus.com.au
social/life 29
Porcupine Meatballs
Elle’s easy recipe
it’s all about you,
• 500g mince • 2 tins of spicy tomato soup • 1 small brown onion, diced • 1 small zucchini, grated • 1 small carrot, grated • 1 potato, grated • 1 egg, beaten • 4 drops of Tabasco sauce • 1/2 cup rice • Salt and pepper to season
In The Kitchen • Preheat oven at 180oC • Mix together the mince, zucchini, carrot, potato, Tabasco, egg, rice, 100ml of tomato soup. • Season with salt and pepper. • Roll mix into balls and place in a baking tray. • Pour the remainder of the tomato soup the meatballs.
Unique Portraiture 0413 962 913 www.jacquiclancy.com.au jacqui@jacquiclancy.com.au
• Half fill one of the soup cans with water and pour over meatballs and soup. ST YLIST
• Cover the tray with baking paper and foil. • Bake for one hour, or until the rice is cooked through. • Serve with anything you desire, I prefer them with mash potatoes. : )
Enjoy
ST YLIST
ST YLIST
Elle
social/life magazine
From The Shops:
ph: 02 4013 1240 www.sociallifemagazine.com.au - e: stevejames@sociallifemagazine.com.au fashion n music n sport n events n people n travel n food n you
Recipe Elle Sheedy Photo Peta Woods
SEEN/OUT
The Darkness
PANTHERS - MAY 5 - Words & Photos: Chuck Grotte
The original lineup of The Darkness was at Panther’s Club in Newcastle on May 5th. It’s been a long time since they first dropped Permission to Land, an album that has been in your car cd book as early as 2003. Growing on Me, Love is Only a Feeling and I Believe in a Thing Called Love have long since become rock standards that anyone’s little brother can play in Guitar Hero. In Australia on tour in 2012, the newly reformed Darkness is showing that they are still a potent force in Rock and Roll. They rocked out all the favorites and the enthusiastic crowd sang them right back. Drumsticks and guitar picks were thrown to the fans, the new material didn’t disappoint and they played their fantastic cover of Radiohead’s Street Spirit/Fade Out. The band clearly believes in their rehabilitated front man Justin Hawkins; his voice is as powerful as you remember it. By all reports, It was a great night and The Darkness were everything you could want or expect from professional rock musicians. All that was missing was flames on the stage.
Flavor Flav and Chuck D bring the noise to a huge crowd of Public Enemy fans.
Groovin’
the MOO
Maitland Showground
Saturday 12 May 2012 will mark the seventh year that GTM returns to Maitland. This year, over 20,000 music fans packed Maitland Showground to see a world-class line-up including Public Enemy, Mute Math, Hilltop Hoods, 360 and Kimbra. Photos: Chuck Grotte
Mute Math frontman Paul Meany rides out into the crowd
Adrian Lux hosts one of the festival’s biggest dance parties.
Massive crowds overflow out of the tent for 360. The rapper himself called it “the craziest mosh pit he’d ever seen.”
Moovin to the grooves at the tent for Bluejuice
web: www.sociallifemagazine.com.au