Happy Birthday! Yvonne & Bea tell their threefigure birthday tales
LIFE & RETIREMENT Behold, Rita Stemmerik
ECO WARRIOR Bill Waterer leading the charge to save our environment
FLY AWAY
Birds of Bentley Park, Final Instalment
INSIDE THIS ISSUE CEO’S COLUMN | GENERAL NEWS | RESIDENT STORIES
DECEMBER/JANUARY JUNE / JULY 2020 2018
tidings
26 Plantation Dr Bentley WA 6102 Phone: (08) 6250 0000 Fax: (08) 9470 2017 www.swancare.com.au twitter.com/swancare
SwanCare in the news - See Page 5
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Tidings Magazine is a bi-monthly publication produced and printed on behalf of the residents at SwanCare. Material deadline for advertising is the 7th of the month preceding each bimonthly edition. To book advertising or for information regarding rates please contact SwanCare on 6250 0032. Please supply editorial contributions as a Word document electronically to tidings@swancare.com.au. Hard copies of articles can be handed to reception in the Administration offices at Bentley Park and Australind Rise. Any supporting photographs may be supplied electronically or as hard-copy prints.
The final instalment of Birds of Bentley Park - See Page 12
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SWANCARE NEWS CEO report and more
VILLAGE NEWS Group notices and more
Disclaimer In good faith SwanCare accepts articles, a small selection of advertisements, and other content for Tidings. However, the opinions and claims expressed in articles and advertising materials presented in Tidings are those of the authors and the advertisers respectively, and do not necessarily reflect the views of SwanCare, unless stated. No responsibility is accepted by SwanCare for the accuracy of information contained in the articles or advertisements. Cover image: SwanCare resident Yvonne Metzger with Pauline Bremner, Manager Care Services SwanCare Waminda.
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NOTICEBOARD Library and more
AUSTRALIND RISE SNIPPETS News from the South West
PASSIONS AND PASTIMES Birds of Bentley Park, Part 3 Final instalment
Beatrice Turner - See Page 18
Rita Stemmerik - Page 16
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RESIDENT STORY Elsie (Yvonne) Metzger
CROSSWORD By Sue Lewis
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VOLUNTEERS CORNER
18
RESIDENT STORY
20
Rita Stemmerik
Raisin toast recipe - See Page 22
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RECIPE
23
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
23
PENNY'S BOOK REVIEW
Raisin toast with fruity ricotta
Appreciation for village amenities
'Skin Deep' by Liz Nugent
Beatrice Turner
RESIDENT STORY William (Bill) Waterer
Tidings Magazine
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SwanCare News
CEO'S Column Well, most of us are breathing a huge sigh of relief as Western Australia’s community transmission cases of COVID-19 dwindle. As a sandgroper leading a 100% West Australian organisation, I feel proud of what our State has accomplished. It was only back in late March/early April we were seeing 30 to 40 new cases a day in Western Australia, with over 550 cases in total for our State. Now we are looking at returning to normality, with local businesses reopening and a buzz in the atmosphere returning. SwanCare itself is amongst those slowly getting back to normal. Many of our administrative staff have returned to the physical office and our amazing new Spritz Café is now taking dine-in customers.
very first residents of SwanCare Ningana, many of whom have come across from the village. Seeing those we know so well make the move into an onsite care facility is always a reminder that SwanCare Bentley Park is quite the selfsufficient unit, much like Western Australia itself! Our services and amenities are vast and constantly growing and adapting to the needs of our residents. Our new main production kitchen is now operational, providing the equipment and space required to allow our hospitality team to prepare three meals a day to those within our residential care facilities, as well as meal orders for our village residents. Our laundry team have also moved into their new abode within the SwanCare Ningana basement, also with upgraded equipment to better serve our residents.
Many of our village clubs and groups are gearing up for a return, and we are taking steps to reopen our world-class leisure facilities.
So, now as the brakes of COVID are cautiously being lifted, we look forward to making the most of everything we have available here at SwanCare – and there is certainly a lot to be enjoyed.
Amongst this action was the welcoming of the
Graham Francis, SwanCare CEO
Rethink Your Visit Help protect our residents from COVID-19 by loving your loved one from a distance.
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SwanCare in the News SwanCare operations and its residents were all over the news recently with a number of stories in the local and international media outlets. In April, SwanCare Waminda was featured on Channel 9 News Perth when members of the choir at Boronia serenaded residents through the adjoining fence. Residents and staff were interviewed by well-known journalist Tracy Vo for a positive segment in the 4pm and 6pm news!
Boronia's performance for Waminda residents
Also in April, a group of SwanCare Bentley Park residents shared their words of wisdom about COVID-19 with the Southern Gazette, which was also posted on the leading news platform, Perth Now. Our wonderful WWII survivor Dick Garrett was interviewed by Steve Mills for 6PR Radio for a great yarn that was aired on ANZAC Day. In May, Waminda continued its media streak when resident Beatrice Turner turned 105 (see full story on page 18). Beatrice was featured on Perth’s major evening news bulletins after Premier Mark McGowan wished
Premiere Mark McGowan wished Beatrice a happy 105th birthday
Beatrice a happy birthday during his weekly COVID-19 press conference. The story then went onto feature on the Daily Mail, reaching an international audience and prompting hundreds of well-wishes from across the world. Finally, SwanCare Ningana’s opening was featured in the Canning Gazette, as well as national aged care industry media outlet, The Source. Do you have a story to tell? SwanCare is working with an experienced journalist to help us share stories about our residents and general SwanCare happenings. Write to us with your story idea at news@swancare.com.au or ask to speak to Rachael or Candice on 6250 0000.
Tidings Magazine
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Village News ANZAC Day Memorial The group who organised the recent ANZAC memorial would like to thank all residents for their support and turnout on the day. There were approximately 75 residents who braved the weather and early morning and while it was very short it was the first time and we have had a lot of positive feedback. Who knows - it may become an annual event with more of a service.
Swan Village Bowling Club The Swan Village Bowling Club has commenced bowling, albeit with restrictions in place. While most members were very keen to be back bowling, it is important that we keep in mind that we have new rules to adhere to for the time being such as: teams must play on alternate rinks, players must bring the correct fee, players must maintain social distancing at all times, players to use hand sanitiser located at rink, and more. For the whole list please contact Jim Leavy who will be happy to go over these with you. No social activities will be organised until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted to adhere to the Government regulations and SwanCare requirements. The club would like to welcome several new members who have recently joined us. Please note we have changed to day bowls starting at 1pm for registration on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
News from the VRAC Today, as we write this piece, we have news of the State Government easing the lockdown rules, and by the time you are reading these words many of our Village activities will have resumed! We will need to maintain physical distance (1.5m) rules for some time, therefore a full opening will be some months away, and the way we conduct our club activities may need to be modified. It is good to feel the liveliness of the Village returning. The Council continues to discuss (by phone and video conferencing) the situation with Administration, to decide the safest progression towards the opening of public facilities. We are keeping Admin informed of resident needs, and any routine maintenance that requires attention. Please contact any member of the VRAC if you have ideas about activities you would like to see in the Village or issues which need attention. We will pass on your comments or try to answer your questions. A big thank you to Graham, Natalie and all staff for their efforts to keep all residents, both Village and Care Centres, safe throughout the pandemic lockdown. Your VRAC
All residents are most welcome to join us for a game of bowls. Jim Leavy, President Ph: 6250 0555 The VRAC is working with SwanCare Administration to work towards the reopening of public facilities.
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Noticeboard
Library We are delighted to announce that the SwanCare Library has now re-commenced trading! Penny, our SwanCare Librarian, hopes to see you soon to delve into the wonderful world of books. Please adhere to social distancing and use hand sanitiser before touching books. SwanCare Library Opening hours: Monday 9am to 12 noon Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday 9am to 12 noon Thursday 9am to 12 noon Friday 9am to 12 noon Weekend CLOSED
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA are pleased to announce they are now offering their Education and Self-Management programs online. Each program provides disease specific education and self-management techniques to effectively manage the condition. With each course running over 6 weeks, participants will have the opportunity to interact with others and ask questions of the health professionals during each session, from the comfort of their own home.
Courses offered will be: • Osteoarthritis of the Knee Education and Self-Management Program • Rheumatoid/Psoriatic Arthritis Education and Self-Management Program Each course is $35 per person for the 6 week program. For further information please contact Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA on (08) 9388 2199 or www.arthritiswa.org.au
Tidings Magazine
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OT FO OD &
IN
E S T. 2 0 0 9
KS
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C FEE & AKES • OF C •
DR
SPRITZ NOW OPEN! C FEE & AKES • OF •C
The all-new Spritz Café is now open! Come and enjoy friendly service with a delicious selection of meals, cakes and hot drinks. IN
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Open Monday-Friday 7.30am – 3.00pm R •H & D and SwanCare Ningana. Located between SwanCare Kingia OT F OOD To order ahead, call Clive or Jess on 6250 0163.
Review SwanCare Today
Like most businesses, online reviews have become a crucial part of promoting SwanCare’s accommodation and services to the local community. Tell others what you think, it really helps us out! Visit our handy reviews web page to find out how to leave a Google or Facebook review.
Visit www.swancare.com.au/reviews to start sharing.
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NINGANA
Aged Care. Reimagined.
Welcome to SwanCare Ningana
“Ningana surpasses all my expectations. I’ve just had a tour and can’t give high enough praise...no more fears of going into aged care. In fact, I’m looking forward to it!” - P. Muirhead-Caddle
Imagine an aged care facility where you reside in a home, on a street, within a neighbourhood and community. Carefully designed to capture natural sunlight and surrounded by gardens, it’s a place that feels just like home. There’s exceptional staff available to help whenever you need them, and an array of additional services available. Within WA’s largest aged care & retirement campus and just 15 minutes from the CBD, this is an address like no other. This is aged care reimagined. Contact us today for a private tour. Call Leanne on (08) 6250 0250 or email care@swancare.com.au Non-profit & West Australian since 1961 Tidings Magazine
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Australind Snippets Isolation Overcome in True Community Spirit In recent times, with social distancing due to COVID-19, Australind Rise residents have been getting together for morning tea on their driveways.
Rodney Harewood decorated his wheelbarrow with balloons and streamers as the drive-by for Dianne Brown’s birthday a few days later.
Resident Dianne Brown suggested to bring a chair out into the sunshine, each in their own driveway to top up Vitamin D and catch up with each other. Residents took to the idea like ducks to water! Conversation flowed the full length of the street as neighbours shared stories on what they were doing to keep productive and mentally well during the lockdown. Rhonda Zanich had been stitching scrubs and masks for the front-line health workers dealing with the virus. Roy Scott’s renowned cooking skills are being tested on different recipes generously shared with his lucky neighbours. With winter around the corner, Kaye Scott has been knitting slippers for her family. Those who have veggie patches have put their time to good use. Autumn produce has been bountiful and in the best traditions of community living, generously shared. At one special driveway morning tea, resident Brian Zanich had a recent birthday celebrated by his family doing a drive-by party, their vehicles festooned with balloons, streamers and posters. Residents joined into a chorus or two of happy birthday creating a true party atmosphere for everyone.
Resident Fay French decided that residents in neighbouring SwanCare streets might like to copy by having their own social distance morning teas, especially for the benefit of a few single household residents. She set about organising a Friday morning driveway catch up. Fay, along with neighbour Kaye Scott, took chairs and coffee whilst sharing in distant conversation, going a long way to easing loneliness in isolation. As the weeks went by, more residents joined the group. It has proven to be popular and now that residents can resume clubhouse coffee in small gatherings, these residents have suggested keeping their driveway morning teas going beyond ISO!
Harry Ritchie had his birthday recognised by a delivery of cupcakes with candles, baked by resident Janice Harewood. 10 SwanCare
Even in a pandemic, the true meaning of community shines at SwanCare Australind Rise.
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Passions & Pastimes
Birds of Bentley Park Final Instalment. By Bruce May Continued from April-June 2020 edition of Tidings. In this issue we’re looking at some of the miscellaneous birds we encounter in our gardens.
Wattlebirds
and can often be heard clearly when the bird can't be seen at all. A couple of New Englands nest near our apartment, and spend a lot of time taunting our cat from our apartment birdbath, who has no chance of getting to them as she is kept indoors.
Black-faced Cuckooshrike
Wattlebirds are so called because of the red wattles they have on the sides of their heads, rather than because they visit wattle trees. The Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) is the larger of these birds that we see, and is a honeyeater. Loud and conspicuous, the Red Wattlebird is one of the largest nectivorous birds in the world, found in trees feeding from a wide variety of flowering plants. Insects also comprise part of its diet. It is territorial and at times aggressive to birds of other species, defending rich sources of nectar. Wattlebirds love bathing in a birdbath, and will also eat insects flying around including cleaning up insects from spider webs. Three smaller honeyeaters are also frequently seen around our gardens. Two of them are very similar in appearance and size: the New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) and the White-cheeked Honeyeater (Phylidonyris niger). White-cheeked and New Holland Honeyeaters will often be seen together on the one feeding site. The third one, the Singing Honeyeater (Gavicalis virescens) is slightly larger and quite drab in appearance. However, its song is magnificent
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The Black-faced Cuckooshrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) is an occasional visitor to our gardens. They are common throughout Australia and New Guinea, except in rainforest areas. They are nearly as long as a magpie, but more slender in build. Cuckooshrikes feed on insects and their larvae, and will occasionally eat fruit or seeds. I have only noticed solitary birds in our neighbourhood. Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre has frequent admissions of Cuckooshrikes, and they are my favourite patients. They seem to realise that we humans are trying to help them, and while ill will stand for a lot of handling; but once they begin to recover they tend to establish boundaries between themselves and humans. When they are ready for release, they have become quite ‘wild’ again.
Willie Wagtail
Kookaburra
We are all familiar with the Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) which is native to Australia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and parts of Indonesia. I understand that Willies are known to the Nyoongar people as Djiti Djiti, from their call; and are known as the leader, because the male bird will lead people away from their nest. Willies are insect eaters, and can move very quickly when chasing insects.
Kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae) need no introduction, and are an introduced species, being not native to Western Australia. For many years they were regarded as pests, as it was thought that they were displacing birds native to our area. However, this was disproved. Kookaburras belong to the avian family tree of the kingfishers; and ‘Dacelo’ is an anagram of ‘Alcedo’, the species of kingfishers. The common name is a loanword from Wiradjuri Guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call.
A pair of Willies were nesting in or near the big fig near the outdoor bowling green, and the male bird went to great lengths to lead the stray visitor away from that position.
Peaceful Dove
Silvereye
The Silvereye or White-eye (Zosterops lateralis) is probably our smallest bird, and therefore not seen very often. The Silvereye feeds on insect prey and large amounts of fruit and nectar, making them occasional pests of commercial orchards.
It is likely that the Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida) breeds at Bentley Park, as they are often seen, sometimes in small flocks, and often as pedestrians. Their usual food is seeds; and when the giant fig trees on our campus and along Jarrah Road are bearing fruit, the doves gorge themselves. At times they eat so much that their crops overfill, and the fruit begins to ferment, which can cause an alcoholic effect.
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Resident Story
Happy Birthday, Yvonne SwanCare resident Yvonne Metzger has turned the sweet age of 100! Of course, we couldn’t let this momentous occasion pass by and held a birthday party for her to enjoy with the SwanCare Waminda community. And to add to the festivities, it was a joint birthday celebration – as the lovely Bea Turner had her 105th birthday recently too. We whipped Yvonne away from the scones and cups of tea to have a chat about her life, and how she feels about hitting such a momentous milestone.
Yvonne reads her birthday card with SwanCare Waminda's Pauline Bremner
As she sat in the sunshine in a pretty pink blouse, manicured pink nails and a steaming cuppa, the first thing we noticed about Yvonne was her English accent - acutely strong for someone who had lived in Australia for such a long time. Yvonne, real name Elsie, was born in 1920 in Balham, South London. A mother to three children, she’s made a wonderful life here in Australia after the War, with its “…lovely climate and the opportunities it provides”. Yvonne and Bea
Yvonne has been lucky in having the opportunity to travel much of the world with a career in the Airforce. She loved her job in signals and her attitude to work is very matter of fact. “I did it because I liked it, otherwise I wouldn’t do it! If you want to do something then don’t give up - just have a go, even if it’s a struggle.” When asked if she knew the secret to living a long, happy and healthy life, her humble and grounding words give us all hope that the odd vice might not be so bad! “Secret? There is no secret! I had a normal life…I had a period smoking, and I appreciate a drink (sherry being a favourite tipple), but I never thought I’d make 100 – I’m pretty average!” Watching Yvonne at her birthday party was heart-warming. She brings a smile to everyone’s face, making the staff laugh with her cheeky sense of humour. She’s a social being, enjoying “mixing with people” and taking advantage of the many activities provided by SwanCare. As the conversation came to a close, we told her that since she was guest of honour, she should probably get back to the tea and scones…prompting a discussion on the correct pronunciation of scones (“Scones or scons? No, it’s definitely scones!”). We think with 100 years of life learnings behind her, we’ll take her word for it! Happy birthday Yvonne!
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Crossword
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Thank you to Sue Lewis who created this Crossword especially for the Tidings magazine. Use the below clues to solve the crossword. Each word is an activity that you can get involved in here at SwanCare. Answers page 22.
Across 4. Sir Francis Drake played this 6. Dig for victory 7. A good hand 8. Pictures through a lens 11. Digital learning (8,4) 13. Harder than draughts 14. Played on carpet (6,5) 15. Book critique (4,4) 16. Once a month Friday treat (4,1,5) 20. A right royale outing 21. Busy hands 22. Mini spears 23. A good work out
Down 1. A misspent youth 2. Seat of knowledge 3. Eyes down 5. A good feed (7,4,6) 9. Slimy hands 10. A thousand pieces 12. Many singers 17. Skill with a brush 18. Water exercise 19. A Chinese game
Tidings Magazine
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Volunteers Corner
Three Cheers to Rita Central to SwanCare Waminda sits ‘Rita’s Retreat’, a wellequipped shop where residents could not only pickup supplies, but stop for a good old chinwag with the lady in question, Rita Stemmerik. For the past fifteen years, Rita has put her heart and soul into the running of the kiosk. However, the time has come for Rita to take a wellearned rest and she has decided to retire.
Rita Stemmerik
We caught up with Rita to talk to her about her work and find out a little more about the lady behind the till. She’s a gentle lady with a heart of gold. She oozes warmth and compassion and has a smile that brightens up the room. Calm and composed, she has a professionalism about her that makes you realise she is a lady in control. “SwanCare really look after me and I can’t thank them enough – they’ve always got my best interests at heart. We had to close down due to Covid-19, so it made sense to retire at this time. My last day was an emotional day, I went upstairs and had a good cry!” Rita wasn’t just any shop manager, she well and truly went above and beyond in her duties. Some of the residents are not very mobile and cannot get to the shops, so Rita would pick up supplies for them. Whatever they needed, whether it was a product that she didn’t sell, such as make-up, she would always do her best
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to deliver. And even now that she does not run The Kiosk, Rita still helps residents whenever she can, whether its shopping for them or just being the sociable, reliable friend that the SwanCare community has grown to love. “It was wonderful working at the kiosk and dealing with people every day, I really got to know everyone. And I sold lots of sweets and biscuits! I will miss the kiosk so much!” Rita’s experience running a business stems way back to her earlier life in England. She lived on the Isle of Sheppey and talks about her happy memories managing a shop and post office. The business owners were like family to her, and she was so loved that they didn’t want to ever let her go. So, when they decided to move to Australia they asked her if she’d go with them and manage their business – so of course she said yes! The business was a shop in Fremantle called ‘The White Diamond and Parkside News’, which is still operational now. Whilst in Australia Rita met and married John, the love of her life. Sadly, John since passed
away, Rita talks fondly of their life together and how they got on so well, they never argued. She didn't remarry, saying “I would never remarry, I loved him so much”. I asked Rita what her advice was for those looking to run their own business: “You have to enjoy meeting new people and lots of talking! And you must like working hard.” It was obvious that running a shop was always in her blood, she was born to do it and excelled in every way. A happy soul, she couldn’t be more thankful to the team at SwanCare, for giving her the opportunity to call The Kiosk her own. Rita would also like to thank all her customers over the years, as she couldn’t have done it without them. Her dedication to volunteering has not gone unnoticed, having won a State ACSWA and National ACSA Aged Care Volunteer of the Year back in 2010. Rita’s retirement has brought with it a barrage of well wishes, too many of which to share. Her kind-natured spirit has clearly made a huge impact on the lives of many, who will never forget her amazing work. Here are just a few of those comments:
Rita with her ACSWA Volunteer of the Year Award
“We would like to thank you Rita for the beautiful hampers you made up for the Social Club functions and tell you that we will miss you so much. You are a wonderful lady and a good friend. We wish you a happy retirement. It is now time for you to relax and enjoy special times.” - Margaret Bouwhuis. “Such a gorgeous lady you are Rita, you have always been a delight to chat with when I have visited with my Aunty Irene. Your cups of tea and sandwiches are the best. Wishing you a very happy retirement.” - Rhonda Andrijasevich. Even though we won’t be seeing her serving behind the counter anymore, as an active member of the SwanCare family since 1998, she can be seen getting regularly stuck into the many planned activities provided for residents,
Rita with her beloved Mindy
and of course catching up with all her former customers! Rita, we can’t thank you enough for everything you have done – now put your feet up, you deserve it!
Tidings Magazine
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Resident Story
A Living Treasure 105 years of life and love with Beatrice Turner The first thing that strikes you about Beatrice Turner is her brilliant luminosity. Her glowing skin, sparkling eyes and warm, attentive smile make it hard to believe she is 105 years of age. Beatrice, fondly referred to as ‘Bea’ at SwanCare Waminda aged care facility, is the eldest of a growing group of centennials who live there. Known as the reigning champion of the ongoing Waminda residents’ ‘Anagram Word Challenge Competition’, Bea’s age hasn’t concealed her intelligence. “My legs are a bit wobbly, but my mind is still sharp,” Bea said, matter-of-factly.
Early beginnings Born in Northam, Bea’s parents were farmers located near Korrelocking in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. Prior to Bea’s birth, they had six surviving children. A child born previously to Beatrice sadly died at birth and Bea’s Mother was warned to come to town and see a doctor if she chose to have another child in the future. And she did have another child, Beatrice. After a train journey to Northam to give birth to Bea in May, 1915, Beatrice’s mother tragically
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Pauline Bremner and Bea Turner
died in childbirth, a relatively common occurrence in those days. This heartbreaking situation meant that Beatrice needed a new home. “My Father was up on the farm with six kids, he was beside himself. What could he do with seven kids, a baby?” While Bea’s Mother was boarding at a house in Northam prior to the birth, she got to know Mr and Mrs Bevan, an older couple who lived across the road, whose own children were grown up. “They heard about what happened and said, “Oh, we’ll take her.”” Just like that, they took Bea in and raised her as their own. “I was thoroughly spoilt; they were wonderful to me.” Her father remarried, and Bea never went back to the farm to live, except for during school holidays. She remembers these visits fondly.
“I knew everybody. My six brothers and sisters lived there (at the farm), but I stayed in Northam, went to school there and got married there.” Despite not living with her birth family, Bea felt a strong sense of belonging and love within her unconventional family unit. “When I was two, my father was going to send me to England to live with his cousin, who had never had any children. But the people who had taken me in said, “No way, no she’s been here for two years, she’s not going anywhere.” When I heard that story, as a five or six-year-old, I knew very well that they must have wanted me.” “It was very reassuring.”
Is there a secret to living a long life? Bea doesn’t seem to have any secrets to a long life. “I’m just one of those people who has drifted along I suppose.” Pressed for more details, Bea has never smoked and only had her first taste of alcohol at around 50 years old. One thing is for sure, if you could bottle up whatever Bea has and sell it, you’d be the world’s richest person. In May, Bea celebrated her 105th birthday alongside family, fellow residents and staff at SwanCare Waminda.
Bea’s childhood memories are still clear, a century later. “I loved playing in the paddocks after school and exploring the bush”
To top off the day, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said ‘Happy Birthday’ to Beatrice during his state-wide COVID-19 press conference, attracting well-wishes from far and wide.
A growing family
Happy Birthday, Beatrice.
Bea married Harold Wills, and they had two children, a boy and a girl, before Harold went to fight in WWII. Ten years later after the War, Bea had her third child. “I wanted four kids, but the third, he wouldn’t sleep!” Bea remembers with a chuckle. A sleepless baby and a husband freshly returned from war resulted in a stressful time for Bea. “My husband had been to the War and because he’d had meningitis, his brain was affected, and the smallest little thing would upset him. That was hard with a baby scratching away in the bassinet.” Eventually, the family relocated and settled in Perth. Now a great-great grandmother, Bea’s remaining child Thelma lives close to Waminda and often visits her. Bea at two years old
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Resident Story
Eco Warrior Conservationist Bill Waterer
Bill told us about how he became involved: “In 2006, Jane Goodall came to Perth for work and needed a chauffeur for a week. I met her at 6am outside Duxton Hotel to take her to Channel Seven, and we’ve been firm friends ever since”. Bill works with over thirty schools and community organisations including Scouts WA. His aim is to encourage children to implement practical, positive change by providing teachers and team leaders with resources and a place to share their success stories with the world.
Lynette Waterer, Dr Jane Goodall, Bill Waterer
Question - Can you name the five types of great ape? Typically, most people know four: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Bonobos. But many forget the fifth - the human! One man who undoubtedly knows the answer is William (Bill) Waterer. Bill has been a SwanCare resident for nearly two years and has devoted his life to the conservation of wildlife and the environment. His commitment and dedication resulted in being awarded an Order of Australia – the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service.
WA conservation Bill runs the Western Australian arm of environmental conservation group ‘Roots and Shoots’, a global community action programme founded in 1991 by Primatologist and Anthropologist, Dr Jane Goodall. The program aims to inspire, empower and encourage youth all over the world to create a better future for people, animals and the environment.
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“I explain to the kids that the ‘Roots and Shoots’ program has an ‘APE philosophy’: A – Animals; P – People; E – Environment. We’re teaching kids to respect each other, respect the environment and what’s in it”.
Western Swamp Tortoise
Bill has a great sense of humour, which no doubt bodes well with the children he works with - he speaks their language. “If someone calls you a cheeky monkey, say no, I’m a cheeky ape! Monkeys have tails, apes like us do not!” He offers solutions that are realistic and achievable, meaning everyone can do their part to help protect our natural world.
Bill explains about a time some kids from the program asked him about native endangered species. He gave them the task of finding the names of the five most endangered species, then to vote for which one they wanted to help save from extinction. The Western Swamp Tortoise and the Western Ground Parrot were the favourites, so the school groups set up plans to support both groups . Roots & Shoots supported the groups with their efforts. Without the efforts of the Perth Zoo who are a major supporter of Roots & Shoots both the Tortoise and the Parrot would be extinct. The zoo has played a large role in Bill’s life, along with his wife who also shares his passion. In 1993, they both became founding members. Their relationship with the zoo has developed ever since, with Bill securing a fiveyear partnership and with a couple of the zoo keepers now sitting on his committee.
Releasing orangutans into the wild
Orangatan
Prior to joining Dr Goodall and the Roots and Shoots program, Bill spent twelve years working with the Australian Orangutan Project, based in Perth. Orangutan populations are critical and Bill had a truly unique life experience involving orangutans. He travelled to Borneo and had the privilege of helping release a group into the wild.
with motors. We travelled half way up the river then had to tramp through the forest for 45 minutes. The orangutans were unloaded from the jetty and we held their hands as they came out of the crates, gave them bananas, then they were on their way.”
The future of conservation Bill worries about society’s lack of involvement in conservation. He said it’s “hard to get adults interested in the environment” and that he could see that his “grandkids would grow up not seeing a wild animal, unless it was in a book”. “If we keep clearing land, then there’s no future – habitats are being destroyed too quickly. We complain at the environmental devastation caused by other countries, but Australia is just as bad… I’d like to see more native trees and plants and re-establish forests. Stop the land clearing.” There are simple ways people can help protect our environment – planting native plants in your garden to attract bees and birds is easy and will make for a more attractive garden. Another important way of helping is to be a responsible shopper - check the ingredients. Avoid anything with palm oil, as these plantations are destroying too many vital habitats. Vegetable oil may be palm oil, and a common ingredient in cosmetics is SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate) which is also palm oil. Bill has achieved remarkable feats through his love of the environment, and he has no plans of stopping now. He has big ideas for Roots and Shoots to expand, for further participation across the state and to inspire a generation that respects and cares for our planet. He shared Dr Goodall’s favourite quote: “We have not borrowed our children's future - we have stolen it”.
“We had to be there early in morning. Orangutans were put into crates and transported via canoes fitted
Tidings Magazine
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Recipe
Healthy Raisin Toast with Fruity Ricotta Topping Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 1 min | Serves: 2 Ingredients
Method
• • • • •
1. Toast the slices of fruit bread. 2. Mix ricotta with honey or jam in a small bowl. 3. Spread toast with ricotta mixture and sprinkle with cinnamon. 4. Layer banana and strawberries on top of toast and serve.
4 slices raisin toast or fruit bread 1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese 2 tsp honey or strawberry jam, optional 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 banana, sliced
• 125 g strawberries, hulled and sliced
Adapted with permission from LiveLighter. LiveLighter® State of Western Australia 2020 www.livelighter.com.au
22 SwanCare
Crossword Answers (page 15) 1. Snooker, 2. Library, 3. Bingo, 4. Bowls, 5. Bentley Park Diners, 6. Gardening, 7. Cards, 8. Photography, 9. Pottery, 10. Puzzles, 11. Computer Club, 12. Choir, 13. Chess, 14. Carpet Bowls, 15. Book Club, 16. Fish n’ Chips, 17. Painting, 18. Swimming, 19. Mahjong, 20. Casino, 21. Handicraft, 22. Darts, 23. Gym
Word Search Letters to the Editor Penny’s Book Review 'Skin Deep' by Liz Nugent Liz Nugent is an Irish descent who worked in Irish films, theatre and television before becoming a full-time writer. ‘Skin Deep’, her third novel, was published in 2018.
A Vote of Thanks to SwanCare for the Village Amenities
If you enjoy a good mystery, you’ll like this one.
In these restricted times surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, here at Bentley Park we are very fortunate to have grassed and seated areas throughout the village. This is where residents can "take a break" from being indoors or catch up with neighbours, friends and family onsite, while keeping to the advised restrictions. With the recent changes in restrictions, the residents are happy too that some activities can resume with modification.
Skin Deep was a number one bestseller based on Cordelia Russell, a woman who has passed herself off as someone else for most of her life.
As our home is near the bowling green, it is always nice to hear people’s voices, laughing and movement coming from around the Leisure Precinct area, bringing "life" to this part of the village. The completion of the Leisure Precinct was most timely for these changing times and has enhanced our current daily life and activities. With kind regards, Judy Mackintosh
Hi Judy. Thank you for your kind words. While it has been a shame that the main Leisure Precinct building has been temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is wonderful see that the infrastructure was still being put to good use. We look forward to seeing everyone out & about! Ed.
However her luck - and the kindness of strangers - have run out. The arrival of a visitor from her distant past shocks Cordelia and she reacts violently to the intrusion and flees her flat to spend a drunken night trying to forget. As dawn breaks, she stumbles home to the horror of a corpse inside. It was different from what I expected but I was kept riveted by the twists and the building tension. This book is available in the Bentley Park Library in regular print. You may be interested in her other ones which I have listed below, which I may be able to get through the interlibrary loan service, providing they are at least 12 months old. These are Unravelling Oliver (2014), Lying in Wait (2018), Our Little Cruelties (2020). Penny Felder Bentley Park Librarian Tidings Magazine
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