Keeping On - Summer 2024

Keeping On eeping On 2

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Spring has been a mixed bag of weather some cold days and some warm and most enjoyable. It is difficult to know what to wear for the day. Layer up so when it gets warm you can take off a layer to cool down and later put it back on again. Be aware of chills and colds, keep away from family if they are unwell.

Each time I write this column I remind you about scams and it seems from media reports that more and more people are falling victims to scammers. Be alert to scams. They come in all places, your letter box, the in box on your computer and your phone, both cell phones and landlines. If you don’t know the sender of the message or if you think it is strange, delete it immediately. If you open a message the sender then has your information and possible access to your electronic devices. You will now be thinking about Christmas. Work out a budget for what you can afford for gifts, for your friends and family, and stick

to it. Also, when grocery shopping don’t get caught up with impulse buying specials you don’t need. The supermarkets put these enticing products out in front to tempt you to buy. Again, work out your budget and keep to it.

Gardening is great exercise if you are able and it is very pleasing to see the results of your efforts, either with flowers or vegetables. If you don’t have a lot of room you can grow a tomato plant in a pot or lettuce plants that you can pick leaves off enough to make a salad for one or two. Take care with potting mix, make sure you work with it in open spaces, wear gloves and a mask if you can. Potting mix has nasty bugs in the dust that is easy to breathe in when you are using it. Be sure to wash your hands when finished.

I have an adventure for you. This time it could be a challenge. It is the Mt Vernon track. The start is at the end of Vernon Terrace, it is not too steep and there is a very nice hut and deck to sit on and have your picnic and cup of tea that you have carried up with you.

Best wishes for a happy and enjoyable Christmas and summer.

Trish Adams President

CONTENTS

Faye

Page 10, Great Granny’s birthday Page 12, Crossword Page 22, Meet our volunteers

Page 24, Publishing has changed dramatically Page 32, My two

Recently, I was unable to drive for six weeks (you can read more about the circumstances around this on page 4). Because of this, I found myself temporarily

in the situation that so many older people (and people with disabilities) face: needing to get from place to place without a car. I was also in the position of needing a daily check-up at the hospital! So simply staying at home was not an option.

The first main impact of this was that I could not live at my home in Charteris Bay. Charteris Bay is a beautiful place to live, within a lovely community, but there is no public transport available. It’s possible to take the ferry from Diamond Harbour (but that’s 10 minutes away… by car). I was very fortunate to be able to stay in town with relatives, but I’m left thinking about the limited accessibility (and total lack of public transport) in rural areas.

Even staying in town, my lack of transport made me feel very isolated and dependent on others. I was encouraged to start walking as part of my recovery, but I couldn’t make it very far at first. Often, I ended up perching on someone’s low garden wall – because there are no other options to sit and rest. The nearest bus stop was out of reach for at least a few weeks. I’ve always been aware of the importance of accessibility in relation to public transport, but I only really understood it when negotiating it myself.

The whole experience has really underlined the importance of our services that promote independence through various transport solutions:

1. Total Mobility Card – this is

available through Age Concern Canterbury if you are no longer able to drive, and allows you to get 75% off taxi trips. For me, the daily trip into Outpatients went from $32 (one way) to $8. I note that many taxi companies charge an EFTPOS surcharge of $2 or more (so it is worth using cash if you can).

2. Staying Safe Driving Courses and Life Without A Car: Staying Safe can help sharpen your driving skills, and keep you driving safely for longer; Life Without A Car provides really useful strategies for staying connected when you are no longer able to drive.

3. The National Travel Assistance Fund may allow you to be refunded for medical-related transport costs (although these have to be claimed after the fact). It is worth talking to your health team about this.

4. Our Community Connectors are highly skilled at assisting people who are struggling with all kinds of issues and can help problem-solve around transport solutions.

5. Our Social Connections team works very hard to alleviate social isolation, whether through our outings service, or our visitor service.

There are definitely wider issues to be addressed with regards to the way our urban centres are designed around cars: public transport is only going to be more necessary as our population ages, and as our climate continues to change. In the meantime, if you are feeling isolated at home, or finding it difficult to get around, please do give us a call. We can help plan for a carless future and help find solutions to keep you connected.

Happy holidays everyone! I’m wishing you and your family and whānau a safe and delightful (and healthy) 2025.

Greta Bond Chief Executive

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY (INC)

Keeping On is distributed by Age Concern Canterbury to Christchurch Malls, Senior Citizen Clubs and Groups, Libraries, Medical Centres, Rest Homes, Hospitals and Institutions, Housing Complexes and Agencies working with older people and individuals. Keeping On is published quarterly in February, May, August and November each year. Written contributions for consideration can be emailed to the Editor at dmcgrath@ageconcerncan.org.nz or contact Deirdre on (03)366-0903. The Keeping On Team: Deirdre McGrath - Editor, Mike CreanJournalist, June Peka - Journalist, Anna-Marie Hunter - Advertising Representative/ Desktop Publisher. Keeping On is printed by Inkwise, Rolleston.

Frank Frizelle - a life of opportunity

Daylight glows bright when Frank Frizelle walks in. The Christchurch surgeon and Professor of Surgery brings a burst of affability that might not have been expected from a man who probes human bowels and colons.

Nearing 65 years of age, Frank has partly retired from operating theatres but continues his medical research and serves voluntarily at the Christchurch Charity Hospital. Meanwhile, many surgeons around New Zealand carry on in his wake. Much of his work, in addition to operating, has been in research, teaching, advising, tutoring and mentoring. Frank also presides on numerous boards and directorships at local and national levels. He has been editor of The New Zealand Medical Journal for 24 years and thoroughly enjoys it.

If Frank is lacking in anything, it is pomposity. He insists on being called Frank, not Francis. He has been happily married to Southlander Marguerite for 34 years and loves their two daughters. He has a natural empathy with, and caring character towards, all people. By those who know him he is highly regarded in all sectors for his modesty, honesty, professional expertise and his attitude towards patients. He does not distinguish between people of wealth or penury, Maori or Pakeha - or of any other race. The same goes for patients young or old, learned or uneducated. He relates the same to patients at the public hospital as to those at St George’s or Southern Cross.

Most New Zealanders would regard him as a true-blue Kiwi. As evidence, his recreation includes tramping, shooting (rabbits), fishing, watching rugby, biking and running. These activities, some before breakfast, have ensured a level of physical fitness that carried him through the Coast to Coast event five times, the Wanaka Iron Man event several times, the Southland Marathon, various half-marathons and other “gut-buster” activities. Lately he has added skiing, golf and watching the horses to this agenda. Frank does not brag about himself. His friends and colleagues praise him though. He is regarded as an excellent surgeon and all-round good bloke.

Frank’s parents emigrated from County Wexford,

by Mike Crean

Ireland. He was born in Wellington, raised in Upper Hutt and attended St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, a sister school to St Bede’s, Christchurch. He admits the shame of always losing to St Bede’s in the annual rugby matches.

Maths and physics were his strength at school. He did well in all subjects but delayed the move to university so he could carry on some of the jobs he had done in school holidays. In particular, he loved the job of guiding people on the ski fields and surroundings of Ruapehu.

Engineering or Medicine were Frank’s options for university. He chose the latter as he wanted to work in a caring atmosphere assisting people in poor health. It was during his time at University of Otago that he met Marguerite, who was also a student there. The pair had a whirl of travel as Frank won scholarships and contracts in far-off countries. Prime among these was his time at the world-leading Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA.

There he launched into medical research. The story goes that students in his year at Otago should send job applications to other countries. Frank sent letters to dozens of places but received no replies. Then, a letter arrived from Mayo offering him a position. Frank had not even applied to Mayo, thinking he had no chance of working at the top-level institution. He thought the letter he had received must have been a joke from his mates and he ignored it. However, a second letter came from Mayo and it was obviously genuine. Then he had trouble convincing his mates that he was heading to Mayo.

After his time at Mayo Frank was chosen to attend another famed institution, in Dundee, Scotland. There he continued research into medical science and surgical practice.

Frank and Marguerite were married by then. The globe-trotting couple were tired of travel and keen to return to New Zealand. Back in his home country Frank had to do a “provincial year” as a surgeon in a rural hospital. He chose Kew, at Invercargill, and loved it. His wife felt much at home there, while Frank enjoyed exploring Southland.

Frank was 34 years-old when his friend and fellow surgeon Dr Phillip Bagshaw lured him to Christchurch. Here he worked at Christchurch Hospital and the private hospitals. He found Christchurch “a pleasant place to work”. Like Southland, Canterbury offered plenty of interesting things to do. His friendship with Phillip continued and led to Frank working at the Charity Hospital Phillip had established.

In Christchurch Frank stepped up the promotions ladder. Among the rungs he became: Clinical Director of Surgery (an administrative position), Professor of Surgery (at the age of 40), and Head of Academic Surgery, among other titles.

Frank explains his progress with the comment: “life is opportunities …. and grabbing them. I am fortunate in having them”. The current crisis in staffing medical practices and hospitals concerns him. He says no government has solved the problem of the fast-growing sector of elderly New Zealanders and the declining numbers of young people.

Frank Frizelle, Christchurch surgeon and Professor of Surgery.

My kidney transplant - a personal story

My column on Page 2 is my opportunity to talk about things that are happening at Age Concern Canterbury (or in the wider community) that I think are important and, hopefully at least, interesting. I really love my job, so there’s always a lot to talk about!

This column is different and I’d like to talk about something a bit closer to home. Some of you, dropping by Age Concern Canterbury in Papanui, may have noticed that I have been out of the office from the end of September through most of October. I have been on sick leave, receiving, and recovering from, a kidney transplant. My kidneys have been deteriorating my whole life, owing to a condition called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) inherited from my mother, who inherited it from my grandfather. When I was a small child, Grandad had haemodialysis administered in a shed in his garden in England that was craned in by the NHS (this was back in the late seventies). My mother, living in NZ, had several years of overnight dialysis in her own home, before having a transplant in 2010.

I am in the unusually fortunate position of having a transplant

by Greta Bond, Chief Executive, Age Concern Canterbury

before starting dialysis, thanks to an altruistic (living) donation from my friend, Karen. It is hard to articulate what this amazing gift of life means to me and the people who love me. It is no small matter, donating a kidney, which is a major surgery (undertaken voluntarily by a person who before the surgery was entirely healthy. The result for the recipient on the other hand is absolutely life-changing. I will be grateful every day of my life.

Kidney failure is a condition that has a terribly detrimental effect on your health and wellbeing, while remaining largely invisible until the very end stages. Kidneys are the little champions of your body – their main function is filtering your blood (which of course impacts everything else).

Once in end-stage kidney failure, it’s a matter of time before kidney replacement therapy is needed, whether by kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant, in order to preserve life. People in this condition experience exhaustion, chronic pain, and a range of other symptoms, that can include shortness of breath, chronic itchiness, sleep difficulties, and heart problems.

Physically and mentally, almost every aspect of my health has

improved since I woke up from surgery. I’m feeling really well. Perhaps most profoundly, rather than focusing on the constant question “how long can I keep going,” I now see a future with the enticing possibility of continued improvement, the possibility of adventures, the possibility of making a difference in the world, and hopefully the opportunity to pay forward this incredible new chance I have been given.

We hear a lot about the strain on our health system. I would like to express my appreciation for everyone who has cared for me (and continues to care for me) along this long and complicated journey: my surgeon; the excellent nephrology team at Christchurch Hospital; the nurses who looked after me so caringly on ward 14; my general practice team; the phlebotomists at Christchurch Outpatients who continue to very gently test my blood several times a week; the tea-ladies, the cleaners, security, volunteer guides – all essential components in an ecology of care. They work incredibly hard, and always with the aim of the best possible outcomes for people in need. It is a privilege to live in New Zealand, where healthcare of this calibre is available to us.

I’m also very grateful to our Board at Age Concern Canterbury, which has been so supportive over this period; I’m also especially grateful to my team who have so competently and energetically kept the ship sailing while I have been away. It’s a huge privilege to work with you all, and your support and dedication over this time has been truly humbling. Around 600 people are on the

As we start to head into Summer, the last thing on people’s minds is purchasing a heat pump for their home, however, it shouldn’t be. Due to changing weather patterns, people are finding cooling becoming more essential, especially to help sleep at night.

With shorter wait times and some great specials, why would you wait until winter.

Enviro Master are proud to be suppliers to the Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme giving eligible home owners an 80% grant towards the cost of the supply and installation of a new heat pump up to $3,000 including GST.

Customers are eligible if they have a Community Services Card, SuperGold Combo Card or live in a low-income area. Their home must also have been built before 2008 and have no fixed heating in a living area, such as an existing operational heat

kidney transplant list in New Zealand, with an average wait time for most people of three to four years. Latest figures from 2021 indicate 187 people received a kidney transplant that year, including 85 living donor transplants and 102 deceased donor transplants. It’s a long, hard wait for many people and their families. One thing we can all do to help is to consider becoming a posthumous organ donor ourselves. You can do this by indicating your interest on your driving licence, but the most important thing is to have this discussion with family and whānau, who will be in the position of consenting to donation when you have passed. There’s no age limit, and you can be a donor even if you aren’t in particularly good health. I’m a donor: I’m betting no one will want my terrible old kidneys, for example, but my heart and lungs are pretty good!

Many New Zealanders live with chronic illness. I’ve learned that “everybody has something” - so many of us are dealing with health issues of one variety or another, many silently. Many of us also are coping with the difficulties and tribulations of life, whether it be related to work, family, friends, health or finances. My New Year’s resolution for 2024 was to be brave! Next year, I am aiming to be compassionate, remembering that life is often hard for people in ways that aren’t immediately apparent. Compassion is responsive; we can also actively seek opportunities to understand others and help where we can. In a world which can sometimes seem daunting and overwhelming, it feels like being there for each other is really the only way through.

pump or fireplace. Insulation must be to standard and there are grants to assist with this also.

Enviro Master has been in business since 2002 and has gained a reputation for unbiased advice and providing solutions tailored to each situation. This could be for heating, air conditioning or a balance of both.

A full assessment process that looks at environmental conditions as well as users’ requirements is backed up by a wide range of heat pump brands.

Topping it off are friendly, professional staff who always take the time to show customers how to operate their new heat pump for maximum long-term efficiency.

For a free assessment, call Enviro Master on 366-0525 or visit www. enviromaster.co.nz.

Our showroom is open weekdays 8.00am-4.30pm at 41A Shakespeare Road, Waltham. A

Probus celebrates 50 years of fun and friendship across NZ

Fun and friendship have been the hallmarks of Probus for the last 50 years. Today, Probus members across New Zealand continue to foster these aspects enriching their retirement years.

The Probus Club of Kapiti Coast was the first Club formed in New Zealand and in fact the southern hemisphere, on 4 November 1974. It is still thriving today with over 110 members who meet monthly and participate in a wide variety of outings and activities including wine appreciation, movies, walking, travel and even a book club.

To commemorate 50 years of Probus in New Zealand, Probus Club members around the country

will celebrate in countless ways with special morning and afternoon teas, lunches, themed parties, and combined club events. In Wellington, His Excellency, Dr Richard Davies is hosting a High Tea at Government House that will be attended by New Zealand Probus Club Presidents and Probus Membership Representatives. This special opportunity that recognises the positive influence and value that Probus has in the community.

Social connections are so important in today’s world and this milestone provides an opportunity to highlight the significance of staying engaged

and connected, particularly within the older generation. Probus is a social network of Clubs with over 10,000 retirees across New Zealand participating in meetings, activities and trips.

Probus is all about fun and friendship in retirement, Clubs are non-fundraising, non-sectarian and non-political. If you are retired or semi-retired, there is no better time to join the Probus family than during this milestone year which celebrates 50 years as a community.

For further information please contact www.probussouthpacific.org or phone 0800 1477 6287.

Amberley Country Estate - an unique retirement village

Canterbury’s most spacious retirement village, Amberley Country Estate - just 35-minutes from Christchurch - is a retirement village like no other. Set on 37 acres with beautifully landscaped grounds and exceptionally well spread out two and three-bedroom villas, Amberley Country Estate looks more like a subdivision than a typical retirement village.

A wide range of single level homes, from 94m2 to 185m2, means each street is unique and villas don’t all look the same. Some have shared,

cul-de-sac like settings, but, with rural people in mind, many homes have private driveways, double garages and spacious yards. Streets are beautifully landscaped with colourful plantings.

A 350m2 Clubhouse features a pool table, bar, library, gym, spa pool, pétanque, croquet and a men’s shed.

A resort style Resident’s Centre, 5x that size, will be the heart of the village, with a café, restaurant, pool tables, dance floor, library, gym, indoor pool and spa, movie room, men’s shed and bowling green.

Regular happy hours, van excursions and other activities and events will allow residents to be as social as they please.

For residents’ peace of mind, the village will have a modern hospital and medical centre with comprehensive care facilities, including memory care.

Amberley’s villas have been built with energy efficiency in mind and feature ducted central-heating, deeper walls with thicker insulation, thermally-broken, argon-filled, double glazed windows and even industry

leading insulated foundations, so the home is cool/warm and comfortable year-round, with power bills that are extra low. Their quality and fitout is of an exceptionally high standard. Each has its own patio, garden area (lawns and gardens are maintained by village staff) and garage. With extra warm homes, villas that are larger than typical, low weekly fees and a layout that features beautiful streetscapes with distinctive yards, Amberley Country Estate will be a very special place to live.

Canterbury’s Most Spacious Retirement Village

Discover Amberley Country Estate, an exciting new 250 home Retirement Village, just 35-min from Christchurch, at the gateway to Canterbury ’ s wine region. Uniquely designed, like a residential subdivision in layout and feel, here you ’ll find spacious yards with landscaped gardens, well spread out, generously-sized, 94-185m2 north-facing 2 & 3 bedroom villas and a 350m 2 Clubhouse. A new resort-style facility is planned and modern medical and care facilities are coming too. If you seek an active lifestyle with laidback country estate living, call today to find out more about a retirement village with space to live a life you ’ll love. Visit our website, or phone free 0800 573 573.

Low weekly fees, just $135/week

Single and Double Garages available 350m2 Residents Clubhouse now open

Full Medical and Care Facilities planned

Probus members promote their activities at the 2024 SWELL Expo.

The book discussion scheme has run for over 50 years

A nationwide book scheme is breaking the stereotypes on book clubs.

The Book Discussion Scheme has run for over 50 years since its humble beginnings in Canterbury in 1973. It’s grown to encompass more than 13,000 group members from Northland to Stewart Island as well as the Chatham Islands.

An internationally unique model for book clubs, the scheme has more than 1100 titles and dispatches book sets to its readers every month via an

annual subscription. Groups meet at a member’s house, a favourite cafe, or the library. The scheme provides comprehensive questions and notes on the reading material, so there’s always lots to discuss.

The benefits of reading have been well documented when it comes to improving cognitive health, including reduced stress, increased brain power, better sleep, and improved memory.

Book club membership goes a step further by helping to minimise the

Emergency cards and tags: a must-have!

Unfortunately, as we navigate daily life, accidents and medical events can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

At home, or on the go, everyday activities like commuting, social outings, visiting, shopping, errands, exercising or simply being at home, an Emergency Card will prepare you for when vulnerabilities arise unexpectedly.

Speaking for you when you can’t, Emergency Cards and Tags are easily identifiable, ensuring clear, equitable access to medical care and quick contact with loved ones whenever and wherever it’s needed. Providing freedom of choice, Emergency Cards and Tags are fully customisable, you choose what information to include, whether it’s medical details, emergency contacts, or simply first names only. The choice is yours!

Designed to be affordable with no ongoing fees, or membership, Emergency Cards and Tags stand out when needed, discreetly offering peace of mind to live with greater independence. Not limited to age, ability or condition, they’re suitable for everyone. No known critical medical conditions? Simply use it as

an emergency contact card or tag!

Emergency Cards fit easily into a wallet, purse or lanyard that can be worn on the inside or outside of clothing or attached to the fridge for emergency services support at home. Emergency Tags can be attached to a key ring, shoelace, bike, mobility scooter, walking frame/stick, lanyard, golf bag or shopping trundler, belt loop or the inside or outside of a bag or jacket, or wherever life takes youkeeping it discreet yet accessible in an emergency.

Your privacy is protected too. Once you receive your order, your information is securely deleted and not stored or shared.

Technology-free, they’re instantly accessible without relying on internet, mobile coverage, phone service, or connectivity. Wherever life takes you, your essential information is within reach.

When you purchase your Emergency Card or Tag, using the code AGECONCAN at checkout will have 20% of your purchase going to Age Concern Canterbury –supporting a valuable organisation while giving yourself and loved one’s peace of mind. A

mental health risks brought on by isolation.

Men’s book clubs have become a particular focus. When men get together to discuss a book, it promotes friendships, mental health, and active engagement within their community.

Similarly, those in rural areas and small towns find their monthly meetings a great remedy for geographical isolation.

A Gore-based member who has been part of the scheme for 40 years

said it gave her stimulation, interest, excitement, diversion, relaxation, challenge and thought-provoking opportunities that have come our way each month.

New or old, the connections made through a book club can become lifelong friendships.

If you’re interested in joining a book club, or interested in starting one with Book Discussion Scheme contact the Book Discussion Scheme 03 365 6210 or email: bds@bds.org.nz

Creating a Will that reflects your intentions

In NZ, while creating a Will allows you to decide how your estate will be distributed, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. Certain individuals, such as spouses, de facto partners, children, and even stepchildren or parents in specific circumstances, may challenge a Will if they believe "proper maintenance and support" has not been adequately provided for them from the estate. But what does "proper maintenance and support" really mean?

The term is deliberately broad and allows the courts to assess claims based on the specific circumstances of each case. In doing so, the courts consider the "moral duty" the deceased may have owed to the claimant. This duty is not a fixed measure; it depends on various factors, including the nature of the relationship and the financial or emotional support previously provided. This broad view means that even if you believe your Will is clear, it could still be challenged if your intentions aren’t properly documented or justified.

For example, you might wish to leave a larger portion of your estate to one child who provided you with regular support or acted as your caregiver, while your other children receive

less. This kind of decision is perfectly valid but can create tension among beneficiaries. To avoid potential Family Protection Act claims, it’s essential to document your reasons clearly when making your Will. This can be done within the Will itself or in an accompanying handwritten note. By explicitly outlining your reasoning, you provide a clearer understanding of your wishes, which can help reduce the likelihood of challenges from disappointed beneficiaries. This is especially important when dividing assets unequally, as courts are more likely to respect your decisions if they see evidence that you carefully considered your obligations and relationships.

At FM Legal & KTLaw, we know how important it is to make your intentions clear and ensure your loved ones are supported according to your wishes. If you’re planning your estate or revising your Will, we can guide you through the process and help you document your decisions in a way that minimises potential challenges. Don’t leave your legacy open to uncertainty. Contact FM Legal or KTLaw today and let us help you craft a Will that truly reflects your intentions while protecting the people you care about. A

Faye McGunnigle - Grandma Moses of South Canterbury

by June Peka

On a recent trip to Geraldine, we called in for dinner with Faye McGunnigle, who in pre-quake days lived with husband Pete in Mundy’s Road Christchurch, surrounded by interesting collectibles inside and a mini market garden outside. Faye had grown up on her parents’ tomato farm on Blighs Rd so knew all the tricks of the trade. After losing our bees to a mystery ailment last year and having a dismal crop as a result, I felt I needed a refresher pollination session from Faye, but as I should have known, she’s moved on from tomatoes.

It’s not so long since her writing phase, and then the creation of online scrapbooks and photo montages, and later there was reverse decoupage (that’s sticking stuff on to the back of glass plates and bowls). She’s always been into crosswords, Scrabble and cuisine, and is a whizz with the knitting needles, but now she’s become the Grandma Moses of South Canterbury.

Over an early lunch we’d spotted Faye’s handiwork (for sale) on the walls of the Orchard Cafe before we even got to her house. She points out it’s hardly a new hobby. She tried it first more than 20 years ago and got the bug again recently.

“I see paintings for sale everywhere and sometimes I’ve said to myself ‘I could do that’, so I invested in a few canvases and paints and got cracking again. It’s like riding a bike. I’ve done hundreds of trees, and lakes and

Your journey made easy with Driving Miss Daisy

As summer approaches, Driving Miss Daisy is here to help you stay active, connected, and stress-free. We understand the challenges many face when it comes to transport and mobility, especially for those with appointments, social outings, or errands to run. That’s where we come in!

At Driving Miss Daisy, we specialise in providing reliable and friendly transport services to help you get where you need to go. Whether it's a doctor’s appointment, a visit to see loved ones, or simply popping out to the shops, our team is dedicated to ensuring your journey is safe and comfortable.

you’ll get there.

Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? Driving Miss Daisy offers Gift Vouchers, a thoughtful way to support someone you care about. These vouchers can be used for our transport services, making it easy to give the gift of independence and mobility.

We’re proud to work closely with Age Concern to support people in our community, and we’re committed to making every journey safe and enjoyable. Let us take the stress out of transport so you can focus on living life to the fullest.

rivers, so now I’m having a go at portraits. The family is a handy hunting ground.”

Faye’s kitchen table is a chaotically creative mess of brushes, paints, water and test blobs. There’s still room enough for a place setting for one, now that Pete has departed this world, but the piles are easily pushed up one end of the newly bought bigger table when visitors arrive for soup and rolls. Two-person Scrabble works OK there too. Deliberately, Faye only knows the type of visitor who wouldn’t give a hoot about this set-up.

Now in her mid-eighties with a few health issues, and since losing Pete last year, Faye’s given thought to moving to a smaller home, one with less garden work and maintenance required. But given that every room in her lovely warm home has paintings hung, stacked or leaning against every wall, she’s sensibly decided to stay put. With a large close family, many nearby, she counts her blessings. Getting a little house cleaning fortnightly helps too.

This season she’ll probably grow a couple of tomato plants in pots. And, as for that pollination problem, Faye remembers that her father Arthur Parris, in the fifties, grew all 2000 of his plants up strings fastened to rails overhead.

“They wound around the string, not requiring much tying, and Dad would regularly ‘twang’ the strings as he walked through, to help with the pollination.”

This summer, why not take advantage of our services to make the most of the season? Let us help you enjoy the warm weather by reconnecting with friends, attending community events, or even exploring local attractions. With Driving Miss Daisy, you can focus on what matters most without worrying about how

Driving Miss Daisy accepts Total Mobility Scheme cards and is an ACC contracted supplier. Wheelchair Accessible vehicles are also available upon request.

Contact us today to learn more about our services, book your next trip, or purchase a Gift Voucher.

Here’s to a wonderful summer with Driving Miss Daisy - your partner in transport and care. A

Get out and about with Driving Miss Daisy

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service.

We can drive and accompany you to:

•Medical and personal appointments • Grocery shopping

•Deliveries - e.g. take home meals•Airport drop-offs and pick-ups

•Companion outings•Or even transporting your pet!

Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted in most Canterbury areas, and an ACC contracted supplier.

Bookings are essential - call today and make your next outing a pleasure!

Faye McGunnigle is a busy bee. She invested in a few canvases and paints and started painting again, this time with portraits.

CAB seeks volunteers

Citizens Advice Bureau is here for every person and any question on any issue. CAB embraces people from all walks of life. CAB is on the lookout for fresh faces to join their team in Christchurch next February. Are you:

* Keen to meet new people?

* Ready to spread good advice?

* A lover of a good challenge?

* Value human interaction?

* Wanting to give back to your community?

* Searching for a sense of purpose after retirement or redundancy?

* Disinclined to take on physical volunteer work, but rather wish to stay active and re-purpose your skills?

* One of those shoulder tapped by a friend who said, ‘Hey, you’d be great at that?’

* Willing to help people to make informed decisions about their lives and connect them to local communitybased resources?

* Worried about the waves of need and misinformation washing across the motu, and want to help people weather them?

* Prepared to do one shift each week, (2-3 hours) and commit to initial training and ongoing learning?

* A knowledge sponge? Or not so good at remembering stuff, but like to look up the most up-to-date information?

* Interested in listening to people’s stories, then finding options for them, so they are empowered to do something about their situation.

* Fond of the game of 1000 question? And like not knowing what the next question will be? Add your own examples…

Hail to you if you answered, “yes” to any of these questions. CAB might be your calling. Take your time to mull it over, and when you're ready, reach out to the Christchurch manager on manager.cabchch@gmail.com or 021 246 0940. He taonga rongonui te aroha ki te tangata. Goodwill towards others is a precious treasure.

Humour is the spiciest condiment in the feast of life. Laugh at your mistakes but learn from them. Joke over your troubles but gather strength from them. Make a jest of your difficulties but overcome them.

Maud Basham 1879 - 1963

Update your will before you lose capacity

Let’s face it—most of us dread thinking about wills and estate planning (tedious and a bit morbid!). As the holiday season approaches, this is the perfect time to tackle important tasks. A recent case really drives home how important it is to have your Will updated, especially before any cognitive decline sets in.

A Real-Life Example

A recent case heard in the High Court is a cautionary tale to ensure your legal affairs are up to date.

current life situation.

2. Family Harmony: Avoid family squabbles. Being clear about your wishes can save everyone a lot of heartache and headaches later.

3. Avoiding Pressure: If you're in a vulnerable spot, you might be more easily influenced by others. Update your Will when you’re fully capable, ensure your decisions are genuinely yours. It also ensures that if you did make a new Will under someone else’s influence and it was invalidated like the above case your prior Will is as current as possible.

Tips for Keeping Your Will Updated

• Make It a Habit: Check your Will every few years or after major life changes.

The deceased, suffering from dementia, signed a new Will in 2020. It departed significantly from the original and left most of his estate to his partner instead of his three daughters. After signing he reached out to a friend, distressed and worried that he had lost everything to the Partner, and he needed help. His friend took note of this conversation, and when the deceased passed away, he passed on the conversation to the daughters. His daughters decided to contest the Will.

The court ultimately ruled that the deceased didn’t have the mental capacity to understand what he was signing. They declared the Will invalid and reinstated an older one that favoured his daughters. This whole situation not only caused emotional turmoil for his family but also highlighted the need for clear and current estate planning.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

1. Life Changes: Keeping your Will up to date means it reflects your

• Get Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to contact the team at Godfreys Law to discuss your current Will or a new Will if you have any questions.

• Talk to Your Family: Have open conversations about your wishes, especially as you gather with loved ones during the holidays. It may prevent misunderstandings down the road.

This case is a wake-up call for all of us. Updating your Will before any decline in mental capacity can safeguard your wishes and ease the burden on your loved ones. It’s a small step that can lead to peace of mind. So don’t put it off - make it a priority to complete your estate planning.

A

The heartwarming tale of the Teddy Bear Hospital

In the town of Kaiapoi, an unique and heartwarming business has emerged, inspired by a beloved family heirloom known as "Old Ted". This teddy bear, over 110 years old, has been cherished by the Irvine family for four generations. Originally owned by Suzanne Irvine's grandmother, Florence Fransden, it is now the treasure of her father and the branding of the Teddy Bear Hospital.

Suzanne, who comes from a family of skilled sewers, has always had a passion for making and repairing teddy bears.

Her journey began with boxes of "bear bits" from Bells Auctions in Kaiapoi, where she honed her skills through practise and trial and error.

Although she had always dreamed of turning her hobby into a business, a change in her work situation accelerated this plan.

From June to early November, Suzanne provided care at her Kaiapoi “surgery" where she meticulously repaired 40 bears. The demand for her services became evident when a feature on Seven Sharp led to a surge of inquiries and 18 definite bookings within days.

Despite a current 12-week wait for bear "operations," Suzanne remains unapologetic about the delay. "I would hate to rush and not be proud of the work I have done," she says.

For Suzanne, maintaining the integrity of each bear is paramount. Her goal is not to make the bears look

new but to preserve their essence. "I would hate to give a bear back that can’t be recognised. It is not about changing them; it’s about keeping the essence of the bear that is there," she explains.

Suzanne has a particular fondness for older, vintage bears, those with rich histories and narratives. She loves hearing about how these bears have provided comfort during tough childhoods and seeing the joy on people's faces when they are reunited with their old friends.

As many older individuals downsize or move into care facilities, they often wish to keep their cherished bears. Suzanne encourages families to take photos and document the stories of these precious family members. "If they are looked after, they will outlive us all," she says.

The Teddy Bear Hospital is more

than just a business; it's a place where memories are preserved, and the bonds between people and their beloved bears are strengthened.

Whatever issues you are struggling with I provide a convenient, on-line, low cost coaching and mentoring service to help you to achieve a positive outcome.

You’ll find full details at www.tkmentoring.co.nz

Need help negotiating your life’s challenges especially the socalled ‘Third Age’? First session is FREE! Check it out

027 484 2739

03 355 6555

fdaldin@cowdy.co.nz

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

FRANCO DAL DIN

Florence Fransden with ‘Old Ted’ in 1917, aged 8 years.

Martyn Irvine 1944 with ‘Old Ted’, aged 4 years.

Martyn Irvine and Suzanne Irvine with beloved family heirloom known as “Old Ted”.

‘Old Ted’ in 2024 ready for Christmas.

Keeping On eeping On 10

Help with Technology Appointments available

For anyone over 65 who needs help with technology.

If you need help with your cellphone, laptop or tablet or if you want to learn how to email, video call or take photos... Whatever your need, phone and make an appointment and we will try and help. BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE.

Nazareth Community of Care

Christchurch - high quality rest home, hospital level and palliative care. Great-Granny’s birthday

For the month of November, there were no Premium room fees for hospital level care.

Welcome to Nazareth Community of Care, where we trust you'll experience a genuine sense of warmth and connection. Here, you'll discover a community where joy resonates, and a true feeling of home awaits you.

For over a century, Nazareth has been a cornerstone of aged care in the Canterbury community. In 2015, we expanded our services to include a state-of-the-art Retirement Village, further enhancing our commitment to senior wellbeing.

Our values-based approach ensures that every individual is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive home, welcoming people from all faiths and backgrounds.

Our care is delivered by a highly qualified and experienced team, committed to providing exceptional support. We focus on consistency

in care by dedicated carers, taking a holistic approach to meet your support needs, lifestyle preferences, and overall wellbeing. We offer specialized spiritual and pastoral care for all residents, including those in hospital-level and palliative care.

Nazareth Community of Care boasts modern, spacious accommodation and generous communal areas. Our facilities include comfortable lounges, a movie theatre, and a café.

As an environmentally conscious organisation, our well-designed facility reflects our commitment to sustainability.

Choose Nazareth Community of Care for quality senior living in the heart of the city. Here, you'll find more than just care – you'll find a home.

Book your tour today!

Phone: (03) 374 1900

220 Brougham Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023

Email: reception.christchurch@ nazarethcare.com

For more information, visit www. nazareth.co.nz/contact-us/ A

A Christchurch mother of three has written a picture book that celebrates intergenerational relationships and seeks to demystify aged-care facilities for young readers.

Liana Hadfield and her husband felt very fortunate to have six grandparents living in Christchurch when they started their own family. When their girls were still little, three of their great-grandmothers moved into aged-care facilities around the same time. Liana felt a sense of anxiety taking the young children for visits. “The girls could be loud, or a fast-moving hazard,” she said.

Liana sought out picture books to explain to her girls the environment their great-grandparents now lived in, but she was unable to find any. One of the great-grannies then turned

100, and again, she was unable to find any picture books to explain that this was a particularly special birthday.

So, Liana decided to tackle the problem by writing a book herself and now Great-Granny’s Birthday has come to fruition.

It is a delightfully illustrated, rhyming book that would be an ideal gift for grandchildren (and greatgrandchildren) as the book highlights the importance of intergenerational bonds and aims to make aged care facilities more understandable for young readers.

It is available through Liana’s website https://a128cd-0b.myshopify. com/products/great-grannysbirthday or at UBS Canterbury University.

Bruce and his amazing collection

Bruce had run a very successful bicycle shop in town for years and there was nothing he didn’t know about road bikes, mountain bikes, helmets, indoor trainers or scooters. You might think that Bruce was a mad keen cyclist who liked nothing better than going out for a ride with his mates - but no, this was not the case. Bruce had rarely ridden a bike since he was at school. He actually had a completely different passionin fact it was more like an obsession! Bruce from a very early age collected long playing records or as the young folk now call them, vinyl. Bruce can remember the first record he bought, and it was The Seekers with the title track being The Carnival is Over. Someone then gave him a World Record Club set of Favourite Classics and he fell in love with Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Greig’s Piano Concerto. Along came the Beatles, and as they released each new album, he had to have it. They weren’t cheap, but his after-school job at the cycle shop in Tuam Street came in very useful.

Not only did Bruce like the music, but he also loved the record sleeves as they were often works of art. His parents laughed when it was his 16th birthday, and he asked for 40 outer plastic album covers to keep his collection pristine. As his record collection grew more comprehensive, so did his filing system. In an exercise book he listed the album’s name, the artist’s names, where he bought it and how much he paid for it. As the decades slipped by each of these entries triggered many happy memories, but it really was a labour of love transferring all this information onto his computer.

Bruce liked most types of music and had embarrassingly large

by Mark Walton

collections of jazz, country, classical, folk and pop music from the mid sixties to the nineties. He had some more contemporary albums, but in the main he found today’s music too highly produced for his taste.

When the time came for him to move out of his four-bedroom Bishopdale home into a lifestyle village he wasn’t averse to the idea. He was over mowing lawns and trimming hedges, but he was understandably concerned about what he was going to do with his much-prized record collection. Bruce had never married, and his collection was his life – even looking at it, neatly filed on custom made shelves gave him immense pleasure. It was a friend from Rotary

A family run ready meal service in Christchurch

Kai2You is a family run Ready Meal business servicing the Christchurch area run by husband and wife team Adam and Jamie Pack.

Kai2You delivers Ready Made Meals fresh to your door twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays, or you’re welcome to pick up your meals from our shop at 86 Harris Crescent Papanui, (our menus change weekly). We have two sized meals: Light $10.00, Regular $14.00 and puddings are $8.00. We also sell delicious gourmet handmade pies.

Both Adam and Jamie are passionate about delivering great nutritious food and service to people who are unable to cook, are time poor, in need of a little extra help in the kitchen, or just want a night off cooking.

The best way to order is via our web site www.kai2you.co.nz Alternately you phone 0223891166 or email us at orders@kai2you.co.nz

who told him about a particularly large 3-bedroom cottage available at Sunny Days Lifestyle Village and he thought – this could work!

Before he knew it, his house was sold, and his collection was safe in his new bright unit.

Bruce was secretly delighted to find out that Sue, who lived in the unit next door, was hard of hearing so she was very unlikely to be knocking on their adjoining wall asking him to turn his stereo down!

As he got to know more people around the village the word got out about his record collection and then Bruce, who was normally quite shy, decided to hold a musical morning tea. He spoke to the Village Manager

and asked her to put a notice in the village newsletter.

Musical Morning Tea at Bruce’s cottage.

Let Bruce know what song you would like to hear

Come along at 10.15am on Thursday week.

Well, Bruce was amazed at the response. Sue next door said she would like to hear the Monkees ‘I’m a Believer’, Pete in unit 12 asked for ‘It’s A Hard Day’s Night’ or anything from that Album. Dave in unit 24 wanted anything from Phantom of the Opera and Hazel requested Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17. John and Diana across the way asked for any track from the Oscar Peterson’s Night Train Album. Sylvia requested something from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and if he didn’t have that then Dancing Queen by ABBA.

People arrived early on Thursday, and as instructed they brought their own mugs. Bruce had bought some Walker’s shortbread, but he needn’t have bothered, as people brought all sorts of tempting goodies. Everyone settled down with their hot drinks and Bruce started off the music by playing the Seekers singing ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’. He explained that he’d selected this track as his very first LP was the Seekers.

When it was each person’s turn to introduce their selection, their stories on why they’d chosen their songs really added to the enjoyment of the music. It was lunchtime before they knew it, and they all agreed that they must do it again soon. As they left, everyone complimented Bruce on his extraordinary collection.

Bruce was so pleased that his LP collection and his turntable had given all his new friends so much pleasure.

A

Our shop is located at 86 Harris Crescent in Papanui with plenty of parking out the front. We look forward to hearing from you.

Breaking the curse - a message to Mike

by Colin Smith

Dear Mike

You’ll know it’s rare that I cry, but I wept tears of joy when Hamish from Te Piki Oranga phoned to say you were finally ensconced in the detox unit in Auckland. Phew!

A few years ago, our doctor told us how our whanau had the “John Barleycorn Curse”. Your courage in getting on that early-morning big bird towards your new life will take all the power from that curse. I wanted to be at the airport to tell you how proud I was, but driving in the dark doesn’t work for me these days. It must’ve been a big wrench for you to up sticks and leave the comfort (discomfort) of the open-air apartment on the riverbank that you share with Mr Barleycorn, that charismatic trickster. I had a laugh when you phoned to say your new apartment had walls and a roof and you won’t need to sleep in your raincoat.

This move to get “on the wagon” will save your life. It’s been only three years since we said goodbye to your sister Jess, who succumbed to the Barleycorn charm. My two sisters, your aunts Fuzz and Andrea, spent years dealing with it too, but lost in the end, and the curse killed Uncle Pat at 46. Uncle Paul is in care with alcoholinduced dementia. I’m still about thanks to Queen Mary (Hospital) and some late-found determination, like you.

Onya Mike!

Love Dad.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Mike,

Well, here we are three weeks later and you’re back at your riverside apartment on the banks of the Maitai. I’m not sure what to say about that,

except it’s good to see you. Friends are disappointed but I’m optimistic and know you will eventually find your seat on “the wagon”. Even “on the wagon” times can be difficult, but it’s do-able Mike. Give it another bash. As with any mishap we must always be on the lookout for new beginnings and be courageous to take the plunge, again.

What else can we do to lessen Barleycorn’s grip on you Mike? You know he will drown you in his charm, if you let him.

Love Dad.

Note from the Editor: I had never heard of the term John Barleycorn but after a quick “google” search this is what I discovered:

The term “John Barleycorn” has a rich history rooted in English and Scottish folklore. It is primarily known from a traditional folk song that personifies barley, and the alcoholic beverages made from it, such as beer and whisky.

The character John Barleycorn undergoes various stages of suffering, death, and resurrection, which symbolise the process of barley cultivation and brewing.

Over time, John Barleycorn has come to symbolise alcohol itself and has been referenced in various cultural contexts, including literature and music. For example, Jack London's 1913 autobiographical novel "John Barleycorn" explores his struggles with alcoholism. The term has also been used metaphorically to describe the misuse of alcohol and the struggles associated with it.

Thank you, Colin, for sharing this heartfelt story and educating us (in many ways) in the process.

CLUES: (Legend: = ¶ combo due; * = optional cryptic due; §=sounds like; oo=anagram)

Across:

7. Game (7), 8. Tosses (7), 7.&.8. ¶ Fields on these (7,7), 9. Beat (3), 10. Gait (4), 13. Brother (7), 14. Agreement (6), 15. “Come in” (5), 18. oo Snug (4), 19. Appeared (7), 21. Records (7), 23. § Interfere (5), 24. oo Lever (5), 25. Progress (11), 26. * Get sick when you lose loud sign (3)

Down:

1. Buidling blocks (6), 2. Decorate (3), 3. oo Rats (4), 3. *Vermin up shines down (4), 4. Lubricant (7), 5. Consumed (3), 6. Tawdry (6), 10. Gallery (4), 11. In a cam (7), 12. Relater (6), 14. Alert (5), 18. § A mighty scuff (5), 20. Solo song (6), 22. True (4), 24. Ceremony (4), 27. oo Vile (4) SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 22.

Could you understand me?

I saw a receptionist holding a pen and staring at a senior Chinese lady. The receptionist was trying her best to fill in a form for the lady. I asked the lady in Mandarin: “Do you need my help to translate for you?” They both looked at me like a saviour: “Yes, yes, please!”

The receptionist asked the lady: “What is your email address?” The answer: “My address is such and such.” The receptionist explained what the email was for. The lady kept on saying: “Yes, yes, my address is…..” Then the receptionist passed the form and pen to me and asked me to help fill in the form for the lady. It’s really a tiny thing in our daily life. A simple form requesting some basic information: name, birthday, email address, phone number, emergency contact. But this lady had never used email, she had no email account. She had moved to New Zealand recently and only used the Chinese social media app WeChat. That’s half the reason she confused “email address” with “address”, it was due to different languages - and cultures.

With so many immigrants becoming Kiwis, everyone encounters language and cultural barriers. This leads to

by Harmony

both difficulties and funny happenings on both sides. I think cross-cultural couples must be the front-line of the language-and-culture barriers. One Taiwanese lady with a Kiwi husband told me: “When we have a quarrel, I speak to him in Mandarin. I cannot speak English at all when I am angry!”. I replied to her: “I think it’s good, you don’t need to deal with the consequences of saying something wrong when you are emotional.”

I did not take the language barrier very seriously before I moved to New Zealand. I grew up in Taiwan, a multi-language island. In my daily life, I would often speak a sentence with a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese dialect - or sometimes mix in one or two English or Japanese

words. Almost everyone around me understood what I meant.

For me, Cantonese is harder than English. I cannot understand 99.9% of spoken Cantonese, or any other Chinese local dialect, such as the Shanghai dialect. We are lucky if we can still communicate with each other in Chinese words - or English. Sometimes I need to chat with someone from Hong Kong in English, rather than Mandarin. Because they can’t understand Mandarin, and I can’t understand Cantonese. Therefore, English becomes our most convenient language.

People think that different languages are always a barrier. Oh, no, no, no! There are lots of jokes in Taiwan which are related to the different languages' accents and pronunciations. You can hear them in movies, songs, novels and standups. An innocent misunderstanding can end up being a funny thing. It is like how in the west, the way a Chinese waiter might say “fried rice” in English, can sound funny, because it’s difficult for us to use the “r” sound and it comes out like “l”.

Do most first-generation nonEnglish speaking people prefer to

live within their home language and culture? Yes, I do, I admit, because it is a comfort. I only deal with the language barrier when I must.

Because I have a strong backup, I can go to Chinese churches, have social gatherings with people of the same language only, have my family group through social media app, and watch Taiwanese TV programmes through YouTube. On the other hand, an immigrant who can speak fluent English is our hero. They will have a wider social network, find it easier to get a job, and have better marks for their study.

I still remember the scenario in a retreat centre. During the retreat, we pray in turn before every meal. I shake my head expressing my unwillingness to pray in front of people when it’s my turn. I know my true reason is: my English speaking is not good enough to pray in front of English-speaking people! I felt inferior and nervous. Then one kind Kiwi lady asked me: would you like to pray in Mandarin? - I prayed immediately. It’s her understanding and acceptance that in half a second made me change my mind.

Spring Grove Lifestyle Village offers a new option for semi-retirement and retirement living.

Set in beautiful landscaped grounds close to all amenities, the village offers people over 55 years of age a range of new homes in a safe, welcoming and vibrant community environment.

Plus, at Spring Grove Lifestyle Village you own your own home so you will benefit from capital gains and avoid any deferred fees common in the majority of other retirement village models. Take the stress, confusion and unnecessary cost out of retirement planning and living, and enjoy an optimal quality of life in your later years.

Homes at Spring Grove Lifestyle Village range from one bedroom terraced apartments right through to three

offering a wide array of options to suit all tastes and lifestyles.

Designed and built by Mike Greer Homes, each home is carefully crafted, superbly finished and comes with industry-leading quality guarantees. Make Spring Grove Lifestyle Village your home to own and your place to live.

Builder or wrecker?

I watched them tearing a building down,

A gang of men in a busy town. With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell, They swung a beam and a sidewall fell.

I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled, The men you’d hire if you had to build?”

He gave me a laugh and said, “No indeed!

Just common labour is all I need. I can easily wreck in a day or two What builders have taken a year to do.”

And I thought to myself as I went my way, Which of these two roles have I tried to play?

Am I a builder who works with care, Measuring life by the rule and square?

Am I shaping my deeds by a wellmade plan, Patiently doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker who walks the town, Content with the labour of tearing down?

A troubled young lady wrote this poem just for me many years ago, she said. That’s not quite true as it turns out. For some time, it had been an “author unknown” but now it’s attributed to both Edgar Guest and Charles Franklin Benvegar. No matter who wrote the words the meaning and sentiment is clear. To me, Edward Benton from Rangiora is its epitome. Edward’s one of the

by June Peka

world’s builders. He puts his hand up for what needs doing in the community. You’ll see him hanging about the RSA (Rangiora Razza) on a Saturday night, as sober as a judge, ferrying home those who’ve had a few drinks or aren’t up to night time driving. Being a patient and experienced driver, through the Salvation Army he’s helped many youngsters attain their full driver’s licences. Although unflappable he reports some “dodgy” moments but finds it a rewarding voluntary pastime. Edward’s known for his man-sized baking for friends and neighbours. The home tins are ever full. With wife Marrilyn, Edward was part of the action group which staved off plans for a quarry in their neighbourhood. Since Marrilyn passed away, he’s been an active participant in the local Cancer Group, raising funds each year, much of it from the celebrated Cancer Walk, with Bellamy, his greymuzzled, soft-mouthed, goldensyrup-eyed, cuddly, slightly wobbly (like Edward himself) Springer Spaniel. Edward says she’s 98 in human years, even older than him. Edward could see when he arrived at the most recent walk, that dogs were prohibited, but rather than disappoint Bellz, who can still muster excitement when she detects “walkies”, he attached her short lead and joined the group. As always, she was on her best behaviour when they encountered a woman who vigorously berated Edward for disobeying the no

dog rule. She’d been frightened by a dog in her childhood and had lived with the trauma since. As apologetic as Edward was, his berater somehow skirted around Bellz, to follow them out of the park to take their vehicle registration number. When council phoned the next day with a warning, Edward, always the builder, 99% responsible dog-owner, and an experienced obedience and agility trainer, offered his time and support to help this woman get over her fear. He’s genuinely disappointed she’s not been in touch. Perhaps she’s not the builder type.

An Invention of Collective Nouns

A reckoning of spreadsheets.

A distraction of smartphones.

A prattle of podcasts.

A mispronunciation of scones.

A clique of photographers.

A heard of precedents.

An enjambment of poets.

A grope of presidents.

A pile of haemorrhoids.

A bunion of personal trainers.

A bout of estimations.

A condescension of mansplainers.

A stroke of geniuses.

A spot of adolescents.

An embarrassment of Richards.

A collection correction of pedants.

Brian Bilston

Edward and Bellamy.

“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”

~Ingrid Bergman

Archer Linrose Village - our featured location

Nestled near the gateway to Sumner’s beaches and Eastgate Mall, Archer Linrose Village offers independent living with an affordable lifestyle option compared to many other retirement villages in the city. Conveniently located on a regular bus route, the village provides easy access to Eastgate Mall, as well as the Brighton and Sumner coastline. We currently have a range of freshly refurbished villas that are "move-in ready," along with others undergoing refurbishment, making

this an ideal time to explore available options and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. "We don’t often have this level of choice across villas in our villages," says Elliott Duston, Archer Sales Manager. "Each villa comes with internal access garaging and is fantastic value for money. It’s a great time to make the move!"

Archer Linrose Village fosters a small, friendly community atmosphere, with just 35 independent villas, each featuring similar floor plans and internal access garages.

Just like family

A central community centre lies at the heart of the village, providing a welcoming environment where neighbours look out for each other. The village is conveniently close to malls, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants, with easy access to recreational activities such as local bowls clubs and craft groups. With Redcliffs, Sumner, and South Beach just a stone's throw away, scenic beachside walks are always an option. Through our "Thrive Lifestyle & Events" programme, residents enjoy

a monthly schedule of activities and events. For those needing additional medical support, Archer provides priority access to our care homes for short-term stays, respite care, or full-time residential care, including hospital-level and specialized palliative and dementia care (subject to availability and needs requirements).

Archer Linrose Village is located at 472 Linwood Avenue. Visit www. archer.org.nz for more information about the villas available.

Age Concern Canterbury thrilled to be recipient of RSA Rangiora fundraising

Age Concern Canterbury was thrilled to be a recipient of fundraising totalling $3,461.95 from the Rangiora RSA Staff Charity Challenge.

On the first weekend in November, the staff formed two teams to compete as many kilometres as they could on treadmills, set up for the occasion in the Rangiora RSA.

The following report was provided by the organisers and challenge participants Anna and Charlotte.

“Friday evening: The treadmills were buzzing as teams hit the ground running - literally! We even had some lively bagpipe music to keep the energy high while one of our members powered through on the treadmill. It was a close competition, but the “RSA Runners on the Rock” came out on top! The club was alive with excitement, and everyone enjoyed the entertainment while cheering on their teams.

Saturday: The teams hit the treadmill hard, and the competition was fierce, both teams having clocked over 100km in two days!

The highlight of the day was the epic

Conga Line Challenge! Everyone joined in, dancing around the club and spreading the good vibes. It was a close finish, but “Gym and Tonic” emerged victorious!

Sunday: The Staff Charity Challenge wrapped up at 5.00pm

on Sunday with an incredible atmosphere. There was plenty of laughter and cheering as the last team member powered through those final kilometres.

Over the three days, the dedicated staff volunteered more than 43 hours

of their time, covering an impressive, combined total of 487.53km. The Gym and Tonic team took home the trophy for most kilometres completed, winning by just 1km!

Individual awards went to Janet, who logged an amazing 53,935 steps on the pedometer, and Anna, who completed a remarkable 40.8km on the treadmill. What an incredible achievement from everyone involved!

Age Concern Canterbury is extremely grateful to everyone who participated and supported the organisation through this wonderful event.

Book your advertisement in our February 2025 issue of Keeping On. Deadline for ad bookings is Friday, 24th January 2025. Contact

‘Runners on the Rocks’ from RSA Rangiora supporting Age Concern Canterbury in the Staff Charity Challenge.

Summer Chit Chat

by Anna Tillman, Health Promoter, Age Concern Canterbury.

Is it just me, or does summer somehow make everything seem more fun and joyful. From the moment the birds start singing with the earlier sun rises and the evenings become more draw out, the season keeps giving. Now, here we are again, ready for another new summer.

The heat of summer can be lovely but it’s important to remember, that as we age, our ability to adequately respond to summer heat can become a serious problem. Older people are at significant increased risk of heatrelated illnesses, known collectively as hyperthermia, during the summer months. Hyperthermia can include heat stroke, heat edema (swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot), heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. While it’s important to keep safety in mind, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise over summer but it’s important to stay hydrated, wear lighter clothing and be sun smart during the summer months. If you feel like you may be experiencing a heatrelated illness, or you see someone who is, get indoors or to a shaded area, lie down, and drink some water if you can. Call 111 if the symptoms are serious.

The effect of exercise on health is well documented and it can protect you from a range of physical

conditions and is also important for good cognition. But the type and amount of exercise you should do changes as you age. Physical activity tends to decline with age, so keep active. Incorporate strength and flexibility exercises and maintain cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking. The main message is to keep moving throughout your life. Sustained exercise is what benefits health most and helps prevent frailty and falls. Our Steady As You Go community-based falls prevention classes are a great way to add strength, flexibility and balance training into your week. Have a look in this magazine or on our Age Concern website to find the timetable and class nearest to you or simply give me a call.

Alternately our Companion Walking Service is looking for both volunteers and clients, so if you feel that you would like to volunteer to walk with someone in the community or would like to have a volunteer walk with you in the community, please contact Wendy on 03 3660903 or email wendy.fox@ageconcerncan.org.nz or myself.

As always, happy exercising, and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions, queries, or suggestions. Phone: 03 3317811or email anna.tillman@ageconcerncan. org.nz

Arthritis pain relief that works in minutes

Florentine Gold All Natural Harmony Body and Joint Rub (topical lotion) is an amazing product with so many uses and benefits. You can purchase this online by visiting our website www.florentinegold.co.nz or email us at info@florentinegold.co.nz

* Made with all natural mineral crystal salts and essential oils.

* Excellent for sensitive skin - no harmful additives.

* Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6.

* Easy absorption, non greasy, biodegradable, ozone friendly.

* Vegan and cruelty free certified.

The All Natural Harmony Body and Joint Rub is wonderful for all types of pain relief including peripheral neuropathy, sensory ataxia, gout, neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, headaches, migraines, pulled and strained muscles, tennis elbow and much more. It also gives relief to some skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is excellent for sore throats and toothache (for external use only), speedy recovery from migraine headaches, for the relief of sunburn, and takes the itch from mosquito bites.

“With a dose of scepticism I

Steady As You Go (SAYGo)

tried the Body and Joint Rub for my damaged cervical spine and carpal tunnel and joint problems. It freed up and alleviated the pain and increased mobility almost immediately. With Allodynia, a nerve condition, and head injury symptoms, I then tried it on my scalp and to my joy and surprise it stopped the nerve over stimulation. I am now using it daily. Indebted to Florentine Gold for providing such a great product.” John S. Canterbury. 1st July 2022

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to ongoing manufacturing, freight and courier price increases we can no longer absorb these costs. From the 1st April 2024 there has been a price increase in our Florentine Gold products. The 200ml Body & Joint Rub will now be $48.50. The 100ml will remain the same $36.50. Courier postage is included in these prices, however, the cost for rural delivery will increase to $7.00 (which must be paid separately into our bank account as our website does not allow for this cost. Thank you for your ongoing support FGNZ Ltd. A

1049 Colombo Street.

Mon 10.00am Redcliffs Port Hills Uniting Church, Augusta St, Redcliffs.

Mon 10.00am Redwood (Waitlist) St Silas Church Hall, Cnr Main North Road and Tuckers Road.

Mon 10.30am Wainoni Celebration Centre, 81 Bickerton Street, Wainoni.

Mon 10.30am Hei Hei Wycola Ave Community Centre, Hei Hei, Christchurch.

Mon 10.30am Parklands (Waitlist) Gym, Parklands Community Centre, 77 Queens Park Drive.

Mon. 10.30am Belfast (Waitlist) Belfast Community Network, Sheldon Park, 710 Main North Rd

Mon 1.00pm Harewood (Waitlist) St James Church Hall, Harewood Road, airport end

Mon 1.00pm Halswell (Waitlist) Te Hapua, Halswell Service Centre & Library, 341 Halswell Rd

Mon 2.00pm Harewood (Waitlist) St James Church Hall, Harewood Rd, airport end

Tues 9.30am Papanui (Waitlist) Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui.

Tues 10.00am South New Brighton (Waitlist) South Brighton Community Centre, Beattie Street.

Tues 10.00am St Albans (Waitlist) Lamb of God Community Centre, 21 Thames Street, St Albans.

Tues 10.00am Fendalton (Waitlist) St Barnabas Church Hall, Fendalton. Christchurch.

Tues. 10.00am Avonhead St Christophers Church Hall, 244 Avonhead Road, Avonhead.

Tues 10.30am Bryndwr (Waitlist) Bryndwr Chapel, 179 Idris Road, Bryndwr.

Tues 1.00pm Burnside Wairakei Road Bible Church, 392 Wairakei Road, Burnside.

Tues 1.30pm Hornby (Waitlist) Community Care Centre, Goulding Avenue, Hornby.

Tues 2.00pm Waltham Waltham Community Cottage, 201 Hastings St East.

Wed. 10.30am Akaroa Gaiety Hall, 104 Rue Jolie South, Akaroa

Wed 11.00am Halswell (Waitlist) Te Hapua, Halswell Service Centre & Library, 341 Halswell Rd.

Wed 1.30pm Lincoln Lincoln Community Care, Lyttelton St, Lincoln.

Wed 2.00pm Papanui (Waitlist) Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui.

Wed. 2.00pm Heathcote Malt Works Villa Hall Port Hills Road, Heathcote.

Thurs 10.00am Heathcote Malt Works Villa Hall, Port Hills Road, Heathcote.

Thurs 9.30am St Albans (Waitlist) St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo Street, St Albans.

Thurs 9.30am Papanui (Waitlist) Village Church, Cnr Papanui Road and Frank Street, Papanui.

Thurs 10.30am Avonside/Linwood Holy Trinity Church, 168 Stanmore Road, Avonside/Linwood.

Thurs 11.00am Avonhead St Christophers Church, 244 Avonhead Road, Avonhead.

Thurs. 1.00pm Aranui Aranui Library, 109 Aldershot Street, Aranui.

Fri 9.30am Hoon Hay (Waitlist) Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church Lounge, 5 Downing St.

Fri 10.00am New Brighton New Brighton Library – in the Pay and Display Room

Fri 10.00am Opawa (Waitlist) Opawa Community Church, cnr Opawa Rd and Aynsley Tce.

Fri. 11.00am Opawa Opawa Community Church, cnr Opawa Rd and Aynsley Tce.

NORTH CANTERBURY

Day time AREA

Location of class

Tues 10.00am Rangiora (Waitlist) RSA Hall, Victoria Street, Rangiora.

Tues 11.00am Rangiora RSA Hall, Victoria Street, Rangiora.

Wed 10.00am Rangiora (Waitlist) Ballarat Retirement Village, 21 Ballarat Road, Rangiora.

Wed 11.00am Amberley Amberley Library, RSA Room, Amberley.

Wed. 10.00am Waikuku Beach Waikuku Beach Hall, 1 Bridge Street, Waikuku.

Thurs 10.30am Rotherham Rotherham Hotel, 42 George St, Rotherham.

Thurs 10.00am Oxford Jaycee Hall, 56 Main Street. Oxford.

Thurs 1.30pm Rangiora RSA Hall, Victoria Street, Rangiora.

Thurs 1.30pm Pegasus (Waitlist) Pegasus Community Centre, Cnr Pegasus Main and Tahuna St.

Thurs 1.30pm Kaiapoi ($3.00) (Waitlist) Anglican Church, 23 Cass Street, Kaiapoi

Thurs 4.00pm Rangiora Ballarat Retirement Village, 21 Ballarat Road, Rangiora

Great for all manner of joint and muscle stiffness, sprains and strains and dry flaky skin.

Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub is $48.50 for 200ml and $36.50 for 100ml and includes delivery. However, for rural deliveries the cost is $7.00 which must be paid directly into our bank account. You can purchase by visiting our website www.florentinegold.co.nz, by emailing us at info@florentinegold.co.nz or by phoning us on 0275172347.

TESTIMONIAL

“OMG This stuff is MAGIC! I have been suffering tremendous lower back pain for the last few days (nerve pinch I think?) In tears with the pain, can’t sleep, hurts to walk, hurts to sit. My husband handed me his bottle of Florentine Gold & I am a different person. I simply can’t believe how this stuff has turned my pain away by 99%. I can’t use the normal anti inflammatory drugs due to medication I am on. Florentine Gold you are a life saver. I will be ordering a second bottle tomorrow! Diane Stockley Te Aroha on Jan 26, 2024

The All Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub would make a wonderful present for family and friends.

Making rag rugs on a win-win weekend away

In the days when Trade Me had a garden discussion group online, I chummed up with a woman in Greymouth. We swapped know-how and seeds and gen on the latest edibles, but we didn’t meet until Mac and I captured a swarm of bees here in St Albans and had no room to house them. When Karlene Herdman showed keen interest, we popped the bees into a couple of wooden boxes, strapped them together, blocked up the entrance and headed off in the face of a spectacular storm. Near Arthur’s Pass the strapping snapped as we crawled up the incline in our old Toyota. Within minutes we were surrounded by thousands of confused but thankfully not aggressive bees. I was stung where I’d never been stung

by June Peka

before, but we eventually settled our charges into their new garden by the sea.

In the last year or two we have all given up beekeeping in the

face of poisons from neighbouring developments, varroa mite and mystery colony diseases, but we’ve kept in touch. On one of Karlene’s visits about three years ago she was taken with my new interest in rag rugmaking, quickly picking up the knack and is now quite the authority on the subject, running regular courses for mixed groups of all ages.

Sourcing materials, mostly free from local op-shops, and hessian at giveaway prices on Trade Me, Karlene asks participants to bring along a latch hook and a pair of scissors to spend three hours learning this colourful, useful and addictive craft, at the same time recycling large amounts of material. When I popped in to the Left Bank

Art Gallery (Greymouth) on a recent Sunday morning eight people were engrossed. Where I prefer to work with mainly second-hand merino and a crochet hook, Karlene works and demonstrates with mostly T-shirt cotton and novelty fabrics from the knick-knack baskets in charity shops, and a latch hook. This Sunday group was able to check out both methods and gather materials and reading matter to continue working on their projects at home. I had a wonderful morning, and Karlene had rescued another mountain of clothing from landfill.

If you might be interested in joining one of Karlene’s (currently $10) sessions, contact the gallery for future dates.

Nurse Maude health and mobility shop aims to make your life easier

Situated at 87a Gasson Street, Christchurch is a destination shop for health and mobility needs. It is an ideal place to check out every day household aids to help make your life easier, mobility equipment at a reasonable price, continence products and much more.

• New arrivals in our household aids range include an 8 inch digital clock which gives the day/morning,

afternoon or evening/time in large bold type, date and year.

• Magnifying bars that can be discreetly popped in a purse or pocket, magnifying sheets which are also very portable and bottom wipers (who knew such things existed).

We offer a very extensive range of continence products with a variety of brands because, one size or type of product does not work for

The confidence to thrive

Health and mobility issues can rob us of our confidence and hold us back from living life to the fullest.

At the Nurse Maude Health and Mobility Shop, we provide the products and equipment you need to maintain your independence.

From wheelchairs and walking frames right through to continence supplies - we’ll helpyou enjoy the freedom of confidence.

everyone. If you are unsure of what you might need come and talk to our very knowledgeable team, we have samples you can try. We also carry washable continence products which include underwear, mattress protectors, bed pads and chair pads in a range of sizes.

For those with mobility issues we stock a variety of walking sticks, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs,

which we adjust to the correct height for you. We also offer a hire service where you can hire a piece of equipment for a week or longer to try something out, or for someone who is visiting you.

You can also order Online so your products are delivered directly to your door. Ph: 03 375 4240 or Email: visit@nursemaude.org.nz

www.nursemaude.shop.org.nz

Karlene Herdman with a rag rug.

Tips for managing the festive season

The festive season is often a busy time of year. People travel to be with family and friends and family gatherings are often big, noisy affairs. Often there are family traditions that add extra expectation to the time. For someone who shoulders the responsibility of caring for a family member with dementia, caring for a loved one over the Festive season is quite a load and can feel quite daunting.

Here are some tips, gleaned over the years, for making the festive season as ‘Merry” as possible.

Have Realistic Expectations.

Keep the festivities as simple and routine as possible. People with dementia function at their optimal level when simple routines are in place. It is easy for them to feel overwhelmed when routines change, and gatherings grow in number. Keeping things simple will help promote a sense of wellbeing for them and others.

You may need to tone down the festivities to avoid busy, overstimulating events that can lead to confusion and agitation for a person with dementia.

Be kind to yourself. It is not easy to try and juggle host or hostess duties as well as working to maintain safety, security and wellbeing for your person with dementia. Having expectations that are too high only creates unnecessary stress. The festive season is different and special, and you deserve to have other family members help share the load.

Don’t be afraid to say no to extra activities if you feel they could trigger confusion or distress.

Be Well Prepared.

Discuss holiday plans with family well ahead of time, to avoid a stressful last-minute rush.

Think about food for the person you care for. It may be that they prefer to graze rather than eat a big dinner- so plan a smaller meal and some finger food for them to enjoy as normal. This will ensure they are included in the day but can maintain their routine as much as possible. If traditional festive food is no longer suitable or palatable, make them a plate of their usual food to eat at the same time as everyone else.

Share the load around food and venue preparation. It may be helpful to put decorations up little by little to avoid any disorientation that comes from a change in environment.

Think carefully about the venue - an unfamiliar place may be disorientating for the person with dementia, so you may need to work together as a family to ensure your person’s safety.

Plan times to retreat - you don’t need to be involved for the whole event. In fact, this may be far too much for your person with dementia

to cope with.

Plan to have a designated quiet area for you and your person to retreat to for some restful time.

Ask family members to give you the gift of some time to yourself while they stay with your person. Even a short time to yourself can be quite a tonic.

Remember that some medical centres and pharmacies will be closed over the festive season so make sure you have plenty of medication and the contact details of the local afterhours service on hand.

If your person with dementia is currently residing in a care facility, plan the visit with the facility staff, and have a ‘Plan B’, the staff know about, for an early return should your person with dementia become distressed. If your person enjoys an alcoholic beverage, they should feel free to enjoy a Christmas drink, however it is important to remember that alcohol may be disorientating or react with medications so a small amount of something they enjoy to drink is in order.

Have some activities ready to go. Your person may need an activity that is more inclusive in nature, rather than a larger group activity. They may also enjoy reminiscing activities that bring back old memories.

Keep Other Family Members Up to Date.

Family members, who do not see your person regularly may not understand how things are now and may find changes surprising. They may also need more time to process this information. It is important that they understand that the changes are part of the disease process for your person and not the person themself. Discuss your person’s condition honestly with them. This may lead to opportunities for your family to help you out. This is a good opportunity to talk about what you would find helpful and what you wouldn’t find helpful! Involve the Person with Dementia as Much as Possible.

If possible, include the person with dementia in the practical holiday preparations. They may still be able to help with baking, decorating, or shopping for and wrapping gifts. If you are sending cards, they may be able to sign their name or stamp the envelopes. Activities like this will help them feel included.

If the festive season has had a Christian focus for your person over the years, they may enjoy singing

some Christmas Carols, hearing the Nativity Story or attending / watching a Christmas service.

Focus on enjoyment - not on things being perfect.

Aim to Minimise Distractions.

As with all gatherings of people, there is usually a lot going on. It is helpful to minimise distractions in the environment, such as the radio or TV while other activities are in full swing.

Your person with dementia is likely to be delighted with the company of the children in their life - for a short time. However, you may need to monitor the time spent with the younger members of the family and observe for signs that your person is getting tired, or noise levels are still being tolerated.

Consider Spending Some Time in Nature.

The festive season is part of our summer experience here in New

Zealand, so it’s a good time to seek some “green space” to relax in. Go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If that is no longer possible, take a shorter walk around a park with beautiful trees and gardens or sit outside and watch the birds. It will be good for your soul!

May your festive season be filled with the ‘fixings’ of special memories for you to carry with you over the years.

Meri Kirihimete

Useful articles and websites:

‘Supporting people with dementia this Christmas’. Alzheimers NZ.

‘8 Tips for Caring for a Loved One with Dementia During the Holidays‘ (butler.org)

‘10 Tips for Supporting Someone with Dementia Over the Holidays| Dementia Adventure.

‘12 tips for Christmas’. Dementia UK. (Source: Dementia Canterbury).

Mature Moves is about helping people

If you are considering moving into a smaller home, perhaps a retirement village or residential care and you feel you could use some help, Mature Moves could be your answer.

It is a Christchurch based company with local people helping older people to downsize and move when the need arises.

They understand that sometimes your family are not positioned to help as they might like to or have time restraints. True to their motto ‘to treat you like they treat their own families’, the team at Mature Moves can pack up, declutter and move all of your belongings and furniture to your new home.

Then they unpack and set up your new home to the very last detail, just the way you like it.

Decluttering can be a bit overwhelming. However, it is made much easier with some understanding help. Step-by-step you can have

things sorted and organised with minimal fuss and stress.

Along with this wonderful service, they can also organise selling things you no longer require, or if you desire gifting them to family or charities. They can also clean homes inside and out, and complete the gardening to get houses ready for sale.

Mature Moves is about helping people. You let them know what help you need and they will set about showing you just what they can do to help you.

A visit and consultation is free of charge, with no obligation to use their services. However, if you feel they may be of assistance a quotation can be provided for your consideration.

You can phone Mature Moves on 0800 777 214 to talk about your move. We are sure Mike and the team can help you to lighten the load and make your move a smooth transition.

A

Bone changes through menopause

As we get older, our bones change. That's true for everyone, but women go through something that men don't - and it causes a dramatic change to their bones - menopause. Usually, menopause occurs around age 51. This (and perimenopause) causes a woman's oestrogen levels to drop, which has a significant effect on her bones. You might be wondering, 'How significant?'

Well, a woman typically loses 1525% of her bone mass in the 10 years following menopause. To put that in perspective, that's half the total bone lost during her lifetime, in just 10 years.

If a woman experiences early menopause (before age 45), this can lead to an even greater amount of bone loss…which in turn, leads

to a much greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

The good news is, it's never too late (or too early) to start thinking about bone health.

No matter what age (or gender) you are, here are some GREAT ways to start improving your bone health today:

* Maintain a healthy body weight.

* Do regular weight bearing exercise to strengthen your bones.

* Avoid smoking.

* Limit your alcohol intake.

* Make sure you're getting enough calcium (500mg per day).

* Get 15 minutes of sun exposure every day to maintain vitamin D levels.

* Know your own risk. The more you know, the better prepared you can be.

Solecare Podiatry offers great value for money

Solecare Podiatry has been offering great value for money Podiatry since 2003 and is pleased to announce the new clinic and shop location. Now operating out of Shop 5, 104 Staveley Street, in the heart of Avonhead. Building on the success of their mobile shoe service for retirement villages, the new clinic has a small shoe shop featuring shoes, sandals and specialist footwear. “We’ll never be a large volume shop with hundreds of styles, but we hold some really lovely shoes and sandals for tricky feet, backed up with a personal fitting service from a qualified podiatrist,” states Mark Smith, Podiatrist.

The shop is a great place to bring an older relative or somebody needing a quieter, no hassle environment to make a decision. If you need a personal fitting, Mondays and Fridays are great days to pop along, as somebody will be there to help, offer time and expertise. “Otherwise, call ahead to arrange something,”

advises Mark.

As well as shoes, Solecare also offers great value podiatry and enjoys providing hands on foot care, from tricky toe nails, to corns and callus. Appointment lengths aren’t rushed with patients getting all the time they need for a positive result. “As a few practices move away from offering foot care and some podiatrists leave the profession, we think it is important to continue to provide these core services”.

Solecare Podiatry understands the squeeze most Kiwis are feeling at the moment and have worked hard to keep our clinical fees as low as possible. To keep running costs down, they send confirmation and reminder emails instead of texts, lease a value for money premises and have less admin staff. Solecare Podiatry welcomes new and existing patients with online bookings (www. solecarepodiatry.co.nz) or over the phone on 03 669 2506.

Osteoporosis New Zealand

Our vision is better bones and fewer fractures for New Zealanders.

Our mission is to make this happen by engagement with the public, health professionals, policymakers and the private sector, through programmes of awareness, advocacy and education, to prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Phone 04 499 4862 or Email

info@osteoporosis.org.nz

Osteoporosis New Zealand, PO Box 688, Wellington 6140

Aspire Canterbury provides key services to disabled community

Aspire Canterbury provides key services to the Canterbury disabled community and has partnered with Canterbury's disabled persons since 1982. Aspire's region is the whole of Canterbury from Timaru to Kaikoura and inland to the mountains. Aspire is the largest Canterbury provider of Total Mobility discount taxi cards for people with disabilities. They run a mobile van, disability information, and shop service to retirement homes; provide education events for children with disabilities who are leaving school; have a social enterprise shop (at the Braintree Centre) selling mobility aids, walkers and wheelchairs; hire disability equipment at a very low charity rate to people who can’t afford to purchase; and a large portion of Aspire’s work is running the disability information and advice service which

is like a disability specific version of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Aspire has a strong focus on ensuring people with disabilities can get the advice and support they need to navigate the health system. Aspire walks alongside individuals and whanau as they learn to navigate the disability sector.

Aspire also advocate for people with disabilities at schools, at workplaces and in healthcare settings with the Aspire team regularly attending meetings to provide assistance and advocacy. Social exclusion can be a problem for disabled persons. Aspire works hard to remove barriers to engagement and provides multiple pathways and opportunities for disabled communities across Canterbury to grow and for people to make real connections with each other. A

VOLUNTEER VISITORS NEEDED

Could you spare a little time to become a volunteer visitor?

Many older people in your community are lonely and isolated as they receive few or no regular visitors. Age Concern Canterbury’s Visiting Service helps reduce the loneliness by providing friendship and companionship through a volunteer visitor.

Visitors are needed in Templeton, Kaiapoi, Hornby, Selwyn District and Eastern suburbs.

We provide full training and support and ask that you commit for at least 12 months, one hour per week.

If you’d like to make a real difference to an older person’s life please contact Rebecca at Age Concern Canterbury on 366 0903.

Are you losing your Mobility?

As we age most of us want to keep our independence. This requires us to be mobile. The ability to get up and about with ease is essential for everyday life.

How might you know if you are in danger of losing your mobility? To help, here are some early signs of immobility. They include:

• being unsteady on your feet

• difficulty getting up and down stairs

• avoiding stairs

• avoiding doing any exercise

• reluctant to go out

• a decline in housekeeping

• a drop in personal grooming and hygiene

• difficulty getting out of a chair

• falls

There are many reasons why immobility may happen as we age, some common ones are:

• an underlying health condition or disability causing an abrupt or gradual decline e.g. Arthritis, Stroke, Parkinsons Disease, dementia.

• being less active over time and losing our strength and balance.

• being bedridden after a short illness or operation.

• a fear of falling.

• low armchairs and seats which

are hard to get out of.

• uncomfortable or unsupportive footwear.

• long toenails, corns, ingrown toenails and other foot problems.

• loneliness, depression and anxiety.

• alcohol consumption.

• being overweight or malnourished.

The good news is in most cases we can improve our mobility by dealing with the underlying problem and doing regular strength and balance exercises. The sooner we start the better off we will be.

Regardless of our age, regular exercise keeps us fit and makes us feel better. Being physically active strengthens the heart and lungs while supplying increased oxygen to the body. This nourishes and strengthens muscles and joints making them work more efficiently. The spin-off is you have greater mobility, feel more energetic, look better and possibly have more fun.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of immobility our friendly Physiotherapists can help just contact us at Therapy Professionals. Phone: 03 377 5280

Email: admin@tpl.nz A

IS AGEING, DISABILITY, INJURY OR ILLNESS MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT?

Worlds collide in British linocut exhibition

Deep dive into the fascinating history of linocut printmaking, with a new exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū opening on 7 December.

Drawing its title from Count Basie’s 1937 jazz song, One O’clock Jump: British Linocuts from the Jazz Age conjures a sense of nostalgia, says Curator Peter Vangioni.

In the 1920s, linocut (also known as lino print or linoleum art) emerged as a new printmaking medium, with images carved into a linoleum matrix rather than wood.

The linocut gained momentum due to the pioneering influence of artist Claude Flight. From 1929, Flight began organising annual linocut exhibitions at London’s Redfern Gallery. He also taught linocut printmaking at the progressive Grosvenor School of Modern Art, between 1926 and 1930.

“Fellow artists and teachers at the school, Sybil Andrews and Cyril Power feature prominently in One O’clock Jump. They attended Flight’s classes and quickly became pioneering linocut printmakers in their own right,” Mr Vangioni says.

“Early works often depicted everyday subjects and settings, such as sport, agricultural activities, modern cityscapes and speeding motor vehicles.”

Futurism and Cubism brought these ‘snapshots’ to life, with flowing forms, bold shapes and repeated patterns.

“Every artist featured in One O’clock Jump has a story that brought them into this special era of art, including three Aotearoa New Zealand artistsRhona Haszard, Leslie Greener and Frank Weitzel - who all exhibited in the Second Annual British Linocut Exhibition in 1930 alongside Flight, Andrews, Power and many more artists.”

There are around 65 linocuts in the exhibition, which features works from the Gallery’s collection, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and a private collection.

“Extraordinarily, all but five were given by one man - Rex Nan Kivell.” Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 1898 and raised in Te Karoro Karoro New Brighton, Kivell became one of the most successful art dealers in London, running the prestigious Redfern Gallery in Mayfair from the mid-1920s to his death in 1977. Over a lifetime of collecting and dealing, Kivell made many spectacular gifts, including in 1953 when he donated 1370 British modernist prints (including linocuts) to all four of Aotearoa’s major metropolitan art galleries.

One O’clock Jump: British Linocuts from the Jazz Age opens at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū on 7 December 2024 and closes on 7 May 2025. A

Image: Ethel Spowers Gust of Wind (detail) 1931. Linocut.

Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, gift of Rex Nan Kivell, 1953

Left: Sybil Andrews - Tillers of the Soil and Right: Cyril Power - The Tube Station.

Meet Lois and Ray Sheridan - a volunteering couple

You've heard it before: "The busier the person, the more they get done." Well, that's certainly true for our amazing volunteers at Age Concern Canterbury. They are always on the go, helping us with our various activities and services. So how do we get to know them better?

By asking them some fun and fast questions, of course! This is a popular way to interview famous people, like movie stars, sports heroes, and politicians. But we think our volunteers are just as awesome and deserve some spotlight too.

We have two for the price of one for this edition as we have asked married couple Lois and Ray Sheridan to tell us a bit about themselves. Lois and Ray have been volunteering together as a driver’s assistant and driver since August 2015. Their regular Wednesday host outings are popular with their passengers and the hosts alike. When did you begin volunteering for Age Concern Canterbury and why?

Once we retired and had some spare time we felt it would be a great opportunity to give something back to the community.

If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go and why?

Norway; where we have been privileged to see the ‘Midnight Sun’ and if the opportunity presented it would be another highlight to see the ‘Northern Lights’. What is the best advice you ever received?

A little verse quoting -

“There is so much good in the worst of us

And so much bad in the best of us that ill behooves any of us

To talk about the rest of us.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate and ice cream

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and what would you talk about?

Sir Edmund Hillary about his work in Nepal and his RNZAF experiences in World War 2.

Dr Philip and Sue Bagshaw about the Charity Hospital.

Sir Peter Jackson about the making of The Lord of the

Rings trilogy and his collection of aeroplanes at Omaka Museum.

What is something you are proud of but never get to brag about?

Our immediate family.

Tea or Coffee?

Love coffee but couldn’t survive without a cup of tea. What is something you wish you knew how to do but never learned?

To play a musical instrument well.

Favourite movie, book, or song?

Enigma about breaking the Nazi enigma code.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Age Concern Canterbury?

We enjoy hearing our passengers’ life stories, taking them to wonderful hosts and sharing their company.

CLUES: (Legend: ¶ = combo due; * = cryptic due; §=sounds like; oo=anagram

Across:

7. Cricket (7), 8. Pitches (7), 7. & 8. ¶ Cricket pitches (7,7), 9. Ace (3). 10. Trot (4), 13. Trouble (7), 14. Assent (6). 15. Enter, 18. oo Guns (4), 19. Emerged (7), 21. Entries (7), 23. § Medal (5), 24. oo Revel (5), 25. Advancement (11), 26. *Ail (3).

Down:

1. Bricks (6), 2. Ice (3), 3. oo Star (4), 3. *Star (4), 4. Spittle (7), 5. Ate (3), 6. Shabby (6), 11. Eerosol (7), 12. Teller (6), 14. Awake (5), 18. § Grate (5), 20. Monody (6), 22. Real (4), 24. Rite (4), 27. Evil (4).

Suss your firewood now, ready for next winter

With warm weather ahead of us, firewood may not be top of mind. However, now is the best time to get firewood because it tends to be cheaper and in good supply. Buying now gives you more time to dry your wood before winter so that it's ready to go when you need it, and you won't

be caught out if cold weather hits quickly and wood supplies run low. Wood from roadside sellers or online can seem like a good deal, but sometimes that wood is not suitable for burning. The commonly sold Old Man Pine which contains high levels of resin/gum is one of these, as this

Enjoy a warmer, cheaper winter

Did you know the upside-down method lasts longer and is more efficient? Try it next time you build your fire.

Check

wood produces a lot of smoke. The salt content in driftwood damages your wood burner and, when it burns, the smoke contains toxins.

Treated and painted wood releases toxic smoke and must never be burned. Beware of shipping pallets, as many of these are made from treated wood.

Plantation pine, Oregon pine (Douglas fir) and blue gum are the best types of wood to burn for a warmer, cheaper, smoke free fire. These are available from Trusted Good Wood Merchants throughout the region.

Our Trusted Good Wood Merchants scheme helps to ensure customers buy good wood that will burn cleanly. We audit Trusted Good Wood Merchants every year to ensure they sell dry, seasoned, quality wood, so you can buy with confidence. There are Trusted Good Wood Merchants serving Christchurch, Darfield, Ashburton, Geraldine, Timaru, Temuka, Waimate and everywhere in between. Visit WarmerCheaper.co.nz for a list of Trusted Good Wood Merchants in your area as well as handy tips for how to burn warmer, for cheaper.

A

Lois and Ray Sheridan have been volunteering together for Age Concern Canterbury since 2015.

Memories: Mad Doctor

“The richest bank of all is our memory bank. For years we deposited

experiences

there. Now we can withdraw them. The interest accruing is our enjoyment.”

by Mike Crean

Ah for the “good old days”. But what about the bad old days? What about James Somerville Turnbull? You might not have heard of him; our memories do not go back that far. Turnbull came to Christchurch in 1858. Edinburgh bred and educated, he was a fully qualified and experienced medical doctor and surgeon. He quickly established himself as the leading medic in Canterbury. However, by the time he died, in 1890, he was seen as an enigma, a bully, an egotist, but generous to the poor, ardent for the development of Canterbury, avid for better education for all.

Christchurch historian Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Rice has dug out the whole story from historic sources. He names his new 360-page book, “Turnbull”. He labels it a biography, but it is more than that. It is a thorough review of the health system in early

James Somerville Turnbull

Canterbury. Turnbull is the central figure.

Turnbull held many offices in various health, education and local government bodies. As an elected

member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, he fought to preserve the provincial government system. Rice describes him as “a die-hard Provincialist who lamented the 1876 abolition of the provinces”. He lost that fight but showed his interest in politics, calling himself “a radical to the backbone”, but described by Rice as “distinctly conservative”.

In education, Turnbull pushed for state-funded schools, with limited success. Another aim was the establishment of a medical school to train doctors. He almost succeeded but support from other doctors faded as Dunedin developed the Otago school. He argued forcefully for the planned Canterbury College (university) to be built beside the newly opened Canterbury Museum, where the Peacock fountain now stands. He lost.

In health issues he fought most of

his battles. He constantly refused to believe Christchurch needed a sewerage system. He would never accept scientific ideas from Europeans, such as Louis Pasteur, that rising rates of disease and death were caused by the spread of germs. As Rice says, Turnbull referred to the old textbooks rather than modern medical journals. His stubbornness delayed the installation of sewers, which caused more deaths. Rice writes of many issues involving Turnbull. Among them was his falsifying of evidence in Royal Commission and court hearings. Some of his actions were positive though. Rice assesses him as “a leading citizen of early Christchurch”. He writes that Turnbull “would probably prefer to be remembered as the dedicated family doctor who would attend at any time, day or night, to care for the sick”.

When Christmas makes you sad

Christmas is heavily romanticised as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration.

Yet, behind the sparkle of Christmas decorations and the bustle of festivities, Petersgate Counselling Centre is once again experiencing the reality that, for some elderly, Christmas can also trigger a wave of difficult emotions and heightened mental health challenges.

One of the most profound issues that affects the elderly during the Christmas season is loneliness. Many seniors may live far from their children and grandchildren, who may be unable to visit due to work or other commitments, leaving them alone on the holiday.

Additionally, living in residential facilities or alone can make the holiday season feel particularly empty. For many, Christmas is a painful reminder of family gatherings that once brought laughter and warmth but are now replaced by silence and solitude. This absence of connection can worsen mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, which can be challenging to manage even under normal circumstances.

For elderly individuals who have lost loved ones, Christmas can be a painful reminder of who is no longer there. Each ornament and song may bring memories of past celebrations with a spouse, parent, or friend who has since passed away. These memories, though precious, can become emotionally overwhelming

by Gray Crawford, Business Manager, Petersgate Counselling

when there's no one to share in the nostalgia.

Grief doesn’t have a time limit, and for many, Christmas stirs up a sense of loss that can be just as raw as it was years ago. While the world outside is exuberantly celebrating, the elderly may find themselves drawn back to moments they cannot recreate, intensifying feelings of sadness and despair.

For those with limited mobility or chronic health issues, the holidays can be both mentally and physically exhausting. Attending gatherings, decorating, cooking, or even getting out of the house may be difficult, if not impossible, leading to frustration and feelings of helplessness.

The combination of these health challenges and the expectation of holiday cheer can lead to a dissonance that leaves many seniors feeling mentally drained. Instead of anticipating Christmas as a time of joy, some may dread it, fearing the extra effort it may take to keep up with family expectations.

Financial stress during Christmas can also significantly impact mental health, as societal pressures and commercialism can make them feel as though they need to buy gifts for family and friends which exceed their budget. Many elderly people live on fixed incomes, often with limited financial means. This pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and stress. Even simple traditions, like hosting a holiday meal or sending

out cards, can become financially burdensome, leaving some seniors feeling like they’re letting their loved ones down.

How can we support the mental health of the elderly this Christmas?

The first step toward supporting the mental well-being of the elderly over Christmas is to recognise that the holidays can be a tough time. Family members, caregivers, and communities can make a difference by being mindful of the unique challenges the elderly face at Christmas and offering empathy, patience, and practical support. By prioritising inclusivity, remembering

CHRISTMAS

the value of memories, and adapting traditions, we can all help bring warmth and comfort to elderly loved ones during the holiday season. Donating to Petersgate Counselling Centre is another way of supporting the elderly with limited financial resources, allowing Petersgate to provide them with professional counselling, assuring that they do not need to navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season alone. After all, Christmas is about connection and support and by extending this spirit to the elderly, we can make a real difference in their lives during this challenging time.

The publishing industry has changed

Since the last Keeping On I’ve read a few more Kiwi books, and learnt that some of our readers are superkeen to publish either a memoir, or a work of semi-fiction based on their life experiences. I’m having a bash at it too but we’re a bit late out of the blocks it seems. We’re not destined for instant readership as in the days of Mona Anderson, Crump, numerous doctors and nurses, farmers, politicians, swaggies, shearers and hunters. Publishers in those times seemed to latch on to almost anything with a strong Kiwi flavour. The process has changed dramatically.

Being published can now mean four very different things, according to Google.

1. “Traditional” publishing houses will read your submitted manuscript, and if it’s up their alley, in writing standard, genre, and interest value, they could offer you a contract which would see them making you an upfront payment, hiring all assistance needed, discussing royalties, and attending to sales and publicity. They’re not likely to ask you for any financial input. If they’re not

by June Peka

interested, you’ll hear nothing further from them after acknowledgement of receipt.

2. “Vanity Press” publishers

In Google’s opinion vanity publishers rarely offer meaningful distribution or marketing; they have no economic incentive to do so, since the bulk of their profit is made upfront, from author fees. For the same reason, poor-quality production may also be a handicap. Bottom line: if you vanity-publish, you will probably lose money. This option might suit writers who want to produce a small number of books for family members. It’s vital to take advice before signing any contract. Costs can vary hugely.

3. Hybrid publishing

This route is basically the middle ground, combining some aspects of traditional publishing but usually reserving much of the creative ‘final say’ to the author. It usually means that authors invest in a publishing partner, who manages the entire process, sources contractors, and designs the overall strategy for the book. For the author’s initial outlay, (variable) the partner will ensure the manuscript is well presented and is

Tales from the Lucky Generation, Bob Calkin, 238 pp Quentin Wilson Publishing, 2024. $44.99

Born into a Whanganui working class family in 1935, Bob Calkin’s story is not simply a tale of rags to riches. It is one of crushing guilt and remorse followed by scholarly achievement, serious soul-searching and doing good, after serving four years of imprisonment for financial dishonesty as a respected lawyer. Bob doesn’t ask for sympathy or forgiveness, and to his credit acknowledges that without wifely support, and that of his children, he might not have achieved the level of self-understanding, which allowed him to recoup not only self-respect, but the respect of his peers as well. That he gained, through diligent study, tools to help many others too, and took the time (eight years) to write about it, is something he can be proud of. Bob engaged a publisher who he knew to have an interest in life-long education. His book is available at book shops and online.

likely to be successful in the market. This method means that authors are usually able to keep 80-90 percent of their book sales revenue.

4. Self-publishing Google offers many thousands of words on this option, many of which I cannot understand. I know I’m not up to that. I’m an ageing writer not a whizz-bang young tech expert. Look at those words yourself or buy one of several books on the subject if you’re an all-rounder. This is publishing where you do ALL the work and cover ALL costs, to reap ALL the profits. It sounds like hard work but has paid off for many.

There are upwards of 70 publishers in New Zealand. Discussion with a very small number reveals there is no secret formula to having your work accepted. It appears that 55% of all New Zealand books published are because of publishers with special interests “commissioning” an author to fill a perceived gap. This would include sporting, gardening or cooking celebrities, sometimes with an offer of writing assistance. Given there were around 2600 books published in NZ last year, a lot of

MONDAYS

9.00amBoard Games

10.00amMorning Tea

10.30amArts and Crafts

12.00noonBYO

12.45pmExercise Class

1.30pmVariety Hour

2.30pmAfternoon

authors have had to make “the pitch”, on their own behalf.

Publishers are united in calling for authors to do their homework. It’s a bit like a job interview, says one. “Know which genre your piece of writing fits into and target the publishers who have previous works in that field. Most will be looking for a certain spark which will set your book apart from others. Some might personally enjoy science fiction, books about high achievers and philosophy for example. If you can include some of that in your writing and tickle his or her fancy with something new to them as well, you’ll have a better chance than if you simply send your memoir to a publisher who does well with romantic fiction or travelogues. You’ve got to know what publishers do and understand why. Think like a publisher. You need to read and research”.

Engaging a manuscript assessor (refer NZ Manuscript Assessors) to maximise your chances is now almost a requirement, and membership of The NZ Society Of Authors will answer many of your queries.

The Way, Luke Way, 267 pp, Balboa Press 2021 $27.00 . This is story telling at its best. You won’t find spare, elegant writing, just honest, straight-from-theheart sharing of the inquisitive, adventurous and often dangerous life experiences of this boy from Wainoni. I must admit to knowing this author in his childhood, and I swear I never saw the tattoo on his forehead which beseeched the gods of fate to “make it happen to me, or in front of me”. Had Luke been born a cat, his lives would be over. From a very early age he’s survived mercury poisoning, car accidents, train wrecks, forestry mishaps, bombing attempts, border argy-bargy, electrocution, fire and drowning, just to mention a few. Despite an acknowledged learning problem (school did not suit his creativity and questioning mind) he’s gained self-understanding and knowledge, rubbing shoulders in fields as diverse as logging, line-manning, and clowning, and from travelling widely. Becoming a Life Coach has allowed him to share some of the wisdom he’s picked up from making more than a handful of mistakes along the way. Despite some overwriting, this book is pure gold for boys from teenagers to superannuitants, although their mothers will freak out. Luke self-published. Disappointed, he wouldn’t recommend this method to other aspiring writers. Email lukesaway26@gmail.com to buy.

over recent years

Tales Of A Storyteller, Daphne Coats, 271 pp, self-published 2024. $49.99

This author had long promised George Burnby she’d write his story, of a true-blue kiwi bloke born in Gore in 1913. As with many of his generation George knew tough times and tried his hand at many occupations to keep the wolf from the door. The blurb on the book’s back cover says he “lived a life full of love, laughter, joy and loss”. Despite many photos of a smiling man, I couldn’t feel that sense of love, laughter and joy. I didn’t warm to a man who booted working dogs, was a master of one-upmanship, and barely mentioned his wife and family, apart from being behind with their maintenance payments and the tragic accidental death of a young daughter. Despite an attractive cover designed by the author’s daughter this book is let down by page after page of small dense type and minimal spacing. I believe a good manuscript assessor might have recommended 10,000 - 20,000 fewer words, and more white space on the page. With a cast of thousands this monologue of hespeak (very little she-speak) can be confusing and convoluted but could appeal to hunters, outdoorsy types and people who knew George personally. Contact storyteller_tales@proton.me

Mark’s Way, Mark Way, 246 pp Opaoa Publishing 2024 $27.00

Surviving an ill-advised and hair-raising 80-mile tramp as a young teenager, through rugged territory with a recovering alcoholic but valium-fuelled father, did not put Mark Way off a career in forestry. As did brother Luke (previous page) Mark too found more than a few ways to make his life uncomfortable, including wildfire, freezing, jock-itch and landslip, but along the path met mentors, inspiration, an understanding of work politics and team bonding, and love of our beautiful outdoors. Maturing on the job (his Christmas Eve 21st birthday celebrated in the back of beyond with The Press and some beers) Mark acknowledges role models, reflects on some of the other sort, and overcomes his own youthful arrogance to become an esteemed and trusted colleague in the field. His appreciation and knowledge of the native flora and fauna in places most of us have never set foot, with photographs - aerial views included – is palpable. I skipped the detailed pig-hunting section, but this sort of adventure will interest many. This is the perfect companion to Luke’s adventures. Mark likes the look of his book but is generally disappointed with the publishing process. Email waymark4@gmail. com to buy.

Companion Walking Service

A service for people who find it difficult getting out and about on their own.

Would you like to be able to go for a walk in your community? Our Companion Walking Service provides one-on-one assistance for people who are finding it difficult to get out and about on their own. Walks are personalised to your environment and abilities. Our carefully chosen volunteers are vetted, fully trained and supported to ensure you receive a safe and enjoyable experience.

24 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch. P (03) 366-0903, Freephone 0800 80 33 44 E team@ageconcerncan.org.nz www.ageconcerncan.org.nz

WE Are Books

WE Are Books, is a new, centrally located second-hand bookshop at 59 Gloucester Street, that officially opened for business on 23 October. Regular opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm, with extended hours as much as possible including weekend opening in the lead up to Christmas. For the latest updates, please check our Google listing. The money raised by your purchases supports our charity to provide affordable adult and community education in Christchurch. Within the shop’s cozy atmosphere, you’ll find a wide selection of quality books at reasonable prices. There are two leather armchairs, inviting visitors to settle in and enjoy the experience - there’s no rush here! Our volunteer staff can assist you with your selection or note a title that

you seek, which we don’t currently stock.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our bookshop, where people can discover great reads while supporting a meaningful cause that makes a positive impact in our community.” Lottie Vinson, Director at CWEA. Our extensive collection caters to readers of fiction, young adult novels and non-fiction about history, politics, climate change, cookery, science, self-help and more. A collection of Christchurch and New Zealand books is a standout feature. Children will enjoy reading in their own section while parents browse.

Our programme for Term 4 has begun with Term 1 for 2025 beginning on Monday 3rd February. See www. cwea.org.nz for course details. A

Contact Wendy Fox or Anna Tillman

“I have to re-sit my driving licence!”

After 58 years of driving throughout New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom, including London, a stroke led to suspension of my driving licence for at least three months. The hurdle at the end of this period was the two-hour driving assessment through either the Occupational Therapy Department at Burwood Hospital (for which there is currently no charge, but a waiting list) or through the Laura Fergusson Trust (where there is a charge and for a good cause). I chose the Laura Fergusson Trust, for the one-hour of cognitive testing with an Occupational Therapist and one-hour ‘on the road’ with the Occupational Therapist and a Driving Assessor. The latter may be in a dual

control car or in your own car.

by Jennifer A Pryor

Most of us, 65+, will have sat many tests, exams and assessments throughout our lives, but it doesn’t get any easier as we get older especially when it is something that we feel our current lifestyle is dependent on such as driving the car. The thought of carrying my golf clubs on two buses to reach the golf club and two buses back was going to be too much of an effort - harder than the round of golf itself!

A few years before my stroke, I had undertaken “Age Concern Staying Safe” with a friend. This is a day refresher course for older drivers. Some rules have changed over the past 50 years of which most of us are

Gentle and effective exercise while

sitting watching TV

Used under feet and hands, the Aircycle exerciser is a simple way to relieve joint pain, increase circulation, reduce swollen ankles and cramps, help restless legs, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and mobility. It also aids in the prevention of blood clots when sitting for long periods.

Aircycle provides gentle exercise without weight-bearing or strenuous activity. It’s simple to use, soft on feet and hands and easily deflated for carrying in a pocket or purse. Use it from the comfort of your chair while sitting – reading, having coffee, watching TV or travelling.

A woman from Te Horo invented this simple device to help relieve her husband’s severe arthritic pain and swollen ankles. His arthritis carers were so impressed with the relief and increased joint mobility he experienced they asked her to make more for other sufferers.

Gay from Rotorua says, "Aircycle is better than the information says. The pain in my knees has gone and, although I use a walker, I don’t need it around the house anymore. I can move more freely and have much less pain in both my hands and feet. My feet are warmer too and now I don’t need bed socks which I’ve worn for years."

Sam from Oraki wrote, “I’ve suffered for years with sciatica. It’s gone completely when I use the Aircycle.”

Mrs Cooksley from Wellington advised, “I’m diabetic and had an ulcer on my leg which wouldn’t heal. After 7 weeks using my Aircycle it was gone! My Doctor is recommending it to other patients. The pumping motion is addictive and comforting. I use it while knitting.”

Includes lifetime warranty and listed with Medsafe. A wonderful gift for yourself or loved ones!

aware, but some need to be brought to our attention. I highly recommend the Age Concern Course as an easy and fun way to do this within a nonthreatening environment. A very knowledgeable member of the Age Concern Team takes the morning sessions and a member of the Police joins the group in the afternoon. Morning tea is served on arrival and a delicious lunch provides a break between the morning and afternoon. There is no charge, but some of us slip a donation to Age Concern in recognition of our appreciation.

At Laura Fergusson, the cognitive component of the test, undertaken by an Occupational Therapist, also includes an eye test and a test of the strength in your legs. The cognitive tests are taken from a range of available tests. Friends and relations will tell you of their experiences. Take note of these, but you may find the tests you are asked to undertake on the day are different again. What is important is to have a good night’s sleep the night before and to take each test/question as it comes. It is usually recommended that you have a support person with you for this component. If you don’t do very well, the Occupational Therapist will explain the reasons to you and your

support person. Your support person will probably have driven you to the test.

Dependent on the outcome of the cognitive testing, you may be taken on the road in a dual control car or in your own car - just accept the decision taken. The assessors are there to support you and are not trying to fail you. On the road you will probably have the Occupational Therapist in the back and the Driving Assessor in the front. Several mirrors will be attached to the front windscreen. Via these they can see when you look into your mirrors back and side. Forget they are there, but don’t forget to use your mirrors appropriately. It is during this ‘on road’ component that the Age Concern Course comes to the fore. When being asked to turn left into a multi-lane carriageway and then right, you will know exactly how to do this. It was different 50 years agoand we probably didn’t have all these multi-lane carriageways, especially not in the middle of the City. Another excellent learning point is how to turn right at busy intersections. Again this has changed slightly. Age Concern will give you all the answers and your up to date knowledge of the Road Code will impress the Driving Assessor.

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY

FREE Staying Safe Refresher Driving Courses

This course gives strategies to assist us to keep ourselves, and others, safer on the roads by:

* recognising the effects of adverse driving conditions around us

* raising awareness about driving behaviour

* understanding the effects of ageing on driving

* making safer driving decisions

* improving driving confidence on busy roads.

10.00am to 2.00pm with light lunch provided (donation welcome)

2024

Monday, 2nd December - Papanui

Thursday, 5th December - Burwood

Tuesday, 10th December - Heathcote

2025

Wednesday, 29th January - Rolleston

Tuesday, 11th February - Westport

Wednesday, 12th February - Hokitika

Friday, 21st March - Ashburton

Tuesday, 25th March - Spreydon

Wednesday, 9th April - Rangiora

UPDATE FROM THE CLUBS

Christchurch Red Hatters Club No set meetings but the Club has ‘gatherings’ which includes monthly events such as luncheons, dinners and an outing/activity. Contact: Iris Cousins on 021 0209 3598.

Lincoln Area Senior Citizen Club members enjoyed a light lunch, quiz and games in September, plus a bus trip to Lyttelton and lunch at Governors Bay. On 3rd December members will have a Christmas lunch atthe Lincoln Bowling Club with lunch, entertainment and raffles. New Year will feature a speaker at the Lincoln Events Centre and in March the Club’s AGM with afternoon tea to follow. Meet: First Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm at the Lincoln Event Centre. New members are very welcome. Contact: Pat Townsend

Papanui Rebus Club (formerly Papanui Probus Club) Meet: First Tuesday of the month at 10.00am at the Morrison Avenue Bowling Club, 30 Morrison Avenue, Papanui, Christchurch. Contact: Gillian on 03 352 6697 or Sian on 03 359 0057.

Primetimers 10 Pin Bowlers meet for fun bowling and interacting with likeminded over 60-yearolds. More experienced members assist and coach newbies with the emphasis on pleasure rather than competitiveness. Meet: Mondays at 1.00pm at Zone Bowling, Iverson Terrace, Christchurch Contact: Brian 03 332 0531 or just come along on Monday.

Pegasus Daylight Lodge No 450 is a Freemasons Lodge. Unlike evening lodges, Pegasus appeals to over 65-year-old Masons and their wife, partner or friend. The meeting has minimal ceremonial content and after opening the lodge transacts business and, after closing, we join our partners for lunch and an activity or speaker. Meets at 11.00am every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Canterbury Freemasons Centre, 9 Shirley Road, Christchurch. Contact: The Secretary, pegasus450@xtra. co.nz or call Gerald 021 1704 179.

Work and Income Payments

If you get payments from Work and Income (including NZ Super)

and your contact details have changed, you need to let them know straight away.

Contact details include your:

* mobile phone number

* home and work phone numbers

* email address

* residential/postal address

It is important to keep your details up to date in case Work and Income need to contact you.

You can update your details online, using MyMSD which is available 24/7. To login or register, visit https://my.msd.govt.nz/ MyMSD is a great option for services such as:

* checking upcoming payments

* updating contact information

* viewing letters

* requesting help with one-off costs

You can get more information about MyMSD on the Work and Income website.

If you can't use MyMSD, you can call the Seniors Services team. Contact them by calling 0800 552 002 (Monday to Friday, 7.00am6.00pm and Saturday 8.00am1.00pm).

Wait times can be variable throughout the day. You may see a shorter waiting time by calling at the beginning or end of the day, or on Saturday.

The unexpected benefits of insulation in spring and summer - why booking your assessment now makes sense

As the summer sun blazes overhead, the idea of adding insulation to your home might seem counterintuitive. However, insulation plays a critical role in maintaining a comfortable home year round, and there are compelling reasons to consider your insulation needs during the warmer months.

Insulation isn’t just a wintertime luxury; it’s a year-round asset that contributes significantly to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. During spring and summer, insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures by slowing down the transfer of heat from the outside - so while the sun beats down on your roof and walls, your insulation works to keep the indoor environment cooler and more comfortable.

Proper insulation can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, leading to lower energy bills and a more balanced indoor climate.

One of the key reasons to book your

insulation assessment during the summer is to avoid the winter rush.

As temperatures drop, homeowners across the country start thinking about how to make their homes more efficient and comfortable for the cold months ahead. This increased demand can lead to longer wait times for assessments and installations, potentially leaving you scrambling to address insulation issues when the chill sets in.

In summer, the seasonal contrast highlights areas where your home might be lacking. If you notice that your home feels unusually warm despite your air conditioning working overtime, it could be a sign that your insulation needs an upgrade.

Moreover, modern insulation materials and technologies have evolved significantly, offering enhanced performance and benefits that might not have been available when your home was originally built.

Knowing that your home is wellinsulated and prepared for the upcoming winter can alleviate concerns and allow you to focus on other aspects of home maintenance and improvement. It’s a smart investment in both your comfort and your wallet, ensuring that you won’t have to deal with unexpected issues or inefficiencies when the cold weather arrives.

Thinking about insulation in the warmer months is actually a strategic move that can enhance your home's comfort and efficiency year-round. By booking your free insulation assessment now, you avoid the winter rush, take advantage of the benefits of modern insulation technologies, and ensure that your home is ready for whatever the seasons bring. Don't wait until the cold weather sets in - contact CEA today and enjoy a more comfortable and energyefficient home tomorrow! A

Keeping On eeping On

My grandmother, the spinner

‘The past is a foreign country,' and so it seemed to me aged eight as I stood outside my grandmother’s flat in Hammersmith in the early fifties. The same ritual always ensued. My mother dressed to the nines, with long white gloves and a small Grace Kelly’s head piece would produce a handkerchief from her handbag. “Spit,” she’d say. Then my face was vigorously wiped, my hair tidied, as she scanned my coat ensuring all the buttons were fastened and socks aligned before she rang the bell. “Remember,” she’d say, “don’t ask granny for any of those expensive toys you saw at Hamleys for Christmas. “In fact, avoid the subject altogether... you know, what we talked about, and watch your manners.”

A pause would follow, then the soft-slipper shuffle could be heard, (like someone wearing snowshoes I always thought), as my grandmother made her way up the passageway. The front door would open to the opening act of ‘darling, so good to see...’and a succession of cheek kissing, before we were ushered into the dimly lit passageway which led to the sitting-room.

Grandfather always sat perched in the middle of the room. A silent figure who seldom spoke. He seemed transfixed, searching the distance, through his fishlike eyes for some hidden meaning beyond his thin veil of existence.

Most of the talking centred around my grandmother. She assumed a double role, playing both herself and my grandfather. “Look who’s here

by John Greeve

today?" she'd say. Then pausing... for effect... would add “Why if isn’t our darling grandson come to see his grandad.”

I would be pressed forward (like Abraham’s sacrifice) against my grandfather’s bristle face, to deliver a half kiss to his stubbled cheek, before my mother eased me back, and I was able to open my eyes and breathe properly again.

Tea would follow. A steady clinking of china announcing its imminent arrival. “No more than two biscuits my mother would whisper.” A ‘how have things be going chat’ would begin; then my mother would enter one of the side rooms to go through the bills and invoices left in an unruly pile, which demanded her immediate attention.

When my mother disappeared to sort out the bills, I would pile the cups and saucers on to the tray for my grandmother to carry to the kitchen.

“No that’s fine,” she would say, “no more help needed” as she trekked off

in her fur lined slippers. I would take in the room, a lifetime assortment of disparate furniture, oriental rugs, glass cabinets - an emporium of memories, crowded into limited space. The Dresden figurines on the mantelpiece, remained prominently displayed. Freeze framed in time, with one dancer caught in an enduring embrace, while two chess players anticipated the next move, which would never come, as a shepherdess with a basket of flowers looked on.

In one cobweb corner stood a Tudor chest - a stuffed Koala sat on top with a glassy stare. My grandmother told me about the chest, how it came into her possession and how you could operate the secret drawer by pressing a hidden button. Every visit involved a story, but my grandmother never drew rabbits from a hat, words for her, were always enough.

My grandfather served in the Boer War, Gallipoli and the first World War. The medals on display attested to it. He never spoke of war, Anzac Cove, Suvla Bay, or the Battle of the Somme in 1916, when he was invalided out. Instead, my grandmother told me about a story my grandfather had told her about the Gallipoli campaign. At the time basic rations in Gallipoli, consisted of bully beef (tinned corn beef) rice, jam, cocoa, tea, some bread, hard tack (biscuits) and condensed milk.

Often a trade existed for food (from the Anzac side) in exchange for Turkish tobacco and cigarettes. The trenches were close enough for the allied troops to throw a tin of bully

beef to the neighbouring Turkish trench with a note attached asking for tobacco. When this happened, it was often thrown back, with a message attached, ‘no bully beef, milk instead’. Many Turkish troops were concerned that the bully beef might contain pork. For a story spinner, like my grandmother, anything could form the basis for a story. One day she produced a fan. She saw the instant disappointment on my face but carried on. “This particular fan was made in France of ivory, mother of pearl and tortoiseshell.” (Today, such items would be banned because of conservation, legal, moral and animal rights issues) but back then in the fifties, my grandmother remained in free flow. “Did you know about the language of the fan?” she asked. “Placing it behind the head, like this, meant don’t forget me. Resting it on the right cheek meant ‘Yes,’ but on the left cheek meant a definite ‘No’.” I saw a momentary glimmer fill her eyes as she conducted her fan like a baton, with one pose following the next. “A bit like semaphore?” I ventured.

“You’re right” she said, but it could also be very cruel for an amorous suitor. “Twirling the fan in you right hand meant you loved another. There were many gestures of love and rejection.” She put the fan down on the table. I looked at her. “So how did you use your fan granny?” She smiled, paused for a moment, but never answered.

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Contracting out agreements for relationships

You may think that a ‘pre nup’ is only used when a young couple begins a relationship and there is a significant difference in their financial position. However, these agreements, also known as Contracting Out Agreements (COAs), can actually be entered into at any time during a relationship. They can be particularly useful for couples entering into a relationship later in life, as such couples are more likely to come to the relationship with complex financial affairs.

Either party may have been through a previous separation or the loss of a spouse. They may have childrendependent or adult. They may also have trust or company structures that make their overall asset profile less straightforward. In these cases, a COA can give parties (and their families) clarity about what will happen to their assets if one of them dies, or if they decide to separate. A COA is a way of opting out of the

by Sharee Cavanaugh, Director, Greg Kelly Trust Law Ltd, Wellington.

default rules as to how the division of property is dealt with under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. Without one of these agreements, the default approach will apply. This generally means that relationship property assets are divided equally. However, that is not always the case.

One of the benefits of even considering a COA is that it opens up the discussion between a couple as to what they would like to happen in the event of a death or separation. Often we find that couples never have this conversation, but rather make assumptions about what will happen or what their partner thinks should happen. Such assumptions can be harshly tested when a partner dies unexpectedly.

A COA can only be enforced if both parties have received independent legal advice and both lawyers certify the agreement. This requirement ensures that both parties are fully informed about

the effect of the agreement. This article was first published in Trust eSpeaking (Spring 2024), the client e-newsletter of NZ LAW

Trusts, Wills and Estates Team

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.

No matter what life throws at you. Be prepared.

An Enduring Power of Attorney gives someone you appoint the authority to act on your behalf if you are unable to.

later in life

Limited member firms.

Law is a member of NZ LAW Limited.

Disclaimer: Information given in this column should not be a substitute for legal advice.

Aspiring

(Continued from preivous page .../)

Glorious, inspiring and timeless of many stories

During one visit, grandmother produced a set of old brandy glasses. “This was called a snifter,” she said, “holding up a glass to the light, not because it had a bad cold, but because of its shape.” She touched the short stem, then the wide bottom and relatively narrow top, positioning her fingers around the glass as she spoke.

“Brown liquids, such as brandy, bourbon or whisky were poured at the end of the meal.” She pointed to some empty glass decanters now with tarnished silver tags hanging from their necks which stood on the top of a small glass cabinet. “The shape of glass helped the liquid to evaporate quickly,” she said, “and trapped the aroma in the glass.” Holding the glass by the stem to her nose, she pretended to smell the floral notes of the aroma, before placing the glass to her lips.

It wasn’t unlike her to come up with the most bizarre object. “Has your older sister, ever had a doll’s house?" she asked one day. I didn’t know, I didn’t care and edged myself back on the sofa. The questions continued. Did I know which was the largest and most famous Doll’s house in the world? I didn’t.

“It was the Queen Mary's Doll’s House. This was the largest and most famous doll’s house in the world designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s for Queen Mary, wife of King George V. Lutyens designed many famous buildings including the cenotaph in Whitehall, which of course you know.” I nodded. “It even had electric lights, running water and lifts. Over a thousand artists and craftspeople contributed to the doll’s house, among them your great aunt who made some of the miniature cushions for the famous house,” she said.

My grandmother never talked about her childhood until my grandfather died. Up to then, even my mother knew very little about it, other than some basic facts. My grandmother was born in India. Her Scottish father ran a tea plantation and KatherineFrances as she was called, was given over to Anika, her Ayah, just after she was born. “My Ayah was everything to me, she nursed me from a baby, fed me, cleaned me, played with me told me stories, sang me lullabies, and put me to sleep. Ayah was a great storyteller. I remember her telling me how stories helped to shape us and how we used them to make sense of the world. They gave

meaning to who we are, and what we would become and provided a vessel for memories, both good and bad.”

Throughout her childhood, my grandmother seldom saw her mother, who regarded her as an ‘unfortunate inconvenience’. “My mother spent most of her time socialising with other Memsahibs, going to bazaars, attending parties and balls, playing bridge and generally had a good time,” she said.

Her face reddened and her tone deepened, “These Memsahibs wrote journals/memoirs of their lives. Complete fantasies about how they saw life in India and their relationship with the natives, who they treated deplorably. When I grew up, I heard them referred to ‘lady-romancers’ by historians who discount their writings out of hand.”

“My father was distant too, always away, while my mother lived in a world that had little room for children or love. Those human qualities I learnt from Anika my Ayah, who I loved deeply. Growing up, I spoke Hindu and seldom used my mother tongue until we left India and arrived in Britain. Anika accompanied us on the voyage. After we had docked, she didn’t travel with us to London. My mother made up some excuse, but Anika was abandoned like so many other Ayahs at the time and left to fend for herself. I never saw her again.”

The last time I visited my grandmother was in a home in Saltdean near Brighton we sat in a communal room overlooking the sea, a calm eternity of blue which seemed to stretch endlessly that day. My Grandmother appeared thinner and frailer but hadn’t lost her sense of humour. “Welcome to the ‘Heavenly arrivals and departure lounge’” she said. She held a box in her trembling hands. “This for you, it’s a SikakeBako, a distant relative picked it up in the Hakone region of Japan,” she said and then added “by the way a Sikake-Bako means trick box”.

“Another conundrum,” I said, looking at the inlaid marquetry on the box with its geometric designs. “Of course,” she said, her Indian bracelets jingling as I took it from her. “It’s a Japanese puzzle box, I’ve enclosed a story, you can open it, after I’ve gone,” she said tapping me gently on my arm. “Something to ponder on,” she added, “when you grow older, now help me to get up, so I can say my goodbyes.”

The Christchurch City Choir proudly presents a tradition of powerful and inspiring performances. This year, the Choir has delighted audiences with an exciting season featuring Rutter’s Requiem, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and Will Todd’s jazzinfused Mass in Blue. Now, to conclude the season, the Choir returns to the Christchurch Town Hall for the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.

George Frideric Handel, born in Halle, Germany in 1685, shifted from opera to oratorio, where he found lasting success. Premiered in Dublin in 1742, Messiah was initially an Easter offering but has since become a Christmas fixture. Known for his philanthropy, Handel supported orphans, musicians, and the ailing. His “Hallelujah” chorus remains an unmatched expression of joy.

Tickets are available through Ticketek, with group bookings for 12 or more. For accessible seating, call Ticketek at 0800 686 677. Don’t miss this chance to experience Messiah in the splendid setting of the Christchurch Town Hall, a highlight of the Christmas season.

Conducted by Dr. John Linker and accompanied by the CSO, Messiah has become a beloved Christchurch tradition, signalling the arrival of Christmas. The choir unites with Soprano Sarah-Jane Rennie, Mezzo-Soprano Margot Button, Tenor Patrick Power ONZM, and Bass Samuel McKeever, along with organ, harpsichord, and orchestra, to bring Handel’s masterpiece to life.

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER, 7.30PM

Dr John Linker Music Director

Keeping On eeping On 30

Harper Lee suggests more reading for children

‘Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.’ So says Scout Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, when her teacher, Miss Caroline, tells her to stop reading with her father. The reasons? He has taught her to read words that Miss Caroline deems too difficult for her age, and he is teaching her in a way that is at odds with Miss Caroline’s own teaching methods.

Why does Miss Caroline not take note of the ‘methods’ Atticus has used to produce one of the most advanced readers in the class? Why is Miss Caroline so against ‘difficult’ words? And what is Miss Caroline hoping to gain by blocking reading?

I wish I had Miss Caroline’s problem. Instead of trying to hold back readers, I am endlessly trying to push them forward.

It appears I am in a minority. University professors – teaching English literature, mind you – report how little their students read.

The students have not only not read much and do not read much but, worst of all, they are not willing to read much.

by Sophia Waugh

If that is the state with university students who have chosen literature as their subject, imagine how rarely others open a book.

Who is to blame? Professor Sir Jonathan Bate called it the Of Mice and Men effect. For years (until Gove kicked American literature out of the exam curriculum), this was the book chosen by schools for GCSE. It’s powerful, accessible – and short. For many pupils, it is the only novel they will ever read.

My old head of department told me

with pride how her hairdresser, an ex-pupil, still took Of Mice and Men on holiday every year to reread it. When I asked why she didn’t buy the hairdresser something else for her next holiday – The Grapes of Wrath, perhaps – she looked at me, slightly stunned at the idea.

The book had been chosen for its brevity. The 19th-century novel is nearly always A Christmas Carol. The Shakespeare text is usually Macbeth. America is worse than us, though: a pupil can go through the whole of high school without ever studying a whole book.

How can we change this trend? We want our students to pass their exams – so we make the easy choices – but shouldn’t we be doing more than that?

I have just finished teaching the ubiquitous Of Mice and Men to my Year 8 class (we still have the copies in the cupboard, after all).

We have spent some of the Glorious Benefactor’s money on The Grapes of Wrath for a few of the pupils whose faces lit up every time we opened the novel. In Year 9, we have been studying a brilliant novel about drug

cartels in Mexico (Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick). For the first time ever, nearly the entire class raised their hands when I asked who had enjoyed the book. So the Glorious Benefactor is about to go shopping again.

But not every teacher - or every school - has a Glorious Benefactor lurking in the shadows. So this is what we should do. We need to talk about reading. We need to be seen to read. We need to lend our own books and push children towards the library. We need to talk to parents about children’s reading. We need to set aside more time for children to read.

I try to give children a regular halfhour in which to read. While they are doing this, I have a slideshow quietly on. It is made up of paintings and photographs of people reading, over which quotations about reading are superimposed. It begins with Harper Lee’s quotation. Somehow, we need more children to feel like Scout.

Sophia Waugh is a writer and teaches English at a secondary school in Somerset.

(Reprinted from the Oldie).

New programme for neurodiverse children

The preschooler who won’t sit still, the child who struggles to learn to read or who becomes frustrated and ‘acts out’, the teenager who fidgets and can’t focus: all of these behaviours might once have been characterised as ‘naughty’ and ‘rebellious’. For many children, this behaviour meant getting offside with teachers and dropping out of school early, the negative consequences of which could last a lifetime.

These days, there is a better

understanding of how behaviours like this might be the result of neurodiversity - a brain that is wired differently from the norm. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term encompassing a range of differences in brain function among individuals that includes autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia (which affects the ability to read) and dyspraxia (which affects movement and co-ordination). With appropriate supports, parents

and teachers can help these young ones to learn and to thrive. At the Christchurch Methodist Mission (CMM), teams that work with children and young people are alert to neurodiversity among their clients.

CMM’s Child Wellbeing team recently completed an analysis of neurodiversity in the context of their Wise Up programme, one of their most popular group programmes. Wise Up helps 8 to 10-year-olds who have low to mid-level anxiety, or who

struggle with difficult emotions.

The team is now developing an additional programme that will be more suited to neurodiverse children. For these young ones, who may have trouble focusing or sitting down to write in a workbook, the new programme will offer more activities and movement focussed content and will pay close attention to emotional regulation, helping young people manage when their emotions become overwhelming.

New programmes require many resources and are costly to develop. A gift will help make it possible for CMM to create a tailored workshop series that will aid neurodivergent children to feel accepted, valued and understood. To help, select Group Programmes from the list at www. mmsi.org.nz/donate.

A

International Day of Older Persons

Age Concern Canterbury celebrated the International Day of the Older Person on 1st October by hosting a number of events and activities.

These includes Peter Lewis on keyboard, a walk around St James Park, a chance to “have a go” at an exercise class and a games morning.

Undue influence in Wills

A recent case from the Central London County Court, Langley v Qin, addressed issues of a predatory marriage, including undue influence in making a will. The Court set aside a will made by Robert Harrington, which left his estate to his new wife, Guixiang Qin, excluding his daughter. One of the grounds for the Court’s decision was that Ms Qin had exerted undue influence over Mr Harrington. In New Zealand, a will can be challenged if undue influence is suspected. The person claiming undue influence must prove that the will was created under pressure that overrode the testator's wishes. Not all influence is considered undue. The testator can be guided by others, but the will must reflect the testator's own wishes.

The physical and mental condition of the testator is relevant when determining how much pressure is needed to constitute undue influence. Factors such as age, physical frailty,

The International Day of Older Persons is a global observance designated by the United Nations to honour the role of older people in society. It aims to highlight the

valuable contributions the older people make to society and to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced. Below are a few images of their activities.

and isolation are often present, particularly when the testator is elderly. Since undue influence often happens privately, direct evidence is not required. However, it is not enough to merely show that the alleged influencer had the opportunity and means to exert influence. The person making the claim must show that the alleged influencer's control over the testator was such that the will would not have been made in the same way without it.

The Court will also consider whether the testator received independent legal advice. Although this alone does not prove the will was made freely, it can be an important factor. Seeking legal advice when making a will is crucial. A lawyer can ensure that the will is valid, that the testator has the required capacity, and that steps are taken to safeguard against undue influence. For assistance, please contact Harmans at 03 379 7835 for expert advice.

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My two cents

by June Peka

Surfing the Net in the wee small hours

Trumpery

Some nights I marathon-sleep. That’s 12 to 14 hours of wild and exciting other world adventure. Next night I’ll be staring wide-eyed into space for just as long. Last night a writing exercise sneaked into my head – think of your earliest memory, the instructions had read. Easy peasy stuff. I was five or six. It was the racket in the kitchen that woke me. I loved it; it wrapped round me like a security blanket, the sound of my parents and a handful of friends playing cribbage or euchre. My father roaring “take that you buggers, fifteen two, fifteen four and one for his knob. Hah, trumped ya!” He’d thump the table, glasses and bottles would jangle and the others would groan. I figure that must’ve been the first time I heard that word – “trump”, so at 3.45am this morning I was up asking Dr Google all about it. Yep, it does mean to better or trounce in the card sense. It’s been around since the 1400s and has acquired a myriad of other definitions. i.e. to devise deceitfully, dishonestly fabricate, and talk nonsense. Trumpery speaks of gimcrackery and gaudiness, vulgar and tasteless malarkey, fraud, trickery and worthlessness. By now I was warming to my predawn discovery, when I came across trump as British slang – “an audible discharge from a person’s rectum”. I know, I know, introducing toilet humour to an oldies paper is a bit juvenile, isn’t it? Forgive me.

Quackery

If you have persistent anaemia, you’ll be familiar with those little reddish-brown tablets. You might be prescribed a 3-month course each year, just to keep your iron levels up where they need be. They have a noted side-effect though; sometimes you’ll need to take another brown tablet to keep yourself regular in the other department. Be thankful though that’s the worst of it. We wondered what we’d uncovered just next door, during the constant wreckage and re-construction of our once quiet and leafy suburb. There were dull spoons and shards of floral crockery, a horse’s bit, and a chamber pot handle under Eunice and Richard’s villa floor, all grist for the mill, but then we unearthed a well-preserved, coffinshaped bottle with the words Dr Adolf Hommel’s Haematogen inscribed. His noted colleague Dr Google came to the rescue again; to apprise us of the fact its contents were patented at the end of the 19th century. Apparently made of cow’s blood, alcohol and flavouring (although there is

mention of human blood in some tracts), this was dolloped out to peaky, pale and frail youngsters, and postpartum mothers, just as our generation were administered cod-liver oil and lamb’s fry sandwiches. Dr Hommel (18511901) successfully warded off commercial competitors’ patents, making himself a very rich man, before cries of quackery gazumped the trade.

Mannerliness

And quite unexpectedly I came across an appreciation group for James A Michener, that American master of the generational blockbuster, who became my literary idol when I read Hawaii for the first time. With many of his books reaching 1000 pages or more they kept me entertained for almost as long as it took him to turn out another, until in 1985 I was inspired to write a letter of thanks, after receiving the latest

as a Christmas present. To my delight he responded quickly, in the courteous and friendly way for which he was known. When he underwent a quadruple bypass soon after and I wrote to wish him a speedy recovery, he again responded promptly. Members of my new group confirm he was an “easy-going man, who treated his fans graciously.” From riding freight trains in the Great Depression, to later life when hard work and talent earned him vast wealth, Michener improved his lot considerably. Despite this, he lived a simple lifestyle, donating more than $100m to cultural and educational institutions. He died, aged 90, in 1997.

Amazingly I was able to answer a member’s question on my first foray into this special fan club –had Mr Michener ever visited New Zealand? See it straight from the horse’s pen (below).