180531 citynews

CITYNEWS.COM.AU / FAST NEWS, VIEWS, ARTS AND SOCIALS MAY 31, 2018

ITYNEWS –C

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YEARS SER V 25

Heard the one about the Irish butcher?

MIKE WELSH

Patience proves a virtue for a little church

NICHOLE OVERALL

When politics is a walk in the park

PAUL COSTIGAN

Yes, everything’s coming up rosés

RICHARD CALVER

RUG RIDER

How cyclist VICKI WHITELAW races around the world at home

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NEWS

The warming story of an indoor ‘street’ library

By Kathryn

VUKOVLJAK A MINI “street” library has been set up at the Hughes Community Centre by the staff at the ACT Council on the Ageing, though this one’s located in the warmth of the foyer, with plans to expand outside to meet demand.

The library was started in November

by Jenny Mobbs, CEO of COTA ACT, and is also run by community education manager Ingrid Pepper and communications manager Catherine Adcock.

“It was always a dream of mine to do a library. I love books and I think a lot of other people do, too,” says Jenny.

“We get hundreds of people coming into the community centre every day and I’d see people on the seats outside reading, so I put the two together. I got in touch with the Majura Men’s Shed, who said they could make some shelves for me, they brought them over and it’s gone from there.

“It can also be a nice warm place to come as opposed to being out in the shops, so it’ll be interesting to see if it will get more popular over winter.

“I love it, we’re all bookworms here, it’s fun and a lovely way to connect with other people.”

The library works on the basis that

From left: Ingrid Pepper, Jenny Mobbs and Catherine Adcock… “We’re all bookworms here, it’s fun and a lovely way to connect with other people.”

Borrowers browse the ACT Council on the Ageing’s “street” library.

Photos by Kathryn Vukovljak

anyone can borrow a book, keep it if they like it, ideally replace it with another one or return the same one.

“I’ve had people say: ‘What do I owe you?’, and they can’t believe it’s free.

They’re shocked that there’s no accountability,” says Jenny.

“It’s really worked and it seems like everyone has found something they want to read. COTA staff have been enthusiastic and we use it ourselves and contribute to it, and give each other recommendations, so it’s been good!”

Ingrid says the library has been flowing really well, although they

necting over the books, it’s a bit like an informal book club happening, and the other nice thing is that we’re having a slow trickle of children’s books come in, too, which we think people must take for their grandchildren.

“I go out there to sort the books and I’ll get people asking: ‘Do you have any by this author’, so I try to keep track.”

Jenny says she would love to extend the library outside on to the street, so people would be able to access the books out of hours.

“We have such a nice area out the front under the trees, we’re calling it

INDEX Arts & Entertainment 19-21 Cinema 20 Crossword 23 Dining 21 Gardening 22 Horoscopes 23 Letters 8 News 3-13 Politics 12 Socials 14

have had some days when the books have almost gone.

“But then someone will come in with six boxes,” she says.

“We’ve put a few notices out for donations and it sort of overwhelmed us the amount we’ve been getting.

“There’s an interesting pattern because we might get a box of all the same author, or a series. We’ll accept anything, fiction, cookery, magazines, non-fiction, gardening, and it all goes.

Our only criteria is that the books are in good condition.

“We see people chatting and con-

the Paris end of Hughes,” she says.

“I’m first in every morning and there are sometimes people waiting outside saying they want to get to the books!

“I think having access outside will keep people engaged with the centre.

“We also have people who use community transport who often have to wait to be picked up – so instead of sitting there staring at the wall they can read.”

COTA ACT Community Library, Hughes Community Centre, Wisdom Street, Hughes.

Since 1993: Volume 24, Number 19

Cover: Cyclist Vicki Whitelaw. Photo by Danielle Nohra. Story Page 7.

Well written, well read

Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax 02 6189 0778 9b/189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell 2911

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Journalists: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au; Danielle Nohra, danielle@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764, helen@citynews.com.au Advertising manager: Greg Jones, 0419 418196 Senior advertising account executive: David Cusack, 0435 380656 Advertising account executives: Liam Jones, 0400 092095; Damien Klemke, 0439 139001; Emily Lester, 0406 412462 Production manager / graphic design: Janet Ewen Graphic designer: Paulette Leo Proof reader: Glenda Anderson Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

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SEVEN DAYS

Then there’s the one about the Irish butcher...

KIPPAX butcher Wes Dempsey loves nothing better than to carve up his customers with a joke. The Irishman posts a new gag each week on a board outside Elite Meats at Kippax Fair.

But Wes recently added a disclaimer after a complaint about an Irish joke he posted.

Wes says his posts have attracted complaints and compliments over the years with the first objection coming, “without a word of a lie” said Wes in his irresistible lilt, “from a vegan ex nun”.

After a dozen written complaints Wes launched a petition to gauge the board’s standing with 2700 people voting to keep it and just two opting for its removal. A post

dose of dorin

thanking then-Treasurer Joe Hockey for “believing in small business” was picked up by then-PM Tony Abbott’s chief of staff Peta Credlin, resulting in a mention in Question Time, breakfast with Tony Abbott and Wes appearing on “The Project”.

THOUSANDS of Canberrans braved freezing conditions to help break a stargazing record at the ANU. The university’s high-profile astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker congratulated everyone around Australia who participated in the smashing of ANU’s Guinness World Records title of 7960 people across 37 locations simultaneously looking at the night sky. At the time of writing, the new figure – believed to be around 40,000 – had not been confirmed by officials.

KATY Gallagher’s senate replacement, former unionist David Smith, copped a few short-pitched deliveries after officially stepping up to the crease. Right-wing radio ranters Alan Jones and Ray Hadley reportedly dismissed Smith as a “union hack”. But Smith, who took up his new role on May 23, declared he’s no seat warmer by setting out the clear agenda: “I’m Canberra born and bred, so there are a lot of Canberra issues that are really important to me, the importance and value of public servants, the importance of ensuring that everyone gets a fair share of the prosperity in Canberra.”

MEMBER for Fenner Andrew Leigh continues to get under the thin skin of shock-jock Ray Hadley. Last year Hadley and

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton tag-teamed to ridicule the Shadow Assistant Treasurer as “a weird cat”. The pair was at it again after Dutton said: “Like some Greek god, he just gets weirder and weirder”.

To which the shock-jock responded “I have a vivid imagination but I can’t in any circumstances close my eyes and think of Andrew Leigh as a Greek god. A Greek wanker, yes.” During a recent chat with former PM Tony Abbott, Hadley confessed: “Leigh annoys the hell out of me”.

civilised and cultivated mob. So why do we become psychopaths when we get behind a wheel? Recent statistics show we are well on the way to going back-to-back in the national tailgating stakes. The rating comes from data supplied by insurer AAMI that also ranked Canberrans at the top in relation to car collisions with animals (mostly kangaroos).

The mere mention of tailgating on Canberra talkback radio guarantees a full switchboard of callers willing to share terrifying tales of intimidation and threatening behaviour, most commonly lone female drivers being targeted by males in delivery vehicles. Some even report being run off the road. Penalties range from a $367 fine through to $15,000 and a year in prison if nabbed by police while engaging in menacing driving.

CANBERRA-based Sky News journalist Samantha Maiden, who has been benched pending an internal investigation, has some powerful allies among members of the fourth estate. Legendary Laurie Oakes unambiguously tweeted: “I don’t know background to current fuss but bottom line is that @samanthamaiden is one heck of a news breaker and, in my experience, a very decent person.” And the ABC’s Annabel Crabb also went into bat for Maiden: “She is a hardworking, brilliant journo and I’ve seen many benefit from her kindness, including myself.”

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4 CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018

QUIRKY

Size (of screen) isn’t everything Canberra radio broadcaster CHRIS MAC says buying a new TV is suddenly sexy again!

THERE was a time when buying a new television set was a major event.

The arrival of a Kreisler 21-inch B&W TV set was a huge investment for the Mac family of Sydney at the end of the 1950s.

The joy of switching this miracle of technology on, and tolerating ghosting, squiggly lines and a loss of picture on at least one channel when it rained, was a small price to pay for the excitement of watching the news, cartoons, all those cop shows, westerns and, of course, “Disneyland” on a Sunday night.

Fast forward to the present day of digital transmission, perfect pictures, global satellite coverage, Pay TV, HD, etcetera and it has seemed such an event has been consigned to the “ho hum” files.

A few years ago, I made my first visit to a Costco warehouse, at least I think that’s what you call it. A guy in front of me was wheeling around what appeared to

be a shopping trolley with a thyroid condition, such was its enormous size.

He paused briefly in front of a series of large rectagonal boxes, stroked his chin in thought for a few seconds, nodded and then lifted a clearly very heavy telly into the trolley and headed to the cash registers.

It took a little while to realise that what used to involve a major sales pitch by staff and sometimes a few visits to make a final decision had now been reduced to a “would-you-likefries-with-that-60-inch-TV-set, sir?” moment.

The wow factor seemed to have been lost from these purchases... until now. The major companies are making a renewed push into making this decision sexy again – 3K, 4K and now 8K-resolution sets, designed to make the whites whiter and the blacks blacker and so on, are hitting the market along with an enormous screen size being a major selling point. The last

“Good evening and welcome to television”... Bruce Gyngell was the first face on Australian televison, 7pm, on September 16, 1956. part of the sales pitch I also find amusing given that we are now only able to afford smaller and smaller homes to now be filled, supposedly, with bigger and bigger toys.

‘Tis a far cry from the days of “Bugs Bunny”, “Gunsmoke”, Graham Kennedy et al viewed in glorious black

and white on a small screen, on a set smaller than the old radiogram it replaced in the corner of the lounge. One thing, though, doesn’t seem to have changed over the years... there’s still nothing bloody well worth watching!

Chris Mac can be heard on 2CC.

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Reflect on their stories at awm.gov.au CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 5

CANBERRA MATTERS / the dickson parklands

When politics is a walk in the park IN April, I met with Liberal MLAs Elizabeth Lee and Mark Parton.

At their request we went for a walk around the contentious Dickson Parklands.

At the end of the walk I asked Mark whether the hour walking and talking was useful.

He admitted that as a member of the Assembly’s planning committee he sometimes found himself discussing the future of sites that he was not familiar with. So to spend time on the Dickson Parklands, given how much debate and passion that has been around the issues, was very useful.

The walk I conducted was done very informally and we covered the whole site, stopping to discuss issues relevant to particular sections.

We were fortunate to have a chat to members of the Majura Men’s Shed.

This visit was a first for me. I agree with the Men’s Shed byline – “This is where magic happens”.

I had tales to tell with just a little bias in my delivery. I placed emphasis on the trees within the Parklands site, on just how beautiful they were and how important it is to not only keep them but to even consider having more, and having loads of wonderful trees does not exclude development.

I was pleased to hear that both Elizabeth and Mark were familiar

The problem is that discussions are dominated by certain others who are fixated on apartments and that the area must host heaps of social housing because they have bungled this issue and this community site is the easiest target. with the ANCA arts studios and had attended events at the Northside Community Centre. What they readily admitted was, as with others who do not live locally, few have spent time walking around the whole area and taking the time to understand some of the history of particular sections, current usages and to appreciate the potential initiatives that could be explored.

The problem at the moment is that discussions are dominated by certain others who are fixated on apartments and on their idea (not the residents) that the area must host heaps of social housing because they have bungled this issue and need to get something (anything) done and this community site is the easiest target.

Three sections that I did put emphasis on were the open space in the middle, the small treed area behind the pool and the linear park alongside the Dickson Drain.

I expressed the hope that the area along the drain could be revamped to be a linear parkland that stretched

from alongside the Parklands site to the areas alongside the Dickson shops. It could be an important place to walk, to sit quietly (so let’s have seats and tables) and could even have a children’s playground or two.

As for the open space in the centre and the trees behind the pool, I pointed out how many times those wanting to over-develop the Parklands will use descriptors that deny that these valuable open spaces even exist.

I acknowledge that they are underutilised. But they do get used and with some creative planning could be used for a whole range of community cultural activities – for which the demands will grow, as the surrounding suburbs are infilled.

One discussion with Mark was on the state of planning here in Canberra and elsewhere.

We are subject to planning by regulations and zoning with the developers defining the outcomes with very little aesthetics and minimal biodiversity.

Whereas real planning – to use words from a Planning Institute document: “Planning is the act of researching, analysing, anticipating and influencing change in our society, about guiding and managing suburban development; planners balance the needs of communities and the environment.” We see very little of this.

It was a fruitful and interesting discussion. We have some politicians who believe in putting in time to talk, to look and to understand – and we have many of the others who believe in telling us what we need.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday life matters.

BRIEFLY Question of genetics THE Rotary Club of Canberra Weston Creek is hosting a public forum addressing “Genetics in Medicine – The Science, Application and Issues” that will involve comment from a range of eminent speakers from the ANU’s John Curtin School of Medical Research followed by audience and panel discussion. It will be held at Questacon, 5.30pm-8pm, on Monday, June 18. All funds raised on the night will assist an outstanding ACT science student selected to attend the London International Youth Science Forum in July. Tickets are $10 each and children under 13 are $5. Bookings to trybooking.com/385405

Women’s expo THE Multicultural Women’s Expo will be held at the Hellenic Club in the City, 13 Moore Street, 11am-2pm, on Saturday, June 2. A free event organised by the Canberra Multicultural Women’s Forum, service providers will provide information about the services specific to multicultural women in the ACT and surrounds.

Registrations to eventbrite.com.au

Knitters unite!

HANDMADE collective Trove Canberra is hosting World Wide Knit in Public Day at Garema Place, Civic, 1pm-4pm, on Saturday, June 9. Trove chair Jennifer Baird says knitters, crocheters and stitchers of all sorts are welcome to share a few peaceful hours at their marquee, where there will be chairs and heaters. World Wide Knit in Public Day started in 2005 when knitters got together in 25 different locations across the world to share their love of the craft. It has since grown with more than 1000 events in 54 countries last year. More at facebook.com/trovecanberra

Helping you create a more sustainable Canberra and the Region.

Pictured: Nebi Cani Team Leader at Cook

Have you visited Canberra’s sustainability hub? “ We found the assessment report very useful and without Actsmart we would not have been able to afford this upgrade. It is a great initiative and we’re happy to be a part of it ”.

George Raad, Owner, The Cook Grocer.

visit actsmart.act.gov.au 6 CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018

NEWS / cover story

Cycling over mountains from the lounge room

By Danielle

NOHRA AS a professional cyclist, Vicki Whitelaw rode all over the world.

Despite retiring in 2011, the now mother-of-two still climbs over snow-capped mountains and rides through London with three-yearold Isaac by her side.

Her rides start early in the morning or during Isaac’s naps, but once he wakes he sits next to her, points to the computer and asks: “Which avatar are you, mum?”

He’s referring to Zwift, an online virtual computer game that uses a real-life rider and bike.

Some call it the “future of cycling” but Vicki, 41, of Dunlop, describes it as “probably, physically, the hardest computer game in the world”.

After riding in the Delhi Commonwealth Games and representing Australia at four UCI World Championships, Vicki wasn’t sure if she’d be sold on E-Sports but a year in and she says it ticks all the boxes.

“When you’re a stay-at-home mum you’re confined to the house,” she says.

“Now I can be in the lounge room while the kids are having a nap and get an effective workout.

“For a lot of people, they can’t get out on their bikes because of weather, traffic or pollution.

“With Zwift, you just need a mountain bike, a smart trainer device and a subscription. Then the resistance is governed by the course.”

Vicki has just finished an eightweek season and is eligible to compete in the CVR World Cup in Vancouver on June 22.

She’s one of 10 women chosen as part of the “Elite Women’s” category, who will line up in the middle of a velodrome in Canada and, rather than cycle around it, will race in front of large, flat screens.

There’s prizemoney to be won, too; about $US10,000, which Vicki says pays a lot more than cycling (outdoors) professionally.

And, when you compare it to famous races, such as the women’s “Tour of Flanders” in Belgium, which pays about $1000, it seems she’s right.

Vicki made a career out of cycling overseas for seven years before she decided to start a family six years ago.

“I turned down a really good contract but decided children were on the cards,” she says.

“I retired when I wanted to, which was a blessing, I wasn’t forced out through injury.

“It was a tough decision because I was at the peak of my career and I had more to give.”

Even though Vicki now has Isaac and a daughter, Jessica, 5, she says the competitive juices still exist.

But this time she gets to high five her family while she makes it to the top of the mountain first.

“When you’re retired, there’s a lot of talk of struggle for elite athletes,” she says.

“This has enabled me to cope with it, [retirement]. Just because I’ve had two kids, doesn’t mean I’m not competitive. It’s an outlet for me to still feel fit and competitive.”

There are three courses, or maps, in Zwift: Watopia, which is a fantasy world based on a real-life island, as well as the more realistic London and Richmond courses.

Does the experience come close to the real thing? It’s certainly better than looking at a blank wall or watching a TV show, says Vicki.

“It’s incredibly motivating, which surprised me – I would ride every day on it,” she says.

“With outdoor riding you miss out on the social aspects but the social aspects are accommodated for with Zwift because you can text and chat as you do a group workout.

“You can be listening to that guy in Brazil and that person in the UK, which is amazing. “[And], it’s accessible to anyone.

The last CVR World Cup was won by a 42-year-old gardener from Britain.”

Cyclist Vicki Whitelaw… riding “the hardest computer game in the world”.

Photo by Danielle Nohra

Whatever you want to do in later life, start thinking about it now.

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There are also 20,000 extra high level home care packages to help you stay at home and independent for longer.

There are lots of ways to live the life you want.

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CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 7

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IT was good to read in “CityNews” (May 17) that former politician Steve Doszpot’s legacy of good works for the betterment of the community is continuing, only to read in subsequent pages dispiriting articles by Jon Stanhope and Robert Macklin giving instances of how our society has lost its moral compass at both government and the domestic level.

Stanhope writes of the tragic situation on our Guantanamo, Nauru, where even young children are condemned to a life of misery and hopelessness by the callousness of our government.

Macklin writes of funeral vultures who prey on the grieving when they are at their most vulnerable.

Is this the type of society we wish to live in?

Our politicians showed idealism in the post World War II period with the White Paper on Full Employment (1945) and the ambitious Immigration program that, putting aside the lamentable White Australia aspect of the policy, sought to give every assistance to new settlers through jobs, accommodation and language training.

Michael Moore in his column dares to dream of politicians who provide leadership and have a goal of the betterment of society. He outlines how the Welsh parliament has sought to do.

Could our politicians at least give this approach a try?

Maureen Bell, Aranda

Pay for them yourself I HAVE read and heard of the plethora of Commonwealth Games athletes and officials who have now become economic illegal entrants to Australia and the bleeding hearts and lawyers

singing their praises for allowing them to stay here to the detriment of hundreds of our own country’s genuine homeless.

May I suggest that each and all of their supporters and mouthpieces foster these people themselves, being responsible for their housing, their food and clothing, their welfare and health needs and any ongoing costs that Australian taxpayers would normally shoulder.

I don’t think that is too much to ask, is it?

Reach out for help

FAR too many people who have a serious mental illness are not getting treatment … and we need to get that to change.

It’s estimated less than 50 per cent of Australians who have a serious mental illness get treatment. Obviously this is alarming.

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia urges people who may have mental health issues to reach out and get the help they need. There Michael Attwell, Dunlop is significant support out there from GPs, clinical specialists and, most importantly, community mental health services.

We have a free phone number people can call from anywhere in Australia to get guidance.

Just call 1800 985944 if you need some advice on where best to go. Readers can also go to MiNetworks.org.au.

Our latest campaign highlights that 230,000 people in Australia are estimated to have schizophrenia. When you include families helping these people, around one million people are impacted.

It is utterly shameful that the average life Belgium expectancy of someone with schizophrenia in Anderlecht this country is now just 54 years old. We have to do so much more to support people with schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia can YOU have no idea how impressed I was in viewand do recover. ing your “CityNews” of April 12.

Tony Stevenson, CEO, The advertisement for your printer on Page 15 Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia had the colours of the Belgium flag, the country I migrated from. But more importantly right next to it are the colours of my place of birth – Write to us Anderlecht (suburb of Brussels).

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au This is an unbelievable coincidence! or write to the editor at:

Unbelievable ‘coincidence’

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NEWS

How a woman on the moon got John writing

By Cam Wilson

WHAT makes a Canberran exsubmarine engineer who’s “always hated writing” sit down one morning to write a thriller novel?

“I was gazing at the stars one night while on holidays in Salamander Bay, when I suddenly wondered if a woman has ever set foot on the moon” says silver-haired septuagenarian John G O’Neill.

“So I called up NASA and do you know what they told me? ‘Well, sir,’” he says, imitating a US space agency employee with a Southern twang, “‘we ain’t ever put a woman on the moon, but we’re not too sure about the Chinese or Russians.’

“That question stuck in the back of my mind for awhile until one Saturday morning, I sat down at my desk and I wrote the last chapter of ‘Kafira’.”

Since publishing his first book, O’Neill has written “Two Crowns” and “Seven Long Steps to Paradise: An Islamist Terrorist” and has another book on the way.

His books are in the style of Dan Brown’s thriller novels: they follow a cerebral yet flawed protagonist who is drawn into a global adventure with enemies trying to thwart them.

O’Neill credits his “insatiable creativity and imagination” for his transformation to full-time author and pub-

lisher. Before penning his first novel, his unorthodox career path hinted at his hidden curiosity.

O’Neill left school at age 15 to follow his father into the Royal Australian Navy. Despite insisting that his “father’s facilities were not passed on to his son”, O’Neill rose quickly through the ranks before becoming an engineering commander.

After leaving the Navy in his midtwenties, O’Neill’s career has included an array of diverse occupations that sound like jobs he would give to his novel’s characters.

O’Neill says he’s developed submarines for a company in Sweden and started a software design business for tracking vehicles. He also served as the executive officer of not-for-profit Technical Aid to the Disabled ACT. But he says it was a chance conversation with a submarine captain while in service that sparked his passion for learning.

“A submarine captain said to me: ‘Look, Johno, I’m just going to do the barristers and solicitors exam’. When he told me what that was, I thought to myself ‘I wouldn’t mind doing that’.”

After enrolling to study law in his mid-twenties while still working in the Navy, O’Neill was so “thirsty for knowledge” that he would work on submarines by day and then go home to study case law until the early hours of the morning.

Latter-day author John G O’Neill… “I research and research so no one can point to my book and say: ‘That couldn’t happen’.”

O’Neill says this discipline and appetite for gruelling schedules equipped him to write a book while also working full time as a project manager for the Department of Defence. “’I’d sit down after work and write.

During the day, in between designing something, I was thinking about words. I looked forward to reading what I’d done the night before. I looked forward to starting again.”

O’Neill’s passion for knowledge is

on full display in his writing. While the storylines are larger-than-life – in “Kafira”, North Korea develops a new version of the Ebola virus to threaten to spread unless their claim to the moon is recognised – O’Neill insists his book’s characters are realistic and the plots are grounded in real history or science.

“One of the things I’m keen on in my books is facts. When I find myself thinking how the story is going to work, I research and research so no one can point to my book and say: ‘That couldn’t happen’.”

For some, writing is a tortuous process. However, O’Neill is vocal about how much he enjoys writing.

“I love reading what I’ve read. Sometimes, I think: ‘Jeez, did I write that?’ I know it sounds odd, but I derive a great sense of joy out of it.”

Another way which O’Neill differs is his unusual writing process; he reverse-engineers his plots by writing the last chapter first and then working his way backward. By the time he’s written the first chapter, he’s already started on the last chapter of the next book.

And despite being well past the age when most retire, O’Neill shows no signs of slowing down.

“My doctor says I’ve got about 15 more years in me. I reckon I’ve got three more books before I kick off my perch.”

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YESTERDAYS

Patience proves a virtue for the little old church IT’S charming and historic and, having just marked a most significant milestone, comes with more than its share of mysteries – and a miracle, too, it seems.

Welcome to St Paul’s Anglican Church, Burra, beyond the eastern border of Canberra.

Here it has stood in quiet service to its community for 150 years, its distinctive blue-pink granite hewn from nearby paddocks in early 1868.

Intriguingly, from its appearance at a time the remote and sparsely populated area was “the very edge of civilisation”, through wars and hardship, to coming full circle and being restored to its former simple Gothic glory, St Paul’s has, until now, never had bestowed the honour of consecration. Not that this has ever posed a problem for its congregation.

“It was just a bit of a curiosity and people occasionally wondered what might have happened, but it

wasn’t a big deal,” says former church warden, David Gazard.

“In preparations for our 150th anniversary, celebrated this month, it came up again and so we thought it would be as good a time as any to make it official.”

So what, pray tell, does a consecration actually involve?

A certain set of prayers it seems, invoked by no less than a bishop.

And never fear – it doesn’t mean that before such a thing occurring the baptised are unbaptised, the wedded unmarried and the deceased not really so.

To consecrate is to “set aside for sacred purposes” on a permanent basis, providing “protection against use in an unfitting way”. Therefore, a church may be dedicated, that is, designated for its intended role, but in the absence of consecration theoretically remains without “permanent” status – hence why a hall might be blessed for use as a place of public worship as an interim measure.

Or that’s what the experts say.

In the day-to-day operation of things, it doesn’t alter anything.

Nonetheless, from an historic point of view, how St Paul’s went for a century-

St Paul’s at Burra… stood in quiet service to its community for 150 years, its distinctive blue-pink granite hewn from nearby paddocks in early 1868. and-a-half without attaining the honorific is not nearly as simplistic as the church itself. And from initial investigations, this may be a singular example considering the lengthy period it’s done without.

When ready for the door

of the “neat and extremely snuglooking little sanctuary” to be flung open to followers on a cold and squally May day, it appeared costs were not yet covered. Considered unedifying to employ in the “service of God a mortgage-burdened building”, Mesac Thomas, first Bishop of Goulburn,

declared that “formal consecration could not take place until the debt was paid off” and, instead, a dedication was accordingly imparted.

Apparently its dues were settled shortly after, however still it seems there came no formal recognition.

This may also account for another peculiarity associated with this rural bastion of faith – its lack of an attached graveyard, despite the fact land had been set aside to serve such a role.

Churchyard burials are common – think of St John’s at Reid – and yet Burra is an exception (so, too, Queanbeyan and Bungendore, which were consecrated).

There are said to be at least three known grave sites in the area but even the details of these vary depending on the source. There’s a possibility there could be more except for St Paul’s next curiosity: most of its early records have disappeared.

During the World Wars and in the grip of the Depression, the church fell into disuse, its only attendees, drifters passing through. As the stories go, they’re believed to be the culprits, having burned the books for warmth and used the remainder to roll their cigarettes. The carpet was repurposed to resole their worn-out boots.

Even the church bell, formerly atop the shingled roof in a small spire, vanished, some suggesting it found

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its way out to Tharwa. Most likely it was removed to ensure it wasn’t misappropriated for a muchneeded meal.

St Paul’s was fully returned to its community in 1951 and, even though for almost another 70 years its legal “protection” remained elusive, it appeared it was being watched over: a bushfire roared towards it in 1952 before it “miraculously parted and passed each side of the church”.

It was also far from the only place consecration was not conferred – the 1837 Convict Church of Port Arthur, although no longer in use, never achieved the status, while in 1884 “The Daily Telegraph” reported there were “about 24 churches, all of which have been licensed, in regular use, and which should properly be consecrated”.

While May 20, 2018, saw the local oversight finally remedied, 150 years of just getting on with the job without need for acknowledgement may not only be a record but one that might never be beaten.

Nichole Overall is a Queanbeyanbased author, journalist and social historian. For additional developments, controversies and historic detail, see nichole2620. wordpress.com

The entry to St Paul’s at Burra… during the World Wars and in the grip of the Depression, the church fell into disuse.

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POLITICS

The future’s here – and

By Michael Moore THE challenges facing humankind ca n seem overwhelming, but having glimpsed some of the next generation’s outstanding leaders, I believe the future of our world is in good hands.

At the recent World Health Assembly in Geneva I had the opportunity to ponder the future among so many impressive young professionals providing great optimism for a bright future.

Aimee Brownbill is just one example. A young South Australian PhD candidate who has been elected to the board of the Public Health Association of Australia, she interrupted a dream holiday in Europe to attend the World Health Assembly. Her understanding, insight and vision for the future reinforced the importance of encouraging young professionals to engage.

The World Health Assembly was also the venue for the launch of an international indigenous working group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). This group has had strong support from Australia

The sooner our next generation of outstanding leaders bumps off the self-interested old farts who fail to count the cost to others, to the environment and to the planet, the better. and NZ, and particularly from Ken Wyatt, the Federal Minister for Indigenous Health.

Another PhD candidate and Yorta Yorta woman, Summer May Finlay is proving a dynamic force in Aboriginal health. Finlay has stepped on to the world stage to make a difference for indigenous people internationally. Her contribution at the World Congress on Public Health in Melbourne as a keynote speaker for young professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples was outstanding.

The work she has done with the other indigenous leaders is simply inspiring. The future of indigenous peoples internationally is challenging. However, we do have outstanding leaders, including the next generation, who are ready to do the work.

The International NCD Alliance provides hope for the future. Involved are Alessandro Demaio and Lucy

Westerman, remarkable leaders from the next generation, who have recognised the importance of tackling non-communicable disease and its root causes. They are tackling the industry mantra that such diseases are simply about personal responsibility.

Their focus is on the obesogenic environment and the “causes of the causes”. This means taking on some huge industry players internationally including big tobacco, big alcohol and unhealthy food manufacturers.

There are other challenges.

I shopped one evening in a Sainsbury’s supermarket for the first time in about three years. Within hours my Twitter account was sullied by a series of uninvited hits from the company. Ironically, it was on the same day Europe adopted the General Data Protection Regulation, a law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union as

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it looks good

LETTER What are we doing to our kids?

IN his column (“When industry trumps the evidence”, CN May 10) Michael Moore states that a levy on sugary drinks “should be a lay down misere”.

Michael Moore with Summer May Finlay in Geneva. well as personal data outside of the EU. In an era of growing social media we need young, energetic people with an understanding of influence of industry on politics and decision making. The consequences of widespread adoption of digital technology and the necessary protections from big business will have consequences for the health of the next generations and their planetary inheritance.

Health ought to be considered a marker for the future. Planetary health is fundamental. The concept includes humans, animals and the environment and the interaction between all of them. Economic productivity

is important – provided it is sustainable.

However for a bright future, economics needs to be considered in the context of the social and environmental consequences. This is sometimes referred to as the triple bottom line. The sooner our next generation of outstanding leaders bumps off the self-interested old farts who fail to count the cost to others, to the environment and to the planet, the better.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He is the Immediate Past President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

I don’t disagree, except that this tax would be too narrow and would not address a much deeper problem.

In my work in early childhood I see inside young children’s lunchboxes and I despair at all the cute colourful little packets of convenience food that purport to be healthy but are anything but.

Most contain large amounts of sugar and artificials, while also being very expensive, having behavioural effects and creating considerable extra rubbish for landfill – no healthy choices here.

I would like to see our decision makers focus on the whole field of what is being fed to our next generation, not just sugary drinks.

In the capital city of the country with the best fresh food in the world, we can do better!

Chris Ellis, via email

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Curtin Shopping Centre | 6281 1220 | curtinoptical.com.au CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 13

SCENE / around canberra

Photos by ANA STUART

At the opening of ‘Tulisi’ exhibition, Acton

At the Business Sustainability Awards, Phillip

Denise Ferris, artist Christopher Ulutupu

Meg Jepsen and Sandra McMullen

Alex Lundy and Tom O’Hara

Shags, Amanda Biggs and Neil Doody

Patrick Larmour and Nicci Haynes

Ros Malouf, Geoffrey Rutledge and Emma Humphreys

Megan Childs, Andrew Bell and Krystal O’Callaghan

David Broker and Alexander Boynes

Jules and Jenni Tarrant

Martin Smith and Blandine Guillot

Suzette Chiu, Susan Foy and Hayley Bushell

Claire Dunn, Billy Coombes and Tracey Henry

Simone Hijazi and Maria Falez

At Menslink’s ‘Midweeker’, Griffith

sundayROAST

Des Linehan and Dale Boucher

Michael Cooney and Michael Cooney Jr

Robyn and Peter Simpson

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14 CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018

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ALL ABOUT FINANCE

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As the sixth largest audit, tax and consulting network in the world, Lindsay says clients can have peace of mind that they’re Backed with more than 30 years’ receiving a skilled service. experience in the financial industry, RSM Australia, in Deakin, has financial adviser Lindsay started been around for 25 years and the in the Deakin office in 2002, and financial services team can offer prides himself on offering quality financial-planning advice in areas advice and assisting clients to make such as wealth creation, superaninformed decisions about their risk Lindsay Walker. nuation and pension planning, as management, wealth creation and well as insurance and succession planning. retirement needs.

Lindsay says because RSM has its own financial RSM, Equinox Building 4, Level 2, 70 Kent Street, services licence, in conjunction with its accounting Deakin. Call 6217 0300 or visit rsm.global/australia/ service, it’s a one-stop-shop that focuses solely on offices/canberra the client.

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FOLLOWING recent Budget changes to self-managed super funds, Catherine Smith, of Wholistic Financial Solutions, is holding a complimentary seminar on June 14, where she’ll discuss its advantages.

“Budget changes to SMSF now allows you to have six members from the whole family join on to a SMSF,” she says.

“This means you can invest funds into joint investments and properties.”

As well as talking about SMSF, which Catherine says are simple, easy and affordable to set up, she’ll also be discussing other Budget changes.

Catherine, who was initially frustrated with the financialadvisory sector, has dedicated 20 years of study in order to confidently benefit people’s financial needs as a “whole”.

She’s backed with knowledge as a tax accountant, mortgage broker, financial planner, real estate agent, justice of the peace in the ACT and NSW, life coach, hypnotherapist and masters graduate in the taxation field.

She started Wholistic Financial Solutions, in Dickson, in 2006, as a one-stop shop for all financial needs such as taxation, business, financial planning, mortgage broking, share and property investing.

“My advice is based on assessing the client’s goals, needs and wants and the financial feasibility of the goals both now and in the future,” she says.

Wholistic Financial Solutions, 7a/20 Challis Street, Dickson.

Call 6162 4546, email reception@wfscanberra.com.au or visit wfscanberra.com.au

Wholistic Financial Solutions practice manager Catherine Smith.

WHOLISTIC FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

Canberra’s Leading Self-Managed Super Fund Advisors

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SELF-MANAGED SUPER FUND INFORMATION NIGHT Do you want the Simple Truth about Self Managed Super Funds?

• What are the benefits of the budget changes?

• How a 6 member SMSF can work for your family?

• How much do I need to invest to make an SMSF cost effective?

• Investments – Where can I invest?

• Borrowing to buy property in my fund • What control do I have? What can I do and what can’t I do?

• Am I too young to consider an SMSF or am I too old?

Please feel free to join us for an Economic Update starting at 7.30pm following our SMSF Seminar

COMPLIMENTARY SELF-MANAGED SUPER FUND SEMINAR

What will you learn?

• What are the advantages?

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Thursday 14th June 6pm (for 6.15pm start) – 7.15pm

SMSFs are simple, easy, flexible and affordable to set up. Let Catherine Smith show you how an SMSF may be cheaper to run than your existing retail or industry funds.

Location: The Pavilion on Northbourne 242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson RSVP: Essential

To RSVP, or for more information about our SMSF services, or to arrange a free meeting to discuss call Canberra’s local SMSF experts on 6162 4546 or email seminars@wfscanberra.com.au or visit wfscanberra.com.au/events

Wholistic Financial Solutions Unit 7A / 20 Challis Street, Dickson 02 6162 4546 • www.wfscanberra.com.au CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 15

ALL ABOUT FINANCE Lawyer Ashilpa has a way with wills Contact us for a free confidential discussion

Lindsay Walker

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

T: 02 6217 0337

Chris Oates

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WHEN it comes to wills and estates, people might own assets in a complicated arrangement, which is why it’s important to get advice, says Ashilpa Khanna, of Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators.

Dedicated to making the legal process easier, Ashilpa, who is the wills and estate planning lawyer, says she can give thorough advice relating to estate assets and superannuation.

“It’s important to get that advice because a will, for example, has to be tailored to each individual and some clients might own assets that may be in a complicated arrangement,” she says.

“It’s best to go through the assets and then tailor a will according to that.”

But if they don’t, Ashilpa says their wishes won’t come into effect.

“When it’s a non-government entity, a super fund is not part of their estate, under the will, and a lot of people don’t realise that,” she says.

“I go through the assets and super to see if they’d like to sign a binding debt nomination form, which ensures your super forms part of your estate, therefore is governed by a will.

“Similarly, with enduring power of attorney I advise my clients in relation to property matters.”

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@ chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

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Ashilpa Khanna.

At Capon and Hubert Lawyers we ensure that your estate goes to family or friends of your choice. Having a valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family and friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate. We understand your situation is different and may require a unique specialist approach.

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Phone 6152 9203 First Floor, 32-38 Townshend St, Phillip ACT 2606

advertising feature Time to check for tax deductions, says Gail WITH the end of the financial year, June 30, coming up, Gail Freeman, of Gail Freeman & Co, says there’s a number of ways people can benefit from their tax-return outcome.

“They can increase deductions, which should give them a larger refund or smaller tax bill,” she says.

One way people can do this is by claiming a tax deduction for personal contributions that they make into their superannuation.

“This is the first year that many people will be able to make a personal deduction to superannuation,” she says.

“The total deductible amount is $25,000 and this includes all contributions made by your employer on your behalf.”

Another thing to think about is charity donations, says Gail.

“If you plan to make a donation, now is the time to do so,” she says.

“Anything else that is tax deductible, that you pay for before June 30, you can claim in your 2018 tax return.”

But, Gail’s advice also comes with a warning, and she says this year the ATO has advised that it’ll be looking carefully at work expenses, such as phone usage and car expenses.

“If their car is part of their salary sacrifice arrangement, they can’t claim any car-related costs,” she says.

Gail Freeman & Co, 9/71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston.

Call 6295 2844, email info@gailfreeman.com.au or visit gailfreeman.com.au

Property coach Darren looks for value WORKING as a financial adviser, business consultant and coach for more than 30 years, Darren Laudenbach saw a lot of people invest their money into property, and invest it wrongly.

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The ACT Budget Breakfast is an important event in Canberra’s business calendar.

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As a property coach for The Property Investment Store, Darren helps people get property with immediate uplift on the value and wherever possible, he makes sure it’s cashflow positive.

“I think that property can solve a problem that no other investment can,” he says.

But, Darren says, it’s important to do the research and treat property investment like a business.

“People tend to not look at all the different parameters to make it successful,” he says.

“Or they often get advice from people who haven’t had the experience.”

The Property Investment Store bases all its advice on research such as independent appraisals from property experts.

“We also have a unique 10-year insurance guarantee, which is optional but it’s available on all properties,” he says.

“It means we can guarantee for 10 years that rent will be coming in.”

Whether it’s preparing people to invest or helping give the right advice to people who are ready to invest, Darren says he will find the right fit to suit anyone’s needs.

The Property Investment Store. Call Darren on 0419 692974, email darren@pistore.com.au or visit propertyinvestmentstore.com.au

ASK ME ABOUT YOUR SUPER, TAX & INVESTMENTS

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Contact Darren Laudenbach from The Property Investment Store for your free initial consultation CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 17

IT in BUSINESS

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WITH almost 20 years in the industry John Falez, of ESC Technology, has seen many businesses trying to save money by buying low-end equipment only to find it expensive to run.

“Even though technology has delivered cost savings through scanning and electronic filing, the paperless office is still elusive for the majority of businesses and the scanning process can be labour intensive,” John says.

“One option for business to save money on their printing and digitising is to invest in equipment which will deliver low cost per copy.”

John says an example of a low-cost-per-copy multi-function device is the latest range of Oki colour Multifunctions.

“Similar devices are now being used more and more for scanning and in recognition of this, Oki has introduced an optional single-pass automatic document feeder, which means it scans both sides of the original in one pass.

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Peopletek – The power to be your best info@peopletek.com.au • www.peopletek.com.au 18 CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sad look at the Black War

By Helen

MUSA IT’S not often a major exhibition is described as necessary, vital, essential and demanding of attention, but so it is with the newest exhibition at the National Gallery.

“The national picture: the art of Tasmania’s Black War” is a look at a violent part of Tasmania’s history through the medium of art but has, as one of its major themes, the subject of “conciliation”.

“But notice the difference between that word ‘conciliation’ and ‘reconciliation’,” says Prof Tim Bonyhady from the ANU, co-curator with Greg Lehman, from the University of Tasmania. “Conciliation” suggests placation of an inferior, “reconciliation” suggests reuniting, a two-way activity.

Much of the new exhibition surrounds the historical figure of George Augustus Robinson, builder, preacher and self-styled “conciliator” or worse, “pacificator” (the word appears on his gravestone in Bath) of the Tasmanian Aborigines after the so-called “Black War”, whose mission it was to round up the Aborigines and resettle them on Flinders Island.

Robinson befriended Truganini, to whom he promised food, housing and security in exchange for help in forging an agreement with the Big River and Oyster Bay peoples. Undoubtedly a gifted man, Bonyhady says he had a grasp of Aboriginal languages and compiled valuable word lists.

Robinson, it turns out was also a visual entrepreneur who understood how important pictures could be. He was a collector and the provenance of three of the surveyor-general George Frankland’s now threatening “proclamation boards” can be traced directly back to Robinson.

Ironically these boards derived from an idea that the “natives” would respond to pictures.

The key artist in the exhibition is Benjamin Duterrau, a minor figure from London, who arrived in Tasmania in 1832.

Duterrau conceived of his grand project, a “national picture”, that would depict Robinson’s “Friendly Mission” in painting, sculpture, prints and drawings, preferably for public acquisition.

He pictured Robinson as a solitary, noble white man among wild Aborigines, relying solely on persuasion. But this often-shocking exhibition shows how in fact, although he usually went unarmed, he engaged local Aborigines to do his “persuading” for him and some did carry weaponry.

The show, developed in partnership with

When everything’s coming up rosés RICHARD CALVER

ARTS IN THE CITY

The coolest musos on the mountains

By Helen Musa

Bookings to canberrarep.org.au

BILLED as the “Coolest Music Festival in Australia”, the Peak Festival is on at Perisher and Smiggins for the tenth year during the June Long Weekend (June 8-11). Featured acts across 10 venues include Dan Sultan, Cool Out Sun, Hot Potato Band, Matiu Te Huki and Electric Lemonade. Bookings and program details at peakfestival. com.au

CANBERRA Opera is over the moon to have opera singer and director Ghillian Sullivan here for the June long weekend to work with its “Cosi Fan Tutte” cast in the lead up to the July production of the Mozart work. She’ll also run a public masterclass from 2pm on Saturday, June 9. Inquiries to 0410 094908.

GRAMMY-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling plans to breathe new life into old favourites when he tours with Emma Pask. At Canberra Southern Cross Club, 8pm, Thursday, June 7.

Bookings to premier.ticketek.com.au

Thomas Bock, “Matthinna 1842”, painting in watercolour over drawing in pencil.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, is “extraordinary because it is very rare”, Bonyhady says, giving full credit to the former NGA director Ron Radford and his successor Gerard Vaughan for recognising that these Tasmanian paintings were not just of regional significance but part of a major national narrative.

“Duterrau was not a sophisticated artist,” Bonyhady says. “His lack of skill, however, was compensated for by their scale and ambitious nature.”

His huge canvases of “savages” in stereotypically aggressive poses are imposing and in the case of “Native Taking a Kangaroo 1837”, where a “European” dog is engaged in the process, are indicative of cultural changes.

The exhibition is not confined to paintings.

Rare, early works by Tasmanian Aboriginal people, ceramics and Aboriginal oral history sit alongside settlers’ representations of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and 21st century political responses of artists such as Julie Gough and Ricky Maynard.

Bonyhady began his career when he became a junior curator in Tasmania after having written a paper on early Tasmanian art. It is familiar territory to him, but he agrees that despite signs of resistance in the faces of some portrait subjects, the exhibition is “incredibly sad”.

“The national picture: the art of Tasmania’s Black War”, NGA, until July 29. Free entry.

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A PLAY developed from the book “How William Shakespeare and Emilia Bassano-Lanier Invented Romantic Love” by Canberra writer Paul Kauffman will be performed at University House in September.

“Shakespeare and His Mistress” will be directed by Cate Clelland with music and songs by David Pereira.

George Frankland (after) “Governor Arthur’s proclamation to the Aboriginal people 18291830”, oil on huon pine board.

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

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1PM SUNDAY, JUNE 10

Opera singer Ghillian Sullivan… public masterclass, June 9.

ELECTRIC string quartet FourPlay will play at The Street Theatre on Tuesday, June 5, as part of a national tour. The group started its career wowing audiences with radical reinventions of popular songs covering everyone from Radiohead to Leonard Cohen. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

SCOTTISH group the Paul McKenna Band – McKenna, Ewan Baird, Conor Markey, Robbie Greig and Conal McDonagh – will be at Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Civic, on Tuesday, June 5. Bookings to smithsalternative.com

Visit Queanbeyan’s largest private gallery Established in 2011, FORM Gallery is Queanbeyan’s largest privately owned gallery and only seven minutes from the Canberra Airport.

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FORTY-FIVE years on, Aztec Records has released a double CD of “Jesus Christ Superstar, An Australian Cast Recording”, which was recorded live at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, in 1973, complete with a 20-page booklet of liner notes and photographs.

Getting the live recording released to the public has been a labour of love for Coralea Cameron, long-term partner and manager of Jon English, who shot to fame in the role of Judas.

Details at aztecrecords.com.au

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0430 359 776 formstudioandgallery.com.au 1/30 Aurora Ave Queanbeyan Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm Closed ACT School Holidays CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 19

CINEMA

Bookshop drama brings conflict to the village “The Bookshop” (PG)

books is a perilous trade at the best of times.

EVEN film reviewers are entitled to have favourites.

And for her gently powerful film about subtle conflict in a small English town in 1959, Spanish filmmaker Isabel Coixet has cast two of my favourite actors in pivotal roles.

The story adapts a novel by Penelope Fitzgerald canvassing a choice selection of social issues provoked by the decision of Florence (Emily Mortimer), 16 years a widow, to buy an old (yet not too decrepit) house and live there using the ground floor as a bookshop.

Surely that innocent decision should distress nobody. But a small community can be home to a social climber with a private agenda, connections to help her fulfil it and a conviction that the community wants it.

Violet Gamart is married to a retired military man whom she dominates with a gentle insistence. Don’t assume that knowing this about her points to a creative cliché.

Violet, with bigger fish to fry, sees Florence’s handsome old house as the ideal home for a cultural centre. She has money, patience and well-placed connections.

So now you know who’s the villain. Patricia Clarkson plays her with a sweet steeliness masking a suppressed frustration that may be sexual or political or both. Whichever it is confirms her as an actress whose name on a cast list makes any film a must for connoisseurs of great acting. Hated the character, loved the actress, that’s where I stand.

My other favourite is Bill Nighy playing

At Palace Electric, Dendy and Capitol 6

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” (M)

Emily Mortimer as Florence Green in “The Bookshop”.

Edmund Brundish, landowner, hermit, unable to come to terms with the long-ago loss of his wife. The screenplay gives him a lovely set of quirky mannerisms to play with. And unbeknown to anybody, including Florence and Violet, a steeliness that when forced to the surface brooks no opposition.

It’s a relatively small role but watching him is a delight.

Florence becomes his saviour when she sends him two books to jolt him out of his self-imposed solitude. One is “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. The other is the collected poems of Philip Larkin. In this I confess to a connection. My cousin Gaynor is married to Larkin’s publisher who introduced me to Larkin’s work. Who, having met, laughed

at and pondered it, can forget “This be the verse”?

Books gently drive this film with an accumulation of emotional pressures that confound its dramatic power. Perhaps its most important attribute is its shunning of cliché, a quality to which too many movies fail to aspire, much less achieve.

It comes down to what small communities often lack without being aware of it.

That’s my situation, too. When “A Suitable Book” opened its doors I rejoiced. When it sank beneath floodwaters, I like many others in and beyond the village mourned. Selling

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Web: cada.net.au • Phone: 1300 908 905 20 CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018

IN 1977, writing for another paper, I ventured the opinion that George Lucas’s initial film in the obscenely-imitated, inflated and impossible “Star Wars” franchise was at best an outer space Western of scant merit. In the subsequent four decades, nothing under the “Star Wars” banner, not feature movies, TV series, video games, has persuaded me from this view.

Yes, I know there’s a cohort in the population, many of whom weren’t even a gleam in their parents’ eyes in 1977, for whom “Star Wars”, its ongoing characters and its repetitious themes and issues are the greatest thing in movies since George Melies launched his rocket on a trip to the moon in the 1902 film of the same name at a cost of 10,000 francs, then a big budget even in black and white!

When I watched “Solo: A Star Wars Story” as one of perhaps 20 in a large multiplex cinema, the audible enthusiasm was muted.

The principal response was occasional laughter. They saw a collection of episodes scripted by Jonathan and Lawrence Kasdan telling how Han (Alden Ehrenreich, a pretty

young man) with ambitions to become a pilot, signed up for the military, acquired the surname Solo, three years later found himself an infantryman on a battlefield strongly evocative of the Western Front in World War I, got tossed into jail where he met Chewbacca the Wookie and formed a friendship that has endured for several sequels to that 1977 original.

What ensues is about two hours of episodic mish-mash of the same-old same-old in the careers of the pair down to the death of crime lord Vos (Paul Bettany), the death of Han’s traitorous companion in arms Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and Han’s accumulation of the funds to buy him a spaceship. That pair comprises the film’s acting competence.

Emilia Clarke plays Qi’ra, a femme of variable fatality. And Donald Glover plays the gambler Lando. What looks like a prototype R2D2 makes a brief appearance, but C3PO doesn’t.

The CG graphics are the film’s best element.

The “Star Wars” franchise now belongs to the Disney empire. Is it the most expensive film ever made? According to industry pundits, it is; or maybe it isn’t.

Frankly, it doesn’t look like it is. But it could have been.

At all cinemas

OPERA

Simon says gala won’t be pop

By Helen Musa

CONDUCTOR Simon Kenway says Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s coming opera gala won’t be a “pop night”.

“It’s more like a journey through the history of opera and I’ve got five very promising young soloists to help me do it,” he says.

The concert, enticingly titled “Love and Lust”, will feature a collection of arias and directed scenes from operas including “Fidelio”, “Rigoletto” and “Eugene Onegin” with all music performed by the CSO. “Each scene is going to be magical,” promises CSO chief conductor and artistic director Nick Milton, who has designed this year’s gala as a youthful sequel to last year’s top-notch lineup from Saarbrücken in Germany.

Kenway is artistic director of Pacific Opera, which he says is “a kind of postgraduate training program we provide for singers once they have left uni and are getting fit to find a position in companies and competitions.”

Pacific Opera artists come from all over the place, as far as Perth and Brisbane. The procedure is to block intensive weeks during the year, for which they descend on Sydney.

American superstar movement and acting coach Chuck Hudson is coming soon for instance. “We offer

“It can get a bit disheartening for the singers so you have to give them things to do, universities sometimes force voices too early, so we provide the kind of mentoring so that the sound doesn’t fall apart,” says Kenway.

Kenway had thought about doing a whole opera. The last one Pacific Opera did, Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen”, was a huge success, but it cost a fortune. Also, there are fewer singers used that way so a semi-staged concert, directed by Ian Warwick, proved the answer.

He’s devised an unusual program that gets away from the clichéd “Nessun Dorma” and “O mio Conductor Simon Kenway… babbino caro”, although up-and“Universities sometimes force coming soprano Livia Brash will sing voices too early, so we provide a crowd-pleaser from “The Barber the kind of mentoring so that of Seville”. the sound doesn’t fall apart.”

But there will also be darker

Photo by Kurt Sneddon moments, as with McDuff’s aria from Verdi’s “Macbeth” and the incredible experiences to targeted storm and murder scenes from people,” Kenway says.

“Rigoletto”, a piece from Richard Regarding the ideal age for Strauss’s “Ariadne auf Naxos”, and mainstage vocal performing, he says: “It’s tricky, it’s a bit like running both instrumental and vocal parts of “Eugene Onegin”. a racehorse stable, there’s a lot of But for those who prefer it light planning and care and explanation.”

The brighter, light sopranos come and frothy, towards the end there’ll to maturity in their early to mid-20s be the Champagne Trio from “Die Fledermaus” and, to conclude, Verdi’s but their careers are not long – “a Brindisi song from “La Traviata”. bit like champagne, you have to drink it early.”

CSO Opera Gala, Llewellyn Hall, The darker and more complex voices take longer, bigger sopranos 7.30pm, Saturday, June 9. Bookings to cso.org.au or 6262 6772. in their 30s and basses in their 40s.

WINE

DINING / a bite to eat, chifley

When everything’s coming up rosés

By Richard

Real food, coffee and service IF you’re in the mood for a bite to eat and in the Chifley area, whip into the shops and settle in at the café by the same name.

more questions nascently formed; but they are in the ether. The biggest A Bite To Eat has been a favourite with locals question is what’s with that name? since it swung its doors wide open in 2004, which Quaint is as complimentary, proves that great places have strong followings RECOMMENDATIONS often as I would go in response to that and stand the test of time. The café is a three-time question. work. But the giving of “Delicious” magazine winner that keeps customers The third wine was $15 a glass. It watered and fed from early morning through to advice can be fraught: my was the 2017 Spinifex rosé from the late-night drinks. favourite piece of advice is Barossa.

This will be my third review, the first was This wine had the most intriguing never play leapfrog with a published in 2006 and the second in 2012. I was colour, an almost orange pink, like a unicorn. drawn in this time curious about what the new prom ball gown. owners, Greg Kopke and Steve Elliot, had done So, there was a conversation I swirled and I swirled that wine to the place. It had been a busy day that saw me amongst friends about good food around as if it were my morning whipping about doing “stuff”. I was starving and with an extensive wine list in a mouthwash. I couldn’t get the grape so took a turn off Hindmarsh Drive wondering restaurant I hadn’t tried in Civic. variety. what I’d find.

The dinner recommendation There was a spice after taste and The good news is that Greg and Steve have kept from an enthused friend was Raku puzzlement on my part. I didn’t like the café’s eclectic fitout and personality and are near the Canberra Centre. Good it as much as the Beechworth rosé doing what smart café owners do and that’s focus Japanese food and a well put but that was partly because it was on tasty and real food handmade, good coffee together wine list, so we were told. unique and I just couldn’t nail down and friendly service. I was immediately greeted by Looking at the drinks’ menu, I the flavour profile, hints of earth Greg who was behind the bar and asked how my didn’t get past the idea of a good and light raspberry fruit and acid all day had been. rosé with Japanese food. A soft fighting for recognition.

I sat in the sunny courtyard out back, which was rosé would go well with delicate Later I googled the blend: 54 per quieter than inside. The menu is compact and true fish dishes and a bolder semi-dry cent grenache, 18 per cent cinsault, café style. On my lunch visit it featured soup of the style would match 28 per cent mataro. day ($14), roast vegetable salad ($18), fritters ($19), with anything wouldn’t be inOn went my Isulting a couple of burgers ($19), beer-battered fish ($22) spicier. you if you and a good old schnitty ($23).

We could have hat of pretension knew nothing of I opted for the mushroom and pumpkin risotto sushi or something this grape variety. as I cleaned my It is determinedly (gluten free, vegetarian and $22). The arborio was more robust; creamy and cooked how I love it, with a bit of bite rosé was likely to palate with water, French. It is said to to the rice. It was rich, but not overly so. It featured complement these have a low level of alas no bread or tannin and acidity. flavours.

There were crackers to ensure These characteristhree rosés by the coupled with I started fresh with tics glass, one from a strong aromatic Canberra and two neutral flavours. quality is why it is interstate rivals. often used in the The food order production of rosé in Provence. could be my companion’s job. I But it is a rare beast in Australian IAN James of Fisher and Annette would take on the role of wine wines and I cannot recollect tasting McKenna, of Wanniassa, are the assessor. a 100 per cent varietal of cinsault. lucky winners of the two double On went my hat of pretension Mataro, or mourvèdre, on the other passes to enjoy dinner, drinks as I cleaned my palate with water, hand is a wild child, with earthy and the “Faulty Towers” show at alas no bread or crackers to ensure tones and red fruit highlights. the Carrington Inn, Bungendore, I started fresh with neutral flavours Grenache gave the Spinifex its spice over the Queen’s Birthday long (Knock, knock. Who’s there? Water. flavours and the hint of raspberry, weekend (Friday, June 8 and Water who? Water we doing after and the acid of a young grenache.

Saturday, June 9). dinner?)

As a whole, the Spinifex blend was I commenced with the local. intriguing more than engaging.

It was the 2017 Eden Road Long In my view, the rosé journey Road rosé at $11 a glass. In fact, it was worthwhile, a real challenge was a pinot gris. and of itself better than the review A small amount of skin contact outcome; probably what you’ll think had given it the typical rosy hue after reading this! for this wine type and it had some texture with an acid bite that wasn’t overwhelming but palpable. It went well with the scallops served with green apple.

But it was far from stunning.

The second was a 2016 Jamsheed “Harem Series” Jose rosé from Beechworth in Victoria, Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, $12 a glass. The varietal is the Mourvèdre grape. It was lush, Saturday 10am-4pm, delicious and didn’t provide an closed Sunday and acid hit. public holidays It was so pleasant I called the winemaker Gary Mills to get more from the inside but alas the call went unreturned. Big wrap, Gary!

You missed out.

One intriguing question I wanted to ask was that, from his on-line bio, I saw he was Japanese speaking. Is that a clue to this Pure Gelato ACT • 4 /189 Flemington Rd, wine’s propinquity, as in affinity Mitchell (enter via Darling St.) • Phone: 02 6299 7995 in nature, to Japanese food? Many

CALVER

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Photo by Wendy Johnson two types of mushrooms, oyster and button. To add texture, additional colour and a decorative element, some mushrooms were placed on top of the risotto. Sage butter was another yummy element and the dish came with slices of parmesan and a few fresh herbs sprinkled about. It was a delish dish with bags of flavour and perfect with a glass of Hesketh Pinot Gris from Adelaide Hills ($7).

If you’re keen on sharing at lunch, A Bite To Eat has spicy chicken wings ($15), bush herb spiced calamari ($17) and nachos ($17 without beef and $19 with).

A Bite To Eat is fully licensed and BYO (corkage $4 per person). Wines by the glass start at $7 and top off at $10. Milkshakes, smoothies and fresh juices are on the menu, as are quality teas and Campos coffee. You can also order a Bloody Mary ($15) if you’re in the mood.

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CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018 21

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GARDENING

To brighten a winter garden WHAT better way to brighten a winter garden than by growing those flowering delights, hellebores.

They are one of the hardiest perennials and suitable for every garden or grown in pots.

Commonly referred to as Winter Rose or, in Europe, Christmas Rose (despite having no connection to roses beyond its flowers resembling old-fashioned, single-petal roses).

They have grown wild for centuries from the Caucasus Mountains to the Mediterranean, Corsica and Majorca.

Hellebores prefer some shade from hot summer sun and good drainage, which is why they don’t thrive in heavy, clay soils. They can remain in the ground for years and the only requirement for good flowering is to cut back the foliage to ground level in autumn. A hard cut back allows warmth from a watery winter sun to reach the emerging buds and new petals.

An application of a liquid certified organic plant food is recommended once the buds start to form.

As the saying goes “indoor for a moment and outdoors for a lifetime”, it’s good to buy hellebores when they’re in flower and keep them in their pot for indoor decoration. They’ll be alright in the house for up to three weeks.

Once the flowering ends, plant

The winter-flowering Helleborus “Anna’s Red”. them in the garden; in groups for the best effect.

Hellebores can be divided in early autumn, but wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling as all parts of the plant are poisonous.

They are ideally suited to plant under daphne, rhodos and azaleas, providing winter colour before these other acid-loving plants flower in the spring.

MEMBERS of the Canberra Horticultural Society recently saw pictures of new-release hellebores in a talk by Michael Cole of Plant

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So, to name just a few I consider a perfect collection for the garden: • “ Anna’s Red” – one of my favourites, featuring red to burgundy petals from early winter.

• “ Molly’s White” – with each white flower flushed with green and dusky pink, set off with its dark green foliage.

• “ Olivia’s Joy” – soft pink flushed flowers edged in deeper colour with veined dark green foliage.

• “ Ruby’s Daydream” – deep plum flowers also against marbled leaves.

apples are picked then the persimmons come into their own.

Jottings…

• Shred leaves with the mower and apply to garden beds as mulch.

Also shred them before putting on the compost heap.

• Add a good handful of garden lime to each couple of barrow loads of leaves on the compost heap.

• Dahlia tubers can be lifted and stored in sawdust or cheap potting mix in a poly box and store in a dark spot such as the garage.

IT’S that time of the year to mention persimmons. Our climate allows us to grow a considerably larger selection of fruit than in tropical climes. This is due to many varieties of fruit requiring a chilling factor to develop, especially apples and pears.

We can almost have fresh fruit all year round. For example, as the

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22 CityNews May 31-June 6, 2018

PUZZLES PAGE Joanne Madeline Moore

The Paris End is where you’ll find an eclectic mix of local Crafters, Makers, Designers, Artists, Artisans and Purveyors .... and probably something more.

General knowledge crossword No. 641

Your week in the stars – June 4-10, 2018

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Communicating well is the key to a good week. But don’t get carried away and exaggerate your ability to contribute. It’s much better to under-commit and over-deliver! You really can make a difference if you think global and act local. A friend or family member is also looking to you for sensitive emotional support and personal encouragement. Not tactless comments or pie-in-the-sky promises. So slip on your compassionate hat and adjust your approach accordingly.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

If you expect projects to proceed at a cracking pace then you’ll be disappointed.

Everything will take longer than expected, as Neptune muddles proceedings and provides plenty of distracting detours along the way. And have you drawn up a wish list of your goals for the future? Remember – you can’t hit a Bull’s-eye if you haven’t got one! On Sunday, use your earthy energy in practical ways via cooking, gardening, building, sport, exercise or exploring the great outdoors.

Open Tues to Fri 10am-5pm, and Saturdays 10am-4pm Phone: 02 6262 3237 theparisendcanberra@gmail.com 1/56 Heffernan St, Mitchell

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With Neptune squaring the Sun and Mercury, self-delusion is a danger. Plus be very clear in the way you explain things to other people, otherwise you’re likely to get your wires crossed and your true meaning will be scrambled. And are you being the real you? Or are you living your life according to other people’s expectations?

Heed the wise words of birthday great Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Have you been burning the midnight oil and now you’re suffering from burnout?

Or have you been running around on auto-pilot, making unusually careless mistakes? With the Sun and Mercury both hibernating in your solitude zone, it’s the perfect week to go AWOL as you slip into hermit Crab mode, down-size your social life and/or organise a digital detox. Spending quality time on your own (for some well overdue R & R) is absolutely essential at the moment.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to socialise, communicate and circulate.

Then Neptune squares the Sun on Thursday. So don’t worry if your concentration wanes, your confidence is curbed or your motivation is muted. It’s just a passing phase. Use the time to tap into your intuition and delve into some delicious daydreams. But it’s definitely not a good week to make momentous decisions – especially involving finances and/or friends. Instead, be a cautious Cat and wait.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

The planetary patterns highlight your helpful nature and your strong desire to be of service to others. But do other people actually require your well-meaning assistance? Be careful you’re not just being a fussy and finicky meddler. And if you are too quick to critique others, then you could find yourself with a fractious friend, a cranky colleague or a livid lover on your hands. Praise and encouragement will get you a lot further than criticism, no matter how ‘constructive’ it is.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

This week’s stars encourage your obsession with perfection. But things won’t run smoothly, especially involving work, family, education or travel. If you adapt to changing circumstances, and accept mistakes and misunderstandings with good grace, then you’ll manage fine. Heed the wise words of entertainer Beyoncé (who has Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto and her Ascendant in Libra): “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.”

Solution next edition

Across 1 Name the mythological ferryman who conveyed souls of the dead across the Styx. (6) 8 Which term in law is a bar or impediment? (8) 9 To have escaped by dexterity, is to have done what?

(6) 10 Name a renowned tourist resort in the NSW Blue Mountains. (8) 11 What is fool’s gold also known as? (6) 13 Name one of Australia’s political parties. (8) 16 Which crystalised violet quartz is used in jewellery? (8) 19 Which part of speech modifies a verb? (6) 22 Name a particular type of bore. (8) 24 Jerusalem is the capital of which SW Asian republic?

(6) 25 What are extended masses of ice? (8) 26 Name a blood-sucking African fly that can cause sleeping sickness. (6)

Down 2 The foliage and berries of which tree are much used for decoration at Christmas? (5) 3 What is the plural of radius? (5)

4 Name Australia’s most well-known bushranger.

(3,5) 5 Which direction on a printer’s proof, or the like, means “let it stand”? (4) 6 What may we otherwise call a violent and noisy disturbance? (6) 7 Name a mouselike rodent having long hind legs, adapted for leaping. (6) 12 Name the Australian bantamweight boxer, and world champion 1968, Lionel ... (4) 14 What was the profession of Sir Joseph Banks? (8) 15 Name a poker stake put into the pool by each player. (4) 17 Which stone is much used in sculpture and architecture? (6) 18 Which type of warfare took place in World War 1?

(6) 20 Name the novelist who wrote “Around the World in Eighty days”, Jules ... (5) 21 What, in mining, are lodes or veins? (5) 23 Caesar was warned to “Beware the ... of March”.

(4)

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Sudoku hard No. 220

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You’ve stewed over a complex situation for a while now. Resentment has built up and Tuesday could be the day when you say exactly what’s on your mind. Don’t expect a favourable response from others though! On Wednesday and Thursday the Sun, Mercury and Neptune shine a bright spotlight on your relationship with a child, teenager, lover or friend. If you don’t take the time to really listen to what they are saying, then you’ll get your communication wires crossed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

This week the planets confuse communication, so be careful you’re not viewing people through ridiculously rose-coloured glasses. Intuitive insights are highlighted, but don’t get so carried away that you head into the realm of pure fantasy.

When it comes to a major goal, are you and your partner on the same page? If you’re single, can you differentiate a dream date from a disappointing dud? By the time the weekend rolls around, you’ll start to see things more clearly.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Tuesday is a terrific day to power through paperwork, take care of business or learn something new. You’ll feel focused, intense and super fastidious. Just make sure that doesn’t translate into being an obsessive control-freak! Avoid being a gullible Goat on Wednesday and Thursday, when someone may try to pull the wool over your eyes. Stay alert. Aim to channel your creative Capricorn energy into friendships, neighbourhood connections or local community projects.

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AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

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Solutions from last edition Sudoku mediium No. 220

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Avoid making important decisions (especially involving family and real estate), as your thoughts and feelings will fluctuate during the week. The more you express the artistic, humanitarian and/or spiritual sides of your Piscean personality, the less confused you’ll feel. So it’s a great time to create and contemplate, plus help someone in need. Tricky Neptune aspects can also aggravate sensitivities or trigger allergic reactions. Steer clear of food, drink and drugs that don’t agree with you.

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 640

Nebulous Neptune scrambles your financial antenna. So it’s not a good week to borrow funds, make investments, go on a shopping spree or lend money to others (especially friends) because you’re liable to make fiscal decisions based on fluctuating emotions and confusing information. Mars is currently moving through your sign. When it comes to a personal project – throw out the rule book and do it your own way. Be inspired by birthday great Prince: “A strong spirit transcends rules.”

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