FROM OT Knit & Natter Group We formed this group in response to a request in the EKH survey. Some eager knitters turned up including first time knitter Paula, from the OT staff. One of our lovely, most patient residents is teaching me now to knit! Peg has had to fix a few mistakes—mainly holes which seem to appear after knitting while watching TV under soft lighting! Nevertheless, a garment is taking shape. The other knitters in the group are more competent to say the least and I think I can fairly say we are enjoying our new group (aren’t we Peg?). Newcomers are welcome so check your weekly programme on Fridays. Butterfly Creek As a result of the enthusiasm expressed by the residents who had already been to Butterfly Creek, we embarked on another visit. Once again it was superb and we all enjoyed seeing and hearing about everything. Always a popular place to visit. Maritime Museum Two buses of Elizabeth Knox residents were taken to the Maritime Museum with the OT/ Physio staff. It’s a marvelous place to go— informative, nostalgic, reasonable access and free!! We had a volunteer who acted as our guide the whole morning which was much appreciated. We will definitely repeat this outing. Ardmore Airport Recently a number of residents and staff paid a visit to the Warbirds Hanger and Visitor Centre at Ardmore Airport. Two of our number were RAF Bomber Command combat veterans form the Second World War and a number of others had connections with various forms of aviation within New Zealand and overseas. Just being up close to the antique aircraft on display was enough to bring back memories of first hand experience with those machines. John Tarbuck, who originally trained on a Tiger mOth and who eventually piloted the Lancaster Bill, talked of being “lucky” in that he survived a full tour of 30 missions before returning home to New Zealand. Brian Jones talked of his time with Tasman Empire Airways Limited and recognized the Britten-Norman Islander parked opposite the Warbirds hanger as a type much used for flying between the various groups of Pacific Islands. During the tour around the hanger the group was drawn outside by the loud noise of a military jet aircraft making repeated “touch and go’s” along the runway. For this writer the highlight of the aircraft parked inside the hanger was a P51 Mustang WWII fighter restored to magnificent flying condition—in fact, probably in better condition than when it had been in day to day service! Our host during the morning was Tony Harsant who guided us among the various parked aeroplanes and talked to us about how the aircraft were used in their day and how they had come to be part of the Warbirds collection. Tony’s obvious enthusiasm and willingness to listen contributed to a very enjoyable visit. RSA A point of interest, Elizabeth Knox Home has now linked up with the Onehunga RSA for those residents who indicated their willingness to receive contact. They offer an opportunity to ex servicemen and women to attend a meal at the Club on a monthly basis.
Kaye, Paula & the OT Team Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz