Your Time Brisbane September 2015

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50 SHADES OF GREY NOMAD LIFE ON THE ROAD IN THIS BIG BROWN LAND

BRISBANE EDITION 6, SEPTEMBER 2015

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love where you retire Sunshine Cove has captured the imagination of so many people looking to secure a more relaxed lifestyle.

Couples looking to realise their dream of owning a home that’s surrounded by the things they love to do but without the high maintenance of a ‘big block’.

Who needs a lawn to mow when you’re surrounded by 25 hectares of parklands and waterways, all interlinked by walking and bike pathways.

Whether it’s a home with room for guests, a serene

waterfront terrace overlooking the lake or modern inner city park side townhouse, the range and variety of land options at Sunshine Cove helps you move forward in making the decision to build.

And now with our Mackenzie Precinct land available for sale, there is even more reason to look right in the heart of Maroochydore for your perfect homesite. Our first land release across the lake, Mackenzie brings even more variety with its waterfront blocks taking full advantage of stunning north facing aspects.

Likewise Mackenzie’s park side allotments offer tranquil views across its landscaped gardens and meandering walkways. Linking your home to the lake and the rest of the Sunshine Cove community facilities and vibrant Maroochy Boulevard.

Making the best of our brilliant coastal lifestyle in the home of your own design isn’t a dream, it’s well within your reach at Sunshine Cove.

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Some other reasons you’ll love living at Sunshine Cove % Close to beaches, schools, new public hospital and superb shopping % Covenant protected planning to enhance your freehold, lifestyle investment % 25 hectares of lakes and landscaped parklands % Timber boardwalks, jetties, bike and pathways % An adventure playground and BBQ areas

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Call 1800 619 194

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27/08/2015 9:41:24 AM

Editor’s note

H

aving already made two downsizes, from the family home to a small apartment to an even smaller apartment, I’ve long since decided the next one would be to a camper to hit the road.

My only fear has been that I know nothing of mechanics and could see myself stranded on a long stretch of outback road unable to change a tyre (not my fault, the workshops screw them on too tight these days).

However, after talking to Russell Hunter who interviewed a number of grey nomads for this month’s story, I realise it can be done. I have now heard of two women well past 55 who are on the road by themselves.

Contents I am assured that there’s a real sense of community out there among the grey nomad fraternity and that there’s always plenty of willing helpers in the event of a breakdown, so the campervan is definitely back on my bucket list.

I’ve also been inspired by Joyce Milligan, who is a great advertisement for growing old. She has been living alone since her husband died in the ‘70s and was very cross the day I talked to her because someone had crashed into her car (not her fault of course). Not bad at 93!

Joyce has just won her campaign to have an old school chum awarded for his World War II bravery. She has a pile of letters that she has sent and another pile of replies, some of them from quite impressive addresses.

It just proves that if you believe enough in what you are doing, you are never too old to turn your hand to anything, not even hitting the open road in a camper.

Dorothy Whittington, Editor

5

COVER STORY

10

WHINE LOVERS

12

HISTORY

14

GARDENING

16

FASHION

22

WEALTH

24

SPRING FESTIVALS

26

RETIREMENT LIVING

27

TECHNOLOGY

28

HEALTH

30

WHAT’S ON

32

FOOD AND WINE

34

MOTORING

36

TRAVEL

44

BOOK REVIEW

45

MEMORIES

46

PUZZLES

32

5 36

18

PUBLISHER Michelle Austin 5493 1368 / 0438 717 210. EDITOR Dorothy Whittington 0435 822 846.

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4 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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27/08/2015 9:37:00 AM

COVER STORY

Grey nomads hit the road in force It’s the retirement dream of many over 55s, the idea of downsizing to a camper and getting out to explore this great brown land but as RUSSELL HUNTER discusses, there’s a lot to consider before getting out the maps.

T

hey’re a rapidly growing community in Australia. Some do it because they want to, some because they feel they have to and some have no choice.

But whatever their reason, the grey nomads, as they have inevitably become known, are increasing in numbers – and voice – throughout

Australia. Our land mass is perfect for life on the road.

You can travel for years and never visit the same place twice.

But who are these people and why do they live as they do?

For the most part, they’re the Baby Boomers, the ‘60s generation now approaching, or in, their 70s who can’t

help joining a movement as a means to be different.

Or, as in many cases, it’s the financially sensible thing to do.

For the couple who own a home and little else, it can make a degree of sense to cash up, spend up to $250K (it’s easy to spend much more) on a flash mobile home, stash the balance in the

bank, in shares, or whatever and take to the road.

Plenty are doing it. Just look at cyberspace to check the number of sites and blogs devoted to the grey nomad lifestyle. Memberships and readerships are in the hundreds of thousands.

They’re pulling caravans or, increasingly, driving rigs (it’s what they call them) of varying sizes and degrees of luxury.

We looked at a few all-in-one rigs at prices ranging from $200K to $300K. All were superbly appointed with luxury fittings from flat screen TVs (several actually) to high-end stoves and microwaves and toilet facilities.

And you don’t – yet – need a heavy goods licence to drive the things.

There’s even a German one (price on application) that comes complete with a “toybox” that can accommodate two Ferraris or similar runabouts.

But whichever way you hold the map, you’ll be two people in a very confined space that will test the most loyal, loving and row-hardened relationship.

And that’s before you start to think of dealing with the contents of the mobile toilet.

On the other hand, you can see this wonderful continent we’re so lucky to be able to call home.

THE DRAWBACKS? Caravan or mobile home rig, they’re the devil to park. You can’t – in most cases – drop in on the city dwelling kids and park your rig at the gate. Most councils won’t let you and most neighbours will complain. continued over>

September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 5

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COVER STORY <from previous page

So you’re left with finding a place to dump the rig while you go visiting.

Of course, once you’ve found a place to park, you can uncouple the caravan/trailer and set off in the car.

You cannot do that with a fixed rig.

So any city visit takes careful planning. Many of the nomads carry bikes (motorised and pushies) but that may not be suitable for all.

And while bashing the bitumen can make tedious sound like the pinnacle of hope, these rigs – fixed or otherwise – are very poor off-roaders. And if you break down in the bush, well …

So you’d want to know the basics of mobile home and diesel engine maintenance before you hit the road.

A couple of the dealers we spoke with (we didn’t take the plunge in the end) mentioned that classes were available which sounded like a good idea.

THE COST? You can pay millions if you have them and are ready to part with them. While the popular price range seems to be between $200K and $500K there’s literally no upper price limit.

And the battlers are still getting around in converted vans that can cost as little as $15K. There’s also a thriving second-hand market in road rigs but, as with used cars, you’d want to be careful.

And if you want that Australian road adventure, be prepared to pay for it.

The new rigs are about as fuel efficient as they come, but they can’t cut the price of fuel.

Some may be cheaper in the sales

HOW MANY? The Australian Bureau of Statistics certainly recognises the term “grey nomads” but specific numbers aren’t so easy to come by or maybe it needs an expert statistician to plough through the data.

But there’s no question that the numbers are on the increase. Just talk to the dealers who’re finding that sales of rigs to oldies is a growth area.

There are quite a few around – google them up and be surprised at the number in our region.

Or just google “grey nomads” for an idea of the sheer number of sites, blogs and magazines available. It would take a day to look at them all.

The benefits?

See this amazing continent of which we are so lucky to have stewardship. Come to appreciate a constitution that gives us freedom of movement when so many in the world lack it or have had it taken away.

Or just enjoy the thrill of an open road adventure.

Thank goodness for Australia.

“All were superbly appointed with luxury fittings from flat screen TVs (several actually) to high-end stoves and microwaves and toilet facilities” yard but will cost you more in the long run so it’s important to check, and remember that the manufacturer’s fuel usage figures are derived from expert drivers, on a perfect surface in perfect conditions.

So add a few bob to their figures and shop around for insurance.

Work opportunities?

Not a few are following the fruit picking season from south to north. It should be possible to do it in the opposite direction, shouldn’t it?

Whichever direction you travel, be aware it’s physical work that may not suit every oldie who wants to try it.

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On the other hand, it’s outdoor work and it’s casual, meaning you can usually choose the days and times you want to put in the effort.

And the wonder of the internet has enabled many to work from “home” – whether they be writers, online marketers, sales people or whatever. All they need is a mobile or wi-fi connection and they’re in business.

Plenty seem to pick up other casual work along the way, while others consider themselves retired and intend to remain so.

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6 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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COVER STORY

SPEAKING from experience “Don’t even think about it mate. Just do it. You’ll never regret it.”

These are the words of Sam, a 60-something former factory worker who, with his wife, sold their house nearly three years ago and bought the rig they still live in.

In that time they’ve not quite travelled the coastline of Australia (though that’s the next project), but have been to places they never thought they would see. (“The Bungle Bungles were interesting mate but you’d wanna be a bit careful driving around there”).

They visit their two sons, daughter and grandchildren in Melbourne from time to time, parking the rig at a site in the outer suburbs. They’ve promised two of the grandkids an extended ride at the long school holidays – “they’re absolutely rapt.”

Sam, along with an estimated 200, fellow grey nomads was speaking at the Townsville V8s, a venue highly popular on their own particular circuit.

“We’re here every year,” says Ann, a widow who took to the lifestyle in her upmarket Mercedes rig after she lost her husband some years ago. She doesn’t like to think about how many.

“It’s a chance to meet up with all the gang we see just now and again or even meet people we’ve only so far communicated with on Facebook.”

Ann doesn’t even go to watch the V8s, though she reckons she’d be one of the very few. “I’m just here for the occasion,” she said.

And also unlike many of her

comrades, she didn’t follow the racing cars from Darwin but travelled up from NSW. One of her overnight stops was at Eumundi.

“A few of us were there,” she said.

“We saw online that the council site was now accepting the likes of us and it’s a great facility.

“Unless you’re living like us, you don’t appreciate the need for a flat place to stop. Ever tried to sleep on a slope? Or make a cup of coffee downhill? You’d know what I mean.”

Doesn’t she worry about being an elderly woman travelling alone?

“I used to but I’ve had no problems so far. I see on TV about the happenings in the cities and think I’m safer on the road. You get the idiot drivers of course, but you learn to spot them and give them a wide berth.”

Has she any regrets about her decision to take to the road? She does.

“Two actually. Firstly, I so regret that my husband can’t be with me.

Secondly I should have got a rig with one of those hydraulic floors that can lower, making it easier for me to climb on. But I suppose it’s good exercise.”

And exercise is an issue for older people living sedentary lives.

“What people see is older couples in big rigs riding the highways,” says Hugh, Ann’s neighbour at their Townsville mobile home site.

“I suppose there must be some who do just that but I don’t know any.

We stop a lot. Get out, walk around, do things. See, we’re not in a hurry to be anywhere. Our time’s our own and that’s the way we like it.”

THE WAYS to go “If anybody had told me 10 years ago I’d be working 12-hour night shifts at age 66 just to put food on the table I’d have laughed in their face.”

But that’s precisely what Tom was doing until about six weeks ago.

Having sold his small business franchise, Tom found himself on the employment rubbish heap. He took up taxi driving at nights.

But he felt it wasn’t the way to spend his later years. He and his wife sold their house, bought a rig in Brisbane for $290,000 and hit the road.

“We thought long and hard about this,” he said. “We’re well aware of the problems and drawbacks. But, finally, our time will be our own. We’ll go

where we want when we want and owe nothing to anyone. We aim to celebrate our 50th on the road.”

“They’re a bit like boats,” said Pam, an experienced sailor. “You get two fantastic days out of them – the day you buy them and the day you sell.”

Pam and husband, both 64, downsized from a high-set suburban Queenslander to a two-bedroom unit (“it was easy to rent while we were travelling”), bought a rig and took off into the wide blue yonder.

After seven months of wonderful travels, they’re back in the unit.

“It got to a stage where we didn’t want to drive anymore so we’re back and loving it.”

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September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 7

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Mission accomplished - the battle for a wartime medal She’s a woman on a mission and if you know what’s good for you, you won’t mess with Joyce Milligan, who proves that persistence pays.

S

he’s a woman on a mission and if you know what’s good for you, you won’t mess with Joyce Milligan.

The sprightly 93-year-old, after years of bombarding everyone from the RAAF to The Queen with letters, has finally got what she wanted, a medal honouring her old classmate for his World War II bravery.

In 1935, Joyce was one of the 25 foundation students – and a prefect – of the Nambour High Top School, the town’s first high school which was based in two rooms of the State Rural School.

Another of those students was James Wallace Hocking who, less than a decade later, would sacrifice his life to save a town in England’s Fenland.

“We sat the Junior public exam in 1937 and when the war started in 1939, I was a trainee teacher and Jim was working at Whalley’s Garage in Nambour,” she recalls.

Joyce was kept busy getting on with her own life. She had a job as a domestic science teacher and a husband who fought in the North Africa campaign, so she had little time or reason to think about her old school friends as the decades flew by.

Jim Hocking, meanwhile, had signed up and in 1942 was on his way to becoming an RAAF pilot through the British Empire Air Training Scheme.

A year later, the boy from Nambour was on a ship to England to join the

SPRING SPECIAL!*

RAF forces fighting over Europe.

He was only a few months past his 21st birthday when he made a decision that saved thousands of lives but cost him his own.

In July 1944, with his fuel-laden Stirling bomber on fire, he ordered his crew to jump to safety while he remained at the controls of the crippled plane to push it beyond the sleeping town of March.

It crashed in a field on the outskirts, which left Jim no time to bail out and save his own life. His parents received a telegram that simply said he had died in an air crash.

It was to be more than 40 years before anyone really knew the events of that fateful night.

Joyce, who by now was a long-term Brisbane resident, returned to Nambour for the 50th reunion of her old school and heard talk of Jim having saved a town in England.

“Nobody knew much. I just got an inkling that he had done something,” she says.

While Jim was considered a hero in March, the people of his home town knew little of his bravery.

By 1992, news was more definite and Maroochy Shire had moved to form a Sister City relationship with March on the basis of the Pilot Officer James Hocking connection.

Joyce now decided Hocking’s bravery should be recognised and began pushing for a George Cross.

“He can’t go over there and sacrifice

Joyce with some of her correspondence

his life to save a town and nobody do anything about it,” she says. “His bravery has to be remembered.”

She was politely but firmly informed that awards were made only immediately after the war.

Not one to give up, Joyce began a letter writing campaign – painstakingly writing every letter by hand – she wrote dozens, addressing them to “Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth, Buckingham Palace, London” and “HRH Prince Charles, Clarence House, London”.

No stone was left unturned – the RAAF, the Department of Defence – her letter writing continued.

The letters must have made it as she

has replies. One is on heavy paper bearing the insignia of the Prince of Wales’ feathers; another is from the office of the Prime Minister.

M “It was important to t say that he was in the t pilot seat and continued to sit c there until the end. t I stressed that when I wrote to Tony Abbott,” she says.

And in one letter, like a true school teacher, she wrote to the Prime Minister asking if he had passed on the material she had sent him or “have I to collate it all and send it myself”.

But the reply was always the same.

There would be no medal.

Like a terrier, Joyce hung on. She continued sending her letters to every office of the empire and now, finally, it has paid off.

Jim Hocking has been awarded, posthumously, the Star of Courage “for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril”.

It’s the second highest Australian bravery decoration.

Joyce is now waiting to hear when the medal will be presented to Jim Hocking’s brother, Alan, at Government House.

“I hope they don’t leave it too long as I want to be there to see it and I haven’t been feeling well lately,” she says. “But I am very pleased about it.”

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8 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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27/08/2015 9:53:35 AM

Champion of nursing’s story intertwines with history Pixie Annat had a long and distinguished career fighting for recognition of nurses and at 85, she’s still quite a character, writes ANGELA BENSTED.

F

ancy the head of Queensland Health telling matron Pixie Annat the only thing a nurse needs to know is how to rub backs and carry bed pans.

The year was 1965 and the young matron’s response to this barb was feisty.

“Well doctor, I hope if you ever come into hospital you’re not very sick because if that’s all we did you’d be dead within a week.”

A new biography by Colleen Ryan Clur, Pixie Annat – Champion of Nurses, chronicles the rich life of a nurse turned nurse’s advocate turned hospital administrator.

Illustrated with many photographs from 85-year-old Pixie’s own collection, the book reveals a woman with a sharp mind, a steely resolve and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Isobel Mary (Pixie) Annat, who can still remember the names of children she cared for on the balcony of the old children’s hospital in the 1950s, says it took some convincing for her to tell the story.

“I really don’t know what all the fuss is about,” she says.

She only agreed to promote St Andrews War Memorial hospital, which she led for 13 years as matron and another 14 as CEO. Ryan Clur’s book shows Pixie was always drawn to a life of service.

As a trainee in the 1940s she was elected President of the Student Nurse Unit.

She later acted as secretary of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation, campaigning for better working conditions for nurses and for improved

nurse education.

As an administrator, Pixie led the charge to move nurse training from hospitals into universities and was also an early champion of mature-age student nurses who, she says,“have a greater understanding of life”.

Outside her professional achievements, Pixie was a driving force within the Centaur Memorial Fund (Centaur) since its inception in 1948.

She also led the Board of the Lady Musgrave Trust for 12 years, only stepping down this year to assume the role of Vice President Community Relations.

“They created a new position for me,” she says.

“Now I do everything I did before except write the agendas.”

Today, Pixie lives in a

comfortable three-bedroom apartment with views over the suburbs and the hospital where she first trained.

She shares her balcony reluctantly with an illmannered magpie but otherwise lives alone.

Pixie continues to divide her time between board duties for Centaur, the Lady Musgrave Trust, Anglicare,

and the Royal Brisbane Hospital Past Nurses’ Association.

She can also be found every Thursday volunteering at St Andrew’s Hospital as a patient greeter, a program she established herself 30 years ago.

It is little wonder the cheeky magpie feels safe taking up residence on Pixie’s balcony.

He is probably assuming squatter’s rights.

Pixie Annat – Champion of Nurses is published by University of Queensland Press. It is available at Mary Ryan Bookstore, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital and online at standrewshospital. com.au/community/pixieannat-biography

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September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 9

9.indd 3

27/08/2015 9:54:13 AM

WHINE LOVERS

For whom the bridge tolls

Bells are necessary

Driving across Sydney Harbour Bridge unleashes the hounds of harassment, as WHINE LOVER discovers

V

isitors to Sydney beware! If you think crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge is the same as crossing any other bridge in the world, it’s not!

An infrequent visitor to Sydney, I drove a hire car across the bridge (once free) and while it would have been preferable to just pay the toll on the spot, alas, that is simply not possible.

I also recall a time when it was free to use the bridge. Those were the days.

Eager to avoid any ongoing issues, I set about paying the toll immediately on my arrival at my hotel where, lucky for me, there was an internet connection. Bear in mind, this is not big bucks we are talking about here. The hire car was going back the next day, one toll $2.50 is all that was involved.

I was cornered as the bridge was the only access point to the city.

I began Googling, looking for some way to pay the toll and ended up with something called an Emu pass valid for 30 days at a cost of $1.50.

I don’t want 30 days, I want one 24-hour period or actually one fiveminute period. However in the event

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that I couldn’t find one single other option, it appeared I had no choice but to buy the pass.

This operation actually took the best part of half an hour as it was really tricky shopping around the site to make sure I had exhausted all options before I entered my credit card numbers for an Emu pass.

An email arrives to say it’s done.

Whew. So that was the end of that.

Not easy and I was cursing NSW Transport for making it so difficult to pay a simple toll and wasting so much of my holiday time.

Now, to add injury to insult, three months later, I receive a penalty notice in the post telling me that I now owe them $12.50. This is easily the most

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troublesome bridge in the world – and very expensive now.

Again I waste my time investigating options. The website directs me to a point where I can lodge an objection.

Oh no! It’s full of complicated paperwork that must be completed and then posted, in the snail mail.

I see at least another hour disappear so, full of righteous anger, I call the only number I can find. I wait and wait and wait for it to be answered.

Fifteen minutes, 20 minutes, my blood rising to boiling point. Finally I get through. Oh yes, our “technology failed and I will now charge $2.50 to your credit card”.

“So that means it actually cost $4 to cross the bridge? The toll of $2.50 and the $1.50 for the pass I didn’t want.”

Let’s add this up, 30 minutes to sign up for something I don’t want, another 30 minutes to sort out the mistake and two credit card transactions for small amounts – how can this be viable?

Stay with Brisbane folks. Story Bridge is free and there are some great things to see.

I agree totally with Denis Seen re bells on bikes. I am a walker and bikes overtake or pass me on the footpath constantly. They are always quiet and I only realise they’re there once they pass me. I am always shaken when that happens and frightened of how easy it is for a bike to run into me because I get no warning from a bell.

What can be done about this?

Should Council be notified? Bells on bikes are NECESSARY! It should be compulsory for pedestrian safety.

Petra Evans

Turn down the music I heartily concur with Una Daniels’ sentiments re “music” played in the back of TV programs, making it nigh impossible to hear dialogue. It’s quite unnecessary, adds nothing but is now the trend. We seem to be afraid of silence, that wonderful endangered commodity and so must fill it with electronic noise masquerading as music. We are in danger of becoming gibbering numbskulls with this constant barrage of mindless racket.

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10 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

10.indd 2

27/08/2015 9:55:24 AM

WHINE LOVERS / LETTERS

Is left really right?

With regard to the problems on shared foot/bike paths, I feel that this is mainly caused by the rule that we both walk and drive on the left. When we were on an emigrant ship in 1967 we were told that if you bump into anyone on the stairs or corridor they are either Australians or New Zealanders.

Where I was born and raised in the narrow leafy lanes of Devon, if I had walked on the left with my back to the traffic, it is unlikely I would have lived to write this. It surely makes more sense to walk facing oncoming cyclists so that both are aware and able to avoid each other.

I have always been curious as to how and when this rule/habit arose as the majority of early migrants came from the UK and apart from hitchhikers, I am sure most people would have automatically walked facing oncoming traffic.

I realise that my whine/query is never going to change this rule but does anyone know how it came about?

Maybe the politician in charge of footpaths came from a right driving European country – or the USA. Joyce Tozer

Have your say. Send letters to Editor, Your Time Magazine, PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004 or email editor@yourtimemagazine.com.au

Letters

SO MANY GOOD POINTS

Your magazine is always a good read and informative but your August edition has the best selection of relevant letters I have read.

I know it’s an age thing and fits the myth of the grumpy old man but I do identify with each one.

Television presenters are woeful in using American words such as “gotten”and mispronunciation of words that have been standard for many years. Ted Webber rightly laments the poor use of language.

Denis Seen has hit the nail on the head with his views on shared pathways. The problem is compounded if, like me, you are deaf and unable to hear a bell if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction.

Cyclists in the main travel at far

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greater speeds than are safe and seem to think they have a God given right to the pathway. Why don’t they use the cycle lanes that seem to be appearing everywhere and which are always empty.

My wife is vertically challenged (what is wrong with “short”) but has a simple solution. If she is unable to see in a cinema or theatre she simply moves me into the impaired vision seat.

Jane Stevens does not say if she is married or has a partner or even a close friend but any of these would solve the problem if they were tall.

God bless you Una Daniels! Yes, I feel as you do but even more so as my hearing aids enjoy the music more than the dialogue. Frankly I do not consider it real music but just electronic sound waves that fail to even pretend to have a melody line. What bright spark thought it was the right way to go?

Finely those elusive emails and “No reply” notices are a real pain.

Now I only need to complain about Mr Abbott’s ability to chop a sentence

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Kate Callahan’s motoring column was a terrific article about gratuitous hornhonking, the best I’ve seen.

But you didn’t mention that this is actually illegal except to warn of danger.

Two other instances you didn’t mention were the common practice of honking when you start driving away from someone’s house and honking when you are approaching a jogger you know (or may not know), which gives them a terrible fright, as I can well attest.

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into three parts, the gravitas and theatrical reporting that makes everything sound like high drama on the local news, the proliferation of reality TV and I can don the mantle of the grumpy old man.

To quote America, “Have a Great Day”.

Mike Edwards

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Ph: 1300 137 988 September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 11

11.indd 3

27/08/2015 9:56:56 AM

HISTORY

Brisbane’s surf connection – a century of vigilance As Maroochydore Surf Lifesaving Club heads towards its centenary, club historian RALPH DEVLIN writes of the days when the road from Brisbane to the North Coast, was one much less travelled. beach goers were barely a proposition for a weekend, especially when most people of the time worked on Saturday mornings.

A day trip would have been well nigh impossible to attempt.

It was not until the mid-1920s that a trip by motor car to Maroochydore became a possibility. The 1920s and ‘30s saw Maroochydore become the dominant Royal Life Saving Club in Queensland.

Axel and Joe Suosaari, champions in surf and belt races, were also Australian champions in swimming.

Axel was twice the Australian 100 yards freestyle champion, while Joe was an Australian breaststroke champion.

What a busy competition program they pursued in swimming, stillwater Royal competition at Ithaca Baths in Paddington in Brisbane, as well as surf competition carnivals.

It was only made possible by travelling long distances in motor cars and trains.

M

aroochydore Life Saving Club was formed on January 1, 1916, in a tent erected at Cotton Tree camping ground by the Salvation Army for the Christmas holidays of December 1915-January 1916.

The camping ground had been going since 1896 and is said to have attracted up to 2000 campers each Easter and Christmas Holidays.

By 1903, drowning fatalities at the Maroochy River Bar and on the beach had started to have an impact.

In July 1915, the Nambour Progress Association decided to invite Royal Life Saving in Brisbane to come to “The Heads” to raise a local life saving “brigade”.

Little did our founding fathers suspect that these would be the humble beginnings of one of the most recognised and respected surf clubs in Australia – Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, “home of the black swan”.

The Royal Life Saving instructors

Same spot, different look – Maroochydore surf clubhouse in the 1960s.

travelled to Maroochydore Beach by catching the train from Brisbane to Nambour, the cane tram from Nambour to Deepwater on the Maroochy River, and finally a motor

launch to the Cotton Tree wharves, approximately where the Olympic Pool stands today.

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12.indd 2

27/08/2015 10:00:14 AM

HISTORY

The Anderson family of Brisbane were regular visitors to “Maroochy Heads” and Cotton Tree from 1927-29.

Members of the family patrolled the beach during the holidays.

The Andersons travelled by car from their home in Arthur Tce, Red Hill every Christmas and Easter holidays.

What a road journey it was!

In January 1931, Maroochydore club was among the Queensland “Surf” and “Royal” clubs that banded together to form Surf Life Saving Queensland.

This meant that by January 1932, the Maroochydore club team had to travel from the North Coast to Coolangatta on the southern end of the Gold Coast to participate in the firstever Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships.

Considering that the highway from Brisbane to Coolangatta still featured several river crossings by punt, it was a long and slow journey of about 200km.

For the record, Maroochydore SLSC was crowned the very first State Champion Club, so the journey must have been not too onerous.

During the 1950s a stronger membership base was established in Brisbane, mainly but not exclusively

from the Norths Devils Rugby League Club at Nundah.

The Bruce highway still wound its way through such towns as Caboolture, Elimbah, Beerwah, Glasshouse and Landsborough, but at least the highway was of a reasonable standard.

Surf club members who could not pick up a lift with a fellow member would go to the end of the tram line at Chermside, dressed in club blazer, and hitchhike from there.

It was never a problem for a blazer-clad clubbie to “jag a lift” fairly quickly from a grateful member of the public.

Those few young Lifesavers who owned a vehicle were more than likely driving an old jalopy, a work truck, an FJ Holden, a Hillman Minx or an Austin of England.

They would drive up on a Friday night, sleep in the bunkroom, do all their lifesaving and club weekend duties and party together on Saturday night.

Then, on Sunday evening, after the close of the last patrol, the procession back to Brisbane would commence. In heavy summer traffic this could take up to three or four hours.

The 1960s and ‘70s saw a steady rise in car ownership among surf club members, although the journey from Brisbane at peak times (such as Christmas and New Year) was still a two to three-hour undertaking.

In the winter of 1963, in the very early hours of a Saturday morning, a club member set a new record of 55 minutes for the car journey from the Chermside tram terminus to the Surf Club.

He was driving a red MG, of course.

He later joined the Queensland Police and served in the Traffic Branch. “Go figure,” as they say.

In 1985, a fine dual carriageway highway was opened. A trip from the northern suburbs of Brisbane, in good traffic conditions and at the speed limit, could now take under an hour.

A journey from the Gold Coast beaches, over the Gateway Bridge to Maroochydore, could take as little as two hours.

Such is the mobility of our modern lifesavers that patrol duties no longer take up the whole weekend. Members today are too “time poor” to manage that. Today, Maroochydore SLSC mounts two patrols on both Saturday

and Sunday, so red and yellow shirts are constantly arriving and departing.

Some of the traditional camaraderie of times past is missing, but the dedication and skills of our modern lifesavers are higher than ever.

Whatever the mode of transportation since 1916, the humanitarian vision of Maroochydore SLSC remains unchanged – zero preventable deaths on its beach and river environs.

On January 1, 2016, club members from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and as far north as Rockhampton, will celebrate 100 years of service to our community and to our visitors.

“Vigilance and service” for a century deserves a good party.

Ralph Devlin QC is president of Surf Life Saving Queensland and a life member of Maroochydore SLSC, Sunshine Coast Branch of SLSA, Surf Life Saving Queensland and Surf Life Saving Australia.

He is the author of Maroochydore’s Centenary History, Home of the Black Swan to be launched on the club’s 100th birthday on January 1, 2016.

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13.indd 3

27/08/2015 10:01:12 AM

YOUR GARDEN

Turn a difficult corner into a beauty spot Got a little trouble spot where nothing wants to flourish? Here’s the GARDENEZI solution.

P

lants from our own rainforests are the best way to turn a difficult corner into an asset.

Just about every garden has a trouble spot where the soil is poor or the sun doesn’t shine – often a combination of both.

The fastest, easiest and most satisfying way of dealing with this is to fill it with a selection of Australian rainforest plants.

Why? Because these plants not only look good but are perfectly adapted to the vagaries of our climate.

They tolerate poor soil, sudden temperature changes and drought.

What’s more, they happily handle both sun and shade – deep shade will make them tall and straggly, full sun will make them more compact – and as a difficult corner may offer both these extremes, depending on time of day and season, rainforest plants are the ideal choice.

And they only need minimal management.

It’s important to select just the right plants, so here is a selection of those

Golden Penda

that suit small gardens. They are selected for suitable size, ease of growth and attractive flowers and foliage.

Plant as wide a variety as space permits to create a mini-rainforest but don’t overcrowd: Lilly pillies – This name is given loosely to trees and shrubs in the Syzygium genus.

Best choice for the home garden are

Blue Cherry (S. oleosum), the hybrid Cascade and the original “lilly pilly” S. smithii.

Riberry (S. luehmanni) is a good choice for larger gardens. In a small garden it must be regularly pruned.

The most commonly available lilly pillies are the many forms of S. australe, sold under a variety of names. All are excellent plants but susceptible to infestation by an insect that distorts the leaves.

Other good garden choices are Golden Penda, Eleaocarpus reticulatus ‘Prima Donna”, Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), Gossia ‘Blushing Beauty’, Native Fuchsia (Graptophyllum), Ivory Curl (Buckinghamia), Pink Euodia (needs pruning when young for denser growth), Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula – a popular street tree), Native Frangipani and Diamond Laurel (Auranticarpa rhombifolium). Your best bet is to visit a specialist native plant nursery or a garden centre with a good native plant selection, explain

Lemon myrtle

your needs and get expert advice.

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14 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

14.indd 2

27/08/2015 10:02:12 AM

Retirement Living @ Springwood

It is common knowledge that I did not want to move from our old home. I used every excuse to convince myself, “What about my shed?”, “I built that retaining wall”, “That’s the path we made”, “I built those steps by hand”, “I am too young”, etc, ad nauseam.

Julie worked in nursing for a long time and was very aware of people ending up somewhere, not where they would have chosen. She was determined that we should find a village whilst we are still able to make the decision. Some years ago, Julie read an article about Elements and was immediately taken by the vision that Chiou See, the founder of Elements, had about how people should age and live successfully. In that article, Chiou See went on to explain how she has found the perfect block of land in an exclusive koala habitat and how she is designing a village based on her knowledge on what elements we need to live a full and purposeful life in our third age. Shortly after, by sheer coincidence, Chiou See spoke at a Probus Springwood/Rochedale meeting, where Julie and I are members. It wasn’t long before Julie organised for us to visit this up and coming village. That was 2011.

Way back then, I insisted that we attend as many functions at Elements as we could. I think I was hoping for an excuse to say something facile like, “I told you it would be no good”. I can only blame the people who already lived here for stuffing up my plans. Time after time, we came to their functions; they seem to gather for any excuse and I was beginning to think they celebrate parachute openings! We were always made to feel welcome.

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15.indd 3

Sausage Sizzle

Well, here I am. We moved in last year. I now have more room in the garage than I ever had in my shed, and some other poor, silly bugger has built the walls and paths. I have a work bench where I can do what I do best (I’m an Instrument Maker by trade) repair, sharpen and break things so I can fix them. Apart from the actual GRUNT of moving, it was like moving next door to neighbours that you’d known for years, and in fact we had.

Chiou See and her dedicated team, Joe (the Construction Foreman) and his contractors fell over backwards to help us move in on time, as we had to leave our old home by a certain date. What went on behind the scenes to do this, one can only imagine. I can only say they were like ants nest getting our fabulous new home ready. Glitches, of course! Oh, but they were minor. You know what they say about itches… you don’t know you are alive unless you have an itch to scratch.

So seeing how everything is done for me, I now have so much more time to have our grandchildren over.

Urghh...This is all your fault, People of Elements, THANK YOU ALL.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Large brand new homes starting from $425,000 27/08/2015 10:07:04 AM

FASHION

Online shopping – a roll of the dice Our mature age bride-to-be JACQUI BALL asks Mr Google to help find her dream wedding gown.

M

y search for a dream wedding gown has now turned to online wedding dress shops.

One of my friends recently bought one for her second marriage and seemed very happy with its appearance and affordability. There are many opportunities to pick up a designer dress at a great price.

Pleased that I would not have to do battle with overbearing bridal assistants, I started my online search by typing “wedding dresses online” into Mr Google. Instantly a dozen sites popped up. Headlines such as “Up to 80% off!” clamoured for my attention.

I noted that some of the sites sold new dresses and some sold pre-loved, the latter providing real pictures of real

brides, which was most helpful for seeing what the dresses looked like on.

Other sites were more deceptive however, with thousands of amazing dresses for ridiculously cheap prices, which made me wonder if they were real. One site boasted 2083 dresses.

I narrowed my search by clicking on the various categories, for example venue choices included church, hall, beach or garden. Next was the silhouette from A-line, ball gown, sheath/column, or trumpet/mermaid.

I selected A-line to be on the safe side, given that a mature bride may need a little space here and there rather than a snug fit or worse still, a boofy ball gown billowing out from the waist!

There were 10 different hemline and train styles and 10 different types of material, but since the search had identified only 53 dresses that matched so far, I left these open.

Suddenly, images of beautifully designed gowns on (lovely slim) professional models appeared before me. Hang on, I had seen some of these

before. Same model, same hairstyle and even the same flowering pot plants, but here they were one-eighth of the price I knew them to be.

Smelling a rat, I decided to do a collateral check of the website of one of my favourite designers Mori Lee. Yes, it was surely the same photo.

After reading a few blog sites and reviews about the perils of online bridal shops, I discovered many of them show illegally obtained images of designer gowns and what you get is a copy reportedly made in sweatshops in China using cheaper materials.

Social media sites such as Facebook are trying to raise awareness of online companies selling cheap copies of wedding gowns. For example the “Brides Beware” site contains cringeworthy images comparing real designer gowns with the cheap copies bought by unsuspecting brides.

Similarly, “Knock off Nightmares” promotes itself as being “dedicated to showing consumers the reality of ordering their formal wear online”.

Other reviewers noted you could get good quality affordable gowns from these sites, as long as you ordered three sizes too big so that there was ample material for alterations to be done after you received it. Ordering simple gowns without beading, ruching, gathering and layering in simple fabrics such as satin or tulle was also touted as being a safer bet.

Several hours of research made me nervous about ordering online.

Viewing comments such as “do not buy from this site, the dress was truly hideous” and seeing YouTube clips of brides opening mail order packages and screaming in horror, didn’t help.

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27/08/2015 10:10:45 AM

Remember Steve Parish? Still going strong at 70 There have been a lot of ups and downs for Steve Parish since he first came to our attention in the 1980s, writes ANGELA BENSTED. STED.

P

hotographer Steve Parish generally appears on his book covers clad in khaki with a tripod slung over his shoulders, or chest deep in water with his camera angled towards the sky.

Today’s Steve Parish is definitely more flamboyant with his wardrobe choices.

His small, round glasses are cocoa and turquoise in colour and he wears a navy shirt shot through with swirling green and violet panels; fabric which is digitally reproduced from a current art work.

In his first exhibition of fine-art photography, As One, Steve presents nature images which have been dramatically altered through digital technology.

“These pieces are not about what I see, they are about what I feel,” he says when describing the works, many of which are so altered the original subject is virtually unrecognisable.

“It’s a big gamble,” he says.

The exhibition is a departure for the 70-year-old photographer, who is best

The tpe of images that made Steve Parish famous in books and calendars in the ‘80s.

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known for his pictures of Australian animals and landscapes.

His books and calendars were sold widely ly through Australia alia Post outlets from thee mid-1980s and his fame is farreaching.

Steve’s illustrated trated wall map made it into to a Russian astronaut’s hand d luggage, bringing our continent ntinent to life for the traveler eler as he orbited the planet. net.

In the last 20 0 years Steve Parish hass survived cancer, the devastating astating 2011 flood and bankruptcy.

“We went from rom being owners of a content-rich ntent-rich publishing house worth

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millions to owning nothing,” he says of that time.

Reflecting on the impact of this loss, he says he identified too closely with what he did; something he believes is very common in his generation, especially men.

Although it was an incredibly painful time, “It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he says.

Steve is a passionate conservationist and from his early years as a navy diver working with an underwater research group, photography has always been about more than producing a good quality image.

For this exhibition he has teamed with the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health and Bush Heritage Australia, with both organisations receiving a percentage of all sales.

In conjunction with the exhibition he is running workshops, sharing his knowledge of photography and his own life experiences “to help people connect with the natural world”.

Steve still wants to save the planet and he thinks he can help save its people too.

“Taking a photograph forces you to change your outlook on life – even just for a moment,” he says.

“And if what you are focused on is naturally beautiful and inspiring – that can make a difference.”

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w w w. j b c a r a va n s s c . c o m . a u As One, an exhibition of fine art photography by Steve Parish. Brisbane Powerhouse. September 8 to October 4. Workshop bookings. brisbanepowerhouse.org. Visit steveparish-natureconnect.com.au/gallery.

Ph. 1300 067 466 (07) 5432 3929 September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 19

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HOARDING

Shopping and loneliness often go hand in hand Downsizing means reassessing the need for buying “stuff”, something RACHEL SMITH suggests is simply a sign of loneliness.

M

arg and John have downsized from a five-bedroom house to a two-bedroom unit.

Marg, a self-confessed lover of shops, spends all weekend, every weekend, shopping alone.

“Occasional” furniture – the “just in case” stuff you sometimes need – occupied her time and money.

It’s a constant cycle of scouring shopping centres and buying things to

impress people she doesn’t even like.

She’s not alone.

My friend Carol goes to the shopping centre every Saturday regardless of whether she needs to buy things or not.

“It’s a habit,” she says, “and the only thing I do”.

Downsizing with a limited retiree budget has meant that Marg has had to question whether buying stuff is actually a product of loneliness.

Studies in 2013 and 2014 by the charity Independent Age revealed that severe loneliness is rife among over 50s.

Twenty per cent of older people report that the television is their main source of company.

The television, celebrating material aspiration, simply reinforces the desire to buy rather than pursuing hobbies.

So is buying a sign of loneliness?

Yes, I think so.

Last year I didn’t buy anything new or second-hand for one year.

I quit shopping for 365 days. It was

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one of the best years of my life.

I felt happier and didn’t dramatically change my life to do it.

I valued days out with my family and friends much more than shiny shopping mall “stuff”.

So what can we do to stamp out loneliness after we’ve downsized and have no space for “stuff”?

Let’s discover what’s on our doorstep with friends we don’t yet know.

I joined meet-up groups (meetup. com). I discovered what’s on my own doorstep – public spaces, places of special interest and quirky cafes – made new friends and had a lot of fun for free.

I tried new things.

My friend Amy founded Games Night (games-at-event.com). On the last Thursday of every month, in Brisbane, giant board games can be played, for free, by anyone and with anyone.

Simply show up and get involved.

Five years ago, I co-founded Lazy Sunday Cycle (lazysundaycycle.com).

On the first Sunday of every month normal people in normal clothes enjoy a slow bicycle ride for fun.

It all sounds easy, right?

If we really want to downsize and lessen the epidemic of loneliness, we need to end the cycle of buying stuff we only sometimes need.

Switch off the TV, get outside and focus on things more interesting. Focus on people, not products. Love people and use things, not the other way around.

Embrace the things in our suburbs and cities that are free.

Do you agree?

Rachel Smith lives in Brisbane and is the author of Underspent http:// amzn.to/1E1ifp0

Tell us what you think If you’d like to comment on Rachel’s view or have some of your own, email editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au or write to Your Time Magazine, PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004.

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Halcyon Glades C ABOOLT UR E

Halcyon

September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 21

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WEALTH

Where there’s a will there’s a dispute There’s nothing like a will to split a family and if there are existing estrangements, it can quickly bubble over into the courts. As JOHN de GROOT writes, that’s something best avoided.

A

sad phenomenon of modern society is the estrangement that occurs in some families, leaving Courts to determine the impact of estrangement on an applicant’s right to dispute a will.

In a recent case involving a 35-year estrangement, the President of the NSW Court of Appeal said: “This is a difficult case. The difficulty arises from the need to apply a statutory test couched in evaluative language embodying human values and norms of conduct deeply personal to those involved and often incapable of clear expression.”

From early times it has

been said that the Family Provision legislation is a living piece of legislation and our application of it must be governed by the climate of the time. This means that a provision, or no provision for that matter, for a beneficiary in a will that may have been acceptable 20 years ago may no longer be so.

This feature of Family Provision claims makes it a challenging area in which to predict outcomes.

In the case of the 35-year estrangement, the applicant daughter was awarded $60,000 (in lieu of the legacy of $10,000 under the will) from an estate of about $800,000. In other cases, the court has been influenced, to some degree at least, by who caused the estrangement.

However, in one case it was

said that: “Events viewed years later through the cold prism of a courtroom may give a different impression than when the events are set in the context of the raw emotions experienced at the time. The ‘wise and just’ testator or testatrix must be taken to understand this”.

A reasonably high level of forgiveness or understanding appears to be expected.

COSTS: The Courts have expressed growing concern that legal costs can sometimes be disproportionate to the size of the estate or the benefits ultimately received.

There have been cautions, particularly to executors, that their role is not to defend the terms of the will at all costs.

Generalisations that executors are entitled or

obligated to uphold the will, may provide no guidance at all in some cases. Although costs are normally payable by the estate, that can depend on the conduct of the parties as the above quote illustrates.

AFFIDAVIT MATERIAL: The dynamics within a family have often developed over a long period of time. Although usually of great importance to the parties, many incidents, allegations, and counterallegations around family history are unlikely to advance an applicant’s case and the Courts have made it clear that they expect legal representatives to prevent inappropriate material being filed – often to the frustration of the parties.

MEDIATE OR SETTLE: Against this background of issues, it should not be surprising that

settling these claims is an increasing imperative because: • The range of outcomes can vary significantly, from case to case and also over time; • These applications are expensive, with some level of uncertainty as to who pays; • Success at first can be a prelude to defeat on appeal; • Whatever the final outcome, family dynamics are likely to be worse not better.

Careful estate planning and good communication can often ensure a trouble free succession of family assets.

When that does not occur, an early and serious effort to resolve a dispute before it develops into formal litigation is highly desirable.

Dr John de Groot is a succession law specialist at de Groots, wills and estate lawyers degroots.com.au

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SPRING FESTIVALS

It’s all happening in Brisbane The Brisbane Festival, now recognised as a major international arts festival, is here again with another packed program for the month of September.

The 7th annual festival features a program of music, theatre, dance, opera, circus and major public events including the Sunsuper Riverfire.

Many events are free as the city comes alive for spring. Here’s a sample of what to look for: At the South Bank cultural precinct, renowned pavement artist Jenny McCracken along with Amelia Batchelor and Dom Intelisano will

display their 3D chalk street painting.

Each Tuesday during the festival, there will be free special lunchtime concerts at Brisbane City Hall, including a rare performance from legendary pianist Mike Nock and drummer Laurence Pike.

At the Judith Wright Centre in the Valley, a free exhibition curated

by Henri van Noordenburg features photographs responding to this year’s theme, I am Brisbane. Original portraits reflect someone who epitomises ‘Brisbane’.

Visit brisbanefestival.com.au for the full program of events.

SPEND FATHER’S DAY WITH JAZZ BY THE BAY The Wynnum-Manly Jazz Festival is coming up on Sunday, September 6, and promises to be a fun day of jazz by the bay to celebrate Father’s Day. The theme will be the Anzac centenary with performances by the “Andrews Sisters” (2.30-3.30pm) and the Royal Australian Navy band (12-1pm) as well as the Redlands Big Band (10.45-11.45am), Miss Mandy and Ozhornz (1.15-2.15pm) and the All Star Jazz Jammers (3.45-4.45pm). There will be activities for children, food and drink stalls and lots of jazz by the bay with compere Jules Black.

If the weather turns, the festival will be postponed to a future date.

Wynnum-Manly Jazz Festival,Bandstand Park (below Gordon Tce, Manly). Sunday, September 6. Visit wmjazzfest.com.au or call Gloria 3396 5825

GARDENER’S PARADISE FOR SPRINGTIME ON THE MOUNTAIN The 31st annual Springtime on the Mountain garden festival comes to Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland this month.

The festival features seven diverse private gardens, most opening for the first time this year.

Gardens range from delightfully colourful cottage gardens to wide expanses, towering trees and spectacular views.

Tallaringa, a sprawling 20-acre property with a large garden that clings to the edge of the hinterland escarpment has views across the Gold Coast to the ocean. A trio of delightful cottage gardens are nestled together in the Olde Eagle Heights enclave and Carinya is a short bus ride along a mysterious rainforest track before opening out to a spectacular open garden with sweeping lawns, beds of many flower varieties, a central dam and a grand view to the coast.

The Springtime on the Mountain festival is the most popular annual display of gardening design and skills in southeast Queensland.

The Tamborine Mountain Showground will be a hub of activity

throughout the three days, with entertainment, a cafe open for lunch, morning and afternoon teas, plant stalls, art displays and loads of information about gardening.

All proceeds go to towards improving the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens.

Tamborine Mountain, Friday, September 25- Sunday, September 27.

Gardens open 9am to 4pm. Tickets $20, concessions $15, at each garden or the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens.

More information and group bookings contact Margaret Pile 0458 102 344, email: info@springtime.org.au or visit tmbotanicgardens.org.au/springtime

The garden at Camden Cottage in Eagle Heights.

24 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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SOCIALS

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE Dance lovers travelled long distances to enjoy the opening night of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s latest production, Lore – Dance Stories of Land and Sea. Sisters-in-law Delys and Vi wright, who are 83 and 89 years old respectively, dropped in from Bunbury, Western Australia for the occasion.

“We were on the train to Perth at six o’clock this morning,” Delys said, “and we only just caught our flight.”

For Sydney-siders Sylvia and Peter Jacka it was a double celebration.

“Our daughter arranged this trip for us as a birthday present to me and a Fathers’ Day gift for her dad,” Sylvia said.

Bangarra Dance Theatre was at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex August 7-15, as part of a national tour.

Casey Jones and Leonie Bates

Joanne Mitchell and Carolyn Rutter

Geraldine and Fran Page

Gary and Jane Malinas

Louise and Andrew Wellington

Words: Angela Bensted Photos: Bridie Devereaux

Judy Heinemann and Ruth Ridgway

Tony and Rowena Riek

Sylvia and Peter Jacka

SANDGATE THEATRE COMPANY STEPPING OUT, THE MUSICAL

Doris Olek and Dale Smith

Trevor Smith and Lilian Harrington (director)

Jennifer Winton, Ivan Cowen and Fay Hebbard

Robyn Lupton and Verna Matthews

Julianne and Todd Whisson

Theatre-goers took advantage of Sandgate Theatre Company’s relaxed dinner-and-show format, sipping wine and nibbling cheese before curtain-up on Stepping Out, The Musical. The show centered on a community tap-dance class.

As any dance mum who has sat through years of concerts and eisteddfods will tell you, there is nothing less entertaining than a bad tap routine. Sandgate Theatre Company turned this truism on its head, getting giggles galore for its cast of learner-tappers grappling with life’s big issues – like stepchildren, loneliness and learning left from right.

Words: Angela Bensted Photos: Bridie Devereaux

Robyn Miller and Cliff Gadsby September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 25

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RETIREMENT LIVING

Paradise for lawn bowlers at Palm Lake resort

A

dream came true for residents of Palm Lake Resort Hervey Bay, when bowls commenced on their new bowling green.

At a cost of more than $1.4 million the resort owners completely reconstructed the bowling facility.

With an increase in size the new structure provides a synthetic carpet surface with five rinks replacing the original four rinks.

A permanent all-weather cover with full lighting will enable bowling at all times of the day and into the evening, so there’s no need to worry about the weather – you can bowl rain, hail or shine.

New scoreboards, rink signage, safety rails and steps have also been installed.

The “breezeway” which serves as a meeting area for bowlers has also been renovated.

A refrigerated drinking fountain, barbecue, storage cupboards, display boards and new colourful outdoor

furniture has been provided.

Weather proofing of this area has also been undertaken.

The result for Palm Lake bowlers is a magnificent complex which can boast the best bowling surface in Hervey Bay. The official opening was on July 25, with bowling exhibitions and lunch for the 250 guests.

If you are a lawn bowler and would like to live in Hervey Bay, then Palm Lake Resort is the only place to be.

To inspect the over 50s lifestyle resort at Hervey Bay call 1800 455 307 any day.

Enjoy the lifestyle while living in a quality home A combination of lifestyle and high quality homes at an affordable price is proving irresistible for purchasers at Halcyon Glades.

The fastest selling over 50s community on the northside of Brisbane is now 95 per cent sold out in Stage One. Project Director Marie Cone said Halcyon Glades had attracted purchasers from interstate and local areas in equal numbers.

“We’ve had a great response from locals downsizing from larger blocks who want to throw away the mower and embrace the range of lifestyle opportunities on offer here,” she said.

The increase in sales activity has prompted the launch of the first release of homes in Stage Two, the Kingfisher release, which showcases a range of Halcyon’s favourite designs.

It also introduces the Verandah homes, which feature dual front and rear outdoor living areas on larger sites for those who want more space.

With something to suit every taste, all homes in Kingfisher include a choice of designer colours, 8-Star energy, and quality fixtures and fittings.

Priced from $365,000-$520,000 homes in this latest release will be ready to move in at the same time the community’s multi-million dollar recreation club is completed.

When complete, it will include an indoor gym, library, cinema, craft room, function space and outdoor area.

The Lifestyle and Recreational Precinct features space for swimming, aqua aerobics, lawn bowls, tennis and pickle ball, a small court combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis A special offer is still available on the remaining six homes in Stage One giving home owners the choice to live free for a year or receive free home upgrades to the equivalent value.

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TECHNOLOGY

Ready for Windows 10?

The Microsoft upgrade has arrived but NATHAN WELLINGTON recommends waiting a little longer to install.

S

ince the release of Windows 10 on July 29, I’ve had many people asking my opinion on whether or not to upgrade.

The short answer is that inevitably, we will all need to upgrade at some point.

Windows 10 is just another stepping stone on the technology path, and eventually Windows Vista and Windows 7 will no longer be supported, and we’ll be forced to move.

So when do you upgrade?

Since the release of Windows 10, I have been rushed off my feet with people wanting to upgrade and having issues doing so.

There has been a problem with NVidia Graphics compatibility that has made some people’s computer display flaky. Others have been experiencing issues with Outlook not sending email.

My suggestion is to wait.

Don’t be the early bird for this upgrade, because this is the time when Microsoft troubleshoots all the bugs and ticks in the operating system that everyone else who has installed it has found and reported to Microsoft.

Let Microsoft sort out their compatibility issues and then upgrade after October. It will save you a lot of troubleshooting for problems you can do little about.

Windows 10 is a free upgrade for 12 months for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users so you have plenty of time to embrace the new look and features.

If you have any questions about Windows 10 or specific issues send me an email Nathan@ hometechassist.com.au or give me a call on 1300 682 817.

READER response I thought I would make some comments on the use of the internet by seniors as discussed in your August issue.

On reading the article, I think many seniors do not want to change lifestyle and complain about it as an excuse. As we age we must change our interests to suit our circumstances. I was a plumbing tradesman, business owner and TAFE teacher. I was able to carry out most jobs in the building trade and adapted those skills to advantage in our home renovations.

As I aged, I found that I could not continue to do so, due to ill-health and had to change my methods of doing things that before was no problem. For example, I could not use my fingers to pick up small items and now I use a pair of pointed pliers to do so. To keep a positive outlook on life, I had to adapt my methods to suit the task. As well

as finger problems, I cannot walk far or stand for long, with the result I have to carry out tasks that I did before, being seated.

This helps me with the change. It takes longer but gives me satisfaction in getting chores done. My computer skills are such I can carry on with most things I want do.

I can type and create documents, research the web to gain answers to problems. If there is any news item that creates an interest I search for that subject on Google. If it is a documentary or old MGM movie, I search on YouTube. It is surprising what comes up. It gets better as you search.

One needs a good service provider for the internet with a good fast connection and GB monthly limit. There are some good bundle deals out there.

To those who worry about breaking devices or losing data into that black hole (that seems to be in every computer or device) give it a go. Remember if you make a mistake, there is always a way out. With every YES screen

there is always CANCEL beside it. If you are not sure about what you are doing, cancel and recheck.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, that way you will learn and gain confidence and keep your sanity.

If you are in doubt about anything ask your grandchildren.

They will know and appreciate being able to help. They will feel good and so will you. It does wonders for the generation gap.

I thought I would offer these comments to assist those in doubt or refuse to keep in line with changes of technology.

Fellow Seniors, remember we have lived through many changes in our lifetime which have been to our advantage.

Don’t let tech changes get you down. Remember the planes that were flying in World War II as compared to what we have now?

How about a trip to Mars next year?

Get on that device, phone, iPad, tablet, computer and anything else in the future.

Keep up a positive outlook!

Neil “Vico” Victorsen

There’s no better place to sit and relax

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27.indd 3

27/08/2015 11:33:46 AM

HEALTH

Research identifies need for reform Chronic diseases tend to come in twos and ageing increases the risk factor.

T

he need for Primary Health Care reform has been highlighted with the release of new statistics that show half of all Australians have at least one chronic disease and about 20 per cent have at least two.

New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) covers eight chronic diseases – arthritis, asthma, back problems, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health conditions.

“When two or more diseases occur at the same time, it is referred to as ‘comorbidity’,” said AIHW spokesperson Louise York.

“Sometimes these diseases occur together simply by chance but often it’s because there are some associations between them, such as shared

risk factors,” Ms York said.

Ageing is a factor that has a particularly strong association with comorbidity.

“Older people are more vulnerable to developing many diseases, and Australians’ increasing life expectancy means a greater chance for multiple conditions to arise,” Ms York said.

Nearly 40 per cent of Australians aged 45 and over, have two or more of the eight chronic diseases examined.

“For this age group, the two most common chronic diseases to occur in combination with any other chronic disease were arthritis and cardiovascular disease,” Ms York said.

“When looking at particular combinations of diseases in this age group, we found that arthritis and cardiovascular disease occurred together most

frequently, in 16 per cent of the population, followed by arthritis and back problems (10 per cent) and back problems and cardiovascular disease (8 per cent).”

Among the younger age group (0-44 years), mental health conditions and back problems were the most common comorbidities, followed by mental health and asthma, and back problems and asthma.

“Comorbidities are associated with poorer health outcomes, more frequent use of health services, and higher healthcare costs,” Ms York said.

“Studying comorbidities allows preventive, management and treatment services to be better planned to meet the needs of those affected.”

Visit aihw.gov.au/chronicdiseases

DEMENTIA has no age limit FAB GODBEE says dementia is not exclusive to seniors.

H

ave you noticed that we are hearing more and more about younger people being struck down with dementia?

Younger dementia is often brought on by brain injuries through accidents, sports and drugs.

It can be difficult to accept that a younger person can have dementia, particularly when no obvious physical changes can be seen.

It may appear that no one else in the family or carer’s age group understands what is happening.

Many people affected find that friendships can become more difficult as the dementia progresses and due to lifestyle stages, a younger person may become isolated as a result.

If you have a friend or family member with dementia, please stay in contact as they need you in their lives. It’s only your fear

of not understanding dementia. It is not contagious.

Children may have a number of reactions. We need to sit our children down and explain what is happening to mother/father or grandparent and allow them to be involved with the care of the person who has dementia.

At a time when they are trying to cope with growing up, they find that they also have to cope with a family member who is unwell and may also take on a caring role.

Established roles within the family may change. Children may become sad, angry or withdrawn.

Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for books and videos to help understand.

Sending all carers a quote Grandpa always said to me: “Confucius says it does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don’t stop.”

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28 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

28.indd 2

27/08/2015 1:03:19 PM

HEALTH

Staying positive is good for your mind, body and soul Attitude will determine how high you can fly, says PETER SHIP who has spent almost 30 years working in the aged care and funeral industries.

S

ome years ago I attended a conference that had the usual crop of dull speakers, but one captured everyone’s attention from the moment he was carried on stage.

For the next 30 minutes you could have heard a pin drop. Several hundred people sat silently enthralled by a 24-year-old man as he spoke in a faltering manner because of his determination to impart something worthwhile.

At 20, he had been on the verge of an international sporting career. One night at training, in a single blinding instant, his entire life was turned upside down.

He broke his neck and is now connected to a respirator and needs constant assistance to do even the simplest task. He can only move his head.

However, his philosophy is simple.

He can choose to have a low attitude

and feel sorry for himself or he can make the most of what surely must be a terrible situation and improve a little every day.

He chose the second and despite his difficulties, finished university. His attitude lifts him high.

It is our choice whether we are miserable, cranky, spiteful or just plain hard to get on with, or whether we are a delight to be around and an encouragement to others.

Don’t get me wrong, we all have problems and the older we grow, the more difficult some of those issues become, but a poor attitude won’t solve a thing.

In fact, I think it is entirely possible that a poor attitude will only compound the problems.

We don’t have to look far to find someone worse off so if you are facing an uncertain future or there are seemingly insurmountable barriers in front of you, lift your eyes off your own difficulties and focus on encouraging someone else.

The choice is yours, you can scratch around in the dirt and litter of life like a turkey, or you can soar like an eagle.

HERE ARE 10 EASY STEPS TO ACHIEVING ALTITUDE: • Smile at everyone you see even if you don’t know them • Call your family just to say hello, don’t always wait for them to call you • Make a cuppa for someone • Pick a flower and give it to someone • Share your skills and knowledge with someone younger than yourself • Sit and talk, share memories • Share your life story with family, they can’t ask when you have gone • Determine that you are going to be happy despite what may be said • Do something you have always wanted to do, but don’t expect perfection • Change the things that you can; accept the things you can’t and be satisfied with where you are .

Enjoy the flight.

September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 29

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27/08/2015 10:47:37 AM

WHAT’S ON

BRILLIANT BRITISH COMEDY COMES TO SUNNYBANK

POPS PROMISES A CELTIC SPECTACULAR The fourth of the Queensland Pops Orchestra’s 2015 subscription series is the concert spectacular “A Celtic Gathering”, an extravaganza of music from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the broader Celtic nations.

Featuring the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, The Thistle Highland Dancers and Watkins Academy of Irish Dance, the concert promises to be the most exciting and outstanding Celtic gathering ever staged by the Pops.

Pops pin-up Gregory Moore and soprano Lisa Lockland-Bell will head the line-up and there will be plenty of swirling kilts and clicking heels.

Also leading the charge will be Pipe Major Roddy MacDonald, who has been at the forefront of bagpipe

composition and performance for more than 40 years.

His compositions have been played by a wide range of ensembles including the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and Queensland Symphony.

With the fabulous footwork of the Thistle Highland Dancers and Watkins Academy of Irish Dance keeping the on-stage variety in overdrive, audiences are guaranteed ne’er a fairer romp will be had ... and who could imagine a Celtic Pops without a Riverdance or two for good measure.

QPAC Concert Hall Saturday October 10, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Bookings: Visit qpac.com.au or call 126 246

Sunnybank Theatre Group is now rehearsing the comedy Are You Being Served?, the hit television comedy adapted for the stage by its original writers Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft.

The group was inspired by the success of another ensemble comedy

by Lloyd and Croft, “Allo Allo” last year.

The show is known for colourful characters such as Mrs Slocombe, Captain Peacock, Mr Humphreys, Mr Grainger and Mr Lucas.

“We are working hard to bring these iconic characters to life. I am rehearsing with a great cast, choreographer and crew to deliver a clever and quick comedy play,”

director Gary Suthers said.

The play follows the motley crew of the Grace Brothers department store as they prepare for a sale of German goods and then depart for a staff holiday in Spain.

The visit to the tropics is eventful, when they stay at a one star hotel and encounter Spanish service and desperate revolutionaries.

Will they manage to survive their stay with everything intact but their modesty? See the show to find out.

Sunnybank Theatre, 14 Mains Rd, Sunnybank Bookings: Phone 33453964 or visit stg.org.au. Master pianist presents chamber music in its purest form

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Info Line: 3343 6535 www.southsidesport.com.au 76 Mt. Gravatt Capalaba Rd Upper Mount Gravatt Phone: 3349 4500 30 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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27/08/2015 10:32:39 AM

WHAT’S ON

A NIGHT OF BRAHMS AND BEETHOVEN Musica Viva brings Paul Lewis, internationally regarded as one of the leading musicians of his generation, to Brisbane this month.

Lewis, from England, bookends Brahms with two of Beethoven’s last works for piano, highlighting the musical relationship between the two composers.

In these late sonatas Beethoven did what he had done to the concerto and the symphony – turned them from showpieces, or mere entertainment, into art.

The program will be Beethoven Piano Sonata no 30 in E major, op 109; Brahms Four Ballades, op 10, Three Intermezzi, op 117; Beethoven Piano Sonata no 32 in C minor, op 111.

The following day, September 10, Musica Viva offers the opportunity to see Paul Lewis give an entertaining and insightful public masterclass with a selected repertoire from four talented Brisbane pianists.

QPAC Concert Hall, Wednesday, September 9, 7pm.

Bookings: Visit qpac.com.au; email info@qtix.com.au; phone 136 246 or visit musicaviva.com.au

AN AFTERNOON OF THEATRE ORGAN The Theatre Organ Society of Australia presents Robert Boughen playing popular music including swing and classic organ pieces on the theatre pipe organ for a Father’s Day treat.

It will be a musical adventure featuring emerging young vocalist Amber Evans.

A rare 1908 French silent film with cinema organ accompaniment will be screened for the first time ever in Australia. The 15-minute film was originally presented with music score written by Saint-Saëns.

Boughen has arranged an organ version he will play on Robert Boughen the Christie pipe organ to accompany the film.

The Christie organ is a 1934-vintage cinema organ brought to Brisbane in 1971 from England by the Queensland Division of The Theatre Organ Society of Australia. Designed originally to accompany silent film, it is similar to the exRegent Theatre Wurlitzer.

Kelvin Grove State College Assembly Hall, cnr Tank St and Victoria Park Rd. Sunday, September 6, 2pm. Tickets (includes drink on arrival and afternoon tea at interval) $25. Bookings preferred Trybooking.com/149632 but tickets at the door. More: Email tosaqld@gmail.com or call 0412 879 678

QPAC’S FRONT YARD MUSIC EXTENDS PLAY FOR FESTIVAL Front Yard Music Extended Play will run throughout the Brisbane Festival (excluding Sundays) on QPAC’s Melbourne Street Green from 5pm8pm, September 5-26.

There will be generous helpings of iconic genres including rock, folk, soul, electronica, Latin and jazz in QPAC’s front yard.

A range of talented musicians will

grace the Melbourne Street Green throughout the program including Velociraptor, Chukale, Kahl Wallis (The Medics), MKO, Good Oak, and Karl S. Williams Front Yard Music Extended Play allows you to kick back and enjoy the evening soaking up the festive atmosphere.

More info qpac.com.au or 136 246

WEEKEND MEDITATION RETREAT Bodhi Chan meditation center will conduct a weekend meditation retreat from September 4-6.

A good chance to refresh body and mind, attendance can be for all three days or just one.

The retreat offers different ways to meditate and have yoga, Qigong and Tai-chi to exercise your body.

Fee is by donation and accommodation and vegetarian meals will be provided.

223 Dennis Rd, Springwood.

Booking required. Call 0469858163, email: info@bodhichan.com or visit bodhichan.weebly.com

SUBMISSIONS If you have an event coming up next month and would like it to be included in our What’s On section, email details to editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au or post to PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004 by September 13.

NOW SHOWING AT SUNNYBANK THEATRE “Are you being

served?”

“I’me” Fre

Written by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft by arrangement with ORIGIN Theatrical

Directed by Gary Suthers Assistant Director Bianca Reynolds

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BOOK NOW AT THE BOX OFFICE

Sunnybank Theatre Group. Cnr Mains and Beenleigh Rds, Sunnybank Phone Box Office 3345 3964 www.stg.org.au September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 31

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27/08/2015 10:45:04 AM

FOOD AND WINE

What’s On

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When not consuming wine you can find Tony at one of his two Sunshine Coast eateries, Hello Harry The Burger Joint and Junk.

Tony Kelly

Hello Harry The Burger J oint

32 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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27/08/2015 10:49:32 AM

COMMUNITY NEWS

Pumicestone Probus celebrates Christmas in July

T

Members enjoy Christmas in July

he Probus Club of Pumicestone Passage is a mixed club of diverse men and women who meet on the second Tuesday each month at Bribie RSL. Probus clubs are sponsored by Rotary and offer retired and semiretired business and professional people, the opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded souls.

As well as interesting speakers, the club regularly enjoys a wide variety of social activities such as dinner at local restaurants, picnics in the park, fishing and barbecues, car rally and visits to

EASTERN SUBURBS PROBUS SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

many other places of interest.

The club’s recent outing to the Riverdeck Restaurant in Tewantin to celebrate Christmas in July was enjoyed by 20 members.

Santa made an appearance with gifts for all. Members are now looking forward to the car rally in October.

New members and visitors always welcome.

Contact Gerry 3408 1634 or Margaret 3408 4540.

New members and visitors always welcome. Contact Gerry 3408 1634 or Margaret 3408 4540.

SPRING TIME FOR BEGONIAS

VISION SUPPORT GROUP

Begonias in Flower will be the set topic for the Queensland Begonia Society meets monthly meeting on Saturday, September 19.

Other cultural items and hints will be discussed and there is also an “open” display table and another display table for plants other then begonias.

Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month in the Uniting Church Hall, 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm, 12.30pm for trade table and 1pm for meeting. Afternoon tea is provided and visitors are most welcome.

The Southside Blind and Low Vision Support Group meets in the Community Meeting Room at the Garden City Library on the second Monday of each month at 9.30am. The group provides information, support, advice, friendship and a social outlet for the vision impaired, and their families, friends and carers in the local community.

Come along and enjoy the friendship and morning tea.

Call Enid Henderson 3359 4319 or email pehenderson@webshield.net.au

The Eastern Suburbs Probus Club is on a membership drive.

Probus is an off-shoot of the Rotary Service Club organisation but is about socialising not fundraising.

“It gives retired people an opportunity to get together and meet new people instead of just sitting at home all day,” secretary Allan Verran said.

The club invites guest speakers to meetings and runs regular bus trips.

Recently members travelled the old Gold Coast Highway together, sharing their stories about what the route was once like.

“Through a Probus trip I also learned about the ships sunk off Point Lookout by the Japanese navy during World War II,” Allan said.

Members are planning the next outing to Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers.

The club meets at 10am on the first Friday of every month except January at Belmont Services Bowls Club, Narracott Street, Carina.

Call president Rod 33966944 or secretary Allan 3849 8825.

Call Peter 3345 7421.

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All Dad’s receive an entry into the draw to Win a BCF Fishing Package, just by joining us for lunch or dinner.

Bookings recommended (07) 3863 0055 September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 33

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27/08/2015 10:51:43 AM

MOTORING

Ready, set, tow… a nomad’s starter kit The happy marriage between vehicle and caravan is quite a balancing act, writes KATE CALLAHAN.

I

t can be exhilarating to throw caution to the wind and do something spontaneous. But take spontaneity a step too far and you can quickly find yourself on shaky ground.

Just like the young couple whose marriage was in strife so they decided on a whim to increase the mortgage, buy a bigger house and have another child. Not the wisest remedy for an ailing marriage, one would have thought, but it must have seemed like a fine idea at the time.

If you are contemplating life as a grey nomad, be prepared for some serious planning and contemplation.

Act in haste and you will have plenty of time to repent at leisure on the road.

To begin with, there is the rig.

Like any good marriage, the caravan and the tow vehicle need to be a good match. The maximum towing capacity of the vehicle constrains the choice of caravan.

It goes without saying that a small town car will not tow a palace on wheels but it could do just fine with a lightweight pop-top.

The weight relationship between vehicle and van is important for safe towing.

As a rule of thumb, the tow vehicle needs to be at least as heavy as the caravan being towed.

If not, the tow vehicle will have a tough time controlling a wayward caravan in the face of cross winds, sudden braking, or a rough road surface.

However, the one-to-one ratio is a bare minimum weight safety margin.

For added safety, particularly if you are a novice, aim for a tow vehicle that outweighs the caravan by a good 30 per cent, when both are fully laden, including passengers.

For towing specifications, check the vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.

If trawling through manuals and technical specifications is not your bag, take a shortcut and call the experts at the RACQ. They publish a list of towing specifications for a range of popular vehicles and are happy to provide advice to members.

Make sure the towbar and towball are compatible with the vehicle. If not, the weakest link in the towing setup will determine maximum towing capacity and as a result, choice of caravan.

If you are in the market for a new tow vehicle, work through the practicalities carefully. By all means go for the big powerful American import or perhaps a Toyota Tundra or a Land Cruiser Sahara if you have deep pockets and are planning to be on the open road for months at a time.

But if high maintenance costs make you blanch and getting into the underground carpark at the local supermarket 11 months of the year is important for you, perhaps it is best to leave the Chevy Silverado on the showroom floor.

The car market offers nothing if not choice, so with a little time and care you will find the perfect vehicle to suit your pocket and your purpose.

Having determined towing

$100

capacity, let’s turn our attention to choice of caravan.

According to my good mate Big Wheels, your first van is just a stepping stone to the next, so don’t stress if you don’t get it just right first time round.

Caravan and camping shows are a good place to start, but Big Wheels, who has done more miles than the Indian Pacific, recommends going straight to the experts – the nomads themselves.

Pull up at a roadhouse or take a stroll through an RV friendly caravan park, he says, and just start chatting.

After all, who doesn’t love being asked for a bit of advice?

When it comes to loading the van, bear in mind that there is a maximum on-road weight limit set by the manufacturer. This limit must not be exceeded.

Everything in the van, plus aftermarket accessories, are counted, so try to try to leave a little leeway. Pack to the max and you could end up in strife with authorities at the weighbridge or void your insurance in the event of an accident.

Start with the essentials – food, clothes, bedding, cooking equipment,

tool kit and basic spares, gas, generator and water.

A hundred litres of water adds a hefty 100kg to the payload, which just goes to show how quickly the weight limit can be reached.

No amount of anti-sway technology will compensate for a poorly packed caravan. Imagine your van is a boat.

For stability, aim to distribute the weight as evenly as you can. Don’t put all the load in the front or all the load in the back. Spread it out and secure it well.

A final word of advice from Big Wheels: Never hesitate to ask for help.

In the world of the grey nomad, even the most seasoned traveller needs a hand once in a while. Helping out is just extending the courtesy of the road.

Why? Because doing good does you good. Well said, Big Wheels.

Tell us what you think If you’d like to send feedback or comment on this article or have an idea for a motoring story email kate@yourtimemagazine.com.au or write to Your Time Magazine, PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004.

CAR SERVICE VOUCHER* when you buy 4 selected Goodyear tyres Ends 27th September, 2015 *Ends Saturday 27 September, 2015 or while hil stocks t k last l t att participating ti i ti G Goodyear d A Autocare t stores. t $$100 car service i voucher is provided at time of and upon purchase of Goodyear branded tyres excluding 13”, 14” and 15” sizes, and DuraPlus and Assurance DuraPlus ranges. Voucher has one year validity.

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Cnr George & Boundary St, BEENLEIGH | Phone 07 3287 3326 34 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 35

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TRAVEL

When in Rome…

A

Roman holiday doesn’t have to be all tourist maps, brochures and tour guides.

In fact, this city of ancient treasures can be best enjoyed as a treasure hunt.

It’s simple. Walk out the hotel door and start following your nose.

If all roads lead to Rome, then all roads in Rome lead to somewhere special.

Take a tiny cobbled path between two old stone

buildings and you could well emerge at the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum.

In fact, you could work backwards and land somewhere before identifying where you are and the treasure you have stumbled across.

The other advantage of this method is that you see all sorts of things you could miss if your nose is glued to the guidebook – market stalls with

incredible displays of produce, shop windows where a tiny pair of baby’s shoes is selling for a king’s ransom, pasta in all shapes, sizes and colours and food laid out like a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

This warm southern European city has almost 3000 years of art, culture and architecture on display waiting to be found at every random turn.

Most restaurants offer a “menu of the day” which is cheap and tasty.

And don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi fountain (right hand over left shoulder) to guarantee your return.

An estimated 3000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day, thanks to the 1954 film Three Coins in the Fountain. The coins are used to subsidise a supermarket for the city’s poor, although there are lots of thieves keep an eye on it as well.

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36 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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27/08/2015 10:58:37 AM

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY GROUP WINNER 2015 September 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 37

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS

Rainbow nation is in the pink South Africa is a grand travel adventure and the Grand Roche Hotel is not to be missed, writes PETER EMERY.

N

o holiday in South Africa is complete without a visit to Cape Town, the rainbow nation’s first and largest city.

And no visit to Cape Town is complete without a visit to the Western Cape wineries. And then, no visit to the Western Cape wineries is complete without a visit to the town of Paarl.

Set in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Hottentot Mountains just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, Paarl is the perfect base from which to explore this fascinating area in more depth than a day trip from Cape Town can offer.

Apart from the “God’s own country” scenery there are other historic towns to explore, such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

But the main course is the food and wine that the area offers.

This is where you will find the world’s second oldest vineyards – much older than those in the USA, South America, Australia and New Zealand.

The Grand Roche hotel is evocative of South Africa’s colonial era.

They were planted by the French Huguenot refugees who began arriving at the Cape in 1671.

There are numerous hotels and guesthouses in which to stay, but it’s hard to beat the Grande Roche Hotel which is a working vineyard hidden below Paarl Rock, a huge rounded granite outcrop.

The Grande Roche is just one of the many historic buildings in the town.

It is a beautifully restored Cape

Dutch farmhouse and the old slave quarters have been converted to luxuriously appointed rooms.

You can even get married or renew your vows in the charming little chapel.

Even if you don’t stay a night or two, at least drop in for high tea or maybe a glass of the local wine.

Ucango On Safari call Peter 0449 689 447 or email peter.emery@ucango. com.au

Travellers Choice, a Perth-based agency group with a network of nearly 200 agencies across the country, trumped its higher profile rivals of Flight Centre and Helloworld in winning the Australian Best Travel Agency Group title at the 2015 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) in Sydney.

Travellers Choice was established in Perth in the mid 1970s on cooperative principles. From a small group of six specialist agencies it has grown into a national retail network covering every state and territory.

Each outlet is independently owned, operated and branded but uses the buying power of the network to ensure they are competitive with the more high profile players.

Travellers Choice Chief Executive Christian Hunter said the award recognised the national retail travel group’s unique and consultative culture and its unrivalled focus on supporting its members.

“This is a David versus Goliath win and a timely reminder that being a great retail travel group is not about size, it’s about service,” Mr Hunter said.

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38 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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TRAVEL

Land of the long white cloud

N

ew Zealand is a little different from most other holiday destinations, simply because it really is so compact.

Despite its size, it’s home to an enormously diverse range of scenery and landscape.

In one day of touring, the view from your window can change from a windswept wild coastline to a patchwork of flat, endless farming plains, to a colossal snowy mountain range.

This unique aspect of New Zealand travel is one that must be seen to be believed.

When you’re planning a touring holiday to New Zealand, look no further than a Kirra Coach Tours.

Kirra has more than 46 years experience and is well recognised as the premium touring company in New Zealand.

It has well researched the best options to ensure you get to experience the perfect mix of cultural, historical and natural scenery, from snowcapped peaks to thick rainforest and sandy pristine beaches.

There’s a fascinating and unique

geothermal region, a rich and lasting indigenous culture to inspire and and of course the hospitality and relaxed attitude of the Kiwi way of life.

Kirra has a large selection of tours tailored to budgets, durations and destinations, but all tours ensure you see all the iconic sights and attractions throughout New Zealand.

You won’t get stuck in queues or miss out on any of the attractions as everything is pre-booked. On arrival, you simply jump the queue with your coach captain and enjoy the experience.

Most Kirra Coach Tours also include free time for you to explore each location.

New Zealand’s obvious charms have made it a hub for tourism since the late 1800s when international visitors first discovered the attractions of this faraway land.

Since then, the world has caught on to this little secret. New Zealand is truly a one of a kind destination.

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TRAVEL

Get your kicks on Route 66 Remember the 1960s television series Route 66? Get out on the open road and experience the Main Street of America for yourself, writes CHERYL RYAN of 123Travel.

American history. The road itself plays an important part in native communities and regularly features in songs, movies, and TV shows.

The 2200 miles (3945km) road in western America spans a great variety of activities and takes you directly to the soul of American life, from urban Chicago, past the spectacular Grand Canyon to the famous Santa Monica beach.

Along the way, Route 66 offers many attractions and lets you peek into the American countryside life.

Famous Route 66 covers essential America.

R

oute 66, linking Chicago and Los Angeles, once served as the major road corridor of the United States.

Today, it is considered a paradise for travellers who love to venture out on open roads and experience classic

MUSEUMS Route 66 is home to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe among several others.

At Will Rogers Museum, indulge yourself in collection of art telling the life story of the legendary movie star, philosopher and columnist.

Cadillac Ranch features 10

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Cadillacs in a line, their noses buried in the sand. It was opened in 1974 and remains a popular tourist spot for street art fans.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum has more than 4000 art forms created by the renowned artist and a research centre pioneering in the study of American modernist art forms.

PARADISE FOR THE FOOD LOVERS The route is lined up with numerous roadside restaurants, cafes and bed & breakfast motels. There are many famous diners dating back to 1920s when Route 66 was commissioned.

Clanton’s Café in Arizona, Cozy Dog Drive In, 66 Diner in Albuquerque, Dixie Truckers Home and Summit Inn in California are some of the oldest cafés on the route offering Native American food in the original 1930s style.

Route 66 is complemented by attractions which make the trip even more interesting. Each stop is unique in its own sense and has helped in keeping the appeal of the trip throughout decades. The major attractions include Chain of Rocks Bridge, Sears Tower, Route 66 Rocking Chair, Painted Desert, the site of the world’s first McDonald’s and Lowell Observatory.

SANTA MONICA BEACH Santa Monica beach marks the end of splendid road trip down Route 66. The beach is popular with international tourists and the surfing community. It is lined by swaying palms, clear waters and a lively crowd. Take a walk along the beach towards Santa Monica Pier, which declares itself as “end of the trail”.

ATTRACTIONS The road trip along pop cultural iconic

Visit 123Travelconferences.com.au And if you’d like to hear the Route 66 theme again, it’s on YouTube.

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TRAVEL

Tales of the Shipwreck Coast Leaving Johanna Beach, caravanner BEVERLEY EVERSON continues down Victoria’s Great Ocean Road to Cape Otway and the Shipwreck Coast.

A

fter the excitement of seeing the Cape Otway koalas, we drove a short distance to the lighthouse. There is a day entrance fee (lightstation.com/entrance) or you can stay in one of the cottages on site.

Cape Otway Lighthouse and Telegraph Station is a heritage precinct.

The lighthouse is the oldest surviving and most important on mainland Australia and the site is made up of the lighthouse, obviously, as well as quarters for the head keeper and assistant keeper, a store/workshop, signal station and a cemetery.

Thousands of lives were lost in shipwrecks off the coast here, which led to construction of the Lightstation.

Explorer Matthew Flinders said of the Shipwreck Coast, “I have seldom seen a more fearful section of coastline”.

The lighthouse was built in 1848 when 70 men worked for 10 months to shape the local sandstone to such exacting proportions that no cement was required to assemble the tower.

Now that’s impressive. It sits atop towering sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide.

It was decommissioned in 1994 and replaced with a solar powered beacon.

The cemetery contains the remains of lighthouse keepers and their families as well as some shipwreck victims.

Reading the exhibits and imagining the times, I couldn’t help but wonder how they persevered and survived the hardship. Of course, some did not.

By 1854, communication was by way of an overland telegraph line between Melbourne and Geelong. To improve communication between Tasmania and the mainland, a submarine cable went down between the two colonies via King Island.

The Telegraph Station was built and transmitted the first message between Melbourne and Hobart in 1859.

After many failures it was abandoned in 1861 but continued to be used by Lloyds which operated signal networks around the world.

The rugged shipwreck coast and Cape Otway lighthouse (right).

There is also a whale interpretive site, an Aboriginal cultural site, and a top secret World War II Radar Bunker.

The Shipwreck Coast of Victoria stretches from Cape Otway to Port Fairy, a distance of about 130km. There are about 638 known shipwrecks along Victoria’s coast, although only 240 of them have been discovered.

All along the coast signage gives descriptions of how ships met their fate and the number of lives and cargo lost.

And not only ships went missing. In more recent times, in October 1978, a young pilot flying a Cessna just off

Cape Otway advised ed he was changing direction to south and “that strange aircraft is hovering on top of me again, and it’s not an aircraft”. Twelve minutes later radio transmission was lost.

Despite extensive land and sea searches no trace was ever found of the Cessna or Frederick Valentich. It remains a mystery to this day.

Of course you can Google historical information but it’s much more fun to hit the road, see it for yourself, wander among the buildings, feel the atmosphere, smell the sea and soak up this amazing part of our history.

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BOOK REVIEW

ELIZABETH PASCOE

This is a whimsical and, at times, bizarre tale of a seven-year-old girl whose character reminds me of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. It is a highly improbable adventure, disjointed with unruly rowdy behaviour and some crude language thrown in for good measure. It left me wondering if I was wacky even reading this rubbish.

Finally, coming to the end of the book, there was an article by the author called Relearning the World. I wish I had read this prior to embarking on the story or that the author had introduced it at the beginning of the book. I would then have had a much better understanding and sympathy for the characters portrayed and the fantasy that ensued.

TONY HARRINGTON

I found this book very difficult to digest but after significant and recurrent reflux during the first 100 pages, my indigestion settled and I finished the course.

The death of the author’s mother, her subsequent deep grief and emotional loss, created this unusual fantasy and dreamlike story.

Three odd imaginary characters plus a plastic dummy undertake a journey to understand the meaning of life, death, regression to childhood, time, growing old, depression, hiding from society and sexual relations.

This book is very different and it gives some interesting insights into the path we all must travel.

I think the message is time passes and then you die. Everything dies.

Make the most of the time you have.

It’s your time! I survived this book 4/10.

BOOK review JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT I found Lost & Found very difficult to get into and something of a chore to finish.

The further I read the more I considered the characters unlikely, the story improbable and the writing style different, but unremarkable.

Considerable imagination is required to embrace the adventure and courage of sevenyear-old Millie, the activity of 87-year-old Karl and the transition of 82-year-old Agatha from reclusive eccentric to the determined saviour of Millie.

Even the ending is disappointing. Despite Agatha and Karl finding each other, Millie is another story.

SHEILA BRYDEN

Lost & Found Brooke Davis, Hachette Australia

Millie Bird, seven years old and ever hopeful, always wears red gumboots to match her red, curly hair. Her struggling mother leaves Millie in a local department store and never returns.

Agatha Pantha, 82, has not left her house or spoken to anyone since she was widowed seven years ago. Karl the Touch Typist, 87, once used his fingers to type out love notes on his wife’s skin. Now he types his words out into the air as he speaks.

A series of events binds the three together on a road trip from the south coast of WA to Kalgoorlie.

They will discover that old age is not the same as death, that the young can be wise and that letting yourself experience sadness just might be the key to life.

I tried. I really, really tried just to finish Lost & Found, but I failed.

I had difficulty with every aspect of this book – the narrative, the characters, the dialogue of those characters and, in the end, I simply gave up. Sorry.

I found the child one-dimensional, Karl overly sentimental and Agatha downright annoying. The use of italics for the dialogue drove me crazy and the holes in the plot frustrating. It was just too twee and sentimental with little to recommend it.

Who could seriously believe that a seven-year-old child abandoned by her mother in a department store would respond so calmly, initiating conversations with complete strangers while avoiding detection by security staff – and that’s only the beginning. This book was not for me.

JO BOURKE

MARY BARBER

I might have enjoyed this book more if I had not read The Rosie Project.

The characters had a similar offbeat way of doing things. And the two older characters, Karl and Agatha, had that rule-breaking thing going, just like The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Yada Yada.

Millie, the central character is appealing. I enjoyed her time holed up in the department store. It was poignant, watching her wait for her mum to return and not giving up hope.

The story has some humour and lots of craziness as Millie and her two elderly friends seek out Millie’s mum.

The statement on the slip cover of this book compared it favourably to The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (which I enjoyed immensely) ao I opened Lost & Found with eager anticipation. It didn’t take long to disappoint – a farfetched tale with slow character development.

There were passages of vivid writing that evoked images that made me pause and savour them. The underlying theme of the ability to accept and change oneself was certainly there but somehow bogged down.

I understood it better after reading the article by the author (dealing with her own grief) at the end – perhaps if that had been at the beginning, it might have helped. It is likely some readers will find it irritating, as I did.

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MEMORIES

OK guys, that’s really confusing

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Remember when guys were guys and dolls were dolls? It’s different now, writes DAVID PARMITER.

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RM T K V GWS D A U B X 3

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respect themselves as future mothers, or the boys as prospective fathers, to their children.

We, as a society, then bemoan the fact that the next generation does not know how to behave in public, towards each other or even to their parents in the way they should have been brought up.

The old saying goes: “ it takes a village to raise a child” – meaning that while a child has a biological mother and father, everyone in the community keeps an eye out for the welfare and behaviour of the child.

The Aboriginal people have known and practised this for thousands of years. We should learn from their wisdom.

Unfortunately, we have decided that the rules for raising children today are out the window. Can we be surprised that we are now “reaping the whirlwind”?

Come on guys, let’s show some respect towards the girls. And girls, stop trying so hard to be “guys” – because you’re not.

14

O

kay, guys, listen up. You’ve got to show a little more respect.

And you girls, you’ve got to remember that you are NOT “guys”.

You too have got to show some respect … for yourselves, and for the guys, of whom you are not one.

The 1950s popular musical Guys and Dolls emphasised the many differences between males and females. Some biological and some behavioural. Everyone knew where they stood; or sat on!

They also knew how to behave towards each other, at least in public. Since the social engineers got busy – and many of them were

sexually ambivalent – the rules have changed. And not for the better. Political incorrectness rules.

Now, everybody has to be the same. Not just physically different, but compulsorily the same. No wonder we are all confused.

Girls and boys are forced to be (and behave) exactly the same from primary school onwards.

Every class, every activity, every competition has to have a girl and a boy at the top. You can no longer have “a winner”; you have to have two winners … and everyone else has to get “an achievement certificate”.

Even when they have come last.

Imposed official policy. Socially, girls have to prove by high school that they can swear, smoke, drink, punch, chew gum, and have tatts in order to be “one of the guys”.

This social disorientation has had two results: one is that boys no longer respect and treat girls as young ladies; because they aren’t.

The other is that girls no longer

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PUZZLES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

DOWN

1

2

7 8 10 11 13 14 16 18 19

Chopped up rural trees left out for the cabinet minister (9) It’s the time when the letters are back (3) A plain pact requiring reform of the candidate (9) Television’s layout has changed immensely (6) It was midweek I wiped the small feathered one (4) Was very sorry for having made an offensive sound (4) Antler covering used as a fabric? (6) See the tiger come out of figures and shapes (9) It can be a bad year without a cereal crop (3) Counteracting the hostile enemy grid (9)

No. 2505

Knock the average backing and music-style (3) 3 He slid out to protect her (6) 4 Range of a bangle on a withered arm (4) 5 The dog went after the fallen tree in the river (9) 6 Apply a new rhythm to the basic lilt of things projected (9) 8 You’re absolutely right! A very sad rival indeed (9) 9 Voyager with an unusual grasp seen on the transport (9) 12 I observed while he bled from the injury (6) 15 Unhappy lot in a reflective mood (4) 17 The place to stay back in the first millennium (3)

CODEWORD

1

2

14

15

Y

No. 696

3

4

5

6

7

16

17

18

19

20

J

8

9

10

11

12

13

21

22

23

24

25

26

WORK IT OUT!

SUDOKU WORDFIND

Level: Hard

No. 20

author

page

bestseller

paper

blurb

plot

chapter

print

characters

review

cover

story

editor

text

hero

title

ink

verse

magazine

word

novel

writer

No. 736

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46 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / September 2015

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PUZZLES

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 3606

SCATTERWORD

O T

E G

T

Today’s Aim: 23 words Good 28 words Very good 32 words Excellent

SUDOKU Level: Easy

No. 735

R

C A

No. 2942

A

Form at least one nine letter word from the given letters and as many other words as possible of four or more letters. Each word must contain the letter in the central circle. Simple plurals, formed by adding “s” are not counted as extra words. No prefixes or suffixes. Reference: The Macquarie Concise Dictionary.

PERMUTATE

ACROSS 3 8 10 11 12 14 15 18 19 20 23 25 26 28 30 31

Microbes Reproduced a genetic copy Interior Personal pronoun Middle Most strange Having a small build Literary volume Peruse Device for holding boats in place Performing Fowl Favourite Rasps Smaller Invoice

32 33 35 38 39 40 41 42

Rip Not completed Stately residences Overturn Set of tools Ship’s officer Effluent Puts through a sieve

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9

Pupil River crossing Jewel Newspaper head Location Classical writers of antiquity Wept Was pre-eminent

13 16 17 21 22 24 27 28 29 30 31

Moved quickly Attempts Nickname Infantile Greeting Performs surgery Iced Flipper Interval Most feeble Tall fur hat of British guards 34 Sisters 36 Alright 37 Derrick

No. 015

WORK IT OUT!

Your aim is to change the top word one letter at a time, each time rearranging the letters to create a new word. Perform one such permutation for each blank line until you arrive at the last word. There may be more than one correct solution.

TOOTH

_____ _____ _____ _____ FAIRY

All puzzles Copyright © Reuben’s Puzzles www.reubenspuzzles.com.au

September 2015

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