Kowhai Summer 2020 edition

Kowhai SUMMER EDITION 2020

INTRODUCING TAI CHI

ZINGY CITRUS TREATS

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Find balance with an internal martial art.

Recipes for morning, noon, and night.

Explore NZ’s hidden gems with Marie.

r e m Sum ! d e v i r has ar WELCOME TO KÕWHAI, OUR SUMMER EDITION And just like that, raumati summer is finally here. Our days are longer, the temperatures are warmer, and our beaches and public spaces are finally enjoying Kiwi tourists. And the good news continues. The word on the street is that the South Island can expect a hot, dry season while the North has a warm, muggy rainforest climate to look forward to.

As you drive Aotearoa’s scenic routes this summer, be sure to stop off for plenty of real fruit ice creams and freshly picked orchard fruit. We’ll probably see you there! To fill up your itinerary, we’ve profiled some hidden gems on pages 4 and 5 with experienced traveller Marie from Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village.

But before you hit the road, take a moment to enjoy how your backyard has transformed into a bounty of colourful blooms. Doug, a compost fan and the gardener at Ryman’s William Sanders Village, shares his tips for maintaining a colourful garden all summer long on pages 8 and 9.

Once you reach your destination, it’s always a good idea to arrive bearing gifts.

Take a peek at our pull-out holiday gift guide between pages 10 and 11 for thoughtful gift ideas from local Kiwi businesses. While it’s important to treat others, don’t forget those ‘gifts to self’ – jump to page 16 for summer styling inspiration. Colourful and stylish yet comfortable fashion pieces are waiting to tempt you.

And if you’re craving a little calm amid your festive shopping, simply flick back to page 6 to learn the basics of tai chi, an internal martial art renowned for strengthening the body and mind. Regular practise will help you feel centred and calm, ready to take on everything summer has to offer.

We’ll see you out there!

Lindsay And the summer lovin’ Ryman Healthcare team.

CONTENTS

04

06

EX PLO R E AOT E A ROA

GENT L E MOVE M ENTS

Bring your mind, body, and soul into alignment with tai chi.

Have you ticked these ‘hidden gems’ off your travel list yet?

08

07

SUMME R PL ANTING

LO O K ING FO RWA R D We search for positives amid a formidable pandemic.

Doug the Gardener brightens our day with colourful, vibrant annuals.

11

A FRUI T Y TAB LESCAPE We played with citrus, stencils, and napkin knots for our table styling feature.

13 S QU E EZE T H E DAY!

15

Chef Troy shows us just how versatile citrus is in the kitchen.

C IT RUS RECIP ES

We have your summer dinner party menu covered: start, feast, indulge.

17

B RIG H T L IG H T Sunglasses are colourful, bold, and shapely this season.

LIFEST YLE ONLINE Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/lifestyle for more seasonal lifestyle articles.

Recipes, book reviews, travel destinations, décor crafts, and much more.

19

B E IN

TO W IN We have a summer prize pack valued at over $500 to give away!

Kowhai | 3

Run wild through

Aotearoa Marie, a resident at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, shares the ‘hidden gems’ she’s discovered while taking the path less travelled. Join us as we step off the beaten track and explore our big backyard!

ROAD TRIP TO HAAST, WEST COAST, SOUTH ISLAND

Drive from Wanaka to Haast for stunning scenery and (arguably) even better whitebait. Be sure to stop regularly during the two hour trip to enjoy short walks and breathtaking landscapes. With bright blue lakes, gushing waterfalls, and mountain vistas – what more could you want? newzealand.com/nz/haast

SEE THE SECRET COAST ROUTE, RUSSELL, NORTH ISLAND

Explore the network of winding roads that span Northland’s dramatic coastline. Start at Russell and weave your way through a tapestry of history and scenery to Helena Bay. This coastal route includes stories of early Māori settlements, colonial settlers, whalers, and missionaries. Allow plenty of time to discover the hidden treasures around every corner!

And while you’re in the region, be sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and its two new museums, Te Rau Aroha and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, for an important cultural experience. northlandnz.com/visit/northlandjourneys/road-water-journeys/ the-secret-coast-route 4 | Kõwhai

BREATHE DEEP AT HELENA BAY HILL , NORTH ISLAND

Set in a lush subtropical garden featuring bush and sea views, this destination begs you to take a break from your travels. Located along Northland’s Secret Coast Route, stop off to explore the Helena Bay Hill gallery, garden, store, and licensed café. galleryhelenabay.co.nz

THE MUSSEL INN, GOLDEN BAY, SOUTH ISLAND

Quintessentially Kiwi, The Mussel Inn is an unassuming hot spot. Open daily until late and situated on a dead-end road, this ‘Kiwi woolshed/tramping hut’ offers a laid-back, family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss. For thirsty travellers, the Mussel Inn team produce all their beers, ales, ciders, soft drinks, and house wines in a small brewery next door.

u o y o s s k c a n s “Pack tasty ice spots for can stop at nead of having a picnic instwn!” to find a to

musselinn.co.nz

Marie, a lifelong traveller and resident at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, reminisces about her experiences of summer evenings spent abroad.

While international travel may feel like a long shot, making time to reflect on past adventures and to plan future trips is a great way to exercise the mind and maintain a positive attitude.

PLAN FOR DOWNTIME

Rest is important when spending long days exploring. It pays to schedule feet-up time or a period of aimless wandering to soak up the atmosphere without pressure or agenda.

“When we were in London we would go to a 6 o’clock show and then grab a bite to eat afterwards. Sometimes we’d stay in after a big day, but there’s always something to see and do if you choose to go out.”

BOOK A TOUR

Kiwis often ‘DIY’ their tourist experiences, but consider booking a short tour next time. A well-informed tour guide is priceless and they can often lend a local perspective.

POUTO PENINSULA, NORTHLAND, NORTH ISLAND

One of the largest unmodified dune systems in Aotearoa, the views along the Pouto Peninsula are everchanging as the wind reshapes the dunes. 55km long, it overlooks a ship graveyard and the roaring Tasman Sea. Situated on the northern Kaipara Harbour, the widths of this peninsula vary from 5.4km to 14km.

Word is, the lighthouse has the best view. newzealand.com/nz/feature/pouto-peninsula-and-ripiro-beach

“In Las Vegas, we went on a night tour. The fountains all went off, there was a pirate boat experience, and in the old part of Vegas they have the world’s largest LED screen that forms a canopy over you and plays hourly shows. We also went to the casino to view a giant gold nugget they’d got from Australia. Then, right at the end of the tour, they took us out near the airport where the Vegas sign is.”

Kowhai | 5

Tai chi

Meditation in motion

Strike a pose

Get ready to experience sharper focus and improved memory function.

B RUSH K N EE This move can be completed solo or as part of the form – a series of movements that tai chi practitioners memorise over time. A form can comprise of 80 moves and regular weekly training allows the body to commit each move to memory. Brush knee involves stilted forward motion with swooping arm movements.

1

Meet Judy. She’s been practising tai chi and qigong for the past two decades.

This quiet, meditative practise teaches its practitioners to breathe ‘into’ their stomach region. Judy, a resident at Ryman’s William Sanders Village, suggests two sessions per week to reap the full health benefits. She explains, “Tai chi breathing really fills the lungs and, in turn, empties the lungs. This enables more oxygen to enter the body which stills the mind, relaxes the body, and promotes circulation”. Judy, like many tai chi fans, enjoys benefits like improved balance, straighter posture, a calm state of mind, and enhanced memory.

M I ND, BO DY, S OU L Focussed on enhancing balance, strength, and posture, tai chi combines fluid movements with breathing for immediate health benefits.

LOW IM PACT This holistic practise features slow, graceful movements that make it accessible to anyone seeking a peaceful lifestyle and harmony between their body and mind.

ST R ES S R E DUCT ION Its trademark combination of meditation and movement is widely used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

6 | Kõwhai

2

“It gives you confidence and relaxation. You always feel happier at the end of a class.

Its' very beneficial.”

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz to further balance your body and mind.

ST RO K ING T H E P E ACO C K'S TA IL Also known as ‘parting the horse’s mane’, this tai chi move involves holding an imaginary ball and moving your body to stroke the tail, or part the mane. This is a great move for balance as your hands move above and behind you while you shift your weight forward and back.

Practising

Positivity People have a beautiful way of coming together and searching for light in dark times. Amid a formidable pandemic, these residents from Ryman’s Murray Halberg Village are finding moments of brightness that lighten their load and help them maintain a positive attitude.

1

2 2 “We live in a really close community and it was the connection and support from everyone that got us through. We just got on with what we were told to do and felt lucky.”

3

JOY

C LOU D H ANDS This move can be enjoyed by itself or as part of the form. Your arms wave softly from left to right at chest height, maintaining a measured pace. As your arms move, the leg that the hands are moving toward steps sideways. This slow stepping continues during cloud hands.

“Lego! The lockdown gave me the chance to finally start on my 7,500 piece Millennium Falcon. It certainly helped keep me occupied as it took about eight weeks to complete.”

BRIAN

“The companionship, friendliness, and security of our community meant that we didn’t want for anything.”

ANNE

Kowhai | 7

Unleash the gardener within!

An annual here, a perennial there, capsicums to the left, and strawberries to the right. The opportunity to reimagine last year’s outdoor spaces makes summer worth the wait.

n o i t c a f s i t a s t e g “You y l l a i c e p s e , t i m o fr d n a t s n a c u o when y g n i h t e m o s e e s d back an e shape grow and takjoyable.”

– it’s most en

Residents at Ryman’s William Sanders Village are all amused by Doug the Gardener’s apt name. He loves gardening and says, “it’s not a job, it’s a passion” when describing how he spends his days. The former owner of a landscaping and property maintenance business, Doug has always enjoyed getting his hands dirty in the pursuit of beautiful gardens.

Doug’s go-to is colour. He’s a fan of brightly coloured annuals and has recently planted marigolds and dianthus. He says, “It’s nice to be able to get the annuals in. It’s a little bland during the winter months. Some colour amid the green gives people something to look at and it brightens their day”.

8 | Kõwhai

2 Minutes

Annuals are perfect for pots and balcony planters with Petunias and Lobelias stealing the show.

If you’re planning a beautiful table centrepiece, don’t go past the corn poppy and sweet pea annuals. These hardy plants are easy to grow and look beautiful in floral arrangements once cut.

The key to growing long-lasting annuals is to purchase them when they’re almost flowering. To enjoy 3-4 months of florals, make time to deadhead your plants and keep them fairly moist throughout summer. Doug says that growing annuals is like most things in life, “you can’t just plant them and expect them to continually brighten your day, you need to put a little effort in.”

l a r u t a n e s u o t e k “ I li d n A . n e d r a g y sprays in m garlic are lavender andterrents for great pest dees.” the vegetabl Doug warns that it’s easy to overwater annuals in pots.

“It’s easy to kill them with kindness.” Contrary to popular belief, potted soil holds moisture well and most pots only need water once a week. They might look dry on top but put a finger in the soil to check the moisture level at root depth. If you’re worried about your soil drying out too quickly, Doug recommends “forest floor. It’s a mixture of leaves, sawdust, and bark that acts as a mulch. Later, when you dig it over, you increase the quality of your soil”.

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/lifestyle for more summer gardening tips and tricks.

t r e p x E n e d r Ga with a

What makes the green-fingered among us tick? ‘Doug the Gardener’ from Ryman’s William Sanders Village gives us some insight.

WHICH IS THE MOST USEFUL TOOL IN YOUR GARDEN?

A hand fork is very useful. You can do anything with a hand fork – they’re good for digging things out as well as planting.

WHAT DO PEOPLE GET WRONG IN THE GARDEN?

Planting lettuce. Often, half a dozen are ready at once and they get wasted. Plan a garden around what you can eat without creating waste – vegetables like tomatoes and courgettes are versatile.

WHICH SEASON IS YOUR FAVOURITE TO SPEND IN THE GARDEN?

Spring. Which is also my most disliked! You put plants in and see things start to flower which I enjoy, but it’s also the hardest time of the year because of the work you have to put in.

HOW ABOUT YOUR GO-TO VEGETABLE FOR THE GROWING SEASON?

Tomatoes. 90% of the time you put them in, the fruit comes, and you eat it. Other vegetables require a bit of work and spraying at the right times.

e e r t i a h w o K a e v “I lo e ’r y e h T . n e d r in the ga d they stunning ainrds.” bring the b Kowhai | 9

Hello

r e m sum

IF YOU HAVE CRAFTY FINGERS, VISIT RYMANHEALTHCARE.CO.NZ/SUMMER-DINING TO CREATE A FESTIVE TABLESCAPE.

STE AL THE SHOW CUT S O M E S HA P ES Celebrate with a homemade wine glass tag. Stencilling different coloured peonies will make for a beautiful ode to summer.

Create a focal point with an oversized centrepiece by spreading your central bouquet generously across the table.

FEE LI NG FRUI T Y? Morph your centrepiece into a grazing table with fresh fruit and edible flowers spread throughout.

PL AY W IT H CONT R A ST ING CO LOU RS Mix and match seasonally coloured glass for interest while tying together your styling colour palette. The rough surface of textured glassware contrasts beautifully with a soft floral centrepiece.

HELP GUESTS FIND THEIR SEATS Style your place settings with hand-painted placemats featuring elegant calligraphy letters. Short on time? Drybrush white paint across woven placemats for a chic rustic setting in minutes.

10 | Kõwhai

S H OW O F F W IT H F L AIR !

The humble napkin speaks volumes when styled with a dash of flair. Roughly tie a linen napkin in a loose knot and stuff it with seasonal foliage and florals. Fold an elegant pocket and slip your cutlery inside. Finish a café-style rolled napkin with a sprig of rosemary and twine. The options are endless. Next time you’re feeling creative, sit down with a napkin and have a play. You never know what might shake loose!

“There’s nothing better tathbalen enjoying a meal on a– the design you crafted us!” compliments are a bon

MAK E WATE R FUN WI TH I N FUSI ONS

U PS CA L E YOUR L INENS W IT H ST ENC ILS With a stencil, fabric paint, and a paintbrush or roller, anyone can create a dramatic or elegantly understated table runner print. Every stencilling project begins with a decision: do I want a single feature print or a pattern? If you’re in a rush, it pays to create several stencils that you can tape in place and paint at the same time. For unique variations, let your stencilled print dry before hand-painting details like petals and leaves for a perfectly imperfect design.

Get excited about hydration with these refreshing citrus and mint water infusions! Add your preferred ingredients to 5 cups of water, seal the lid, and refrigerate overnight.

Lemon, Mint 2 medium lemons, quartered ½ cup fresh mint leaves Mandarin, Turmeric, Mint 1 mandarin rind, sliced

Orange, Cucumber, Mint 1 medium orange, thinly sliced 1 medium Lebanese cucumber, thinly sliced ½ cup fresh mint leaves

1 thumb of turmeric, finely sliced ½ cup fresh mint leaves

Kowhai | 11

Having fun

with citrus in the kitchen One of the more versatile fruits around, citrus suits breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and can even satisfy those cravings for tasty kai in between! We consulted Chef Troy at Ryman’s Diana Isaac Village, to learn just how useful citrus is.

“I come from an Indian background and we use a lot , of lime in our cooking in India but most European cooking uses lemon which grows verye easily in New Zealand. Ther are a lot of varieties you can grow, and some are quite ornamental.”

12 | Kõwhai

OR ANG E SAUCE FOR DUCK Add the zest and juice of 3 oranges, 150ml pineapple juice, 1/2 diced chilli and 1 tbsp sugar to a pan. Boil to reduce by a third. Stir in 1 tsp cornflour paste.

Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped parsley. Serve with duck.

Ryman's Charles Upham Village resident Christine.

“Duck and orange is a combination that you can never go wrong with.”

“Citrus zest is the most flavourful part of the fruit."

R E F R ESH ING, SWE ET L IM ONCEL LO Seal the peeled zest of 5 organic unwaxed lemons in a 500ml bottle of vodka for four weeks. Boil 500ml water and 200g castor sugar into a syrup. Let cool. Strain the infused vodka and add it to the syrup. Serve chilled.

PI N K GRAPEFRUI T AND PI N EAPPL E A LEMON CURD SURPRI SE For a sweet treat, pipe lemon curd into lemon muffins before baking. This will create a delightful lava cake effect when the muffin is eaten. Lemon curd can be homemade or bought premade from the supermarket.

Chop the flesh of 1 pineapple into wafer-thin slices. Repeat with 2 pink grapefruits, pithfree. Set aside. Pound 50g brown sugar with a small bunch of mint leaves until blended then sprinkle over the fruit. Serve with yoghurt.

Kowhai | 13

Squeeze the day!

Cook with citrus Chef Troy at Ryman’s Diana Isaac Village, serves up a mouthwatering array of citrus dishes perfect for a warm summer day.

to

Feast

to

Start C I T RUS A N D BERGA MOT CUR E D SA L MON

CI TRUS CHI CK EN TI K KA W IT H LEMON AND LI ME SALSA INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

Salsa

Chicken

1 cup cucumber, finely chopped

750g chicken thigh, cut in 4 cm cubes

1 cup spring onion, finely chopped

½ cup coriander leaves, finely chopped

1 tomato, deseeded and finely chopped

100ml yoghurt

Sugar, a pinch Salt, to taste

1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

2. Add lemon juice to the bowl and mix to achieve a sandy texture.

Pepper, to taste

10g crushed garlic

2 lemons

10g crushed ginger

3. Place the salmon on a non-stick surface and evenly coat it with the mixture.

2 limes

2 tbsp oil

Zest of 1 orange

Salt, to taste

4. Wrap the salmon tightly and refrigerate for around 3 days.

Small bunch of coriander, finely chopped

Pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

200g salt

Zest of 1 lime

200g sugar

Zest of 1 orange

Juice of 1 lemon

1 Earl Grey tea bag

150g salmon fillet

METHOD

1. Remove the Earl Grey tea leaves from the teabag.

Combine the tea leaves with salt, sugar, lemon zest, lime zest, and orange zest in a bowl.

5. When ready, unwrap the salmon, lightly wash off the salt, and dab dry.

6. Thinly slice the salmon to serve on salad greens or a blini.

14 | Kõwhai

1 tsp curry powder

Bamboo skewers

to

Indulge CI TRUS CHE ESECAK E INGREDIENTS

METHOD

This tandoori fusion dish is a tikka /skewer.

Crumb base

Cheesecake filling

10 gingernut biscuits 100g butter, melted

700g mascarpone cheese

15g honey, melted

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Butter, to grease

Zest of 1 lime Zest of 1 tangerine 200-300g castor sugar 20g gelatin 300g lemon curd Mint tips, to garnish

METHOD

Salsa

Base

1. Zest the lemons and limes and remove any pith.

Set aside for the chicken.

1. Brush the base of a springform tin with butter and line with baking paper.

2. Cut a segment from the lemon and lime and squeeze the juice from the remaining fruit.

Set the juice aside for the marinade.

2. Crush the biscuits into crumbs and mix with the butter and honey to create a sandy texture.

3. Combine chopped lemon and lime segments, cucumber, spring onion, tomato, and coriander in a small bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.

Set the salsa aside.

Chicken 4. Combine half the coriander with the yoghurt, curry powder, zests, chopped chilli, lemon and lime juice, ginger, and garlic to make a marinade.

5. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper then marinate them in the mixture for 30 minutes at room temperature.

6. Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes then slide the chicken pieces on the skewers.

3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the tin with a spoon to form the base. Chill in the fridge.

Filling 4. Add all the ingredients except the gelatin and lemon curd into a mixing bowl. Be careful to not overmix as that can cause the mixture to split. Adjust the sugar to your liking.

5. Bloom the gelatin in a little water and melt in the microwave for approximately 15 seconds. Carefully stir into the mixture.

6. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and let it set in the fridge overnight.

7. Once set, coat the top of the cake with lemon curd then release the cake from its tin and garnish with mint tips.

7. Grill the skewers on a frying pan or BBQ for approximately 8 minutes until cooked through.

8. Dress with salsa and garnish with fresh coriander and spring onion.

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/lifestyle for more delicious warm-weather recipes.

Kowhai | 15

Knock out looks for your summer wardrobe After a winter of loungewear and cosy socks, it’s time to step into the light. We’ve curated a range of summer fashion that will effortlessly take you from the beach to a seafood degustation.

C H O OS E COLOUR Wear clothes that are as vibrant as you. Colour is incredible; it can elevate your mood and brighten dull days.

FLORAL PRI NTS Perfect for social gatherings, a floral print is this seasons must-have. Tops, pants, shoes, accessories – don’t hold back!

L IGH T FA BRICS Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and jute are flooding boutique store shelves.

Their warm, relaxed styles add character to any outfit.

ST YLI SH COMFORT

Ryman's Charles Upham Village resident Christine looking summery in a Trelise Cooper blouse paired with Vassalli trousers in white.

16 | Kõwhai

Treat your feet to a comfy flat shoe that not only looks gorgeous but is easy to slip off for impromptu paddling in the shallows.

Slip on some

SU N N Y DAYS

Shades

Shade and style in one. Pop on a Panama hat or a wide-brimmed straw number for light, breathable sun protection all day long.

F ROM DAY TO NIGHT Chunky, coloured jewellery paired with chic metals will take you into the evening without having to go home and get changed.

e v a h ’t n a c e w d “Who sai fort and style!?” com BAG IT !

A sturdy, wide bag with a mid-length handle will easily sling over a forearm as you gather delicious farmers’ market finds.

Beach lovers, unite! Sunglasses are here and they may be the perfect accessory.

They bring colour, shape, fashion, and personal expression together in loud, vibrant ways. For those not ready to wear bold patterns and bright fashion, sunnies are a great way to add a bright splash of personality to any outfit.

S ET T H E PAC E Airy and lightweight doesn’t mean flimsy anymore!

Power walk your way through summer with sandals that look good and feel amazing.

CA SUAL COOL Switch out the heavy shoes for light, breathable lace-ups. From a beachy wander to a wine bar, they have you covered.

A special thanks to Bailey Nelson for inspiring our curation with their character-filled selection of sunglasses. baileynelson.co.nz

Kowhai | 17

The Floral Edit Adding a few floral pieces to your wardrobe will have you walking on sunshine in no time. From skirts and tops to shoes, florals have filled the clothing racks this season and we couldn’t be happier about it.

“Stand outls with floran!” this seaso D R ES S TO I M P R ES S Perfect for any occasion, dresses can be styled up and down with simple additions like jewellery or a summer hat.

Ryman's Charles Upham Village residents June and Alan enjoying a stylish summer stroll.

BLOCK OUT

Pairing block colours with bright florals can ground busy patterns and bring balance and calm to a lively outfit.

STEP UP

When choosing footwear for a specific outfit or special occasion, pull a colour from the outfit and find shoes that match. And when in doubt, opt for a stylish neutral that goes with everything!

18 | Kõwhai

n About MeTown BOLD PATTERNS

‘Tis the season to be brave! Muster up and wear bold patterns that feature foliage. Leafy prints are perfect for warm days while thistles or palm fronds can be a playful reference to your heritage.

A special thanks to Ballantynes, stylist Abby Button, and our resident models. ballantynes.co.nz | abbybutton.co.nz

NATURA L MATERIA LS Cool and light linen, hemp, cotton, and straw are this seasons wardrobe fillers.

A light pair of shorts or trousers in a classic cut look just as good on the water as at a café.

r e m m u s f o t s Be prize pack Win a

valued at over $500!

We’re giving away five of our favourite items from our Summer Gift Guide plus a $250 Prezzy card to put towards your newly inspired wardrobe.

To enter visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz/summer and tell us about the best gift you’ve ever received. *Refer to our website for full terms and conditions.

Competition closes 28 February 2021.

Kowhai | 19

RY M A N P I O N E E R S

BELONGING Priscilla loves silk. She loves the way it feels, and the way it makes her feel.

Right now she’s feeling fabulous, dressed head to toe in yellow silk. By her own admission, silk has been a thread that’s run through Priscilla’s life. From her first experience of the fabric as a child, silk has been woven into everything she’s done. She worked with silk as a designer and gallery owner, and still uses silk every day at her Ryman Village.

Priscilla’s village is an active supporter of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – a charity that helps vulnerable children. To help the charity, a group in the village lovingly make quilts by hand. They’re carefully crafted – either knitted, crocheted or sewn, and of course, all of Priscilla’s quilts include silk.

“Every quilt I make is another warm child. It’s another child that can cuddle up and feel secure. Even a little bit of silk will have the effect. They’ll be able to feel the smoothness, and the softness, and the warmth.

They’ll feel safe”.

Making quilts from silk is her passion, but it’s only part of Priscilla’s busy life at her Ryman village.

After today’s meeting, she’s rushing off to host a book club get-together at her apartment.

rymanhealthcare.co.nz

“

P riscilla AGE 80

I’m making quilts for c hildren in n eed.

That’s the p assion now.

”

Priscilla’s a people person and gains a huge sense of belonging at her village. When asked what she loves most about Ryman, Priscilla says emphatically “It’s meeting these amazing people”. She goes on to passionately recount spending time with people she’s met at Ryman. People from all walks of life. People who have done, and who are still doing, exciting things.

Musicians, dancers, ambassadors, nurses – wonderful, varied and interesting people. She reflects, “When you live in your own home, and you want to meet with someone, you have to ring them to ask if they want to come in at a particular time, or else go out to meet them. It’s a big deal. But in a village, it’s easy”.