Possum's Post Autumn 19

Children’s Party Our annual event draws big crowds to the fun activities

Meet Errol

Barbeque hoedown

Ardmore Airport

Greetings from Philip...

Hello and welcome to the autumn edition of Possum’s Post.

enjoyment shooting some pool or snooker. And if these activities aren’t enough, there’s always the weekly complimentary Happy Hour, fine dining or numerous other events organised by our activities team to enjoy.

What a fantastic summer we’ve enjoyed this year! The village has looked spectacular with the gardens in full bloom soaking up the sun and the heat.

Once again, our gardening team have done an amazing job keeping the place looking splendid.

And if it’s been too hot outside, not to worry, the air conditioning has been working overtime keeping the village centre nice and cool for residents and visitors.

We’re looking forward to a seasonal change as the intense heat of summer cools off. The residents enjoy the autumn colours and the lovely region we live in. Come by for a visit and check out what’s happening. You never know, I may even shout you a coffee in our café!

Kind regards,`

Residents are being kept busy with a wide variety of activities. The regulars have braved the heat, giving the bowling green a good workout.

Those who like a cooler environment have been entertaing themselves with a range of different card and board games. Many continue to find

Philip Hanson Village Manager Ph: 09 238 0370

A note from Jo...

It’s been all go at the village! Recently, Zac Johns, from the NZ Symphony Orchestra, gave us a presentation providing wonderful insight into life with the orchestra.

We have an interesting event coming up in April where we will have a demonstration on the latest mobility equipment and other gadgets. We’re also planning for a mid-winter ‘supper dance’ in June.

On a personal note, I’m proud to have been selected to officiate at Swimming NZ’s National Age Group Championships, as well as having my daughter Maia competing at an event for the country’s best swimmers aged between 13 and 18.

Serviced apartment available now!

At the village, we have a one-bedroom serviced apartment available. There is a strong demand for townhouses and apartments, and I’m always happy to discuss options as required. Feel free to give me a call if you would like to view the apartment.

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Jo Clare Sales Advisor Ph: 09 238 0808

Village news

A Disney party Clowns, pony rides, candy floss and fishing games were the big hits of the day at our annual Children’s Party, held late in January.

Staff, including our Village Manager Philip Hanson, got into the celebration by dressing up in costume.

Cinderella, Disney characters and angels were all giving out amazing vibes.

Kids were also entertained by a brightly deckedout clown, who showed off with all the right moves.

He twisted and turned balloons into animals and other party creations.

Out on the balcony more serious stuff was going on. The barbeque was cranked up and the attendees all got to eat some delicious party food.

The sun was shining, and the kids were smiling – that’s what you call a great success!

Pictured: It was a packed house when our clown started his show.

Inset: Resident Cora Brooking with her family at the Children’s Party.

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Long Road Home brings team together Ryman supports veterans’ charity event A memorial service to celebrate the end of The Long Road Home charity trek brought a tear to the eye for many involved in the walk.

The walk was organised to raise awareness for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), and was sponsored by Ryman Healthcare.

The early new year trek from St Arnaud along 110km of high-country station roads ended in Hanmer, on January 12, with a memorial service at Soldier’s Block in the South Island township.

Dozens of onlookers gathered at the block to hear accounts from the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Charitable Trust (NZMRT) team that took part in the horse-ride and walk.

They had followed the route taken by soldiers returning from World War 1, 100 years ago, but with the benefit of blue-sky days and a support team.

The event remembered that soldiers returning from WW1 were often left to make their own way home. Many felt abandoned, hopeless and segregated from their fellow Kiwis after witnessing the horrors of war.

The walk was a success and Ryman has signed on to support the trek next year, and the plan is to make it an annual event.

The trust was also in contact with overseas groups, to help spread the idea of supporting those with PTSI. PTSI continues to impact the lives of soldiers that have served in arenas such as Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Timor and Afghanistan.

“I think 800 people a year are exiting our current armed forces … some of those will definitely be suffering from PTSI,” Mark said.

Organisers Bernard Shapiro, Murray Hill and Mark Appleton, president of the NZMRT, said the group was raising funds for people suffering from PTSI as a result of traumatic events.

The walk was a success and Ryman has signed on to support the trek next year, and the plan is to make it an annual event.

There were wreaths laid at the memorial on behalf of Ryman, a sponsor of the trust and its work.

Above: NZMRT members, Ryan Haigh and Anna Keehan, with their horses.

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Book review

Dust to Gold The compelling story of Bendigo station, home of Shrek.

Written by John Perriam and photographed by Stephen Jaquiery.

This fascinating history of Central Otago’s iconic Bendigo Station is illustrated with stunning photographs of a wild and rugged landscape. It also showcases the farms owners, the Perriam Family as well as stockmen, animals, wildlife and memorable characters including the legendary Shrek, filling the pages with vibrant colour.

Shrek was the woolly hermit merino, whose story captivated the world when he was discovered high in a mountain cave after avoiding muster for six years. Read about his famous discovery and his subsequent travels throughout the country as an ambassador for Cure Kids. Incidentally, all profits from the sale of Dust to Gold will also go to Cure Kids, a worthy charity for sick children.

As you read, you begin to feel part of this resilient family, joining them in their struggles and setbacks as they nurture the land in their care while also promoting their merino breed of sheep from “fleece to fashion”.

I felt their pain as they watched their family’s original farm, brimming with memories and dreams, sink below the waters of Lake Dunstan: the trigger

for the eventual purchase of Bendigo Station.

From droughts, weeds, gorse and rabbits to indifferent bureaucrats and meddling politicians, many battles were fought and not always won.

The Perriam family story is a compelling one.

“For me it was a nostalgic reminder of my roots in the nearby North Otago high country.”

This is a book for rural and urban dwellers alike.

For me it was a nostalgic reminder of my roots in the nearby North Otago high country.

It is also an insight into the lives of those who work with and care for our land and country, a blue print on diversifying and a connection with the past for us all.

John Perriam’s prose is easy and uncluttered, with the pages full of accurately drawn high country characters and the sometimes cruel events impacting on the lives of his family.

Reviewed by Phyllis Thorby Edmund Hillary Retirement Village.

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Melbourne bowls challenge Ryman supports trans-Tasman bowls excursion A group of Charles Upham village lawn bowls enthusiasts have made the most of a trip across the Tasman making friends and enjoying some Ryman hospitality in Melbourne.

The group of bowlers and supporters from the Canterbury-based village took on some of the best from Australia at Melbourne greens located at the Glen Waverley Bowls Club, not too far from where Ryman’s Weary Dunlop and Nellie Melba villages are based.

They won the right to represent Ryman having topped a South Island Ryman village competition held at Charles Upham village in November.

The bowlers Barbara McJarrow, Bruce McCorkindale, Alan Pegley and Frances McDowell plus supporters Trevor McJarrow, Anna Armstrong and Gill Small flew out on Boxing Day and stayed in Australia until New Year’s Day. Ryman is a major sponsor of the Glen Waverley club and bowls carnival.

Alan says the team competed on four of the five days in the open competition.

“The calibre of competition was of a very high standard with many of the locals having represented Victoria and Australia,” Barbara says.

“We won a few and lost more than we won,” Alan adds.

Two days saw temperatures in the mid-30s, with more than 150 players at the club to contend with the sweltering conditions. The thermometer reached 36.4 degrees on the first day.

Between them the group members have been bowling for a considerable number of years and have watched changes in the game including more modern bowls running on a ‘tighter draw’, meaning they don’t have to be played so wide.

Nowadays the events are social, colourful and regularly held at most Ryman villages.

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Gemma wins the Cashin Scholarship Gemma Ballantyne’s year has got off to the best start possible thanks to the 2019 Cashin Scholarship.

Gemma has opted for a pharmacy degree after her first year, which adds another four years at university followed by an internship.

Gemma, 18, will use the scholarship to fund her pharmacy studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin.

Gemma’s looking forward to starting back at university and says the scholarship will be a big help with a busy year of learning ahead.

She was thrilled to get the news.

“I’m thrilled to win and I’m honoured that the Cashin family selected me,” Gemma says.

“I’m thrilled to win and I’m honoured that the Cashin family selected me.”

“It’s awesome to win. It means that it will ease the financial stress this year and allow me to focus on my studies so that I can be the best that I can be.”

Gemma has been part of the Ryman family since 2016, when she was a part-time receptionist at Anthony Wilding Retirement Village in Christchurch.

“I’m really grateful.”

Blair Cashin, Mike Cashin’s son, said the family wished Gemma all the best with her studies.

There were 100 applicants this year, a record for the scholarship.

The Cashin Scholarship

She says she loved the job from the very start.

“I was 16 and it was my first job and I couldn’t have had a better place to work. I loved talking to the residents, they were always interested in what I was studying and it was like having 200 grandparents.”

In 2018 she began her first year at university, studying health sciences at Otago University. She worked at Yvette Williams Retirement Village in Dunedin part-time to support herself.

The Cashin Scholarship was established to honour the memory of former Ryman director Mike Cashin. Mike was a strong believer in the power of education to change lives and was a great advocate for Ryman Healthcare and its staff. The scholarship is designed to provide a helping hand to members of the Ryman family who are taking on tertiary study. Each year the Cashin family help select the winner of the $5,000 grant, which is intended to help with study costs.

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Serviced apartment

resident profile

Meet Errol

For much of my working life I was a builder. I constructed many homes for myself, as well as for family members and other residents in the district.

During the 1960s I operated a billiard saloon in conjunction with my brother Max Short (an ex-mayor of Pukekohe who ran a hairdressing and sports shop).

In 1970 I bought a farm, at Pukekohe East, on which I ran sheep and dry stock for a decade while doing further building jobs.

My sporting interests were rugby, golf and bowls.

I was a member of the Buckland Bowling Club for 40 years, becoming a president, then patron and a life member.

I was a member of the Buckland Bowling Club for 40 years, becoming a president, then patron and a life member.

I was a Counties bowls representative for five years. During that time, I won four stars, so very close to getting a gold.

Hello everyone, my name is Errol Short and I’m a serviced apartment resident here at Possum Bourne.

I enjoyed many hours of fishing on the Manukau Harbour. I was easily able to get on the water from a Clarks Beach property.

I’ve lived in and around Pukekohe and Buckland all my life. I was married to Betty for 39 years and I’ve been widowed for 25 years.

Two-and-a-half years ago, I purchased a serviced apartment in the village and I find it far better than a five-star hotel, and cheaper. I am grateful to the wonderful staff, chefs, gardeners, entertainers and the good friends I have made.

I have two sons, one daughter, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Village news

Ardmore Airport In February Ardmore Airport was the destination for about 40 of our adventuresome independent and serviced apartment residents.

The airport, which is also home to the New Zealand Warbirds Association, provided a base for visitors to explore.

They started with a guided tour through the hangers and got to see several World War II planes

and heard about the history of the aircraft. Our residents also got to see some classics including a Curtis P-40N Kittyhawk ZK-CAG2, known as Currawong.

It was a wonderful afternoon including a stop at Ardmore Airport Café for afternoon tea.

Inset: The men enjoy the history on show at Ardmore.

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News from our care centre residents

Village news

Village barbeque

101st birthday!

This year we kicked off our village barbeque in style with a hoedown. Residents dressed up in their cowboy hats and boots. We had Sweet Duo performing as well as a line dancing group, who came in and gave a demonstration.

It was a privilege to join Carol Dean and her family to celebrate her 101st birthday. Carol is a long-time hospital resident and staff were overjoyed to be part of this special event. We look forward to celebrating many more occasions with Carol.

Above: Our residents have now taken up country dancing.

Above: Carol Dean loves to be surrounded by family and friends.

Staff profile

Introducing Val

Hello, I’m Val Spalding, and from Wednesday to Saturday I’m a receptionist at Possum Bourne.

My life and schooling started in the nearby suburb of Bombay.

We moved around a lot in my early years, as Dad was involved with the Kawerau Mill and Manapouri Power Station projects.

I have time with my first love, my family, but I also work with a wonderful team of people.

We settled back in South Auckland, where I completed schooling, then nursing training at Greenlane Hospital. Then, I married and together we raised our family.

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In 2014 we purchased a piece of paradise in Patumahoe. When a family member became ill, I made the choice to enjoy quality time with her.

When the time came to return to work, I felt very fortunate to have been accepted into my current position at Possum Bourne.

I have time with my first love, my family, but I also work with a wonderful team of people. I love the daily interaction I have with residents and their families.

Puzzles Word finder • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A chorus line Aida Amadeus Annie Avenue Q Buddy Cabaret Cats Chicago Deathtrap Dreamgirls Equus Evita Funny girl Gemini Grease Guys and dolls Hairspray

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

S U U Q E G S L L O D D N A S Y U G

Harvey Jersey boys King and I Les miserables Lion king Mame Mamma mia Mary poppins Music man My fair lady Oklahoma Oliver Phantom of the opera Pippin Rent Sleuth The producers The wiz Wicked

M L R E N T A D I A O P P P I N L H

U E S T A C M D Y P K H A L X I R A

S S N S D W Y D D K L A R Z O P H R

I M I R J U F R D I A N T Z G P Z V

C I P E Y S A E U N H T H G A I E E

M S P C I Y I A B G O O T E C P N Y

A E O U A O R M M A M M A M I A I Q

N R P D H B L G O N A O E I H Z L G

C A Y O T Y A I J D P F D N C I S N

W B R R U E D R V I A T N I U W U I

T L A P E S Y L E E M H E K J E R K

G E M E L R R S L T R E L I M H O N

T S B H S E S A E R G O A A N T H O

E V I T A J W R K G G P M U O N C I

Q G S U E D A M A V Q E U N E V A L

D E K C I W Y A R P S R I A H S T T

A K F U N N Y G I R L A U D K J W C

Crossword Across 1. Darwin’s ship, also a breed of dog (6) 5. Arm muscles (6) 10. Whim (7) 11. Endurance (7) 12. Peril (6) 15. Element, C (6) 16. A long time ago (colloq) (4,3) 17. Submerged rock (4) 18. Inheritor (4) 19. Serviceman (7) 20. Scorwch (4) 22. Swift (4) 25. Deeply embarrassed (7) 27. Glum (6) 28. Hold in custody (6) 31. Yearning (7) 32. Manner which a doctor should have (7)

Across: 1. Beagle, 5. Biceps, 10. Impulse, 11. Stamina, 12. Danger, 15. Carbon, 16. Year dot, 17. Reef, 18. Heir, 19. Soldier, 20. Sear, 22. Fast, 25. Ashamed, 27.

Morose, 28. Detain, 31. Longing, 32. Bedside, 33. Gently, 34. Yonder. Down: 2.

Expense, 3. Galley, 4. Even, 5. Best, 6. Cravat, 7. Pliable, 8. Finder, 9. Banner, 13. Remorse, 14. Gradual, 15. Covered, 20. Simple, 21. Arrange, 23. Avarice, 24.

Tanker, 25. Assist, 26. Deaden, 29. Ugly, 30. Obey.

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33. Softly (6) 34. Visible, but distant (6) Down 2. Cost (7) 3. Ship’s kitchen (6) 4. Level (4) 5. Overcome (4) 6. Men’s neckwear (6) 7. Easily bent (7) 8. Discoverer (6) 9. Long flag (6) 13. Deep regret (7) 14. Step by step (7) 15. Overlaid (7) 20. Uncomplicated (6) 21. Organise (7) 23. Greed (7) 24. Bulk liquid carrier (6) 25. Help (6) 26. Muffl ffle (6) 29. Unattractive (4) 30. Comply (4)

Savoury or sweet profiteroles fi Ingredients ¾ cup water 125g butter 1 cup high grade flour

Pinch of salt 4 eggs

Savoury filling 150g middle rindless bacon

Sweet filling 200g fresh or frozen raspberries 3 tbsp icing sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 200ml double cream 150g white chocolate 50g shelled pistachio

(diced)

500g smoked chicken breast (diced)

125g sour cream 125g mayonnaise ½ cup spring onions

A note from Ryman chef,

Timothy Garlick This makes a delicious finger food as it’s small and easy to eat. It’s always a big hit with everyone and you can change it up and serve it as an entrée or dessert.

This is on the menu at Jane Mander Retirement Village and the residents absolutely love it!

(finely chopped)

Profiterole method

Sweet filling

• Preheat oven to 180˚C. • Bring water to the boil in saucepan, add butter and stir until melted. Sift in flour and salt, and mix with a wooden spoon over a low heat until the paste starts to dry out. Allow to cool.

• Place paste in a bowl and beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing really well after each egg is added.

• Place tablespoonfuls of mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool profiteroles on a wire rack.

• Put the raspberries, icing sugar and lemon juice into a food processor or mini blender and blitz until smooth. Press through a sieve into a bowl.

• Whip the cream until stiff, then fold in 4tbsp of the raspberry sauce. Spoon the filling into a piping bag and make a hole in each profiterole.

Make sure the profiteroles are cool before piping in the filling.

• Break up the chocolate into a small bowl and melt in the microwave on low for 1½-2 mins.

Leave to cool briefly until slightly thickened.

• Carefully spoon the melted chocolate over each filled profiterole and sprinkle with pistachios.

Leave to set. To serve, drizzle the remaining raspberry sauce over the profiteroles.

Savoury filling • Fry the diced bacon and place in a bowl to cool.

Add the diced chicken with the sour cream, mayonnaise and spring onions. Slice the top off the puff, add the filling and put the lid back on top.

• Serve with your favourite chutney.

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Village news

Wedding anniversaries Recently two of our independent resident couples, John and Elizabeth Ronaldson, and Maureen and Graham Peach, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversaries.

Both couples are actively involved in events and activities in the village.

John, who used to be a music teacher, plays the piano for our village choir. Elizabeth is usually by his side, helping with the music.

Maureen and Graham like to keep fit and enjoy going out for walks. Maureen also attends Triple A. Congratulations to all four of you on your diamond wedding anniversaries!

Above: Maureen and Graham dancing at the village barbeque.

Inset: John and Elizabeth celebrate Valentine’s Day with a balloon.

Philip Hanson Village Manager Ph: 09 238 0370 Call Philip for general enquiries, or information about resthome, hospital and dementia care.

Jo Clare Sales Advisor Ph: 09 230 0808 Talk to Jo for information about independent apartments, townhouses or serviced apartments.

Lisle Farm Drive, Pukekohe

www.possumbournevillage.co.nz