Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper may 2015

Toowoomba

& Darling Downs Bringing you healthy lifestyle choices

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Your Local Seniors’ Newspaper - Written for Seniors by Seniors

Vol 3 - Issue No 4

MAY 2015

1300 880 265

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Blanche, 80, on road again in search for volunteer teachers

By JIM BOWDEN

BLANCHE O’Connor and her band of helpers are coming to a school near you.

The 80-year-old former interior designer and founding president of Granfriends has been traversing the state since the program started in 2008, recruiting volunteers to “help bridge the generation gap by teaching children new skills”.

“And now it’s Toowoomba’s turn,” said Blanche who is happy driving herself to cities and bush towns across Queensland to find supporters for Granfriends.

“Come out and meet my two great grandchildren; we’ll tell you what we’re up to,” said the quick, soft voice like that of a much younger woman.

The Granfriends program, an initiative of Older People Speak Out, helps teach children skills such as knitting, sewing, reading, spelling, creative writing, crochet, embroidery, chess, craft work, storytelling, dancing, debating and drama.

“The children love it,” Blanche said.

“We need you!” Blanche O’Connor and two of her great grandchildren Ebony, 9, and Indiana, 8, make the call for volunteers to help the Granfriends program in Toowoomba and surrounding districts

After-hours Bulk Billing Dial a home doctor Mon-Fri: 6pm to 8am (Call Centre opens 4pm) Saturday: from 12pm (Call Centre opens 10am) Sun & Public Holidays: 24 hrs (Call Centre open 24hrs)

Continued on Page 2

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Newspaper Run by Seniors for Seniors IN THIS ISSUE Law & Finance .............. Page 11 Health ............................ Page 16 Postcards ....................... Page 19 Entertainment ................ Page 24 Crossword ..................... Page 26 All Advertising, Editorial & Distribution enquiries:

community news Blanche, 80, on road again in search for volunteer teachers Continued from Page 1 “”They’re delighted that they can make gifts for their family and friends such as coin purses, teddy bears, bookmarks, embroidered cushions, coat hangers and crochet scarves.”

But for this good program to continue, volunteers are needed.

“We’re looking for people with some time on their hands who can help the children with things that are either an interest or something they are having problems with,” Blanche said.

1300 880 265

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www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Also publishers of • Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper • Brisbane Seniors Newspaper • Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73064061794) Printed by APN Print, Toowoomba Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspaper are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

Granfriends volunteers have been recruited for many schools across Queensland, as far as Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg, the Gold Coast, Redcliffe and Brisbane.

Now, backed by a state government grant of $10,000 that must be used before September, Blanche is about to set off from her Coorparoo home in Brisbane for Toowoomba, Warwick, Dalby and Kingaroy.

Then in August, it’s a return visit to North Queensland – all trips

organised to meet the fast-approaching September deadline.

“I don’t mind the driving and can go for three hours at a stretch, but I always have a ‘co-pilot’ along on the run,” said Blanche who after every trip enjoys returning to family reunions with her son, two daughters, 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Blanche meets with school principals and discusses how the Granfriends program can work within the school curriculum.

“We have a men who volunteer, too. They have helped with reading and the children can’t wait to get back to these classes,” Blanche said.

“But as is the case with many endeavours, volunteers step back for different reasons so it’s a constant search for new helpers to replace them.”

Blanche is heading to Toowoomba for the second school term and happily announced that two volunteers had already been placed, one at Middle Ridge Primary School and another at

Highfields Primary School.

“The volunteers, the schools – and the children – soon learn that Granfriends has a lot to offer,” she said.

Right now Blanche is packing for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and would appreciate a call from prospective volunteers in the region on (07) 3324 2779.

“You won’t regret it, and the children will be the winners,” Blanche said as Brisbane Seniors Newspaper wished her a safe and successful journey.

Nature never fails to impress NOELLE Meyer of Southport is an active retiree who enjoys taking snaps of nature and scenery, and her two grandchildren Maddy and Adam.

A keen walker, Noelle took this photo of a majestic Pied Cormorant drying its wings in the vicinity of the Gold Coast Bridge.

Noelle said the sight was ‘too pretty to miss’.

Thank you Noelle for sharing your picture with Seniors newspaper readers.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Toowoomba Lapidary Club Funding Windfall MEMBER for Toowoomba North, Mr Trevor Watts MP, has welcomed the allocation of $8,667 to the Toowoomba Lapidary Club under the latest round of State Government community funding. It’s part of millions of dollars provided across Queensland through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Mr Watts said that he was delighted to have the Shadow AttorneyGeneral, Shadow Minister for Justice, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations & Shadow Minister for Arts, Ian Walker attend this important cheque

outcome for the Toowoomba Lapidary Club and I congratulate them on their successful

presentation today. I recognise the struggle for funding is constant and that it is wonderful to provide much-needed financial support through these grants every few months. “The volunteers who run this group work tirelessly out in the community and I’m

thrilled that this work will now be made a little easier as a result of this funding.” Mr Watts said.

The Toowoomba Lapidary will use these funds to purchase three six wheel grinder sets to grind, shape, sand and polish semi-precious gemstones, as well as a

funding application. For more information please visit http:// www.justice.qld.gov.au/

corporate/sponsorshipsand-grants/grants/ community-benefitfunding-programs

television and DVD which will be used for educational purposes.

“These grant programs provide much needed funds for community groups to help them provide the facilities and activities which make our communities better places. This is a great

Stay safe when withdrawing cash

ON the Gold Coast recently, would-be thieves have been hanging around ATMs while the elderly and women, in particular, were withdrawing money.

Another problem can be ‘ATM skimming’. This happens when offenders install skimming devices on the ATM to record data from the card’s magnetic strip and to record the person entering their PIN number with a pin-hole camera (often a mobile phone). The stolen information is later encoded onto blank EFTPOS cards and can be used at ATMs to withdraw funds using the customer’s PIN. Offenders have also been known to hold onto stolen account information for several months before accessing skimmed accounts elsewhere in the world. It is much safer to

withdraw cash at one of the major supermarkets – you don’t even have to be making a purchase, and it won’t cost you anything. At any time when you are out and about it is wise to be aware of your surroundings. Remember the following tips: If you carry a purse or bag, hold it close to your body, tucked under your arm. Always have a firm hold of your handbag or purse, don’t leave it on shop counters or on the seat beside you on the bus or train. Never leave your handbag in the shopping trolley. Never carry large sums of money. Use EFTPOS or credit cards wherever possible. Use a supermarket or an ATM inside a shopping centre, not external ATMs. Don’t carry signed withdrawal forms with your bank book.

Need to put a little zing into your group?

ONE of the great things about retiring is that you now have lots of time for fun pursuits and volunteering for favourite causes. In fact many retirees complain jokingly that they’ve become so busy, they need to find a job to give them free time again!

Maybe you belong to an organisation and feel the general community could benefit from finding out how good it is. Bring in some new blood, or maybe you’ve just had a terrific function or outing and want to brag about it. If you volunteer at something worthwhile, the organisation would probably appreciate a little plug from you.

One great way to gain some publicity is to send your story and photos to your Seniors Newspaper. We love hearing from you! It doesn’t have to be a long screed (about 150 words is ideal). You can email us at editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or post it off to Editor, Seniors Newspaper, Shop 2/12 Project Avenue, Noosaville Qld 4565.

So come on! Let’s hear all about what you’ve been up to.

LAWN MOWING SERVICE Home & Community Care ASSERT offers lawn mowing services to HACC eligible clients

ASSERT Services employs experienced and uniformed staff who are able to trim your edges, mow your lawn, blow and sweep paths and collect and remove all lawn clippings. The service is subsidised making it very affordable.

Appointments can be made in advance.

Bookings can be made by contacting the

Lawn Mowing Service on 4632 3233 or emailing HMMSU@assertservices.org.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Protect yourself & your holiday with travel insurance for the over 50s THERE’S nothing more exciting than anticipating the enjoyment of an upcoming holiday.

Whether you’re further familiarising yourself with the sights and sounds of Australia or venturing abroad, there’s no doubt that the prospect of new experiences and unknown marvels is a

delightful one. In order to truly enjoy a carefree break, some planning must be done in advance.

There are passports, spending money and travel documents to account for, technological aids to fit into carry-on baggage, and of course decisions to be made over which

clothing items to pack.

Along with these details, there is one more significant thing to consider: travel insurance.

Many people will return from a trip with funny stories about getting lost, language barriers and or other little things that went amiss. While most

people encounter minor incidents, should things take a serious turn for the worse, it is important to have the financial support of travel insurance behind you. Imagine falling ill in a foreign country, losing your luggage, having your possessions stolen, or being subjected to delayed

SENIOR CITIZENS DAY RESPITE CENTRE Caring for our guests Enhancing their lives Providing respite for their carers The Centre provides centre-based care for people who are: • HACC eligible • Frail Aged • Younger people with a disability • Qld Veterans under 65 years The centre offers morning tea and a two course lunch as well as programmed activities focused on providing opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment with peers.

Activities include board games, card games, bingo, musical activities, gentle exercise, indoor bowls, craft, picnics, outings, information mornings and many more. Transport, including wheel chair friendly is available to guests living within the Toowoomba City region.

Referrals may be made through health professionals, Carers, relatives, friends and other service providers. Self-referrals are encouraged. Personal care and mobility assistance are available for those who need it.

The Centre operates Monday to Friday Flexible hours can be arranged for Guests and Carers. The cost for HACC eligible people is $15 per day, all inclusive.

All enquiries are welcome

39 Victoria Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: 4639 1915 Email: rayleen@seniorcitzrespite.com.au Web Site: www.seniorcitizensdayrespitecentre.com.au

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

flights – these are all things which could ruin your holiday experience. Luckily, these are also situations where travel insurance can come to the rescue.

And that’s where National Seniors Insurance comes in.

Specially designed for the over 50s with no age limit on acceptance, it can include cover for a range of pre-existing medical conditions.

It also provides financial support for a range of incidents, including lost luggage, medical and dental expenses incurred overseas and the provision of extra flights in the case of a delay or emergency.

We’ve partnered with the experts at Cerberus Special Risks to bring you cover that is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyds and includes 24/7

The new generation!

emergency assistance and the highest levels of customer support and claims management. And, by purchasing insurance through us, you will also be supporting the advocacy work that we carry out on behalf of more than 200,000 members of National Seniors Australia nationwide.

Contact us for a quote on 1300 50 50 99 or visit nationalseniors insurance.com.au.

Trivia with Allan Blackburn

DAUGHTER: “Dad, I’m in love with a boy who is far away from me. I am in Australia and he lives in the UK. We met on a dating website, became friends on Facebook, had long chats on Whatsapp, he proposed to me on Skype and now we’ve had two months of relationship through Viber.

Dad, I need your blessings and good wishes.

“Father: “Wow! Really!!

Then get married on Twitter, have fun on Tango, buy your kids on Amazon and pay through Paypal.

And if you are fed up with your husband....sell him on Ebay”.

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A shopping solution LOW on funds but needing new clothes?

Why not ‘shop’ in your own wardrobe? You might be surprised at what you come up with, especially if you mix-andmatch like never before.

And think of the money you will save.

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Residents of Birmingham, England, are known by what nickname?

Artist Edgar Degas was famous for his paintings of what subject?

How old is a nonagenarian?

In humans, where are the pinnae?

What nationality was Hugh Victor McKay, inventor of the Sunshine Harvester?

In chess, how many different kinds of pieces does each player start with?

The lower house of parliament of what country is known as the Duma?

The term “blog” is short for what?

Complete the title of Irving Berlin’s song, “There’s no business like…”

In which Australian city is the National Portrait Gallery?

Native to Central Australia, what kind of living thing is a parakeelya?

What talent does a polyglot person have?

Who starred as Mr Bean in the British comedy show?

Where is the Dewey Decimal System usually used?

Where on the body is a brassard usually worn?

Who replaced Adam Hills as the host of TV’s Spicks and Specks?

What is one eighth expressed as a decimal?

What surname is shared by Australia’s sixth Prime Minister and an English explorer?

Which planet of our Solar System is the hottest?

In which city is the tennis arena Roland Garros?

Answers on page 6

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community news Ex Chinchilla and District Residents Reunion EX Chinchilla and District Residents who are now living in Toowoomba and District, are invited to attend a reunion at the Philharmonic Complex, 7 Matthews Street, Harristown.

It is a chance to share each other’s stories and to catch up with people who you haven’t seen for years.

All flat ground, no stairs. Sunday 17th May, 2-5pm.

Please bring a plate to share and any old photos of interest. Come and talk to old friends. Please wear a name badge. $5 to cover costs. For further details contact Judy Flett on 4630 2310 or Irene Bridgeman on 4636 3316.

Communities invited to Strategy Planning

RESIDENTS around Oakey, Pittsworth, Crows Nest, Clifton and Millmerran are invited to review details of the Regional Economic Development Strategies; Community Growth Plans; and It’s What We make It in May. Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) Strategic Planning and Economic Development Branch last year developed specific economic plans for the respective communities.

The TRC Planning and Development Committee chair, Cr Bill Cahill, said follow-up meetings had been scheduled to outline the strategies and gain community feedback.

He said information gathered during the May future action planning sessions would be collated and used to finalise each strategy.

The meetings are scheduled as follows: 11 May Oakey RSL 7am; 11 May Pittsworth Technical and Function Centre 6.30pm; 14 May

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Crows Nest RSL and Community Centre 5.30pm; 21 May Clifton Seniors Citizens Centre 7am; 21 May Millmerran Bowls Club 5.30pm.

Cr Cahill said the draft material was developed during community consultations in late 2014. ‘These plans outline goals and objectives identified during earlier consultations and Council is keen to share the information with each community,’ he said.

‘While there is a definite slant towards the business sector, the overall focus is on improving business opportunities and activity for all parts of the community.

Council is inviting all parties from last year’s sessions, in particular the respective Chambers of Commerce or Progress Associations.’

The meetings are open to all other interested community members.

For catering purposes, please RSVP one week before by calling 131 872.

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Our Cafe has Wheelchair & Scooter access

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

community news Deadline for our June edition of Toowoomba Seniors Newspaper is 27th May

Farmer’s wife goes organic to find the safe and real taste in our foods

Healthy harvest ... Edwina Kent and her daughters Elisabeth and Annabelle at their organic shop in Toowoomba

By JIM BOWDEN “IT’S bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children’s health than the pediatrician.”

This was the comment submitted by actress Meryl Streep for a foreword in a book on organic farming I published 26 years ago.

Ms Streep and the late actor Eddie Albert were leaders of an organic food revolution in the US in the 1970s and 80s and were happy to contribute to the book, inspired by Australia’s first ecological conference in Brisbane in 1989, and written by organic guru Lee Fryer.

Today the benefits of organic food and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle – for children, and particularly the aged – are still undisputed.

You’d think that in our golden years, we’d be able to count on an end to our allergies. This was true some generations ago, but the connection between allergies, age and food has shifted in the past few decades. Medical research has discovered that today people over the age of 55 have double the level of allergy antibodies in their system than their counterparts did in the 1960s and 70s.

“I’d say that 90% of people who come into my shop

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

are suffering with allergies and intolerance to certain foods,” says grain farmer’s wife Edwina Kent who opened Wray Organics Food Store in Toowoomba almost three years ago.

Edwina, who grew up on a sheep and cattle property at Yaraka in western Queensland, settled at Jimbour with her husband, first growing cotton.

“Sure, cotton, then, helped us financially and provided a good education for our children, but I soon realised some pretty horrible chemicals were applied so the crops could survive,” Edwina recalls.

She now believes it was farming with chemicals that gave her an illness and a reason to move to Toowoomba for health reasons, a decision supported by her husband.

“I discovered the benefits of eating organic, but had to search everywhere for the pure product that was 100% certified,” Edwina said.

“So, with my daughter Elisabeth, we decided to take on the Wray franchise and also opened what I believe is the only 100% organic café in Queensland.

“I have always had a vested interest in eating healthily and knowing what was in my food. I’ve always been a foodie and a cook. My primary focus is

on food-based healing.

“I believe food can cause a lot of damage because of what we’ve done to it, so I focus on fresh organic produce.” Edwina said the taste of organic food was another reason more and more seniors were visiting her store.

“They say simple, organically-farmed produce like tomatoes and vegetables have the flavour they once enjoyed many years ago.”

Trivia Answers from page 4 Answers: 1.

Brummies 2.

Dance, in particular ballet 3.

Over 90 and less than 100 years 4.

Visible part of the ears 5.

Australian 6.

Six 7.

Russia 8.

Web log 9.

Show business 10.

Canberra 11.

Plant 12.

Command of several languages 13.

Rowan Atkinson 14.

Libraries 15.

Around the upper arm 16.

Josh Earl 17.

0.125 18.

Cook 19.

Venus 20.

Paris Disclaimer for Trivia quiz Answers are correct to the best knowledge of our quizmaster Allan Blackburn. Sometimes people may have different views and some answers considered correct by Allan may be considered incorrect by others.

While all care and attention is taken with these answers, mistakes can happen. If you find one, please live with it! No correspondence will be entered into regarding Trivia Quiz answers.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Garden City National Seniors

THE year, 2015, has so far been a time of growth for the Garden City Branch of National Seniors Australia with attendance at the regular monthly meetings now consistently in excess of 80 and bus trips fully booked in advance.

Our most recent trip to the fertile Fassifern Valley was immensely enjoyable. The roses at Kalbar, the roast beef at Dugandan, the spectacular views from Mt French all combined with the camaraderie on the bus to provide an unforgettable experience.

There will be no formal meeting in May as we will be devoting the morning of Monday, May 18 to the Big Cuppa for Cancer. For morning tea at 9.30am we will be serenaded by Scott Tweedie singing some old favourites, self-accompa-

ings are essential for catering purposes. At The Big Cuppa, we will welcome Mark Munro from the Toowoomba Hospice as guest speaker. Proceeds from the day will be given to cancer research and National Seniors will also make a donation to the

hospice. Next bus trip will be on Wednesday May 27, when we will travel to Nanango to visit Ringsfield House, which was originally a maternity hospital but now houses an extensive museum and provides meals for locals and visiting groups in

their purpose built cafe.

After lunch we will visit Virgil Smith Woodware, for a demonstration of wood crafting and a tour of his gallery, before returning home. For more information about Garden City National Seniors phone Hazel on 4635 4519.

Yvonne Lewis among the roses at Barton’s Rose Farm

nied on keyboard. The theme for the morning is A Day at the Races and there will be prizes for best

Fashions on the Field (for men and women). There will be a lucky door prize, a multi draw raffle, bring

and buy stall and our version of The Race that stops the Nation. Cost for the day is $12 and book-

Disabled parking INCREASED fines for Disabled Parking breaches Fines for illegally parking in a disability parking bay have been doubled as part of a raft of changes to Local Laws. Council has raised the fine from its former level of $113 to $227 to combat the number of people parking in these bays without a correct permit. The rise follows a call from the Toowoomba Region Disability Advisory Committee to help

Do you want to know how to store your vegetables in your fridge, so that they stay fresh for more than two weeks?

On returning from a three-week Christmas holiday, all my vegetables were as I left them in these bags in the fridge – fresh and ready to eat. I have been using these Roslyn Roberts amazing bags for more Hammond Village than two years and they Coombabah, QLD are still going strong.

Bags are washable and reusable and can be kept anywhere in the fridge - on shelves, in the fridge door and the crisper. To purchase immediately visit www.superfreshbags.com.au or call

Super Fresh Bags on 1300 768 706 FREE DELIVERY AUSTRALIA WIDE

mitigate the issue. Toowoomba Region Disability Advisory Committee chair, Cr Sue Englart, said disability parking spaces are designed for people who require a wider parking space to use mobility equipment. ‘The spaces are situated in areas designed to offer people with limited mobility easy access to services and facilities,’ she said. ‘Our Local Laws officers have noted an increase in motorists incorrectly parking in these parking spaces in the city and we decided to act to help curb this. ‘Not only is it illegal to park in these bays without displaying a permit, it’s also most inconvenient for people who have a legitimate right to use them. We need to be more considerate of our residents in need.’ Cr Englart said the Local Laws amendments would also allow Council to properly regulate some newly constructed car parks. ‘There have been a number of little changes to the Local Laws and Council is embarking on an awareness campaign to promote these,’ she said. ‘One of these is bringing Station Street and Julia Street Car Parks on line as properly regulated car parks.’

‘Parking in the city is a major talking point among residents and Council is making adjustments for the better. There is no silver bullet for parking and residents need to be aware of where these new car parks are. We all need to change our habits as the city grows. ‘The change to the Local Laws is one of a suite of options Council is looking at as part of its Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy. Parking, public transport and accessibility are three key areas for the future.’ Anyone seeking more information on Local Laws changes can visit a Council Customer Service Centre or the website as www.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au

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May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

WITH the excitement of Pete Evans bringing his Earth Tour to Toowoomba, the team at Rendezvous couldn’t wait to be apart of it, but with the offer of working behind the scenes with his crew and becoming Earth Angels we were over the moon. We were invited by the team to send our own staff over to assist Pete’s

community news Scrumptious Paleo meals available at the Rendezvous Café team of Chefs to do all the backstage prep.

Arriving at 2pm and meeting with Jacinta, Monica and Ty, we were given a quick run down of how the afternoon would work and the jobs that needed to be achieved to run a successful show. With knife in hand, we were given the list of every meal that would be demRendezvous staff Jodie Cottier, Jo-anna Bainbridge, Deb Rickert and Lynn McLean with Pete Evans and trainer Luke Hines

onstrated on the evening and it was up to us to do all the prep for this, firstly it was putting on that amazing broth – in that broth made from chicken necks, feet and frames mixed with vegetables in season, there is enough calcium to give you your daily intake.

With that simmering away nicely it was onto the rest of the meals, all being cut to precision, with the exact quantity and quality required to be shown on stage, ranging from Muesli and Berry Parfait with coconut cream, to Mighty Meaty Muffins, Thai Chicken cakes which

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

we used some amazing local Turkey mince for a change, Coconut water Jelly, Cacao and Carob Treats and the list goes on….

The benefits of eating a Paleo lifestyle are amazing and knowing that you are putting the most natural ingredients into your body and honouring your mind, body and soul connection is the main part of the tour. To listen to Pete, Luke and Cindy talk about something they are so passionate about is both motivating and exciting.

Their philosophy on food and how it should be and what it should be fitted so

well with our own beliefs and we were focusing on the health benefits of really good ingredients free of artificial additives. We were so excited to add in the Paleo recipes to our existing healthy and nutritious menu that we started straight away. The demand has been incredible and we were asked so many times if we could please organise the organic ingredients and sell them in the café that we have since started a paleo grocery pantry in a corner of the café where you can purchase organic ingredients to cook with and we have kept the prices at a minimum so that everyone, no matter what budget they have they can enjoy healthy eating.

And this was the beginning of our Paleo journey with the knowledge we learnt on the night and a few recipes we headed back to the café with a new drive to continue to prepare honest, healthy, home cooked meals and treats for our customers free of preservatives or artificial colours and flavours.

Rendezvous Café now offers something for everyone including a gluten free range and now a Paleo range all cooked on site by our dedicated staff.

We use fresh organic ingredients where possible

from local suppliers. Pop in for a meal and a chat you won’t be disappointed.

Rendezvous Café – Australia Arcade – 461 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.

A great experience of all things gardening awaits you at Gardenfest!

THERE will be seedlings, plants, herbs, garlic, native plants, Geraniums, Fruit wine, gardening tools, composters, fertilizers. A beautiful array of displays by the Toowoomba Floral Art Society.

Talks by Claire Bickle on Saturday and Noel Burdette on Sunday plus Fiona May of Paddock to Potager with her piglets explain her life on a small organic farm.

Two food outlets will be open in the Pavilion where you can take a break with a cuppa and something to eat.

Hand crafts feature hand-made jewellery, crafted soaps and creams, pottery. There will be fresh fruits and vegetables to buy, the young ones will be entertained with the opportunity to choose and paint their own gnome and possibly win a prize! They will also be able to learn how to make a seedling pot from newspaper and plant a seed and take home with them.

Free parking with designated ‘disabled’ parking area. Gardenfest 2015 Founders Pavilion, Toowoomba Showgrounds Saturday 8th May from 8am to 4pm and Sunday 9th May from 8am to 3pm. See you there!

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community news Wish Club’s Memory Rug OUR group meet each Friday morning for a cuppa and a talk on all topics. We have plenty of laughs too. The

From left to right Meld Bradney, Dell Hafey, Leila O’Brien, Irene Gregg, Merle Pie (the lady who made the rug), Denise Brazier, Marion Bazley, Jenny Attewell, Kathy Verner

group has been meeting for 19 years this year and along the way we have lost a couple of members so

their signatures on this rug is special.

For more information please call on 07 4635 4078.

New fact sheets empower older workers TWO practical manuals launched recently will help older people find jobs or change careers, consumer lobby for the over 50s, National Seniors Australia says.

The fact sheets - on career planning, and on learning, education and training - set out tips on how to make the right decisions for financial and personal well-being. Building on the Age Management Toolkit launched in February by Treasurer Joe Hockey, the career planning information is aimed at helping job seekers assess areas such as their current work, their skills, options and developing a career plan.

The learning, education and training information sets out the steps they need to take in finding the job they want, the study they may need to undertake and the tax deductions they may be eligible for. “Contemplating a career change or being out of work and over 50 is tough enough without also being unsure of what to

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do to improve the situation,” National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said.

“These information sets we’ve launched today will help older workers make informed decisions on their career paths, updating their skills and gaining the confidence they need to find a new job, change careers, start a business or get a pay rise,” O’Neill said.

“The Age Management Toolkit launched in February was aimed squarely at employers recruiting and retaining older workers.

“The information we have now launched is really for the workers themselves - but it’s not just for over 50s.

Younger people can also benefit from the general tips on how to get and keep the job they want.”

The fact sheets are available online at nationalseniors.com.au/be-informed/fact-sheets.

Courtesy: National Seniors

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

WE are into May already, so it is time to book your booth at the U3A Toowoomba Seniors Expo. This year it will be held on the 19th of August at HumeRidge Church, 461 Hume Street, Toowoomba We have been taking bookings since the 1st of

community news U3A Toowoomba Seniors Expo May and spaces are filling fast, so it is necessary to fill in a registration form and send in your money or direct deposit it. The forms and bank details are on the website or you can contact the office on 4687 7659. We always endeavour to

have at least 20% of the booths to be something different to those who have been previously, which makes for an interesting mix for the public to enjoy.

Our Committee would recommend that everyone interested in coming to this informa-

Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

car park, so that even if you need to park up on Hume Street, you can get a lift down to the venue and back to your vehicle.

It is a great day to enjoy the company of friends where you can enjoy a Devonshire tea or a light tive event, put the date as we all lead such busy lunch, as well as be well on your calendar now so lives. There will be a informed with the you don’t double book, courtesy car roaming the different guest speakers.

Make a date now to share the day with friends. We will have details of the guest speakers and booths attending in coming issues of the Seniors Newspaper. For further details, you can contact Irene Bridgeman on 4636 3316, Rhonda Weston on 4613 6559 or the office on 4687 7659.

New Bunnings approved TOOWOOMBA Regional Council’s (TRC) approval for a Bunnings warehouse and other amenities on the former Toowoomba Foundry site is a watershed for urban renewal on the CBD’s northern fringe. TRC Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Bill Cahill said contrary to some reports, the development application was assessed in accordance with all requirements for a Code Assessable application.

‘This proposal was assessed under the Sustainable Planning Act (SPA) and not the Economic Development Act 2012, which is the assessment vehicle for applications that will be lodged for the Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area that includes the proposed Toowoomba Railway Parklands,’ he said. ‘The Bunnings Group application was assessed under the SPA as the development application pre-dated last December’s declaration of the Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area.

Under the Act the application was accepted as an approved land use activity for the site. ‘The application met many requirements and for others that it did not, the applicant has been able to satisfy Council that the use is permitted subject to

conditions. This is the case in many development applications. ‘Council officers referred matters beyond Council’s jurisdiction to relevant authorities. Traffic matters on the State-controlled main road (Ruthven Street) were referred to Transport and Main Roads and are subject to its approval as a ‘“referral agency”.

‘As Council’s role is to assess the merits of a proposed land use under the Planning Act, Council has no jurisdiction to judge commercial viability of suitability.’ Cr Cahill said Council had taken extra measures to ensure community members were offered a chance to voice their concerns, despite there being no legal obligations to do so. ‘The proposal was forwarded to the Development Assessment Panel and then referred to Council’s committee meeting. It could have been dealt with entirely by Council officers in keeping with Code Assessable requirements. ‘The DAP meeting gave objectors the chance to air concerns before the matter was referred to a Council meeting for final consideration and decision. The application was approved, subject to conditions, at last week’s Planning and Development Committee meeting.’

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LAW, FINANCE and YOU Enduring Power Of Attorney – Cover Yourself ENDURING Power of Attorney should not be an afterthought. Most people focus on the Will when it comes to estate planning. The Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is often an afterthought but in some instances, the EPOA is more important than the Will. An EPOA has the potential to be in effect for a long time and often not enough time is

devoted to address some very important issues in that document.

These issues are: 1.

Disagreement between attorneys.

A lot of people appoint two or more of their relatives to be their attorneys. There is usually nothing to guide these attorneys on how to resolve any disagreement that they may have. A properly drafted

EPOA should have a clause that spells out how attorneys should resolve any disagreements. 2. Picking unsuitable attorneys.

Some people cannot handle their own money, let alone other people’s money.

Some people don’t have the time to take care of their own affairs, let alone taking time off work to take you to the

doctors, do your banking and deal with your professional advisers. Other people may just live too far from where you want to be. 3.

Not building in checks and balances. Giving someone control over all of your money and the power over all your assets can be too tempting for some.

Whilst there are laws against people abusing

their EPOA, such abusers are often caught far too late, when all of the money has been spent. An EPOA is a very important document as it can potentially affect your physical and financial well being. It should not be seen as the poor cousin to your Will. For more information phone Kennedy Spanner Lawyers on 3236 9169.

Nest or divest, a tough call for pensioners HOUSING is a hot-button issue in Australia at the moment. Booming property prices are making it increasingly difficult for first-home buyers to enter the market while at the other end of the age spectrum retirees are finding it difficult to exit.

“I keep hearing that people living in $3 million homes and living on the age pension should sell to young families and solve the housing crisis.

“Rubbish,” says Council

of the Ageing NSW CEO Ian Day. The conventional wisdom is that retirees should downsize to release some of the equity in their home.

Not only will this provide them with extra cash to supplement the pension, it will free up housing stock and take some heat out of the market in the process.

On the surface, this argument makes sense.

First-home buyers represent just 14.6% of the owner-occupier

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market, according to latest housing affordability figures. With house prices rising faster than wages, it takes 36.2% of median weekly household income to pay the average NSW mortgage, and 33.4% in Victoria, compared with the national average of 31.5%.

It’s true that many retirees are asset rich and income poor, with the family home their only asset. It is often too large, with a big garden and high

maintenance costs. It may also be isolated from friends and services once the owner is unable to drive. In practice though, even when retirees want to move their options may be limited.

“There’s no doubt housing is an issue for seniors on several levels”, says National Seniors Australia CEO Michael O’Neill. “The cost of downsizing, such as stamp duty and agent commissions, are an

impediment as is the lack of suitable age-friendly housing stock in areas where people want to remain,” he says.

The family home is exempt from the assets test but converting it into cash could reduce the amount of age pension a person receives. This is a complex area to work through and most people will need professional financial advice to navigate their way through it.

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

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community news NSA Toowoomba

became a boggy quagmire after rain, Boggo Road Gaol was originally known as the Brisbane Gaol. The original men’s prison was built in 1883. During the 1960s a new men’s prison was built around it and the old buildings were demolished leaving an oval and recreation area. In 1903, a new women’s gaol was opened. In 1921, its female occupants were shifted to another part of the prison site and the men of the St Helena Island prison in Moreton Bay were NSA Toowoomba President, Neville Fry with NSA Toowoomba Branch members in Cell Block F, No 2 Division. Boggo COTA Education Team member Peter Galbraith moved in. Renamed Number Two Division, special events. It and the cost is $55. in the 1980s, a Governthis section became certainly makes a unique Guest speaker at our the service provider. ment Inquiry into the Commonwealth guidehome to those serving venue for birthday While the Commonmorning tea meeting on State’s prisons found lines. Those who have parties, hen’s nights, June 4th will be Kym Boggo Road to be more complex needs are wealth Government pays the longest sentences, buck’s nights, engagefor the bulk of aged care, killers, murderers and Briese of Briese Lawoutdated and inadhelped through a new violent offenders. service providers may ment parties, weddings yers, who will talk equate. Division 2 system of Home Care and receptions or about estate planning closed in 1989, while Packages. There are four charge a basic fee of up Number Two Division consisted of a to 17.5% of the single including Wills, Division 1 closed in 1992 corporate functions as levels of packages to gatehouse with well as Christmas and Enduring Powers of and was demolished in cater for different needs. basic Age Pension per New Year’s Eve parties! Attorney and Advance person plus an income- warden’s quarters and 1996. Division 2 is now Level 2 provides lowvisiting area opening Coming Up. On our bus Health Directives. tested care fee if the heritage listed, but the level care equivalent to client’s income is over a into a compound Morning tea meetings rest of the gaol precinct trip on Thursday May the current Community containing Cell Blocks 21st, we will have certain amount. Clients are held at Regents on has been taken up by Aged Care Package D, E and F with associmorning tea in a park at the Lake, 87A Perth may also agree to pay developers for the (CACP), and level 4 is Sandgate with time for a Street commencing at construction of apartequivalent to the current for additional services if ated exercise yards radiating around a walk along the sea front 9.30am. they wish. Further ment and office blocks Extended Aged Care at central parade ground.

The cost is $12. For together with up-market and a paddle in the Home (EACH) packages. information may be Cells did not have any waves before fish and enquiries or bookings, shops and restaurants.

We are told there will be obtained from the My form of sanitation or chips for lunch at Sails phone June on 4635 The Gaol is currently a substantial increase in Aged Care website or washing facilities.

9796 or Yvonne on 4638 open six days a week for Restaurant, Redcliffe. the number of packages phone 1800 200 422.

Prisoners were required tours, functions or Boggo Road. I guess Departure time is 7.30am 5252. to be made available under the new program. prisons are not meant to to use a bucket toilet overnight and empty it, A formal assessment by be pleasant places but or ‘slop out’, in the our recent visit to a member of an Aged morning. The gaol held Boggo Road brought Care Assessment Team home just how grim and many infamous inmates, (ACAT) is required to determine eligibility and foreboding they can be. including the Whiskey Au Go Go firebombers, Named after the road an agreed home care John Andrew Stuart and which led to it, that plan is drawn up with James Richard Finch, as well as the “Houdini of Boggo Road,” Slim THE Salvation Army has at the launch. Mr Smith wealthy to share that Halliday, the only launched its annual Red says he and his wife Pip wealth with those whose prisoner to escape twice.

Shield Appeal, with a are proud to have circumstances fall short When recaptured after The Department of Veterans’ Affairs office in the Darling Downs region is national fundraising supported The Salvation of what fair-minded his first meticulously located at 99 Russell Street Toowoomba target of $74 million. The Army over the years. people would consider planned escape, and is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Salvation Army will “When I was born in acceptable,” Mr Smith Halliday was asked why Our office can provide information on the complete range of DVA again look to the Australia I won the said. he had fled. He replied: benefits, pensions and allowances and if necessary, personalised Australian public and ‘lottery of life’ and for “Now spanning 150 “I was sick of the assistance with one on one interviews . We also provide a regular on business community for most of my adult life I years, the work of The bloody place!” After our base advisory service to the nearby Oakey and Cabarlah Defence support. Dick Smith AO have believed it is the Salvation Army has brief visit to the old bases.You are very welcome to visit our office but for more complex was the keynote speaker duty of those who are changed the lives of gaol, we can understand matters requiring an interview such as pension claims, aged care assets people in need around how he felt. Following a assessments and financial updates, please phone ahead to make an the world in real and series of riots, including appointment, this will avoid delays with your enquiries. 07 4638 1555. meaningful ways and I hunger strikes and the Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to assist you. am proud to support this famous roof-top protest fine organisation.”

Doorknock dates are 30th and 31st May this year and the Appeal is always grateful for volunteers to help.

All volunteer collectors Situated on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Little Mountain Home must be registered to Park offers resort style retirement living for the over 50’s. participate in the Located just minutes from Caloundra’s town centre & beautiful doorknock. You can beaches. Relaxed & secure environment. A perfect place to call home. register online at • Community Hall • Bowling Green salvos.org.au or by • Swimming Pool • Spa • Library phoning the volunteer • Craft Room • Bus • BBQ • Hairdresser hotline 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Homes available from only $165,000 A local doorknock coordinator will then contact you closer to the time and give you information about arrangements in your area.

NEW Choices in Home Care. At our morning tea meeting on Thursday April 2nd, Peter Galbraith from the COTA Education Team gave us more information about the new Home Care system and the concept of Consumer Directed Care. Changes to aged care in Australia have been progressing since July 1st 2014 and will be fully implemented from 1st July this year. The emphasis is on helping people stay in their own homes as long as they can, giving people more say in the care they receive and focussing on regaining life skills they may have lost through inactivity, isolation or illness. The main point of entry will be through the new My Aged Care service, which will be able to refer people to residential aged care or to two levels of home care. For those who only need a little basic help to stay living independently in their own homes, the new Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will fund local service providers to help clients with housekeeping, meals, personal care, transport, home maintenance and modifications, and respite care.

No formal assessment is needed and clients deal directly with service providers within

Red Shield Appeal 2015

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May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 13

community news Remembering 1950’s Australia Pasta was not eaten in Australia.

Curry was a surname.

A takeaway was a mathematical problem.

A pizza was something to do with a leaning tower.

All potato chips were plain: the only choice we had was whether to put salt on or not.

Rice was only eaten as a rice pudding.

Calamari was called squid and we used it for fish bait.

A Big Mac was what we wore when it was raining.

Brown bread was something only poor people ate.

Oil was for lubricating, fat was for cooking.

Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves and never green.

Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days, and was regarded as being white gold. Cubed sugar was regarded as posh.

Fish didn’t have fingers in those days.

Eating raw fish was called poverty, not sushi.

None of us had ever heard of yogurt.

Healthy food was consisted of anything edible.

People who didn’t peel potatoes were regarded as lazy.

Cooking outside was called camping.

Seaweed was not a recognized food.

“Kebab” was not even a word, never mind a food.

Prunes were medicinal.

Surprisingly, muesli was readily available, it was called cattle feed.

Water came out of a tap. If someone had suggested bottling it and charging more than petrol for it they would have become a laughing stock.

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

First aid for seizures / convulsions in your pet A SEIZURE is any sudden and uncontrolled movement of the animal’s body caused by abnormal brain activity. Seizures can be severe affecting the whole body or very mild affecting only a single body part eg. a leg. The pet may appear not to be conscious or responsive and may urinate or defaecate during the event.

What to do • Prevent your pet from injuring itself during or after a seizure. Be conscious of falls from heights and make sure they are well away from water.

• Keep other pets away from the patient as some will become temporarily aggressive following a seizure.

• Record the duration of the seizure and whether it started in a particular body part ( eg a twitching eye ) before escalating. Record when the pet last ate and what. Was the pet inside or outside prior to the event?

Was the pet stressed or excited prior to the seizure?

• If a seizure lasts longer then 3 minutes, cool your pet with cool ( not cold) water applied to the ears, belly and feet and seek veterinary attention.

• If your pet has 2 or more seizures in a 24 hour period, veterinary attention is required.

• Should your pet’s seizure last less than 3 minutes with apparent complete recovery, contact your vet to determine if a consultation is required.

• If your pet losses consciousness and stops breathing, start immediate CPR and seek veterinary attention asap.

What not to do • Never place your hands in the pet’s mouth during a seizure. They do not swallow their tongues and are likely to clamp down unintentionally on your fingers.

• Do not attempt to slap, startle or shock your pet out of a seizure. Allow it to run it’s course, dim the lighting if possible and speak to your pet in a quiet, calm voice.

Slow, calming strokes ( well away from the mouth) may also help.

Hopefully you will never be in the distressing position of watching your pet suffer a seizure. However, should the situation arise, I hope these tips assist you in dealing with a potential crisis.

10 Life lessons from Nana Family is important – spend quality time together.

Don’t ever wait for a good time to do this, do it RECENTLY a dear friend, Bonnie Eglington, died, every day. just days short of her 97th birthday. Into those Be adventurous, whether it be boating, camping, years she packed an enormous amount of advenvisiting another country, reading , working, eating, ture, fun and experience. At her memorial service even thinking. Learn what you can, from whom her granddaughter, Anissa Eglington-Dreese, you can, whenever you can because there will recalled these 10 life lessons she’d had from her always come a time when you are thankful you beloved Nana: did.

Laugh out loud and often. Following her hearty Care more. We all have the capacity to care laugh she’d usually say something like ‘incredible!’ deeply and look after each other. or ‘isn’t that amazing!’

Courage and strength overcome adversity. We Listen carefully. Be present and in the moment can’t have the good without the bad, the ups with people you care about. There is no greater gift without the downs, the yin without the yang, but than the loving craft of active listening. we can develop the resilience to overcome Enjoy a balanced life – music, the arts, sports and challenging times. drama. Try it all. You don’t have to excel, but Be confident about who you are. We are not rather try new things and enjoy it. perfect, we make mistakes and that’s okay. Our Enjoy the simple things in life, like humming a quirks, looks, homes and lives are who we are and tune, sharing a fresh pot of tea covered with a they are good. bright cosy, spending time with nature, receiving a Last but not least, don’t worry, be happy and have hand-written letter and illustration from a tiny a little fun. grandchild, and...a beer before dinner!

Rest in peace, Bonnie...you taught us well.

by Colleen Povall

La Vida Pilates

Would you agree?

THE only 15-letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is uncopyrightable. Facetious and abstemious contain all the vowels in the correct order, as does arsenious, meaning ‘containing arsenic’. ‘Stewardesses’ is the longest English word that is typed with only the left hand.

The word ‘checkmate’ in chess comes from the Persian phrase ‘Shah Met’ which means ‘the king is dead’. Telly

Savalas and Louis Armstrong died on their birthdays. Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards easily and are on the Australian Coat of Arms for that reason. Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds while dogs only have about ten. The reason firehouses have circular stairways comes from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.

LA Vida Pilates specialises in private and duet format, reformer and mat work Pilates. We’re based out of The Range Health precinct at Ipswich Street East Toowoomba where we work closely with Hip Sports Spine Physiotherapy, The Podiatrist group of podiatrists, Vision Exercise Physiology and Jeannette Hopkins Therapeutic Massage for a more holistic level of client care. To book an consultation and to find out if Pilates is for you, contact us via our website www.lavida pilates.net or call or sms Bianka 0410 586 259.

Getting Older I FEEL like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour but, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Shares: don’t over-expose yourself in a market boom

SENIOR Australians tempted to risk their retirement savings in a booming share market are warned to be careful about overexposing themselves. As savings account interest rates sink below 3%, company dividends are paying 4-5% – plus tax benefits and strong recent capital growth – and financial experts have noticed a rise in older people heading into shares.

Their move has contributed to the 15% rise in share prices since midDecember, led by big gains from incomepaying stocks such as Telstra and the major

banks, reports News Ltd. However, for some people the extra risk may not be worth the extra return; no companies are immune from falling financial markets.

During the GFC financial crisis Australia’s biggest bank, the Commonwealth, more than halved in value, although it has almost quadrupled its share price in the six years since. Investment analysts suggests low interest rates on bank deposits could mean retirees might find it challenging to generate “acceptable returns in the foreseeable future”.

Don’t jump in . . . retirees should take care before investing in the share market

Safely Home - Peace of mind for people living with dementia SAFELY Home is a joint partnership between Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) and the Missing Persons Unit of the Queensland Police Service (QPS). It can help people living with dementia to walk safely by providing rapid and accurate identification if they get lost.

Safely Home provides a stainless steel bracelet, designed to be worn at all times by the person with dementia.

It features an engraved toll-free telephone number and personal identification number linked to the QPS Missing Persons Unit database. The confidential database includes a detailed description of the person with dementia, including a photograph, where provided, contact information, previous residential address and locations the person may visit. The database is accessible by police at all times.

Safely Home is suitable for anyone with intellectual disabilities at risk of

becoming lost. How does it work?

When someone finds the lost person, they can look at the bracelet, telephone the police and quote the personal identification number. The police then make arrangements for the person to be returned safely home. Carers can use Safely Home to instigate a search for the person with dementia by contact their local police station and filing a Missing Persons Report. The police immediately initiate a search using the information on the database. Thanks to the generous start-up funding from Lowood Slimmers Group, the Safely Home program is a free service for people with dementia in Queensland.

The Safely Home bracelet is available by filling out a registration form from the Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) website (qld.fightdementia.org.au) or by telephoning the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

He said his firm had seen a number of people taking on extra risk, turning to shares and property assets – without thinking about what might happen when interest rates ultimately rose or property tenants defaulted. “There’s a lot of property spruikers at the moment. Make sure you can trust the people you are giving your money to.” There are also concerns that some self-funded retirees are looking to overseas markets, which carried currency exchange rate risk, without seeking expert help. The share market’s strong recent

rise has prompted several analysts to warn stocks are overvalued at current prices, although most advisers say shares should form part of people’s investment portfolios because their growth and dividends guard against rising inflation.

Shares, property trusts and infrastructure investments are among the growth assets that retirees could own, as long as they don’t overdo it. They understand term deposits and cash rates are going down so they need to look at alternate sources so the total return is at least beating inflation.

Toowoomba asbestos support group THE Toowoomba asbestos support group is actively involved in supporting people affected by an asbestos related disease. Our aim is to make people aware of the potential dangers of handling any asbestos products and that we only have to inhale a small quantity of the fibers to trigger off a life threathing asbestos related disease.

There are many cases like Will Kussrow who has asbestosis, pleura plaques and other medical conditions some of which are associated with asbestos exposure, he needs oxygen 24/7. All combined makes life very distressing for him and his family. Not all asbestos related diseases are life

Will Kussrow is on oxygen 24/7, on his right is Ted Williams President of the Asbestos Support Group Toowoomba

threatening but can have a severe debilitating effect on our daily life.

Mesothelioma (asbestos related lung cancer) is terminal with no known cure and people with this asbestos related cancer need understanding and sup-

port. We aim to be that supportive group and willing to assist when possible. The Toowoomba asbestos support group holds a meeting on the third Friday of each month at UNARA Conference Room 2 Toowoomba Base

Hospital Pechey Street.

The meeting starts at 10am, morning tea is provided all welcome. There is no cost involved. For further information please contact Ted Williams phone 4633 1490 or 0407 699 228.

Pension increase for Veterans VETERANS, their partners, war widows and widowers across

Australia have seen an increase to their pensions as part of the

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bi-annual indexation process.

As pension rates are

calculated on a daily basis the first full payment at the new pension rates was made on 16 April.

Deeming rates have also been adjusted. From 20 March 2015, the lower deeming rate has been reduced to 1.75%, while the higher deeming rate has been reduced to 3.25%. The reduced deeming rates mean that income support pensioners with financial assets such as cash, shares and bank accounts will have less income included in their assessment and may therefore receive a higher rate of pension.

Pensions are indexed twice a year in March and September. A full list of pension rates are available on www.dva.gov.au or by calling 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

FEELING GOOD

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and Cancer Council calls on hosts for $2.5m Biggest Morning Tea

CANCER Council early to host an $2.5 million for those af- Queenslanders are diagQueensland is calling on Australia’s Biggest Morn- fected by cancer. Every nosed with the disease Queenslanders to register ing Tea, aiming to raise day around 68 and, tragically, 21 Queenslanders will die of it. Cancer Council Queensland spokesperFemininity, fashion & style ... son Katie Clift urged the community to get ineven after a mastectomy volved. “Register to host Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea today and show Every woman is different, which is why someone you care,” Ms The Breast Fit provides personalised IN-HOME Clift said. “Most of us and caring service for post-mastectomy know someone who has MOBILE SERVICE prosthesis and bra fittings. been affected by cancer.

TOOWOOMBA By hosting a morning tea Sharon Abel is a certified Amoena in their honour, or their AREA Australia fitter with over 10 years experience. memory, you will be making a difference. “Our aim is to raise $2.5 million towards beating cancer. “To do this, we need the help of at least 5600 hosts.”

E: thebreastfit@yahoo.com.au Since it began in 1994, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has raised $121 million dollars for cancer research, prevention, early detection, treatment, and support services.

“Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is a great way of getting people together for a good cause, enjoying great food ac-

Call for an appointment M: 0424 999 154

companied by tea or coffee,” Ms Clift said. “For many of Queenslanders, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is an opportunity to get involved in the fight against cancer. “One in two will be affected by cancer in their lifetime, and almost all of us know someone who has experienced cancer.” Ms Clift said Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea had contributed vital funding towards improving cancer survival in Queensland.

“The five-year relative survival rate for all cancers in Queensland has increased from 60 per cent

in the 1990s to nearly 70 per cent today, with thanks to campaigns such as this. “Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has also raised awareness, ensuring that Queenslanders reduce their cancer risks through healthy living and participation in screening programs. “Equally importantly, it has enabled us to reach out and support those affected, through services such as 13 11 20 and cancer counselling.”

Hosts receive a free kit with party ideas, recipes, and tips from celebrity chefs. “Getting involved is

easy. Simply register online via www.biggest morningtea.com.au and invite your friends, family or workmates to put the kettle on and get together to help beat cancer,” Ms Clift said. “Register today and raise your cups in the fight against cancer!”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea will take place on Thursday, May 28th but hosts can hold morning teas anytime throughout May or June. For more information about Cancer Council Queensland visit www.cancerqld.org.au or call the Cancer Council 13 11 20.

Four letters that could save your life

Smile with confidence Prof Matthias Bickel Dr med dent (berne, Switzerland), Phd, Specialist SSRD

Dentist/Prosthodontist

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Specialising in • Comprehensive, natural looking restorations • Crowns • Bridges • Removable or fixed full or partial dentures • Implants and implant based restorations • No Referrals Necessary

Unit 108 Medici Centre, 15 Scott St, Toowoomba www.betterpros.com.au

1300 242 535

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

LOCAL community members are being urged to remember four simple letters as part of a push to save lives. Stroke is one of Australia’s most lethal killers and needs urgent medical attention but most people don’t know what a stroke looks like. The letters F.A.S.T are an acronym for the signs of stroke and what to do about it.

National Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor said, “The symptoms associated with stroke can often be confused with fatigue. These include weakness in the arms, slurred speech or trouble standing. “Unfortunately, most people don’t know this and sadly many people go and have a nap instead of calling an ambulance – which is the worst thing you can do because lying down and going to sleep can prove fatal.” Stroke is the second biggest killer of Australians and more than 50,000 strokes happen every year in this country – that’s 1000 strokes a week. To help fight this terrible condition, the National Stroke Foundation is launching the 2014 FAST campaign this month after receiving a $2million boost in funding from the Federal Government to promote awareness of stroke and stroke prevention.

“Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, so it’s vitally important that everyone knows the signs and knows how important it is to call an ambulance immediately. When you have a stroke, parts of your brain

begin to die, so time saved is brain saved,” Dr Lalor said.

“The FAST acronym saves lives by helping people remember the signs.”

Face – has their mouth drooped?

Arms – can they raise both of their arms above their head?

Speech – is their speech slurred? Can they understand what you’re saying?

Time – Call triple zero (000) immediately. Do not delay.

A person is likely to show at least one of these signs when they are having a stroke. Many people don’t get to hospital in time due to not knowing the signs of stroke.

“A stroke starves the brain of oxygen by blocking the flow of blood,” Dr Lalor said.

“Without oxygen, the stroke-affected part of the brain starts to die – that’s why immediate treatment is so important. By using the FAST acronym you have the ability to save a life or save a person from a life of severe disability.”

The National Stroke Foundation is encouraging families, workplaces, hospitals, schools and community groups to get on board by learning the FAST message to help save lives. If you would like a StrokeSafe Ambassador to speak at a community event please visit the NSF website www.strokefoundation. com.au/fast-month

Silver Sneakers program proves beneficial for the elderly TOOWOOMBA based fitness organisation, HallThorpe Sports, has developed personal training classes targeted directly at senior citizens. According to HallThorpe Sports owner Dr Mary Anne Hall, some senior citizens face barriers to exercise as a result of transport limitations and inbuilt fears of gyms and large facilities.

“Our trainers are very flexible and will visit clients in their homes, nursing homes, and gated communities,” Dr Hall said. Silver Sneakers certified trainer Annabelle

Ryrie says that the sessions have a range of health benefits including reducing the risk of falling and fracturing bones. “The sessions will also help people with chronic disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength.” She added, “Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, lung disease, heart disease, and even anxiety and depression can all be improved with well targeted exercise.” For further information, phone (07) 4638 7965 or Email: fitness@hallthorpesports.com.au

They bred ‘em tough in the old days THESE household remedies were taken from the 1901 edition of The Housewife’s Friend, a recipe book compiled by the Grafton (NSW) Cathedral to pay off the debt on their hall. Hair Restorer: Into an earthenware jar put quarter of a pint of fresh oil of sweet almonds. Set it into a vessel of boiling water. Gradually melt it by that heat. Add a quarter of an ounce of spermacetti and 1 ounce of purified beef marrow. When cold dry up gradually with it as much tincture of cantharides as it will absorb. Add whatever perfume is desired when it is

cold. Rheumatism: Rub the part affected with raw chillies. Another cure: Hot fomentations, then gently rub in warm castor oil (every household had that evil brew in its distinctive blue bottle. Indigestion cure (good – their words!): 1 egg, 1 tablespoon chilli vinegar, a little pepper and salt. Break the egg out of shell, taking care to keep yolk whole, then add other ingredients and swallow altogether. If not successful with one dose, repeat in 2 hours. Bet nobody admitted to lack of success! Either people were tougher then or more desperate! www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

BUSINESS Review Batten down the hatches for winter

THAT seemingly endless summer is finally over and suddenly the westerly winds are blowing colder and colder as you huddle around the heater.

Do you look out the window at all the gardening jobs that need doing, all the jobs that were neglected during the heat? Do you notice the weeds, the hedge needing trimming? Then there’s mulching, gutter cleaning and all that rubbish that won’t fit in the wheelie bin and should be taken out to the tip. Your joints start to creak and your back groans at the thought!

Now there’s no need to rug up and venture outside. You can call on Assert Services and ask them about their special winter yard care.

You’ll be delighted to meet George Evans whom some of you will remember as Toowoomba’s last station master. George found retirement after 46 years with Queensland Rail wasn’t really to his liking.

‘When I finished work, I spent a couple of years officially retired but then started to get a little bored,’ he explains. ‘So rather than annoy my lovely wife, Ailsa, I decided to get a new job and I haven’t regretted it.’

The new job turned out to be lawn maintenance with Assert Services, a local not-for-profit organisation that provides housing, community care and disability support services in the Toowoomba region.

He is part of a small dedicated team of men who travel all over Toowoomba trimming edges, mowing lawns and sweeping paths for residents who are eligible for the government-assisted service to help make their yards neat and safe.

George loves to chat with his customers and is

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fondly regarded as the gentle patriarch of the close-knit team. ‘The best part of this job is the young guys I work with. They are good boys and easy to get along with,’ he says.

‘Most of them are quite a bit younger than me but they always keep an eye out and give me a hand if I need it.

‘We make a good team.’

Besides helping him keep fit and active, the work provides a little bit of extra money which he and Ailsa put towards their trips together. ‘Last year we did a cruise around the Mediterranean which was great!

‘Next year we hope to go to Canada and see the Rocky Mountains.

‘We are great-grandparents these days too, so we like to get to Brisbane and the Gold Coast regularly to visit our five children and their families.’

Retirement is far from George’s mind and he has no intention of hanging up his mowing boots any time soon. Instead the team is gearing up for the winter months when they will be busy helping customers spruce up their yards before the warm growing months return.

So – enjoy the best of both worlds! Save your aching back and joints and contribute to George’s travel funds by calling on Assert Services on 4632 3233. Then sit back in your cosy chair and watch your garden transformed by the experts.

George Evans, Assert Services

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

Let’s Get

Fresh

Bromeliad Society

ORGANISERS of the Toowoomba and Districts Bromeliad Society have been amazed at the quick growth of the group, now having just over 40 members. Members enjoy bringing plants for the popular vote section as well as accessing plants for sale at very reasonable prices. Len and Sheryl Waite from Talbot Lodge Bromeliads Caboolture, were the guest speakers at the April meeting. They are much respected growers and will be the judges for the spring show. Guest speakers for the May

Sue Janetzki (left), Kay Gunn and Paul Kennedy inspect some of the interesting bromeliads for sale at a recent meeting of the Toowoomba and Districts Bromeliad Society

Who do you call…

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane) Centrelink: Retirement 132 300 Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717 Employment Services 132 850 Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500 Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (Regional) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110 National Aged Care Information 1800 200 422 www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

meeting will be Bruce and Heather Condon from Mountain Broms. Their wealth of knowledge, as well as a good sense of humor, will make for an interesting meeting. They will also have some of their plants for sale. Visitors are welcome to attend the next meeting to be held at the Sacred Heart School Hall, North and Tor Streets, Toowoomba, on May 17th, starting at 1.30pm. Enquiries to can be made by emailing t o o w o o m b a broms@gmail.com or phone Sue on 4634 7438.

The Big Show: Militaria, Guns Collectibles Fair at Toowoomba Showgrounds THE Big Show is a large gun and militaria fair with antique and modern firearms, mixed collectibles of all types of collectible items.

There is a smaller selection of quality antique furniture. It is practically a huge market for collectors, the majority of items are militaria and guns with a nice selection of general antiques and all sorts of collectables including a large selection of antique and new Jewellery and now there will be a good selection of Gem stones and Opals. The fair has dealers from all over Australia and one interna-

Festival of Cycling in Toowoomba AUSTRALIA’S best cyclists will converge on Toowoomba from 15th-24th May for the annual FKG Tour of Toowoomba. The event, a round of the Subaru National Road Series, was first held in Toowoomba in 2010 and this year will be part of the inaugural Cycle Fest. In addition to the race, the nine-day Cycle Fest program includes daily social rides, a cycling-themed art/photo exhibition, community challenge ride, BMX racing, the Sunshine Mountain Bike Series, Cyclo Cross and more. Cycle Fest will conclude on 24th May with a family day in Queens Park, complete with food, entertainment and the final stage of the FKG Tour of Toowoomba. Visit: www.touroftoowoomba.com.au.

tional dealer selling all types of collectibles, garage and kitchen gear, antique arms, modern firearms and shooting accessories, small amount of antique furniture, coins, bank notes, medals, badges, gold and silver jewellery, general collectables, uniforms, antique armour, swords and daggers, bayonets, books, hunting, shooting, and outdoors equipment plus much more including ammunition and ordnance. At the Toowoomba showgrounds on 23rd and 24th May. Entry is $10.

Children under 15 free.

Horse in War exhibition DISCOVER the sacrifice, bravery and mateship of the Queensland soldier and his horse in a new exhibition, Horse in War. Through photographs, diaries and original objects, Horse in War tells the stories of some of the thousands of skilled horsemen from rural Queensland and across Australia who joined the war efforts.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is an original and very rare Army General Service (GS) Wagon.

Thousands of GS Wagons were used in the First World War, but now only a handful remain. The unrestored 1916 GS Wagon (Mark X) in the Horse in War exhibition has been sensitively preserved by Cobb+Co Museum staff and volunteers from SoldierOn. Horse in War is on display at Cobb+Co Museum until October 5th, 10am-4pm daily.

Everyone in the region knows Graham Healy Born and raised in Toowoomba, Graham knows the area better than most • He talks to locals about local issues • He invites you to call in on a range of topics • He interviews the stars • He has regular lifestyle segments • He plays fun contests and the best hits

. . . all part of 4GR’s Focus On The Downs . . . 11am-1pm weekdays on 864 4GR

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TRAVEL POSTCARDS Toowoomba

& Darling Downs

Travel for over 50s

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May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

POSTCARDS Travel for over 50s

Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel TALES

Barred Out Staying at the Fitzroy Crossing Lodge during a trip from Darwin to Broome, this sign was one of the many Rules & Regulations posted on the veranda of the Inn. Fortunately our group was very well behaved.

Mrs Chris Bell

Handyapps SAFE TRAVELS

This is a non-profit app which helps you reach out and become the sight for a blind person helping them cope with basic tasks which we usually take for granted. With this app, you can become the sight for someone who cannot see. The app was developed by a visually impaired person in Denmark and connects such people to volunteers who can see via video chat from a phone camera. The sighted volunteer can “lend their eyes” to see the blind person’s environment and surroundings and answer their questions.

(Free iOS app)

How many yarns have you begun with ‘I remember once when we were in...’? We all have our favourite travel stories we love to share, especially the funny ones you can back up with a photo or two.

Don’t just save them for family and friends. Send them in to us here at your favourite Seniors Newspaper and share with us. We’d love to hear all about your adventures or maybe a handy travel tip or two that will save fellow readers a lot of hassle.

You can email them to us at editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au, with the heading Travel Tales and remembering to include your name, address and daytime phone number.

Or post it to us at Travel Tales, Shop 2, 12 Project Avenue, Noosaville 4566. Don’t forget a stamped selfaddressed envelope if you want your photos returned!

All we ask is that you keep the story short and the photos be in high resolution.

Come on – we’re longing to hear those great travel tales.

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POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Over 50s Travel Expo coming

ABOUT 50 years ago there was a very popular stage play called ‘It’s Tuesday So This Must Be Belgium’, a riotous comedy about the rigors of conducted tours that left you needing a holiday at the end. Alas, some people still think this is what happens.

Those however, who’ve been smart enough to book with Uplift Tours and Travel tell a different tale. They enjoy not having to worry about finding suitable accommodation, juggling expenses, making their way around a strange country in a foreign language and learning exactly what to see and when but what makes their holiday the wonderful experience of a lifetime.

The special one they look back on with delight, is the way each person is treated as an honoured guest.

They specialise in group travel, especially for Over 50s. They understand special needs and have a wealth of ideas for you to explore. Does your group have a special destination with a special purpose in mind?

They’ll have all the answers and can arrange it for you.

Travelling made easy with Uplift Tours and Travel! Give the friendly team a call on 3283 Fran with an assistant in the pool 1966 or better still, go along to their travel floating in Muri Lagoon, Recently, Uplift Tours expo at HumeRidge marvelling at the and Travel took a Church of Christ on 3rd wonderful underwater special lady to the Cook June between 10amlife.

She was over the Islands. Fran has 2pm. moon!

“I’ve ticked that indomitable courage.

The Expo will showcase off my bucket list” she Despite walking with Uplift Tours and Travel’s exulted. the aid of a wheelieown Over 50s escorted Do you belong to an walker, she was tours but will also have over 50s club or live in determined to enjoy many tour operators a retirement village? every minute and and destination tourism Are you wanting to plan mentioned her dream representatives there a group getaway but was to snorkel in the too. There are lucky don’t quite know where warm waters of the door prizes and to go or how to arrange islands. No sooner said giveaways but the real it? than done! With the bonus is the friendly Uplift Tours and Travel is help of friendly locals expertise! the answer. the lady found herself

Get your head in and just relax the Clouds, and rejuvenate IF you are seeking rejuvenation, reconnection and relaxation, then a cottage at Clouds of Montville delivers that promise. Set on 2.2 ha of beautiful and restful parklands overlooking the Sunshine Coast, the cottages and serviced apartments at Clouds give you peace in your soul and the chance to slow down, leave troubles behind and get lost in a rainforest.

Clouds lies in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, renowned for brilliant shopping, vibrant markets, wonderful restaurants and fresh local food. The artistic heritage continues to flourish with world class artisans and galleries. Or if it’s shopping and food and fun times with family and friends, a self-contained one-bedroom apartment with great coastal views or a ground floor studio apartment will

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serve you well. A new addition at Clouds is the outdoor kitchen with barbecue, pizza oven and cafe bar to complement the Balinese-style dining pavilion, par 3 golf course and lawn bowls rink.

Come up to the Clouds, just 2.5km south of Montville on the Balmoral Road between Montville and Maleny. Contact Phillip and Stephanie on 07 5442 9174 or visit

– don’t miss it!

Travellers having fun with Uplift Tours and Travel

Departing Toowoomba May 17th to 26th - 2015

Departing Toowoomba May 31st, June 1st, 2nd, 3rd - 2015

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

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POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

All aboard for the Garden Expo THE Australian Railway Historical Society will be running a steam train tour to the Queensland Garden Expo at Nambour on Saturday 11th July 2015. Our train will depart from Roma Street Station, with convenient stops picking up passengers at Northgate, Lawnton and Caboolture along the way. The train passes the spectacular Glass House Mountains and travels through pineapple paddocks, citrus orchards as well as areas of virgin scrub. On arrival at Nambour Station, coaches will transfer passengers between Nambour Station and the Expo site. Alternatively, as the train will be doing a local run from Nambour to Yandina and return, you may choose to stay on board the train for this shuttle and then enjoy some free time in Nambour. 2015 marks 150years since Queensland’s first train ran between Ipswich and Grandchester. To mark this memorable occasion the Society will be running a Steam Train from Brisbane to Grandchester and return on Sunday 26th July 2015.

Many exhibits from a bygone era will

be open for inspection at Grandchester, such as static and working displays of old machinery, vintage cars, trucks and tractors, blacksmithing, wheelwright, heavy horse work, shearing, wool spinning and quilting. In September 2015, the Australian Railway Historical Society will be running their annual Carnival of Flowers Tours on Saturday 19th September and Sunday 20th September. Board a Steam Train at Roma Street Station to travel to Toowoomba where a coach will transport you around a couple of the prize-winning gardens. The coach drops you at Helidon station to rejoin the steam train for Brisbane. A similar excursion on Wednesday 23rd September will be worked with a 2000 class railcar. For detailed brochures and bookings please contact the Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division on 07 3252 1759, email tours@arhsqld.org.au or visit our website at www.arhs-qld.org.au/sunshineexpress-rail-tours

RLQ tourist card RESIDENTS and travellers within regional and outback Queensland can become a member of a public library in the Rural Libraries Queensland (RLQ) network,

for free. RLQ is a collaboration between local governments and the State Library of Queensland to provide high quality public library services across rural

Pensioners/Senior Citizens

VISIT GRAFTON IN NORTHERN NSW Enjoy a GREAT HOLIDAY PACKAGE

HILLDROP HILLDROP

MOTOR MOTOR INN INN

GRAFTON GRAFTON

$529pp

Twin Share single supplement

Includes:

5 x nights accom 5 x hot b/fasts & 5 x hot dinners 3 x morning teas 2 x afternoon teas PLUS 4x fabulous scenic bus tours

$100 PHONE NOW FOR FREE BROCHURE 1800 622 355 Email: info@hilldrop.com.au Website: www.hilldrop.com.au or write to: Hilldrop Motor Inn PO Box 126, Sth Grafton 2460

“Grafton is easily reached via car on the Pacific Highway or, if you travel via coach/rail we provide courtesy transfers”

Travel for over 50s

A breath of fresh air…

FOR those looking for new experiences when river cruising in Europe, in 2016 Avalon Waterways will have new ships, new itineraries and new destinations, including two new cruises into Belgium on the Meuse River.

There’s the 8-day ‘Essential Holland and Belgium’ itinerary which begins in Amsterdam and visits Rotterdam and the windmills of Kinderdijk before travelling to the grandest cities in Belgium including Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels. Pay your respects during the 9-day ‘Enchanting Belgium’ cruise from Amsterdam which visits the battlefields of Ypres as well as the picturesque riverside city of Namur.

To mark the launch of the new program, Avalon Waterways is offering discounts until 30 June 2015 of up to 15 per cent off 2016 river cruises in France and up to 10 per cent off all other 2016 European river cruises. A French itinerary that’s bound to be popular amidst the interest in this year’s Anzac commemorations is the 8-day ‘Paris to Normandy’s

Landing Beaches’ cruise.

Avalon has also announced two new Suite Ships to be launched in 2016. Avalon’s river cruise fleet is the most modern in Europe with an average age of just over three years, and the smaller Suite Ships visit towns and waterways that are out of reach to larger vessels.

Avalon Waterways Managing Director Australasia Stewart Williams said the new ships and Belgian itineraries were a reflection of Avalon’s innovation over recent years.

“Avalon Waterways revolutionised river cruising with the launch of its first Suite Ship in 2011, giving passengers more space, better views and a contemporary style,” Mr Williams said. “The concept has been a huge success, particularly among Australians, so we’re expanding it further and introducing new destinations in response.”

Avalon’s stylish Suite Ships offer 30 per cent more cabin space than the industry average, with wall-towall panoramic windows that open to provide an open-air balcony or close to create an intimate lounge area. Clever suite design means beds face the views instead of the wall, while smaller capacity allows a more intimate and uncrowded style of travel.

Contact yyour our local TTra ra ravv eller ellerss Choice consultant today on 1300 78 78 58 or visit www.travellerschoice.com.au to enjoy a breath of fresh air cruising Europe’s rivers with Avalon Waterways.

Queensland. RLQ public library membership is free to anyone who is residing or travelling within regional and outback Queensland.

The library card enables members to borrow books and items from all RLQ libraries. Library cards must be shown each time an item is borrowed. Members can borrow up to four items at a time for four weeks although limits apply to some collections. Library items can be returned to any RLQ library branch regardless of where they were borrowed. Most libraries have after- hours access chutes which can be used by members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Register for your free library card at plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/ forms/rlq-tourist-card and a card will be mailed to your home address or PO Box within five working days.

Join us to discover the many faces of South America 29 days of magic visiting Machu Picchu, Rio, Iguazu Falls, Cuzco, Glaciers, Buenos Aires, Titicaca Lake, Lima, Bariloche on a small group fully escorted tour.

CONTACT US NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

For more information call 5492 5274 I 0400 193 040 or 0466 721 446 latinamericagrouptours@gmail.com www.latinamericalgroup tours.com www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

REHEARSALS for the Empire Theatre’s 2015 major production, Mary Poppins are well under-

community news Mary Poppins rehearsals take flight way with both cast and crew working towards the opening night of May 28th. Director and Chore-

ographer, Alison Vallette said the talented cast were doing a fabulous job piecing the show together.

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“Every member of this production brings individual skills to the stage, so a very complex depth is already developing within the scenes we have set,” Ms Vallette said. Ms Vallette said the two leads playing Mary Poppins and Bert, Shannon Gralow and Justin Tamblyn were highly talented triple threats. “It is very rare that I get the opportunity to throw choreography or a dramatic concept at an actor and have it understood and responded to immediately,” she said. “With these two wonderful performers, this happens every time I ask for something and it’s starting to look very exciting. “We have had the luxury of being able to create our own style for this production. Our designer, Bill Haycock has a wealth of experience designing for companies including Queensland Theatre Company and Opera Queensland. He and I have had a lot of fun working through the various scenes in the show and making it a show that is unique to our stage… not

to mention a few surprises along the way.” “There will be all the old favourite turns, but we also hope that with our work and development of the various characters within the script, that those characters will appear real and relatable to the audience.” The Empire Theatre’s season of the classic musical, proudly presented by Heritage Bank, opens Thursday May 28th and will run until Sunday June 7th.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Box Office on 1300 655 299 or visit www.empiretheatre.com.au.

Brain Training Answers

Crossword Answers From page 26

From page 27 Mind the Gap: 1. Pin 2. Wag 3. Ado 4. Hen 5. Cub Add Up: 47 Mini Fit: Pay Sip Veto

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community news Was she your favourite Miss Marple?

IN Agatha Christie’s words, ‘Miss Marple’ was born at the age of about sixty five or seventy years old, which as it turned out was unfortunate, because of her immense popularity, she had to last a very long time. Her debut in the short story ‘The Tuesday Night Club’ published in Royal Magazine USA in1927, became a great success with readers asking for more and the planned six short stories became to be twelve, much to Agatha Christies delight. Also in this initial short story, Miss Marples nephew Raymond West, was introduced. This was two years before her first appearance in a full length novel ‘Murder at the Vicarage’ published in 1930.

Geraldine took over the role in 2004, this was already a character that was so different to Poiret but who also became loved by Christie fans around the world ‘Like some ones favourite Aunt’. Already portrayed by other actresses such as Margaret Rutherford, Gracie Fields, Angela Landsbury and Joan Hickson to name a few. Showing her versatil-

1953 whom she met as a from 1965 to 1984. He vived by her son and teenager. Cruttwell was passed away in 2002. daughter. © Sue Rains the principal of RADA Geraldine McEwan is sur- 2015

ity as an actor, Geraldine recreated Miss Marple as a markedly different female detective, in contrast her sleuth fizzed with impish glee, seeking to make her presence felt with the local constabulary, who dismissed her vagueness, her outlandish improbable suggestions but when these ‘clues’ became ‘facts’. Those in authority were gracious in their praise of her, though never really understanding how

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she knew. When she retired from the roll in 2007, she passed on the knitting needles, summer hat and spectacles to Julia McKenzie. The series ended in 2013. She enjoyed an acting career that spanned six decades, on stage, film and television and including two best actress awards for ‘The Rivals’ and ‘The Way of the World’, 1983 and 1995.

Television brought her art to the wider public and

again she starred as Jeanette Winterton’s fictionalised mother in ‘Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit’ 1990. She loved challenging roles and won a Best Actress BAFTA Award in the USA for her “chillingly convincing” roll as the Pentecostal evangelist who relentlessly steers her daughter (Charlotte Coleman) away from the breeding grounds of sin. Geraldine McEwan married Hugh Ruttwell in

Discover the perfect way to unwind with family & friends in our new facilities Lunch & Dinner - 7 Days a Week • Courtesy Bus • Bistro • Bar • Pokies • TAB • Keno • Sportsbet • Members Draw & Promotions

phone 4633 1229 now to reserve your table 561 Boundary St, Toowoomba I www.clubglenvale.com.au

May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

community news Straight Clues

Seniors Twospeed Crossword

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

ACROSS

1 Pulls to pieces 6 An ocean 9 Higher 10 Common fool 12 Thinks over again 14 Girl’s name 17 Fall over 19 Most loved 20 Was cruel to

1 Pulls apart small girl’s cloaks 6 Tending to make peace in huge body of water 9 Left later, becoming higher in stature 10 Herb called an incompetent fool 12 Gives a second opinion on amendments to document about bad cones 14 Seem to be different for a girl 17 Some stop pleading in fall from grace 19 Most expensive but best loved 20 Dreamt ties became badly handled in anger

DOWN

1 Awry 2 Earth 3 Close 4 Put in place 5 Ship’s canvas 6 Small coin 7 Rasping implement 8 Gathered together 11 Airman 13 Unnatural sleep 15 Appear 16 Goes wrong 17 Russian ruler 18 Silly person

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 24

DOWN 1 Twisted out of shape single wrongful act passed on outside

2 In this way one left some earth 3 Not far from normal listener 4 Put in position with learner to help 5 Masai lands showing pass by sea 6 Write to US city for a little girl 7 Keep on record about life 8 Being bunched together resulted in change after clan leader

11 One who navigates plenty following private investigator 13 Unconscious state, starting coagulation of many arteries 15 Appear to look over me first 16 Makes a mistake with directions about rights 17 Star material for former supreme ruler 18 Small pair attending a foolish person

Word Trivia The plural of mouse, the rodent, is mice. The plural of mouse, the computer hardware device, is mouses. Other unusually pluralised words are brother, which may be pluralised to brothers but also brethren; cherub, which is pluralised to cherubim; die, which is pluralised to dice; formula, which may be pluralised to formulas but also formulae.

It’s non-stop entertainment for milestone AUSTRALIA’S longest running rock ‘n’ roll cabaret band The Countdowns are about to celebrate 50 years of non-stop enter-

taining. The July 25 event at Rumours International has been finalised and will be bigger than ever. The night will be hosted by

Available Sunday to Thursday this MAY

TOTAL PRICE $335 per couple

Johnny Young, an icon of the Australian entertainment industry and include artists such as Jade Hurley who has been described as a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Liberace; Dennis Knight, four times Queensland’s Entertainer of the Year and an Australian rock legend as well as renowned international singer/songwriter Sue Ray. Not only is the night celebrating the incredible achievement of the 50th anniversary of The Countdowns with a huge line-up of artists, but it also celebrates local and international history with a music memorabilia display of British and Australian superstars of the ’60s. A vintage car display will greet fans at the door. Aussiemade Vase amps will have

a collection of old amps for musos to drool over and a rock and roll dance troupe in full ’50s-’60s attire will mingle with guests on arrival and entertain by performing dance routines throughout the night. All of these added attractions will certainly unleash a magic vibe that will last the whole night long. The Countdowns have successfully celebrated their 30th, 40th and 45th anniversary to packed houses.

They are about to do it again, this time celebrating their 50th. A milestone definitely worth commemorating.

Grab your friends and make the night one big event on your social calendar. Mark this date in your diary – Saturday, July 25 at Rumours International, Toowoomba. Tick-

TOTAL PRICE $395 per couple

FABULOUS BONUS Morning or Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Secrets By The Lake overlooking Baroon Pocket Dam

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

Owen Ray

ets can be booked through Nunns Music Store, 217 Ruthven Street, or by phoning 4638 1422.

WIN FREE PASS To win a free pass to the 50th anniversary, all you have to do is submit any photo of the Countdowns or even one of your favourite shots of the members taken during the past 50 years.

The 10 best photos will be chosen and the lucky

owners of those photos will receive a free pass to the Countdowns’ 50th anniversary party.

One of those photos will win the grand prize of a meet and greet with the stars on the night.

Photos will be shown on the big screen that night, so dig out your classic shots and submit them before May 31, 2015.

Photos can be either

posted to The Countdowns’ Facebook page or submitted to Nunns Music Store, 217 Ruthven St, Toowoomba (opposite Moffatt Hotel).

If you are submitting your photo to Nunns Music Store, please ensure your name, address and phone number are written on the back of your photo.

Winners will be notified in due course.

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‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

Ian Cooper romances Toowoomba

HANDS up all you Andre Rieu fans. You are in for a wonderful treat as virtuoso violinist Ian Cooper brings his music and pizzazz to Toowoomba.

Australia’s most acclaimed international violinist, Ian is joined by opera stars, prima ballerinas, the current Australian Champion Pipe Band, a world-famous piano maestro and the Blue Danube Orchestra to evoke the sheer exuberance of Andre Rieu in concert.

Can’t get much better than that!

The ‘Music of Andre Rieu Spectacular’ show’s repertoire includes I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables; Amigos Para Siempre from the Barcelona Olympics; Ravel’s Bolero and The Blue Danube Waltz with the ballet; Time to Say Goodbye; perhaps a little something from Fiddler on the Roof; and of course Strauss’ famous Radetzky March!

With lots of Caledonian blood on the Downs, you’ll love Scotland the Brave with the Hawkesbury and Nepean Valleys Pipe Band, Amazing Grace and lots more, a little piece of the Edinburgh Military

Tattoo right on our doorstep! Toss in some Irish jigs and reels and Gypsy favourites and we defy you stop your toes tapping in rhythm.

This fabulous team of performers have worked tirelessly to bring their production to Toowoomba and other Australian centres and the awards speak for themselves: 5 Golden Fiddles, 2 Mo Awards, 3 Ace Awards and 1 Platinum Aria Award.

Ian Cooper was commissioned to compose and perform a piece for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

It was watched around the world by an estimated 2.85 billion viewers and is a testimony to his musical genius.

The talent isn’t limited to Ian’s clever fingers alone – there’ll be up to 45 performers on stage at any one time who, after six years of performing to sold-out audiences around Australia, are guaranteed to charm you out of your seats.

Ian says modestly, ‘I consider myself privileged to be able to do what I love and that people like it too.

It has given me the

opportunity to travel the world.

Being asked to perform in this grand event was a big a thrill as being asked to perform for the Sydney Olympics.’

Well, we consider ourselves privileged to be able to be an audience at this fabulous spectacular!

Don’t miss out on the one performance at the Empire Theatre at 2pm Saturday 13th June.

Tickets are $65 adults; $60 concession; $55 groups; and $58 Empire card holders. Phone 1300 655 299 to book.

Ian Cooper

Andre Rieu Spectacular

RM Williams – One Man’s Mistakes ONE Man’s Mistakes is an intimate portrait of the bushman, businessman, grazier, raconteur, author and one of Australia’s great legends, RM Williams. The exhibition features photographs by renowned Toowoomba photographer David Seeto, who was RM Williams’ personal photographer and friend for more than 20 years. As well as the iconic elastic sided boots,

the exhibition also features fascinating insights into RM Williams’ reflections on his life, which he shared with David during the time they spent together. One Man’s Mistakes is based on David Seeto’s recently published book by the same name. The exhibition will be on display at Cobb+Co Museum until 12th July, 10am-4pm daily.

Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (Toowoomba) Inc. A Lecture on the ‘Girl with the pearl earring’ is to be given by Dr Nicole Mezey (UK) for the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society Toowoomba. The Book is by Tracy Chevalier and has been published in 36 languages and turned into a feature film. Girl with the pearl earring, translates into words, the intimate, intense quality of one of the Vermeer’s best loved paintings.

Meticulously researched, Chevalier’s book evokes the life and times of Ian Vermeer, his home, family and patrons. The talk compares the writer’s world with the reality of the age (1665) but focuses on the short, extraordinary life of Vermeer and the bright colour and mood of his paintings.

On Tuesday 26th May at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.

At The Glennie School, Glennie Room, 246A Herries Street, Toowoomba. Visitors are $25 per person. A year’s membership to ADFAS is $128 including 10 lectures and supper. For enquiries phone 4636 4342 or email Girl with the Pearl Earring. Painting by Ian Vermeer toowoomba@adfas.org.au www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Answsers on Page 24 May 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

community news

I am downsizing to a Duplex Unit ... Do I have to pay body corporate fees ???

Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2015

SOLD CLOSE GLENVALE DUPLEXES: BUY ONE OR BUY BOTH UNITS 2 and 3 Bedroom available from $325,ooo

SOUTH TOOWOOMBA - 184 WEST STREET 2 Bedroom Units - $310,000

HIGHFIELDS - UNIT 4/8 ALEXANDER AVENUE $340,000 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single Garage - $340,000 $337,000 and $305,000

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