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issue: 13 $3.60 r.r.p. december 2012
Fundaze Ahead Kristen Lane’s new offering Airplay fosters city spirit
National Theatre Company Bringing Godspell to our stages
Fashion Show
social/life magazine: DECEMBER 2012
TAFE on the catwalk
social/life magazine
steve dunkley - creative director stevedunkley@sociallifemagazine.com.au mobile: 0428 438 663
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matt miller - advertising matt@sociallifemagazine.com.au mobile: 0422 428 260
contributors michael blaxland anita hugo elle sheedy pat tobin
photography anna kingston steve dunkley steve james tania dunning
consultant graham dunkley web: www.sociallifemagazine.com.au facebook: www.facebook/sociallifemagazine advertising inquiries: info@sociallifemagazine.com.au
cover: Photography: Steve James Pictured: Fundaze at The Clarendon Hotel are shaping up to be the fun event of Summer. Location: Clarendon Hotel, Newcastle
See P20
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All the hits you love from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s For Audiences of all ages Rock, Pop, Reggae, Blues & Easy Listening
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2 social/life
“Life unfolds exactly as it is supposed to ” From the publishers...
~ Joanne Fredericks
What I learned this year... I learned that Mayans can make excellent calendars, but even they get tired of chipping dates onto stone tablets (And stone chisels don’t have the power to bring about the end of the world.) I discovered that last year’s Christmas present of a coffee machine was the best gift ever... Forgive me, but I do enjoy a “heart starter” in the morning and then another at work. A good coffee is it’s own reward and we shouldn’t accept anything less than good. Great is better. So, I learned to make the best coffee for myself. I rediscovered my love of great guitarists. In a world that’s becoming increasingly filled with artificially produced and over-produced automatic machine music, Clapton, Beck, Harrison, Gilmore and Knoffler gave me some awesome moments while driving and working. I could listen to the solo from Money over and over. I love the sound of Bell Birds. I linked up with some old friends and learned that time sometimes doesn’t pass at all. With some people, the conversation continues despite years of real time just wandering us by. Older, wiser perhaps, tempered and replete with humour grown in the fertile soil of experience, family, pain, victory and change. It was great to catch up with you all. And new friends. The horizon is an infinite place and there are plenty of experiences, people, and directions to explore. See you all in 2013. (Chisels down!) - Steve Dunkley, Publisher.
decembe
contents
love at first sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2 a restored vintage van find new life
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Everyone’s
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childrens’ author and presenter jess black - by streve dunkley
brook to broke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8 new book for broke region - by michael blaxland
a brand new day
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
page 9
national theatre company in newcastle - by michael blaxland
hollywood christmas classics . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10
the top 10 christmas movies of all time - by steve dunkley
get paid to cruise the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Hunter TAFE offers first cruise qualification program in Australia
fairies, unicorns and ponies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14 pony power could be the next big thing from The Hunter - by michael blaxland
... Holidays, Parties, Awards, Destinations, Sport, Music, Milestones, Volunteering, Surf, History, Nature, Adventure, School, Teams, Skills, Charity Events, Travel, Wine, Fairs, Markets, Discoveries, Hobbies, Landmarks, Happenings, Bands, Dancing, Business, Bushwalking .... & what about Mum’s home cooking ?!!!
yours?
What’s
a head for tales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6
a window to our past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 university researchers reveal newcastle past through app
tactile creations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16 bold and colourful mosaics of michelle schmitzer - by Anita Hugo -
on/life entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19
kristen lane, amy vee, sundae fundaze
fashion: new gen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 TAFE fashion designers take to the catwalk
maximum endurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 ocean and open water sport - pat tobin
Social Life wants to know... info@sociallifemagazine.com.au or call 02 40131240 (bh)
send in your social snaps from events around the area for next edition info@sociallifemagazine.com.au - name each pic with a caption and email - easy.
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Love at first sight Have you ever seen someone across a room or paddock and known it was just love at first sight? You feel your heart start to race a little faster; your cheeks feel the warm flush of excitement, anticipation and wonder. Your breathing becomes harder and everything else just blurs around you. For Jo Fredericks she’s not reminiscing about the day she met her husband for the first time, she’s referring to the day she saw a little neglected caravan, now lovingly referred to as L.O.V.E. The vintage van was found sitting alone in a paddock at Jindabyne. After years of being weather-beaten and abandoned, Jo saw her and knew this little van needed rescuing and some TLC. After bringing her home to Newcastle, Jo
4 social/life
the little van that could
discovered that the little van was actually a born and bred Novocastrian. Built in Mayfield for Carapark Caravans, in about 1948. So she was, in all respects coming home. “We found she was made of strong stuff, BHP steel to be exact,” Jo said. “Her interior was water-damaged and her aluminium skin was a little bumpy here and there but all in all, she was OK. We just needed to figure out where to start.” After months of researching for parts, both locally and overseas, Jo and her father were ready to rebuild L.O.V.E. After working on her seven days a week, from sun up until sundown, for nearly four straight months, the little van that no one really wanted was ready to shine and be the belle of the ball. “Her business name is ‘Little Outdoor
Vintage Events’, so her acronym is L.O.V.E.” Jo and L.O.V.E are available for hire for weddings, engagements, bridal showers, birthdays, photo shoots or any other scenario you can come up with. The gorgeous little van that could can really set the scene for classic photos and ambience at small events.. With the growing popularity of “vintage events”, this little cutie is the perfect guest for vintage weddings and parties, high teas event themes are her specialty of course. “Bring some L.O.V.E to your next party.” Bridal Gowns courtesy of Simple Elegance Boutique, Hamilton. Thanks to Natilee. Models: Andy, Karly, Bianca, Jasmine, Shyden, Mia, Savana, Leah, Olivia, Mahli and Ryan. Location: Walka Water Works, Oakhampton. Design/Rebuild: Derek.
Villa Clone ~ 140 King Street, Newcastle.
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a head for tales
Jess Black
childrens author & presenter
They say “Never work with children or animals...” That quote about kids and animals comes from W.C. Fields, an old Hollywood comedian. He was an old grump who thought children should be rarely seen and never heard. Once when he was asked if he liked children, he replied, ‘Ah yes... boiled or fried?”
How did you become a children’s author? I’ve always been a voracious reader (have at least three books next to my bed or I feel bereft). Working for Scholastic as a book buyer gave me a unique inside view into what sells in the children’s market. It was this experience and my writing for children’s television that led to me being approached by Random House to co-author the Bindi series.
cliff, or riding through the African bush or stopping poachers in Cambodia. What’s not to love about living inside your imagination?
Who inspires you? My husband reads everything I write. I couldn’t have written any of my books without his ideas and support. I think the people who inspire me the most are those who give something a go. It doesn’t really matter if they succeed or not. What is inspiring is that they took a risk and tried.
How do you choose your subject matter? One of the golden rules for aspiring writers is to write about what you know and love. I have always felt very connected to animals and used to spend most of my time riding horses. I love adventure stories and travelling. Put those things together and you have the Bindi and RSPCA series.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Writing is largely a solitary experience. Do you ever feel lonely?
It might look as if I’m sitting at a desk typing away on a computer, but I’m really rescuing a lost dog from the edge of a
Not with all these characters floating around in my head! When I’m working on a book I never stop thinking about it. I might
6 social/life
appear to be functioning normally but in the back of my head I’m trying to work out what my characters should do or say next. My characters become my best friends. I miss them greatly when I finish a book.
What other writing have you done? I’ve written for lots of teen magazines, I write teacher resources to accompany children’s books, I’ve written ads, I’ve written for children’s television and I’ve written plays. I’d like to write more about my experience of parenting and have just started writing for a local magazine which is exciting.
Do you have a favourite book; one that you can read over and over? I read all kinds of books: thrillers, mysteries, literature, children’s books. I couldn’t pick a favourite genre but I do like to curl up with a good piece of historical fiction. I don’t tend to read books more than once. There are too many other books out there to read. I get panicky that I might miss out on something.
What kind of research do you do? I don’t do formal research until I have an idea. Ideas come from anywhere. They might begin from a memory or an experience and then they take on a life of their own. Once I need to do research I’ll go online, interview people, and go to the library, that kind of thing.
What’s the best thing for a parent to do to encourage their child to read? Allow your kids to read anything. If they love comics encourage this love. If they love spy novels then take an active interest in the books, read a few yourself so you can talk about them together. Don’t dismiss your daughter’s love of fairies or that all of her books have to have pink covers!
Kids love to read and be read to. They just need permission to get really fired up and you need to make it fun. I try to make my presentations as dynamic as possible. I use a lot of humour, puppets, music and pictures. My theatre background is helpful here as I can jump into character or improvise if I feel that I might be losing them. It’s pretty easy to fire kids up..
You’re a public speaker too – But your audiences are all children... I feel like a rock star when I go into schools. It’s awesome for my ego. Their enthusiasm is undiluted and everyone loves to be told a good story. Presenting to kids is a complete buzz.
What do kids want to talk to you about?
Read aloud to your kids - if they’re older, read a chapter aloud before bed. Reading anything will make them better readers and one day they’ll progress to new topics. They’ll get bitten by the bug!
Most of the things kids say to me make me laugh. Sometimes they just want to talk about their life, pets, best friend, books they love, books they love. They often like to tell me jokes - which I love.
Do you wish you could be part child psychologist too?
What do you love about life in Newcastle?
Both the Bindi books and the RSPCA books have a higher message in addition to being an adventure story. The reader learns about how they can make a positive change in the world. I love that kids can read these books and make a change in their own behaviour to help endangered animals or domestic pets.
I love that I can live so close to the beach and that everything is literally 10 minutes drive away. It’s a great place to raise kids. We are a pretty active family and a beach swim and a walk in the National Park is easily achieved in one weekend. I feel a real sense of community here. I’ve moved around so much in my life, and I feel very settled in Newcastle. It’s a nice feeling.
I don’t think I’ve got what it takes to be a child psychologist but I do like that I can in some small way affect children’s behaviour or belief in their ability to make a difference.
What do you learn from your own research and books? I’ll learn about a new country, culture, wildlife. The Bindi books were a huge eye opener into what we as humans have done to threaten animals around the world. Probably one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that writing a book is a process. You have to be prepared to stick with it and trust that you’ll get there in the end. It’s kind of terrifying but you just stick at it one word at a time and rewrite and rewrite and you get there in the end. It’s like the idea of running a marathon - you can’t just fast forward to the finish line, you have to take it one step at a time.
Has the electronic revolution diluted our love of books? I don’t think so. I think technology should be embraced. You can’t fight it. You have to find ways to go with it. I have friends who never read books in paper form but love their Kindle. Reading should be fun! If technology allows reading to be more transportable, then that’s a good thing.
How do you inspire children?
What’s your favourite place? Tower Cinemas on King St. I love going to the movies and often go on my own. I love that they are showing art house films and that the cinema has been revamped, I try to support them as much as I can. I can just sit in the dark for two hours be part of a different world and take in someone else’s story. I also love looking at second- hand shops. I have a love of old furniture and things. I could browse for hours. I like to think about the stores behind these possessions.
What are you working on now? I’m working on my first picture book and a new chapter book series for seven to 10 years. It’s early days so I won’t say too much, but both involve animals (surprise, surprise). I’m teaching a few workshops in early 2013, one is through WEA, (Writing for Children: An Introduction), I’m tutoring for The Writers Studio Novel Course, and also taking books for author visits in schools.
Does the Hunter Valley inspire your writer within? I love our life here. I love that our kids were born here. I feel really passionate about Newcastle and the Hunter. All of this can’t help but be inspirational. n
To find out more and book a presentation with Jess, visit fordstreetpublishing.com/cnet
social/life 7
Brook to Broke Story by Michael Blaxland
A gap in the history of settlement of one of the Coalfield’s oldest communities has been filled with the launch of a book on the history of the wine country area of Broke. More than 200 members of the village community attended book launches of From Brook to Broke: A history of Broke Fordwich. Funded by Xstrata Coal’s Bulga mine, the book is believed to be the first written history of the area. The book was born from a request by a member of the mine’s community consultative committee, Helen Sharrock, a passionate local heritage supporter, and other members of the community. Xstrata Coal’s community relations officer Teegan Hayward said Ms Sharrock was very keen for a heritage trail in Broke and approached Bulga environment and community manager Ralph Northey about creating one. “From there, the idea of a history book that would also capture stories from the older families in the area was suggested,” she said. “It’s certainly been a long journey since our first morning tea to introduce authors Anne Dunn and Rosemary Melville to the community in 2009. “But it has been made worthwhile by the positive feedback we’ve had at the book launches.”
Above: Residents Mary and Rob Wilson and Gweneth Lambkin. Right: Hunter History consultants Rosemary Melville, left, and Anne Dunne.
– a midweek lunch at the Broke Hall, attended by 60 people from the local community, and a weekend picnic at the Broke Recreation Grounds with around 140 adults and children. Each household in Broke and Bulga will receive a complimentary copy of the book. Copies are available for sale through the Singleton Visitor Information Centre for $20, and other outlets will stock the book over the coming months. “It has been a delightful project to work on, and we sincerely hope the book provides families with some wonderful memories and a deeper insight into the beginnings of this amazing community,” Ms Hayward said. n In the book’s introduction, Ms Dunn said Broke now stood at the heart of the recently established Broke Fordwich wine region. “In the district now referred to as ‘the tranquil side of the Hunter Valley’, the focus of this history is centred on Broke and its immediate neighbourhood once dominated by the large Fordwich Estate,” she said. Copies of the book were presented to families at the functions
Above: Broke residents Rea and Mike Hewitt (far left and right) with Bulga Coal reps Teegan Hayward and Ralph Northey. Right: Residents Wendy Trickey and Sandra Hungerford.
8 social/life
a Brand New Day for Newcastle theatre An ambitious new arts company plans to put Newcastle on the national theatre map. Story by Michael Blaxland
CEO, Chris Maxfield
The National Theatre Company (TNTC) has already secured an Australian production exclusive and is attracting hundreds of inquiries about auditions and involvement. The brainchild of actor/director Chris Maxfield, TNTC aims to foster social inclusion and development, especially for young Australian people during the staging of productions encompassing theatre, dance and concerts. Auditions have already been held for a production of the musical Godspell next year, the exclusive Australian season of last year’s revamped Broadway version of the Stephen Schwartz hit. The young auditionees came from as far away as Scone and Wollongong. Chris said a strong partnership had been established with Newcastle’s National College of Dance at Lambton. “TNTC has been established as a means of attracting industry professional to Newcastle to provide development opportunities for young people,” he said. “We’re looking at providing internships across all of the production roles to work with our executive, administration, clients, grants developers, project management - the whole array with view to developing their employable skills. “There’s been quite a bit of interest in
terms of corporate support - some fairly big players looking at seeing where they can participate. “It’s another opportunity to put Newcastle on the map - we’re not wedded to Newcastle, and our productions are planned to travel around the Hunter, Central Coast and to Sydney, if possible.” The not-for-profit company has five executive members, providing their services for free. Profits go to future shows and percentage into a foundation account which will be built up for interest for scholarships for young people. “We’ve established relationships with some of the larger companies and they will consider shadowing opportunities - we could provide funds for a young person to go to Sydney for a week to work and then give others 50 per cent for continuing work,” Chris said. The partnership with the National College of Dance will also provide a chance for the nurturing of home-grown talent. “The opportunities for people who do theatre to be exposed to professional choreographers is enormous - a significant opportunity to work with people who’ve choreographed big shows. We’ll commission some ballets and also commission composers to do new works around dance.”
Choreographer, Isabelle Leonard
Casting for Godspell is underway, with the production being performed in Newcastle, Cessnock and Singleton between February 28 and March 23 next year. Not preparing to rest on any laurels that may come from that Australian premiere, TNTC will be holding audition this month (December) for its second production, 13 , for performance in Singleton and Newcastle in April and May next year. The rock musical opened on Broadway in 2008 and will involve two casts of 13 performers aged between 12 and 16. Chris said 13 the Musical was about the hormonal challenge of being a teenager. “When his parents get divorced and he’s forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Awardwinning composer Jason Robert Brown, it’s a high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.” For more information about the company and its plans, go to tntc.org.au or facebook.com/tntc.org.au. social/life 9
It’s A Wonderful Life Frank Capra (1946)
The most archetypal Christmas film ever will certainly be on at a cinema near you soon. Go one better though and take the DVD home, because ultimately this is about the value of family and friends as a community helps a father avoid Yuletide bankruptcy.
A Christmas Story Bob Clark (1983)
Few great films focused on the season ahead are so often overlooked. A gem from arguably the finest decade for youth comedy, we follow young Ralphie as he persuades his parents to buy him the ultimate gift - a Red Ryder B-B Gun. Unfortunately, this proves to be his undoing.
Miracle On 34th Street George Seaton (1947)
Ignore the modern(ish) remake, or any colourised versions that have emerged since this bastion of December was first filmed. A Nice Old Man is institutionalised after he claims to be Santa Claus, only to be defended in court by a young lawyer.
Gremlins
Joe Dante (1984)
Take possibly the cutest furry thing ever to have jumped from imagination onto 10 social/life
screen, add a dash of water, and what do you get? How about the most mischievous (and potentially deadly) Christmas present any well-meaning dad has ever bought from a mysterious Chinese shop.
The Snowman
Dianne Jackson & Jimmy T. Murakami (1982)
It’s twee, and no doubt painfully sedate for many of today’s children - fed on a diet of 3D CGI. Nevertheless, this adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ enchanting picture book is a must for the 25th; and woe-betide any household that doesn’t try and fit it into the schedule.
Bad Santa
Terry Zwigoff (2003)
There’s a sequel currently in production, but it will be hard for those responsible to match this outing. Far from family friendly, despite the suggestive sex scenes, crimes and misdemeanours, this story of a pair of crooks disguised as the big guy and his elf will warm the whole heart.
Elf
Jon Favreau (2003)
Another contemporary classic, watch Will Ferrell crawl into Father Christmas’s sack as a baby, grow up in the North Pole, but never fit in. Too big, he finds out about his real past, and travels to New York in search of his biological dad. Fantastically
entertaining fun for everyone.
Die Hard John McTiernan (1988)
If you’ve never seen The Greatest Action Film Of All Time it might seem like an unusual choice. To everyone else the connection will be more than obvious. It’s the office Christmas party as criminals storm the Nakatomi Tower in L.A., leaving one pissed off guy to sort things out.
Scrooged Richard Donner (1988)
This retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has Bill Murray play the despicably cynical, unfeeling and intolerable TV executive Frank Cross. As the studio prepares for its biggest annual live broadcast - something of a variety show - three spirits pay him a visit.
Lethal Weapon Richard Donner (1987)
Another unlikely candidate, this buddybuddy cop tour de force pits Mel Gibson and Danny Glover against heroin dealers with CIA connections. Seasonally speaking, the L.A. sun shines in most scenes, but the tinsel and soundtrack - not least Jingle Bell Rock - prove it belongs here.
Get paid to cruise the world! The one-year diploma of tourism (cruise operations) includes study units on various aspects of tourism, including guiding, marketing, customer service and presentation skills. The aspect of this program that makes it unique is the focus on skills needed to work on a cruise ship. For one day a week of the program, students adapt their tourism knowledge to a cruise environment delivered by ex-Princess Cruises hotel officer Jonathan Sharp. “Australia is the fastest growing market for cruise passengers in the world and Australian workers have a fantastic reputation overseas,” Mr Sharp said.
“Giving these young students the opportunity to experience a career at sea is fantastic and to be part of Australia’s first cruise qualification is just as exciting for me.” As part of the program, students visit a range of cruise ships throughout the year and even experience a three-day cruise on board the P&O Pacific Pearl. These visits allow the students to experience holiday life at sea and to interview on board staff. On completion of the course, students can seek employment on a cruise ship or related cruise specialist positions in the travel industry. The final day of the first intake of diploma of tourism (cruise operations) students,
for e c a l p r you e r u c e S
3 1 20
! w o n Enrol
included a tour, lunch and presentation for 24 students, on board Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas. For three of the students the presentation day was particularly exciting after being invited by Princess Cruises in California to submit their details for employment as junior assistant pursers within the Princess fleet. Tara Hooper, Angela Kentwell and Holly Melia (pictured below) are looking forward to seeing the world as shipboard hotel officers. In addition, several other graduating students are currently working in the cruise industry shore-side. For more information on the diploma of tourism (cruise operations), visit hunter .tafensw.edu.au n
Google Hunter TAFE or call 131 225
MA12114
Hunter TAFE is offering the first cruise qualification program in Australia.
GOWESTS for South of
the Border
Cuisine...
SL117765
Wests New Lambton’s Mexican Cantina Head Chef Chris Wheatley introduces us to the delicious Big Ass Burrito and an old Mexican favourite, Sangria.
“All Mexican food is the same, it’s just folded differently” - Billy Connelly
Burrito means “Little Donkey” and was an old way of using left-overs and extra items in the pantry by putting them into a tortilla and folding it up.
Sangria
Mexican Cantina’s Big Ass Burrito
1 bottle of red wine
Recipe by Mexican Cantina Head Chef Chris Wheatley For Mexican Cantina’s Big Ass Burrito we use two 12-inch tortillas, however, you can use either 8-inch or 10-inch tortillas to make smaller burritos. The Big Ass Burrito consists of the following fillings, but feel free to use different fillings to suit your own taste. Ingredients Shredded lettuce Shredded Egmont cheese Chopped tomatoes Fragrant rice - we use a par boiled rice flavoured with lime, fresh coriander and spices Shredded chili beef – we use skirt steak that has been marinated then steamed in a bag for 2 ½ hours. The beef is then shredded and mixed with our own special chilli sauce Method Warm the tortillas and lay on a plate, then one by one layer the ingredients across the middle of the tortilla, fold the ends in, and roll to make a nice cylinder shape. Drizzle with some chilli sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Grill for a few moments then pop a scoop of guacamole and sour cream on top. Serve with a beautiful fresh corn on the cob that has been rubbed in butter and sprinkled with our own special Mexican seasoning. You think you can finish our Big Ass Burrito? Come in and give it a shot at Mexican Cantina in Wests New Lambton. The name Sangria comes from the Spanish word for blood which is ‘Sangre’ because it takes after the dark red colour.
Recipe by Mexican Cantina Head Chef Chris Wheatley. Ingredients
Tortillas Tortillas are the backbone of any Mexican feast. Make sure you warm your tortillas before using them to make them more
150g sugar
pliable and easier to fold. Tortillas can also
1 lemon, cut into slices
be cut up and fried to add a new dimension
1 orange, cut into slices
and crispness to your food.
1 lime, cut into slices 90ml Brandy 90ml Cointreau 2 cups ice cubes 500ml club soda, lemonade or ginger ale Method Mix the sugar, Brandy and Cointreau together and stir well. Add in the red wine. Cover and place in the fridge for a few hours (overnight is even better). When you are ready to serve, add some ice cubes and your choice of soda, stir and serve cold. Note: All ingredients are indicative and you can add as much or as little as you want to suit your taste.
Chillies There are such a wide variety of chillies with their own flavours and heat strengths, so choose carefully and remember to use a little at a time. It’s easier to add more but harder to take the heat away once you have added it. The 3 main chilies found in Mexican food are ...
Jalapenos - these are the most common and can be found in the fresh food section of the supermarket. Jalapenos can be quite hot.
5 Tips for cooking Mexican at home
Chipotle - these are usually dried or tinned. They have a nice smoky flavour and are medium to hot.
Limes Make sure you have plenty of limes on hand as these are a quintessential part of Mexican cuisine! They can be used in almost any part of preparing a Mexican meal and in beverages that may be consumed whilst cooking. If you have limes that you are not using cut them into wedges and freeze them for later (these go exceptionally well in Coronas or any Mexican beer on a hot Summer day)
Music Mexicans love their music and the right tunes will help your guests get in the mood! We love Mariachi Vargas - Cielito Lindo Huasteco.
Enjoy activities in the pristine Myall Lakes National Park and surrounds such as bushwalking, bird watching, surfing, sailing, windsurfing and boating on the extensive waterways of the Myall Lakes and rivers ...
Habanero – Warning - these are very hot and pack a punch. Always make sure you wash your hands after touching chillies or better still wear a latex glove when cutting them.
Friends and Family Mexican food tastes great any time but there is nothing better than sharing a Mexican feast with your family and friends! Sharing plates work perfectly, so let the sangria flow and the music take you to Mexico – Olé!
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Fairies, unicorns & ponies Story by Michael Blaxland
Left: Film maker Jennifer Walker . Main and below: on the Pony Power set Below right: four complete movies.
Hopes are high that the Hunter is about to produce “the next big thing” for young fans of everything horsey. The international success of The Saddle Club, My Little Pony and The Silver Brumby is a mark of its continuing popularity. Equestrian coach and, now, film maker Jennifer Walker will launch her children’s book and movie series The Pony Fairy this month.
“The Hunter Valley is one of the big winners, with this series being filmed in several locations, including the magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens,” Jennifer said. “Imagine watching the adventures of ponies, fairies and unicorns all set in the most picturesque of locations. What a superb recipe for success.” The Pony Power team ponies live at the Pony Power stables - a working equestrian centre at Branxton. The young riding stars are girls and boys ranging in age from eight to 11 years old who train between one and two days a week after school, riding the most adorable Welsh
14 social/life
mountain ponies imaginable. “It took me several years to find just the right ponies,” Jennifer said. “Not only did they have to have the ‘cute’ factor, but they had to have the right nature and temperament suitable for young children to ride on film sets and in live show environments – coping with crowds and loud noises, which can be unnatural for horses.” The movies are live action following the adventures of the Pony Power riders and ponies. Children can become members of The Pony Fairy family, learn all about horses and ponies and receive a new release movie each month, plus keep up to date on live appearances of the Pony Fairy and team. “I became a qualified equestrian coach some 20 years ago. Working with children and horses has been my life passion, as my teaching style and philosophy is all about encouraging and supporting children not only so they may become capable horse riders but so they also become well-adjusted confident people, able to confidently tackle tasks in adulthood and have a high level of self-confidence. “I knew I was playing an important role in these children’s lives, so it was with much thought and deliberation Pony Power entertainment was born.”
Currently working seven days a week and 14 to16 hours a day, Jennifer said it was a big job, from looking after the 15 horses and ponies that featured in the series to writing, casting, filming, editing and coaching the young riders several days a week. “At times, the thought of losing everything has been a real possibility for me. As the costs of producing top-quality content mount up, many said I should give up and sell the horses. “However, we finally have the first four movies finished with a release date planned for December and are about to start filming The Pony Fairy TV series over the next three months.” The vision still has further to go, with Jennifer planning a live show to accompany the TV series with the young and talented trick riders, the most adorable ponies and the Pony Fairy riding the golden palomino unicorn! Visit the Pony Fairy and meet all the Pony Power ponies at www. ponyfairy.com n
Scott Street
Exhibition display
Spotlight, Hunter Street West.
a window to our past Story by - Tess Campbell / Source - University of Newcastle / Edited by Steve Dunkley
University of Newcastle researchers have adapted some app technology for smart phones and tablets that can reveal images of 19th century Newcastle. At the flick of a finger using smart technology, visitors and history buffs can roam the city streets, point their mobile device at a building or site and be given a window into the Victorian era. Developed by University of Newcastle school of architecture researchers Dr Tessa Morrison, Nicholas Foulcher and Dr Helen Giggins, the exhibition uses an “augmented reality application” that displays digital layers of text and images on an interactive map, bringing the architecture of a forgotten era to life. “To see these extraordinary images, anyone can download a free application (Layar Reality app) to their smart phone or tablet device which allows them to roam the city’s streets, point at a site and get a window into the past, all at the flick of a screen,” Dr Morrison said.
The researchers painstakingly scanned the image database of the University’s cultural collections library and have been able to pinpoint with much accuracy each historical photo to its present-day location. The photos used in the exhibition were taken by the famous Mr Ralph Snowball. Images include a Hunter Street butcher displaying his wares in 1904 which gives an alarming insight into the hygiene of the late Victorian period. (Thomas Brothers Butchery used to sit somewhere near the present-day CBD Hotel, Newcastle West.) “Their advertising board proclaims ‘the clean butchers’, yet the meat is hung outside and in front of a dirt road on the city’s main thoroughfare,” Dr Morrison said. Where once stood large and imposing hotels with their wide balconies and ornate entrances now are now modern brick and glass buildings housing the 20th century office workers of Newcastle’s professional set. The exhibition consists of 30
images of Newcastle past and present. By downloading the free Layar Reality application on a smart phone or tablet device, users simply scan the images and hit streets, viewing pictures and reading the history at 25 designated sites. A walking guide through the city, WhatWasThere, is also available. Dr Morrison and Dr Foulcher tested the Layar app around the city and made a video of the result. You can scan the QR code (below) to view it on your smartphone or tablet. The video shows just how easy (and fun) this app is to use. Show your support for this great research project. Liking and sharing the link on Facebook will help other people know about the app. The pilot project has been funded by the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment. The team is also investigating aapplication that could have immense historical and tourism benefits for the city.
social/life 15
tactilecreations Story by Anita Hugo Photos by Anna Kingston
Imagine this: three women, all strangers, moving as fast as they were able, with their oversized bellies to beat everyone else to the three mats in the very back row of the pregnancy yoga class. It was this chance encounter 10 years ago that led Christine, Michelle and I to a friendship that has weathered many years. When I first met Michelle Schmitzer from Dynamic Mosaics, I admit that the extent of my knowledge and interest in 16 social/life
art was limited to a few compulsory high school subjects but you don’t spend a lot of time with Michelle without learning a thing or two. She is as bold and colourful as her work and her enthusiasm for the creative is contagious. She has taught and studied various forms of art over many years but her passion for mosaics is obvious and her desire to share it with others equally so. Michelle holds weekly classes at her shop and has taught at the Hunter Community College over a number of years. She will be holding classes at the Australian
Museum, Sydney, in January, February and April 2013 with the January classes coinciding with the Alexander The Great Exhibition on its first trip outside of Russia. When you ask Michelle why she loves it, she talks about giving people the chance to create something that they can call their own. “I love to share the experience with others. I have taught all ages and I have especially enjoyed teaching in schools. I also had the chance to work on a large piece at Wallsend South Public School
that provides a visual connection to the Values program they teach. “Not every child is an academic and for some this is the perfect way for them to express themselves, learn and be proud of what they’ve achieved. “It’s a very tactile art form and the children love being able to touch and feel the various materials I use.” Even first-timers will be taken by the wonderland of products at Michelle’s workshop. It’s the perfect place to start feeding your imagination as you walk around and marvel at the colours and
sizes of products available. Her shop is filled with Italian glass, marble, ceramic and smalti, as well as all the extras you’ll need to complete your own masterpiece. I remember feeling like a kid in a candy shop on my first trip and having experienced them first hand, her adults’ classes are as much a chance to share a cuppa and a biscuit with new friends as they are to learn new techniques and “ooh” and “ahh” over each other’s work. It is true she will talk the leg off an iron pot but there is nothing she knows about mosaics that she won’t share with you.
Michelle has created large commissioned pieces such as the Kurri Kurri Towns With Hearts project and is a stickler for proper planning and good quality product. “It’s really important that if you’re going to put your heart into a piece that you use the right materials so you know it will stand the test of time.” “Create a piece that you can love forever.” Learn more about Michelle and her work at dynamicmosaics.com.au n social/life 17
ElEgancE and indulgEncE is all undEr onE roof at WEsts nEW lambton. Start your night with decadent chocolate strawberries from The Chocolate Bar, dipped into the 1 metre high chocolate fountain flowing with cascading milk chocolate. Then pop next door to the chic and glamorous Marble Bar, offering everything from a superb range of local and French wines, to cocktails you are yet to discover. thE chocolatE bar & thE marblE bar Level 1, Open 7 days from 4pm to late. PLUS new extended weekend hours 11am until late! No bookings, no reservations. Members discount applies when full members’ card is shown.
18 social/life
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Loving’&free
KRISTEN LANE
Since she was only five yearr old, Kristen Lane has had a song to sing. Joining her dad’s band at the age of 11 should have been a warning of the career to come and later forming her own band The Lanesbury Sisters just confirmed her drive and dreams to be a professional. Kristen released her first single Day In The Hay to critical acclaim and gained regular airtime on the Country Music Channel (CMC) with the Ross Wood-directed video.
DECEMBER
2012 ____________________________
NEW
Kristin Lane
____________________________
LIVE
Sundae Fundaze The start of something BIG
____________________________
NEW GEN
New fashion at City Hall
The classically trained singer recently surfaced again as a finalist in the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition which has seen a fair number of country music’s finest pass through its ranks.
she has had the opportunity to perform with some of her music industry idols, including Sara Storer, Wendy Matthews and The Flood but there have been many more and she looks forward to every moment.
the Break Wall and riding on the
Newcastle has already taken to her latest release, On The Esplanade, a fun, summery popesque tune that drops more than a few sights of Newcastle in its easy-going lyrics.
luminary Garth Porter who is
“It’s a fine group to be part of in that competition. The quality of music is quite high and everyone puts their very best into it,” Kristen said.
“In the song, we go to Stockton and hang out on the Shortland Esplanade really taking in the cafe and beach-side living that we have here.” Kristen said,
Already, the 2012 Star Maker Bob Corbett has achieved many of the dreams that other potential stars wish for after winning the award.
“The radio airplay that the song is getting locally has just blown me away. Listeners are loving the song because of the strong local angle.”
While Kristen’s popularity as a songwriter and performer grows,
“It’s a tribute to Newcastle and the different places we enjoy like
ferry and heading to favourite places like Bar Petite. If you live here, you’ll get it.” Kristen said. Notably, the song was produced and recorded by Australian music perhaps most famous as the keyboard player from ’70s pop band Sherbet. Garth is also well-known in country music circles as the producer and co-writer for country music legend Lee Kernaghan. Garth and Kristen collaborated on the song and came up with an infectious Latin-style pop tune that sticks with you. “It’s so very danceable,” Kristen added. The song will be released mid-December as a track on her forthcoming EP, Loving and Free. social/life 19
Yo! ay... fundaz J e e ar D e James
k Grotte & Stev
Photos by Chuc
Over a thousand partygoers filled the Clarendon Hotel to capacity on November 18 when the popular Newcastle music event, Sundae Fundaze, returned for the start of the summer party season. Since 2004, Sundae Fundaze has marked the end of uni and the start of summertime festivities for the fun-loving youth of Newcastle. It’s no surprise that last months event sold out – the combination of exams ending, the promise of popular headline act Parachute Youth and the Fundaze reputation for good times meant pre-sales were snapped up quickly and revelers were queued at the door itching to get amongst the fun. The Sundae Fundaze recipe for success for the past 8 years lies in the outdoor party atmosphere. Reminiscent of the large summer festivals that kids flock to, Fundaze provides an exciting change to the late night club scene. Pair this with an amazing line-up of international & local electronic music artists and you have a calendar event that not many party people want to miss. Fundaze only occurs 3-4 times a year with the next event scheduled to coincide with Newcastle University O-week in Feb 2013. Stay up to date with all future event news by checking out the Sundae Fundaze facebook page. n 20 social/life
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on/life entertainment musicetc New Release ... COMPILATION
> Man Chest Hair
> Ten “other” albums you should own from 2012
keyboards and delicate guitars replace their oft-punkier tones.
As is customary at this time of year, critics across the world begin compiling lists of fantastic releases. Not to be outdone, here’s a few out-of-the-square conversation starters ...
Anastasis Dead Can Dance (Play It Again Sam)
g Django Django Django Django (Because Music) On their first record since 1996, Dead Can Dance reminded us all of what we thought was surely now lost. Beguiling music, it veers from arabesque to traditional choral, into op era and onto folk. Sort of.
Trying to imagine what the UK’s rock ‘n’ roll landscape would be like without the biggest city in northern England is pretty much impossible. From the rise of rave and indie dance, to the earliest shoots of punk, few towns can match that great metropolis between the Lake and Peak districts in terms of input into the nation’s gross aural product. Of course we’ve all heard of the big Manchester names. Joy Division’s shadow still hangs heavy over any outfit that dares to mix guttural, frenetic bass with melodic discordance. Meanwhile, we’re still recovering from the Brit Pop assault of the mid-90s, when half of UK men in their 20s suddenly started walking round with a swagger that would have previously connoted some kind of mental defect. Needless to say people who shout so loud, for so long, are rather difficult to ignore. And Oasis have been screaming relentlessly since the heady days of Cigarettes & Alcohol. Even now, post break up, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Liam’s Beady Eye serve as constant reminders that they were ‘ere, albeit a far cry from the fantastically inspiring guitar music released in their younger years. The list of pop culture titans hailing from Manchester could go on for much longer, accentuating the point. There’s a problem in having so many famous faces in one urban area - it can be very hard to see past the light that emits from such spectacular stars. As such it’s likely many of the names that feature on a new compilation celebrating the North West’s most active musical settlement will be unfamiliar to many modern ears. In short, there aren’t any New Orders on here. Man Chest Hair, as the collection has been so wittily titled, instead looks to some of the lesser-known talent Manchester has bred. Finding its source materials buried deep in the 1970s, 18 heavy, rhythmic, do or die DIY tracks are included in the generous offering. That includes the six-string twang of funk-blues in Greasy Bear’s Windy Day, and Oscar’s Good Lovin’ Woman, with its neo-Led Zep hard rock riffs, though the reasons to investigate go well beyond those two. J.C. Heavy’s Is This Really Me defies categorisation, using Wurlitzer’s, gritty post punk guitars, and a distinct lo-fi timbre - halfway between Kate Bush and Nico. Meanwhile, Crocadilla from Spider Jive, which will be known to some already, marries a kind of classic Beatles pop with ska and jazzier notes, making for a truly eclectic investigation into Mancunia’s underground, independent music scene of the day. One for historians and adventurers. 22 social/life
Their Mercury nominated LP was easily the highlight from this year’s early months, and still stands as one of the best records we’ve heard in some time. Synth infused rock ‘n’ roll to make you dance no less.
g Thankful ‘n’ Thoughtful Bettye Lavette (ANTI-Records)
g Standing At The Sky’s Edge Richard Hawley (Mute) Celebrating 50 years in the music business in 2012, this well-chosen covers album certainly accentuates the vocal capabilities of Detroit soulstress Lavette, who has been enjoying a renaissance of late. Another runner up in the Mercury contest, Sheffield’s favourite son (sorry Jarvis) shrugged off his 50s inspired, shoegazey modus operandi with powerful mainroom electric guitars. Epic stuff.
g Advert Soundtracks Will Varley (Smugglers Records)
g Blues for the Modern Daze Walter Trout (Provologue Records) Will Varley may, or may not, have toured the home counties, guitar in hand, wearing nothing on his feet. Either way this debut offering is amongst the finest folk outings in recent memory- political and melodic.
One of the greatest guitarists on the face of the planet unveiled his 21st album earlier this year. A return to the styles he first strummed, there are audible nods to sounds from the Mississippi delta to Texan gospel. g CYRK Cate Le Bon (Ovni) This collection of new work from a truly talented British lady is really deserving of attention. All manner of comparisons can be drawn, from The Beach Boys to Smoke Fairies, but really she’s just herself. g WIXIW Liars (Mut) It’s not stretching the imagination much to suggest Liars are the best thing to come out of Australia since Rolf Harris. Here on their sixth LP strings,
g The Savage Heart The Jim Jones Revue (Play It Again Sam)
Seeing these guys live is like being thrown into a boozy bar brawl, only it’s rock n roll lyrics and pounding guitars being thrown, not punches. Here they toy more with roots-blues, but still sign with their own name. g In The Time Of Great Remembering Ben Caplan & The Causal Smokers (Self-released) If there was a prize for the most unusually pleasing release of 2012 this would surely steal it. Folk would be one word to describe the contents, albeit straddling North America, Western Europe and the Balkans.
Live in London
Not letting sleeping dogs lie Amy (centre) with Tim Freedman (right) and “The Idle”
After 15 years as a professional musician, the multi-instrumentalist has decided to take a year off from her employment with the Hunter Institute of Mental Health to concentrate on her “other” career. “Being a musician - out there playing gigs has always been my first love, but it’s been the thing I do around everything else,” Amy said. “It got me through uni and I’ve continued to gig over the past six years while I worked in mental health. “What triggered [the year’s work break] was touring last year with a few different bands - it was intense and exhausting. I haven’t thought of writing a song for a long time - my first EP Sleeping Dogs Lie was out two years ago – and needed to take some time and commit myself to that process. “Initially, I stopped doing gigs for a while so I had that extra time and got to the stage where even at home I was thinking about work; I need that head space back. I spoke to work and they were cool about it and gave me 12 months off. “I teach music (piano and guitar) and that’s enough to be my staple. Now I have time to
Newcastle singer and songwriter Amy Vee has embarked on a year of adventure, growth and, maybe, just a little bit of trepidation. Story by Michael Blaxland actually practice my instruments and write.”
A springboard for the year’s sabbatical will
Few people who see Amy on stage performing solo or with bands would believe she was once terribly shy.
be her first album, finished a month ago with producer and fellow muso Gareth Hudson. “I’m hoping for a release next year,” Amy
“I started playing in a band at 14. My dad is a professional muso, and he encouraged me.
said.
“I’d been playing piano since I was about six and was cripplingly shy - I didn’t want to play piano in front of people, I did it for myself.
which was written by a friend. It’s string-
“There are 10 songs - all mine except one heavy and a good representation of where I’m
“They were all boys in the band and guitarists and needed a keyboard player and that sort of brought me out of my shell and developed a passion for singing.”
at right now.
Returning from Tamworth to her home town of Newcastle to go to university, Amy joined a few bands and kept on singing.
head back to the UK mid-year for a tour.”
“I didn’t pick up guitar until I was 19 and I started doing solo gigs and writing music. I liked the guitar because it was foreign to me and I would stumble across things accidently. It’s a lot more portable. “I formed a group called The Virtues at uni and we supported artists and won awards, but it was becoming more indie rock but I had this thing in me which wanted to be more folky and honest.”
“I want the album out next year, to do some touring in Australia and am hoping to There’s also a music video of the first single off the album to produce, the occasional gig playing the violin “up the back in a community orchestra” and appearing in a straight play with Stooged Theatre in Newcastle to fit in over the year. A very full program, and one that’s sure to be creatively fulfilling and will only help to solidify Amy’s place as one of Newcastle’s top musicians and entertainers. n social/life 23
r a B e l b r a M ktails Coc
This summer pop in to Marble Bar at Wests New Lambton and enjoy the opulent surroundings and live entertainment while you sip a cocktail with friends. Cocktail specialist Nathan Brown shares two of his favourite recipes for you to try at home this festive season.
Sublime Glass
Hurricane
Blend
15mls Curacao
Fill ½ glass with lemonade and ice
Blend
Ice
15ml Peach Schnapps
15ml Malibu
15ml Mango Liqueur
90ml Mango Pulp
Layer over Blue Curacao and lemonade and then garnish with strawberry and enjoy!
Berry Blast
• Copyright protects original artistic, dramatic, musical and literary works. That is, original art works, performances, songs and any original writing including drawings, sketches, poems, novels and tweets.
• Copyright lasts the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after their death. This used to be 50 years, but in 2005 Australia extended the time period for protection as part of the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement. And not a moment too soon! Walt Disney died on 15 December 1966, so Mickey Mouse was about to be fair game.
The “Alfresco Quadrant” of the applicant’s design, that is the rumpus room, family room, kitchen and meals areas around a covered alfresco courtyard, was found to be qualitatively and quantitatively significant and that by copying just this part of the design, they had infringed copyright.
• The owner has exclusive rights to publish, communicate, perform, adapt and reproduce the copyright works.
Our rule of thumb is that if a copyrighted work is special enough for someone to want copy it – its special enough to protect.
These are known as the “copyright acts”.
Muddle 3 full strawberries and 4 lime
wedges in bottom of a glass with
15ml Strawberry liqueur
15ml Chambord
15ml Cointreau
15ml Peach Schnapps
• Copyright infringement is where someone else, without a licence from the owner, commits one of the “copyright acts”.
Add Ice
This includes reproducing a
24 social/life
In the case of Barrett Property Group Pty Ltd v Dennis Family Homes Pty Ltd [2011] FCA 246, the court found that the defendant had infringed by copying a part of a house design.
If they pay you to create stuff, they get to own it.
• If a copyright work is created by an author pursuant to an employment agreement, ownership of the copyright usually belongs to the employer.
Hurricane
and lemonade and garnish with a strawberry.
There was a nasty rumour years ago that if you only “copied” or “borrowed” 10 per cent of a work, it was OK. This is just not true.
A similar case is Larrikin Music Publishing Pty Ltd v EMI Songs Australia Pty Limited [2010] FCA 29 where the flute riff of the Men at Work song Down Under, reproduced the tune from Kookaburra Sits in an Old Gum Tree. This was found to be an infringement, even though the rest of the Down Under song was completely different.
Glass
Top glass with equal parts of Cranberry juice
substantial part of the original work.
What do you think?
n
Check out our website or You Tube for our shenanigan videos to learn more about the Law. Visit wildelegal. com.au n Melanie Wilde Wilde Legal, Newcastle
New Gen New Gen 2012 was a showcase of the fashion design students of the Hunter School of Fashion presented by Hunter TAFE. More than 60 graduate students from certificate IV and diploma classes paraded ore than 100 garments at the Newcastle City Hall. The parade consisted of swimwear, tailoering, streetwear and red carpet. A full house experienced a night of highquality high fashion. Hunter School of Fashion offers a range of courses through Hunter TAFE. Find out more details by searching for fashion design at hunter.tafensw.edu.au or go straight to the course page by scanning the QR code below with your smartphone. Photos by Glen Fredericks / Maggie Hall.
social/life 25
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tips for avoiding the Christmas overindulging blues... The extra nights out over the Christmas break can mean more opportunities for temptation, and less inclination to be active the next day. No one wants to spoil the fun but it’s worth arming yourself with a few facts on how beat the bulge.
help you cut down a little - The hard part is how often you refill your glass... Get a buddy system organised to help each other.
Experts estimate that most people gain at least half a kilo over the Christmas period that’s around 3,500 extra calories in a couple of weeks!
Have mashed potato and skip the roasties - save 379 calories for three medium roast potatoes.
The trick to preventing this is by trying to make small changes to reduce what you normally eat over the festive season, or by taking the opportunity to be more active during your free time.
Eat one mince pie instead of two - save 185 calories - and take the pastry top off your pie and save an extra 80. Skip the Christmas pudding and cream after dinner, you can have it for tea later on instead of something else - save 329 calories. Swapping Greek yoghurt for cream will add to your tally. Always have a glass of water when you are drinking alcohol - cutting down by one glass of wine (125 ml) will save you around 100 calories. Even using a smaller glass will
Have a small portion of turkey instead of a large one - save 120 calories. Steer clear of the skin and avoid an extra 50 calories. A fruit platter of kiwi fruit, orange, rockmellon, pinapple, strawberries and sliced apples is a delicious way to give youself the sweet tastes all day long without doing any damage to the diet. Make some icy fruit and yoghurt smoothies to enjoy after lunch on a warm Christmas day. Keep plenty of ice on hand to keep your food nice and fresh place the ice in trays and sit the smorgasbord platters on top. Prawns are a great Aussie Christmas favourite. A seafood BBQ can be a healthy and fun way everyone can join in with the cooking...
SEE THE NEW YEAR IN
GATSBY GLAMOUR
NEW YEARS EVE FEATURING
“BELLA”
$79 Drink on arrival 3 COURSE DINNER LIVE MUSIC
tickets on sale now ~ email: swanseahotel@westnet.com.au ~ phone 49711227 social/life 27
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social/life magazine
Reducing your portion sizes is probably the best - and simplest - way to keep your diet under control. That way, you can eat a little bit of all your favourites, rather than cutting out seasonal treats completely.Here are a few switches to you help avoid those extra inches:
Adding a handful of ice to your wine glass before pouring will also shave off another 80. (beware huge wine glasses).
Overall, enjoy yourself - and practise moderation for a guilt-free and health Christmas. n
Herbs make the difference Elle’s easy recipe
it’s all about you,
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Thyme: My favourite! There are over one hundred varieties of thyme, with the most common being Garden Thyme and Lemon Thyme. The many types are so close in appearance, it is often difficult to differentiate them. Great for pastas, pies, meats, and hot chips.
countries. Always use fresh dill unless the recipe specifically calls for dried dill - the two are not interchangeable. I usually use this with parsley and thyme, the three work as a well-flavoured team. I love using dill in scrambled eggs. n
Parsley: There are two kinds of parsley you would have seen. Curly Parsley: the one you see on meat trays and at the butcher. Flat leaf parsley: as an apprentice I often got this confused with coriander. It is also called Italian parsley. You can use this for almost every dinner meal. This is the stronger of the two. Dill: Probably the most used and loved herb in the Nordic
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Basil: According to the variety, the colour of the leaves may vary from green to purple, and the flavour may have a hint of lemon, cinnamon, jasmine, or thyme in it. Basil is fantastic in spaghetti bolognaise and other pastas. Rosemary: Flavourful oil is obtained by steeping a twig of rosemary in olive oil. Goes well with lamb, game, poultry and other meat dishes, pastas, cheese dishes, stews, onion and potato dishes.
Tips for preparing fresh herbs? Unique Portraiture 0413 962 913 www.jacquiclancy.com.au jacqui@jacquiclancy.com.au
First, submerge the fresh herbs in water, then rinse well. Blot dry with a paper towel, and spread out to dry. The herbs need to be completely dry to use, otherwise they turn out like wet grass clippings.
Once the herbs have been cleaned and dried, pick the leaves off of the stems. The leaves are now ready to be torn, chopped or used whole, tossed into a salad, a roast or used to garnish a soup or sauce. Discard the stems or save them for flavoring soup stocks.
If you are chopping your herbs make sure your knife is sharp and try to only run the knife through them once or you will bruise them.
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Because we go from Spring to Summer there are lots of amazing fresh herbs available. Any recipe can be brightened up with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, whether in a salad, a simple pasta or an extravagant roast feast! If your cooking seems like it is missing something, experiment with some herbs.
Are we giving in to the ‘Beige Food’ Syndrome? Lack of time, interest and money are usually responsible for transforming what could be a feast into the boring daily diet most of us consume. But the monotony of eating the same food could be taking its toll on our nutritional intake. A British survey of 3000 adults has revealed a distinct lack of variety in diets and a marked preference for a “beige palate”. According to new research, the majority of British people eat the same foods at breakfast and lunch every day. Dietician Helen Bond said eating the same type of food every day was not only boring, but could lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients if the foods were lacking in key nutrients. “The findings suggest that despite the wide variety of foods available in the UK, Australia and western society, the vast majority of
people - 91 per cent - regularly eat meals dominated by the colour beige,” she said. “Not eating a variety of food groups, including lots of fruit and vegetables can also compromise the immune and digestive systems and, ultimately, long-term health.” Cereal, toast and either tea or coffee were voted the most popular breakfast options, while sandwiches came out on top for lunch, making up more than half of all midday meals.
eating a healthy balanced diet however, more than a third of respondents are proactive and support their diet with supplements, such as multivitamins or fish oils.
For dinner, 48 per cent pig out on pasta at least once a week, followed by chips for 38 per cent and pizza at 32 per cent. A quarter of those quizzed also indulged in fish and chips or other takeaways on a weekly basis. A concerning 10 per cent admitted never
“Traditional selections all provide a good source of vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy, but selecting more exotic varieties such as pineapple and mango can revitalise your taste buds and deliver a host of different nutrients at the same time.” n
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Ocean paddling & Open Water sport Ocean paddling, an open water sport, has been growing at an incredible rate for the past decade. The sport attracts competitors from the traditional paddling sports of sprint surf ski racing in surf lifesaving and the Olympic sport of kayak racing.
In Australia, it involves travel to several venues across the country, not only to one location on the Gold Coast, for instance.
The increase in popularity of the sport has been clearly demonstrated in this series by the massive increase in competitor numbers.
It also has a large cross-section of age groups with an elite class competitors as well as general social and fitness competitors.
The likes of Olympic kayak and multiple Australian SLSA surf ski champion Clint Robinson have taken up the sport, endurance racing and general kayak paddling. The big attractions appear to be that it is well organised and doesn’t involve large and consecutive days on the beach. In fact, a typical event would be held over a couple of hours.
In Australia, an ocean series began in Sydney in 2006 in response to a lack of competition in ocean ski racing at a national, state or local level. Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches recognised this and joined with Avalon Beach and Narrabeen Surf Life Saving clubs to develop a series of events for paddlers from Sydney Northern Beaches and beyond.
In 2006, there were 380 competitors entered in the series which grew to more than 1100 in 2010, tripling over five years. The sport is attracting good prizemoney overseas and sponsors are providing craft valued at up to $6000 each and assistance in interstate and international travel.
The events also don’t require voluntary work in order to compete and, most of all, the opportunity is there to compete in a sport that is spread throughout the world. This allows athletes to travel internationally, often at a similar cost of travelling to a major event in other paddling sports within Australia.
Interest boomed far greater than expected with competitors travelling from all over NSW and southern Queensland to compete and this led to a series of six races in 2009, as well a featuring races for other surf sports, including surf boats, SUPs, outrigger canoes and SLSA spec ski categories.
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The Australian Ocean Racing Series takes place across five events: Manly - Nov 2012 - King of the Harbour Mandurah - Dec - Mandurah Duel Perth - Jan 19, 2013 - The Doctor Perth - Jan 20 - Finn Kayaks Coastal Challenge Sydney Harbour - Feb 24 - Bridge to Beach
The series travels to all these popular beaches showcasing men and women in a variety of categories in the only ocean racing series of its kind. On the world stage, events were held in
Endurance
2012 in: Quiberon France Auckland New Zealand Guadeloupe, Villajoyosa Spain Hawaii, (Molakai) Mauritius Norway San Francisco (US Surf Ski Champs) Vila do Conde Portugal (Nelo Summer Challenge) Bora Bora, Tahiti Sardina, Italy Attica, Greece Hong Kong Cape Town, South Africa (Finals)
About $40,000 is included in the prizepool. Locally, there has also been a growth of interest in the sport in the Hunter, with a significant number of paddlers based at Swansea Channel 30 minutes drive south of Newcastle. Newcastle is expected to also host an event, the Moon Island Classic on January 1, 2013, A great lead-up race to The Doctor the following week.
Probably the stand out paddler locally is Greg Tobin, still competing, for the surf lifesaving club of Swansea Belmont at Blacksmiths and an Australian and NSW double surf ski champion. Greg, now 27, began learning to paddle surf skis as a 12-year-old on one of his brothers’ iron man racing skis (he couldn’t reach the pedals at the time.) He had his best singles race in 2011 with a fourth in the open ski race at the Australian SLSA Championships, then moved to ocean paddling in 2011 on a spec ski achieving excellent placings against the quicker longer boats. He attracted interest from Think Kayaks which began sponsorship this year and now leads the Sydney series with a win and two seconds and achieving 11th place in the Steelcase Dragon Run in Hong Kong in November. He places third place in the 18-kilometre
Bakers Delight Warriewood Narrabeen Downwind Challenge at the end of November then, coming up in January, are the 20 beaches and the Doctor in Perth. Greg also hopes to race overseas in 2013. One of his training mates, Rory Chapman from the neighbouring surf club of Redhead, is also standing out with a win on a conventional ski in the Bondi to Watson’s Bay event and a fifth at Narabeen where Greg took first place. Both were on ocean skis. He’ll also travel to The Doctor in Perth in 2013. Sprint surf ski racing is a rewarding sport, and so is ocean paddling, but you really do not achieve your best potential in both until you reach your mid-20s and you can continue to paddle as long as you like. It is best to start learning as early as possible as Greg did and you will realise this if you ever attempt to sit on a surf ski. n social/life 31
Couturier Wendy Ratcliffe
Model Elizabeth Blaxland
Fashion Label Launch It was fun, finger food and frocks at the launch of the new InVintaged label at Newcastle’s Royal Exchange on December 1. Four models paraded vintage-inspired dresses from the 1920s to the 1960s, designed by Newcastle couturier Wendy Ratcliffe. The label and business has been launched to show that, while fashions may change, style is always in style. Wendy is availble to create women’s wear to suit the client, working on style, cloth and accessories. Go to invintaged.com. Story by Michael Blaxland Photos by Steven Wark
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