Summerset Scene Australia, Volume 1

Summerset Scene

COVER:

Our villages

In development Proposed village s

Cover photo: Craig Forster at Lightchasers.

Torquay

Hello from Ellie

At Summerset our goal is “bringing the best of life”, we want to create thriving communities where our residents can enjoy quality homes amongst like-minded people, with staff who work hard to deliver the best possible retirement village experience.

After more than 25 years’ experience delivering high quality retirement villages to New Zealanders (37 communities and counting) we are proud to be bringing our Summerset retirement villages to Victoria. Our Melbourne office has the best of both worlds, with expert local and experienced New Zealand staff. Our village in Cranbourne North is well underway with the first residents moving in at the start of 2024, and we have six other sites where we plan to welcome more Australians in the coming years. A key part of the Summerset offering is our continuum of care. We offer lots of independent living options like villas, cottages and serviced apartments but if your needs change we have onsite care facilities and assisted living options that mean you can stay in the same community but get the high quality care and attention you need.

Summerset Scene is our magazine where we celebrate the many ways our residents live life to the full. While our Australian villages begin we are showcasing some of our residents from New Zealand and the incredible things they do. As well as feature stories, Summerset Scene brings you articles from expert columnists on food, fashion, books, puzzles and travel, and updates you on news across Summerset.

As our villages around Victoria grow and flourish we can’t wait to find out more about our Aussie residents in the coming years and feature them in Summerset Scene

Please read on if you’d like to find out more about what life in our villages is like and visit our website summerset.com.au.

Scott Scoullar CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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Hello from Ellie

I am so pleased to welcome you to the first issue of Summerset Scene Australia! I love nothing more than hearing about people’s lives and I am stoked to bring to you the stories that our Kiwi residents across the ditch share about their interests and experiences. Our villages are diverse and varied but what they all have common is residents enjoying the best of life. I look forward to sharing the stories of our Australian residents soon.

This issue’s cover stars are rock’n’roll dancers Brenda and Dennis Neill. The couple from Christchurch have never met a dancefloor they didn’t like read their story on page 6.

Photographer Peter Beazley celebrates beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary, as his beautiful shots show. Read his story on page 10. We also catch up with Trish Scott from Nelson. Trish has been playing tennis since she was 10 years old, and now at 84 she has no plans to stop. Read her story on page 16. On pages 24 and 25 we profile

Sonia Matthews and Leanne Heathcote, the village manager and the sales manager of Summerset Cranbourne North, our first Australian village. You can read more about this village on page 9.

Television presenter and Summerset New Zealand’s great friend and ambassador Jude Dobson ruminates on life stage changes on page 14, and fitness expert Daniel Hardie shares wellness tips on page 38.

Gardening guru Lynda Hallinan demonstrates how to grow bumper veggies in pots, and Jan Bilton offers recipes that are delicious any time. We also have great reads, fashion, travel, puzzles and crafts.

Happy reading!

Ellie Clifford SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Refreshingly different, reassuringly Summerset

We might be new to your neighbourhood, but as one of the most well-known retirement village operators in New Zealand, we’ve been around for a while. In fact, Summerset has been operating across the Tasman for more than 25 years.

It all started when Summerset founder John O’Sullivan set out to create a village that was spacious, modern, inviting and, as he puts it, “the sort of place that would be good enough for my Nana, and for other Nanas as well.”

In 1997, John bought a piece of land in Wanganui, on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. He transformed the site and eventually created what was to become the very first Summerset retirement village.

Since then we’ve continued to grow, and we now have 37 villlages throughout New Zealand, plus many more in development. On top of that, we have seven sites of land in Australia, including Cranbourne North.

We might have grown a lot over the years, but our founding principles of kindness, respect, choice and community spirit have always remained the same. In fact, we’ve built on John’s philosophy to develop a way of living that we think is second to none.

Now, we’re excited to bring everything that Summerset promises to Australia in brand new villages, designed specifically for the over 70s. We’re truly proud of the many things that make Summerset special, including offering a range of homes so you can pick the style that suits you

Above: The lady who inspired Summerset

best, and a host of top-end facilities that vary from village to village like an indoor pool, beauty salon and recreational bowling green, right on your doorstep.

There’s also our continuum of care, which means that should you require some extra support further down the track then – subject to availability and conditions – you can access a range of care packages or change to a new level of care, without having to leave the village community you know and love. It’s a model that hasn’t been widely available in Australia until now, and we think it sets us apart from the rest.

Above all, we’re thrilled that more than 8,000 residents in New Zealand already call Summerset home. And we’re looking forward to welcoming our new Aussie friends!

Above: John and Rose O’Sullivan.

Dancing through the decades

Dancing has been called ‘the kale of exercise’ because of its health benefits. But for Summerset on Cavendish (Christchurch, NZ) residents Brenda and Dennis Neill, it is more than a way of keeping fit; it’s a way of life, and one they have been living joyfully for more than 30 years.

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

“There was a rock and roll revival class locally, and we decided to give it a go just as something to do. We both really enjoyed it and started going every weekend,” says Brenda. “After a year of classes, we started competing.”

The couple have taken part in dance competitions together in towns and cities across the country, from as far south as Invercargill to as far north as Whangārei.

Smaller competitions gave way to larger ones, until they were competing in national contests. “The last time we competed was in 2019, at the Rock Around the Clock Senior Nationals in Lincoln. We were in the 60-plus age group. We had about 10 to 12 friends from the village come to cheer us on, and we came in fifth for that one.”

Brenda has also trained as a dance judge and has travelled the competition circuit judging for various age groups. In addition, she was the secretary for the New Zealand Amateur Rock’n’Roll Association for over 18 years, responsible for organising the championships and selecting the music. “I worked for the Canterbury Property Investors’ Association, and I had 12 bosses on a committee, so I think I developed my negotiation skills there, which certainly comes in handy at times,” Brenda says, laughing.

Despite competitions being disrupted or cancelled in recent times due to Covid, Brenda is hopeful she will be able to judge another soon. “Dancers are judged on a number of things: the routine, the timing, harmony and variety,” she says. “There are no prescribed moves, and some of the dances contestants perform are really innovative.”

“Dancing is about having fun first and foremost.”

Although there may be no specific steps for rock and roll like there are for ballroom dancing, performers do have to dance to music from a particular era – songs between 1953 and 1964. “Buddy Holly, Bill Hayley and the Comets, Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Carl Perkins; they are

all good to dance to. We dress up in the proper clothes too. Ladies wear the dresses with the full skirts that swing around when you twirl – they are so great to dance in. Men can choose drainpipe trousers and winklepickers. Shoes have to be flat for competitions. In fact, shoes are better flat for dancing generally –high heels can be antisocial on a crowded floor,” says Brenda with another laugh. Heels might be unfriendly, but everything else about dancing is avidly social. It is not always done in pairs either. “Dennis and I have competed together as a pair, but we have also performed in teams. There are usually six dancers, and we dance to a chosen song, working out the routine to fit the song and coordinating our steps together.”

Brenda and Dennis have been members of the Christchurch Rock and Roll Club since they took up dancing, and their fellow members

: Top left and bottom right: At the 2019 NZ national championships. Top middle: NZ national championships 2005. Top right: Demonstrating a deep dip at the 2011 NZ national championships. Bottom left: Taking first place at the 2011 NZ national championships.

(Photos by Craig Forster at Lightchasers)

have become good friends. “We have danced together, competed together, been on holiday together. Dancing is about having fun first and foremost. Whenever anyone new joins the club we emphasise that, and if they are taking things a little too seriously then we remind them that it needs to be fun for everyone. It is very social. There’s no point having a show pony and a wallflower; that’s not going to work,” says Brenda.

“A lot of the men have got some good moves.”

Brenda and Dennis are partners both in life and on the dance floor, but what happens if they have a tiff at home? “It stays out of the hall,” Brenda says firmly. “You can be grumpy with one another off the dance floor, but you leave that behind as soon as you get on it. That’s the rule.”

Brenda and Dennis are keen to introduce dancing to both their peers (they were instrumental at helping kick off Summerset’s first ever ‘flash mob’ in October 2019) and to the younger generation. “The children were never that bothered by it, but two of Dennis’s grandchildren took it up for a while and we took them to a junior nationals in Invercargill. There are always more girls that learn than boys though. Girls can dance together quite easily,” Brenda says. “It’s interesting though how many of the residents – both men and women – enjoy dancing and having a boogie. A lot of the men have got some good moves –everyone in our generation knew that the best way to get a girlfriend was to learn to dance!”

Page 4 and above: Dennis and Brenda at their Summerset on Cavendish (Christchurch, NZ) village.

First Australian village launches in Cranbourne North

On 1 December 2021 ground was broken at Summerset Cranbourne North (Melbourne). Elders from the Bunurong people carried out a welcome to country and smoking ceremony. Involving burning native plants to produce herbal smoke, the smoking ceremony signifies paying respects to the original guardians of the land.

Construction is well underway, with the first villas delivered at the end of 2023, and the first reisdents moving in in early 2024. Once complete the village will include two and three-bedroom independent living villas and townhouses, as well as serviced apartments for residents requiring extra support. There will also be extensive recreational amenities and aged care onsite, offering options for residents in our aged care or memory care facility.

Cranbourne North Sales Manager Leanne Heathcote is excited to launch Summerset’s first Australian village offering. “Summerset’s vision of high-quality environments with the added security of knowing care is there should you need it, is the sort of place I would want for my own parents and grandparents.” says Leanne. “I can’t wait to welcome new residents and future friends

to this amazing space we are creating. This is living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute.

“With continuum of care, people have options should their needs change while they live in the village, and while access is subject to availability, existing village residents have priority. They can remain in their community, amongst their friends while getting the support tailored to their needs.”

Village Operations Manager Sonia Matthews will head up the village and bring the best of life to our residents. Sonia has over 23 years’ experience in the Australian aged care industry.

Covering nearly six hectares at 98 Mannavue Boulevard, the village is conveniently located with easy access to supermarkets, shopping centres and walking tracks. Summerset Cranbourne North has excellent transport links, with the freeway, bus and train services all located nearby as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the local golf club just minutes away.

Our Summerset Cranbourne North sales suite is now open; for more information please visit www.summerset.com.au/cranbournenorth

Above: Smoking Ceremony. Artist's Impression: Cranbourne North village centre

EYE FOR Detail

For Taupō (NZ) photographer Peter Beazley, a great image is all about telling a story. Over the years, he’s switched from darkroom to digital, capturing everything from sports matches and motorbikes to portraits and landscapes with an expert click of the camera. Here, he shares some of his favourite shots and talks about life behind the lens.

WORDS BY SARA BUNNY. PHOTOS BY JONO TUCKER AT EMPIRE FILMS.

Peter was just a teen when he got started with photography, and it was all thanks to his mum’s clever compromise.

“I was about 15 when I said I wanted to race motorbikes, and Mum wasn’t having any of it,” Peter remembers. “So she went out and bought me a second-hand box Brownie camera, and said I should photograph them instead.

“I started taking photos down at the motorbike track in Ōhope. They weren’t very well received by the local camera club, although my work back then was pretty average, to say the least! But I stuck with it, and quickly developed a real passion for photography.”

On his wedding day, Peter was lucky in more ways than one. Not only was he marrying Lyne, but their wedding photographer also mentioned that he was looking for a part-time staff member, and Peter jumped at the chance. In between family life and a full-time day job in food manufacturing, Peter honed his camera skills, learnt to use a darkroom, and soaked up all the advice he could get from fellow photographers. These days he’s swapped the darkroom for a digital process and branched out to a range of new techniques, but he still remembers some key advice that stuck with him.

“A good friend of mine said, ‘Always make sure a photo says what you want it to say’. It’s about telling a story, and at the same time, it’s a photographer’s job to work with the technical factors to get that story across to the viewer. I think there’s a difference between looking at something and seeing something, so as a photographer you don’t just look at a scene; you are focused on things like composition, lighting and creating a central point of interest that draws in the viewer’s eye.”

Peter has received honours awards for his work at several photographic salons, including Auckland’s prestigious North Shore Salon and the Photographic Society of New Zealand National Exhibition. He’s owned many cameras since the box Brownie days, and currently uses a Fuji X-T2 camera to create his stunning shots.

With an expert eye for different ways to capture an image, he’s been experimenting lately with techniques such as macro photography (close-ups of small objects) and intentional camera movement, where the photographer uses movement to create a painterly effect. “There’s quite a lot of trial and error, and you learn as you go,” he says.

A recent favourite was an image of a fisherman in a kayak, which Peter captured after braving a

Some examples of Peter’s photos.

chilly Taupō morning. “It was really foggy that day, but I decided to go out to see if I could strike it lucky, and I was really happy with the shot. I think you have to make your own luck as a photographer, because if you don’t get out there and try, then nothing will happen. You have to persevere; I might go back to the same place two or three times to get the best image, as you need to work with lighting and weather changes.”

The Summerset by the Lake resident, who is a member of several photography clubs, says heading out in search of a photo is an ideal opportunity to unwind and have some thinking space. “You go out with a group sometimes but you’re often by yourself too. It can get lonely, but those early mornings or quiet evenings are so peaceful. You get to contemplate, take in what’s around you, and really enjoy the beauty of the scene.”

“It’s about telling a story... I think there’s a difference between looking at something and seeing something.”

JUDE ON … LIFE STAGE CHANGES

Television presenter, director and writer Jude Dobson is Summerset New Zealand's ambassador and great friend.

Someone once told me that the only constant in life is change. They are right. However, it’s the dealing with change that is the tricky bit, I reckon. In theory, as we get older we should get better at it, more resilient to it, but I’m not sure that’s a given. Change by its very nature means that you’re moving away from something that you know about and are comfortable with to something that is new and can sometimes feel scary.

For Summerset residents, moving into a village is a huge life stage change, and I take my hat off to every one of you who has made that move. Moving home is well recognised as a stressful life event, and when it’s coupled with a change in your personal circumstances, it adds another set of things to muse on. My husband and I have lived in the same house for 24 years, and the thought of one day going through all the stuff we’ve collected in that time (having had three children) to downsize is somewhat daunting. It is the rainy day job that never seems to get to the top of the to-do list. Maybe, finally, this will be the year to do a bit of that sifting and sorting exercise because we are new ‘empty nesters’. Our oldest daughter (27) has lived overseas for three years. Her 24-year-old brother joined her midway through last year, and this year the youngest of the family (19) has also flown the nest to live overseas for a university exchange. Thankfully they are all in the same country, and the little one can join the big ones, when she is able, by taking a 90-minute flight. That makes this mummy very happy.

I was pleased to be able to go and settle her into her new university with her older siblings. They had done the same thing a few years back at different universities and can relate all too well to the sinking feeling of “Why did I think this was a good idea?” The realisation of what goes with changing countries, changing living environments, changing learning systems, changing technology and changing cultures is challenging stuff.

Even though the kids are not living at home, they are constantly top of mind for me. I know what time of day it is there, and I have the university timetable stuck to the pantry door, just as I have had all the school and uni timetables housed there over the years. It was a habit when the kids were younger so everyone was reminded of what the day held as they ate brekky.

It does feel rather weird having just my husband and I rattling round the house. I suppose we will get used to it. Come year end, when the kids all come home for Christmas – the little one to move back in and the big ones just for a visit – I will welcome the noise, food bill and inevitable mess that all brings. In the meantime, I guess it’s just another life stage I need to adapt to and support the kids as they adapt to theirs too.

FIVE QUESTIONS

Marlene Gillingham has lived in Summerset by the Sea in Katikati (NZ) since 2016.

She is a former nurse, and has 4 children and 12 grandchildren with her husband Steve, to whom she was married for 49 years. Marlene is a member of the Summersetters, Katikati’s 16-piece resident band, first playing drums and now conducting.

Above: Marlene Gillingham on the drums.

What is the most adventurous thing you have done?

My whole life has been quite the adventure. I lived in Australia and Canada for some of my nursing career, and I met my husband, Steve, when we were 28,000 feet above the ground, flying to Singapore in a C-130 Hercules jet! He was an RNZAF pilot and I was an army nurse. The adventures didn’t just come with my job though – I have climbed Mount Egmont/ Taranaki, and I did a skydive when I was 70!

What skill or talent would you most like to learn?

I love technology, and I like to be able to upskill and stay up to date with new tech. I use technology to communicate and for leisure. I have family overseas and I use it to communicate and keep in touch. Zoom, messaging and video chatting, banking, checking my calendar … everything I need to do I do on my Samsung phone. It’s like a friend that's always attached to my finger.

What is your ideal way to spend a weekend?

Packing up the car and heading either to Lake Tarawera or Pukehina Beach. I grew up by the sea in New Plymouth so I love the water. We have a holiday home on the lake, and my son has a house on the beach.

I am equally content to be there with or without family. I enjoy sitting on the deck in the evening and watching the sun set, the magic of nature all around me.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

I wish I had learned more about money management and how to make it work for me. I earned big and spent big when I was single. Marriage, family and responsibility came as a shock! I had to learn how to budget when I was 28. I would have liked to make money earn for me more. My grandson invests in Sharesies and he’s only 16!

Where would you most like to travel to and why?

I would most like to travel to Antarctica to experience the wildlife there. My favourite animals are penguins. They just appeal to me. I love the way they seem to know where they are going and the way they look out for one another and care for each other. The elders go without so the youngsters can get what they need. I have seen the Little Blues at Phillip Island in Australia and in Oamaru – they are so cute. As I have got older, I have started to waddle like a penguin too!

SERVING WITH A SMILE

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

Trish Scott is at home on the court any day of the week, but she especially loves Tuesdays. “My tennis club is in Richmond, Nelson, and Tuesdays is Ladies’ Day,” the Summerset in the Sun (Nelson, NZ) resident says.

Trish thanks her older brother for her long-standing enjoyment of the sport. At the age of 10 she would watch him don his tennis whites and go off to play, but it wasn’t until she was 12 that she tried tennis out for herself. “I presented myself to the St Albans Tennis Club in Christchurch every day after school. Before too long I became a junior team member. Saturday mornings would mean visiting other clubs, biking from St Albans, where I lived, to Cashmere for tennis throughout the summer, which was great.”

Always keen on physical activities, Trish was fortunate to attend an all-girls college in Christchurch that had a strong sports

programme. Despite being petite, she made the A-team for basketball. “I was easily the shortest and youngest on the team,” she says, laughing. “But I’m fast. I’d much rather run than walk. I still would.”

As Trish got older and sharpened her tennis skills further, she began to compete more and more. “I moved to Ashburton in the 1960s. We travelled all around the region playing other clubs. A highlight was becoming a team member of Mid Canterbury ladder — where you play matches against other members in your group. This included challenging Canterbury teams. For example, Town (Canterbury) versus Country, which was Mid Canterbury. These

“We seem to be a very active lot here. Table tennis, swimming in our wonderful pool. We enjoy many events, dressing appropriately when a theme is involved.”

matches took place on the grass courts at the amazing Wilding Park.” Later, Trish was made vice president of the Ashburton Tennis Club. After returning to Christchurch, Trish regained her membership at her previous club. Alongside playing tennis, she threw herself into the social side of the sport, becoming a committee member. “Ladies’ tennis organiser, function assistant, entertainer! I always enjoyed every position,” Trish recalls.

“Our village presents a lovely atmosphere – we are one big, happy family.”

In the 1990s Trish became ill, leading to a 10-year gap in her tennis playing. Although she had limited mobility and needed a Mobility Parking permit in her car, she kept her tennis gear in her car boot, living in the hope that she would one day play again. That hope paid off in 2009, when Trish was able to return to her beloved sport. “I regained my strength, and I was back on the courts. It was remarkable, really.”

Top left: Trish with her Mobility Card. Top right: Trish is delighted to be playing again.

Bottom right: Trish with the trophy she won with her grandson.

In 2013, Trish spent Christmas in Nelson with her family. On a whim, she decided to check out the Summerset in the Sun village with her daughter. “It was love at first sight! The next March, I became resident number 84. It was early days for the village then – I have been here almost 10 years!”

Being near to her family meant that Trish was able to play tennis with them, particularly her grandson, who was being coached in the sport. When his coach saw grandmother and grandson having a game, he suggested they take part in an upcoming parent and pupil tournament at the college. “We teamed up and we successfully won a trophy for our games. Obviously, both being left-handed players gave us an advantage, as competitors had difficulty assessing which direction the balls would go!”

As active in the village as she is playing tennis, Trish throws herself into Summerset life with gusto, enjoying singing and performing in particular. At the annual remembrance ceremony held in the village’s care centre, Trish joins the visiting families of passed residents, who appreciate hearing her singing. And on Anzac Day she dresses up as Dame Vera Lynn and sings ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’, encouraging the care centre residents to join in with her.

“We seem to be a very active lot here. Table tennis, swimming in our wonderful pool. We enjoy many events, dressing appropriately when a theme is involved. Feathers and plumes were on display when a recent Brazilian festival took place. Our village presents a lovely atmosphere – we are one big, happy family.”

Above: Trish at home in Summerset in the Sun (Nelson, NZ) (photos by Steve Hussey at Steve Hussey Photography)

SUMMERSET’S VICTORY

IN READER’S

DIGEST 2024 QUALITY SERVICE AWARDS

We are delighted to be named overall winner in the Reader's Digest Association 2024 Quality Service Awards (NZ) in the retirement villages category.

The awards are based on surveys of consumers and recognise companies who go above and beyond in creating remarkable customer experiences. The winners are chosen from a survey of 1,570 New Zealanders across 31 categories.

Reader’s Digest editor-in-chief Louise Waterson said while the prestigious Quality Service Awards have been running for ten years, few have been set in as difficult a landscape.

“In such a challenging time, New Zealanders are more discerning than ever before. Their loyalty can’t be bought through discounts and promotions; it must be earned through superior service and genuine care.”

Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar says. “The Quality Service Award is an excellent acknowledgement to our team. Service is something we take pride in, we want our customers to love what we’re providing for them, delivered by a friendly, dedicated and caring team who feel like family.”

Summerset Chirnside Park sponsors charity Golf Day

Summerset Chirnside Park was delighted to be the major sponsor for Rotary Club Moorundah’s 13th annual Golf Day charity event, held at Dorset Golf Club. 116 players teed up on the 18-hole course, and more than $24,000 was raised for various local charities, including 4TK - 4 The Kids, and Feed 1 Feed All. Rotary Club Moorundah’s Chairperson, Roger Smith said, “This was our most successful golf day ever. We are delighted Summerset came on board and look forward to welcoming their Chirnside Park village.”

Summerset Cranbourne North gives a leg up to the community

Summerset Cranbourne North were delighted to help Give a Leg Up in their community recently, joining the Narre Warren Bowls Club in their fundraiser for fellow bowls club Upwey-Tecoma. The village team donated raffle prizes and assisted on the day with the Give a Leg Up campaign, as the club had recently fallen victim to a vicious email scam, which robbed them of much-needed funds to repair damage to greens from a flood last October. “It’s the least we can do to support our local community,” said Leanne Heathcote, sales manager for Summerset’s Cranbourne North village. All profits raised from the event were donated to the Upwey-Tecoma Bowls Club.

Summerset named as Number One Retirement Village Provider by residents

Summerset has been awarded Gold for Group Provider Nationwide in the New Zealand Aged Advisor’s 2023 annual awards. The win underscores the genuine affection our residents have for the Summerset lifestyle. AgedAdvisor founder Nigel Matthews says, “Winners are based purely on independent reviews and ratings from residents. Summerset have received consistently high ratings from residents and their families.” This recognition validates the Summerset belief that retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment within a community with fantastic homes and facilities. In addition to the Group Provider Gold award, five Summerset villages were named finalists for the Best Retirement Village award.

Smoking Ceremony at Chirnside Park

The first sod has been turned at our Chirnside Park village, our second in Australia. A traditional smoking ceremony was performed by members of the local Wurundjeri tribe. The Aboriginal smoking ceremony, a gift to all Australians, uses burning native plants to create cleansing smoke. This ritual wards off bad spirits from the land and people, paving the way for a brighter future. Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar acknowledges the importance of the ceremony, saying “Doing business in Australia is similar to New Zealand where we recognise and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the land on where we create our villages.

We are very privileged to have this opportunity to create a wonderful new community on the land.” Attended by staff and guests, the ceremony was held prior to the commencement of civil works on the site, with construction to get underway early in 2024.

We are also immensely proud to announce that Summerset’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (Reflect RAP) is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia - a huge milestone for us a business. Our RAP is the first step towards supporting the selfdetermination and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

VILLAGE PEOPLE

Take a look at some of the recent happenings at Summerset's New Zealand villages..

Photo 1: Summerset on Cavendish (Christchurch) enjoy a mild evening for Happy Hour.

Photo 2: Fab costumes as always at Summerset in the Sun’s annual Waste to Waist in Nelson.

Photo 3: Strike! Summerset Palms, (Napier) residents enjoy 10-pin bowling.

Photo 4: The chips weren’t down for Summerset at Karaka’s (Auckland) casino night.

Photo 5: Bracing Buggy Outing! Summerset Mountain View (New Plymouth) residents enjoy the Coastal Walkway in style.

Photo 6: She may be 99, but Summerset by the Park’s (Auckland) Muriel still likes a Harley-Davidson.

Photo 7: Winners of the disco dress-up at Summerset at Wigram (Christchurch).

Photo 8: Summerset on Cavendish (Christchurch) residents introduce school chilren to the joy of bowls.

Photo 9: Chocks away! Summerset on Summerhill

(Palmerston North) men make a flying visit to Ohakea air base.

Photo 10: Summerset Aotea (Wellington) residents create teddies for Ukrainian children.

Photo 11: Bonjour from Summerset in the River City (Wanganui).

Photo 12: Members of the Summerset by the Sea (Katikati) ukelele club welcome residents to Happy Hour.

Photo 13: It’s dinner in Austria at Summerset at the Course (Wellington).

Photo 14: What a catch! Summerset Richmond Ranges (Richmond) residents fish at Anatoki Salmon.

Photo 15: Wonderful wines, say Summerset in the Sun (Nelson) residents at a recent tasting.

Sonia Matthews

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

Sonia Matthews is the village manager for Summerset Cranbourne North. Having worked in the sector for 23 years, Sonia knows Australian aged care like the back of her hand. A bookkeeper since leaving school, Sonia came to work in the arena by happy accident. “My sister worked at a residential aged care home and their receptionist had taken ill, she asked me if I could step in to help, so I began working there 3 days a week.” It wasn’t long before Sonia’s skills impressed the owner of the home, and she was asked to come on board as the non-clinical manager, a job she did for 12 years. Sonia was at the helm of the two-year project to increase capacity from a 60-bed home to a 90-bed home. “I oversaw everything from the paperwork applications to the building contractors to turning the first sod of earth.” Sonia said. After a stint at a larger aged care organisation that saw her relocate to Darwin, Sonia moved back to aged care in Victoria, and was managing a residential home when Melbourne became the lockdown capital of the world. “Covid was tough on everyone.” Sonia remembers, who was unable to meet her first grandchild during that period, “But a lot of our residents didn’t understand what was happening, they just knew that their families had stopped visiting.” A silver lining however was how the covid ‘bubbles’ bonded people. “A lot of staff were from overseas,” says Sonia. “Separated from their families too. Staff and residents adopted each other, it created a special bond.”

Family is very important to Sonia. “I am fortunate that mine all live in Melbourne”, she says. She and her husband Garry have seven children and 12 grandchildren between them. “Garry and I met 10 years ago. Our first date lasted 12 hours!” she

laughs. Sonia also likes to relax in her dedicated craft room, creating jewellery from polymer clay or experimenting with papercrafts. “I call it my sanity keeper!” she smiles.

For Sonia part of the appeal at working at Summerset Cranbourne North is the chance to introduce a highly regarded overseas company to the Australian market. “It is wonderful to be there at the start of Summerset’s Australian journey. The fact that it is a mix of a retirement village and aged care especially appeals. That continuum of care is unusual in Australia.” Sonia says. “Most of all though, I am really looking forward to building relationships with the residents and ensuring they have a great retirement. “

Leanne Heathcote

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD STAFF PROFILE

Leanne may be British born, but she knows Cranbourne North and surrounding suburbs like the back of her hand, having lived in the area for 22 years. “I grew up in Oldham near Manchester in England, but moved to Oz with my parents when I was 14. I’ve lived in nearby Casey since I was 21, it’s where I’ve settled and raised my family. I just love it here, there’s plenty to do. We are away a little bit from the hustle and bustle of the city centre but hop on a train and its not long til you’re there.”

Leanne has experience working in both construction and aged care, making Summerset’s first Australian village a perfect fit for her. “Prior to Summerset I worked for a builder in south-east Melbourne but the past couple of years have been tough for the construction industry. When I saw the role at Summerset I thought “that’s made for me!” I had worked for four years in a residential care home when I was younger and really enjoyed it, particularly the relationships I built with the residents.”

The idea of continuum of care – that you can have your needs met at every stage of your senior life in one place – is not often the case in the Australian market, but Leanne is not one to shy away from the challenge. “Here we have addressed the fact that needs change; we have call bells and assistance if you need it. The homes have no steps, there is no lip into the shower, bathrooms have grab rails and slip resistant tiles, hallways are nice and wide to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs. We are proving popular, the ‘Town Halls’ that we held have been busy.”

As well as meeting with future residents and prospects, Leanne does a lot of community engagement with local facilities, such as the nearby Hampden Park Bowling Club, of which Summerset is a platinum sponsor. Her working days are packed, so how does she switch off? “I have three children so home is pretty busy too,” she laughs, “Bethany is my 15 year old daughter, and I also have my 21 year old nephew Callum, who is autistic, and my 2-year old foster daughter Alayah, so my husband Greg and I have all ages and stages, as well as three cats!“ The family share a love of singing, and have frequent impromptu karaoke sessions at home with al the family and their friends. “I love to sing, and I always have. I met Greg when I was singing in a local pub 17 years ago. Ballads and folk songs are my speciality.” Leanne likes the idea of starting a singing group at Cranbourne North. “Coming onboard at the beginning means I have the chance to voice my ideas. This job gives me the opportunity to see a village grow from scratch, and I also meet so many lovely people.”

TRIO KITCHEN

RECIPES BY JAN BILTON

MICROWAVE AIRFRYER OVEN DISHES

One of my all-time favourite veggie dishes is ratatouille. There are about as many versions for this recipe as there are for pavlova. Ratatouille is a tasty, nutritious treat that can be prepared at least two days in advance then covered and refrigerated. Add a dollop of ratatouille on the side of a meat or fish main – either hot or cold – use as a topper for bruschetta,or serve as a main garnished with your favourite cheese. A great dish to share with your Summerset friends. My microwave adaptation is quick and easy.

Did you know that the air fryer was the brainchild of Dutch inventor Fred van der Weij, who was looking for a way to crisp French fries without deep frying. He started developing the air fryer in 2005, and the first commercial model was marketed in 2010. He said that before his invention alternative methods for cooking fries at home took too long, with disappointing results. But now we can also enjoy air fryer crispy chicken, cheesies, koftas and much more. Thank you, Fred!

MICROWAVE RATATOUILLE

SERVES 6 AS A SIDE DISH OR 4 AS A MAIN.

INGREDIENTS

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon olive oil

300–400g eggplant

2 courgettes

1 red capsicum, seeds removed salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon thyme leaves

510g jar tomato and basil pasta sauce

METHOD

Place the onion, garlic and oil in a 2-litre microwave-proof bowl or casserole. Cover and cook for 1 minute.

Cut the eggplant, courgettes and capsicum into 2.5cm pieces. Season.

Add to the onion mixture, then sprinkle the thyme.

Cover and cook on high for 5 minutes. Stir well, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta sauce. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

COVER AND STAND FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE SERVING.

TIPS

Ratatouille may be prepared ahead and reheated or served cold.

AIR FRYER KOFTAS

MAKES ABOUT 20. SERVES 6 AS A STARTER OR 4 AS A MAIN.

INGREDIENTS

500g lean minced lamb

2 tablespoons each: chopped parsley, mint leaves

1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 teaspoons each: ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika

½–1 teaspoon each: salt, ground chilli

YOGHURT SAUCE

1 cup plain unsweetened yoghurt

2–3 teaspoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves

METHOD

Combine the lamb, herbs, garlic and spices. Take generous tablespoons of the mixture and form into ovals about 4cm long. Press firmly to maintain the shape.

Preheat the air fryer on 180°C for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with oil.

Place 5–6 koftas in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Meanwhile, combine the yoghurt, lemon juice and mint in a serving bowl. Serve as a dip or a sauce.

TIPS

As with microwaves and conventional ovens, each air fryer model cooks slightly differently. Use recipes as guides to cooking times and check your food occasionally for ‘doneness’.

MOCHA

MERINGUES WITH

CHOCOLATE SHARDS

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

Meringues

4 egg whites

1 cup sugar

CHOCOLATE SHARDS

100g dark chocolate, chopped

DRIZZLE

50g dark chocolate

TOPPING

2 teaspoons instant coffee granules

1 tablespoon boiling water

300ml cream

2 tablespoons icing sugar

These yummy delights are similar to mini pavs. The meringues can be prepared ahead and stored (undecorated) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. The leftover egg yolks make great omelettes or French toast.

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Draw six 8cm circles on the paper.

To make the meringues, place the egg whites in a large bowl and beat until soft peaks form. Slowly add the sugar a tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until stiff and shiny. Spoon the meringue mixture into the circles on the tray, using about three heaped tablespoons per serving. Bake for 25 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the meringues inside – with the oven door shut – for 2–3 hours.

Meanwhile, make the chocolate shards. Line a tray with baking paper. Microwave the chocolate on medium for 3–4 minutes until just melted. Stir well. Pour onto the baking paper to form a thin layer. Chill. When set, break into shards.

Before serving, melt the chocolate for the drizzle. Trickle it over the meringues. Chill to set.

To make the topping, dissolve the coffee granules in the boiling water. Cool. Combine the cream and icing sugar and whip until thick. Fold in the coffee.

To serve, dollop the topping generously onto the meringues and stand the chocolate shards on top.

IN THE GARDEN

POTS OF PRODUCE – from a patio!

ARTICLE BY LYNDA HALLINAN PHOTOS BY SALLY TAGG

Lynda Hallinan shares 10 easy edibles to grow in tubs and troughs.

1. Cherry tomatoes

Start sowing cherry tomatoes indoors so the plants are a good size to transplant outside. Or, if you want only one or two plants, buy vigorous grafted seedlings at your local garden centre in late spring. Grafted plants produce more fruit more quickly. ‘Tommy Toe’ is a foolproof variety for high yields but it will sprawl in every direction it can, whereas the dwarf hybrids ‘’Tiny Tim’ (The Diggers Club’ and ‘Cherry Falls’ (Mr Fothergill’s) have been selected for pot life. Try ‘Maralinga’ (Seeds of Plenty) for full-sized fruit on a compact bush.

2. Climbing peas and beans

It seems counterintuitive, but climbing beans and peas are much better suited to small gardens than dwarf varieties, because they keep cropping for longer and, by growing up rather than out, they actually take up less room at ground level. My favourites are ‘Sugar Snap’ peas and, for green beans, I grow ‘Stringless Blue Lake’ or classic ‘Scarlet Runner’ (Yates Seeds) . Train the vines up strings on a fence, or lash together a few stakes to make a rudimentary tepee. Garden centres sell decorative obelisks; pop in a few sweet pea seeds with your beans for a pretty and productive display.

Downsizing your garden doesn’t mean downsizing your desire to harvest home-grown fruit and vegetables.

From patio tomatoes to ‘minikins’ (miniature pumpkins that are perfect for one person), savvy seed companies understand that not everyone has the room – or the appetite – to warrant a family-sized veggie patch these days. You might not be able to dig enough spuds to last all year, but it’s still satisfying to unearth buried treasures from a few buckets of baby ‘Pink Fir Apple’ potatoes lined up against a sunny garden wall, or to snack on tender peas, freshly unzipped from their tender pods, while pottering around a courtyard.

3. Silver beet

Pop a punnet of silver beet or rainbow chard seedlings into a tub and you’ll be rewarded with a year-round supply of nutritious greens. Grow the old-timer ‘Fordhook Giant’ or plant so-called ‘Perpetual Green’ (Yates Seeds) – a milder form of silver beet. Silver beet may suffer a little leaf spot (caused by Cercospora fungal spores) in summer, but this is largely cosmetic. Watch out for slugs and snails when silver beet is still at the baby leaf stage.

4. Herbs

Almost all herbs flourish in pots, helped by the fact that their Mediterranean ancestry means they love hot, dry conditions. Parsley, basil and mint need more water than pizza thyme, rosemary, oregano and sage, so group these together. And the more you snip herbs, the healthier and bushier they grow.

5. Radishes

A plain plastic bucket with holes poked in the base is the perfect pot for a quick crop of crisp red radishes. Sprinkle seeds of ‘Salad Crunch’ or ‘Gentle Giant’ (both Yates Seeds) and lightly cover with potting mix. You’ll be able to start munching on their crunchy roots within six weeks.

The secret to growing successful crops in pots is to start with large, lightweight containers (for portability and ease of repotting) and goodquality potting mix, preferably a brand that includes water-retention crystals. Maintaining soil moisture is important in pots, for without regular watering, container-grown plants struggle in hot, dry conditions, leading to fewer fruit on tomatoes and beans, smaller roots on beets and carrots, and a tendency for leafy salad greens and radishes to rapidly run to seed. Water daily in summer and feed weekly with diluted liquid fertiliser for the best results.

6. Baby carrots

Plastic is fantastic for potted carrots because, as their orange roots develop, they need room to push outwards, meaning that flexible growbags are better than terracotta tubs. Space the seeds 5cm apart for standard ‘Manchester Table’ (Yates) carrots, or sprinkle closer together for bunches of slender ‘Baby’ (The Diggers Club).

7. Broad beans

Most broad beans get rather top-heavy under the weight of their pods, but the award-winning dwarf variety ‘Coles Dwarf’ (Seeds of Plenty) is ideal for containers. It grows to about 45cm high. Or sow the organic ‘Crimson Flowered’ heirloom recovered by The Diggers Club from Norfolk Island which has beautiful burgundy blooms as well as plump pods.

8. Beetroot

Beetroot is great value in a container garden because, while you wait for the roots to swell, the succulent blood-red foliage can be snipped for salads. Sow torpedo-shaped ‘Cylindra’ or

‘Crimson Globe’ (Mr Fothergill’s) for baby red beets the size of golf balls.

9. Mesclun salad mixes

Although standard hearting lettuces such as ‘Iceberg’ and ‘Buttercrunch’ are tricky to grow consistently in containers, it’s child’s play to grow mixed-leaf salads. Simply sprinkle half a packet of mesclun seed over a tub of potting mix, water well and snip at the microgreen (14 days) or baby leaf stages (28 days). When watering, add a splash of organic liquid fertiliser to your watering can to encourage lush growth.

10. Broccoli

With careful harvesting, a single planting of half a dozen ‘Green Sprouting’ broccoli seedlings (from The Diggers Club) can yield several dozen small heads. How? When the first heads are ready, cut them off rather than pulling the whole plant out, leaving about 5–6cm of stalk attached to the outer rosette of leaves. Within a matter of weeks, you’ll have a bonus secondary crop of smaller side-shooting heads.

Printing with the sun

BY MELISSA WASTNEY

Discovered in 1842, cyanotype printing (sometimes called sun printing) is one of the oldest photographic processes and was popular well into the 20th century for making architectural plans and maps, and for documenting botanical specimens like ferns and seaweed.

Cyanotype chemicals are now readily available and affordable, so why not make sunshine and plants by creating some unique cards, or artwork to decorate your walls or for gifts? The prints can also make gift tags for birthday or Christmas presents.

The basic method is outlined here, but you can experiment with different materials, mediums and even light levels. Be creative and have fun!

SUPPLIES

• Sturdy paper or card, such as watercolour paper (I cut my A4 sheet into four postcard-sized pieces)

• Board, larger than your paper or card (I used the backing from an old picture frame)

• Masking tape such as washi tape

• Jacquard Cyanotype Set (found at Gordon Harris, Melbourne Etching Supplies, and other art supply stores), consisting of: Part A, potassium ferricyanide; and Part B, ferric ammonium citrate

• Plastic container and paintbrush

• Various plant parts, such as flowers, ferns and leaves (the simplest to use is pre-pressed, but you can also use fresh plant material)

• A piece of glass (I used the glass from an old picture frame)

• A few clips or clothes pegs

Note: You'll also need somewhere dark to apply the solution to the paper, and a sink with running water to rinse your prints.

METHOD

1. Arrange your cards on the board and tape down the edges to secure them in place.

2. Make up the cyanotype solution according to the directions. In a darkened space, mix equal amounts of the cyanotype solution Parts A and B in a container and stir well with a brush. If you are making one or two batches of cards, you will need only a capful of each solution component. Once mixed, the solution will keep for a few hours.

3. Staying in the dark space, paint the mixed solution over the cards to cover them, but not too thickly. I leave a rough border around each one.

4. Place the cards, still on their board, inside a cupboard or similar to dry without being exposed to ultraviolet light (about 20 mins).

5. Still in the dark, place the plant material over the dried solution to create your design. Have fun and be creative with this step! I like to use pressed plants, but you could also lay fresh leaves, ferns or even household objects such as keys or coins on the cards.

6. Once you are happy with the layout, place the piece of glass over the cards and clip or peg around the edges to secure it. Carefully carry the arrangement outside and place it in a sunny spot (make sure there are no shadows over the glass).

7. Leave your prints in the sun for between 2 and 30 minutes, depending on how bright it is. The solution will look bronze in colour once fully exposed.

8. Bring your prints inside and carefully remove the glass, masking tape and plants. Rinse each print in cool water in the sink or under the tap. You’ll see the cards turn a brilliant blue and your image will appear. Once the prints have been well rinsed, you can peg them on the washing line or leave them somewhere warm to dry.

Note: cyantype is non-toxic, but care should be taken not to inhale or ingest the chemicals. You might like to wear rubber gloves while working with the chemicals.

The Burned Letter

HELENE RITCHIE

Helene Ritchie’s mother, Lidi, fled from the Nazis as a teenager, eventually travelling to New Zealand as a Jewish refugee. In 1945, a few months after the liberation of Auschwitz, Lidi burned a letter she had received that had information about what had happened to many of her loved ones. She burned the letter out of hope that her survivor guilt would disappear with the ashes, but that wasn’t to be, and she regretted burning the letter until her death at age 92.

This burned letter is at the heart of this extraordinary memoir by Helene Ritchie, who travelled the world for 50 years searching for clues to her perished family – her grandparents and other family members who had perished in the Holocaust. Helene travels to Poland and Czechoslovakia, and she learns of concentration camps, ghettos, death marches, murders, suicides, and tragic love affairs.

The detail in The Burned Letter is done with great care, and family members’ stories are brought to life with the addition of photographs and documents. There is also an extraordinary discovery later in the book, which you will have to read to discover for yourself.

A Disappearance in Fiji

NILIMA RAO

Set in 1914 in Fiji, 25-year-old Akal Singh would rather be anywhere else in the world than in this far-flung colony. After a promising start to his police career in Hong Kong, the native-born Indian man was demoted to Fiji as punishment for making a humiliating mistake as a police officer.

Akal is miserable. But then, an indentured Indian woman goes missing from a sugarcane plantation, and Akal is assigned the case. Those the plantation say she has run off with the overseer, the newspapers headlines scream it is a kidnapping. Akal quickly finds himself invested in the case for many more reasons than just trying to redeem himself, as the cruelties of the indenture system are revealed in shocking clarity.

Beloved author Alexander McCall Smith is one of the many authors to endorse A Disappearance in Fiji, which I find particularly apt, as this debut novel reminds me a lot of one of his books. It is charming and full of warmth and wit.

ECHO PUBLISHING RRP $35.00 (AUS)

HR PRESS RRP $45 (AUS)

REVIEWS BY KAREN MCMILLAN

A Secret Never to Be Told

LYNN JOHN

This page-turning novel starts with a fascinating premise. What if Mozart faked his death in 1791 and he lived on? In the opening chapters, the reader finds Mozart doing precisely that, so he can live with the woman he loves, Magdalena, and so he can free himself from his debts and his unhappy marriage. But he can’t live without continuing to compose, so he reinvents himself some years later as the Maestro and begins composing music with the young composer Gioacchino Rossini, who in real life wrote 39 operas in 19 years.

The author is an opera singer, and he was inspired to write this book after a colleague, Eliano Mattiozzi, had studied Gioacchino Rossini’s operas and found too many similarities to Mozart’s work to be ignored. That started Lynn John on a two-year journey of researching Eliano’s startling claim.

A Secret Never to Be Told imagines this premise very successfully and brings to life the performers and composers of opera in this era. Be prepared for bawdy humour, intrigue and betrayal that mimics the humour and subversive nature of Mozart’s operas. A must-read for any lover of opera.

The Stolen Hours KAREN SWAN

MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS RRP $34.99 (AUS)

Set on the remote island of St Kilda, off the coast of Scotland, this novel opens in the summer of 1929. Mhairi has reached a time in her life when she needs a husband. Her family can’t afford to support all the mouths they have, but living in such a remote place, her options for finding a husband are limited. She reluctantly agrees to travel to another island to meet a young man who may be suitable. Her neighbour, Donald, chaperones Mhairi on this trip.

But things don’t go to plan when Mhairi returns engaged. She has lost her heart to another man, someone she can never have. Distraught, she waits for the months to spring when she will have to wed the man she has only met once, not the man she really loves.

Then word comes that St Kilda will be evacuated, and all the villagers resettled to the mainland, so further change is in the air. But when a dead body is found left behind at St Kilda, Mhairi and her friends find themselves under the shadow of suspicion. The Stolen Hours is atmospheric and dramatically page-turning, and the characters simply steal your heart.

FILAMENT PUBLISHING RRP 30.00 (AUS)

GO GREENER

update

It takes a village for a sustainable community

At Summerset our communities are more than just living spaces; they reflect our values. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and we are committed to reshaping development with sustainability in mind. Cranbourne North, our first Australian village, is an example of our commitment and journey towards sustainability. Our collaboration with Shell Energy Australia ensures that 100% green power drives Cranbourne North’s energy needs. Working closely with local electricity retailers and the Fixture sustainability team, we are exploring green power options for all our villages. We have set the stage for responsible energy consumption, and we have also made strides towards reducing our carbon footpruint by making allowances for the installation of solar power provisions. Moving beyond Cranbourne North, we're eliminating natural gas infrastructure in our future communities, making way for 'electric-only' villages. This shift aligns with global efforts to move away from fossil fuels. These

initiatives go beyond energy, Cranbourne North has water-efficient fittings, greywater systems, rainwater reuse, and drought-resistant landscaping, integrating environmental responsibility into our communities. We are taking our social responsibilities seriously on our journey towards a more sustainable future.

At Summerset we are continually striving to reduce our environmental footprint. We have a future target of installing solar panels on top of our village centres.

POET’S CORNER

Life at our village Morning tea

"I'm going on a cruise," she said, "so come for morning tea".

We gathered in her sunny lounge, six other 'girls' and me.

The coffee flowed, the scones were hot, assorted crackers and cheese, she'd gone to a lot of trouble for the 'girls' she wanted to please. We relayed lifetime stories, swapped unseemly feline jokes, but it was all in order, as we didn't bring our blokes.

My contribution to the tea? A plate of brownie biscuits but 'cos of a story I'd told them before, they were hesitant to risk it.

One hubby 'cross the road said, the laughter was so loud, he thought that by the noise we made, there must have been a crowd!

I don't know where two hours went, the time just seemed to fly, but we were having so much fun, guess that's the reason why.

I bet some ears were burning, but it was all in jest, as far as morning teas go, it really was the best.

Fay Tuffin Summerset Rototuna (NZ)

As our ages are creeping up Our bodies have a few hiccups.

Villa, warm and cosy, Makes you very dozy.

Tūī and fantails come in threes, Who live close by in the trees.

Happy hour is there to please. Wine or two with cracker and cheese. Gardens and lawns attended to, Nothing more for me to do.

Entertainment all the time, Bingo winnings not a crime.

Not to forget our little boy Marlo, favourite pet to Mike and co.

Oh, life here is very special as it can, especially sharing it with my man.

Margaret Hardy

Summerset on Summerhill (NZ)

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

THE LONGEST JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP

A transformation of this kind is never short-term challenge; it’s a lifelong project.

I was in conversation not too long ago with Janine, a lady I’ve been training for almost four years. We were reflecting on her journey and how she has achieved what she has. This is a woman who has essentially lost half her body weight, going from 163kg down to the mid-80s in three years. A transformation of this kind is never a short-term challenge; it’s a lifelong project.

Janine is in it for the long haul. Like a well-tended garden, her body is a never-ending project that needs careful attention, the right tools and a chance to grow (or, in Janine’s case, shrink!). Below are a few of the ways we worked together.

LOW BUY-IN

For Janine to make it easy for herself to get outside and walk regularly, she simply keeps a box of everything she needs by her front door. Aside from shoes and headphones, and a hat and gloves in winter, there’s very little she requires in the morning to get out the door and make a start.

SLEEP

I always do my best to inject sleep into conversations about health, given we know so much more about sleep these days. I advise everyone to get to bed at a reasonable hour and do your best to get 6–8 hours of sleep. Sometimes the best thing for our brains and bodies is to switch everything off, go into a dark room, lie down and sleep. This may be more difficult during hotter days, so do your best to ‘pre-cool’ your bedroom. A temperature of around 17–18°C is optimum for getting to, and staying, asleep.

VARYING YOUR EXERCISE

The human body is built to move in many ways. Unless you’re a professional athlete (and even then, variation may help), look to include a variety of different exercises throughout your week. The big ones I encourage are something aerobic, such as walking or cycling; something that requires you to lift either yourself or something else, such as

strength training or yoga; and something that encourages you to develop and maintain coordination, such as tennis, bowls or swimming. This also means you can exercise throughout the year and have a new activity to look forward to each season.

FOOD PLAN

Janine’s approach to food was simple: she created a weekly food plan, bought only the foods she required, ate at regular intervals throughout the day, and forgive herself quickly and moved on if she overindulged.

Getting to bed at a regular time, eating takeaways with a knife and fork, and removing treats from eye level in the cupboard won’t change our lives on their own, but together they can help us build healthy habits. Be kind to yourself and remember that it is the small changes over time that make a real difference. You can start anywhere, be it around food, exercise, sleep or simply buying and using a new water bottle. All the best with your journey!

Call of the Wild

ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY

CALL OF THE WILD

Here’s a fashion fact that might surprise you: according to the style experts, leopard print is a ‘neutral’. In other words, everyone can wear it, at any stage of life and in (nearly) every situation. Animal prints are synonymous with danger, excitement and – let’s be honest – being a little naughty. But that doesn’t mean they can’t also be classy. Dame Helen Mirren has rocked fabulous animal print outfits, as has Catherine Deneuve, Jamie Lee Curtis and Iman. Even Camilla, the Queen Consort, has dabbled in the trend, wearing an animal print face mask to liven up a monochromatic ensemble in 2020. Are you ready to roar?

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

The really clever thing about animal prints in their natural tones is that they go well with nearly every other colour beyond the base shades of black, brown and white. This also means that there’s a variation to suit every skin and hair colour, every age and every body shape. If you find brown and tan tones a little dull, there are plenty of other colour options that will live in harmony in your wardrobe – even if they don’t exist in nature. If you’re starting out, look at adding an animal print accessory first. Bags, belts or jewellery are a brilliant choice for adding a touch of wild to any outfit. If you’ve got an animal print scarf that you’re not bold enough to wear yet, try tying it to the handles of a bag or wearing it as a belt. A cosy faux fur animal print coat is a fun addition to a late-autumn wardrobe, and you can often find great options second-hand.

WILD PRINTS FOR GENTLEMEN

Can men wear animal prints? They certainly used to. In the 18th century, fashion-conscious chaps wore leopard print frock coats, waistcoats and breeches, or coats with leopard print lapels and cuffs. This look started in Italy, then gradually spread to England via moneyed young men who’d travelled to Europe on the Grand Tour. By the 1960s and '70s, wearing animal prints was a way for self-confessed wild men like The Rolling Stones, Bryan Ferry and Rod Stewart to express their untamed attitude to style.

These days, it’s a bold – or very young – man who embraces top-to-toe animal prints. But that doesn’t mean more seasoned men should ignore the call of the wild. Start with animal accents (cuffs, a T-shirt, a casual pair of shorts) rather than the whole beast, and see how you go from there. Remember that good-quality fabrics are a must; no man should wear synthetic animal print unless he’s playing Tarzan or an extra in The Flintstones

FEET FIRST

If your style persona leans more to mild than wild, you can still dip your toes into the animal print trend. A sensible loafer, brogue or boot looks much more lively in animal prints, bringing an unexpected dash of excitement to an otherwise plain ensemble. If that’s too bold, zebra, tiger, leopard or even giraffe-print socks are a clever and cheerful way to embrace the look without everyone having to know about it. And in the comfort of your own home, nothing will get you purring contentedly faster than a cosy pair of animal slippers.

ODE TO JOY

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

For Lynley Clarke and Grahame Wright, love took a long time to blossom between them – more than 77 years, in fact! The couple, who recently married, attended primary school together before meeting by chance 75 years later when Grahame spotted Lynley at Summerset at Wigram in Christchurch (NZ) a few months after she moved in. He recognised her instantly. “I heard a voice say ‘Lynley Fraer!’, which is my maiden name,” said Lynley. “He reminded me we went to school together and told me I hadn’t changed a bit!”

Inspired by their mutual fondness for music, the pair rekindled their friendship at the village. Grahame, a euphonium player in his youth, had rediscovered the enjoyment of playing the instrument and would perform in the village’s monthly concerts with two other brass players. For Lynley, music has always been a huge part of her personal and professional life, and she was delighted to introduce Grahame and his late wife, Helen, to her pride and joy, her grand piano. The pair saw an opportunity for mutual music appreciation and would meet regularly to rehearse pieces for their piano–euphonium partnership.

“I have arranged more than 70 pieces of music for Grahame,” says Lynley, a long-time music teacher, “often thinking ‘Oh, this would be ideal for the euphonium.’ Grahame’s brass band background meant he hadn’t done many solos before, but now that has changed.”

The pair became very close friends, and when Helen passed away at the beginning of 2022, Lynley supported Grahame in his grief. It wasn’t

long before they realised that their friendship had turned to love, and in September 2022 they became engaged.

“We went on a trip around Banks Peninsula on a stunning day and we were in the car overlooking the beachfront at Wainui,” Lynley recalls. “Grahame had been reminiscing about trips he had made there in the past, and then he asked me to marry him. I didn’t hesitate to say yes!”

“We have a very deep love. We have so much in common. I hold him in such high regard. Grahame is gentle, thoughtful and even-tempered, with a zany sense of humour,” says Lynley.

We were so fortunate to have both had good marriages before – Grahame with Helen for 58 years and me with Ian for 57 years. To find love a second time around is incredible.

The wedding was held at the end of November 2022 at the Cashmere Presbyterian Church, where the couple worship every Sunday and where Lynley is one of the three organists in the church’s music ministry team.

“It was such a busy day. We had more than 90 guests and it went by in such a blur. When the photographer sent through the wedding video recently, it was lovely to be able to sit down together and leisurely re-live the day.”

Their special day went without a hitch, but married life began eventfully, starting with the honeymoon. The pair had married on a Saturday and were due to perform in the monthly Summerset concert the following day before flying up to Auckland to catch their international flight to Rarotonga. On Saturday evening, Lynley bumped her foot on the brass leg of the coffee table. “We had to cancel our performance the next day as I had to go to Urgent Care to get my toes strapped together. Then, as we boarded the plane to Rarotonga, Grahame tripped and

dislocated his knee! As soon as we landed, we had to go straight to the hospital. He had to wear a knee brace for seven days.”

Luckily, neither injury was serious, and the couple were able to enjoy ten days sipping cocktails on the sand before returning to New Zealand, when Grahame promptly caught Covid-19, just in time for Christmas. “Can you believe it?” laughs Lynley. “Grahame had to isolate in his villa, which fortunately he hadn’t yet moved out of. We had great fun telling everyone we had separated after three weeks of marriage! Our first Christmas as a married couple was spent sitting in his garden with his family, with him talking to us through the patio door!”

So far the year has been smooth sailing for the pair, who are in the throes of moving Grahame into Lynley’s villa. They continue to practice music together regularly. “We have the same appreciation of beautiful music. It was the music that brought us together.”

Above: Lynley and Grahame's wedding day. Photo credit: Joel Wallan Creative

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

SKETCHING THE TRUTH

It could be the description of a superhero: mild-mannered banker by day, satirical cartoonist by night. But for years this was the life of Summerset Rototuna (NZ) resident Allan Hawkey.

Allan's sketches depicting current events have appeared in newspapers across New Zealand as well as in international magazines such as The Spectator, Private Eye and The Oldie. Allan has also produced two books of his cartoons and has illustrated several books by New Zealand authors.

“I was always doodling in the margins of my textbooks at school,” says Allan. “Art was not considered a suitable career subject then, so my only formal training was a few brief art lessons in the third form. I did find I had a certain proficiency for accountancy, and while still studying I joined the ANZ Bank at age 17. I stayed until until retiring in my late fifties.”

So how did cartooning come about? “When I was a bank manager in Timaru I saw some of the editorial cartoons in the Timaru Herald and thought, ‘I could do better than that.’ I drew some up and submitted them to the editor, and it went from there. I was their editorial cartoonist for 12 years despite having moved to Oamaru. In those days I submitted cartoons in hard copy form by snail mail. An arduous process.”

Allan stopped submitting cartoons to the newspaper when he got a bank transfer to Suva, Fiji. “The logistics were awkward and looking after a team of 200 over there seemed to be enough of a focus,” says Allan. “I retired from banking in Hamilton and became the daily editorial cartoonist for the Waikato Times for ten years and also did quite a bit of illustration work in that time.”

So, did any of his bank clients know what he did outside of ANZ? “Some of them knew, and understandably not all agreed with the cartoon’s stance on various topics. Editorial cartoons by nature tend to be provocative, but I try to be even-handed and give all an equal opportunity when handing out the barbs. Perhaps I subconsciously may have reined in some of my messages, given my role as a local banker. Some political cartoons – particularly in the UK – can be quite brutal, but I tend to infuse the work with humour, provided it doesn’t dilute the message.”

Despite the walls of his home featuring his own oils and watercolours, Allan doesn’t regard himself as a skilled draughtsman, but he says that for cartooning this is not a necessary attribute. “The idea or concept is all-important. Many great gag and topical cartoonists are very average at drawing, but their humour and ideas are brilliant. Indeed, dreaming up the cartoon idea is the difficult part of the process. Some days it is a hard grind while at other times the ideas just roll out. I do not have any single process and call it ‘controlled mind wandering’. It gives the right side of my brain some exercise!”

These days Allan has swapped his paper, pen and ink for a digital art software programme and graphics tablet. “I am self-taught on Corel Painter. It took me months to get my head around drawing on a plastic tablet and seeing the image on a computer screen rather than on paper. However, it’s easier now and I would never revert to the old method. With the software, alterations can be made at any time. Another plus is the saving on paper and Indian ink. It is easier to store too. I used to have scores of boxes of cartoons, now it’s all on the computer backed up in the cloud. Cartoons are now not posted by mail but created in my home office and sent by email. Instant to the other side of the world!”

Apart from submitting cartoons offshore, he occasionally draws for his village publications. He also creates his own calendars for family and friends – “they make unique Christmas gifts.”

Born in Invercargill and raised in Timaru in New Zealand's South Island, Allan decided to retire in Hamilton as it was his last place of work. “I enjoy life in the Summerset Rototuna village – it runs well, and the units are sunny, easy to maintain and have all the mod cons. There are lots of different personalities here and from diverse backgrounds –a great mix as we age, relax and enjoy one another’s company.”

Above: Allan at work on his computer. Right: Some of Allan's cartoons.

BENDIGO UNVEILED

ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

With a heady mix of history, art, architecture and gastronomic delights, the city of Bendigo in central Victoria is a rich and vibrant destination for any traveller. With galleries, grand buildings, museums and eateries strewn amongst beautiful green spaces and easy transport connections, Bendigo is sure to keep you in thrall however long your stay.

ACCOMMODATION

Combining the best of Bendigo, the Bendigo Ernest Hotel is historic, eclectic and opulent all at once. Housed in Bendigo’s oldest bank, this fascinating hotel retains many original 1864 features adorned throughout with a fantastic showcase of contemporary art. Positioned on the fringes of Queen’s Gardens and within walking distance to some of the city’s best eateries, museums and galleries, the Ernest is the perfect bolt hole for your Victorian getaway.

For a memorable night’s stay, why not give ‘glamping’ a go? Located just 10 minutes from Bendigo, Balgownie Estate is Bendigo’s oldest working winery and has luxury camping accommodation on site. Book a Bell Tent or the secluded Safari Tent where you can spend your

evening sipping superb Balgownie wine in your outdoor tub, with the stars above. The on-site restaurant ensures you’ll be well sated, morning, noon and night, with a contemporary regional menu of locally-sourced ingredients enjoyed looking out across the vines.

EATING

For a city that boasts the title of ‘UNESCO City of Creativity and Region of Gastronomy’ you know you’re in for a treat when it comes to dining out!

Start your day off right with a visit to the adorable little suburban café, Percy and Percy. A treasured local haunt, this historic hub offers an abundant menu of hearty breakfast fare served alongside exceptional coffee. Whether you like your breakfast sweet and simple, or savoury and sensational,

Photo credit:Sacred heart cathedral in Bendigo, Envato.

Photo credit: Australian country road at sunset near Bendigo, Envato.

Percy and Percy will almost certainly have a delicious creation to tempt your tastebuds.

Paddock to plate is a big thing in Bendigo. And perhaps nowhere more than at the famed Woodhouse steak restaurant. This classy establishment boasts “the best steak and the ultimate beef eating experience in Central Victoria”, and they’ve got the awards to prove it. The Woodhouse team take chargrilling extremely seriously, and source only the very best premium, grass-fed Australian beef to bring you an unforgettable dining experience: perfect with a glass of local Shiraz, for which the area is known.

ACTIVITIES

When gold was discovered on Bendigo Creek in 1851, the land that first belonged to the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples was soon overrun with hopeful gold miners from around the world. The area’s gold mining history, including the culture of the many Chinese people who came in search of their fortune, and the accumulated local wealth evidenced in the grandiose buildings, makes up much of the city’s tourist attractions today.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

mine tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

To learn about the thriving Chinese heritage of the area, the centrally located Golden Dragon Museum tells the full story, and the neighbouring Yi Yuan Gardens are a beautiful place to rest and enjoy traditional Chinese architecture during a busy day of exploring.

Art and architecture are serious business in Bendigo. Start your artistic exploration at the historic Bendigo Art Gallery (one of Australia’s oldest) before hitting the surrounding streets to discover smaller galleries, exceptional street art, public sculptures and artisan studios housed in and amongst sensational Victorian heritage architecture. Finish your day with a musical or theatrical performance at The Capital.

Art, culture and history at every turn: the city of Bendigo is worth its weight in gold as a quality holiday destination.

STATS

Region: Victoria

Airport: Bendigo Airport

Tap into Bendigo’s rich history with a visit to the Central Deborah Gold Mine where you can explore the underground tunnels of a real gold mine. The

Main road: Pall Mall

Population: 122,551

Photo credit: Rosalind gardens and Queen Victoria monument, Envato.

BRAIN TEASE PUZZLES

WORDFIT

Fit all the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

DECODER

FIFES

3LETTERS COO EAR EWE HOW LEA MOA OIL OWN ROC SEA USE WED

4LETTERS

5LETTERS

6LETTERS ASIANS EDICTS PEANUT PRANCE

7LETTERS ALLEGRO CISTERN INFERNO UNHAPPY 8LETTERS HEADLAMP LONGHAND SCIMITAR ULTERIOR

27. Boom, 29. Recycle, 30. Tassel,

17. Benefactor, 19. Nomad, 23. Pardon me, 24. Lever, 25. Debacle,

DOWN: 1. Minus, 2. Shut away, 3. Genial, 4. Crate, 5. Tarn, 6. Gesture, 7. Reduce, 8. Steam, 10. Clog, 11. Restore, 12. Sanity,

86. Maim, 87. Weather, 88. Bellwether, 89. Amateur.

64. Spinster, 67. Estranged, 69. Annual, 70. Talent, 74. Legal, 75. Weakness, 77. Monarchist, 81. Tub, 83. Killjoy, 84. Pirate, 85. Ornate,

41. Cape, 42. Broad, 43. Eager, 46. Leave of absence, 53. Strew, 56. Hinge, 57. Limb, 58. Slogan, 59. Half-mast, 62. Caution, 63. veat,Ca

33. Vagabond, 34. Source, 35. Feather, 39. Courtesy, 40. Entomb,

21. Uncommon, 22. Mouth, 25. Diadem, 26. Abrade, 28. Break even,

14. Unfair, 15. Sodden, 16. Consent, 18. Net, 20. Shamefaced,

ACROSS: 1. Missing, 4. Categorise, 9. Actress, 13. Nous,

EachnumberinourDECODERgridrepresentsa differentletterofthealphabet.Enterthegivenlettersinto allsquareswithmatchingnumbers.Thechallengenow istoworkoutwhichlettersarerepresentedbytheother numbers.Asyougettheletters,enterthemintothemain grid,andthereferencegrid.Tokeeptrackoftheletters youhavefound,crossthemoffthealphabetprovided. DECODERusesall26lettersofthealphabet.

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Enter the given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Then work out which letters are represented by the other numbers. As you get the letters, enter them into the main grid, and the reference grid. To keep track of the letters you have found, cross them off the alphabet provided. DECODER uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

WORDWHEEL

31. Hubbub, 32. Berate, 34. Scoff,

36. Tarot, 37. Bung, 38. Epic, 44. Animal, 45. Eight, 47. Emit, 48. Vibrate, 49. Oyster, 50. Adopt, 51. Swan song, 52. Elapse,

53. Sufferance, 54. Road, 55. Without, 60. Dowry, 61. Visa, 65. Under, 66. Delicate, 68. Scarlet, 69. Austere, 71. Desire, 72. Recall,

73. Mantra, 76. Knife, 78. Owner, 79. Timer, 80. Cope, 82. Both.

Across

1. Absent (7)

4. Classify (10)

9. Thespian (7)

13. Common sense (4)

14. Unjust (6)

15. Saturated (6)

16. Agree (7)

18. Catch (3)

20. Embarrassed (10)

21. Infrequent (8)

22. Where a river flows into the sea (5)

25. Jewelled headdress (6)

26. Wear away (6)

28. Make neither profit or loss (5,4)

33. Tramp (8)

34. Origin (6)

35. Plume (7)

39. Politeness (8)

40. Bury (6)

41. Headland (4)

42. Wide (5)

43. Enthusiastic (5)

46. Time off work (5,2,7)

53. Scatter (5)

56. Pivot (5)

57. Arm or leg (4)

58. Motto (6)

59. Position of a flag as a sign of mourning (4-4)

62. Wariness (7)

63. Legal stipulation (6)

64. Unmarried woman (8)

67. Alienated (9)

69. Yearly (6)

70. Gift, knack (6)

74. Legitimate (5)

75. Frailty (8)

77. Supporter of royalty (10)

81. Derogatory term for a ship (3)

83. Spoilsport (7)

84. Corsair (6)

85. Highly decorated (6)

86. Cripple or disfigure (4)

87. Climatic conditions (7)

88. Lead sheep in a flock (10)

89. Unpaid performer (7)

Down

1. Less (5)

2. Imprisoned (4,4)

3. Affable (6)

4. Wooden box (5)

5. Mountain lake (4)

6. Hand or body movement (7)

7. Decrease (6)

8. Vapour (5)

10. Wooden shoe (4)

11. Return to original condition (7)

12. Rationality (6)

17. Sponsor, backer (10)

19. Person who leads a wandering life (5)

23. Polite apology (6,2)

24. Crowbar (5)

25. Disastrous, embarrassing failure (7)

27. Time of economic prosperity (4)

29. Use again (7)

30. Decorative tuft or bunch of loose threads (6)

31. Uproar (6)

32. Rebuke (6)

34. Jeer (5)

36. Fortune telling cards (5)

37. Plug used to close a barrel (4)

38. Impressive or heroic (4)

44. Beast (6)

45. Number of humans on

Noah’s Ark (5)

47. Emanate (4)

48. Oscillate (7)

49. Shellfish (6)

50. Take into one’s family (5)

51. Final performance before retirement (4,4)

52. Pass (6)

53. Patience (10)

54. Street (4)

55. Lacking (7)

60. Marriage payment (5)

61. Travel stamp (4)

65. Beneath (5)

66. Fragile (8)

68. Bright red (7)

69. Plain and functional (7)

71. Long for (6)

72. Remember (6)

73. Repeated statement or slogan (6)

76. Dagger (5)

78. Possessor (5)

79. Stopwatch (5)

80. Manage (4)

82. The two (4)

PETS OF SUMMERSET

Daisy the longhaired dachshund is small but mighty. She might stand only two inches above the ground, but she has an incredible pull on her when she sees a dog or cat pal at her Summerset at Heritage Park village (Auckland, NZ).

“Dachshunds are known for being stubborn,” says owner Raewyn Francis. “She will stop suddenly or choose to go the opposite way I am walking. When she is tired of standing around when I am talking to people she will bark (which is loud) and pull to go. Like, ‘Come on, let’s get going!’”

“She is really fond of the older dogs, and also two of the village cats,” says Raewyn. “If we are out walking and she sees them, we must go over. And when she is home she likes to sit in her raised basket – her watchtower – looking out over the village to see everyone.”

Seven-year-old Daisy is one of the earliest residents to live in Summerset at Heritage Park, as Raewyn and her late husband, Chris, moved into their newly built villa in 2017. In fact, Daisy graced the cover of the first-ever Summerset Scene . A long-time resident, she is well known around the village. “She loves people,” confirms Raewyn.

She is placid and patient, especially now she has got older. Daisy may have little legs, but she loves to walk and usually has four walks around the village a day. In the mornings, often some of

the care centre residents walk the same route around the lake as Daisy. “They enjoy petting her, so I often lift her up or place her on their laps so they can pet her. It’s lovely to see their faces, and they share about the dogs they have owned,” says Raewyn. “Before we moved to the village, Chris would walk her daily from St Heliers to Mission Bay – the vet nearly had a coronary when we told him! We all know that Chris carried her a lot of the way. They looked so funny together; he was then a big, tall man and she was this tiny little thing.”

Along with walking, Daisy also has an appetite for fruit and veges. “She loves carrots, and she has apples for lunch. She is like a clock – she knows exactly what time mealtimes are, and she likes to let me know too by shoving a wet nose on my leg in case I forget!” laughs Raewyn.

Raewyn and Chris were visiting their friends at Summerset at the Course in Trentham when they got a call from a breeder to say she had a puppy returned to her. “We met the breeder at a dog show in Kawerau and I instantly fell in love with Daisy. Chris wasn’t a dog person, more into cats. But Daisy won him over while sitting on his lap travelling back to Auckland. By the time we got home, they were firm friends!”

Raewyn and Daisy at home at Summerset at Heritage Park Auckland.

DIRECTORY

VICTORIA

Cranbourne North

Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard

Cranbourne North, VIC 3977

1800 321 700

Craigieburn*

1480 Mickleham Road, Craigieburn, VIC 3064

1800 321 700

Torquay*

Corner Grossman and Briody Drive, Torquay, VIC 3228 1800 321 700

Chirnside Park*

275 Manchester Road, Chirnside Park, VIC 3116 1800 321 700

Oakleigh South*

52 Golf Road, Oakleigh South, VIC 3167

1800 321 700

Mernda*

305 Bridge Inn Road Mernda, VIC 3754

1800 321 700

Drysdale*

145 Central Road, Drysdale, VIC 3754

1800 321 700