Summerset Scene, Autumn 2020

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DENISE LENIHAN SETTING THE SCENE • DON WEBSTER ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE JUDE DOBSON THE LOVE OF GRANDPARENTS • AUTUMN ENTERTAINING EASTER FUDGE CAKE BRAIN TEASE CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

C O V E R | In her trusty overalls, Denise Lenihan is a regular volunteer backstage at her local theatre.

It’s never a dull moment when there are sets to paint and scenes to create, read Denise’s story on page 12.

P H O T O | Annette C Photography

Whangarei Warkworth Parnell

Milldale Hobsonville

St Johns

Ellerslie

Manukau

Karaka

Cambridge

Hamilton Taupo

Bell Block

Summerset home New Zealanders call

New Plymouth

Napier Te Awa Hastings

Whanganui Levin

Havelock North

Waikanae Paraparaumu

Palmerston North Trentham

Nelson

Lower Hutt

Richmond Blenheim

Rangiora

Avonhead Wigram

Casebrook

Prebbleton

Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

Aotea Kenepuru

KEY = Summerset village = Planned village

Dunedin

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Papamoa Beach

Rototuna

More than

5,500

Katikati

Hello from Sara I’m delighted to be here as the new editor of Summerset Scene!

It’s been a busy couple of months but I’ve loved every minute of it, and I’ve even had the pleasure of meeting a few of you already.

sets, and even had a spine-tingling moment with one of the country’s top singing groups – read all about it on page 12.

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always enjoyed curling up with a magazine. In fact, I Ioved it so much I went on to work for some of my favourite magazines, including Australian Women’s Weekly, Good Health and Next. Now I’m thrilled to try my hand at being an editor, as I’m always up for a challenge!

Over in Hawke’s Bay, kind-hearted former driving instructor Don Welsh lets us in on his life behind the wheel. He took the plunge and started his driving school at 65, and you’ll be amazed at how many people he has guided to driver’s licence success. Meet Don on page 16.

Apart from a new face on the editor’s page, you’ll also notice a few new features in Summerset Scene. The 'Village People' and '5 Questions' articles are all about finding more ways to celebrate our wonderful residents. The 'Brain Health' feature offers some expert advice, while the 'Go Greener' section has an eco-friendly focus and replaces the motoring column. Keep a look out for the ‘New' feature button in the corner of the page as you’re reading through.

Also in this issue, we travel to one of the world’s most far-flung places, the icy South Pole. You’ll need a hot cuppa to read about Don Webster’s adventures in Antarctica, where it was often so cold his boots would freeze over – while inside!

Read Don’s fascinating story on page 4.

Back on home shores, Denise Lenihan has been busy behind the scenes at the Royal Whanganui Opera House. She’s become a pro at painting

There’s also a great bunch of tasty autumnal recipes from Jan Bilton, book reviews to inspire your next read and ideas for getting crafty with pillowcases. Phew, I told you it’s been busy!

I can’t wait to meet more of you in the coming months. In the meantime, sit back and relax with your latest copy of Summerset Scene; I do hope you enjoy it.

Sara Bunny SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Contents Features

04. 12.

16.

Don Webster

Denise Lenihan

Don Welsh

Antarctic adventure

Setting the scene

In the driving seat

10.

14.

20.

Jude Dobson

Fundraising

Business

The love of grandparents

$20,000 raised for Australia

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15.

A main building and a new village

Kenepuru residents

Let's talk about

Jim Sowerby

Welcome home

Brain Health

Village people

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22.

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ColumnsC O L U M N S

24.

Staff Profile

26.

Our News

30.

34.

37.

38.

Delicious Recipes

40.

In the Garden

42.

Craft

43.

Exercise

Book Reviews

44.

Travel Log

Go Greener

46.

Brain Tease

Style

48.

Pets of Summerset

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ANTARCTIC

ADVENTURE

BY SARA BUNNY

It was 1959 when Don Webster first set foot in Antarctica as a pioneering young science technician. Fascinated by the mysterious icy continent, he went on to spend two years living and working at Scott Base, New Zealand’s Antarctic research centre. Most recently, the Summerset on Summerhill resident has written a book about his experiences in one of the most unique places on Earth.

Don was 21 when he, along with

Thanks to specialised clothing,

a small group of workmates from

Don says he never felt cold while

the Dominion Physical Laboratory

working at Scott Base. But the

in Wellington, was given an

weather and light patterns near the

opportunity too good to pass up –

South Pole were extreme.

a stint in Antarctica. Once on the ice, his job was to study patterns in the upper atmosphere and to build and monitor a radar system to track the Southern Lights.

He was prepared for the cold and plenty of adventure, but in a place as unfamiliar as Antarctica, there were always surprises.

“There’s no doubt it was cold! It got up to a ‘high’ of about 0˚C in the summer. The coldest we got was about -48˚C. “It wasn’t just the cold; it was the light. In winter it’s dark 24 hours a day; in summer it’s light 24 hours a day. You do get used to it, and you find your days become structured

“We arrived by boat and I had been

by mealtimes. The problem in

seasick the whole way,” he says. “I

winter was you would be asleep

remember the water was calmer

and you would wake up and see it

as we got closer to the ice and my

was 11.30. But because of the lack

first impression of Antarctica was

of light you had no idea whether it

the colour. You’d think it would be

was 11.30 at night or 11.30 the next

completely white, but the sea and

morning and you’d slept in!”

the ice are very blue, and it’s really striking.”

ACROSS PAGE | Don checking on the auroral radar at Scott Base, 1960.

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“Strong blizzards could shake the huts for days at a time, and even the huge diesel generators powering Scott Base couldn’t completely stop the chill.”

“There was a big temperature gradient inside the huts. Up high, they were very hot; down low, they were very cold. We all had experiences of leaving our boots on the floor and in the morning they were frozen to the floor with ice!”

When his one-year stint in Antarctica came to a close, Don quickly signed up for another 12 months. Although the excitement had worn off the second time around, returning to the ice was the ideal way to save for a house deposit.

“In those days you had nothing to spend money on down there, so you had a whole year’s salary when you came back. You could never normally save that amount of money.”

Understandably, two years of icy blizzards proved quite enough for Don, who went on to marry and have two children. His career moved on to electronics and computer science, but his fascination with Antarctica never quite left him.

These days, he’s revisited the memories with his new book, Scott Base Antarctica: The Early Years. Collecting the material was a process, but uncovering a wealth of old photos and reconnecting with other scientists from the time has been a pleasure for Don. “Talking with others who were there that first year was great as they remembered things that I didn’t and vice versa. But we soon realised we couldn’t rely solely on our memories, so I set out to get as many photos as I could.”

ACROSS PAGE | Reading 35mm film from the auroral radar.

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While photos of his adventure take pride of place on the wall, he knows that climate change has altered the Antarctic landscape since he visited in the early 1960s.

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“It’s slowly been getting warmer down there. We used to be able to go along the sea ice and overland to get to the nearby American station, McMurdo, from Scott Base, because the solid ice never broke out. These days they have had to put roads in to get to McMurdo as the ice now breaks out every summer. There are areas of the continent that are breaking off and drifting north.”

Don, who has lived at Summerset on Summerhill in Palmerston North for 13 years, says the humble huddle of huts that formed the Scott Base he lived in is now a large and thriving research centre. As the next generation of scientists work to uncover more secrets of the South Pole, Don is thrilled that he got the chance to be a part of the Antarctic story.

“It’s been one of the highlights of my life. It’s just one of those things that you never forget. ”

TOP LEFT | Simple huts at Scott Base in 1960.

ABOVE | Don’s home at Summerset on Summerhill is filled with memories of his trips to the ice.

Interested in reading a copy of Scott Base Antarctica: The Early Years?

Contact Don | donweb@xtra.co.nz

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JUDE ON

THE LOVE OF G R A N D PA R E N TS Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren, from when they are born, through their childhood and beyond into adulthood. A 2016 Boston University study showed that adult grandchildren and grandparents who have a close emotional bond both suffer fewer symptoms of depression, so it’s a relationship that’s great for everyone’s mental health.

FIVE REASONS WHY GRANDPARENTS ARE FABULOUS: 1. They provide a sense of history Grandparents not only have the stories of their own lives to share and of times past, but of previous generations too.

One of the greatest gifts our daughter’s godmother gave her was a book for her grandparents to write in, answering questions about their lives and things that were going on in the world at the time. Now they’ve passed on, it’s such a lovely read.

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2. They love unconditionally Grandparents not only have love for their grandchild, but also for their own child, who they have seen grown up and who is now parenting themselves. It’s a double whammy of love for that household, as grandchildren feel not only the love for them but for their parents too.

Grandparents are also a great source of stories about a grandchild’s parent when they were their age!

3. They have more time Grandparents have time to have fun, time to talk, time to cook something together, time to fix something, time to read the same book eight times, and time to walk somewhere and smell the flowers or gather a collection of sticks and stones along the way.

4. They’re the best babysitters Grandparents are trusted completely by their own children and their grandchildren. Everyone can

be their authentic, relaxed selves around one another.

5. They provide an understanding of ageing Having older people around shows young people that life is not uniform as they travel through it, and that getting through challenges is part of it. Seeing someone you love and have known all your life need a bit of help is part of a loving relationship. For grandchildren, this might mean speaking louder, helping grandparents down the stairs, doing household jobs, sorting out computer problems or being a driver. These are all things I watched my own children do with my parents, and which they have fond memories of.

A GRANDPARENT IS A LITTLE BIT PARENT, A LITTLE BIT TEACHER, AND A LITTLE BIT BEST FRIEND.

Welcome home As the first residents settle into their new homes at Summerset on the Landing in Kenepuru, Wellington, the village is already buzzing with community spirit.

Richard and Merle loved their villa as soon as they walked in the door.

After years of deliberation and ‘doing their homework’, Richard and Merle Caldwell knew Summerset on the Landing was the ideal next move for them. Opening the door to their stylish villa for the first time was an exciting moment for the pair, who bought their home off the plans.

“It’s bigger than we thought it would be and we’re absolutely rapt” says Richard. “I just walked in and thought, ‘I love this!’”

With good shops nearby, as well as the train station and other amenities, the village location was a big drawcard for Richard and Merle. And having options available should they need them in future is peace of mind for the couple and their family.

“Having the continuum of care was a big attraction,” says Merle. “We love it as it means you don’t have to shift again should you need extra care. Other places we looked at didn’t have that.”

Now they’ve made the move, the couple say others they know are becoming interested in village life.

“Some friends have said, ‘You’re too young to live there’. Some people have strange ideas about retirement villages but when they come out to visit, many change their minds! We love it and we’re very happy. Our family are happy too, knowing

Wally and Vera say the spaciousness of their new home is a big plus.

At another villa down the road, Wally and Vera Hughes are thrilled with their new home at Summerset on the Landing.

“We really liked the villas,” says Vera. “We didn’t want a tiny place; we were looking for somewhere with a bit of space. We have an extra bathroom and that’s been a huge plus, the windows all around bring in lots of sun and the doubleglazing is great. We have builder friends that come and visit, and they always comment on the quality fittings and how well built it is.”

MOST OF ALL , IT’S THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT THE VILLAGE THAT HAS REALLY HELPED THEM FEEL AT HOME .

“We all know each other and the people are lovely,” says Vera. “It’s great to know everything is safe when you’re away on holiday, and there are always people you can call on if you need anything. We all look after each other.”

we’re looked after,” Merle says.

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SETTING

THE SCENE

BY SARA BUNNY

If you’re looking for Denise Lenihan, you’ll probably find her at the Royal Whanganui Opera House with a paintbrush in her hand. The former nurse and counsellor was searching for a new hobby when she heard about the team of volunteers working at the opera. With an endless schedule of sets to design and create, Denise loves the hustle and bustle backstage.

Whether it’s building psychedelic

seats and building sets, and they say,

toadstools for a children’s ballet classic,

‘Come on, you can do it!’ I said I would

swapping pieces of scenery mid-show

give painting a go, and then the next

or keeping Kiwi singing stars Sol3 Mio

thing I know I’m painting all of these

hydrated between songs, Denise says the

huge sets, and I’m thinking, ‘Oh well, I’ll

theatre atmosphere is always exciting.

fake it till I make it!’”

In an environment where no two days are the same, Denise says she could be doing anything from being a fire warden, to helping with set changes and taking props on and off the stage during a show.

"IT’S JUST SO MUCH FUN. THE VIBE BEHIND THE STAGE IS FABULOUS, AND YOU MEET SOME REALLY NEAT PEOPLE ."

The Summerset by the River resident, who grew up in Whanganui but moved back only a couple of years ago, had previously volunteered in charity shops and foodbanks. She was looking for a something a bit different, when she saw a story in the local paper that mentioned the Friends of the Royal Whanganui Opera House was in need of volunteers. She tried her hand at ushering and helping at the bar, but soon discovered she was happiest working behind the scenes.

“I work with this great bunch of people backstage and they have taught me how to use skill saws, drills – you name it,” Denise laughs. “I’ve been hauling out

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“I’ve only been doing it for about 18 months and it’s been a challenge and a learning curve, but it’s been fantastic,” she says. “And I now know how they make ‘snow’ behind the scenes. The things you learn!”

Every Tuesday evening, the team of backstage volunteers comes together for a working bee, where they go through the list of what shows are coming up, what needs to be done and how many people are needed to keep the backstage happenings ticking over.

“I’m under 5ft and I don’t look my age, so some people assume I can do certain things like push big pieces of scenery around. Sometimes I do have to remind the younger ones that extra hands are needed!’”

The pace can ebb and flow depending on the time of year and schedules of the major dance companies, with ballet productions in particular keeping the crew on their toes.

“Recently we helped with Thumbelina, and I had this idea that I wanted to build a 6ft toadstool. I described what I was thinking and put my arms out and said, ‘I want it about this big!’ So they cut a huge top on the bandsaw, and we made the rest with an old squab covered in canvas and painted. We have an engineer on the team, who is very generous with his time and knows all about constructing these things.”

Another perk of the job is working with various performers of all ages and walks of life. Denise says the dancers from the Russian ballet company are always great fun, and the school concerts are a delight.

But one of her favourites was the classical music trio, Sol3 Mio. “I was making sure they had plenty of water backstage and they were gorgeous, lovely guys and really funny,” she says.

“The opera house has brilliant acoustics, and after the audience had gone they just came out on the stage, no microphones or anything, and had their own little jam session. It was spine chilling.”

Despite working with performers, Denise says she’s never felt the urge to take to the stage herself.

Besides, she’s already given that a whirl as a teen.

“When I was 14 or 15 I was the blue fairy in Pinocchio on that very stage at the Royal Whanganui Opera House. But that was many moons ago now!”

LEFT | With a busy schedule of shows, there’s always work to be done at the theatre.

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$20,000 raised for Australia Villages across the country banded together recently to raise funds for the victims of the devastating Australian bushfires. Residents took part in coin trails, raffles and sausage sizzles, and some keen knitters even crafted cosy pouches for injured animals.

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Thanks to everyone’s generosity, the money was soon flowing in. Together, we raised an impressive $14,600, and Summerset topped up the rest to take our total to $20,000!

A big thank you to everyone who donated, and special mentions to Manukau, Karaka and Wigram villages, which were our top fundraisers.

We will send $10,000 each to the Australian Red Cross and the animal rescue organisation WIRES.

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Movie night and raffle fundraiser at Summerset in the Bay, Napier.

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Fundraising and fun at Summerset by the Park, Manukau.

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Les and Pat taking collections at Summerset by the Park, Manukau.

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The wallaby-themed ‘lolly trolley’ was popular at head office in Wellington.

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Village coin trail at Summerset on Summerhill, Palmerston North.

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L E T ’S TA L K A B O U T

B R A I N H E A LT H

There is no doubt about it, people in New Zealand are living longer. In 1950, the national life expectancy for a woman was 71.3 years of age and for a man it was 67.2 years. Today, these statistics are remarkably different, with females living to 83.2 years and males to 79.5 years.

So, if we are living longer, how do we look after our brain health?

First of all, we need to be realistic. Our brain was born at the same time as the rest of our bodies. Just as we accept that, as we age, our knees, hearts and bladders may decline, so there is also a normal decline in memory and processing speed.

MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN FEAR OF DEVELOPING DEMENTIA AND OFTEN ASK IF THERE ANYTHING THEY CAN DO TO PREVENT ITS POTENTIAL ONSET.

KEY WAYS TO BOOST BRAIN HEALTH: 1. Manage your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and any underlying heart condition 2. Eat well – this is the fuel your brain needs 3. Stop smoking 4. Drink in moderation, and have at least three alcohol-free days per week 5. Exercise – this increases blood flow around your body, including to your brain

For a start, it is important to note that not everyone will develop dementia with age. However, if a person is destined to develop dementia, research currently indicates that they can deter, delay or postpone its onset by up to five years.

6. Sleep well

There are many causes of dementia, some of which include a vascular element. Remember, then, that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain. We know that there is a connection linking poor lifestyle choices, depression and deafness to the development of dementia. There is also strong evidence that those people who retire and switch off from the world do poorly compared with those who keep active and stimulated. Put simply, if you don’t use it, you lose it.

9. Keep mentally stimulated by doing crosswords or Sudoku, and reading books and newspapers

7. Manage your stress, and get help for anxiety or depression 8. Keep socialising

10. Learn something new 11. If you suffer from deafness, do something about it 12. Stay active – your body and brain will thank you for it.

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IN THE DRIVING SEAT

BY SARA BUNNY

As a former driving instructor, Don Welsh has helped more than 3,000 learners get their licence. Over the years, he’s coached people from all walks of life and all corners of the world, guiding everyone from nervous stallers to plucky petrolheads to pass their driving test. These days, he still loves being behind the wheel and drives the village van at Summerset in the Vines, Havelock North.

You might not think that a driver’s licence can change a life, but Don Welsh has seen the proof. Whether he’s teaching an older driver who has stayed off the road due to a health issue, a young person who is overcoming some challenges, a foreign student grappling with an unfamiliar place or a refugee facing a new start, Don says

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that getting a licence can be transformational. “You see people really grow in confidence,” he says. “For many, having a licence means they can get to a job, it means they can take on new opportunities.

It can change people’s lives.

Being an instructor has been so rewarding and I feel blessed to have done it.”

That’s not to say he hasn’t had some hair-raising times behind the wheel with novice drivers. And anyone who has tried to teach someone how to parallel park knows that it takes patience in spades.

“It can be a tricky job; I think you need to have no brains and no nerves! It’s scary because things can happen really quickly and I didn’t have dual controls in the cars I taught in. I had to have very quick reactions, I tell you!

"Being an instructor has been so rewarding. You see people really grow in confidence."

ABOVE | Don enjoys taking the village van for a spin.

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Don still takes people for free driving lessons, and has recently helped a friend’s grandson to get his licence. made any mistakes, and I said, ‘That’s not bad for an 86-year-old, is it?!’ I had to tell him I had been an instructor, and he thought that was great.”

“IT’S ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO STAY CALM AND QUIET, AND KEEP AN ENCOURAGING TONE .

You can’t get aggravated as it just destroys people. When someone has a bad experience it really puts them off.”

After more than two decades of experience teaching others, Don had his turn to be tested recently. To drive the village bus, he had to prove his skills by passing a test with an AA examiner.

“We were driving around and he made me do a parallel park and a three-point turn in a narrow street. He said to me, ‘Have you been driving a lot of big trucks? Have you been studying the road code book?’ I said, ‘No, not for a while.’ In the end he told me I hadn’t

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Don, who had previously worked in dairy farming in Hawke’s Bay, became interested in teaching after taking classes to help troubled teenaged boys pass their driving test. Following a move to Palmerston North with his wife Rene, he decided to take the plunge and start up a driving school at the age of 65. With the local Massey University a hotspot for overseas students, it wasn’t long before he was teaching the New Zealand road rules to people from Korea, China, Malaysia and Japan. One year, he met people from 35 different countries.

Soon after, a friend who taught at a school for teen mothers approached Don to ask if he would speak with the young women about road safety. The talk turned into driving lessons, and Don says that helping the teens to become confident, legally licensed drivers was hugely rewarding.

Other memorable work was with members of a refugee community newly arrived from Bhutan.

“These people had been in refugee camps.

They had hardly seen a car, let alone ridden in one,” Don says. With no money, poor English and no opportunity to find a job because they couldn’t get to work, they needed help. Don put up his hand and started working with the community free of charge.

“ONE MAN HAD TO HAVE 68 LESSONS, SO THAT’S 68 HOURS. HE PASSED HIS DRIVING TEST IN THE END AND HE GOT A JOB. YOU CAN’T PUT A VALUE ON THAT.”

Before long, Don’s community work was recognised and he was nominated for the ‘Good Sorts’ segment on the TV1 News. “They set up a camera in the car and a reporter came along when I was doing a lesson. It played on the telly and I still have the recording. That was interesting!”

Don still takes people for free driving lessons, and has recently helped a friend’s grandson to get his licence. He says the village bus is a dream to drive, and he enjoys hitting the road for concerts, market days and ‘blokes’ group’ outings.

For Don, the joy comes from helping others, and getting to combine this with his love of driving is a bonus. “Driving the bus has been a really good thing for me. I feel as though I’m contributing to the village and it’s important to me to feel like I’m doing something for the other residents. We’ve had some great trips, too.”

ABOVE | Don was 65 when he decided to start his own driving school.

Summerset Palms IS TAKING SHAPE

Development is well under way at Summerset’s newest Hawke’s Bay village, Summerset Palms. Located in Napier’s coastal suburb of Te Awa, the village will offer a range of stunning, modern homes, all within a short stroll to the beach.

Summerset Palms is also close to the heart of beautiful art deco Napier, meaning all of the city’s shopping and leisure options are nearby. Plus, there is a huge range of facilities right on the village’s doorstep.

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a bowls fan, or you prefer relaxing at a café, Summerset Palms will have something for everyone. Village facilities will include a residents’ bar and café, movie theatre, indoor swimming pool and spa pool, bowling green, hair and beauty salon, and communal vegetable gardens.

ABOVE | An artist’s impression of the new village at Te Awa.

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"Summerset Palms is very contemporary, with the latest designs and features" — Dave Atkin, Summerset Sales

The main entrance will have a café and communal area, and will be a real hub of the village.

Our full continuum of care means that there will be options to suit changing needs, from in-home support right up to hospital-level care, and our award-winning memory care centre for those living with dementia.

The village plans have just been released and first villas are pre-selling* now. *Licence to occupy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.summerset.co.nz/teawa

C AV E N D I S H MAIN BUILDING OPENS IN MARCH The eagerly awaited main building at Summerset on Cavendish in Christchurch is opening soon, and is sure to be a popular spot at the village.

With its spacious communal lounges and stylish dining room, the new building is home to a huge range of facilities, including a café, bar, gym and wellness centre. The main building also houses the serviced apartments, care centre, and the latest design of Summerset’s award-winning memory care centre for people living with dementia.

The main building is designed to be the central hub of the village, where residents can relax, enjoy the range of facilities, and spend time with friends and family.

STILL ME BALL A few lucky residents from Summerset at Heritage Park, Ellerslie, joined Summerset staff in dressing to the nines for the glittering Still Me gala ball in November.

Summerset was the principal sponsor for this Dementia Auckland fundraising event, which celebrated the positive impact of dance on people living with dementia.

Summerset Head of Villages, Andrea Leask, and Regional Operations Manager, Erina Rewi.

Summerset at Heritage Park residents Dave and Lorraine O’Leary.

ABOVE | Summerset on Cavendish’s stylish main building offers a range of facilities.

Dancing with the Stars judge Rachel White and contestant Manu Vatuvei were among the dancers entertaining the crowd.

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Village people

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We’re chatting with residents about their favourite place, whether it’s a workshop, a sewing room or an art studio. We caught up with Jim Sowerby in Havelock North, who showed us around the impressive village vege garden.

“My wife Colleen and I have been at Summerset in the Vines for 17 years and I’ve worked in the vege garden for 13 years. There are two of us now who look after it. You can’t really work in a big group, because that way it’s harder to get things done!

“We pick the veges every Friday and sell them to the residents for 50¢. The money goes to the social club. Our best crop is broad beans; those sell like hotcakes.

The baby carrots and butternuts are popular, too.

“I’ve always been interested in gardening. I loved being in the school gardening competition, and when I was at Waiouru Army Camp we had a big vege garden there.

“My grandfather taught me how to do a lot of things in the garden.”

"People seem to be getting away from gardening now and I don’t understand it. You only need a small patch to grow a lot of things. I do it because I hate to just sit around, and it’s really satisfying to see things you’ve planted produce a good crop.”

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Jim’s top tips A

Look after the soil.

Get some good-quality compost to boost vege growth, and try crop rotation (where you don’t always plant the same thing in the same place) to minimise nutrient loss in the soil.

B

Choose seedlings.

For the best results further down the track, spend a little extra and buy punnets of small plants rather than seeds.

C

Play to your strengths.

If something just isn’t flourishing in the garden, cut your losses and move on. Rather than coaxing a failing plant into producing a bumper crop, focus on what works best for your particular climate, garden environment and soil type.

Think about cost.

Try growing plants that are costly to buy in the supermarket.

It’s often cheaper just to buy certain things, but green vegetables are more expensive, so it’s worth growing your own.

D

LEFT | Jim is always careful to keep the soil in top shape so the vege crop can flourish.

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S TA F F P R O F I L E

BY SARA BUNNY

Caregiver Tarisai Muzira is best known as Maria to the residents at Summerset at Heritage Park. The part-time student loves meeting new people and says her distinctive braids are often a conversation starter at the village.

Maria has been at Ellerslie’s Summerset at

Alongside finishing her studies, another goal to

Heritage Park since the village first opened

add to the list is a possible trip back home to

about three years ago. She says getting to

Zimbabwe at the end of the year. Maria and her

know the residents is one of her favourite parts

sister came to New Zealand with their auntie,

of the job.

but their mum and other family members stayed

“I especially love delivering the meals, as that is often a good time to have a chat with everyone."

"The residents are often fascinated with my braids. They say, ‘Oh, I love your hair!’ I get asked about it a lot when I have the long extensions in. It’s quite time consuming. People are amazed when I tell them it takes about

in Africa.

“I do miss Zimbabwe,” Maria says. “I’ve only been back once since coming here. It’s a very long flight to get home. I miss my family and I also miss the food! I think the food there is the best. One of my favourites is sadza, which is a hard corn you turn into a thick porridge.

“There are some beautiful places in Zimbabwe too, like Victoria Falls. Or you can go next door to Zambia and see lots of amazing animals on

three hours to have them done! But after that

the safaris.”

the braids will stay in for a month or two.”

Before coming to New Zealand, Maria spent

Time is in particularly short supply for Maria

some precious time with her grandmother back

these days, as she is juggling her work with study. She’s completing a bachelor’s degree in

home. Not only did it create some lasting memories, but it was also what set her on her

accounting and finance, and now works night

current career path.

shifts to free up more time for classes.

“I helped my mum look after my grandmother,

“It’s a challenge, but my manager is really

and those days with her were really special. It

understanding,” she says. “I do three days a week at uni, or four if I’m in a team with others for a group project. Then I work Friday to Monday nights at the care centre at Ellerslie.

It’s busy but it all balances out.”

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made me realise I’m really passionate about working with older people. I enjoy working at Summerset as they really care about people, and the staff feel appreciated too.”

M A R I A H A S B E E N AT E L L E R S L I E ’ S S U M M E R S E T AT H E R I TAG E PA R K SINCE THE VILLAGE FIRST OPENED

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OUR NEWS

BOWLING TO VICTORY

AS PART OF SUMMERSET’S PARTNERSHIP WITH BOWLS NEW ZEALAND, WE WERE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE RECENT SUMMERSET NATIONAL BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIP.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

The competition took place in Christchurch on 2–8 January and there was plenty of exciting action on the green.

A big thumbs up to all the winners, and special congratulations to Katelyn Inch, who took home not one, but two major titles. Katelyn was part of the winning team for the National Women’s Pairs and she went on to scoop the medal for the Women’s Singles event, too.

ABOVE | From left, Chris Lander, General Manager of Bowls New Zealand; Stephanie Meehan, Village Manager at Summerset on Cavendish; and Mark O’Connor, President of Bowls New Zealand

FIVE QUESTIONS

NEW

As part of a new series, we’ll be chatting with a different resident in each issue and asking them a few random questions. This time, we caught up with Erica Tenquist from Summerset in the Orchard in Hastings, to talk about travel, childhood memories and her philosophy on life.

We hear you’re a keen traveller.

What’s been your favourite trip?

What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?

There have been many, but going out from Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef was especially memorable. I left my [prosthetic] leg with one of the security guards and the other one took me swimming. I stroked a giant wrasse [fish] in the water, and it felt so soft, it was quite incredible.

Don’t be afraid to try different things if you’re not happy with where you are. That applies to jobs or houses or anything – just get up and move! It’s important to get out and do things. You don’t stop and look back; you just keep on. The other thing I would say is do try to save and buy a house if you can. It’s no good renting – you just don’t get anywhere.

What’s your favourite childhood memory?

Playing with my cousins on the farm, and riding a Shetland pony across the paddocks to get to school!

What was your job in your younger days?

I’ve done a lot of things! I’m a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for volunteer work in Featherston. I’ve worked as a librarian, I was a speech teacher, and later I

worked at Parliament doing media research. Living in Featherston, I commuted in to Wellington on the train for nearly 20 years.

You’re a hard lady to get hold of. What keeps you busy at Summerset?

I play cards and mah-jong, and I have Living Language group once a month. There’s a U3A group, and because I’m a Justice of the Peace I go to the court or local libraries a couple of times a week to witness people’s documents. I record oral histories for the Hawke’s Bay Knowledge Bank. Then there’s bingo and Founders group. Is that enough do you think?!

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Understanding the senses WE ALREADY KNOW HOW IMPORTANT OUR SENSES ARE WITH HELPING US FEEL DIFFERENT TEXTURES, SEE, HEAR, SMELL AND TASTE. NOW, RESEARCH SHOWS THAT A FORM OF THERAPY THAT USES THE SENSES IN SPECIFIC WAYS CAN HELP PEOPLE WITH ANXIETY, BRAIN INJURIES AND DEMENTIA. Multi-sensory therapy is all about stimulating or soothing the senses. To find out more, staff from Summerset recently took part in multi-sensory experience training in Hamilton.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST VICKI QUIST, WHO WORKS AT SUMMERSET AT MONTEREY PARK, HOBSONVILLE , SAID THE TRAINING WAS FASCINATING.

“They showed us a multi-sensory room, with all sorts of things that can help to calm or excite the senses,” explained recreational therapist Vicki Quist. “There was a projector that made interesting patterns on the wall, weighted blankets, a water feature, and pads to stand on so you can feel the different textures under your feet.”

Depending on the person, some people benefit from calming techniques, while others find stimulating the senses can boost their mood and bring them out of their shell.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

“If someone has anxiety, they would need soothing sensory activities like listening to gentle music with slow, repetitive sounds, or sitting in a warm space with low lights,” Vicki says.

“Stimulating the senses is more about upbeat music, faster moving images or trying spicy foods.”

Vicki says some of the techniques could be used in Summerset villages and adapted to suit different residents’ needs.

“It was great to get some ideas of how to set up a multi-sensory room, and some of the things we can do to get started. It’s really interesting how our senses can have such a big impact on our health and well-being.”

A similar idea has been incorporated into the new memory care centre at Summerset on Cavendish in Christchurch. It will have a Tovertafel table from the Netherlands, onto which are projected light shows and games that are designed to soothe and stimulate those with dementia.

Cookbook WINNERS Three cheers for cheesecake!

In the last issue of Summerset Scene, we asked you to make your favourite recipe from the magazine and send us photos of your creations. There were two cookbooks up for grabs for the winning dishes, and the results are in! Sweet-toothed dessert fans loved the delicious white chocolate cheesecake with summer fruits, which was made

by Robert Howlett (first photo below) and Sarah Bott (bottom photo). Congratulations! Both WON a copy of Taste Waikato, co-edited by our very own food columnist, Jan Bilton.

ABOVE | The Summerset team explore the sensory room, and earn their certificates after the training.

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DELICIOUS RECIPES

AUTUMN E N T E R TA I N I N G R E C I P E S BY JA N B I LTO N

AS SUMMER DRAWS TO A CLOSE, WE SPEND LESS TIME OUTDOORS. SUNLIGHT FADES, GREEN LEAVES TURN GOLDEN – SOUP TIME IS HERE. And there’s nothing more tempting than an Asian-inspired cauliflower soup to enjoy with your Summerset friends.

The humble cauliflower has made a comeback. Health-conscious foodies everywhere are dicing, blitzing and roasting cauli following the new low-carb craze.

Particularly popular are recipes for cauliflower soups, roasted whole cauli drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and/or spices, and cauli blitzed in a food processor and used as a replacement for couscous or rice.

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If you are looking to add pizzazz to traditional dishes, try using Asian ingredients. For example, versatile char siu sauce – a combo of honey, five-spice powder, fermented red bean curd, soy and hoisin sauces, and wine – is a trendy baste for barbecue meats or roasts. I use it here to flavour my yummy slow-cooker pulled pork dish.

And, if a little char siu sauce is added to a vinaigrette or a gravy, your friends will think, “Wow, what a cook!”

GOLDEN

CAULIFLOWER SOUP SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1kg trimmed cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 225°C.

3 cloves garlic, peeled 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 onion, diced 6 cups vegetable stock 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 teaspoons curry powder (I used a

Chop the cauliflower into florets. Place in a large bowl with the garlic and stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a ½ teaspoon of salt.

Line a roasting pan with baking paper. Add the cauli and garlic in a single layer. Roast for 30 minutes until lightly blackened and very tender, stirring

mild one)

occasionally.

pinch of finely ground black pepper

Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the

extra stock or coconut milk if required

onion until transparent – about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups

Garnish

of vegetable stock, the turmeric, curry powder, black

sliced spring onions, ground paprika

pepper and remaining salt. Bring to the boil and simmer on medium heat for 10–15 minutes.

When the cauliflower is tender, add to the stock. Purée with a hand-held blender until smooth. Return to a simmer, adding enough of the remaining stock (or use coconut milk) until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve garnished with the spring onions and paprika.

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PULLED

PORK SLIDERS SERVES 5-7

(makes 14 sliders)

CAN ALSO BE SERVED ON RICE OR MASHED POTATO, OR IN BURRITOS

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1.5kg pork shoulder roast

Place the pork in a slow cooker or crockpot.

½ cup each of firmly packed brown

Combine the brown sugar, stock, vinegar,

sugar, vegetable stock and cider

char siu sauce, garlic, root ginger and

vinegar

shallot in a bowl and mix well. Pour over the

4 tablespoons char siu sauce

pork. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours,

3 cloves garlic, crushed

until the pork is very tender.

1 tablespoon finely grated root ginger 1 shallot, diced 1 tablespoon cornflour 2 tablespoons water To serve slider buns (2–3 per person), salad ingredients (e.g. mesclun tossed in a little dressing, thinly sliced radish, pink pickled ginger)

Remove the pork to a chopping board.

Strain the liquid into a saucepan and skim off the fat. Combine the cornflour with the water and stir into the liquid. Simmer, until thickened.

Discard the rind and fat from the pork.

Using two forks, shred the meat into small pieces. Place in a bowl with the sauce and warm through gently.

Heat the sliders, if preferred. Halve and fill with the pork mixture and salad ingredients.

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FUDGY

EASTER CAKE SERVES 6–8

THE UNGARNISHED CAKE MAY BE FROZEN WHOLE OR IN WEDGES

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

½ cup dark cocoa powder

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and

½ teaspoon baking powder

line a deep, 18cm-diameter round cake

½ teaspoon baking soda

pan with baking paper.

¼ teaspoon salt 225g plain flour 225g white sugar 1 large egg, lightly beaten ½ teaspoon vanilla essence ½ cup strong coffee, cooled ¼ cup each of plain yoghurt, milk and canola oil Garnish Halved seedless green grapes, mint

Sift the cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour into a bowl. Stir in the sugar. Add the egg and liquid ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes to make a smooth batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan.

Bake for about 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Place on a rack to cool.

leaves, marigold petals, small Easter

Turn the cake, base side up, onto a

eggs or other garnishes of your choice

serving plate. Garnish. Serve in

To serve Maple syrup, whipped cream

wedges with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.

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A RT I C L E BY LY N DA H A L L I N A N

IN THE GARDEN

Family inheritance

Grandparents with green thumbs are a blessing, writes Lynda Hallinan, and it’s never too late to share your passion for plants with the next generation.

I come from a long line of gardeners. Rumour has it that my greatgreat-great-greatgrandfather was head gardener at an English country estate before he got up to no good with a nobleman's daughter and had to hurriedly head off to the colonies.

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My maternal grandmother Clarice kept a lovely farm garden of lily-of-the-valley, roses, daffodils and camellias in Raglan, even if the vegetable patch was my grandfather Albert's domain. And although my paternal grandfather Percy had a fetish for fruit trees and gladioli, my grandmother Patricia wasn't fussy at all. She loved all living things and her passion for plants was matched only by her determination to pay as little as possible for their acquisition.

A cunning and crafty collector of cuttings, Grandma Pat was forever foraging roadsides and public parks for slips and seeds to secrete into her skirt pockets. She did it so brazenly that I didn't realise that her horticultural habit was actually frowned upon. Grandma Pat taught me that if you don't ask, you don't get, but also that if you don't ask — and no one catches you in the act — you can pinch a piece of any plant your heart desires! Even in her mid-90s, when we

pushed her wheelchair around the beautiful borders at Hamilton Gardens, her arthritic fingers were busily pinching bits of her favourite fuchsias to pot up in recycled milk cartons on an upcycled bookshelf by her front door.

As Grandma Pat grew older, her gardens inevitably grew smaller: she retired from our frosty 100-acre dairy farm to a balmy clifftop garden in coastal Thames, where she indulged her love of exotic subtropicals, from banana passionfruit to bougainvillea and hardy hibiscus. Later, she moved again, to a low-maintenance brick-and-tile new build in suburban Hamilton.

Whenever I visited Grandma Pat for a natter and a cuppa, we'd put the kettle on and then take a stroll around her compact but crammed-full garden to see what was in bloom that day. In early spring, there were teeny hoop daffodils, crocus bulbs and dwarf peach blossoms; in summer, her favourite flamboyant shrub, the sacred flower of the Incas, Cantua buxifolia, dazzled with its tubular hot-pink bells. She taught me half the plant names I know, and always corrected my botanical Latin when I wrote to her about the plants I was growing in my own garden.

Because she was forever potting up cuttings and sharing seedlings, Grandma Pat's favourite plants live on in many of her grandchildren's gardens. And although my young boys can't remember much about "old Grandma", as they called her, they do remember picking scented sweetpeas for her room at Summerset down the Lane in Hamilton, and playing in the playground while their mum and "old Grandma" sneakily filched a few flowers from the gorgeous grounds.

S

Anyone who has downsized from a large garden to a small patio or courtyard knows it can be a terrible wrench at first, but Grandma Pat knew that a small backyard is no barrier to nurturing a love of nature. Even a majestic English oak tree can thrive in a tiny bonsai tub.

H

AR

E T H E LO 1

VE

Create a nature table on weekend walks: collect fallen leaves, abandoned birds' nests, pine cones, shells, feathers and seedpods to display on a side table. continued next page

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35

SHARE THE LOVE Pot up a pair of swan plants in tubs to witness the miracle of monarch butterfly metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis. Hint: cover one plant with fine mesh netting while the other is eaten alive, so you have a backup food source.

2

Seek out natural curiosities, such as fly-eating carnivorous plants or the so-called sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica). An endless source of fascination for inquisitive fingers, the fronds of this quirky fern-like plant drop and flop as a defence mechanism if you give them a prod.

3

If you have a potted vegetable garden, plant strawberries, blueberries and tangy Chilean guavas to snack on, for any child can tell you that stolen berries always taste the sweetest!

4

Houseplants can become living legacies.

I've got dibs on my grandmother's half-centuryold potted hoya (currently in my aunt's custody) but the beauty of houseplant propagation is that most of the popular species, such as begonias and streptocarpus, can be easily raised from a leaf cutting nestled into a small tray of damp potting mix until they grow roots.

5

Trendy trailing succulents such as string-of-pearls, donkey tails and chain-of-hearts are ideal specimens for hanging baskets.

6

Sow cress seeds in decorated egg-shells or microgreens in spaghetti cans.

7

Get competitive. Let a courgette swell into a massive marrow, have a spud-in-a-bucket competition, sow 'Flowerzilla' sunflowers against a fence and start seedlings of 'Atlantic Giant' pumpkins that your grandchildren can take to school to share with their friends.

8

• SEASONAL CHECKLIST • Plant spring bulbs.

Now's the time to buy and bury daffodils, crocus, tulips, freesias and other spring-flowering favourites.

Save seeds from herbs & vegetables (not hybrids) such as basil, coriander, dill, fennel, beans, tomatoes, peas, and peppers.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

In frosty climates, take cuttings of tender plants to pot up and bring indoors as an insurance policy ahead of winter.

Sprinkle mesclun salad mixes in planter tubs for autumn salads.

Plant calendulas, pansies, primulas, marigolds and sweet alyssum for bedding colour.

Sow baby carrots, beets and radishes in pots.

ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY

CRAFT CORNER

Cosy pillowcases With just a small amount of your favourite fabric, you can quickly and easily make beautiful new pillowcases to give your bedroom a cosy look for autumn. A pair of matching pillowcases in soft linen also makes a lovely gift, and a single pillowcase sewn from printed flannelette cotton (perhaps wrapped up around a new book) is a special present for a grandchild. As I had only small pieces of fabric, I used different ones for the front and back of my pillowcases, but you can use the same throughout if you prefer.

Materials Cotton or linen fabric Ruler or tape measure Tailor’s chalk or fabric pen

Scissors

Pin

Method Cut out the fabric To fit a standard-sized bed pillow insert, you will need to measure, mark and cut out one piece of fabric measuring 50 × 68cm and one measuring 50 × 81cm.

Sew the pillowcase 1. Take the smaller piece of fabric and, along one of the shorter sides, press under a neat hem, pin, then stitch in place.

2. Repeat with the other piece of fabric, then fold under a flap measuring 12cm and press in place.

3. Place your two fabric pieces together, right sides facing.

Taking the folded flap of the longer piece, fold it right over the opening to the opposite side so that the raw edges match along the pillowcase’s side seams.

Sewing machine

4. Pin and sew the three raw edges of the case, using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Finish these seams using either an overlocking or zigzag stitch, or with pinking shears.

Iron

5. Trim any loose threads, then turn your new pillowcase right side out and press. The extra flap should sit neatly inside to cover one end of your pillow insert.

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BOOK REVIEWS

REVIEWS BY KAREN MCMILLAN W W W. N Z B O O K L O V E R S .C O. N Z

F ROZ E N SU M M E R

BY I A N AU ST I N

Frozen Summer is the third book in a compelling series of crime novels featuring ex-detective Dan Calder.

Dan has made a new life in New Zealand, but an unsolved cold case causes him to return to England to investigate the death of murdered drug mule Zoe Summers. Dan is the only suspect in her killing – he was at the scene as an undercover police officer, but he was unconscious for a time, so he doesn’t know whether he killed her or not. At the time he covered up being there. But the thought he may have somehow caused her death – however unlikely it seems given his character – has been psychologically torturing him over the years, and he is now determined to get to the truth, even if he finds out he is the killer.

Author Ian Austin is an ex-police detective, and it is the police procedural element that I enjoyed the most in this book. It gives a real insight to how the police work cases, the interviews, the gathering of evidence, the scene searches – it’s fascinating stuff and the authenticity IA Books | RRP $23.

99

puts Ian Austin in a different category from other crime writers.

B I G L I E S I N A S M A L L TOW N

BY D I A N E C H A M B E R L A I N

In 2018, Morgan is part way through a three-year sentence for a crime she did not commit. But then she has a surprise visitor and finds herself out on parole with an unusual requirement – she must restore a post office mural dating from the 1940s. Although Morgan is a talented artist, she doesn’t know anything about art restoration. Not only that, but the mural is more damaged than anyone could have imagined, and it looks like the artist, Anna Dale, lost her mind while painting it.

Morgan is determined to restore the artwork and to get to the bottom of what happened to Anna, who disappeared without a trace when the mural was completed.

In 1940, Anna Dale, an artist from New Jersey, wins a national contest to paint a mural for the post office in Edenton. She is excited at this opportunity, but not all the townsfolk like the idea of an outsider painting the mural – least of all the local artist who expected to win the contest.

Macmillan | RRP $34.99

Big Lies in a Small Town is a page-turning read that alternates between present and past, eventually bringing the threads together. At its heart is a story of violence, murder and small-town secrets.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

T H E M O U N T BAT T E N S : T H E I R L I V E S A N D LOV E S

BY A N D R E W LOW N I E

In this revealing royal biography, author Andrew Lownie has written a gripping read based on more than a hundred interviews and research from dozens of archives. It’s a fascinating insight into a couple who were rich and famous, and part of an extraordinary circle of people.

Louis Mountbatten, nicknamed Dickie, had movie-star looks and ambition. He was the Supreme Allied Commander in Southeast Asia during the Second World War and the last Viceroy of India. He was also a major figure behind the marriage of his nephew Philip to Princess Elizabeth in 1947.

Edwina Mountbatten was once the richest woman in Britain, and a socialite, before becoming a talented humanitarian worker after the end of the Second World War. Their marriage was one of glamour and power. It was also loving and mutually supportive, although both of their infidelities were legendary, with Dickie claiming, ‘Edwina and I spent all our married lives getting Hamish Hamilton | RRP $38.00

into other people’s beds.’

Dickie Mountbatten was assassinated in 1979, and 40 years on, prize-winning historian Lownie sheds new light on this powerful and dynamic couple. It makes for a riveting read, includes a great selection of photos, and is brilliantly told and well researched.

SU M M E R W I T H S I M O N GAU LT

BY S I M O N GAU LT

In his latest cookbook, Kiwi chef Simon Gault shares his favourite summer recipes. These range from super-quick, easy dishes to those that need a little more attention.

“When I was asked to write this book, it got me thinking about summer in New Zealand, about the fun times with family and friends, camping, holidays at the good old Kiwi bach, picnics and days at the beach. Summer is, for me, and I’m sure for many others, the best time of the year,” he says.

Naturally, barbecue recipes feature strongly, with Simon adding that he enjoys nothing more than firing up the grill and creating casual feasts for friends and family.

Despite Simon’s impressive career as a chef and restaurateur, the recipes are accessible, with plenty of tips and handy hints. His writing also Penguin | RRP $50.

00

creates an authentic connection. Simon candidly explains the previous six years since he released his last cookbook, including a health scare, the birth of his daughter, his marriage breakdown and the opening of a new restaurant. Simon advocates “everything in moderation” as a sensible option for healthy eating.

We are all sorted for entertaining, thanks to these mouth-watering recipes!

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GO GREENER

Bee's knees Workshops for making reusable beeswax wraps have been a hit at many of the villages. Not only do these handy wax cloths reduce the need for plastic wrap, they

Ecofriendly

can be reused countless times and are simple to make.

Recently, Summerset on Cavendish held a beeswax wrap workshop and it was a great success!

NEW

Cutting down on waste

Summerset’s Go Greener programme is all about finding more ways to be kinder to the environment, and we’re encouraging villages to get involved! Our new Go Greener column will include updates on Summerset’s journey towards being more sustainable, and stories of what residents are doing to become more eco-friendly.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

After encouraging residents to receive newsletters by email, Summerset at Monterey Park dramatically cut down on paper use. Last year alone, the village went from printing about 11,600 pages to 8,300 pages in just two months!

Residents love the ease of being able to keep up with village news via e-newsletters while they are away.

On track with Toitū

Eco focus

Small steps for big benefits

At Summerset we’re really committed to reducing our impact on the environment in meaningful ways. We’re working with Toitū Envirocare, an organisation that helps businesses to develop and implement environmentalfriendly practices. In 2018, we developed a reduction plan for our emissions and set targets for the next five years.

Summerset is the first retirement village operator to be Toitū carbonzero certified.

As part of our Go Greener sustainability programme this year, we will be focusing on a different eco theme each quarter. In the first quarter, we’re looking at reducing paper waste, followed by minimising waste to landfill, being more efficient in the way we travel, and reducing electricity and gas usage.

When it comes to looking after the environment, small changes soon add up.

Since 2017, village waste has reduced by 56 percent. Here are some of the ways Summerset is helping to do our bit: 1. We have recycling options available at villages to minimise waste going to landfill.

2. 'Green waste programme', which means a lot of our foliage goes into composting - and we're trialling organic composting.

3. We’re upgrading to energy-saving LED lighting in all villages.

Kinder to soil

Online reading If you have a computer and are comfortable reading on screen, you can read this magazine online. Head to summerset.co.nz, click on the About Us section, and select Summerset Scene from the list on the left of the page.

Summerset is working to change the type of fertiliser we use in village gardens.

We’re trialling a new natural weedkiller that is made from biodegradable, foodgrade ingredients. The first trial took place at Nelson’s Summerset in the Sun, while phase two is happening right now at Summerset at Karaka. We hope to adopt the product across all villages soon.

4. We’re trialling environment-friendly fertilisers and weedkillers for gardens.

5. We are now using paper medicine cups to replace plastic medicine cups at many of our villages.

6. We’ve switched to reusable bin liners in care rooms at many villages.

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STYLE

TIE ONE ON

ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY

Bored with your wardrobe? All you need is a scarf – or two – and a few little tricks up your sleeve.

I have an eternally stylish friend, Donna, who always looks immaculate, whether she’s at home with her grandchildren or working on one of her many part-time passion projects. Her chic silver bob is a key part of her style, as is her calm demeanour and warm personality. But the thing that really sets her look apart is her scarf collection. Or rather, not just her scarves, but the way she wears them. Donna is an Olympic-level scarf wearer. She makes it look effortless, uncontrived and incredibly stylish, no matter the occasion. While I can’t quite manage to emulate her level of scarf-wearing skill, the tips below certainly help!

TOP FIVE SCARF-WEARING TIPS 1. Colouring up. Think about your best colour – the one that makes you look ‘alive’ when it’s close to your face, by lighting up your skin and bringing out your eyes. Choose your scarves accordingly.

2. Size matters. Don’t let yourself be swamped by a vast swathe of fabric or it’ll feel like the scarf is wearing you. If the scarf is big enough to look like a throw for your bed or sofa, leave it there.

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3. Mix it up. Want to mix patterns? Choose a scarf that has at least one colour that matches the base colour of the shirt, jumper or dress you’re wearing with it.

4. Shape conscious. The most versatile scarf shape is a square – you can fold, roll or twist it into just about any style.

5. Play dress-up. Have a session with a scarf pro friend to help you work out what suits you.

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

EXERCISE

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE Health comes in many forms. Things like being able to move well and having enough energy are important to helping us make the most of life, but there’s another aspect of health we often brush aside. This is our ability to stop and appreciate the smell of flowers blooming, the raw power of the ocean or the sizzle of food on a mediumhot pan.

No matter what our age, appreciation of our immediate surroundings is a simple way to bring us joy. With a little more awareness, anything in our life becomes interesting, which is healthy for the brain and body.

Physical and mental health is a two-way street.

For us to improve our physical health, we must challenge our body for it to repair and grow stronger and fitter. The same goes for our brain, which can be challenged in big and small ways when we put it to work by observing, thinking, and processing new information.

When was the last time you walked somewhere different? When was the last time you picked up a book in a different genre, challenged yourself by learning a new skill, or dusted off the cobwebs on an old hobby you haven’t revisited for a while?

Trying something new and taking the time to be more mindful are simple yet effective ways to boost our brain health and general well-being. Vitality is found in variety.

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ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

TRAVEL LOG

STEWART ISLAN It may be New Zealand’s smallest island, but Stewart Island/Rakiura has an awful lot to offer adventurous holidaymakers. Comprising around 85 per cent national park, the island is renowned for its verdant native bush, extensive walking trails, abundant birdlife (including kiwi!) and exceptional aquatic experiences. But that’s not all: this magical spot is also full of friendly locals, stunning views and unforgettable memories just waiting to be had.

ACCOMMODATION

EATING

For the best of everything that Stewart Island/ Rakiura has to offer, you can’t go past a few nights’ stay at Stewart Island Lodge. Your short walk (or drive) from the centre of Oban (the island’s only settlement) will be rewarded with commanding views across Halfmoon Bay and birdsong aplenty from the native bush that surrounds your luxurious accommodation.

Expect friendly and personal service, delicious breakfasts and a sumptuous sanctuary from which to enjoy your holiday.

With just a handful of eateries, dining options on Stewart Island/Rakiura are slim yet sensational!

For another memorable accommodation option, Church Hill Boutique Lodge won’t disappoint.

The three stand-alone suites provide expansive views of the surrounding area while being remote enough to make you feel like you’ve truly gotten away from it all. Use Church Hill as your base while you explore the island, or stay in and enjoy the highly regarded on-site restaurant and all the personal touches on offer.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

If you are staying at one of the island’s lodges, breakfast is likely included in your tariff. If not, or if you’re seeking something else, your best bet here is to stock up at the local Four Square supermarket in Oban and self-cater.

Lunch can also be a self-catering affair if it’s not included in your daily activity or tour.

Alternatively, the smattering of food trucks operating in Oban provide yummy lunchtime options, such as crêpes, pizza and fish and chips, which can be eaten right by the sea.

Dinner presents a number of different options.

The South Sea Hotel (which also does breakfast and lunch) is a local icon. The historic pub, perched right at the front of Halfmoon Bay, is the place to enjoy local blue cod and chips while you watch the fishing boats bob in the harbour. For

ND

something a little more refined, head up to Church Hill Restaurant. Considered by many to be one of the best restaurants on the island, it places an emphasis on fresh local ingredients in a fine dining setting – think lots of creative seafood offerings as well as tītī (muttonbird).

Advance bookings are essential here.

ACTIVITIES With its abundant bush and coastline, it’s no wonder that Stewart Island/Rakiura is known for its birdlife, walking tracks and fishing opportunities.

A trip to nearby Ulva Island – a predator-free bird sanctuary – is a must for any conservation or bird lover. A guided walking tour is the best option here as your local tour guide can help identify the many birds you may see along the way, including saddleback/tīeke, weka, kākā, kākāriki, South Island rifleman, tūī and many, many more.

For super-keen birders, Ulva’s Guided Walks offers a half-day island walking tour followed by a half-day pelagic birding boat trip.

For those preferring to stick to land, Stewart Island/Rakiura offers plenty of options for walkers of all abilities. Follow short bush walks starting in the town or longer tramps along the Rakiura

ABOVE | Meeting the feathered locals at Ulva Island.

Visitors to Stewart Island/Rakiura love the abundant native bush, birdlife and walking tracks.

Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, which will reward you with plentiful bird sightings, rare plants, gorgeous native bush and stunning coastal scenery. Head into the local DOC Visitor Centre to discuss options that best suit your abilities, itinerary and weather.

If you are keen to get out on the water, a number of operators offer fishing trips or scenic cruises from Oban. Have a go at catching blue cod with traditional hand lines on a half-day outing with Lo Loma Fishing Charters, or how about a wildlife cruise spotting penguins and dolphins with Aihe Eco Charters?

Worth the epic journey to get there, Stewart Island/ Rakiura really is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that will stay with you long after you have left.

S TAT S Region: Southland Airport: Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome Population: 381

Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

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46

Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue Puzzles Š The Puzzle Company

agar angular argal argali aria aril arugula augur aura aural gaur girl girn gnarl grail grain gran grin guar gurn guru INAUGURAL lair langur liar lira lunar luring naira raga raglan rail rain rang rani rial ring ruin ruing ruling rung ulnar urinal

TARGET

ACROSS: 1 Occur, 4 As quiet as a mouse, 14 Traps, 15 Split, 16 Substitute, 17 Femur, 19 Eel, 20 Nursery, 21 Cafeteria, 22 Traced, 25 Flustered, 27 Exalts, 28 Double, 33 Hoarseness, 35 Rob, 36 Thesis, 37 Tile, 39 Ape, 41 Circuit, 42 Viewer, 43 Carpenter, 44 Girth, 45 Employee, 50 No, 51 Trembled, 55 India, 58 Obtaining, 59 Thread, 60 Weighty, 61 Gnu, 63 Hoax, 64 Depose, 65 Row, 66 Fine tuning, 68 Calmly, 69 Weasel, 71 Catamaran, 76 Cycles, 77 Vestments, 79 Flatten, 81 Sea, 84 Eerie, 85 Inoculated, 86 Cubes, 87 Lurid, 88 Fond of the bottle, 89 Aside.

DOWN: 2 Cyprus, 3 Units, 5 Soup, 6 Upstage, 7 Exiled, 8 Abuse, 9 America, 10 Oafs, 11 Sombre, 12 Dazed, 13 Isolate, 14 Tractor, 18 Prosperity, 23 Lever, 24 Stretch, 26 Lyrical, 27 Embargo, 29 Bristol, 30 Sodium, 31 Crawl, 32 Mirror, 34 Slit, 36 Tears, 38 Erred, 40 Germ, 45 Epoch, 46 Pitfall, 47 Omit, 48 Edited, 49 Adage, 50 Natural, 52 Eventually, 53 Begonia, 54 Extent, 55 Ignored, 56 Crown, 57 Half, 62 Sneak, 67 Blocked, 68 Console, 70 Sheriff, 72 Attract, 73 Weirdo, 74 Benumb, 75 Defend, 76 Cairn, 78 Troth, 80 Truss, 82 Feud, 83 Peel.

CROSSWORD

SPLIT DECISION

SUDOKU

CODECRACKER

Good 25 Very Good 30 Excellent 35+

U N G U R L A A I

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter.

The nine-letter word will definitely be familiar to you.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TARGET Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9

SUDOKU

Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

SPLITDECISION

PUZZLES

BRAIN TEASE

ACROSS 1 Take place (5) 4 Making minimal noise (2,5,2,1,5) 14 Snares (5) 15 Cleave (5) 16 Replacement (10) 17 Leg bone (5) 19 Long fish (3) 20 Greenhouse (7) 21 Eating place (9) 22 Tracked down (6) 25 Hot and bothered (9) 27 Praises highly (6) 28 Twofold (6) 33 Husky, of voice (10) 35 Steal from (3) 36 Written dissertation (6) 37 Porcelain square (4) 39 Mimic (3) 41 Lap (7) 42 Spectator (6) 43 Woodworker (9) 44 Circumference (5) 45 Hired hand (8) 50 Negative (2) 51 Shivered (8)

55 Populous country (5) 58 Getting (9) 59 Strand (6) 60 Heavy (7) 61 Wildebeest (3) 63 Practical joke (4) 64 Overthrow (6) 65 Argument (3) 66 Slight adjustments (4,6) 68 In a sedate manner (6) 69 Small mustelid (6) 71 Twin-hulled vessel (9) 76 Revolutions (6) 77 Ceremonial robes of clergy, choristers (9) 79 Level (7) 81 Ocean (3) 84 Uncanny (5) 85 Immunised (10) 86 Blocks (5) 87 Shockingly vivid (5) 88 Predisposed to a tipple (4,2,3,6) 89 Actor’s whisper (5)

DOWN 2 Mediterranean island (6) 3 Single-digit numbers (5) 5 Liquid food (4) 6 Steal attention from (7) 7 Banished (6) 8 Maltreat (5) 9 Air came (anag)(7) 10 Dolts (4) 11 Gloomy, melancholy (6) 12 Stunned (5) 13 Quarantine (7) 14 Farm vehicle (7) 18 Affluence (10) 23 Prise (5) 24 Pull longer (7) 26 Poetic (7) 27 Trade ban (7) 29 City in England (7) 30 Element with symbol Na (6) 31 Progress very slowly (5) 32 Reflect (6) 34 Narrow aperture (4) 36 Rips (5) 38 Went astray (5) 40 Microbe (4)

45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 62 67 68 70 72 73 74 75 76 78 80 82 83

Era (5) Unforeseen danger (7) Leave out (4) Checked and corrected (6) Saying (5) Not artificial (7) Sooner or later (10) Waxy-flowered plant (7) Degree (6) Disregarded (7) Sovereign (5) Fifty percent (4) Go furtively (5) Plugged (7) Comfort in grief (7) Star-wearing law officer (7) Lure (7) Oddball (6) Deaden (6) Stick up for (6) Memorial stone mound (5) Pledge of fidelity (5) Bind (5) Bitter prolonged quarrel (4) Rind (4)

Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

47

PETS

In this issue, Audrey Ford from Summerset in the Bay in Napier introduces us to Rodger, her cute bichon frise.

How was your first meeting with Rodger?

He was eight weeks old when my husband and I bought him. When we picked him from the litter he cuddled up to me; he chose me. I think he’s quite intelligent, but then again I’m a very proud mother!

ABOVE | Proud mum Audrey and her fur baby, Rodger.

How did Rodger get his name?

What do you love most

When I was young, my two sisters

about Rodger?

What’s his favourite food?

This little fellow is actually on a

and I were friendly with some

He’s excellent at looking after

diet at the moment! He has one

of the American servicemen.

me. I’m almost completely blind

biscuit a day, instead of all the

One of them was named Rodger,

but still very independent. I go

treats he used to get. He does

spelt with a ‘d’ in it. He wasn’t my

walking every morning around

love his food. One of his favourite

boyfriend or anything like that.

the village and Rodger guides

things is those pet sticks from the

One day, shortly before he went

me. If we’re crossing the road, he

supermarket.

back for duty, Rodger said to

stands in front of my walker to let

me, “If anything happens, would

me know when I need to stop. He

you say a prayer for me?” I’m

does boss me around a bit!

not particularly religious, but I said, “Yes, that wouldn’t be any

What makes Rodger happiest?

trouble.” That was the last time I

He loves travelling in the car and

saw him, as he was killed in the

he absolutely adores being in the

Second World War. He died only

water. I once went down to the

days after I made that promise

river with my family, and the next

to him, and it had a big impact

thing we know, little Rodger was

on me as a young girl. To this

on the other side of the bank. I

day, I still say a prayer for him

thought there was a pathway, but

every night. I say a prayer for my

no, he had been swimming.

husband Stewart, too.

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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue

DIRECTORY AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

BAY OF PLENTY

Summerset Whangarei*

Summerset by the Sea

Summerset on the Landing 1-3 Bluff Road, Kenepuru,

Wanaka Street, Tikipunga, Whangarei 0112 Phone (09) 470 0282

181 Park Road, Katikati 3129 Phone (07) 985 6890

Porirua 5022 Phone (04) 230 6722 Summerset at Aotea

Summerset Falls

Summerset by the Dunes*

31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910 Phone (09) 425 1200

22 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118 Phone (07) 542 9082

15 Aotea Drive, Aotea, Porirua 5024 Phone (04) 235 0011

Summerset at Monterey Park

1 Squadron Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616 Phone (09) 951 8920 Summerset at Heritage Park

8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1060 Phone (09) 950 7960 Summerset by the Park

7 Flat Bush School Road, Manukau 2019 Phone (09) 272 3950 Summerset at Karaka

49 Pararekau Road, Karaka, RD1, Papakura 2580 Phone (09) 951 8900 Summerset Parnell*

23 Cheshire Street, Parnell 1052 Phone (09) 950 8212 Summerset St Johns*

188 St Johns Road, St Johns 1072 Phone (09) 950 7982 Summerset Milldale*

Argent Lane, Milldale, Wainui 0992 Phone 0800 786 637 WAIKATO

Summerset down the Lane

206 Dixon Road, Tamahere, Hamilton 3206 Phone (07) 843 0157 Summerset Rototuna

39 Kimbrae Drive, Rototuna North, Hamilton 3281 Phone (07) 981 7822 Summerset by the Lake

2 Wharewaka Road, Wharewaka, Taupo 3330 Phone (07) 376 9470

HAWKE’ S BAY

Summerset in the Bay

79 Merlot Drive, Taradale, Napier 4112 Phone (06) 845 2840 Summerset in the Orchard

1228 Ada Street, Parkvale, Hastings 4122 Phone (06) 974 1310 Summerset Palms

Cnr Eriksen and Kenny Road, Te Awa Napier 4110 Phone (06) 833 5852 Summerset in the Vines

249 Te Mata Road, Havelock North 4130 Phone (06) 877 1185 TARANAKI

Summerset Mountain View

35 Fernbrook Drive, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310 Phone (06) 824 8900 Summerset at Pohutukawa Place*

70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block New Plymouth 4312 Phone (06) 824 8532 MANAWATU–WHANGANUI

Summerset in the River City

40 Burton Avenue, Whanganui 4500 Phone (06) 343 3133 Summerset on Summerhill

180 Ruapehu Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410 Phone (06) 354 4964 Summerset by the Ranges

104-112 Liverpool Street, Levin 5510 Phone (06) 367 0337

Summerset Cambridge*

WELLINGTON

80 Laurent Road, Cambridge Phone (07) 839 9482

Summerset on the Coast

* Proposed village

104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032 Phone (04) 298 3540

Summerset at the Course

20 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018 Phone (04) 527 2980 Summerset Lower Hutt*

Boulcott’s Farm, Military Road, Lower Hutt 5010 Phone (04) 894 7374 Summerset Waikanae*

Park Avenue, Waikanae 5036 Phone (04) 293 0002 NELSON–TASMAN–MARLBOROUGH

Summerset in the Sun

16 Sargeson Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011 Phone (03) 538 0000 Summerset Richmond Ranges

1 Hill Street North, Richmond, Nelson 7020 Phone (03) 744 3432 Summerset Blenheim*

183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7201 Phone (03) 520 6042 CANTERBURY

Summerset at Wigram

135 Awatea Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8025 Phone (03) 741 0870 Summerset at Avonhead

120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042 Phone (03) 357 3202 Summerset on Cavendish

147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch 8051 Phone (03) 741 3340 Summerset Rangiora*

141 South Belt, Rangiora 7400 Phone (03) 364 1312 OTAGO

Summerset at Bishopscourt

36 Shetland Street, Wakari, Dunedin 9010 Phone (03) 950 3110