Summerset Scene, Spring 2020

Summerset Scene •

S P R I N G

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FUN AND FRIENDSHIP MUSICAL DUO • CREATIVE SUCCESS A LIFELONG TALENT HORSE POWER HELPING OTHERS • SPRING ZING FRESH SEASONAL RECIPES BRAIN TEASE CROSSWORDS AND PUZZLES

COVER After discovering they both now lived at Wigram village, old friends Lynley and Grahame reconnected over a love of music. Read the story on page 24. PHOTO Wendy Clarke.

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 | Spring Issue

Aotea Kenepuru

KEY = Summerset village = Planned village

Dunedin

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Papamoa Beach

Rototuna

More than

5,700

Katikati

Hello from Sara With brighter days, warmer weather and gardens in bloom, it’s easy to see why spring is a popular season.

And while I love daffodils as much as the next person, what I enjoy most is how springtime can also bring a change in mindset.

Think spring and you think fresh new beginnings, the feeling of sunshine on your face and the promise of good times ahead. It’s the ideal time to refocus on the simple things that make us truly happy, and after the challenges of earlier this year, taking stock of what really matters is even more important than ever.

The joy of helping someone else, doing something for the greater good, and making time to do the things that boost the soul are big themes of this issue.

I loved chatting with Rototuna couple Margaret and Bevan Bradding, who heard during the lockdown that they were being awarded a Queen’s Service Medal

in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. Turn to page 4 to read

Regardless of what inspires you, whether it’s being of service to

about these inspirational Hamiltonians and their work with the brilliant charity Riding for the Disabled.

others or creating beautiful art or music, the folks in this issue have shown that it’s all about finding that thing that brings you joy, and sticking with it!

Up in Auckland, Summerset Karaka has recently published a very special book of war memories.

After more than a year in the making and countless hours of research, it was having a shared goal that spurred them on, and many say the village is now even closer as a result of the project.

See what they’ve been up to on page 12.

And when it comes to creativity, Summerset residents have it in spades. Lynley Clark from Wigram talks about reconnecting with an old friend and discovering a shared love of music (page 24) and artist Jan Hart tells how she blended her love of nature with a passion for painting, and made a successful career out of creativity.

I hope this latest issue adds a little extra brightness to your day. You might notice the slightly different paper it’s printed on, which I think feels fresher and more contemporary, a bit like a spring makeover! Let me know your thoughts, and do get in touch if you have any story ideas or feedback, I love hearing from you.

Sara Bunny SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

See Jan’s work on page 8.

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Contents

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Horse power Hamilton couple’s special honours

12

Treasured memories Summerset Karaka’s latest project

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A lifelong talent Jan Hart’s creative career

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Art with heart Manukau fundraiser

Jude On A change of season

A positive impact Scholarship winner

Let’s talk about Brain health

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Story to share?

This publication uses vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible paper produced from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

We really enjoy telling your stories. If you have an exciting or interesting tale to tell, get in touch with us.

We’d love to hear from you! magazine@summerset.co.nz

Paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

021 948 754

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Pohutukawa Place Takes shape

Village people Lynley Clarke

Staff profile Anna Childs

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News Village happenings

5 questions with Daphne Bates

Delicious recipes Spring on a plate

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In the garden Seeing red

Go greener Green update

Craft corner Spring pins

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Book reviews Spring reads

Style Stunning scarlet

Exercise A good day to move

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Travel log Waiheke Island

Brain tease Puzzles

Pets of Summerset Ember’s got attitude

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HORSE POWER

BY SARA BUNNY

For Margaret and Bevan Bradding, helping others is simply second nature. And after nearly two decades of volunteering at their local Riding for the Disabled Association, the couple were “flabbergasted” to be recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Margaret and Bevan were hunkering down during lockdown when the surprise email came through to say they would receive a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM). But far from jumping for joy, Bevan was initially suspicious.

“I thought it was a scam! Then as I read on I thought, ‘How on Earth did they get all of these biographical details?’ That’s when I realised it was for real. We were sworn to secrecy, and at first it was very hard not to tell anyone. But when the excitement settled down it was a bit easier to keep it quiet.”

Now the cat is out of the bag, fellow residents at Summerset Rototuna couldn’t be happier for the pair. And Bevan says they’ve even been getting a bit of good-natured stick. “Some of them joke and say, ‘So do we call you lord and lady now or what?!’”

But for the humble Hamiltonians, who both previously worked as pharmacists and owned their own business, volunteering has never been about accolades. Margaret and Bevan have both been involved with community groups throughout their lives, and when the opportunity came along to assist with the re-established Hamilton chapter of the Riding for the Disabled Association, they knew they could help. (right) Photos of the Bradding’s work with the Riding for the Disabled charity are on display in the couple’s Rototuna home.

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“ Margaret and Bevan have both been involved with community groups throughout their lives�

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“ The joy we get from helping people to achieve something is a reward in itself”

Having grown up on a farm, Margaret was involved with Pony Club as a child and later returned to become a Pony Club instructor as an adult. An interest in dressage led to her becoming a judge in the sport, and she was awarded dressage judge of the year in 2007. Putting her extensive horse-handling skills to use for a charity was the perfect next step.

“It’s just fabulous, and we both get so much enjoyment from it,” she says. “Some people are in wheelchairs and we have a hoist that we use to lift both children and adults onto a horse. It makes them mobile, and 10ft tall. It’s so lovely to see the expressions on their faces.”

Horses might be a part of life for Margaret, but she’s aware that for many others they animals are downright intimidating. “It can be quite a challenge to get people to even approach them, but we start slowly, then we progress to touch, and eventually they get on the horse. The horses at Riding for the Disabled are chosen for their gentle temperament. But a horse is a big animal, and for some it’s quite daunting.”

After the early jitters, however, the benefits are endless. Using horses to boost both physical and mental health is known in medical terms as hippotherapy, hippos being the ancient Greek word for horse. Horse riding can help with balance, motor skills, core strength and posture, and that’s just for starters.

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“ Some people are in wheelchairs and we have a hoist that we use to lift both children and adults onto a horse. It makes them mobile, and 10ft tall. It’s so lovely to see the expressions on their faces”

For many, it’s about building confidence. Over the years, the Braddings have seen first hand how interacting with horses can transform a person’s outlook, and Bevan says patience and perseverance are key.

“I had one lad who found it very difficult. He would get close to the horse but then he would back off; it was a battle to get a hard hat on him for a start. It took us three years to get him onto a horse, and finally when we lifted him on one day, he didn’t want to get off!”

From tentative beginnings, some riders can then go on to trotting, cantering and even going over small jumps. It’s watching progress like this that makes it extra special, Margaret says. “The joy we get from helping people to achieve something is a reward in itself.”

While they might not be out in the covered arena leading the horses as much these days, the Braddings serve on the charity’s Hamilton committee, and you’ll often find them preparing gear, welcoming riders as they arrive and organising morning teas.

Bevan and Margaret will receive their medals at an investiture ceremony later this year.

(Above) Margaret and Bevan Bradding with Ace, one of the favourite horses at the charity.

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A

LIFELONG TALENT

BY JAN HART

Whether it’s painting, drawing or photography, Summerset at Heritage Park resident Jan Hart has led a life filled with creativity. Here, she writes about finding her way as an artist, taking inspiration from nature, and why trial and error is the best way to learn.

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Once colour photography became popular I turned to retouching and colourcorrecting them, before eventually specialising in photographic restoration.

I painted my first landscape in oils at 12, and by 16, I had finished my first commissioned painting.

My parents started me off with basic materials, encouraged me to experiment and challenged me to improve.

My brother was my best critic, although I didn’t always appreciate it at the time.

My sister said I wasn’t a real artist as I couldn’t draw the legs of her horse correctly – she was right, and I still find anything with four long legs a challenge!

Back in the 1950s it was rare for a young girl to enter a commercial art studio, and my grandparents were less than impressed. My first job was hand-colouring images on minute glass slides, using a limited palette of dyes and the finest of brushes. That’s how we produced the advertising images that were projected onto cinema screens in those days.

I later learnt to use an airbrush and to hand-colour sepia and black-and-white photographs.

Meanwhile, I kept painting in oils and began exhibiting.

It was thrilling when I started to win awards and galleries started wanting to hang my work. I kept advancing in other mediums as well, including watercolours, pen and wash, acrylics and oil pastels, the latter often combined with gouache (opaque watercolour). I think the worst thing an artist can do is get stuck in a rut. While I no longer use oils, I still exhibit in the other mediums.

But it’s my large-scale oil pastels that have become my main passion – and perhaps my signature style – today.

“Back in the 1950s it was rare for a young girl to enter a commercial art studio” I love choosing an image from my files and putting the first chalk marks on the surface. Usually I do a light tonal underpainting of my subject matter using gouache, to get the perspective and shapes correct, as it is easier to adjust your vision at this stage rather than play catch-up later.

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“I have been blessed with a wonderful gift that has enabled me to fulfil my dreams both with employment and an extremely enjoyable pastime” I only do these large, intricate paintings in my studio as they are too difficult to do outdoors. When the painting has reached the stage I am happy with, I leave it on my easel for up to a week, noting any changes required. When the changes are made, I sign my name and prepare it for framing.

Some of my favourite artists include the Impressionists, Van Gogh and Gauguin, for their play of light. I also love the art nouveau and art deco movements for their use of bold, smooth colour and clean lines, and ceramicist Clarice Cliff for her colour palette and use of black outlining. My favourite painter is New Zealander Rita Angus, whose work I would dearly love to hang on my walls – original, of course!

I have worked in the art field all my life and found my own way of doing things through trial and error rather than tuition. Having spent my early life in Southland, the wild West Coast and the Catlins have long captured my imagination.

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Nowadays, Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago call to me with their burnished hills and contrasting light, allowing me to explore techniques and push boundaries with colour, texture and media.

For the past 36 years my summers have been spent boating with my husband, Bill. The coastline and offshore islands have offered vastly different subject matter, and I love painting large, cloud-filled skies.

Over the years I have enjoyed teaching others to pursue their artistic dreams, doing demonstrations and taking workshops. This continual contact with other artists has kept me up to date with the art world around me and also inspires me to keep thinking outside the square, and to not be afraid to try something new. I still enjoy the thrill of undertaking a commission and completing the challenge it presents. I have been blessed with a wonderful gift that has enabled me to fulfil my dreams both with employment and an extremely enjoyable pastime.

I am enjoying the ride!”

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TREASURED

memories

BY SARA BUNNY

After more than a year of research, a dedicated group from Summerset Karaka has published a book of war memories from residents and their families. Revisiting stories from the past was a humbling and often moving experience, a team effort and a labour of love – and the village couldn’t be prouder of their special project.

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For some, putting pen to paper was simply an interesting trip down memory lane.

For others, it was an emotional revisiting of a past that had been buried for years

Summerset Karaka residents (from left) Joan Kayes, Cheryl Fowler, Elaine Richmond and Bernie Richmond were thrilled to see the book completed.

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It was swapping stories after an Anzac Day service that gave Summerset Karaka resident Joan Kayes an idea.

In a village filled with memories, she wanted to encourage residents to write down their precious family stories before these pieces of history were lost forever. Joan called a meeting and was overwhelmed by the level of interest, and it wasn’t long before a book – titled Memories of War – started to take shape.

“The first lot of people who approached us were very keen to be involved,” says Joan.

“Other people were a bit hesitant and took longer to come forward. We started in June 2019, and we felt that if we didn’t do it when we did, in another five years or so some of the people may not be here to tell these stories.”

(right) Photos from the book reflect a range of different war experiences.

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In a village filled with memories, Joan wanted to encourage residents to write down their precious family stories before these pieces of history were lost forever

Joan, alongside former librarian and research enthusiast Cheryl Fowler, set to work collating articles and tracking down details, while Bernie and Elaine Richmond took charge of proofreading and publishing the book, as well as arranging financing for it.

Memories of War includes tales of harrowing trenches, nightmare plane crashes, battlefields and filthy troopships. There are also lighter moments of adventure, dark humour, young romance, and snippets pieced together and passed down through the generations.

For some, putting pen to paper was simply an interesting trip down memory lane. For others, it was an emotional revisiting of a past that had been buried for years. Handling each story with the respect it deserved was an important part of the process. “It was very humbling,� says Joan. “We learnt how much people would share and what they really felt about things that happened.

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“ We wanted to leave the stories in the way they were written by the family member, in their words and their language. It wasn’t done by a journalist. It was a very rewarding thing to be a part of”

“Some people would tell us the most amazing stories, and you would write it all down and take it back to them and they would say, ‘I don’t think my family would like me to put that in’, and I would think, ‘But that’s the best bit!’ So there are actually a few ‘best bits’ left out.

“But it’s their story, and it’s very personal. So much is made these days of publicity and ‘putting everything out there’ that you can forget that everyone is entitled to their own feelings about things and to choose to share what they want to.”

For Bernie, it wasn’t just about recording history, but preserving the individual style of each story. “We wanted to leave the stories in the way they were written by the family member, in their words

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and their language. It wasn’t done by a journalist. It was a very rewarding thing to be a part of.”

And thanks to Cheryl’s sharp research skills, many were able to fill in the gaps and uncover details that had long been a mystery.

“A lot of people don’t realise that you can go through the Archives New Zealand website and the personnel records are there for First World War soldiers. There’s also Papers Past; it’s part of the National Library website where they have digitised a number of New Zealand newspapers up to 1950,” Cheryl says.

“You could find some great descriptions in the old newspapers, especially if the person lived in a small town.

There would often be a write-up in the local paper of

Being trusted with family photos and precious keepsakes was a humbling experience for the group who created the book.

the farewell function held for the soldier going off to war, or occasionally the newspaper would publish letters home to families that described the conditions that soldiers were facing. It was so good to be able to help people find this information.”

With the book now complete, and a copy sent to every Summerset village, the group hope that others will be inspired to record their own piece of history.

“It was a marvellous thing to do,” says Joan. “We’re like family here at Karaka, and this book brought out the goodness in people as we all pitched in and helped each other. But having said that, we were so delighted when we finally sent it off to the printers!”

Interested in having a read?

A copy of Memories of War has been sent to each Summerset village.

ART

heart WITH

Did you know that in New Zealand every week 12 babies are born with a heart condition, and that more than 550 major heart surgeries are carried out on Kiwi kids every year?

Heart Kids NZ is a charity that supports these children and their families, and Summerset by the Park wanted to raise some funds for this special cause.

The village hosted the By the Park art exhibition, and with a gold coin donation on entry and raffle tickets on offer too, they raised just over $800 for the charity. Heart Kids were so thrilled with the generous donation that they sent a message to the village saying they couldn’t thank them enough for the support. Great work, Manukau!

The Heart Kids bear mascot was a special guest at the charity fundraiser.

K E E P A N E Y E O U T F O R T H E R E S U LT S O F O U R 2 0 2 0 R E S I D E N T S ’ S AT I S FA C T I O N S U R V E Y A big thank you to everyone who completed the 2020 Residents’ Satisfaction Survey!

Every year we ask all our residents for their feedback on what they love about living at Summerset, and what we can do better. We value this feedback so that we can continue to improve our services and keep our promise to residents that they will love the life they choose at Summerset.

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The 2020 Residents’ Satisfaction Survey ran from 10 August until 4 September and the results will be shared later in the year.

Previous survey results have led to in changes to the way we do things at Summerset, for example some design features of our new villas, apartments and care rooms are a direct result of the feedback we’ve received from residents living in older villages.

This year’s survey results will be available in Summerset Scene, in our Annual Report and through presentations in villages.

THROUG H THE

SEASONS ARTICLE BY JUDE DOBSON

Springtime. It’s traditionally a time of new growth, new life, new beginnings, new hope.

After what 2020 has thrown at us, it’s a nice thought that there might be some pleasant things to look forward to as the year draws to a close, even if it’s just warmer weather!

There are also longer days to look forward to, and there is no doubt extra sunlight is good for the soul. In fact, for some people reduced sunlight hours can be detrimental to their mental health. I remember interviewing a health expert years ago who told me all about seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It strikes over autumn and winter, leaving some people feeling low and sad – as the acronym spells out.

The lack of adequate sunlight is thought (for some folk) to cause a drop in serotonin levels.

These are the brain chemicals that affect mood, and in some people the changed state of these neurotransmitters may even trigger depression. I believe in New Zealand that even though the weather can be rubbish at times during winter, our daylight hours are still pretty good, so I hope SAD isn’t such a thing here.

But in some parts of the world I imagine this lack of daylight would indeed become quite troublesome. I recall as a young thing visiting England and being shocked by the daylight ebbing away at 3.30pm, so that by 4pm it was completely dark. It made for a long evening, and it was not daylight again until 8am the next day!

I certainly never complained about a New Zealand winter after that trip. I also saw why the cosy local English pub on the corner became an

integral part of the community. Popping in there to catch up with mates for an hour or so filled in a little of the long, dark evening.

In New Zealand, I think we’re generally blessed with a climate that’s not hard to live in. I’m looking forward to warmer days, and spring to me means the promise of the barbecue getting a clean-up so it’s ready to be pressed into regular service. That makes for easy meals – lots of different salads with some spuds crisped up on the barbie beside the meat.

However, with our daughter choosing to become vegetarian earlier this year, the barbecue will also have to have spots for halloumi cheese and whatever things I can think up to make from tofu.

I recall as a young thing visiting England and being shocked by the daylight ebbing away at 3.30pm Spring to me also means getting into the garden and having an overdue tidy-up. For starters, I like to add some pops of instant colour in the pots at the front door to cheer up the entrance.

I have to say I am always a sucker for pansies and petunias, and usually in a chaos of colours.

So, happy gardening, cooking, strolling in the daylight and whatever else spring means to you. And here’s to a New Zealand summer peeking around the corner as we round off a year like no other.

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A POSTIVE I M P A C T Riria Mohi-Dewhirst is the first recipient of the new Waitaha Te Houhou Health Scholarship, to be awarded annually by Summerset.

The scholarship, worth $10,000, is for people studying in a healthcare field, and can be awarded to one student or split between multiple students each year.

As the inaugural winner, medical student Riria says the award was a huge surprise and a great boost to her studies. “When I first found out I couldn’t stop smiling! I messaged all of my family straight away, and they were all saying how awesome it was. I’m just so thankful and it’s definitely made a difference, especially this year with all of the covid challenges.”

Riria’s currently into her fifth year of a six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at Otago University. At the end of year six she can choose an area to specialise in, and at the moment she’s leaning towards general practice.

“When you’re a GP, you’re a person’s primary care physician, and you get to build a relationship with the patient,” she says. “You can hopefully make a positive impact on their lives, or at least be on a journey with them.”

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While an interest in science in high school led her to study medicine, Riria’s most passionate about the human side of healthcare.

“I like how in medicine you get to problem solve and work things out, but you also get that interaction with people. It’s about making connections with people, having a general chat and seeing them as a person first, not just as an illness that you’re there to treat.”

With graduation on the horizon, she’s got plenty of future plans. But right now, her studies take centre stage.

“I would love to go back home to Te Puke and work as a doctor there, that would be amazing.

But I’m focusing on one step at a time, fifth year exams are definitely top of my mind at the moment.”

Summerset purchased land for the new Papamoa village from local iwi, Te Kapu Ō Waitaha. As part of the agreement between the two parties, Summerset is providing a $10,000 annual scholarship to a member (or members) of the iwi pursuing health studies. The scholarship is to run for 20 years.

L E T ’S TA L K A B O U T

B R A I N H E A LT H When lockdown arrived earlier this year, some people became isolated and felt lonely as normal day-to-day routines and opportunities to connect were disrupted.

A little goes a long way, and even small interactions can help to ease loneliness and boost our health:

This has become the topic of a recent project at the Helen Clark Foundation, called Solving for Loneliness. Out of the significant challenges of Covid-19, research has given us insights into how the negative impacts of loneliness affect us emotionally, socially and physically. To read the full report, visit www.helenclark.foundation.

• Talk to the barista making your coffee.

As human beings, we’re hard-wired for connection.

At some point in our lives, we’ve all been able to relate to feelings of loneliness, which is not the same as being alone. Many people can describe being surrounded by people and still feeling lonely.

Loneliness is a feeling we hear about often, and can sometimes be experienced after we retire from our working careers and settle into a slower pace of life.

It’s tempting when we’re feeling physically and emotionally exhausted to retreat to our safe place, read a book, do a jigsaw puzzle or watch a favourite show while enjoying a nice glass of red with a bowl of popcorn.

While short periods of alone time are okay, there is evidence that long-term loneliness can lead to negative health and well-being outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dementia and hormone imbalances.

According to the Solving for Loneliness research, “there are clear links between self-reported loneliness and shortened life expectancy”

• Say hello to your neighbour when you get your mail.

• Attend an activity group or take a walk.

• Smile at someone you don’t know.

• Find that one person you can offload to and talk to about how you’re feeling, knowing they will understand.

• Jump online and connect with family and friends using video technology.

• Say yes to a social invite and challenge yourself to get out once a week.

• Enjoy spending time with furry friends.

Both cats and dogs can have a positive effect on stress, anxiety and depression, and can ease loneliness.

• Volunteer your time or skills by giving back to your local community.

• Create meaningful interactions outside of your main relationships; loneliness often comes from a deep need for meaningful connection.

We all have times when we feel lonely.

Taking just one small step can help reduce isolation and have positive effects on both your emotional and physical well-being. Be kind to yourself and remember to reach out when you need support.

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POHUTUKAWA PLACE TAKES SHAPE

Work is well under way on Summerset’s second New Plymouth village, Summerset at Pohutukawa Place.

Located near Fitzroy Beach and New Plymouth Golf Club, the village has views of Mt Taranaki and the Tasman Sea. It was popular right from the start, and teams have been busy showing visitors around since the official launch on 29 June.

The first residents are due to move in just before Christmas.

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NORTHLAND VILLAGE NAMED Plans are in the pipeline for a new village in sunny Whangarei, to be called Summerset Mount Denby.

The village takes its name from the Mount Denby golf club that neighbours the site, and will overlook the Denby Reserve. The six neighbourhoods within the village will be named after some of the gorgeous bays and beaches in the Whangarei area, including Whale Bay, Sandy Bay, Matapouri, Mangawhai Beach, Tutukaka, and Whananaki Beach. Once complete, the village will include 280 homes.

Once complete, the village will include 280 homes

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Village people

B Y LY N L E Y C L A R K E .

P H OTOS BY W E N DY C L A R K E .

We’re chatting with residents about their favourite places, and for Lynley Clarke from Wigram, it’s her lounge with her treasured grand piano. Here, Lynley writes about a surprise meeting with an old friend, and how the pair reconnected through their shared love of music.

I had only been living at Summerset Wigram a few months, and I was out by my letterbox when I heard a voice say ‘Lynley Fraer’! I was surprised because that’s my maiden name.

The speaker went on to say, ‘I went to Addington Primary School with you’ (75 years ago!). He also added ‘and you haven’t changed a bit’.

The school friend was Grahame Wright.

I didn’t remember him, but he certainly remembered me. Of course, we had a lot of catching up to do and a couple of weeks later, I took my school photo album to his villa and met his wife, Helen. We talked non-stop for two and a half hours, and it didn’t take long to discover that Grahame and I had a mutual interest in music.

In his youth, he had played a euphonium in a brass band. However, he had given up serious involvement with this when he got married, had a family and entered the workforce as an engineer. He never actually owned his own instrument and didn’t touch a brass instrument from his early 20s until arriving at Summerset. There he recently linked up with two other resident brass players, performing in the village’s monthly concerts.

“ For both of us, these times are the highlight of our week”

Music has always been a huge part of my life, in between a wonderful marriage of 57 years and bringing up our three children.

For me, it began with serious piano tuition at the age of five, singing in the church choir, becoming a church organist, teaching music in schools, accompanying and directing choirs, and now, still with my own private music-teaching practice.

I have been the lucky recipient of a historic grand piano, not wanted by a family after the earthquakes. Suffice to say, I had it restored and it sits in magnificent glory in my villa and gets played every day.

So Grahame and Helen came to visit and heard the piano. Grahame and I both saw an opportunity for beneficial musical enjoyment and so we now meet regularly each week for rehearsals. Grahame’s playing confidence and ability have improved as a result. And I have discovered anew the challenges and specialities of the art of accompanying a brass player.

For both of us, these times are the highlight of our week. We are now able to accept opportunities to perform creditably in public and share the absolute joy we have found in this amazing ‘duet-ship’ – 75 years in the waiting!

Notes from an historic grand piano and a shiny brass euphonium ring out over Summerset Wigram each week as Lynley and Grahame catch up for rehearsals.

S TA F F P R O F I L E

Anna Childs

BY SARA BUNNY

Whether it’s collating ideas on Pinterest or getting her bingo calls down pat, there’s never a dull moment for Summerset on Cavendish Activities Coordinator Anna Childs. While village life might be a bit different to Anna’s former work in the hospitality industry, the Applause Award winner says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Anna was looking for a change when a job ad for a Village Assistant at Summerset on Cavendish in Christchurch caught her eye. She

“I love seeing residents come out of their shell.

From meeting them when they first move in and they might be a bit reserved, to seeing

joined the team in 2017 and soon found her feet.

them make friends, learn new things and really get comfortable enjoying the life at Summerset.

“The village was growing rapidly and there were more and more exciting activities going on,” she says. “I was on the afternoon shift as Village Assistant, so I was often helping to get things ready for the activities, which I really enjoyed. Eventually I asked [Village Manager] Stephanie about the possibility of shifting to the Activities Coordinator role and she was so supportive. She’s really taken me under her wing.”

Anna loves the variety, with no two days the same, and being an Activities Coordinator means she gets to explore her creative side. As well as organising outings, Anna can often be found tinkering on craft projects at home that she can teach to the residents, or browsing the online image-sharing site Pinterest for inspiration.

“It’s good to think outside the box,” she says.

“It’s important to keep it fresh and keep it interesting, and it’s great because I’m always learning new things too. I did a card-making class recently, and at one stage I was memorising bingo calls! It’s so much fun.”

But Anna says the best part of all is seeing the residents enjoying the activities she’s organised, and seeing people grow in confidence as they settle into the village.

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Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

“One of my favourite times was when we took a vanload of residents to an outdoor concert and we were all dancing and having fun. There was even a 91-year-old up dancing with the band!

We had an absolute blast.

“Often it’s about gently encouraging people to push their own boundaries. It’s not about thinking, ‘This can’t be done’. We want to be the ones saying, ‘Let’s do it! Let’s go!’ We’re here to support people to make these things happen.”

Winning Activities Coordinator of the Year at the most recent Summerset Applause Awards was a “huge surprise” for Anna, who is already tackling her next challenge. She’s now studying diversional therapy, and she’s finding it the perfect sideline to her Activities Coordinator work.

And just like Anna enjoys supporting residents to grow in confidence, she has Village Manager Stephanie Meehan by her side, supporting her too.

“I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without Stephanie,” Anna says. “She’s always encouraged me and told me that I can do it.

She’s just fantastic.”

Anna was thrilled to be a winner at this year’s Applause Awards.

A N N A I S N OW ST U DY I N G DIVERSIONAL THERAPY ALONGSIDE H E R AC T I V I T I E S C O O R D I N AT O R W O R K

OUR NEWS

PARTY PEOPLE Rather than hibernating at home over the cooler months, Summerset residents were out to dinner or hitting the dance floor recently as villages held their mid-winter parties. Some villages went for a starry Matariki theme, others got creative with tinsel and crackers, and there was even a snow machine in the mix! Whatever the theme, the wine flowed, dinners were enjoyed, and a great time was had by all!

T H E C R E AT I V E S EXHIBITION A STELLAR SUCCESS You might have seen the preview of The Creatives exhibition, a series of photos featuring Summerset in the Sun residents and their favourite hobbies, in the winter issue of Summerset Scene.

The exhibition was held in early August in the main hall of the village, and about 350 people popped in over the two days the photos were on display.

Photographer Kathy Pantling, who is also the village receptionist, says she was thrilled that donations at the door raised $550 for the Nelson ARK, a local animal charity.

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Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

FIVE QUESTIONS D A P H N E B AT E S F R O M S U M M E R S E T AT B I S H O P S C O U R T, D U N E D I N Born and raised in Otago, Daphne Bates talks about idyllic childhood memories, her love of exercise, and her favourite Frank Sinatra hit.

What are your best childhood memories?

I grew up on a chicken farm in the Taieri Plains, just over the hill from Dunedin. We lived across the road from a family with four daughters, and we had the best time living out there. We played outside, made huts in the woods and collected birds’ eggs. Later on, I was a bridesmaid for one of them and she was one of my bridesmaids, too; we were always very close.

What’s your philosophy on life?

I’m a positive person, and I like helping people and being friendly. I think it’s important not to judge other people and to try to see the good side of everyone. I also like thinking things over for myself and coming up with my own ideas.

That Frank Sinatra song, My Way, is one of my favourites. I think it says it all, you have to do what’s right for you.

What things do you wish younger people knew?

I really admire younger people for what they do these days – the way they get out and see the world. When I was that age I would have been too scared. My friends say that too. My son had a motorbike at varsity and he got fined for going too fast. My husband gave him a telling-off, but really, we all go through a time when we make mistakes. My son doesn’t get into trouble anymore but he still has several motorbikes, so it didn’t put him off!

What are your favourite hobbies?

I go to craft group, I’ve always been a keen gardener, and I exercise every Monday and

Thursday. I love exercise, and I think it has social, psychological and physiological benefits – it truly helps the whole body. I also have lots of friends out in the community who I catch up with.

I like being busy, as I think you can get a bit down if you’re not doing anything. I have a lovely unit here and I am surrounded by lots of great people, but I also like to relax and have time to myself in my own apartment.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?

We went to London one Christmas to see my daughter, and we had a wonderful time.

We also visited Scotland and Austria, and I remember in Austria how everything was just completely white with snow – only the roads were clear. It was such a fantastic holiday.

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DELICIOUS RECIPES

SPRING O N

A

P L AT E

R E C I P E S BY JA N B I LTO N

SPRING IS HERE – AT LAST! AND WHAT A JOY IT IS AFTER OUR WINTER OF DISCONTENT, BRINGING WITH IT WARMER, BRIGHTER DAYS, FRAGRANT BLOSSOMS, CHIRPING BIRDS AND THE SHEDDING OF THICK WINTER WOOLLIES. IT’S TIME TO BREAK OUT AND JOIN YOUR SUMMERSET FRIENDS IN THE SUN.

The first strawberries, asparagus and rhubarb are in the shops. Although rhubarb is available from greengrocers throughout the year, it sprouts new shoots in September and is therefore considered a ‘spring thing’.

Enjoy the following true tastes of the season with your family and friends.

The spring zing salad can be served as a light meal or a starter to dinner.

The baked spring rolls have all the

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appeal of fresh spring rolls – and more. Baked and served hot, these rolls can be prepared to the baking stage up to four hours in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge.

And the rhubarb cupcakes are great to serve with morning or afternoon tea, or dressed up for dessert with whipped cream and freeze-dried raspberry powder. Yum!

SPRING ZING SERVES 2–3 INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Dressing

Combine the crushed strawberries, mayonnaise and

½ cup crushed strawberries

sour cream or yoghurt, and leave to stand for at least 30

2 tablespoons each: good mayonnaise; sour cream or plain

minutes before serving.

Peel, stone and slice the avocado. Place in a bowl and

yoghurt

sprinkle with the lemon juice.

Salad

Arrange the mesclun on a serving dish. Top with the

1 large avocado 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1–2 cups mesclun, rinsed and

chicken, avocado, strawberries and capers. Season.

Drizzle with a little of the strawberry dressing. Garnish with salad cress or micro greens.

crisped 1 cup shredded smoked chicken 6 strawberries, quartered 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed freshly ground black pepper to taste Garnish: salad cress or micro sprouts

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BAKED

SPRING ROLLS SERVES 4

You will need about 300g of raw kūmara to make one cup of mash. Ensure the mash is very dry.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

200g cooked and peeled prawns

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

1 cup cooked mashed kūmara

Chop each prawn into 3–4 pieces. Combine with the kūmara,

½ cup chopped coriander

coriander, mung bean sprouts, spring onions, lemon rind, chilli (if

1 cup mung bean sprouts, coarsely

using) and seasonings.

chopped

Add enough lemon juice to bind the mixture together. Divide into

2 spring onions, diced

four equal portions and roll firmly into four logs, each about 2.5cm

1 teaspoon each: finely grated lemon

in diameter.

rind; diced chilli (optional)

Place one sheet of filo on the bench. Brush with melted butter.

salt and pepper to taste

Place another sheet on top and brush with butter. Fold these two

2 tablespoons lemon juice

sheets in half crosswise. Place a log of filling in the centre of one

8 sheets filo pastry 75g butter, melted

long end, fold in the sides and roll up. Repeat to make four rolls.

Place the rolls on an oven tray and brush with melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and sizzling.

The spring rolls are great served with crisp salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, asparagus and lemon wedges.

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RHUBARB

CUPCAKES MAKES 10–12

String the rhubarb stalks if they’re woody. Cut the stalks into 1cm pieces, reserving about 24 pieces for the cupcake tops.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

100g butter, softened

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a 10–12-hole cupcake or

1 cup white sugar

muffin pan. Alternatively, line with paper cases.

2 eggs

Cream the butter and sugar until light. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

½ teaspoon baking soda

Combine the baking soda and yoghurt, then mix into the butter

½ cup plain yoghurt

combo. Fold in the flour and then the rhubarb pieces, mixing until just

2 cups self-raising flour

combined. Spoon into the cupcake holes.

1½ cups diced rhubarb

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out

Toppings: icing sugar, or whipped

clean. Stand for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

cream and freeze-dried raspberry

Serve warm or at room temperature, either plain or dusted with icing

powder

sugar. Alternatively, pipe the cupcakes with whipped cream and dust with raspberry powder.

Tip: The cupcakes can be wrapped individually in clingfilm and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.

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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

Seeing red

An old-fashioned favourite for pies, tarts and crumbles, rhubarb is also the source of many spring mumbles and grumbles, writes Lynda Hallinan I’ve been answering radio talkback callers‘ gardening questions for more than two decades and, as well as the standard dramas with seasonal pest and diseases, I can reveal the three most common complaints.

Number one: “How do I stop the neighbour’s cat doing its dirty business in my vege patch?”

(I’m afraid there is no universally effective deterrent, aside from adopting a streetwise SPCA moggie or a small, yappy dog to scare them off.)

Number two: “My husband pruned my hydrangeas and now they aren't blooming.

Why?” (A rhetorical question, really, because overly enthusiastic hydrangea-pruning husbands tend to cut the bushes back too hard

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and too late. Prune off old flowering stems in late winter or early spring, down to a pair of fat buds.)

Number three: “Why isn’t my rhubarb red?” I’ve lost count of the hours I have spent reassuring resentful rhubarb growers that it’s not their fault that their plants produce nothing but sturdy green stalks instead of tender, slender stalks that blush deep red from root to tip, and the answer is a complicated mix of instant gratification, biosecurity regulations and climatic conditions.

In the good old days, when plant nurseries printed their catalogues one year, and delivered their orders to patient gardeners the next, rhubarb was only ever propagated by division, which meant established crowns were chopped up to produce cloned offspring. So, when you ordered a red-stemmed ‘Victoria’ (an heirloom variety introduced in 1837), that’s exactly what you got.

These days, however, no one wants to wait, because we’ve grown accustomed to buying plants year-round from garden centres.

Propagating rhubarb by division is a slow process compared to the speed (and low cost) at which it can be raised by seed.

The other problem is that our modern biosecurity regulations won’t allow plant breeders to bring in new rhubarb varieties to raise by tissue culture, which means growers can only import seed.

I’ve lost count of the hours I have spent reassuring resentful rhubarb growers that it’s not their fault that their plants produce nothing but sturdy green stalks Unfortunately, rhubarb doesn’t necessarily come “true to type” from seed. It’s a bit promiscuous, for starters, and even seed selected from an old clump of ‘Victoria’ will produce lots of seedling variation from stem thickness to colour. Generally, the greenest seedlings grow the fattest and the fastest and, as a result, these have been sold here in their thousands, resulting in lots of frustrated Kiwi gardeners.

In recent years, New Zealand nurseries have recognised this problem and started selecting redder seed strains to raise. Look out for ‘Moulin Rouge,’ ‘Crimson Crumble' and 'Ruby Tart', or find a gardener with a very old clump of red rhubarb in their garden and beg a bit.

The reddest variety in my own garden was planted by a friend’s great-grandmother in the 1890s, and has been lovingly passed down through the generations - and gifted to other gardeners - as a family heirloom.

Rhubarb is a perennial, dying down naturally with winter frosts and biding its time until the soil warms up again in spring. In the UK, pale pink “forced” rhubarb is a gourmet treat, as prized as the first spears of asparagus. Growers uproot their plants and pack them into warm,

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dark sheds to break their dormancy, resulting in an early haul of tender, blanched stems.

When forced rhubarb returns to life, it does so audibly: the stalks famously pop and crackle as they emerge.

Rhubarb is a greedy plant that does best in fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Prepare the soil prior to planting with garden fertiliser, chook poo, horse manure and seaweed. You can keep a clump in a large pot if you’re prepared to pile on the sheep pellets and feed regularly with an organic liquid fertiliser. Keep rhubarb well-watered and give newly planted crowns a year to find their feet before you start harvesting.

One of my favourite nostalgic recipes is Aunt Daisy’s Rhubarb and Banana Jam. Chop 750g rhubarb into 2cm pieces. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with 750g sugar. Stand overnight, then place in a pot with the juice of a lemon. Bring gently to the boil, stirring regularly, and simmer until soft (about 10 minutes). Finally, add 2-3 mashed bananas and boil for another 5 minutes. Pouring into small jars and seal.

Unfortunately, rhubarb doesn’t necessarily come “true to type” from seed

The first spring stalks will be paler red than the autumn crop, as the stalks deepen in colour as the nights get cooler. You can aid this process by cutting off uneaten stalks in early summer to encourage a flush of new, darker stalks in autumn and early winter.

Although botanically a vegetable, we invariably eat rhubarb for pudding; it’s delicious in crumbles, cakes, pies and preserves.

If you’re on a low-sugar diet, you can trick your tastebuds to tolerate rhubarb’s natural tartness by stewing the chopped stems with a thumb of ginger, angelica stems, a handful of lemon balm or a cupful of frozen berries. Simmering in fruit juice also helps, or add a pinch of powdered stevia or artificial sweetener after cooking (just don’t overdo it as this can result in an unpleasant metallic aftertaste).

Finally, if you do have a flourishing clump of green rhubarb that refuses to turn red, don’t despair when stewing the stalks. You can always cheat and add a few drops of red food colouring when no one is looking.

SEASONAL CHECKLIST Plant new potatoes for Christmas. The easiest varieties for small gardens are ‘Rocket’ and ‘Swift’.

Sprinkle the seed of red solider poppies. Although an ANZAC Day icon, they flower in spring in New Zealand, and self-sow year after year once established.

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Raise heirloom tomato plants from seed, but don’t transplant before Labour Weekend.

Sow peas, broad beans, lettuces, turnips, radishes, carrots and beetroot.

Plant Christmas lily bulbs, gladioli corms and dahlia tubers for a colourful summer display.

GO GREENER

Green Update Read the latest on Summerset’s sustainability journey.

Building a better future

Greener ways to travel

Summerset has recently joined New Zealand’s Green

As you know, the Go Greener theme for this

Building Council, marking another important step

quarter is travel, and we’ve been focused

towards becoming a more sustainably focused company.

on all the ways we can reduce our carbon

The Green Building Council is New Zealand’s main body for sustainable building knowledge and certification.

Dean Tallentire, General Manager of the Summerset construction team, says joining the council will give Summerset staff access to skills and knowledge on more environmentally sensitive building practices for our villages.

“Becoming a member of the Green Building Council shows our commitment to becoming more sustainably aware, and it also holds us accountable for making a change to a more sustainable mindset.

“We have a large building programme, and even small changes in how we build, and the materials we use, will have a positive impact on the environment,” Dean says.

footprint through eco-friendlier ways of commuting.

Whether it’s using public transport, sharing car trips with friends and neighbours, biking or strolling to the shops instead of taking the car, every little change helps our environment.

Staff at Wigram village are doing well with car alternatives – we’ve heard there’s a bike rider, e-scooter rider, two walkers, two lots of ride sharers and several bus-catchers on the team!

And staff at Summerset in the Sun (pictured below) enjoyed pedalling to work for their ‘Go by Bike’ day.

Go Car free It’s World Car Free Day on 22 September, and all villages have been invited to get involved! Do you remember the ‘carless days’ from the 1970s, when petrol shortages meant everyone had to choose a day of the week when they didn’t use their car? Share your stories of that time with us at green.team@summerset.co.nz

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ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY

CRAFT CORNER

SPRING PINS It’s always a joy to notice the days getting longer and gardens coming back to life as winter retreats. Celebrate spring growth by making and wearing something botanical on your jacket, and make a few for your friends to wear!

These little pins are simple and fun to construct, and can be easily customised to represent your favourite flower.

I’ve used a selection of coloured wool felt to create these flowers. Cut the basic shapes, as shown, from a variety of colours and have fun putting them together in different combinations to make a whole garden of blooms!

A simple safety pin on the back will create a bright brooch for your cardigan, or transform your room with a string of these hung up in the window. They also look beautiful threaded onto a ribbon around a wrapped gift.

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Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

SUPPLIES Small pieces of felt fabric in several colours

Scissors

Sewing needle

Embroidery

Paper and pencil

thread (you could

(if making a pattern)

– wool felt is best, but an acrylic blend also works. I’ve used one square each of white,

also use a hot glue

red, yellow, green,

gun if preferable)

black and violet felt.

Safety pin

CONSTRUCTION 1

Using the photo as a guide, cut out the flower components. You can either do this by drawing the shape directly onto the felt with a pen first, or making a paper pattern as a template.

2

If making a pin, cut an oval piece for a ‘backing patch’.

3

Construct each flower by sandwiching four shapes of different sizes together (from largest to smallest), then arrange the leaves behind them in a pleasing way.

4

Use embroidery thread to secure the layers

5

Now take the backing patch piece and, using small hand-stitches, sew it to the back of the flower, covering up your previous stitches.

6

Finally, sew the non-opening side of the safety pin to this backing piece, as in the photo.

1

6

together through the centre. One cross-stitch should be enough, or you could work some French knots to secure the layers.

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W W W. N Z B O O K L O V E R S .C O. N Z

BOOK REVIEWS

Scatterlogical Wisdom F R A N C ES H A L L Frances Hall has written a lively memoir that is a reflective look at her life, with hearty helpings of humour. It doesn’t tell you everything about her life, but rather the best and worst, and lessons learnt. She talks about being a country kid with lofty aspirations and, later, about marriage and being a solo mum of four children. Hall also talks about her various careers, include bun running, journalism, radio presentation and tour leading. She has lived in the USA and has travelled to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, to name just a few.

So, what are the lessons in this book? Hall aims to be one of the ‘balcony folk’, who live on the top of life and encourage everyone to join them as they accentuate the good and downplay the negative. She doesn’t encourage people to be ‘basement dwellers’, whingeing about everything.

Scatterlogical Wisdom is a delight to read. Hall has written about her life with humour and grace, in a way that embraces how messy and unpredictable real life can be. Celebrating her thirst for travel and adventure, WILD SIDE PUBLISHING RRP $29.95

through good times and challenging times, this down-to-earth memoir is scattered with pearls of wisdom that will resonate with many readers.

Last Writes P E N N Y T U C K E R A N D R E B EC CA Z W I TS E R Last Writes is a beautiful personal journal for recording final wishes, closing reflections and detailing your last legacy. Created by two friends, Penny Tucker and Rebecca Zwitser, it came about after they had a talk about the tricky subject of death and how to manage it. The result is a journal that is both practical and inspirational, based on a notebook kept

by Penny’s mother but now transformed into a lovely template for other families.

The book is divided into sections with room for you to write and add whatever you want. You can comment on elements of your life that you want to share or to help people understand, remember and reflect on.

There is space to add interesting anecdotes from the family tree. There are also sections for the specific information about how you want to be sent off and the administration of your estate. Finally, there is space for you to write quotes and thoughts about anything important.

Last Writes will be a helpful and treasured book for immediate families following the death of a loved one, providing a template that will create a LAST WRITES RRP $39.99

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Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

wonderful blueprint for relatives. Although it deals frankly with death, it also manages to be wonderfully life-affirming.

The Air That We Breathe K A R A D O U G L AS In 1961, Italian immigrants Abele and Maria settle into life in Western Australia, far from their friends and family. They have made the move from Italy as they have been promised a financially secure future, with Abele working in an asbestos mine. The work is backbreaking, with long hours in the harsh, desolate Outback, but they are willing to do this for their family to get ahead. But what they don’t know is that there are mounting health warnings to management that are being wilfully ignored, and the mine continues to operate despite it being unsafe.

Thirty years later, Abele and many of the other miners become ill, and the family begins a difficult journey to seek justice. But there are even more twists and turns, and the family experiences the unthinkable.

The Air That We Breathe is a compelling novel that is even more emotionally engaging when you learn that it is based on real-life events.

The author has done a fabulous job of creating a believable and ordinary family. They are honest and hard-working, caring and family oriented, yet REDUST PUBLISHING RRP $34.95

caught up in a nightmare caused by corporate greed.

King Solomon’s Deadly Legacy J O H N F E RG U SSO N This page-turning novel follows the story of British scientist Simon Archer, who heads to Malaysia seeking a cure for his daughter’s leukaemia. His marriage is rocky, but he is determined to do whatever he can to save his daughter, hoping to find a plant with the properties to cure her. But while in Malaysia, Simon ends up swimming in a pool of water and is sucked into an underground tunnel, almost drowning – only to wake up in the time of King Solomon.

This sets up a story that alternates between the current day and King Solomon’s time, each with its unique problems. But as Simon travels from past to present and back again, few believe his story. Can he save his marriage and his daughter? And what does it mean when Simon turns from atheist to believer at the same time as King Solomon’s faith fades?

I particularly enjoyed the sections of the book that transport the reader back to biblical times. It is well researched and intriguing, a book that is action-packed and suspenseful, but also with more significant themes.

KOEHLER BOOKS $34.95

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

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ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY

STYLE

Stunning scarlet

A universally flattering shade of red is set to fire up your spring wardrobe

Chilled by the long winter? Then you need to add a blaze of on-trend scarlet to your wardrobe.

Red has long been associated with love, passion, energy and power, so it’s no wonder that it’s been chosen as one of the colours for spring. This colour – named on the Pantone chart as Flame Scarlet 18-1662 – is a medium to deep red. It’s a ‘look-at-me’ shade that mimics the growing season’s brightest blooms.

Flame Scarlet is more flattering than the usual fire-engine shade you might associate with red.

It’s a universal colour that suits nearly all skin tones (and looks amazing with grey hair). Wearing this shade might be good for your health, too, as colour experts believe red enhances human metabolism.

Who needs to go to the gym when you can simply wriggle into a pair of scarlet trousers?

It might require an act of bravery to wear such an in-your-face colour if you’re the shy, retiring type, but it’s not totally off limits. If you’d like to add a touch of fire to your spring look, start small: paint your nails, try a swipe of scarlet lipstick or lip gloss, or try a silk scarf. Flame Scarlet looks great with blue and white (be mindful about

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proportions, though, so you don’t resemble the French flag). And what could be more cheerful than a pair of jeans and a scarlet jersey or shoes?

Wearing this shade might be good for your health, too, as colour experts believe red enhances human metabolism.

When it comes to style tips, a top one would be to resist the temptation to wear Flame Scarlet with black – the contrast is too harsh. It’s beautiful paired with white, but do avoid any white fur trim or you might be mistaken for a Christmas decoration!

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

Today is a

EXERCISE

GOOD DAY TO MOVE With dark, wintry weather behind us, it’s a popular time of year for thinking about fitness.

Whether you’re a regular exerciser coming back after a break, or a complete beginner, - today is a great day to start!

The benefits of good habits are in the future and the investment is now.

Like with most things though, it’s best to start slowly. So before you lace up your walking shoes, here are a few key pointers that fitness coaches want you to know: START SMALL, THEN SMALLER THAN THAT What we are aiming for with getting back into exercise is a habit change, not a large, intense exercise schedule. This could mean something as small as putting on your walking shoes and heading out to the end of the street and back. This builds the habit of preparing ourselves to move more. You could do this for the first week and then the following week head around the block. After a few weeks the habit will be installed, and the time needed to do so is booked in.

TELLING ANOTHER PERSON HELPS TO KEEP YOU ACCOUNTABLE One of the biggest obstacles many face is relying on motivation to move. Telling a friend or family member about your exercise plans helps to keep you on track, and the extra support and encouragement always boosts your chances of achieving your goals.

CHOOSE ACTIVITIES THAT RELATE TO THE SEASONS For spring this could include gardening, walking, getting out a racquet to hit a ball around or cycling.

A bonus tip is to make it fun and social.

SET YOURSELF A CHALLENGE, AND SET A DATE These two combined are a really effective way to approach health and fitness goals. Giving yourself an (achievable) challenge and a date to reach or review makes you more likely to stick to what you planned.

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ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

TRAVEL LOG

WAIHEKE ISLA Once it’s safe to start exploring again, idyllic Waiheke Island makes a perfect day trip or

weekend away for the adventurous, the curious or those just looking for a relaxing escape.

ACCOMMODATION Waiheke Island accommodation is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning traveller.

As well as an abundance of beachfront holiday homes and welcoming B&Bs, it offers some truly luxurious accommodation options.

Perched on a bush-clad hill overlooking the stunning seascape, Te Whau Lodge is hard to beat for a luxury getaway. The boutique lodge has only four rooms, so you can really get away from it all to enjoy the sumptuous furnishings, spectacular views and all the extra touches that make a stay here really memorable (think gourmet breakfast, fresh canapés and wine each evening, plus access to a private beach).

If your plan on Waiheke Island is to do a whole lot of relaxing, check in to the secluded luxury that is Delamore Lodge. Known for its incredible views and high-end facilities, Delamore is home to a handful of sumptuous suites, its own day spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, infinity pool and sprawling gardens. Although there is no need to leave the lodge for the entirety of 44

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

your Waiheke visit, the staff here will also help you arrange your island itinerary should you wish to explore.

EATING Breakfast will likely be covered at your accommodation, but if not, a trip into the centre of Onetangi or Oneroa will provide a selection of cafés and restaurants open for breakfast, with a focus on healthy food and excellent coffee.

If you are visiting during the weekend, lunch at Casita Miro in Onetangi is a must. Winner of numerous restaurant awards, this Spanish restaurant specialises in incredible authentic Mediterranean tapas dishes alongside wine from its own vineyard and Spanish sherries.

When surrounded by ocean and vineyards, a seafood meal with local wines is just the thing!

Dinner at Vino Vino in Oneroa promises a relaxed ambience along with a variety of fish and seafood dishes, an impressive steak menu and a side serving of unforgettable sea views.

AND ACTIVITIES For many, Waiheke Island is synonymous with wine, and with over 20 vineyards on the island, it’s easy to see why. As the wineries are spread across the 92km 2 island, your best option for experiencing (and tasting) their myriad offerings is with a specialist tour operator.

Waiheke Island Wine Tours offers daily explorations as well as options for private tours or two-day tours, giving you an insight into local island life as well as the stories behind each winery and a scenic drive with commentary (on top of your wine tastings, of course).

For a different type of tour, check out the Art Walk offered by Walking by Nature. This scenic five- hour walk takes you to a range of art galleries, artists’ studios and a beautiful sculpture park, as well as a Forest & Bird reserve and a special lunch at the home of a local artist. Your guide will give you a commentary on the local scenery, history and art as you go.

If you’d rather get onto the water than look at it from afar, take to the seas with Classic Boat Charters’ Waiheke Sailing Tour. Explore Waiheke Island’s coastline and discover beautiful secluded bays on this eight-hour excursion. Enjoy lunch on board or arrange to be dropped off at one of the local winery restaurants for a meal. This is an excellent opportunity to see the island from a different angle.

If you’re looking for luxurious accommodation, delicious food, award-winning wine and unforgettable views, Waiheke Island is the perfect little getaway.

STATS Region: Auckland Airport: Waiheke Island Aerodrome Main road: Ocean View Road, Oneroa Population: 9,330

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Summerset Scene | Spring Issue Puzzles © The Puzzle Company SPLIT DECISION

SUDOKU

WORDWHEEL: 1. NEEDLESS. 2. WRESTLES. 3. SATCHELS.

Across: 1. Amuse, 4. Primary colours, 11. Sight, 14. Tried, 15. Mothers-to-be, 16. Maharani, 19. Centred, 20. Mould, 21. Quarterly, 24. Sacrilege, 26. Crease, 27. Priory, 31. React, 32. Dispirit, 34. Well I never, 37. Lei, 39. Foreman, 40. Safari, 41. Raisin, 42. Trip, 43. Gestapo, 46. Carelessly, 51. Surreal, 55. Norm, 56. Ulster, 57. Choose, 58. Gladden, 60. Eye, 62. Referendum, 63. Notional, 64. Pause, 67. Carafe, 68. Ignore, 69. Oppressed, 74. Liberated, 75. Legal, 76. Perplex, 81. Prepared, 82. Carry the can, 83. Found, 84. Eagle, 85. Doubting Thomas, 86. Level.

Down: 2. Marked, 3. Swept, 5. Riot, 6. Mah-jong, 7. Rarely, 8. Cite, 9. Labourer, 10. Seabed, 11. Small print, 12. Goat, 13. Trilogy, 17. Weary, 18. Prosperity, 22. Plaid, 23. Converse, 25. Ancient, 26. Cat-like, 28. Before, 29. Grease, 30. Plaits, 33. Plaza, 35. Repel, 36. Harp, 38. Iris, 43. Goner, 44. Sure-fire, 45. Oblong, 46. Cat burglar, 47. Rare, 48. Licence, 49. Snooty, 50. Lasso, 52. Ugly, 53. Radiate, 54. Averse, 59. Profligate, 61. Carry, 65. Forecast, 66. Ashen, 67. Crumple, 70. Placebo, 71. Depend, 72. Septet, 73. Seance, 77. Prove, 78. Berg, 79. Iron, 80. Saga.

eight-letter word reading clockwise or CODECRACKER anticlockwise. Previous solution: WRESTLES

CROSSWORD

Insert the missing letter to complete an

3

L E

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: SPONSORS

S S 1

E L N E

H ?

S S

A T

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: NEEDLESS

1704

E ?WordWheel 1702

E L

T S S W

R ?

2

1703

Insert the missing letter in each puzzle to make an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise WordWheel

WordWheel

WORDWHEEL 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

1

2

3

4

14

5

6

7

8

9

10

15

11

12

16

17

18

19

20

21

22 24

23

25

26

28 32

30

33

34

36

37

39

43

27

29

31

45

55

35

38

40

44

41

46

47

56

48

49

42

50

51

57

59

52

64

65

66

68

69

71 74

73

75 79

81

ACROSS 1. Entertain (5) 4. Blue, green and red (7,7) 11. Vision (5) 14. Attempted (5) 15. Expectant women (7-2-2) 16. Maharajah’s wife (8) 19. In the middle (7) 20. Mildew (5) 21. Four times a year (9) 24. Blasphemy (9) 26. Fold (6) 27. Residence within a monastery (6) 31. Respond (5) 32. Discourage (8) 34. Exclamation of surprise (4,1,5) 37. Polynesian flower garland (3) 39. Chief of a group of workers (7) 40. Hunting or tourism expedition (6) 41. Dried grape (6) 42. Stumble (4) 43. Nazi police force (7)

70

72

78

76

77

80

82

83

85

46. Done without attention (10) 51. Resembling a dream (7) 55. Average (4) 56. One of Ireland’s four provinces (6) 57. Select (6) 58. Hearten (7) 60. Centre of a hurricane (3) 62. National vote on an issue (10) 63. Theoretical (8) 64. Hesitate (5) 67. Water or wine container (6) 68. Shun (6) 69. Persecuted (9) 74. Freed (9) 75. Legitimate (5) 76. Confuse (7) 81. Ready (8) 82. Accept responsibility (5,3,3) 83. Discovered (5) 84. Bird of prey (5) 85. Sceptical person (8,6) 86. Even (5)

54

61 63

67

53

58

60

62

84

13

86

DOWN 2. Branded (6) 3. Brushed (5) 5. Outbreak of mass violence (4) 6. Game played with 144 tiles (3,4) 7. Seldom (6) 8. Quote (4) 9. Person who does physical work (8) 10. Ocean floor (6) 11. The details on a contract (5,5) 12. Caprine animal (4) 13. Set of three (7) 17. Tired (5) 18. Wealth (10) 22. Tartan (5) 23. Talk (8) 25. Very old (7) 26. Feline (3-4) 28. Prior (6) 29. Lubricate (6) 30. Braids (6) 33. Public square (5) 35. Push back (5) 36. Large stringed instrument (4)

38. Coloured part of eye (4) 43. Someone who’s doomed (colloq) (5) 44. Certain, guaranteed (4-4) 45. Rectangular (6) 46. Light-footed thief? (3,7) 47. Uncommon (4) 48. Permit (7) 49. Stuck up (6) 50. Lariat (5) 52. Unsightly (4) 53. Give off heat or light (7) 54. Strongly against (6) 59. Recklessly extravagant (10) 61. Tote (5) 65. Prediction (8) 66. Pale-faced (5) 67. Fold up under pressure (7) 70. Drug with no effect (7) 71. Rely (6) 72. Group of seven (6) 73. Spiritual meeting (6) 77. Show to be true (5) 78. Floating ice (4) 79. Element, Fe (4) 80. Long tale (4)

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PETS

PETS OF SUMMERSET EMBER’S GOT ATTITUDE

has her own designated chair in

leaving them on the mat at the

Kirsten’s office, which is covered

front entrance… lovely! She’s a

Ember, the care centre cat at

in cat hair so nobody else will sit

real character and has fitted in

there.

well.”

She is happy for a quick pat but

A DOG’S LIFE

Summerset by the Ranges, is a regular visitor at the twice-weekly village croquet games on the bowling green. And she’s not exactly a well-behaved spectator – she often tries to distract the

not so much the cuddles, and will often be found curled up on a resident’s bed, in the respite room (when she can get in), a lounge

players to get attention!

chair, or the chair in the main

“Ember came to us in August last

tank!

year when she was just over four years old,” says Office Manager

entrance right beside the fish We are all her ‘door keepers’,

Fiona Carrick.

letting her in and out constantly

“Since then, she has made herself

village, so she has us all well

totally at home, knows where her treats are and let’s [Care Centre Manager] Kirsten know when she is ready for some more. She also

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Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

as she likes to explore out in the trained.

And she has also taken to bringing in mice and birds recently, or

With no shortage of attention, and pats and ear-rubs galore, it’s easy to see why therapy dogs love catching up with their human friends at Summerset villages.

Pictured is Col from Summerset on Summerhill, who has been keeping warm in his new denim jacket – matching stylish housekeeper Rose; and Niko from Canine Friends, who thoroughly enjoyed meeting resident Barry Davidson at Summerset in the Bay.

DIRECTORY AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

B AY O F P L E N T Y

Summerset Whangarei*

Summerset by the Sea

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

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

Summerset Falls

Summerset by the Dunes

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

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

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 WA I K AT O

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

H AW K E ’ S B AY

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 TA R A N A K I

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 M A N AWAT U – W H A N G A N U I

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* 80 Laurent Road, Cambridge 8493 Phone (07) 839 9482

WELLINGTON

Summerset on the Coast 104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032 Phone (04) 298 3540 Summerset on the Landing

* Proposed village

Summerset at Aotea 15 Aotea Drive, Aotea, Porirua 5024 Phone (04) 235 0011 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 N E L S O N – TA S M A N – M A R L B O R O U G H

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 Summerset Prebbleton* 578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 7604 Phone (03) 353 6312 O TA G O

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

1-3 Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022 Phone (04) 230 6722

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