Tidings Autumn 2022

CELEBRATING OUR VILLAGERS OF THE YEAR Beth & Adrian share why they volunteer

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY

The importance of Anzac Day Leroy reveals all about Vietnam and life after war INSIDE THIS ISSUE CEO’S COLUMN | GENERAL NEWS | RESIDENT STORIES

Jan speaks about her nursing career

Cycling Through Life

Alan shares his passion

AUTUMN 2022

tidings

26 Plantation Dr Bentley WA 6102 Phone: (08) 6250 0000 Fax: (08) 9470 2017 www.swancare.com.au twitter.com/swancare

Admin Team Refreshing Their PPE Training - Page 6

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Tidings Magazine is a bi-monthly publication produced and printed on behalf of the residents at SwanCare.

Material deadline for advertising is the 7th of the month preceding each bimonthly edition.

To book advertising or for information regarding rates please contact SwanCare on 6250 0032.

Please supply editorial contributions as a Word document electronically to tidings@swancare.com.au. Hard copies of articles can be handed to reception in the Administration offices at Bentley Park and Australind Rise.

Any supporting photographs may be supplied electronically or as hardcopy prints.

Disclaimer In good faith SwanCare accepts articles, a small selection of advertisements, and other content for Tidings. However, the opinions and claims expressed in articles and advertising materials presented in Tidings are those of the authors and the advertisers respectively, and do not necessarily reflect the views of SwanCare, unless stated.

No responsibility is accepted by SwanCare for the accuracy of information contained in the articles or advertisements.

Cover image: SwanCare Bentley Park resident Leroy McDorman.

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Adrian Fishwick - Page 10

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Volunteers Function 2021 - Page 11

CEO'S COLUMN News from SwanCare’s CEO, Graham Francis

ECO UPDATE Environmental Sustainability Plan progress

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SWANCARE NEWS

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RESIDENT STORY

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News from around SwanCare

Jan Irvine

VALUABLE VOLUNTEERS Villagers of the Year – Beth Tas & Adrian Fishwick

Gardens Interest Group - Page 20

Janet Openshaw - Page 14

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Clinker Rocky Road Recipe - Page 26

VILLAGE NEWS Clubs & Groups updates

RESIDENT STORY Janet Openshaw

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RESIDENT STORY

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GARDENS INTEREST GROUP

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LIBRARY

Leroy McDorman

Autumn Tips & Tricks for Your Garden

Penny’s Book Review

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Penny's Book Review - Page 21

PASSIONS & PASTIMES Alan Naber – Long Distance Cycling

BRAIN EXERCISES Word Sleuth by Sue Lewis

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MEET THE STAFF

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LEGENDARY RECIPES

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OUT & ABOUT

Mat Allam - Manager Operations – ICT

Nancy Kingston – Clinker Rocky Road

Photos from across the village

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SwanCare News

CEO'S Column Hello Residents and Readers,

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Request a telehealth appointment from your health care professional

Welcome to 2022 and the first edition of our seasonal Tidings Magazine! I’d like to start off by wishing you a great year ahead as you find your new normal and reach for those new year goals.

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Keep up to date with vaccinations, including COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations when eligible

We know that as an industry and community we face tough times this year, so I would like to take a moment to reassure you all that SwanCare is very well prepared for COVID-19. We have extremely good infection control processes and highly skilled staff. All of our staff are fully vaccinated and a high level of resident cooperation means that most have sought the opportunity to be fully vaccinated too.

We are in the best position possible to manage through the inevitable community spread that will eventually reach our doorstep. All retirement living residents are encouraged to make their own risk assessment in terms of movements and attendance of events and activities inside and outside of the village.

This is a timely reminder to ensure you are doing things to keep you safe, such as: •

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser

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Wear a mask (including outdoors when social distancing is not possible)

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Maintain social distancing where possible

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Use the SafeWA/ServicesWA app or manual register to check into venues visited

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If feeling unwell, get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received

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Minimise movement outside of the community where possible

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SwanCare is always here to help if any residents are worried. Please reach out to administration if you feel the need and we can provide relevant information to help ease concerns.

Aside from COVID-19 information, as usual for this time of year our strategic planning is at full throttle. Planning for the next 5 years of our evolution, focusing on key areas of financial sustainability, infrastructure management, customer service, quality care, staff development, and optimising internal systems and technology advancements. The plan, once completed, will provide a roadmap for the continued enhancement, development and improvement to our community that will ensure that SwanCare remains a leading provider of integrated care, accommodation and services to all who choose to make SwanCare their home.

There are many things that I am personally looking forward to in the next couple of months such as Easter with my family, honouring the ANZACs, and the AFL season is only 4 weeks away! One hopes that this can restore some harmony and balance back into our lives, it will for me as I am supremely confident that the Eagles will be contenders this year for September glory.

Wishing you a fantastic autumn season!

Graham Francis SwanCare CEO

Environmental Update Environmental Sustainability Update Since the approval of the Environmental Sustainability Plan by the SwanCare Board late in 2021, the Environmental Sustainability Committee (consisting of both SwanCare staff and residents), has met to discuss the roll out of the key initiatives for the next 12 months. These initiatives include:

SwanCare CEO, Graham Francis, with Recycling Items

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Environmental awareness campaigns

Containers for Change Update

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Study of a potential car sharing scheme and electric vehicle charging

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Expansion of village exchange program for harder to recycle items

We have cracked the $1,000 mark for the Containers for Change program! The funds raised are currently contributing to the installation of the solar lighting along Le Breton Lane.

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Investigate additional waste diversion including green waste, construction waste and improved recycling facilities within the village

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Identify additional solar power opportunities and seek exemption from Western Power for additional solar power installations on the southeastern side of Adie Court

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Opportunities for additional tree planting within the village

A Residents Environmental Action Group has also been formed to feed back information from residents into the Environmental Sustainability Committee.

SwanCare’s diversion to landfill was up 400% in January which is a fabulous feat.

Keep recycling where you can! Happy World Earth Day for 22nd April. You can celebrate by teaching others to recycle and making changes to ensure you are not using single use plastic.

Keep dropping your containers in the blue bins around the village to help keep the total rising. Just remember to place only empty loose containers with the 10c mark on them. Take lids off and do not place them in plastic bags. Please no wine bottles or other recyclables without the 10c mark as these may reduce the total donation received.

If you do not wish to place your containers in the blue bins around the village or would prefer to only give a part of your cash refund to SwanCare, you can take your containers to many refund points. At the refund point you can choose to receive the full refund or donate to a charity of your choice. You can donate to SwanCare by asking for the whole container refund or part of it to be assigned to scheme ID C10313407. $1,256 has been raised to date through 7,407 aluminium cans, 1,772 glass containers, 92 HDPE plastic, 903 liquid paperboard, and 2,386 PET. Remember all containers you donate go straight back to village initiatives at Bentley and support Scouts WA.

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SwanCare News

Admin Team Refreshing Their PPE Training

Admin Donning and Doffing

Akora Apartments

In early February the SwanCare Admin team completed their PPE donning and doffing refresher training. Some of the Admin staff will be covering non-clinical roles should the need arise in our aged care centres. The health and wellbeing of our SwanCare residents and staff continues to be our main priority. Please, if you are unwell, respect our residents and staff by refraining from visiting our aged care centres.

We can't believe that Akora Apartments at SwanCare Bentley Park has been open for 5 years already! These days Akora is fully occupied by a wonderful community of residents. We hear wonderful stories of neighbours looking out for each other and even in previous lock downs someone who went by with a trolley of items to help ease the boredom. If you would like the opportunity to join them, ensure you get in touch with our Sales Representative to put your name on our waitlist. Contact Matt Southgate on 6250 0016 or retire@swancare.com.au

Christmas Light Winners The Christmas spirit was alive at SwanCare!

Residents produced some amazing displays around our SwanCare Bentley Park campus.

You could certainly feel the festive cheer around the place. We loved seeing it!

The Christmas Decoration competition was hard fought, but there can only be one winner! First prize went to Gesina D and second prize went to: Hendrika Mc. A double whammy for the lucky Hawthorn Crescent residents! Honourable mentions also go out to Edna D, Jim & Phyl L, Maureen G, and Faye M. Thank you to all those who participated and spread Christmas cheer far and wide!

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Celebrating 5 Years of Akora Apartments

SwanCare News ServiceWA App Our Community Living Coordinator, Matt, organised several sessions for help with the ServiceWA app which is something that helps you provide your COVID-19 certificate, G2G passes, exposure sites and check-in all in one place. The ServiceWA app can be frustrating to start as you need to prove who you are, but once you have logged in it is fantastic to have all you need in the app on your mobile. In the end over 50 individual residents were helped to get their logins up and running. Some fantastic work from Matt and Roger M from our local RSL who ran the workshops to help our residents.

Employee of the Year 2021, Ronnie Deans

Employee of the Year

60th Anniversary Book Did you know that we have SwanCare 60th Anniversary books available for purchase?

Inside is a wonderful collection of stories from those who have had a hand in forming our community and a fantastic spread of new and historic photos.

You can pick one up from the SwanCare Administration for just $20. We hope you enjoy reading all about our journey so far!

C E L E B R AT I N G 60 Y E A R S O F P E O P L E , D E V E L O P M E N T & I N N O VAT I O N

COVID-19 Update Thank you to those residents who are checking into each activity, getting their vaccinations, showing COVID-19 certificates and wearing their masks.

Keep up the great work! There will be testing times ahead but know that we are all in this together. Please reach out to SwanCare if you need help at any time.

Our annual Feathers event is done and dusted!

We’d like to extend our warmest congratulations to our Employee of the Year for 2021, Ronnie Deans. Ronnie is one of our wonderful Administration Receptionists, and always has her finger on the pulse at SwanCare. Here’s her outstanding nomination: “I’d like to acknowledge Ronnie for her genuine care and proactive attitude. At 9.30am, Ronnie realised a resident, who usually visits admin reception at 9am, had not been in to see her. This was out of character for the resident, so Ronnie asked for a welfare check to be conducted.

Ronnie’s ability to recognise a potential issue with the resident and her urgent call to Resident Support prevented a serious incident. Thank you, Ronnie, for the compassion you give to residents, for being on the ball, and for taking action. You are an asset to SwanCare!”

A big congratulations is also in order for our first runner up, Teresa Sans-Souci, and our second runner up, Amit Kumar. We’d also like to recognise our category winners, Alex Kyriakacis, Drishti Goojha, Kirsty Allin, Maria Ibardolosa, George Palmer, Rembrant Sy, Peter Kwan, Charmaine Abrantes and Loraine Bradshaw.

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Resident Story

A Life of Service International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated on May 12 every year. This year we spoke to SwanCare resident and former nurse Jan Irvine about what nursing means to her.

Nursing was always going to be in Jan’s blood!

Incredibly, Jan had three aunties who were nurses. It seemed like a natural profession for her to be drawn to with her kind and compassionate nature.

As a nurse for 50 years, Jan studied at Fremantle Hospital, graduating in 1961. She was an indentured apprentice at the hospital, which meant the young nurses lived at the hospital and the Matron looked after their physical and moral wellbeing.

She saw many changes in the industry during her time as a nurse from when she started to when she retired in the 80s. “I think for nurses now it’s gone from being generalists being trained in the hospital back in my day, to the age of the specialist nurse now who train at University which changed in 1975,” said Jan. “I’m 81 now and I saw so many changes come through in my time. When we first started for example, we were Government employees and we weren’t allowed to work after we were married. Most of us just thought we’d be doing it as a backstop until we met Mr Right. But for me, it didn’t work out that way, I really got the wanderlust and I couldn’t wait to explore Australia and overseas working as a nurse.”

Jan grew up on a wheatbelt farm in Dowerin and she said that her father’s work ethic played a big part in the nurse she became. “Men of the bush are not great talkers,” laughed Jan. “But from him I learnt kindness, empathy, honesty and generosity, along with a good practical can-do work ethic, which served me very well in my life.”

After Jan finished her nurse’s training, she hit the road with a girlfriend working all over Australia, mostly on the East Coast, before going to London in 1962. “I lived and worked

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Jan Irvine at SwanCare Bentley Park

in London as an agency nurse, and those were the best years of my life,” said Jan. “The girl from the wheatbelt had discovered the most cosmopolitan city. I fell in love with the arts, the music and I adored being surrounded by all of that history.”

Jan travelled extensively through the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and North Africa while she was overseas. “I didn’t always travel with a girlfriend, but you could always find someone from Kangaroo Valley on your travels,” said Jan. “We were welcomed into people’s homes, and we truly became friends for life. Not long after that though, my mother had a stroke and I returned home. I couldn’t settle in Perth, so I ended up in Port Hedland where I met my first husband. The hospital covered such a large geographical area and I loved going out with the doctors on the plane, there was no RFDS back then.”

At the time Port Hedland built a new hospital

Resident Story for the emerging iron ore industry. During the time that Jan was stationed there, she can recall many stories of her time there. “If I was in the vicinity of an emergency, we would always be the first ones to help,” said Jan. “I can recall times I was involved in delivering a baby at the shops and a time where I was out for a drink and had to help someone who had been slashed multiple times with a broken beer bottle.”

Jan and her first husband soon moved to Sydney, where she worked at a nursing agency and as a clinical instructor. She said of all the nursing she’s done, Paediatrics was hands down her favourite. “I just love working with kids, I always have,” she said. “I had two sons of my own and working with kids was always my favourite ward to be on.”

It’s no secret that Jan has had a hard life, but she has always felt that in the end it was nursing that saved her. “I had two bad marriages,” said Jan. “I was a single mum and I often needed to find work quickly. I could always do that with nursing because you could get a job easily as a nurse anywhere in the world. Nursing was good for me, and I hope I was good for nursing.”

As for what makes a good nurse Jan said it’s plain and simple.

“You need to have empathy and kindness, you must have those two things,” said Jan. “International Nurses Day is a wonderful day to celebrate the profession and it's relevant to me because I’ve worked in so many different areas of it and in several different countries. After 50 years of nursing practice, nursing is who I am, it’s what I am. I’ve really had a wonderful life, doing something that was

worthwhile and making a difference.”

These days Jan is retired from nursing, but still enjoys volunteering. Jan is part of the Bentley Social Club and said part of the reason she’s involved is to support SwanCare residents’ mental health. “I’m the event coordinator for the social club,” said Jan. “I help put on the concerts and I believe those concerts promote wellbeing and connection for a lot of people. It gladdens my heart to help with the concerts and I hope it gladdens the hearts of the people who attend.”

Having lived at SwanCare Bentley Park for many years now, it is clear that Jan likes the community that we’ve built here. “One of the things I love about living at SwanCare is that there's a vibrant community here,” said Jan. “Living here is the best decision I ever made!”

Thanks for chatting with us, Jan! You have an incredible story and one that we’re sure many will enjoy reading about.

Jan in Nursing Uniform

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Valuable Volunteers 2021 Volunteers Wrap Up In December SwanCare Volunteers were invited to have a ‘Swinging Christmas’ celebration for International Volunteers Day and in honour of all their hard work in 2021. Light supper and refreshments were served and the crowd were entertained by Simone Craddok (vocalist) and Chris Foster (piano). At the end there was even a Christmas present for all in attendance as a little thank you for a great year.

The ‘Villagers of the Year 2021’ were announced as Beth Tas and Adrian Fishwick.

Congratulations to you both! You both bring so much to our village and your contribution means more than you know.

Volunteers Function 2021

Thank you to all volunteers who worked tirelessly in 2021. We couldn’t do it without you!

The Art of Giving Volunteering has always been a way of life for Beth Tas to give back to the communities she has lived in. As one of the award winners of the SwanCare Villager of the Year Award for 2021, Beth said she loves living here and would encourage everyone to get involved in the groups that thrive within the village.

Beth has lived at SwanCare for the past seven years. During that time, she’s been an active member of the Bentley Park Social Club, has helped with the Theatre Group, driven the SwanMobile, been a member of the Bowling Club Committee and spent many happy hours singing as part of the village choir.

When speaking to Beth, she states “This award is such an honour, I’m just one of the many volunteers who help out at SwanCare.

I find giving is a wonderful way to stay happy and healthy.”

When she’s not volunteering, you’ll find her spending time with her family. Beth has three children and six grandchildren who keep her on her toes with babysitting and all that comes with being a grandparent!

There is a thriving volunteering community at SwanCare. “I feel that life has been good to me and that I should give something back in return,”

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Villager of the Year 2021, Beth Tas

said Beth. “This is my small way of doing that. At SwanCare you’ve always got someone to help you and that’s why I love it here so much. The level of commitment by people to the clubs at SwanCare is wonderful, the volunteers really do make this village; you meet wonderful people, and you’ll always find a friend.”

Congratulations again, Beth! Thank you for all that you do at SwanCare past and present.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please get in contact with Karen Parker on 6250 0010 or email karen.parker@swancare.com.au

Valuable Volunteers

A Quiet Achiever Giving your time to others to make their lives better is not for everyone. But for Adrian Fishwick it’s second nature. It’s obvious from talking to Adrian that there’s not much he wouldn’t do for others, but he humbly takes winning the Villager of the Year award for 2021 in his stride.

Adrian has lived at the Village since April 2018 and said he and his wife, Merrin, are very happy here. As part of his volunteering, Adrian drives the SwanMobile, is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Bentley Park Bowling Club, assists with Friday Night Flicks and was also a VRAC member until recently.

While Adrian lives in the SwanCare community he’s happy to give back. “I’m more than happy to volunteer,” said Adrian. “I think driving the SwanMobile really opens your eyes,” he said.

“There are a lot of people who live here who aren’t very mobile and driving them to the chemist, the shops, or an appointment helps them have some of their independence back and gives them company too.”

SwanCare Bentley Park has quite a mix of different people within the village. “It really does make you appreciate the mix of people we have here,” said Adrian. “I’m very happy to be able to give them that support while I still can.

If we didn’t have volunteers here, then those people wouldn’t be able to get what they need.”

A former accountant by profession, Adrian also relishes his role at the bowling club and has been part of it since 2018. “They can’t get rid of me!” he laughed. “It’s a very small club, but we have a good time. It was one of the first clubs I joined when we moved to SwanCare. It’s a great way to make friends and contacts.”

Adrian also helps at the Friday Night Flicks in the auditorium with whatever needs to be done. “I just support Bruce and Dianne, who do a wonderful job of bringing the community together to enjoy a good film,” he said.

Villager of the Year 2021, Adrian Fishwick

“Sometimes we can get up to 50 people there.

It’s nice for people to connect with each other and watch a film together.”

Living at SwanCare has been a pleasure for Adrian. He gives back to the community what he gets out of it. “In our apartment complex we have a very good social group; we get together out in the courtyard once a week and enjoy each other’s company,” said Adrian. “The beauty of SwanCare is we can keep to ourselves if we want to or go out and take advantage of what’s around. We really appreciate not having too many responsibilities.”

Thank you for chatting with us, Adrian.

Congratulations on a well-deserved accolade.

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Village News Battery Recycling

Swan Village Bowling Club

Thank you to all who have been recycling batteries and other items. It’s great to find that so many people are willing to recycle these items properly, instead of just putting them in the bin. It takes very little effort and is a big help in keeping our environment healthy.

The club celebrated its annual lunch, come official Christmas celebration, once again at RAAFA in Bullcreek. This is an event and venue which has proven most popular with the members and, as usual, was fully booked out well before the day. A good time was had by all with the excellent food, service, and company. Thanks go to Heather Williams for coordinating yet another enjoyable social event.

I take many items for special recycling, including batteries (all except car batteries), spectacles, mobile phones, watches (I insert new batteries and donate them to the op shop), hearing aids, printer ink cartridges, and fluorescent light globes (not tubes).

Recycling boxes for these items are located in Bentley Park as follows: •

Richard Cleaver Lodge near the letter boxes

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19 Graham Crescent at the ‘Village Exchange’

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Plantation Apartments foyer

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Administration building in the Auditorium

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West of Adie Court in rubbish rooms next to the laundries

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Drummond Apartments foyer

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Mavis Cleaver Court near the notice board

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Akora apartments in the basement rubbish room

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Waminda near reception desk

My only reward for doing this is the knowledge that we are helping to protect the Earth for future generations. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Allan Manning

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Match days are still being well attended, especially Wednesdays, when we have our usual ‘Happy Hour’ following the match.

Our final match day for 2021 was held on Wednesday 22nd December, marked by a shorter game followed by a few light snacks and drinks, provided by the club. Again, thanks go to all those members who have ensured that refreshments are always served ‘COVID Safe’ at all our Happy Hours and Gala Days.

After the last Happy Hour we had a short recess until Monday 3rd January; considering the time of year, that match was surprisingly well attended. We are also looking forward to welcoming some prospective new members joining us in the new year and hoping that we can benefit from some new experience.

With sadness we mark the passing of Margaret Crane and the club extends its deepest sympathy to Margaret’s daughter Tina and family.

Here’s hoping for a 2022 filled with happy and rewarding bowling. Many thanks to Paul Grzelec for helping us with lighting timers.

Chris Simms

Village News Bentley Park Residents’ Council It was great to see so many people at the first Residents’ Meeting for the year, and we were given useful updates by both Graham Francis and Matt Upston.

Following the new format, the next Residents’ Meeting will be on March 15th and we hope that the SwanCare Finance team will come and talk to us about village money matters!

Later in the year we hope to have talks from the ICT team, Maintenance team and Marketing team. Through these talks we hope that residents will gain an understanding of the complexity of the SwanCare business and that the various business departments can interact more directly with Bentley Park Village residents and their concerns.

We will have flyers delivered to each house as well as an entry in the monthly Bentley Park Bulletin to advertise the Residents’ Meetings.

The Action Groups have been meeting to follow-up issues in depth. The Environment Group has ideas for several workshops to discuss ways to improve waste management, recycling, and water use in the village. The Transport Group is actively working with management on issues concerning the buses, Swan Mobiles, and driver safety.

The Infrastructure Group will be providing resident input to Management on various proposed development projects.

These Action Groups will report to residents through the bi-monthly meetings and residents can have input to these groups either by joining them or by speaking to the relevant Council member.

SwanCare Auxiliary Welcome back for 2022 and hopefully a great year is ahead of us which includes all COVID safety measures. The next meeting is Thursday 22nd March at 1.30pm so a gentle reminder to remember all vax details and masks.

Phyllis Leavy has retired from the President’s position, but not the committee. We have all enjoyed Phyllis’ contribution to the village which we are all very thankful for. I’m now the new incoming President with lots to learn and looking forward to the challenge.

Check your diaries and keep 21st April free for the first outing for 2022 - flyers are on the way.

Check out the Bentley Park Bulletin for regular monthly events and updates.

Sandie Holmes

Fish 'n' Chips with Friends We will be welcoming the New Year with a change of name. As we have not been affiliated with the Stratton Centre for a number of years, the Committee decided that a name change would be great. So as of the 1st of January 2022, our new name is ‘Fish 'n' Chips with Friends’.

Friday 4th March – Celebrating St Patrick’s Day. Entertainer is the delightful Patrick O’Hooligan. Wear something green! Friday 1st April – Celebrating Easter. Entertainer will be “Rockin Ronnie”. Ladies wear your Easter bonnet. Friday 6th May – Celebrating Mother’s Day. Entertainer is Jay Weston.

All residents and especially new residents are most welcome to join us at our monthly luncheons. We are a happy bunch and you will meet new friends. Raffle tickets are on sale and there are prizes to be won.

Please feel free to contact any Council member if you have an idea, question, or concern, and we will endeavour to help.

Due to COVID-19 SwanCare health regulations, residents who attend our lunch must provide proof of vaccination (paper or phone). Due to limited seating, bookings can be made by contacting Lesley on 6250 0590. If call is not answered, please leave a message and your call will be returned.

Ellen Clair

Lesley Foster

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Resident Story

It’s a Wonderful Life Long-term resident, Janet Openshaw, has lived at SwanCare for the past 25 years. Before she came to live in the village, she shared a beautiful life with her husband Donald working as a physiotherapist all over the world.

Born in Yorkshire, Janet first trained as a physiotherapist in the UK working in hospitals in Leeds, Bristol and London. At the young age of 22, she married her school sweetheart, Don. Don was a Royal Airforce Officer and they were posted all over the world, moving every other year around the UK and overseas. While their lifestyle was often transient, Janet said she loved meeting new people all the time.

One of the most interesting places they lived was the port city of Tobruk in Libya, right near the Egyptian border. “We lived in Libya from 1966 to 1968, during the six-day war.

It was such an interesting time to be there,” Janet said. “I realised quite quickly into my time there that I couldn’t work as a physio, and I wasn’t interested in constantly sitting on the beach, so I volunteered at the local radio station to pass the time.”

Janet found that volunteering at the radio station was one of the most interesting things she’d ever done. “I’d do the 5-11pm shift when my husband could babysit, because by then we had a two-year-old son, and I just loved it, there was so much to learn,” said Janet. “We had a very engaged audience of 4,000 English speaking people.”

This was back in the days of vinyl records and Janet recalls doing the ‘Top of the Pops’ segment. “Radio seems very effortless, but goodness there’s a lot of effort that goes into every show,” said Janet.

It was in 1972 that the couple decided they’d like to settle somewhere. Looking for another new adventure, they became ‘Ten Pound Poms’ choosing Perth for its mediterranean climate and surrounded by vast open spaces. “Coming to Perth was just wonderful for us. We bought our first house here in Lesmurdie and we lived there for more than 20 years,” Janet said.

After the Airforce, Janet’s husband used his science degree to gain employment. “He got a job quickly at Churchlands Senior High, while I got a job at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital,” said Janet. “We were really happy here in Perth.”

Janet Openshaw at Line Dancing Class

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While Janet was working at the hospital, she specialised in Cystic Fibrosis where she was working with patients with chronic lung diseases. Janet won the ‘FA Johnston Scholarship’ during her tenure, which allowed her to visit several Cystic Fibrosis units around the world to understand how patients were treated in different countries. “When I was

Resident Story

Scholarship Winner Janet Openshaw with Cystic Fibrosis patent Ingrid Laing, 1992

first a physio in the 1950s, most patients with Cystic Fibrosis didn’t make it to adulthood,” said Janet. “So much has been done since then and many people living with it these days go on to have a long life.”

Perth. “There was so much we could learn from other countries about treatment,” said Janet.

“I used the scholarship to go to the UK, North America and Canada to see what they did and how they did it.”

There was a lot to learn from the other countries that Janet visited, which would become crucial for education about the treatment of disease in

Janet feels that there have been many changes in physiotherapy over the years. “I believe that Australia and Canada are at the forefront of

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Resident Story physio education. I loved meeting new people every day and helping them. It was the highlight of my career.”

Professionals in their respected fields, Janet and Don enjoyed their careers but eventually retired. “My husband ended up working as a lecturer in education at Curtin University until he retired,” said Janet. “I stayed at the hospital for 20 years as a Senior Physiotherapist until I retired in 1995.”

When Janet and Don both retired, they decided they wanted to stay active, so they became docents for the Perth Zoo. “I knew because we were both so used to meeting new people every day that we would feel lost when we retired,” said Janet. “We decided to volunteer to be docents at the Perth Zoo and we did that for 10 years. It was the best 10 years of my life!”

During the time at Perth Zoo, Janet and Don learnt about animals, plants and people,” said Janet. “It’s really a wonderful zoo and we got to spend many hours there together and with the other docents. If I had to choose a favourite animal from my time there, I’d say Trisha the Elephant as she’s such a matriarch and so beloved by the people of Perth.”

Janet has been very happy living at SwanCare throughout the years. Janet and her husband first bought a unit at St James, before moving into the village. “I absolutely love it here,” Janet said. “My mother-in-law lived here for 20 years before we moved in, so we knew this was where we wanted to be. We were very happy here, but unfortunately, I lost my husband seven years ago. We also lost our son three months before that, so it was a very hard time for our family.

Through it all though, I’ve felt very supported

by SwanCare. They look after me very well and when my family can’t be here, I still have everything I need.”

Family always comes first for Janet, who said that through the many trials and tribulations of life, she has always felt well cared for.

“When we lost my darling husband and my son within months of each other, it was incredibly hard on all of us,” said Janet. “But, my four grandchildren are doing so well now, supported by their wonderful mother. We are such a strong and bonded family because of all we’ve been through.”

Janet said if she had any advice for people looking for a retirement village, it would be not to base decisions on the buildings, but the community that thrives within it. “SwanCare really does it well,” Janet said. “I think when people are looking for retirement care they’re looking at the buildings, but I’m attracted to the facilities and the community here.

There’s a wonderful shop and a pharmacy that delivers. Whatever I want can be delivered to my door, the food is lovely, there’s a library and overall, they make my life easier.

Everything I need is here.”

The community is thriving with residents who truly care too. “We all look after each other here. Nobody knocks on your door unless there’s a reason to, but we all check in on one another occasionally, just so we know all is well. We respect each other’s privacy and I think people forget how important that is when you get older.”

Even now Janet’s love of learning is evident, and she shows no signs of slowing down. “I belong to a book club and four libraries,” said Janet. “I’m a member of the Karrakatta Club and I love to learn about art and literature. I still live such a full and interesting life and I love to learn. I feel very fortunate indeed.”

Thank you for chatting with us, Janet! It is clear that you have lived an action packed life. We’re so glad you’re liking your retirement with us at SwanCare.

Do you know a resident with an interesting story worth sharing? Contact the Marketing Team on 6250 0000 or email: tidings@swancare.com.au

16 SwanCare

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20/7/21 4:43 pm

Resident Story

Lest We Forget Anzac Day is an important commemoration for residents at SwanCare. Vietnam Veteran, Leroy McDorman, speaks about why we should continue to honour the day and keep the spirit of the ANZACs forever young.

When Earl ‘Leroy’ McDorman was called up for National Service, he knew he would be going to war, but he looked at it as a duty to his country and as a bit of an adventure.

Leroy was born in the US and spent the first three years of his life there before moving to Perth with his mother. Growing up in Victoria Park, he finished school and decided he wanted to work as a butcher.

Leroy loved his job, but when conscription began and his number was called, he did his duty for Australia and went to Vietnam to serve his country. “I had my number pulled out of the barrel, it was the only time I’ve ever won the Lotto,” laughed Leroy. “I joined the army in 1969 and by 1970 I was in Vietnam. A lot of people didn’t like the idea of National Service, but I didn’t go begrudgingly. It was something different and a bit of a challenge.”

think it’s a war that should have occurred,” said Leroy. “It was controversial, and I don’t really believe we should have been there.”

When Leroy returned to Perth he reunited with his wife Sue, went back to being a butcher for work and lived a quiet life. Throughout the coming years they had two daughters and Leroy joined his local RSL. His ongoing commitment to and love of the club led to him becoming President of the Victoria Park - South Perth and Districts RSL Sub-Branch in 2017. “I think clubs like the RSL are still so important,” said Leroy.

“They give people that sense of connection. I had a few bad moments when I got back from Vietnam, but I managed, because places like the RSL were there to support me.”

The RSL is looking for younger members to keep the tradition going. “It’s harder and harder for us to get younger members,” said Leroy. “It’s

Vietnam was quite the experience for Leroy who arrived and was promptly ordered to go home. “I was very fortunate, when I got to Nui Dat in Vietnam. I’d just had my legs stripped of varicose veins, so they took one look at me and told me I’d be going straight back home,” said Leroy. “That didn’t happen, instead I was given a job as a mortar store man and I only had to do six patrols in the year I spent there.”

The patrols that Leroy was completing were mentally draining. “The patrols were scary, because of the unknown,” said Leroy. “For me personally it wasn’t too demanding and overall I was fine, but I know that lots of men from the Vietnam War struggled when they got home for various reasons. I was very fortunate.”

The Vietnam War was and still is quite controversial in the minds of those who know about the war. “I look back on it now and I don’t

18 SwanCare

Leroy in the Garden

Resident Story

Leroy in Army Uniform

the same with all service clubs, because life is different now, people are busy and a lot of the connections are made online. But there’s still a place for us and the support we provide for our veterans is wonderful. The RSL is a real advocate for veteran’s health, their mental health and their overall wellbeing.”

Leroy has lots of wonderful memories from the RSL. “It’s a place for veterans to come together,” said Leroy. “I had friends in the war that I’m still friends with now. That shared experience never goes away. We all really enjoy each other’s company.”

The Club usually holds an Anzac Eve service which is very well attended, but because of the pandemic this years’ service will be for members only. “Anzac Day is a very important day,” Leroy said. “It’s important not to glorify it, but we need to keep the ANZAC spirit alive in young people and honour the fallen for the sacrifices they made. We have about 130

Leroy and wife, Sue

members at the club and we try and look after our veterans as much as we can.”

Leroy and Sue moved to SwanCare in November last year and said they are loving the lifestyle they’re afforded in the village. “We’re settling in very well, it’s a fabulous place,” Leroy said.

“The people are great, we can play lawn bowls if we want to, go for a swim, there are wonderful facilities and a lot of support we can call on if we need it. I don’t have to worry about doing any maintenance or the gardening, we’ve got everything we need and more here.”

Leroy has a tip for those looking at moving into the SwanCare retirement village. “I highly recommend it, but my tip would be get in early, I wish we’d moved in 15 years ago. We have privacy when we need it and support when we need it, it’s the perfect mix for a happy life.”

Thank you for speaking with us about your service, Leroy! Lest we forget.

Tidings Magazine

19

Gardens Interest Group

This Season’s Garden Tips It’s autumn! Besides enjoying the deciduous trees putting on their autumn glow here are a few chores to do around your garden. Check roses for damage from thrips, powdery mildew and black spot as cooler (hopefully moist)

Hyacinth

weather comes in. Spray with rose spray in the cool of the day and continue to dead head to promote new flowers. Remove summer annuals as they finish flowering ready to add new annuals for colour.

March is also a good time to start planting bulbs for beautiful spring flowers. Look out for firm, plump, undamaged bulbs. Plant in soil rich in compost, humus (leaves and other plant material) and slow release fertilise, or in pots using good quality potting mix with good drainage. Mark where daffodils, clivia, hyacinth, iris, ranunculus, and jacobean lily are before they die down and they can be left in place for many years.

In April divide perennials, fertilise fruit trees and plant pansy, penstemon, petunia, stock and viola seedlings. Try raking in some everlasting seed in a sunny position if the rain has come in time. Dust young cabbage plants or spray with dipel to deter cabbage moths. If you see scale, spray with white oil. Broad beans, broccoli, onions, spinach, radish, and turnips can be sown now.

Petunia

May sees camellias begin to bloom and cumquats heavy with fruit. Trim autumn flowering shrubs as they fade, add leaves to compost and trim dead foliage from kangaroo paws. Continue to plant cabbage, peas, cauliflower, leek, turnip, spinach, and silver beet all of which can grow in pots if you don’t have a vegetable plot.

Camellia

20 SwanCare

Penny’s Book Review

‘The Return’

by Nicholas Sparks

Trevor Benson never intended to move back to New Bern in North Carolina, but when a mortar blast outside the hospital where he worked sent him home from Afghanistan with devastating injuries, his grandfather’s old cabin seemed a good place as any to regroup.

While he looked after his grandfather’s bees, Trevor wasn’t prepared to fall in love with the local Deputy Sheriff, Natalie. From the first encounter he feels a connection with her that he cannot ignore. Even though Natalie seems to reciprocate his feelings, she remains frustratingly distant, leaving Trevor wondering what she is hiding.

Further complicating his stay is the presence of a sullen teenage girl. Trevor hopes Callie can shed light on the mysterious circumstances of his grandfather’s death, but she refuses to cooperate until a crisis triggers a race to uncover the truth of Callie’s past.

In his quest to unravel Natalie and Callie’s secrets, Trevor learns the true meaning of love and forgiveness, that in life, to move forward is that it helps to return to the place where it all began.

This book was published in 2020 and we have a small print copy of this in the Bentley Park library. Nicholas Sparks has published many successful romantic stories which are well written and designed to keep the reader intrigued. If you enjoyed this one, you may enjoy reading some of Nicholas Sparks’ other titles such as The Notebook and The Longest Ride.

Penny Felder SwanCare Bentley Park Librarian

Tidings Magazine

21

Passions and Pastimes

On Your Bike For SwanCare village resident Alan Naber, cycling is more than just a pastime, it’s a way of life. Like many toddlers, Alan first put his feet on the pedals of a tricycle when he was about two years old. It was the start of a love affair that he would spend the rest of his life being fiercely passionate about. Alan’s love of cycling has kept him fighting fit and he won’t be giving it up anytime soon.

Originally from Surrey in England, Alan remembers cycling to work along the Kingston Bypass in the fog and the smog. “Because home heating used coal in London at that time, the smog was terrible,” Alan said. “And because I had a clear line of sight in the open air, I could often see through it better than the cars could, so they would follow me. At the time, I cycled because it was cheaper than my bus fare and I couldn’t afford a car, but I really enjoyed riding.”

Alan moved to Australia with his wife and two children in the early 80s. Working for Western Power, he first did a stint for the company as a supervisor in Southern Cross. When the company offered Alan a role in Perth in a health, safety, and training capacity, he and his family moved to Kalamunda.

that he believes it helps you age well. “I call cycling ‘moving meditation’,” he said. “I miss it if I don’t do it, I can cycle for hours. It’s the relaxation of being mobile, with the wind in your hair while you’re balancing on this device.

It’s a wonderful sensation to be propelling yourself through the wind like that and taking in all of the natural beauty around you.”

Before COVID-19 restrictions, Alan got back to the UK when he could to visit his brother and enjoyed doing the London to Brighton Charity Ride with 27,000 others. “That’s a lovely ride and I try and do it often when I’m over there, it’s about 100kms,” said Alan. “London is great to cycle around because when Boris Johnson was Mayor of London he was an avid cyclist, so there are tremendous facilities in place including cycle maps that tell you which roads to stay away from at peak times.”

According to Alan, Germany is another great place for cycling. “One of the nicest rides in Germany is the Spreewald, along the Spree River in a world heritage nature area,” said Alan.

“I used to cycle to work every day; it took me about 45 minutes to get to the office and then an hour and a half to get home,” he said. “That’s quite a hill back up to Kalamunda, but I enjoyed the ride. It helped me leave my work behind and kept me fit while I was commuting.”

Alan has lived at SwanCare for the past six months. He still makes time for fitness and rides twice a week with the ‘Over 55 Cycling Club’. The club leaves from Burswood and cycles for about 50kms on every ride. “I joined the Club when I was 54 and I really enjoy it, it’s a great way to see Perth and it’s very social,” Alan said. “There are 300 of us, so you get to know a lot of like-minded people, and we have a good time.”

Alan has been active his whole life and said

22 SwanCare

Alan Enjoying Some Shade in the Garden

Passions and Pastimes

Alan Getting on Train with Friend on a Riding Holiday

There are lots of rivers and it’s a famous area for growing gherkins! Cycling and touring in Germany can be very good, they have paths everywhere.”

Alan is part of the WA Historical Cycle Club.

He owns six bikes currently, four of which are vintage from the 1950s. Alan also gives ‘Social History of Cycling’ talks where he shares with people the large changes cycling brought to society.

Most history books don’t mention cycling, but the bike reigned supreme before cars became mainstream. “Many people couldn’t afford a car,” said Alan. “They could afford a bike though. I talk about why people rode Penny-Farthings, what benefit cycling gave to communities and about the social history of demonstrators like the Suffragettes who rode their bikes to protest.”

Bicycles changed the way we chose our beloved too. “It’s really very interesting, if you lived in a village before there were bicycles, you had to marry someone in your village,” said Alan.

“After bicycles were invented, you could ride

to other villages and all of a sudden, the whole world started to expand.”

Alan loves to share information about bikes in Australia too. “During the goldrush, the first gold diggers got there by bicycle,” said Alan.

“There’s so much that we don’t know about its history, and I love to share what I know with interested people.”

And while Alan shows no signs of slowing down, he encourages everyone to get on a bike and have a go if they can. “I know that not everyone loves it like I do,” Alan laughs. “The freedom of being out on the open road on two wheels is one of the best feelings in the world to me, and I encourage everyone to try it.”

Thank you for sharing your passion with us, Alan!

Your enthusiasm is infectious, and we hope you keep riding for many years to come.

Do you have a passion you'd like to share?

Contact the Marketing Team on 6250 0000 or email: tidings@swancare.com.au

Tidings Magazine

23

Brain Teaser

Word Search Puzzle Thanks to Sue Lewis who created this brain teaser for us to enjoy!

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Match the countries with the rivers below and find them in the word puzzle on the left.

England – T France – S Italy – T South America – A South America – P Africa – N West Africa – N China – Y China – Y North America – M North America – R G Europe – D Queensland – B India – G Russia – V Western Australia – S South Australia – T North America – M Asia – M Russia – L Amazon, Brisbane, Danube, Ganges, Lena, Mekong, Mississippi, Missouri, Niger, Nile, Parana, Rio Grande, Seine, Swan, Thames, Tiber, Torrens, Volga, Yangtze, Yellow.

Answers England – Thames, France - Seine, Italy - Tiber, South America - Amazon, South America – Parana, Africa Nile, West Africa - Niger, China - Yangtze, China - Yellow, North America - Mississippi, North America - Rio Grande, Europe - Danube, Queensland - Brisbane, India - Ganges, Russia - Volga, Western Australia - Swan, South Australia - Torrens, North America - Missouri, Asia- Mekong, Russia - Lena.

24 SwanCare

Meet the Staff Technology with Purpose At SwanCare, we’re all about improving lives for a living, and every single person on our team contributes to our cause in their own way. That purpose clearly shines through when speaking with Mat Allam, our new ICT Manager. Mat hit the ground running when he joined us in January, and he’s excited to use his skills to provide the best possible experiences for our team and residents.

Mat is a team player with a customer service mindset: two qualities that are integral to the way we operate at SwanCare. On a typical day, Mat starts his morning in a huddle with his immediate team, providing direction and support to ensure the day runs smoothly. He’ll then catch up with managers from different departments to update them on project progression and to create an opportunity for mutual feedback.

Beyond the nitty gritty of these daily tasks, Mat always has an eye on our larger strategic goals.

“ICT is an element that touches every angle of this organisation,” said Mat. “I understand the importance of reaching out and making myself available to everyone, so I can ensure I’m helping all facets of our organisation.”

While Mat is passionate about delivering his best work for the benefit of our teams, he also values the impact he can have on residents.

“My role is about more than just the IT infrastructure, it’s a broad scope. I have an impact on the people living in this community.

I’m able to empower all people working at SwanCare to carry out their tasks more efficiently, which has a direct influence on our residents’ experience.”

Mat brings a wealth of IT experience to SwanCare, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on our team. He’s had experience both on the technical side and in management roles,

Mat Allam

even running his own successful business for over a decade.

Mat is committed to continuously developing his professional skills, and has most recently moved towards a more strategic approach to IT. At SwanCare, Mat will have the opportunity to shape the future of our ICT department while contributing to an important purpose.

“Working with SwanCare is a really different experience compared to my previous workplaces.

It’s not about the profitability - it’s about the service and care we provide for our residents.”

Mat, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to the SwanCare team so far. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Tidings Magazine

25

Legendary Recipes

Clinker Rocky Road

Thank you to SwanCare Staff Member, Nancy Kingston for the recipe and the yarn behind it.

by Nancy Kingston

Ingredients • • • • •

500g Milk Chocolate, or dark if preferred 20g Coconut Oil 300g Clinkers 190g Raspberry Lollies or Maraschino Cherries 100g Marshmallows or Mini Marshmallows

Method 1. Cut Clinkers, lollies/cherries, and large marshmallows in half with a knife and place together in a large bowl.

2. Melt chocolate and coconut oil in saucepan and stir until smooth consistency.

3. Add lollies and mix until all combined.

4. Place into a lined rectangle slice tin and spread evenly.

5. Place tin in fridge to cool.

6. Once Rocky Road is hard, cut into bite size squares and enjoy!

Nancy joined the SwanCare team in 2021 and has become an integral part of the marketing team. She loves to have a yarn and has proven to be a favourite with residents. Easter is a fun time in her household, and she’s often found enjoying it with the extended family or going camping with her husband and kids.

“Clinker Rocky Road has been an Easter and special occasion treat since my kids were very little,” said Nancy. “The colours brought excitement to their little faces, while the recipe is easy enough for little hands to help with.”

Clinker Rocky Road is not only a hit with Nancy’s kids. It is a regular request for family get-togethers and gifts. “We used to make multiple batches,” said Nancy. “We would wrap some up in cellophane and give it to the kids’ teachers and friends as Easter gifts.”

Nancy loves making this recipe as it is really a canvas for chocolate lovers to build on.

“Our family prefers maraschino cherries over raspberry lollies as they don’t get stuck in teeth quite as much,” said Nancy. “We have also been known to adapt the recipe to place sprinkles or shredded coconut on the top before cooling for that extra little bit of visual yum. You can even add nuts if there are no allergies.”

Nancy says that clinkers always seem to go ‘missing’ in her house while making this recipe, so she advises it’s always best to buy an extra packet just in case.

Thanks for your wise words, Nancy! We can’t wait to try this one. Happy Easter to one and all.

We’d love our residents to come forward to present us more recipes and yarns. If you have any or know someone who would be a great candidate, please call 6250 0000 and ask for the marketing department or you can email it through to: tidings@swancare.com.au – thank you.

26 SwanCare

Out & About

* Please note some photos were before COVID-19 restrictions or are drinking/eating. SwanCare follows WA government mandates and guidelines at all times.

Board Games Group Playing A Socially Distanced Scrabble Game

Board Games Group Enjoying Their First Session in 2022

December Friday Night Flicks

Ladies of the Night Christmas Party

Fish 'n' Chips with Friends Entertainment

February Book Club Meeting

Seated Exercise Group Having a Beverage After Class

Line Dancing Christmas Party

Fish 'n' Chips with Friends Diners Celebrated Valentines Day

swancare.com.au 26 Plantation Drive, Bentley WA 6102 | Phone: (08) 6250 0000 | Fax: (08) 9470 2017

SwanCare Bentley Park Sound Pavilion

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