21 minute read
Travel
All... by... myself...
I know plenty of people who are doing it “all by myself”. The fact of the matter is, we are all generally living longer and of course it is impossible to manage relationships perfectly so that we might stay together for longer. To wit, a group of my golfing girlfriends now travel in pairs – or a pack – and refer to themselves as ‘Widows of the World’.
Advertisement
Then too, many people have been single all their lives and are keenly aware of the limitations, and some positives too, of holidaying alone. We have a lot of clients who travel solo and cost is definitely the biggest inhibitor of more frequent trips. And cost causes the most angst. The airfare is easy – it’s the accommodation ‘single supplement’ that often kills interest. In fact, if I had a dollar for every client who complained about single supplements, I’d be a very rich woman. Alas, it is not as simple, or unfair, as it might seem – you’re paying for the whole room (not half a room) and while you may not be consuming as much (soap/towels etc), one person invariably spends less than two (1 dinner, fewer drinks and so on). Your potential allround consumption is more important to the hotelier or cruise line than what you will save them on costs. The other major inhibitor to travelling solo is the concern that you might not enjoy yourself alone, that no-one will talk to you and you’ll stick out – sad as a wallflower dining by yourself each evening. My response? Be brave! There’s a whole world out there waiting for you, and you don’t have to do it alone if you don’t crave solitude. Some river cruise lines now designate certain cruises, or certain room types year-round with no single supplement. And they actively promote this benefit so that lots of singles will take up the invitation to join other singles and enjoy each other’s company. Another cruise line has gone one step further by designing single rooms - slightly smaller than a double room but roomy enough - with access to a special singles lounge. Hotels find it a little more difficult to offer special single rates but do look more favourably at better pricing in the off-season. I know this may seem a cop-out and yes, not everyone wants to travel when it’s cold or wet but all seasons have their magic. Or you can consider staying at hotels which have single rooms – these are more often found in older hotels in capital cities such as London or Vienna. They are easier to find than you think. Nor do you have to do all the work yourself. At the upper end of the market, Bill Peach Journeys is a great example of a company which wields its market power to extract special rates for singles, even at peak times, regularly offering singles prices and departures. There are also tour companies, many journeying to exotic lands, that do not differentiate pricing between single and twin share. Never say never. This brings me to the issue of loneliness, or aloneness. I was recently host on a cruise around NZ and one of my charges was a woman taking her first holiday as a widow. Her agent asked me to keep an eye out for this gentle soul. And indeed I did. At first. Around four days into our 15-night cruise, she told me she’d been to the ship’s singles gathering, met five other singles and was now happily dining and sightseeing with similarly open-minded ‘solos’. By the end of the cruise, she and a few others had buddied up and were already planning more travel together. All this after only two weeks away. It was all possible because M was open to the idea that she might still have a great time as a solo – and she chose a cruise that offered special pricing for singles. Ditto if you have a special interest. Pamela Fairburn’s Paint Canada, in conjunction with Trendsetter Travel, is a perfect example of where you will slot right in as a single or a couple - you can be a photographer (Ross) or a knitter (Dorothy) and still have a great time. So if you’re thinking of travelling alone, please don’t despair. The travel industry has moved to meet many of your needs. Come and tell us about your dreams and we’ll see what we can do for you.
Words by
Adrienne Witteman Managing Director
Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre 9428 5900 I www.trendsettertravel.com.au
LANE COVE'S BEST PLUMBER
FOR OVER 25 YEARS
FRIENDLY FAST SERVICE. ALL PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE. Blocked Drain Specialist. Gasfitting. L.P.G. Hot Water Systems. Roofing. Gutters. Stormwater. Drainage. A proud record of excellence and good value
ALL WORK GUARANTEED PMB PLUMBING LICENCE L13508 0418 863 554 I 9428 4041
PROFESSIONAL GROOMING FOR CATS AND DOGS
DOG GROOMING: CAT GROOMING:
All breeds of dogs are bathed and clipped by our highly trained groomers.
Professionally groomed by Jenny Kent. The owner staying with the cat, completed within 30 minutes with no sedation.
Providing a friendly, professional and compassionate service.
FOR INFORMATION: www.groomer.com.auLane Cove 9428 1333 Epping 9876 3336 www.groomer.com.au
lane cove eye surgery
YOUR YOUR LOCAL LOCAL EYE EYE SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS
SUITE 304, 71 LONGUEVILLE ROAD, LANE COVE
Repair Cafe
Repair Café Sydney North has now been operating for three years from the Living and Learning Centre at 180 Longueville Road. They have welcomed many visitors who have been served by an increasing number of happy skilled volunteers.
The essence of the Repair Café is probably best presented through stories of its visitors, comments of its volunteers and images of the repairs. A folding comb was brought in with a serious crack at the hinge. Glue alone would not be a successful fix. The comb was given to the owner 40 years ago when she was sixteen by her mother, who had told her it would be handy because it could be tucked into her bra so always available. Somewhere along the way the comb was broken, but she couldn’t bear to throw it away. A repairer fixed it with some glue and a piece of a packet that some screws came in. The visitor was thrilled and on leaving noticed my glasses were not properly adjusted. She worked for an optical company. They had always hurt my nose, so she adjusted them perfectly before she left. These red beads needed restringing. They had been inherited from a great aunt who had bought them as a souvenir, possibly in India or Egypt, as she travelled home after the First World War where she had been serving as a nurse. The visitor, with guidance, did the work herself and was very pleased with the result. We welcome you for free repairs. Donations are gratefully accepted. Dates: First and second Sundays of the month. Next dates are Sunday April 7 & 14. Time: 2 - 4pm Place: Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove. Free parking along Longueville Road or 3 hours free at Little St Car Park. Info: Contact Wendy 9420 4884 or 0410 280 912, email enquiries@repaircafesydneynorth.net, visit www.repaircafesydneynorth.net or visit our Facebook page
Library’s $50k injection
Robots, animation and ‘maker’ kits plus film and podcasting equipment will be available to staff of Lane Cove, Mosman and North Sydney libraries who are developing better libraries and library resources. Lane Cove Council will receive $50,000 for an equipped mobile STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) ‘makerspace’ as part of the State Government’s $1 million Metropolitan Public Library Grant program. “We’re making our wonderful libraries even better,” said Member for Lane Cove, Anthony Roberts, “And we’re ensuring they continue to grow and evolve to meet our community’s needs.” Minister for the Arts, Mr Don Harwin, said that public libraries continue to grow and provide access to services people need at all stages of their lives. “The NSW Government is committed to working with local councils to enhance library services and facilities across the State,” he said. “From next year, the Government will allocate an additional $60 million over four years for public libraries – the biggest boost to public libraries in the history of our State.” The Metropolitan Library Infrastructure Grants program is administered by the State Library of NSW on behalf of the Library Council of NSW.
Speed-date for sustainability
Like to pick the brains of a sustainability expert about retrofitting and renovating to save real money on power bills? Book your free, 20-minute ‘speed-dating’ session with a representative of the Alternative Technology Association for Sunday April 7. Lane Cove Council and Alternative Technology Association aim to help residents learn from green architects and other experts on topics including solar panels, solar hot water, insulation, energy and water efficiency and passive design. Those not considering home renovations or building can still benefit from smaller retrofits including solar panels or insulation that can mean big savings on power bills. Sessions will held in Lane Cove Civic Centre, April 7, 2:00pm4:00pm, and you’re encouraged to bring sketches, plans or photographs. For details or to book your session, visit sdse. ata.org.au/ or phone 9911 3699.
GET READY FOR SUMMER SALE
ROLLER BLIND EXPERTS
SPECIALISING IN MOTORISATION
FREE MOTOR & REMOTE Drop Down Awning
Shutters • Blinds • Awnings • Curtains • Motorisation
9427 9312
4/6 Chaplin Dr Lane Cove West
What’s On:
Lane Cove
APRIL
PLAZA EVENTS
First Fridays: Friday 5 April, 3:30pm - 5:00pm. Saturday Sounds: Shane Flew: Saturday 13 April, 10:00am – 12:00pm.
LANE COVE LIBRARY
All events are free. Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/library or call 9911 3634 to book.
Youth Week: Blackout Poetry: Wednesday 10 - Thursday 18 April. Create random poetry without writing a single word! There are prizes for the most creative entries. Open for all youth from years 7 to 12. Conversation With An Author: Larry Boyd: Friday 12 April, 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Larry Boyd will speak about his new novel Choice Boy in which he explores the father and son dynamic and what it means to be a man and a father. School Holiday Movie: Smallfoot (PG): Monday 15 April, 2:00pm - 3:45pm. A yeti named Migo is convinced that creatures known as ‘Smallfoot’ are real, and he must prove to his tribe that humans do exist.
Crafternoon Tea at Greenwich Library: Tuesday 16 April, 2:00pm - 3:30pm. Enjoy afternoon tea while working on your latest craft project. History Talk: Korea: Tuesday 16 April, 6:15pm – 7:30pm. Lieutenant Colonel Craig Potter (ret.), ex-Australian Defence Force and Senior Minister at St Aidan’s Longueville will discuss Australian and Commonwealth operations in Korea. Easter Craft: Wednesday 17 April, 11:00am - 12:00pm, Greenwich Library or Thursday 18 April, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Lane Cove Library. Come along and create some fun Easter themed crafts, including an Easter basket. Easter Storytime: Thursday 18 April, 11:00am - 12:00pm. Join us for our preschool Easter Storytime where we read Easter books, sing songs, and do a fun Easter craft. Ozobots: Wednesday 24 April, 11:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Create your own robot maze using Ozobots these holidays. Learn to code their tracks and have some technological fun!
For more details on these events visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au or call Lane Cove Council on 9911 3555.
Thursday Tunes: Music That Helped To Win The War:
Thursday 18 April, 10:15am - 12:00pm. Local musician Graham Ball will discuss the role of music and songs that helped to win the war.
Dance Spanish Lady: Contagion, Lane Cove and Spanish
Influenza 1918-1919: Thursday 30 April, 6:15pm - 8:00pm. The Local Studies team will discuss the pandemic of Spanish Influenza, Lane Cove’s response and the effects it had in the local community. Movie: A United Kingdom (PG): Thursday 30 April, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo star in the true story of an ordinary English girl who fell in love with the king of Botswana in the late 1940’s and the political firestorm that was ignited by their marriage.
SUSTAINABILITY
Bookings essential: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/greenevents Speed Date A Sustainability Expert: Sunday 7 April, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Lane Cove Council Civic Centre. Get advice from leading green designers and experts on energy efficiency, sustainable gardens, building materials and more.
SENIORS EVENTS
Author Talk: Tuesday 9 April, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Lane Cove Library. Come and meet Dr. Nicola Gates who will talk about her latest book The Feel Good Guide to Menopause. Are You Ready? Seminars: Wednesday 10 and 17 April, 10:30am - 11:30am, Living and Learning Centre. No one likes to think about end of life planning but it’s essential to know your priorities. Join us for workshops facilitated by industry experts.
BUSHCARE - SAVE THE DATE
Growing Native Plants: Saturday 4 May, 9:00am - 12:00pm, Lane Cove Community Nursery. Practise a variety of propagation techniques for growing native plants.
Councillor Pam Palmer, Mayor
APRIL 2019
Council is about to launch a special Lane Cove-based gift card as part of our “Love Where You Shop” campaign. Regional areas have already enjoyed success in keeping the local economy “local” since launching their respective gift cards. Like any gift card, when you don’t know exactly what present to buy for a friend or loved one, a gift card can be a great alternative. The advantage of this card is the access it will provide to a whole range of businesses across the Lane Cove area. With Mothers’ Day approaching, the card could be used to purchase a facial, a manicure, a lunch or simply a month’s worth of coffees. Or all of the above!
Local businesses give our community its flavour and its uniqueness. By supporting those businesses, you ensure that uniqueness is preserved. Enhancing already strong community spirit and loyalty, the Love Where You Shop gift card should be a success for local business owners and residents alike.
Local News & Information
Update on the Pool
Demolition of the pool and grandstand is now underway at Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre. Council is currently out to market for someone to build the new pool and then will have a firmer date for the completion of the works which currently look like they could take up to 18 months to complete. The second Development Application (DA) was lodged last month with the grandstand and landscaping DA to be lodged this month. For the latest information visit www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/poolandgrandstand
Improved Road Safety
Council is pleased to have received approval from RMS to install a pedestrian refuge island on River Road, outside the Golf Course. These Councilfunded works will help to improve safety for pedestrians.
Reducing Plastic Straws
Council’s recent Plastic Straw Reduction Program has been helping to provide local businesses with alternatives to plastic straws. We are encouraging customers to also do their part by refusing plastic straws or requesting an alternative.
Out & About in Lane Cove
Did you know?
Locals who would like to participate in the ANZAC Day March in Lane Cove Plaza are welcome to do so. Please gather in the laneway next to McGrath at 7:10am and make yourself known to members of the Lane Cove RSL Sub Branch. The service commences at 7:25am
I recently explored the new public I recently explored the new public walkway which now provides access walkway which now provides access from Coxs Lane to Birdwood Avenue from Coxs Lane to Birdwood Avenue
Stormwater Improvements
Council is undertaking stormwater improvement and stabilisation works within the creek lines of Bushland Park. Stage One of these works is underway and focuses on the drainage line that runs from Osborne Road to Gore Creek. Works are estimated to be completed by mid-June 2019. To allow access for machinery and materials, the walking track from Panorama Road to Kellys Flat will be closed to the public during this period. These stormwater improvements are funded by Council and the Office of Environment & Heritage.
SewerFix Works
Sydney Water is upgrading a large wastewater pipe in the Riverview, Longueville and Northwood areas. For details visit the homepage of Council’s website.
Need help growing natives?
You may be interested in a free workshop Council is running next month. Learn a variety of propagation techniques and apply your new skills at home to grow Grevillea and other flowering shrubs for your garden. For details visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov. au/bushcare
Latest Works
•Council has completed repair works to termitedamage at Greenwich Scout Hall thanks to funding from the
State Government’s Stronger
Communities Fund • The footpath on the Pacific
Highway from Greenwich Road to
Bellevue Road was upgraded last month •New solar bins have been installed in Lane Cove Plaza which will increase the volume of waste and recycling that can be collected before the bins require emptying
Councillor Mark A. Bennett
MAYOR OF HUNTERS HILL
P: 9879 9415 E: markbennett@huntershill.nsw.gov.au
Safety and crime prevention
Council is committed to working in partnership with residents, businesses and police to address safety and crime concerns about Hunters Hill. As a result, Council recently met with police from Ryde and Gladesville Local Area Command (LAC) to discuss the development and implementation of a Safety Audit and Safety and Crime Prevention Strategy. At last year’s series of precinct meetings, property owners put forward suggestions about improving safety, ranging from improving street lighting to installing monitoring systems. Each of these suggestions will be included in the Safety Audit and Safety and Crime Prevention Strategy. Work has already started on street lighting in partnership with Energy Australia.
96th Hunters Hill Anzac Eve Memorial Service
In keeping with the tradition of the Anzac Eve Memorial Service and following the scheduled march from the RSL Hall along Alexandra Street, the 96th Hunters Hill Anzac Eve Memorial Service will be held in the Hunters Hill Town Hall on Wednesday April 24, 2019, from 7.00pm. All are welcome to attend this moving event.
HH Art Exhibition
The Annual Hunters Hill Art Exhibition is one of Sydney’s favourite art events. With high attendance and sales, the exhibition is a great opportunity to showcase outstanding Australian art by local, emerging and established artists in the historic Hunters Hill Town Hall and its beautiful surrounds. The 65th Annual Hunters Hill Art Exhibition will be held from Friday May 10 (Opening Night) to Sunday May 19, 2019 and planning is well underway. Council is now accepting entries for the competition which awards $20,000 in prizes across eight categories. See huntershillart.com
Take a book, leave a book!
Hunters Hill has five new Street Libraries across the municipality. Council teamed up with community groups, schools and local artists to individually decorate each library. They are proving very popular with our residents - libraries are regularly full to the brim. There are libraries at Weil Park, Harry Shelley Playground, Gladesville Road Community Centre, Crown Street Henley and Boronia Park Oval. Thanks to Clr Justine McLaughlin and Council’s Public Art Committee for this popular community initiative. Happy reading!
Anthony Roberts, MP
MEMBER FOR LANE COVE
P: 9817 4757 E: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Let me first emphasise what an honour it is to have represented the Lane Cove electorate over the past 15 years. It has been a privilege to hear your stories and be welcomed into your lives. My wife Alicia, my three boys John, Sam and Tom and I are so grateful to be a part of this beautiful community – one of the finest areas of one of the greatest cities on earth.
I’m incredibly proud of what the community and I have been able to achieve for the Lane Cove Electorate. We’ve moved from strength-to-strength delivering on our promises to build infrastructure and provide services while growing our economy to be the strongest in the nation. We’ve opened hospitals, roads, classrooms and libraries and upgraded and expanded parks across our electorate. Our community has indeed come together to ensure a prosperous future for our children and future generations.
Recently, we’ve seen some of the best of our future generations. We’ve seen them getting out into the community and asking for change - and we’re responding!
There is a lovely saying “Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in” and that’s what we’re doing (even though I don’t quite consider myself old)!
We’ve begun a process of planting 5 million trees, helping to take the tree canopy in Sydney from 12% to 40% which will have a multitude of positive flow-on effects. We’ve been adding land to Lane Cove National Park to improve corridors for native animals and we’ve been upgrading playgrounds so that kids, no matter their ability, get a chance to play.
To everyone, I urge you to take care, drive and play safely over this Easter break. Take a moment to pause, reflect and enjoy the warm company of family and friends.
Thank you.
Trent Zimmerman, MP
P: 9929 9822 E: trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au
L to R – Helen Collett, President of Lane Cove Swim Club; Clr Pam Palmer, Mayor of Lane Cove; and Trent Zimmerman MP
Fighting for Federal funding for Lane Cove Pool
Thank you to the many hundreds of local residents who signed my petition to help secure federal funding to save Lane Cove’s Olympic Pool.
In December 2018 Lane Cove Council was forced to unexpectedly close the outdoor Olympic pool and grandstand at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre due to major structural issues.
As those in the community know, the pool is a vitally important part of Lane Cove and many people come from far and wide to use this essential facility. The Olympic pool is used by local schools for swim carnivals and is visited over 700,000 times each year. It is also home to Lane Cove Swim Club which is one of the biggest swimming clubs in the State.
Lane Cove Council has been working hard to fund and progress the rebuilding of the pool and I am working hard to secure federal funding to help Council build the pool faster.
The enthusiastic support of so many local residents has been vital in helping me mount my case within the federal government and shown how much we all value the pool.
Gore Hill Oval re-opening
It was wonderful to be joined by hundreds of residents and local sporting clubs on 9th March for the grand re-opening celebrations of Gore Hill Oval.
Improving local sporting facilities to accommodate families, young people and sporting clubs has been a priority for me and the new Gore Hill Oval has been completed with a $9.5 million grant I secured from the federal government.
As the oldest oval in our area, the Gore Hill Oval has been given a new lease of life. The new high-quality facility increases the use of the park for numerous sports and allows both day and night activities. The new synthetic surface eliminates the need for the oval to have ‘rest days’ and allows all-weather use.
It includes a walking track, new change rooms, storage and a community space. And the new major children’s playground is already proving a hit with our youngest residents!
L to R - Clr Gail Giles-Gidney, Mayor of Willoughby; Trent Zimmerman MP; Clr Brendon Zhu and Willoughby Wild Cats
Funding for Hunter’s Hill Preschool Playground
All projects, whether they are for big or little people, contribute to making our community stronger and improving our way of life now and into the future.
With this in mind it has been a pleasure to secure federal funding through the Stronger Communities Program to assist Hunter’s Hill Preschool remodel their playground and provide a facility that will help provide a creative and stimulating environment as our little people grow and learn.
And finally a big thank you ….
The Village Observer is an important part of our local community – helping bring us together and be better informed about local happenings and the work of community organisations. It also encourages us to ‘shop local’ and support our own small business community.
For the last six years we have enjoyed such a professional publication in very large measure through the editorship of Jocelyn Biddle. Jocelyn has decided to pursue new challenges, but she deserves a big thank you from all of us for the stellar job she has done at TVO. Good luck with your next venture!
