18 minute read
Travel
A BOOK LOVER’S REVIEW
The Flatshare
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BY BETH O’LEARY
Destined to be one of the most popular reads of 2019, The Flatshare is being deemed ‘uplit’ in publishing jargon– and it certainly is uplifting: the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life. Review by Jacqui Serafim
Whether or not you are a fan of romcoms (and I am) you will love this uplifting and engaging debut novel by Irish author Beth O’Leary. O’Leary has knocked one out of the park with this laugh-out-loud story of two loveable characters, with an interesting premise, snappy dialogue and even some exploration of deeper issues. Tiffy has been duped and dumped by her unfaithful, controlling boyfriend and has to find somewhere to live. Leon is a nurse who works nights at a hospice and needs extra money to help his brother. With a decent flat beyond her means, Tiffy answers Leon’s ad to share a one-bedroom flat – and a bed: Tiffy occupying it by night, Leon by day. Leon’s girlfriend tolerates this arrangement on the understanding that they are never to meet. Tiffy is colourful, chaotic, loving and outgoing. Leon is introverted and awkward as well as kind, loyal and funny. They are perfect foils for each other. Despite the reservations of their friends, Tiffy and Leon proceed with the arrangement with hilarious, heart-warming consequences. As Leon reels from the explosion of colour that arrives in the flat with Tiffy, and Tiffy ‘panic-bakes’ her way through her emotional crisis, they begin to leave little Post-it notes for each other. Initially, these are utilitarian in nature “Please put the toilet seat down” and “Help yourself to flapjacks”. But as the notes lengthen into revealing missives, they learn about each other’s lives, thoughts and feelings. A friendship develops as they start to provide emotional support to each other. A chance, accidental meeting in embarrassing circumstances triggers attraction which ultimately blossoms into something deeper.
Tiffy and Leon are both quirky characters supported by a cast of friends and relatives who are equally interesting and well-drawn. The various subplots which draw Tiffy and Leon together enrich the characters’ lives and bring depth to the traditional ‘boys-meets-girl’ plotline. Despite its light-heartedness, the novel also addresses deeper issues: gaslighting, emotional abuse, and social injustice. This contemporary adaptation of the epistolary format (but with Post-it notes and text messages instead of letters) is a highly entertaining way of delineating the development of Tiffy and Leon’s relationship. As the notes become longer and more intimate, their increasing closeness is revealed through their funny, touching dialogue. It is rare to find a book which addresses deeper issues while covering the comic bases, and so I thoroughly recommend it as a heart-warming winter read.
RICH PATTERN
Families feud
Whatever your upbringing, I’d lay odds your family traditions are sacrosanct. House rules rule. By Liz Foster
In our family, when we played Monopoly, all money paid for fines, taxes etc went in the middle of the board. Whoever landed on Free Parking scooped the jackpot. Until the day we played with another family. Just as one of us went to claim our winnings they demurred. “You can’t do that,” they said! We were dumbfounded. They might as well have said collecting $200 when you Pass Go wasn’t a thing. But guess what? They insisted on checking the official rules (a crumpled, never-referred to sheet) – and they were right. Things got quite heated and we don’t see them so much these days. Cue a firestorm from a little old pack of Uno cards, a perennial childhood fave that manages to bridge traditional and virtual worlds. Right in the middle of the final Game of Thrones series, came a tweet about rule enforcement from Mattel’s @ realUNOgame. Previous tweets were innocent enough but this one took off into the Twittersphere faster than a speeding ticket. The long and short of it was that you can’t stack draw-two or draw-four cards. You must pick up the two or four cards and suck it up. “We know you’ve tried it. #UNO,” they finished.
Ardent fans were outraged and maddened but the app was implacable. All pleas fell on deaf ears. (Q: What about stacking draw 2 on draw 2? A: No.) Having the conversation with a children’s game only added to the frustration. Oh, to be the Mattel staffer on Twitter that week. People were getting totally wound up, declaring it was their game and they would play the rules the way they wanted. I spent Easter with some family friends in the UK together with my (adult) daughter. To our horror their version of an Easter egg hunt was to divide everyone into ‘hunters’ and ‘hiders’. That’s not how you do it, we protested, just one person does all the hiding, so everyone gets to hunt! “No, no,” they said. “Some people prefer hiding. And no swapping once you’ve drawn.” We set about muttering under our breath but it turned out to be fun and I liked the shared load of a hider without having to remember all my hiding places by myself. What about Scrabble’s two-letter words cheat sheet? Surely you can’t have it on hand for those times you’re stuck (who after all has ever heard of or seen an ‘oi’, which apparently is a New Zealand bird?) Then there’s the endless first-grade squabbles over whether your hopscotch stone could land on the line between two squares? I mean, we all know that it’s not allowed on the line. Right?
ONE HUNDRED
Jim looked at the scooter lying propped against the communal clothes line. He used to have one like it, orange and compact. He would fly, crouched on the footplate, grazing the ground with one foot as he skidded around corners; that was until it got stolen. Jim craved that lost euphoria. He looked around, furtive, then grabbed the scooter and climbed the steep unit block driveway. One go. That’s all. “Hey! That’s mine!” Busted. Think fast. "I was just taking it inside ... in case it got stolen. You shouldn't leave things lying around." Jim tried to channel his best grumpy-old-man. Anne Tavares, Lane Cove We discovered the nest in a needlewood tree. A small platform of twigs and leaves built amongst the branches. Two tiny eggs lay precariously on the flat nest. Mother bird hovered close by. "A topknot pigeon's nest!" my brother and I cried in excitement. Each day after our discovery, we walked to the tree in our neighbour's paddock and quietly observed the mother nesting. Rewarded weeks later, we gazed in wonder at two little fluffy pigeon chicks on the platform. "A girl and a boy" our Dad told us. What a thrill to see these baby birds! A pigeon pair!
His shy lady friend is missing. Who knows why? Has her family gone on holiday or permanently moved? Or worse? We watch and wait with him, as loneliness seeps into his aloof demeanour. Unimaginable that she would spurn one such as he! Who could resist his charms, now more winsome than ever? He turns to us for extra love and affection – how blessed are we! The Prince’s regal bearing allows intimacy only on his own terms. We are careful not to exceed his wishes. Sharing his charms with mere humanity, our sleek, black cat Prince pitiably waits for her return.
Karen Paull, Lane Cove North
I was travelling with a large group north of Bourke and camped at the Royal Mail at Hungerford on the Queensland border. It was 1991 and the pub was celebrating its 116th anniversary. With us on the trip was master pyrotechnician, Syd Howard, 'inventor’ of New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour. He offered to put on a fireworks display. Against the inky blackness of the outback night sky, the display was electrifying. I said to a young boy, probably about twelve, "I'll bet you've never seen fireworks like that, mate." He replied, "I've never seen fireworks before." Stephen Knox, Chatswood
Colin lives next door. He has a long white beard and a pointy hat. We sometimes sneak to his window to try and catch him doing a spell. It’s very hard and we haven’t caught him yet, but one day we will. We know he’s a wizard and it’s not just his clothes, it’s also what he eats - toad jelly with ice cream. Mum and Dad don’t believe us, they think he’s just a friendly old man. But they must have heard the loud magical noises late last night and seen the flashing lights through the window. That was him. Leo Gregory (age 7), Lane Cove
TO ENTER Email your story with your name, address and phone number to editor@thevillageobserver.com.au CONDITIONS Stories must be exactly 100 words about any subject and in any writing style. They must be original and unpublished. There is no limit to the number of stories that you contribute during the year. Each month, selected entries will be published in TVO. At the end of the year, all entries will be judged based on their originality and creativity. THREE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A $50 BURNS BAY BOOKERY VOUCHER.
WORDS...
Ninety-three-year-old mum had a lot on that day. Take up trousers for a friend and drop off. Afternoon tea with another friend. Mum drove to the first friend’s house instead of walking 2km (as she usually did). She left the engine running and the car door open, trotted up the path and dropped off the trousers. Then she walked home and baked a cake for the other friend. But where was the car? Unperturbed she walked back to the first friend’s house where the engine was still running and the door open. In she popped, and off she went. Simple.
Trish Sara, Lane Cove
Robyn Sleet, Lane Cove
FEATURING OVER 100 SCULPTURES
SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING SCULPTORS BRONZE, COPPER, ALUMINIUM, STAINLESS STEEL AND GLASS. PLUS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS.
AMORE
Superlative food & wine
It was soup and bread for dinner tonight. Delicious home-made pea and ham, hardly gruel but almost a fast – in anticipation of things to come.
This is a big year for me because I’ll complete a marathon luxury cruisefest which will be of immense benefit to many of our Trendsetter clients. By mid-November, all going to plan, I will have been with our group clients on two Seabourn cruises (NZ and the Mediterranean), a Regent Seven Seas cruise encompassing China, Korea and Japan, a Silversea cruise Greenwich to Barcelona, a Crystal cruise Amsterdam to Lisbon, two Uniworld river cruises (Normandy and Bordeaux) plus a little trans-Tasman jaunt on Ponant. No wonder, as you might have noted, I’m looking a little tubby of late!
Superlative food and wine experiences go hand in hand with luxury cruising and cruise lines compete on culinary strengths and fiercely market them. Seabourn makes much of its signature caviar experience, Silversea its Relais & Chateaux relationship as demonstrated at La Dame while Uniworld highlights its quintessentially European food pedigree. Neither my hips nor I disagree – it is all too good to pass up. Sadly. Great food is one reason our golf cruises are so popular – walk the courses and you’re getting some much-needed exercise, plus you are missing the kind of lunch you wouldn’t eat at home – two to three courses with a beverage or two. Lunch on deck can be very seductive if you throw care to the wind.
Food is so integral to the enjoyment of cruising; it’s the thing our clients most comment upon. Not just about how delicious it was but how imaginative, amazing variety, and the fresh, ripe fruit. Repetitive versions of meat and three veg, or fish ‘n’ chips with salad are no longer acceptable. Any serious cruise line has a name chef to distil the best gourmet experience. For five-star Crystal, it is master sushi and sashimi master Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu’s fame while the excellent local P&O offering is Salt by homegrown Luke Mangan. His is a seriously good restaurant. Several cruise lines also teach passengers how to cook. Holland America Line and Europa both have kitchens akin to shiny laboratories where you can learn some culinary styles and tricks. If food is your passion, I can understand the combination of cruising, cooking, and dining. I can guarantee that lessons with a chef of gourmet sensibilities will have a better outcome than lessons conducted on a Mississippi cruise … southern US states offer myriad flavours but fine fried foods in the manner of delicate Japanese kushikatsu are nowhere to be found. And for those on special diets? Ships’ galleys are professional to the nth degree and most cater for coeliac, gluten free, Kosher, vegan, low salt, low calorie and more. And because it is generally so appetisingly presented, travellers with dietary limitations don’t feel they are missing out. Cruising is ideal for special diets – you won’t be dissatisfied. Of course, for every positive there is a negative and I read today that Weight Watchers has a group departure booked onboard MSC in the Mediterranean later this year. I can only think that this must be akin to torture – seeing all that food and not being able to eat most of it. Such a shame my cruising dance card is already full for 2019! If you’d like the lowdown on gourmet treats you can expect on your next cruise, let us show you the culinary cruise range we can offer.
Words by
Adrienne Witteman Managing Director
Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre 9428 5900 I www.trendsettertravel.com.au
More cash for less litter
Anti-litter organisation Keep Australia Beautiful NSW is offering two new $5,000 prizes to be won by ‘sustainability champions’.
Return and Earn, the NSW container deposit scheme that refunds 10 cents for every eligible drink container returned, has teamed up with Keep Australia Beautiful NSW to sponsor two $5,000 prizes for outstanding anti-litter work by groups. There’s one $5,000 prize for work in the state’s cities and another for work in regional towns and communities. The new competition is part of the 2019 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities and Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards, which are also now open for entries. Peter Bruce, CEO of Return and Earn scheme urges eligible community, sporting and school groups to nominate for their chance to win before entries close July 8. “Return and Earn sees this partnership with Keep Australia Beautiful NSW as a natural fit because both organisations work to reduce litter in the NSW environment,” Mr Bruce said. The scheme last year removed almost 1.8 billion containers from NSW– a significant reduction in container litter.” “By nominating an environmental champion for a Keep Australia Beautiful NSW award, you can recognise and thank them for their commitment to keeping our environment clean for everyone’s enjoyment.” Keep Australia Beautiful NSW CEO Val Southam said each $5,000 prize is an addition to the awards presented each year by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW to groups working to help reach the goal of making NSW the least-littered state in Australia. “Be in it to win it – make sure your school or group enters their project and let us know how you have used Return and Earn to raise funds,” Ms Southam said. “The awards enable these groups to share their experiences, ideas and results to continue to improve our vibrant metro areas and rural towns,” Ms Southam said.
Entries close on Monday July 8
for all categories of the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards and Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards, including the new cash-prize Return and Earn Litter Prevention Awards. See www.kabnsw.org.au
Gift of music
Everyone who comes will be helping give children the opportunity to learn and play music.
The Lane Cove Concert Band is holding its annual Tempos in Time Concert to raise funds for The Australian Children’s Music Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that provides music classes and instruments to disadvantaged children and at-risk youth around Australia. Tempos in Time concerts, featuring Tambourine Bay Winds, Burns Bay Big Band and Stringybark Jazz, invariably inspire dancing and are a fun way to mingle with your neighbours and friends. TEMPOS IN TIME CONCERT: Saturday, June 15, 7.00pm at Lane Cove Public School Hall, 145-153 Longueville Road Lane Cove. Doors open 6.30 pm. BYO event but you can book a table please call Jann on 0413 817 648 COST: Adults/Seniors $20.00, Pensioners/children $5.00 TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR OR AT https://www.trybooking.com/BCRGF
FEATURING OVER 100 SCULPTURES
SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING SCULPTORS BRONZE, COPPER, ALUMINIUM, STAINLESS STEEL AND GLASS. PLUS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS.
ENCHANTED
Hunters Hill Food and Wine Festival May 5
The sun shone on early arrivals to the Hunters Hill Food and Wine Festival on May 5, and they were soon wandering Boronia Park Oval, sampling stalls, music and more. Families flocked to the action-packed rides ‘alley’ and shopped for gifts or something to nibble on while having a drink from 15 fine food providores. Later, more serious hunger was satisfied by specialities from 16 restaurants. Wine lovers got down to business tasting bottles from famous wineries such as Petersons Wines, Pepper Tree
Wines, Brown Brothers and Hungerford Hill and many newer names such as Elbourne Wines, Iron Gate Estate, Saddlers Creek Wine and Stonehurst Cedar Creek with its organic range. It was the Festival’s 20th birthday so, after many years’ practice, the event is brilliantly run and equally popular. Considering rain was predicted well ahead, attendance was impressive yet estimated to be about 30% less than last year’s massive 9,000-strong crowd. When rain came, shelter kept crowds happy in the stand and a big marquee in front of the stage from where music, from upbeat ballads to rock, rang out all day. Obviously enjoying themselves, most people stayed for a generally sunny afternoon. Talented young local, Jordan Richards, and bands If Not Now, Piper Street, and The Mummas & Co Community Choir, kept an audience happy under the marquee all day. Sydney Community Services (SCS) and organisers are grateful most of the wine and food providores on the day were also generous suppliers of delicious hampers raffled at the end of the day, and to 80 volunteers from Sydney University’s Job Smart Program who helped sell many raffle tickets, and brought $6,000 proceeds.
Festival organisers are hugely thankful to sponsors for great financial support and dealing with waste and recycling: ● Hunters Hill Council ● URM ● Access Engineering Systems ● Willis Towers Watson, and ● Greenwood Early
Education Centres
9427 6425 www.sydneycs.org
Raffle prizes: A massive eighteen prizes were drawn by Len Wallis of Len Wallis Audio in Lane Cove who donated a fabulous top-of-the-line television as first prize, won by Peter Fay. The second prize was a wonderful $3,000 in travel from Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre won by Jennifer Rodda, and third was a gorgeous $500 collection of cosmetics from Estee Lauder, won by Laura Hay. Fourth prize, a picknicker's delight hamper of gourmet food, wine and a magnificent hand-quilted rug crafted by The Hunters Hill Quilters, went to Stephen Gardiner. Fifth prize, a selected wine-lover's dozen from FESQ & Company wines was won by Kieran Long. Next drawn was a 'night in' hamper of sparkling wines and gourmet chocolates to be cosily consumed under a lovely quilt by The Hunters Hill Quilters - by mysterious winner 'Ferguson'. Dining experiences went to the next winners – seventh-drawn was Gaynor Starkey (dinner with friends at The Hills Middle Eastern Restaurant); eighth went to Max Hitchins, (dinner at The Alcott); ninth was Vivienne Skinner (dinner for two at La Piazza). Tenth prizewinner, Christy Pritchard, won an 'indulgence' hamper of pamper products, gourmet treats and wine. And yet there were another eight winners of wine hampers … courtesy of the stallholders of the day, which went to Diane (surname not supplied), Brad Hughes, Robyn Hawes, Nebil Kashro, Kate Gardiner, Tony Saunders, M. Horne ... and Caroline Mason was the lucky last drawn. Proceeds of the raffle go to SCS which helps seniors and disabled stay independent at home. Festival proceeds of $20,000 go to Hunters Hill State Emergency Services, Gladesville branch of St John’s Ambulance Service, SCS and Hunters Hill Ryde Men’s Shed.
THE HILLS
Middle Eastern Restaurant
Marist dragons OPEN DAYS!
Like a bit of fun and fitness? Looking to meet new people? Don’t mind getting wet? Dragon boating may be just what you’re after!! Marist Dragons dragon boat community club are holding OPEN DAYS every Saturday in May and June for ages 12 - 60 + for FREE. Beginners welcome!! Coaching and equipment included. Come paddling along the Lane Cove River and enjoy a different fitness experience! Meeting point near Woolwich Baths on Woolwich Rd. Not sure what dragon boating is? Think of 20 people in a canoe-like boat paddling in unison with enthusiasm.
FEATURING OVER 100 SCULPTURES
SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING SCULPTORS BRONZE, COPPER, ALUMINIUM, STAINLESS STEEL AND GLASS. PLUS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS.
