Review

~ CONCERT ~ ALF & PEARL POLLARD MEMORIAL AWARDS FOR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE

A BOOK LOVER’S REVIEW BY JACQUI SERAFIM

HELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH SYDNEY EISTEDDFOD.

Love Objects

by Emily Maguire

“Music for Love TUESDAY 7th DECEMBER 2021 and Laughter” 7.30 p.m. LANE COVE-MOWBRAY ANGLICAN CHURCH 19 ROSENTHAL AVENUE, LANE COVE

(behind the Post Office)

In the opening scene of Love Objects, we are introduced to Nic– a cheerful, single, forty-five year old woman making her way home after her shift at the local discount department store. The third person narrative deftly conveys her internal dialogue as her attention switches between her own spontaneous musings and the objects that catch her attention on her way home. She is clearly warm and likeable and her thought processes appear rational. It is soon evident to the reader, however, that her behaviour is unusual as she removes a poster from a telegraph pole, folds it carefully and tucks it in her handbag and carefully picks up a baby doll’s bonnet from under the swings at the local park and places it in a plastic bag to take home. Outside her home, Nic lives a “normal” life: she holds down a job, presents a well-kept facade to the world, babysits local children and meets her niece weekly for lunch. But Nic is a hoarder and her home is filled to the brim with all the items she has diligently collected and stored over the years. Nic has filled her life and her home with “love objects”. These are items judged by others to be “junk” and “clutter” but, to Nic, they are imbued with emotional connection. The catalyst for action is that Nic suffers a fall in her home and is hospitalised. It is her niece, Lena, who comes to her aid and discovers the extent of her hoarding disorder behind the locked doors of Nic’s home. Twenty-year-old Lena has her own challenges with trying to support herself through university and navigating her way through the minefield of social relationships in the digital world. Lena sets out to “help” her aunt by clearing her clutter, unaware of the potential ramifications to their relationship. When Lena’s brother, Will, travels home from Queensland to help Lena care for their beloved aunt he is damaged, destitute and heartbroken. All together under one roof, they are forced to confront their painful past and the issues in their relationships. Emily Maguire’s Love Objects is an unflinching but sympathetic portrayal of complex family relationships. It also addresses the issues of sexual consent, the politics of economic status and the social and emotional implications of power. The narrative switches between the perspectives of the three central characters and the challenges that each one is facing in their own lives and in their relationships. Each of them feels trapped by generational poverty and each of them loses control of a critical aspect of their lives. Nevertheless, their family ties are strong, their love is bruised but not broken and they are able to help each other to heal and move forward.

featuring Ten of John Martin (piano) and the most outstanding solo instrumentalists between Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich the ages of 12 and 15 years will be selected from the 2021 (violin). Eisteddfod for these awards. The performances will be followed by an audience vote and the awarding of prizes. • Tuesday 15th March 2022 at 7.30pm.Tickets will not be available on the night – closer to time please book on line using the Try Booking link on our website • Venue: Lane Covewww.lanecovemusic.org.au Mowbray Anglican Church, Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Enquiries welcome, 9428 4287. Cove.

This is a compassionate portrait of mental illness and generational hardship and a beautiful, hopeful depiction of the strength of love in families and its power.

Don’t miss the first of Lane Cove Music’s six 2022 concerts programmed for Tuesday 15th March at 7.30pm. You will enjoy a kaleidoscope of musical styles and moods including the works of Brahms, Chopin, de Falla, Debussy, Kats-Chernin, Noel Coward, along with ragtime and jazz-era gems. Booking is essential due to Covid-safe requirements and we regret tickets will NOT be available at the door. For more information please visit our website www.lanecovemusic.org.au where bookings will open early March. Enquiries welcome, please ‘phone 9428 4287.

Future concert 2022 dates here for your diary: 10th May, 21st June, 9th August, 11th October, 29th November.

plant

WITH RACHEL GLEESON I WWW.IVYALLEY.COM.AU

What to do with those palm tree fronds!

If you live in or around the Lane Cove, you will be familiar with palm tree fronds that frequently fall(and sometimes come crashing down) from the many different species of Palm trees that grow in our area. Palm fronds, inflorescence’s (the flowering stem) and their pods are rather big, awkward things that won’t fit into a green bin without some serious modification! Take a second look and you will probably be surprised to notice how beautifully intricate these stems and pods are. Inflorescence- this is the palm trees flowering stem which contains a great many tiny flowers that then form seeds. The seeds will eventually fall, leaving a seed free stem that will also fall from the tree. This stem and the pod that encases it can be used to make wonderful decorative items for your home and backyard. Soaking the palm leaves, pods and inflorescence in water for a few hours will soften the normally rigid material, which makes the material supple and easy to reshape. Items such as baskets, light shades and wall hangings can be weaved from this material.

Details at: www.ivyalley.com.au Gift Vouchers

now available Light shade - This is made by flattening out a softened inflorescence and braiding it (like you would braid hair) to make a flat piece of material. Both left and right sides are then weaved together to make a round shape. Baskets can also be made using the same technique.

Succulent planter - This looks great as a table centrepiece! Drill a couple of holes in the base of a seed pod for drainage. Brush or spray 2 coats of clear exterior timber varnish over both the interior and exterior of the casing. This will strengthen the pod and make it waterproof. Once dry, fill with soil and your favourite plants!

Palm leaves also make great kindling for your bbq or firepit!

Photographer, Wendy Gower.

Wall hangings - Palm inflorescence’s also look fabulous as wall hangings or simply hung off a backyard paling fence to add interest. Fairy lights can also be added to create a little drama!