2015 Summer edition of Keeping On

Keeping On
THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY Vol 88: Summer 2015
Brian Priestley
reminisces,
Bash On, Page 10
Phone (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, Email: [email protected], www.ageconcerncan.org.nz
Charities Commission Number: CCC29446
2
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Ageing is a
dynamic
and
ongoing process
that is part of
the normal life
course (health
of older people
strategy 2002).
Hello from our
new home at 24
Main North Road, Papanui. We have
been in place for two months now
and ‘most’ of the boxes have been
unpacked. It has been great to see
so many of you at one of the many
functions we have had at the new
building – for those that haven’t paid
us a visit – you are welcome at any
time to drop in.
We were met with a beautiful
day on September the 28th as we
launched our 9th Positive Ageing
Expo at Papanui High School. 150
exhibitors were on hand to educate,
inform, inspire and stretch (both
mentally and physically) nearly 6000
older people. The feedback we have
received indicates that everyone had
a great day – for all of those involved
– thank you for making it a success. A
special mention to our main sponsors
– More Mobility, Christchurch City
Council, Driving Miss Daisy, Health
Promotion Agency, Tranz Rail and
Royal Furniture.
We look forward to seeing you all
again next year for our 10th Positive
Ageing Expo – it will be bigger and
better than ever.
It seems almost a crime to say but
Christmas is nearly upon us. If the
months racing by is a sign of getting
older (and lots of people tell me it is)
I must be on the downward slope of
the hill.
Our next major event will be the
volunteer Christmas function – it is an
occasion we really love to host, where
we recognise and give thanks to our
amazing volunteers for all the input
they provide to our organisation and
to the older people of Canterbury.
We are always looking for new
volunteers, and can offer a wide range
of roles and tasks from visiting older
people in their homes to our front of
house reception. So if you want to
be involved in the great work Age
Concern Canterbury does – please
give us a call.
I hope you all have a wonderful
festive season – remember it can
be a lonely time for some people, so
make an effort to say hello to your
neighbours, and stay in touch with
family and friends.
See you in 2016
Simon Templeton
Chief Executive
CONTENTS
Page 5 - Mary Blake,
no ordinary woman
Page 7 - Winner’s of Age Concern’s
2015 Dignity Champion Award
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
I
remember
writing
about
Age
Concern
Canterbury
shifting to the
Barrington
Street office in
August 2012 one of several
moves
Age
Concern Canterbury has made
following the earthquakes. Barrington
Street was always to be a temporary
base and as such served us well.
Our new, permanent home base is
24 Main North Road, Papanui. The
building was previously a bank. It is
well situated and accessible with a
bus stop at the front door. We own
the building and say that with much
pride.
The building required a total fitout and the whole project was a
daunting undertaking. The result is
bright, spacious, very functional and
comfortable. It is indeed a just reward
for our staff, Board, clients and the
community who have demonstrated
great patience and flexibility from the
time of the earthquakes to the present
day.
Our building was officially
opened on 18 September 2015.
Some years ago we were gifted a
beautiful greenstone boulder which
has become a significant focal point
in our building foyer. During the
opening ceremony the stone was
bless by Pastor Ahi Allen, former
staff member and Age Concern
Canterbury’s cultural advisor.
You are welcome to visit us at
any time. We have a wide range of
information material available and
urge you to take advantage of the
opportunity to be better informed with
regard to services available through
our helpful staff.
For the past nine years we have held
a Positive Ageing Expo celebrating
International Day of Older Persons. It
was held at Papanui High School on
28 September and, as usual, proved
to be very successful and informative
not only to the elderly but to the public
in general.
Each year the number of exhibitors
increases, this year there were 150
covering a wide range of products
and services. Some 6000 people
attended.
We are most appreciative of the use
of Papanui High School as a venue.
Although the Expo falls during the
school holidays Papanui High School
students attend our function and make
themselves available to help. They
work hard and willingly to assemble
many sites. Age Concern Canterbury
appreciates their involvement which
we consider displays a valuable
partnership between youth and age.
This will be the last edition of
Keeping On for this year. May I
take this opportunity to say I do hope
that life has become more settled
for those of you who were victims
of the earthquakes. Much has been
achieved on some levels following
the disaster but we are aware that
there are still many people for whom
life is still very difficult. There is help
available but we realise that for some
asking for help is not easy.
Please consider contacting Age
Concern Canterbury.
We are
accessible as a first point of contact
by telephone or a visit to our office.
Our staff are very approachable,
knowledgeable and very practical
in providing personal support and
information.
I can assure you that we do achieve
some very good resolutions to a wide
range of problems. Do consider
letting us be of help.
May I wish you a Christmas that
contains love, hope and our very best
wish for the year 2016.
Annette Harris
President
Keeping On
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY (INC)
Page 12 - Music making
with a cuppa
Page 19 - Never too old
Page 8 Free curtains for over 65s
Page 13 Volunteers spotted at Age Concern Canterbury’s grand opening
Page 14 Age Concern Canterbury’s Expo a big hit
Page 21 Legionnaires season arrives
Page 25 Sixteen members of ‘Hey, I’m Shirley’ Club
Keeping On is distributed by Age Concern Canterbury to Christchurch Malls,
Senior Citizen Clubs and Groups, Libraries, Medical Centres, Rest Homes,
Hospitals and Institutions, Housing Complexes and Agencies working with older
people and individuals. Keeping On is published quarterly in February, May,
August and November each year. Written contributions for consideration can be
posted to The Editor, Keeping On at Age Concern Canterbury,
250 Barrington Street, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024 or contact The Editor on:
Ph: (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, or email [email protected].
The Keeping On Team: Dayl Milne - Editor, David Gee - Journalist,
Anna-Marie Hunter - Advertising Representative/Desktop Publisher.
Views and opinions expressed in Keeping On are not necessarily those
of the Editor or Age Concern Canterbury. Neither does publication of an
advertisement imply endorsement by Age Concern Canterbury.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
3
A busy life is key to action
Enter the home of David and Junko Bolam-Smith
and Japanese influences take over. Inside the front
door shoes come off.
Junko is
Japanese and Christchurch-born
David has forged business links with Japan and
has been involved for many years in the sistercity arrangement with Kurashiki. In fact, he has
his hands in many more pies and is the recipient
of many awards and honours which mark his
remarkable life in Christchurch.
His philosophy is “Keep your brain busy and
hopefully you’ll keep active. I am a born optimist,
it’s all about the power of positive thinking.” David
has travelled the world regularly (63 times to Japan
in 30 years) and when asked why, he replies: “The
world is my garden and I like to walk in it.”
His awards mirror his business and many other
interests.
In 2005 he received a civic award for services to
soccer and his work on preserving the city’s bridges.
Two years later he received a city heritage award,
again for his bridges work and his suggestion of
illuminating bridges.
In 2010 he received the Queen’s Service Medal
for community service and in 2012 a commendation
from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan for his
sister city work (27 years’ service, 12 as deputy
chairman and one year as chairman at the time of
the 40th anniversary). That work continues.
Earlier this year David was described as the “Kiwi
with the caring heart” when he was awarded by the
Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government
the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.
This is Japan’s first order instituted in 1875 and
was given for David promoting friendship between
the two countries for many years.
Also incorporated in that order was the action
he took in 2012 when David commissioned a
local artist, Annabel Menzies Joyce, to create
a kahikatea memorial sculpture to mark the first
anniversary of the earthquakes. A copy was also
commissioned for Toyama City where most of the
Japanese students who died in the second quake
lived.
His love affair with Japan began when he
was awarded a fellowship to study overseas
newspapers regarding technological changes.
Junko and David Bolan-Smith hold the cerficiate and
wear the medal from the Emperor of Japan, presented
at a ceremony in Wellington on 11 September 2015.
He visited the Asahi Shinbun paper and this trip
to Tokyo resonated with him. “I really enjoy the
culture and way of life. I formed a strong interest in
Japan,” he says.
Two years later he met Junko in Cathedral Square
and soon they married in Japan. David promised
in his wedding speech if they had children (they did
– Chiaki and Lukas) he would bring them to Japan
once a year. He thought it was important that they
keep in touch with both their cultures. He kept the
promise and both children have taught English at
some stage in Japan.
Even before he married and before he left his trade
at the Christchurch Star Sun David had started a
business: making badges. It is still operating today
and it could be one of the older wholesale souvenir
businesses in New Zealand.
He had left Papanui High School at 17 and started
an apprenticeship as a lithographer (photographs
are converted to printing blocks) at the Christchurch
Star Sun. In 1966, his apprenticeship finished,
he went to the UK where be backpacked around
Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia before working
in hotel management.
On his return he worked for one year as freezing
worker before going back to the Star Sun. While
there he was a territorial artillery soldier with 3 Field
Regiment at Burnham for eight years (he is now
hoping to organise a group to travel to the UK next
year for Royal Artillery 300 years anniversary).
He joined up at 37 - “I was super fit having run
full marathons.”
As a businessman he was later an importer (food)
and exporter (cars) with Japan. His first car export
was a Ford A (unusually with three windows along
each side), similar to that used for Tokyo taxis, for
the Edo-Tokyo Museum. He found it in Nelson.
Most of the other cars exported were smaller,
such as Minis and Volkswagens, after renovation.
“They were in mint condition,” David says.
He first came to public attention when he formed
the Sunday Soccer League, designed for the older
player who worked on Saturdays. That was 42
years ago and it is still going strong with an influx
of younger players. David is a life member of the
association and his name lives on with the annually
contested Bolam Cup.
His sister-city association now embraces Korea
as well as Japan and he is a leading figure in the
Peace Bell Association.
David still loves travelling. “I love flying – just
like a little boy. I like flying, even to Wellington. It’s
always just like the first flight. It’s the same with
hotels… I’m like a schoolboy.
“I love people and love to receive smiles from
strangers in the streets,” he says.
He believes to plan ahead; always having some
idea going on in his head. At 71 he keeps good
health (he always has except for a recent virus
attack which laid him low in hospital for five days).
He walks and gardens and now has a passion for
cruising around the world.
“I have a big heart. It’s been quite a journey.”
4
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Abbeyfield housing complex now open in Hornby
When former nurse Fenn Shaw
worked in the medical field in
Christchurch she saw a need for
housing accommodation for single
or widowed people over 55, able to
care for themselves. Also, they were
people on a limited income. Fenn said
to herself, “When I retire that could be
a project.” That was 11 years ago and
today an Abbeyfield complex for such
people is up and running in Hornby.
Fenn’s vision and dream have
been realised as 12 residents now
occupy the complex in Lesley Keast
Place (the former Goulding Park).
This small cul-de-sac will ultimately
house a $9m complex of Salvation
Army houses, New Zealand Housing
Foundation and Methodist Mission
accommodation.
Abbeyfield
was
opened
on
November 14 after the residents had
moved in the previous month.
Residents have individual, selfcontained rooms with refrigerator,
sink, en-suite and heat pump. They
provide their own furniture. The 12
rooms are almost identical, each with
a patio. They pay $350 a week.
They help themselves to breakfast
in a large communal room but
housekeeper Ginny, (she lives in
a first-storey flat) cooks lunch and
an evening meal. She also cleans
the complex. There is a separate
laundry.
Residents are free to come and go.
Fenn likes to call the complex “home
from home.”
The focus of Abbeyfield is to maintain
the independence and dignity of
older people who are able to look
after themselves but who no longer
wish to live alone. Many older people
are lonely and some are concerned
about being by themselves at night.
The charity started in he UK and first
appeared here in 1991. There are12
complexes around the country and
one is being planned for Leeston.
Fenn says the Hornby complex
cost $2.5m and the committee, which
she heads, has a sizeable mortgage.
She is full of praise for those who
helped establish the complex. She
names the Canterbury Community
Trust (now the Rata Foundation), and
several Government housing funds
(which have now ceased). Rotary
Clubs (Fenn is a former Rotary
club president) have helped and
local shops have given goods. “The
generosity of local firms has been
outstanding,” she says.
The residents are aged from 60
to 89 and are living in a no-smoking
environment. No nursing or medical
care is provided.
Abbeyfield is part of a social
housing blueprint in Lesley Keast
Place. Government agencies will
be watching the progress of the
mix of housing options. Fenn sees
nothing but success for Abbeyfield
and already sees the residents of the
street holding street parties and such
like. She welcomes volunteers to do
the gardening and to visit residents
or take them out. Also books, DVDs
and games can be gifted.
stand assist chairs, incontinence
products,
living
aids
including
specialised cutlery for those suffering
from Arthritis, or having suffered
from a disability or a stroke, dressing
aids, toilet and bathroom equipment,
including toilet bidets, electric bath
seats, for those deprived of having a
bath by inability to get in and out, we
also stock ramps, wheelchair carriers
for the car, respiratory equipment and
height adjustable chairs and tables.
Actually, these are just a sample of
some of the products you can buy or
hire from us” says Kim.
On the mobility scooter side of
the business, More Mobility stocks
3 different brands of Scooters and
Powerchairs, and at any given time
has up to 15 or so scooters on the floor
to try out, they also have a large range
of second hand stock. These have
been traded on new scooters, and are
reconditioned and sold as second hand
with new batteries and a warranty, to
provide a perfectly reliable second
hand purchase.
“Prices of new scooters range from
$1290.00 through to $10,000.00.
Commonly, scooters we sell are in
the range of $3500.00 to $5800.00
and our second hand scooters start
at $1500.00, including new batteries
and a comprehensive warranty”, says
Russell.
“The Mobility Scooter and electric
wheelchair side of the business
continues to expand and there are
a lot more scooters being used in
Christchurch today than 8 years ago,
and this trend will continue as our city
continues to mend, and the footpaths
are repaired and replaced. The council
is listening to the needs of older people
and consequently building very user
friendly amenities for our clients. We
are very excited about what lies ahead
for people seeking alternative modes
of transport like Scooters”, says Kim.
“We spend a lot of time giving tuition
to new clients, it is in every ones interest
to have this training, as it ensures the
rider is safe, and is made aware of
where the dangers are. We want our
scooter riders to be confident & safe”
Russell says.
More Mobility believe you can never
be too visible, hence they encourage
displaying a safety flag, along with
their locally manufactured Sherpa
Backpack, which is available in a range
of bright colours , and has provision for
walking sticks/crutches and they also
have attachments for the Sherpa that
will enable you to carry your walking
frame.
“Obviously budget will dictate what
our clients can afford, however we
strike a lot of people unsure about what
they want to spend; in these cases
Russell will take new and second hand
scooters to demonstrate, and we find
people are generally surprised by how
little they cost”, expresses Kim.
“We have learnt a lot in the past 8
years about what people want and
need, and try our best to make it easy
for people to deal with us. We are
receptive to making a home visit to
those not able to make it in to see us
at the shop, or special appointments
can be made with us if you are unable
to make it within normal shop hours”,
explains Kim.
With the growth of mobility scooters
More Mobility have also extended
their workshop services. They have
mechanical and electrical expertise
on hand, either in their comprehensive
workshop or via one of their three
mobile vans. Whether you are an
existing client or not, their technicians
can take care of any repair or service
work required.
If you or your family have any issues
with mobility and comfort call or pay a
visit to More Mobility, located at 113
Blenheim Road (inbetween Clarence
and Dalgety St). Open 8.30am-5.30pm,
Mon. to Fri. and 9.00am-2.00pm on
Saturday. Phone 3483460 or 0800 666
A
222.
The joy of independence is More Mobility’s motto
The Joy of Independence is the motto
that More Mobility has on the side of
their vans and in all of their advertising.
“This totally sums up what we try to
achieve with our business, and gives
us complete clarity when it comes to
researching what items we need to
stock”, says Russell & Kim.
Initially when the doors first opened
eight years ago, More Mobility carried
a range of Mobility Scooters, Walking
frames and wheelchairs, along with a
scattering of daily living aids. They sold,
hired, and serviced these products;
however since then their stock lines
have grown from about 80 to 500
products.
“Along with a large range of mobility
scooters, walking aids, wheelchairs,
furniture including beds and electric
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NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
5
Mary Blake, no ordinary woman
Mary Blake, at 90, says her life has been an
ordinary one which would not interest readers.
Despite her protestation, she was recently
awarded a community service award by the
Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board for her 18
years of service as a volunteer with Canterbury
Age Concern and another 30-plus years with local
amateur theatre groups.
The award citation said: “She has helped
thousands of older people access the help they
required and her calm and re-assuring manner is
appreciated.”
She worked with the Elmwood Players and
Harlequin Players for many years, mostly back
stage.
Mary decided to call it quits at Age Concern
when she reached 90. “I’m a bit deaf now and I
think I must be the oldest volunteer they ever had,”
she says. “I loved the work, especially when Age
Concern was based in Cashel Street. We had a
smaller staff and nice rooms and a cafeteria.”
Her Monday afternoon stint with Age Concern
started when she was a clerk in the Heath
Department. “I found I had time on my hands when
restructuring came and Carol Voyce (a former staff
member at Age Concern) mentioned volunteers
were needed,” she says.
Mary was receptionist-telephonist for the next 18
years.
Her other voluntary occupation has been in the
theatre. Her association with the Elmwood Players
Mary Blake celebrates her 90th birthday with fellow
volunteers at Age Concern Canterbury.
started when her daughter, a teenager, wanted lifts
to the theatre. “I was always interested in theatre.
My mother took me to Repertory which I always
found interesting.”
In time all the children took to acting – and in
fact one son (she has three children and six
grandchildren) is a part-time actor based in
Wellington. Nick Blake has appeared with the
Court Theatre, in films and on radio.
Sometime in the late seventies a group of
Elmwood Players broke away to form Harlequin
Players and Mary was a foundation and Life
Member member of the group. It wanted to
perform different productions to those at Elmwood
and settled into a yearly pattern of an outdoor
production, a children’s production (which followed
a six-week instruction course) and KidsFest.
She continued her stage management duties
at Harlequins and was in charge of the costume
department and for some time, props. She
rarely appeared on stage herself but remembers
appearing as a grandmother in Charley and the
Chocolate Factory (three times) and had several
walk-on-parts, such as leading a dog.
“There was one role when I was 86 - old mother
to primary school children,” she chuckles.
Harlequin has now ceased but a group called Act
Two has emerged. Mary is a life member of the
group and is a member of its committee.
She also attends Court Theatre productions and
says its works are “fantastic.”
Other interests for her are gardening (she still
mows the lawns) and does not shirk from the hard
work. She is a long-time member of Probus and
the Christchurch Clef Music Club. Also she loves
crosswords, playing scrabble and watches TV
quizzes.
SuperSeniors website launched recently
A new website for New Zealand’s
SuperSeniors has been launched
today by Senior Citizens Minister
Maggie Barry.
SuperSeniors will pull together in
one place the wealth of information
available for older New Zealanders
online, including superannuation
entitlements, finances, health and
SuperGold discounts.
Ms Barry unveiled the website at a
seniors event in Milford in Auckland’s
North Shore, together with Prime
Minister John Key.
“Whether you are looking for
information about finances, health
services or finding out about ways to
stay connected with your community,
the SuperSeniors site is the place to
go,” Ms Barry says.
61 per cent of New Zealanders
over the age of 65 used the internet
last year.
With an ageing population which
will see 1.2 million people over 65 by
2035, the number of older internet
users in New Zealand is set to
increase dramatically.
“There are more and more
computer-savvy older people able to
get online, and a one-stop website
which speaks directly to them is
timely,” Ms Barry says.
The website will be run by the Office
for Senior Citizens and will include
information from a wide variety of
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6
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Exercise benefits the body and the brain
Everybody knows the benefits of
exercise for your body functions, but
what about the brain? The evidence is
compelling, says Professor Winston
Byblow, Director of Movement
Neuroscience Laboratory at the
University of Auckland: maintaining
cardiovascular fitness as we get older
reduces shrinkage that occurs in key
brain regions.
The brain can shrink up to 5%
per decade after the age of 40, and
areas important for memory and
cognition such as hippocampus and
the prefrontal cortex are often most
affected. Neuroscience research
now tells us that this shrinkage is
associated with physical inactivity.
“The misconception is that if you
don’t want to lose your memory, do
crossword puzzles and Sudoku, but
there is little evidence that doing these
activities improves your cognitive
abilities”, Professor Byblow says. “It
makes you better at doing crossword
puzzles and Sudoku but there is little
evidence that there’s much transfer”.
However there is strong evidence
that swimming, running, walking the
dog and even vigorous housework
and gardening (anything that gets
the pulse up for 30-40 minutes per
day) will help preserve our educative
function-that is the brain’s processing
speed, the speed of our reactions, our
ability to remember phone numbers
long enough to dial them.
“We’ve seen this time and time
again in dozens of really good
studies, with control groups in which
half the participants do exercise and
the other half do a controlled activity
like stretching. And if you compare
the evidence with say cognitive
exercises, overwhelmingly, physical
activity has been shown to far
outweigh the benefits of any of those
training programmes.
So I say to people “put down the
crossword and pick up the dog lead.”
(Source: Age Concern Rodney, Spring
2015)
Funding retirement can be tough
Over 80% of New Zealanders aged
65+ own their own home, most of
them mortgage-free. However, their
median income is just $20,200, with
many depending entirely or largely
on New Zealand Superannuation.
While this can be enough to get by,
for many it doesn’t cover unexpected
expenses like house maintenance,
car repairs, or taking a trip to visit
family. And it certainly doesn’t allow
for any luxuries.
Kiwis’ expectations of retirement
have changed over the years. We’re
living longer, healthier lives and we’re
looking for an active, but independent
retirement.
Attitudes
to
inter-generational
wealth have also taken a new course.
These days children are likely to be
close to retirement themselves by the
time they’d receive any inheritance,
meaning leaving a legacy is becoming
less relevant. Looking after yourself
first can make more sense – and
many children would rather see their
parents, who have worked hard all
their lives, enjoying their retirement
rather than struggling to get by.
Home equity release can be a
viable option to help bridge this gap
between expectation and income in
retirement. It’s a category that has
evolved considerably over recent
years, largely in response to New
Zealand’s ageing population that has
directed much of its savings into the
family home.
A Home Equity Loan is similar to a
regular mortgage, but it’s specifically
designed for retirees and you don’t
need to make regular repayments.
You continue to own and live in your
home as long as you wish, and you
never owe more than your house is
worth. That is guaranteed.
Heartland
Bank’s
Riccarton
Manager, Jill Armitage, says home
improvements or repairs are a
common use of Heartland’s Home
Equity Loans, allowing retirees to
remain living in their homes more
comfortably.
“We recently helped one of our
customers to install heat pumps
to make their home warm, dry and
comfortable. There’s no need for
people to sit there shivering through
the winter chill.
“Improvements like this can also
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STAY IN THE
HOME I LOVE?
Big rates increases, medical expenses, other unexpected costs – they can
put a real strain on your retirement income.
Now there’s a way to remove the worry and stay in the home you love.
A Heartland Home Equity Loan allows you to access the value in your largest
financial asset, your home, without having to sell it. It’s a flexible way to release
cash when you need it most.
So whether it’s an unforeseen expense, money for renovating your home or for
that trip of a lifetime, you can get the peace of mind you deserve.
Call your local Heartland Seniors Finance representatives Jill Armitage
or Ben Jamieson now to see how we can help you.
Stay where you belong.
Call Jill Armitage on 03 341 0514 or Ben Jamieson on 03 924 3143
www.heartland.co.nz
Heartland Seniors Finance is a division of Heartland Bank Limited. Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, fees and charges apply.
add to the home’s value. Some use
the funds to upgrade their car to
something more reliable. Others for
travel, often to see family overseas
before
long-distance
journeys
become too difficult.”
The money released can in many
cases be quite small, but it can
really improve your day-to-day living
experience. While many scrape by
on government super, council rates,
insurance bills and any unexpected
expenses can create significant
stress.
Whether it’s having a home that’s
warm and secure, greater and safer
mobility with an upgraded car, or the
memories and satisfaction that come
from visiting family, a Home Equity
Loan can transform your life.
A
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
7
Winners of Age Concern’s 2015 Dignity Champion Award
Age Concern has today announced
the two winners of the International
Day of Older People (IDOP) 2015
Dignity Champion Award.
Margaret
Dando
from
Age
Concern Otago has won the Dignity
Champion Award for Community for
her amazing work in establishing the
falls prevention programme for older
people, Steady As You Go, with Sally
Blundell from The Listener winning
the Dignity Champion Award for
Media for her commitment in voicing
the important issues that older people
in New Zealand are currently facing.
Steady as You Go (SAYGO) is a
one hour weekly, ongoing, strength
and balance exercise programme
with a central coordinator, for over
65 year olds living independently in
the community. Margaret developed
a peer-led model of the class which
enables people to continue their
strength and balance class after ten
weeks.
Age Concern New Zealand CEO
Robyn Scott says that it is Margaret’s
excellent working relationship with
older people that has enabled her to
develop such a robust programme
that is making a huge difference in
the lives of older people.
Today there are 42 peer-led SAYGO
classes in Dunedin City and 18 in
rural Otago and Southland townships.
With the support of 120 peer leaders,
Margaret continues to manage and
grow this huge programme which
now has 1400 participants.
“Margaret really and truly is a
deserving recipient of the 2015 Dignity
Champion Award for Community”
says Mrs Scott. “We are honoured
to present her with this award on
International Day of Older People.”
Mrs Scott also says that she is
thrilled to award Sally Blundell
from The Listener the 2015 Dignity
Champion Award for Media.
“This year Sally has written two
incredibly in depth articles about
from social connection, mental and
spiritual health and a strong purpose,
to physical health, falls prevention,
nutrition and more.
Age Concern wishes to highlight
the importance of exercise, social
connection, brain exercises, a
healthy diet and more as the key to
ageing well and IDOP 2015 focuses
on these wellbeing factors.
Mrs Scott say that it is the local
Age Concerns throughout New
Zealand that provide these services
that enable older people to lead
healthier, socially connected, safe
and respected lives.
www.ageconcern.org.nz
Thinking about
buying or selling
property?
Left, Sally Blundell and Margaret Dando, recipients of Age Concern’s 2015 Dignity
Champion Award.
two hugely important issues for
older people – loneliness and social
isolation and elder abuse.” With more
than 50,000 older New Zealanders
experiencing loneliness and with Age
Concern receiving more than 2,000
referrals of elder abuse every year,
these issues are something that older
people are facing every day.
“We are hugely grateful to Sally
for shining a light on these issues”
says Mrs Scott. “We are thrilled to be
able to recognise her compassion by
awarding her the Dignity Champion
Award for Media.”
The Dignity Champion Award is
awarded annually on International
Day of Older People to those who
show an outstanding commitment
to breaking down ageism and
stereotypes and encouraging dignity
and respect for all people.
The Awards were presented today
Providing quality,
tailored home-based care
t Companionship, support & respite
t Comprehensive & personalised service
t Day, night, weekend & live-in care
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at Age Concern’s IDOP event in
Hamilton, with performances from
the oldest hip hop group in the world
– The Hip Op-eration Crew as well
as performances from Age Concern
Hamilton’s Zumba Gold Group whose
oldest member is 89.
Mrs Scott says that IDOP is a time
to celebrate the value of older people
and a chance to acknowledge their
contributions to our communities;
in the work place, as volunteers, as
caregivers and as whole people, with
dreams, aspirations, wisdom and
experience.
“Both the Hip Op-eration Crew
and the Zumba Gold Group have
helped us to demonstrate the
importance of wellbeing for older
people this International Day of
Older People,” says Mrs Scott. Age
Concern believes that older people’s
wellbeing is multi-faceted and ranges
Before buying or selling a house,
the people involved often want to
see EQC documents related to the
property in regards assessment for
earthquake damage, and the status
of repairs.
To avoid the document request
causing delays in the sale and
purchase of a property, vendors are
advised to obtain EQC documents
before putting their homes on the
market. The documents are easily
requested by emailing EQC at info@
eqc.govt.nz or phoning us on 0800
326 243 between 7am to 9pm,
Monday to Friday, or 8am to 6pm on
Saturday.
This makes it easier, because EQC
is unable to discuss claim information
with a potential purchaser without
the claimant’s (usually the vendor)
express consent. A purchaser
wanting claim information after they
have bought property need to have
obtained a Deed of Assignment
(Source:
(or similar document).
Earthquake Commission).
8
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Free curtains for over 65s
by Jamita de Jong
Marketing and Communications Advisor, Community Energy Action
These days, curtains seem to be all
about fashion. The older generation
however, will still remember that
curtains actually have a very important
function: keeping the house warmer.
For curtains to work properly, they
will need to be properly sized and of
a good quality. If you have been in
your house for many years or if you
have recently moved to a new house,
check your curtains. If they are too
short, if they do not close fully or are
getting thin, you may need some new
ones to help you keep warm. If you
cannot afford this, contact Community
Energy Action’s Curtain Bank. They
are there to help with free, recycled
curtains.
The Curtain Bank, located at 299
Tuam St in the CBD, stocks hundreds
of recycled curtains in various sizes,
colours and patterns and you can
come in and choose your curtains
from the stock available. If you
Betty Hutchinson used the Curtain Bank
earlier this year and did not regret it.
struggle with mobility, ask whether
you are eligible for the Mobile Curtain
Bank service.
Betty used the Curtain Bank earlier
this year and did not regret it.
“A lot of people in my generation
would never even go to WINZ for
help, we are too proud.”
“I couldn’t believe it when they said
the curtains were free. The ladies
in the Curtain Bank were lovely and
friendly. I got curtains for the lounge,
bedroom and back door. The curtain
in my bedroom is beautiful, red velvet.
I love the colour.”
The curtains made quite a difference
to her house.
“The lounge is quite a bit warmer. I
used to have the heat pump on 23C
but once I got the curtains I could just
have it on 18C.”
I would definitely advise anyone to
get in touch with the Curtain Bank.
I am thrilled to bits with my curtains
and the service. I’m glad I buried my
pride and rang up.”
Help with
power bills
Could you use some help paying
for heating? Do you struggle to pay
your power bill or are you unable to
afford firewood? Warm and Well is
a new Community Energy Action
(CEA) project funded by New
Zealand Red Cross, offering one-off
grants for power bills for low income
householders. The grant is available
for homeowners and tenants.
The project may also be able to
help with purchasing an efficient
heating appliance to make heating
more affordable next winter.
Conditions apply.
“Keeping warm in winter is a
necessity particularly for older
householders,”
says
Caroline
Shone, Chief Executive of CEA. “We
know that people who are warm at
home are less at risk of ending up in
hospital in winter.”
For more information and to apply
call 0800 GET WARM (0800 438
9276) or visit www.cea.co.nz.
We need to work together to develop responses that are fair
by Hon. Ruth Dyson
It was an absolute delight to be
present at the opening of the new
Age Concern Canterbury offices in
Main North Road recently - and what
a different space! I am so pleased
for the staff who now have plenty of
room to do their work in comparative
comfort.
With a bus stop right
outside, it will be a very convenient
location for people to drop in and
connect with the team. I want to give
a big thanks to the Age Concern staff
for their extraordinary commitment
to their work and acknowledge that
they have continued to support
Cantabrians during very difficult times
accommodation wise for themselves.
We are very lucky to have them!
Need Advice?
* Retirement villages
* Asset protection
* Wills & Trusts
* Enduring powers of attorney
* Property sales and purchases
* Relationship property issues
Ph: 366-5169 (Leo Steel)
Home visits at no extra charge
We are here to assist you in
all legal matters
STEEL & CO
BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS
111 BEALEY AVENUE, CHRISTCHURCH
Another big thanks is due to
Yvonne Palmer, event organiser for
the annual Age Concern Canterbury
Expo. This year’s event at Papanui
High felt like the best ever to me!
The sunshine certainly helped and
people were able to sit outside having
a cuppa and a chat which many
enjoyed. It is really important to have
these expos, because there are so
many community organisations who
provide help and support to people
and sharing information during these
events is invaluable.
I have been approached by lots
of people in regard to the coastal
hazards discussion triggered by the
Christchurch City Council’s District
Plan review. This section is looking at
the potential for sea level rise over the
next 100 years and how our planning
rules should respond to those
predictions. Initially, the government
had included this section in the fast
tracked District Plan considerations
which had caused a lot of anxiety,
with detailed submissions having only
a short period of time to be prepared,
and very limited appeal provisions.
Fortunately, this chapter has now been
removed from this fast track process
and we have more time to read and
understand the reports and develop
an appropriate response. Climate
change is a big and challenging
topic, but it certainly won’t go away
if we just ignore it! It has significant
implications for individual property
owners and communities, and in my
view, we need to work together to
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develop responses that are fair and
enduring. I think we are up to that
task!
The continuing discussion about
terminally ill people having the right
in law to choose when they die has
started with an inquiry at Parliament’s
Health Select Committee. It is a very
emotional issue for many and I think
that a cross party discussion around
a select committee table is a sensible
way to progress the discussions.
If you are interested in making a
contribution to the debate, I am sure
the committee would welcome it.
Give me a call for information on how
to do this.
And finally, I hope that you are all
enjoying the warmer weather that
Spring has delivered!
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
9
Driving Miss Daisy - here in St Albans
Driving Miss Daisy is New Zealand’s
number one companion driving service
and they’ve got Christchurch covered
now they have added the latest St
Albans Daisy to the group. New
franchise owner, Tim Loversidge, is
thrilled to be bringing this companion
driving service to clients within the St
Albans and Central City area. Tim is
launching his business with a brand
new VW Caddy - a mobility vehicle.
This will enable all wheel chair bound
clients to ride with ease.
Safe, dependable and flexible,
Driving Miss Daisy’s new franchise
owner, Tim, can collect and drive you
whenever and wherever you need to
go. Our Driving Miss Daisy difference
is that clients know they will have the
same driver each time and this gives
them wonderful peace of mind. No
matter whether Tim is accompanying
clients to appointments or helping
with their shopping, he is always
mindful of his client’s wellbeing to
ensure they’re comfortable and safe.
Now is a good time to look forward
to Summer and many clients are
enjoying social outings - sharing an
outing to local attractions with friends
or family makes the trip not only more
affordable but so much fun. Take a
trip down memory lane and visit
places from your past or spend a
sunny morning enjoying an ice cream
at the beach - your local Daisy Tim
can help plan a day for you so don’t
hesitate to ask.
Driving Miss Daisy is a great
service helping not just the elderly
and the disabled but anybody who no
longer drives. It’s all about helping
people maintain, or regain, their
independence – clients book at the
time that suits them and do not have
to feel indebted to family or friends
to help them. A great part of using
Driving Miss Daisy is that costs are
quoted and agreed in advance as
a pre-booked service so you don’t
worry about the cost being unknown.
Remember, Driving Miss Daisy
gift vouchers are also available so
give the gift of independence to that
special friend or relative who has
everything, especially with Christmas
fast approaching!
Driving Miss Daisy accepts Total
Mobility cards, is ACC approved and
all cars carry walkers and foldable
wheelchairs. For peace of mind,
safety, reliability and comfort, make
sure you call Driving Miss Daisy
today!
Tim Loversidge, St Albans Franchise
Owner. (03) 423 9831 or 022 636
0287.
stalbans@drivingmissdaisy.
A
co.nz
Care, compassion and skill define Nurse Maude
Nurse Maude has been caring for
the people of Canterbury since 1896,
covering an area that spans much of
the upper South Island and across
the West Coast.
While much of its work is in the
community the Nurse Maude Hospice
is an integral part of its diverse and
broad scope of nursing care.
“Our unique strength lies in the
ability of our people to blend nursing
excellence with the values which
motivated Sybilla Maude in 1896;
that the needs of the patients and
clients are met with quality nursing
care and support provided by skilled
and compassionate staff,” says Jim
Magee, Chief Executive of Nurse
Maude.
At the Nurse Maude Hospice the
focus is firmly on providing a homelike environment where family,
friends and pets are a welcome. This
safe, warm and homely environment
is where patients can spend their
last days knowing that they are as
important and loved now as they ever
were throughout their life.
Just as Nurse Maude has been
taking care of the community, the
community takes care of the Nurse
Maude Hospice.
Thanks to its support of the hospice
shops, Maudes on Trade Me and
through events and donations, Nurse
Maude is able to provide specialist
palliative nursing care and support
to its patients and their families at no
cost to them.
Nurse Maude has a long and proud
history of caring in the community
and in its hospice and hospital.
“Our job in the Nurse Maude
Hospital is to make a real home for
our residents,” says Barber. “It’s a
place where they can enjoy the same
sense of purpose, fun, meaning,
control and dignity that they would in
their own homes.”
“For those who have given so much
to their community this is their time to
A
be cared for,” says Ann.
10
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
‘Bash On’ took on new meaning
by Dayl Milne
In my youth I watched Fourth
Estate under some duress as my
parents hung on to the words of Brian
Priestley. Years slip by and I now
enjoy and value the frank and free
comment Brian makes in Keeping
On. I recently visited Brian and Vera
in their new lifestyle village complex
and came away warmed by their
obvious love, companionship and
shared values.
Born of a prestigious family in
Birmingham, Brian’s father Clive, was
a director of the finest music shop in
the Midlands. Brian’s grandfather,
the leader of the city’s orchestra also
played in a quartet with Edward Elgar.
But it was not all easy for Blanche
and Clive Priestley. Their first child,
a daughter, was stillborn and three
weeks after Brian’s arrival, Blanche
died of an embolism. The tragedy
deepened with the collapse of the
music shop ‘Priestleys’.
Clive Priestley, now eking out
a living writing under the name of
Clive Ryland, let go the maid, the
gardener and Brian’s nanny. Finally
the cook went as well. Biddy, Brian’s
grandmother, the once wealthy
matron, took up these duties in the
home.
So Brian, who if there had been
money would have gone to a private
school, had to win a free place at
King Edwards; Birmingham’s ancient
and splendid day school. And so he
did.
At home in winter, he remembers
playing with his lead toy soldiers
and reading. Defeating boredom
was one of life’s lessons. Summers
were filled spending time at the local
playground.
In 1939 when war broke out Brian
moved, along with this father and
grandmother, to the tiny village
of Frocester.
His free place at
King Edwards was transferred to
Handworth Grammar School which
had been evacuated from Birmingham
into the area.
Brian’s love of literature wasn’t
nurtured at the school but much of his
time after school was spent reading
and listening to the radio. The event
of the week was to play in the village
cricket team. He held no fondness
for the very scientific Handworth
Grammar, although he achieved
well in his exams. Leaving school
he spent a year in an Air Ministry
Accounts Department but “lacked
the soul of a bureaucrat”. The year
following, working on a farm, he
first encountered the meaning of
the phrase ‘bash on’ as he sweated
In his 89 years Brian has been photographed very many times. This, taken years ago,
is one of his favourites. Pondering .....
in the corn fields. At this time he
was a member of the Home Guard,
standing on duty at a Naval stores
depot and “learning to fire a spread
of weapons”.
At 17 years and six months he
volunteered for the army. Homesick
and miserable through his initial
months of training, Brian found his
confidence and grew up suddenly
when he joined the Parachute
Regiment, training at Manchester’s
Ringway. Fried eggs for breakfast
followed the jumps and the trainees
felt they had earned them.
Complete with parachute wings,
the others on the course went to
action in the Ardennes and the Rhine
crossing. Brian was on leave with
chicken pox. Six hundred men had
gone to Arnheim, Brian recalls on
their return, 22 of them, sitting in one
barrack room.
After returning to training he was
made Lance Corporal. He recalls at
this period, “We trained and drank
hard.” He was recommended for
Officer training but opted to stay with
the men and join them in their posting
to the far east. Brian’s new battalion
was shipped to north west Malaya
to cut the retreating Japanese Army
off from Singapore. Then the war
ended.
Redirected to Singapore
he remembers the wood alcohol
that killed three of his battalion and
a further 28 servicemen that first
Saturday on arrival. Brian escaped
harm, being immediately sick from a
mere swig. Local justice was dished
out to the provider of the alcohol.
The battalion ran a newspaper and
offered a $10,000 prize for the best
contribution. Brian won two weeks in
a row with the only entry. As a result
he was seconded as the battalion’s
reporter and writer. Alan Clemison
was the editor and he became a real
friend and, “someone with whom
Brian could talk about life”.
Java was in a state of anarchy which
called for the services of the airborne
brigade. In Semarang an estimated
31,000 freedom fighters/bandits were
trying to get at the thousands of Dutch
colonists in refugee camps.
Defending the civilians were about
2000 airborne troops and a Japanese
battalion! Brian was transferred to
his battalion’s intelligence section
to write a report about the military
possibilities of the land beyond the
perimeter.
The idea was to put down everything
he could discover about the ground
in front of them. Two shots from a
sniper were very close misses but his
work went down well. Brian left Java
feeling they, “had done a worthwhile
job and he had grown up a lot more”.
After a further peace-time stint
in Malay and Thailand jungles and
a run in with a raging elephant,
the 7th Battalion, with Brian now a
sergeant, moved on to Palestine.
The intelligence section became
instructors. Brian’s ability to capture
an audience from the first moment,
developed in this period. Teaching
bored paratroopers about history was
excellent training. It was also a time
when, they “smoked too much, drank
too much whiskey and played cards
for bottles of beer.”
With thoughts of becoming a teacher,
Brian took a demob course in history
and revelled in books again. Tutors
urged him to go to university and
wrote letters of recommendation.
He arrived back in Birmingham
where his father Clive and
grandmother Biddy, were back in the
old Handworth Wood home. It was
nearly three years that Brian had
served in the Parachute Regiment.
In that time he had completed nine
jumps, eight of them on the training
course. But he attributes his ability
not to back down in a confrontation
or walk away from necessary trouble,
to his years with them. He now had a
motto that had been reinforced in the
jungles of Asia, for use when things
were tough, ‘Bash on!’
Brian took the advice of his
tutors and went to the University of
Birmingham holding on to the thought
of teaching history. At last he was in
a society where he could let himself
go and revel in student politics and
debate. Debates drew crowds of up
to 1000. He edited the Labour wall
newspaper, played squash for the
second team, captained the darts
team and chaired one of the annual
carnivals. He helped his finances by
joining the local parachute battalion
of the territorial army and jumping at
camps and air shows.
Continued on page 11.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
11
Brian joins the newspaper industry
On his 25th and last jump he left
the aircraft at number 19 and landed
at number two - he passed the
previous 17 jumpers as his parachute
struggled to open. When finished,
the idea of teaching seemed “a good
deal of a bore”. Instead he took up a
traineeship with the Birmingham Post
and Mail. His motto became “always
go and look”.
An early job was to fill a Brownhill’s
page once a week. The business
in the area was mining and in this
unattractive township Brian learned
how to find and nourish contacts, keep
them and not let them down. It was
here that he fleetingly met a youthful
looking girl who taught at the Ogley
Hay girls school. In a brief encounter
she made a lasting impression.
Brian was appointed Chief Reporter
on the Cannock Courier, which the
Brimingham Post and Mail had just
acquired. While reporting on plans to
open cast mine an area around great
Wyrley, he headed off to speak with
villagers who had signed a petition
against the mine. He knocked on
the door of the family home of Miss
Vera Pennell, who was more than
happy to voice an opinion. She was
the teacher from Ogley Hay! He
was not going to let an opportunity
pass this time. She was eight years
younger than he, was a cracking
pianist who had won music festivals
at Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
She was good to look at and Brian
thought she was a smasher.
They married in December that
year and moved into the attic of
Brian’s family home, with Brian
working for the Birmingham Mail and
Vera teaching at an Aston secondary
school.
In 2005 they celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary, “I still don’t like
being away from her,” he comments.
The Birmingham Mail was Brian’s
first daily. Work was a mixed bag
from university, museum and art
gallery correspondence to army, royal
visits, elections and difficult weather
reporting.
At 34, Brian was asked to apply
for the position of Birmingham staff
correspondent for The Times. “So
began the most marvellous and
useful period of my life,” Brian
writes. “The strength of The Times
was its team of local correspondents
scattered up and down the country.”
It had clout and was read by people
of influence. Brian’s simple motto
was “Is it interesting?”
The Times was being overhauled.
It had a circulation of 90,000 when
he joined and 200,000 when he
left eight years later. “It was a great
time to work there. One could hardly
Vera Pennell, a ‘cracking pianist’ and Brian
through she was a ‘smasher’.
have had better news editors.” Brian
became the Midland correspondent
and was having more than his share
of the big feature articles on the main
leader page. (After a visit to the White
House, the editor reported that one
of Brian’s surveys of public opinion
had been read by the Kennedys and
the Secretary of State). Other Brian
exclusives were an investigation of
electoral racism at Smethwick which
caused a storm in the Commons, and
a suggested code of race relations in
elections.
On another front, ‘Midland Member’,
a chat with an MP, was Brian’s
introduction to television interviewing.
It was not a punch-up but a chat
about subjects that the target MP
knew well. He did more than 100
editions of it with ATV’s Reg Harcourt
as ring master and co-inquisitor.
Brian became known and recognised
from one end of the Midlands to the
other.
He left The Times in 1968 to return,
as assistant editor, to the Birmingham
Mail, now called the Evening Mail. A
few weeks after he was voted UK
Reporter of the Year in the Granada
Awards. It set the seal on what had
been eight remarkable years. On a
personal level Brian and Vera had
two daughters, Candida in 1958 and
Dinah when Candy was six. Brian
notes “Happiness was a day out with
Vera and the girls.”
They also enjoyed the company of
Sally, a liver coloured, loving and loyal
spaniel. Holidays were spent often
cruising the English canal system
in their 21 foot cruiser Flong. Em
followed Flong and more splendid
adventures on the canals.
Brian and Vera are rightly proud
of their daughters. They both have
distinguished careers and together
have produced five delightful
grandchildren.
Two death threats were made to
Brian and his family in those years of
reporting. His work on migrant issues,
political campaigns based on racism
and the series ‘The Pre-Election
Pulse of Britain’ aroused a great deal
of interest. One of the threats was
from a racist who threatened to roll
a bomb through the front door and
the other from a radical West Indian.
Vera and the girls never suggested
he should give in.
At 48 it was time for adventure.
The Journalism Department of
the University of Canterbury was
looking for a head. On November
19, 1974 Brian and his family arrived
on a fine Christchurch evening and
found the university house had an
outside lavatory. Three weeks after
arriving Vera’s father died. She was
devastated.
Then their valuable
possessions arrived and were water
damaged. Many items were ruined.
Vera was lonely and homesick and
the girls struggled to adapt to their
new schools.
Brian’s brief at work was “to
get graduates into journalism
and do something to improve the
professionalism of the New Zealand
media.”
In a country where old-boy and
old-girl networks controlled many
things, stirring the pot was not
encouraged. Brian had his work cut
out, “Journalists were meant to be
stirrers!” he remarks. But he gives
the students credit. “They had brains
and initiative.”
Brian and Vera found Christchurch,
particularly in spring, a sheer delight.
They enjoyed their garden and fruit
trees and the city with its developing
arts and culture.
After writing a couple of thrillers
a more lucrative opportunity arose.
‘News Stand’, was a New Zealand
television programme on the state
of New Zealand journalism. After
several years it included television
and became ‘Fourth Estate’. To make
it a less daunting experience Brian
“pictured his make believe audience
as a middle-aged couple, with a
sense of humour and also an interest
in the world about them.” They sat
six feet beyond the lens. Vera was
the researcher reading the 18 papers
a day.
At the University, Brian rose to be
Reader in journalism and they found
themselves to be comparatively well
off. The course prospered. When
Brian arrived there were 14 would
be journalists for the following year.
Within a few years the course had
more than 90 applicants every year
and most were having to be turned
away. With the aid of some bright
and brave newspaper and radio
executives, the programme became
part of a livelier and more modern
media. Sir Robert Muldoon was not
happy...
Vera and Brian spent 20 idyllic
years after Brian’s formal retirement
at 61. Through this period Brian kept
his hand in writing more than 800
columns for the Christchurch Star
and The Press.
With Grant Nelson, he produced
an official booklet to publicise our
beautiful city - it was a love letter
to Christchurch before the traffic
jams and giant malls. He and Vera
skipped many winters and enjoyed
visiting their daughters in Australia
or Canada, where they flourished, or
England to see Vera’s family.
Brian was awarded the MBE for
services to New Zealand journalism.
His work laid out in his autobiography
for his family, on which this article is
based, more than merits the award.
Let’s not dwell on the impact of
the earthquakes other than to say
that Brian and Vera have left their
beloved Sumner and have moved
to a very stylish and comfortable
lifestyle village where they still can
enjoy the banter of neighbours, their
walks, and appreciate and value their
surrounds.
And we at Age Concern Canterbury
are still fortunate to have comment
and contribution from Brian.
(Source: Quotes taken from ‘Giving
It A Go’ by Brian Priestley, a booklet
for family and friends).
Makes ones heart
sing with delight
The notes from the piano are like
flakes of beauty drifting about the
hall. The audience sits amazed and
silent as the young Canadian pianist
plays with, and embroiders, tunes
they thought they knew all about. This
is one of the many forms of modern
jazz and the ageing listeners are rapt.
They applaud everything, including
the tune the young man wrote for my
wife Vera a good many years ago.
The playing, the skill, the pleasures
of the variations are a delight.
Afterwards people will talk about
the concert and the pianist for
days. People come up to us and
say “Wonderful,” or “Aren’t you very
proud?” And then our grandson was
off back to Canada and audiences
there.
Some things make one’s heart sing
with delight.... Brian Priestley.
12
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Music making with cuppa
When Margaret Purdie, a singer,
came to Christchurch in the seventies
she set about forming a special type
of music club.
Not a club for just listening but one
for performers as well as those who
preferred to listen. She copied an
Auckland idea and gathered a group
of musicians around her. From that
came the Christchurch Clef Music
Club.
That was just over 40 years ago and
now the club membership, battered
by the earthquakes, needs building
up again.
The club provides a regular
platform for talented musicians and a
stepping stone from the studio to the
performing platform.
Also, performers who have
achieved a high level of performance
are able to renew their confidence in
performing.
Eight months of the year see
concerts performed by club members
along with one guest performer.
Margaret Purdie’s idea had been
reached by the time of the club’s first
concert in 1975 with a newspaper
headline proclaiming: “Club formed
in city for serious musicians.”
The club’s president in 1994, Mary
Adams Taylor, said: “We may be
an amateur club but our aim is to
encourage performers to achieve a
great sense of professionalism.”
But trouble was on the horizon for
in 2005 a move was made to wind
up the club because it did not have
Volunteers are wanted for a life-balance study
A pilot intervention study. Are you:
• Over 65 years of age?
• Living independently in the
community?
• Living with more than one
diagnosed long-term condition (e.g.
asthma, lung diseases, heart failure,
diabetes, arthritis, etc.)? Would you
be willing to volunteer for a study to
evaluate if Life Balance education
improves quality of life and ability
to do the everyday things through
better self-management of long-term
condition(s)?
Participants receive four group
education sessions facilitated by
registered nurses and a registered
clinical psychologist. They cover
strategies
to
enhance
selfmanagement, goal setting, healthy
enough committee members. Several
members did not believe the club had
a future; but many in the audience
disagreed and formed a committee
which carried on the club with new
energy.
The club prides itself on its social
aspect. After each concert performers
and the audience (there are audience
members only) meet over a cup of
tea.
It used to meet in the old Music
Centre in Barbadoes Street but
that building was demolished after
the earthquakes and the club now
meets in the theatre at the Rangi
Ruru School. Members look forward
to making their headquarters in The
Piano, a new music centre to be built
near the Theatre Royal.
Membership is about half of the total
in its heyday. So the club is looking
for more. Performing and audience
members pay an annual fee of $40
and students pay $15. Couples $70.
Anyone wanting to join can contact
the treasurer, Francis Johnson, at 273
Fifield Terrace (email: fjohnson@xtra.
co.nz) or Nikki Wells (ph: 310 3057).
Some of the young guest performers
in the past who have gone on to
distinguished careers are Carol
Dodge, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Mark
Walton and Anthony Ritchie.
Those of a musical bent wanting
to listen to regular concerts of a high
standard or musical people who
want to appear on stage to hone
their skills should apply. But club
member Rosemary Stott (she’s a
pianist) emphasises that one the
best things about the club is its social
atmosphere. “We are very congenial.
Some members have been there for
a very long time,” she says.
STEADY AS YOU GO
living,
symptom
management,
problem solving and introduce
mindfulness strategies. You will
also be asked to complete three
questionnaire packs.
If you wish to find out more or are
interested in participating in this study
please contact either Dr Beverley
Burrell - Primary Investigator. Ph
364 3860 or email: beverley.burrell@
otago.ac.nz or Dr Mandy Wilkinson Assistant Research Fellow. Ph 364
3869 or email mandy.
[email protected]
CHRISTCHURCH
IS AGEING, DISABILITY, INJURY OR
ILLNESS MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT?
Therapy Professionals Ltd’s physio, speech
language, music and occupational therapists and
dietitians can make life easier.
We can help.
We come to you.
For more information contact:
Telephone: (03) 377 5280
Fax:
(03) 377 5281
[email protected]
www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz
(SAYGO)
Preventing Falls
Falls are the most common cause of
injury in older people.
One third of people over the age of 65
fall each year.
Half of people over 80 fall each year.
Falls in older people are almost
always associated with weakened leg
muscles and poor balance.
Falls are not a natural part of ageing,
FALLS are preventable!
You could save yourself from a
fall by attending a SAYGO class
and improving your strength and
balance.
DESIGNED FOR MEN
AND WOMENls
SAYGO improves:
* Balance and
leg strength
* Flexibility
* General fitness
and wellbeing.
Three simple tests carried
out in the first week and at
10 weeks check improved
strength and balance.
SAYGO has been shown
to provide continuous
improvements in strength
and balance over time in
community based ongoing
Peer-led classes.
Classes are one hour each
week, $2.00 per class.
Please ring Age Concern Canterbury on 366 0903
to express your interest in these classes.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
13
Volunteers spotted at
Age Concern Canterbury’s
On the 20th August Age Concern Canterbury staff welcomed Age Concern
Canterbury volunteers into their new building in Papanui. Volunteers were
invited for an afternoon tea and a guided tour around the new premises.
Speeches by Age Concern Canterbury’s President and Chief Executive were
also given.
Salilo and Zita, Accredited
Visiting Service Visitors
Joan, Minibus Hostess, and Rae,
Accredited Visiting Service Visitor
This was a great opportunity for volunteers to meet each other and to
share their experiences of volunteering for Age Concern Canterbury. Within
Age Concern Canterbury there are over 300 volunteers who give up their
time to support the organisation while at the same time giving back to their
communities.
Back Left: Rose, Gaye and Mary.
Front left: Andrea, Hazel and
Jan, Volunteer Receptionists
and Roberta, Accredited Visiting
Service Caller
Left: Noel, Ian, Stuart and Frank, Minibus Drivers
Left: Bev, Maxine and Dorothy, Minibus hostesses
Left: Betty and Pam, Minibus hostesses
Left: Nicki, Age Concern Canterbury Staff, Shirley
and Mike, Accredited Visiting Service volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities please call 366 0903.
14
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Age Concern Canterbury Expo a big hit
The Age Concern Canterbury
2015 Positive Ageing Expo held
at Papanui High School was a hit
for both the exhibitors and the
attendees.
With
exhibits
from
social
service
and
government
agencies, recreation groups and
businesses, there was something
for everyone. Approximately 6000
people attended. This was a very
rewarding result for the event coordinator Yvonne Palmer of Age
Concern Canterbury. “People
remarked on the stimulating
atmosphere on the day, there was
a fabulous turn out and it was
wonderful to see many sons and
daughters accompanying an older
adult,” says Yvonne.
Papanui High School pupils,
raising funds for their sporting
travel, all put their best foot forward
and helped set up, break down and
held essential roles throughout
the day. Looking at the way they
conducted themselves they also
enjoyed the occasion and the
contribution they had made.
Many exhibitors have re-booked
a site already for next years event
and late comers, who missed out
this year, have booked to make
sure they have a site next year.
If you are considering joining us
as an exhibitor contact Yvonne
Palmer on Ph3317808 or ypalmer@
ageconcerncan.org.nz .
To see a few photos from the
day visit: https://www.facebook.
com/Age-Concern-Canterbury169424623107464/timeline/
and Graham Condon Centre
Age Concern Canterbury
gratefully acknowledges the support
of all our Expo sponsors
Northlands
Northlands
SCENTSY
Patty Wunder
Wendy C Kerr
Electrologist
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
15
Police Chief outlines ways for
communities to help prevent crime
Yvonne
Palmer,
QSM, JP
Personalised
or traditional
wedding
or funeral
ceremonies.
Ph: Yvonne on 03 352 8851
or 027 2295049.
email [email protected]
Marriages and Funerals
Creating
a unique,
personalised
ceremony
suited to your
occasion.
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Phone Age Concern Canterbury 366-0903
or email [email protected]
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ak.
eth
. Tak
violen is break.
Stand
violen e a hi-v
ea
er aga
e a hi-v Stand
is
hi-v
ce. Tak
Stand
tog
tog
inst
is bre
tand
is
ether ce. Take break.
ether
tog
ea
violen
ak.
togeth break.
a hi-v Sta
eth
aga
hi-v
aga
Stand
ce. Tak
er aga
is bre
inst
er aga Stand tog inst viol
her
v
tog
ak.
ea
aga
enc
inst
eth
eth
Stand inst vio
hi-v
inst
lence.
is b
violen violence. er against e. Take
a hi-v togeth
Tak
ce. Tak
Take
viol
er ag
is bre
enc
a hi-v
ea
ak.
hi-v
is bre e. Take
is bre
ah
ak. S
ak. Sta
Courses to be held at Community Facilities in Canterbury.
10.00am to 12.30pm or by arrangement. Book now!
nst violence. Take a hi-vis break.
r agai
Stan
ethe
d to
inst violence. Take a hi-vis b
tog
get
reak.
er aga
nd
her
geth
Stan
Sta
aga
r against violence. Take a hid to
dt
ak .
ins
vis b
gethe
tan
reak ogeth
d to
tv
bre ak. S
ther against violence. Take a
tan
e
. Sta
i
vis
re
toge
hi-vi
k. S
nd r aga olen
hi- vis b
s br
tand
rea
in
c
tog
ther against violenc
eak
ik. S
e. Tak
d toge
sb
ea
eth st v e. Ta
. St
eah
ak e a h hi-vi s brea ak. Stan
iol
er
an
.T
i
together against violence
i
en ke a
d
a
bre
ce . Tak ke a hi-v
. Tak -vis b
tand
rea toge gain ce.
vis
a
k. S
ea
gether against vi
len ce
ea
.T
T
hik. S
th
rea
hist
olen
and to
v
vio olen nce . Tak ke a
e
is b reak. St
vi
ce.
t
i
e
i-v
Tak is bre and r ag
nd together against
ce
Ta
ol
e
a h i-vis b reak. Sta
a
a
t
viol
vi olen nce.
h
ke
b
enc a hi- k. St oge i
tand together ag
s
a
S
a
i
.
e
k
T
v
vis
l
a
a
t
e. T
.
ain
e
ke a hiio
s
ce
s br
br nd
Ta
tv
e
e a hi-vis break. S t viol ake
i-vi
len ce.
a h ea
. Tak
ak e a h
tan
e
io
n
.T
nce
d t nce
nd togeth
t v iole
ce . Tak viole
. T ik. Sta
og
e
a
n
v
e
r
r
a
e
ag
t
le
ain ethe ke a
ns i-vis b
nc
io
le gai
st
r
h
vio
r a ke a
len
Ta
i-vis break. Stand together against violence. Take
ke a h
a
e. Ta
e a hi-vis break. Stand together against v
enc
iolence
ce. Tak
viol
.
olen
nst
st vi
iolence. Take a hi-vis break. Stand togeth
gai
ainst v
gain
er agai
er a
n st
er ag
er a
violence. Take a hi-vis break.
eth
eth
geth
r against
Stand to
tog
tog and to
gethe
gethe
nd
d to
nd
r ag
St
together against violence. Take a hi-v
Stan
Sta k. Sta eak.
is brea
Stand
ak.
r
k.
k. Sta
eak.
nd t
bre
sb
ea
rea
s br
tand together against violence. Ta
i-vi
br is b hi-vi
vis
ke a hi
reak. S
ah
is
-vis b
hi-vis b
-v e a
-v
rea
a hi
ake
hi
ea
vis break. Stand together ag
a
i
e
k
n
k
s
k
.
hi
t
v
S
i
olenc
e. T
e a hi
t
Tak
e a . Ta
e. Tak
. Ta
nc
. Tak
ce.
ak nce
ke a hi-vis break. Stand togeth
nce
ce iole
eah
len
nce. Ta
er aga
ole
v
i-vi
e
len
vio
viole
t vi
inst
s
ol
io inst
Take a hi-vis break. Sta
st
nst
viol
ins
a
violence.
nd to
tv
gai
enc
ain r aga
ainst
geth
e. T
ns r ag r ag
er a
er a
er ag
d together against viole
ak
eth
the
e
eth
gai
he
nce. T
ak. Stan
th
ge
tog d tog
nst
ake
is bre
to
ge
r against violence. Ta
vio
a hi
nd
hi-v
an
to and
togethe
ke a h
-vis
ea
l
. St
Sta
tand
i-vis
bre en
Tak
St
k. reak
k. S
bre
ea
k.
ce.
ak
rea
ak.
br vis b
.S
len
is b
Sta
ta
i-v
vis hivio
nd
ah
st
tog
ain ake
et
h
ag e. T
c
Plan ahead - do what you enjoy
against violence alongside other
members of the community. People
wear hi-vis to stay safe while working
in hazardous environments and we
are using this symbolism to highlight
the harmful effects family violence
has on the community and that any
form of violence is ‘not OK’.
It would be great to see you at the
Christchurch event or one of the
many other community events being
held around Canterbury.
Canterbury Police want everyone
to be safe and feel safe this summer
and throughout the year. With your
help we can prevent crime and ensure
that this year is one we all remember
for the right reasons.
ga
to
ag
i
ain get n
h
in
st
st
vio er a
vio
g
l
le
nc
e.
Ta
ke
ah
i
Life Without A Car
only popping around to a neighbour
or the local Dairy. If you must leave
valuables in your car lock them in the
boot out of sight.
Canterbury roads are as safe as
those using them. Unfortunately we
are still seeing too many avoidable
crashes on our roads which result in
life changing injuries or in some cases
fatalities. Before you, your family or
friends take to the road ask yourself
if that alcoholic drink, keeping your
phone turned on or driving tired
is worth risking the chance of not
reaching your destination.
Check you have a correctly fitted
child restraint or booster seat for any
children who are under 148cm tall or
11 years old who are travelling in your
car. A lot of people don’t realise that,
like crash helmets, child restraints
have an expiry date (10 years from
date of manufacture).
The 25 November 2015 is White
Ribbon Day, an international event
designed to raise awareness of family
violence. There are many events
taking place around the country
but the main Christchurch event
‘Cantabrians: Take a Hi-Vis Break.
Stand together against violence’ is
being held at Cathedral Square from
12.30-1.30pm.
This event is aimed at encouraging
construction workers and tradies who
wear hi-vis every day to take a stand
ga
If you’re working or socialising with
friends in the back garden you might
not hear someone coming through
your front door uninvited so make
sure you keep it locked. Your friends
would prefer a slight wait while you
let them in if it means that you and
your property are safe.
Set your car or house alarms and
if you’re heading away on holiday
tell trusted neighbours so they can
keep an eye on your property. If
you see anything suspicious in your
neighbourhood or have had items
stolen, contact Police straight away.
Secure valuables out of sight both
at home, in the car and on holiday to
deter opportunistic thieves. It sounds
like common sense but leaving
valuables and small items such as
electronics, jewellery, wallets and
bags in plain sight is like an open
invitation for a thief to reach in and
take it.
Park your car off the road if possible
and make sure you close the windows
and lock the doors even if you’re
ra
There
are
lots of ways
the community
can
prevent
themselves
becoming
a
victim of crime
particularly as
we head into
Superintendent
summer
and
John Price
take
much
needed holidays with friends and
family. If you are heading away for
day trips or longer breaks make sure
you secure your valuables out of sight
and lock your doors and windows.
Simple steps and being a good
neighbour can prevent opportunistic
crime in our community. Locking
doors and windows sounds obvious
but unfortunately there are still times
when opportunistic thieves take
advantage of an open unlocked
window to gain access to a property.
Think about installing locks to secure
windows when they are closed or
ajar.
CANTABRIANS
TAKE A HI-VIS BREAK
STAND TOGETHER AGAINST
VIOLENCE
CATHEDRAL SQUARE, WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2015, 12:30PM - 1:30PM
Partnered by Canterbury District Health Board, Canterbury Family Violence Collaboration, Canterbury Police, Christchurch City Council, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Social Development
Ageing is inevitable, but growing
older doesn’t have to mean giving up
an active life. Driver safety is vital for
drivers of all ages, but older drivers
experience physical changes that
can affect driving ability - changes in
vision, reaction time and flexibility.
What does the course involve?
* A free class room based programme
* Lunch included ($5.00 contribution)
* Held in a safe & enjoyable
environment
* Workbook for future reference
* No tests or exams on the course
* Certificate of Attendance
Course starts at 9.30am and
concludes at 2.45pm
Contact Age Concern Canterbury on
366-0903 for bookings.
The Older and
Wiser Driver
Confident Driving for
the Mature Driver Courses
ACORN CHAIR LIFT
Acorn Chairlift available as a gift to someone who can use it.
Goes up straight to 117 stairs. Dismantled and 7 to 8 years old.
Phone Debbie on 03 323 6344
or email [email protected]
Phone Robin on 329 5828
16
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Vulnerable elderly ‘exploited’ in buying hearing aids
Many of you may have read the
above titled article in the June
Press. For those of you who didn’t,
an independent audiologist raised
concerns about an elderly man who
had apparently been talked into
purchasing new $6000 hearing aids
from an industry-owned audiology
clinic. He was told his two year old aids
were too outdated to be tuned which
was not the case. As he was not happy
with the new aids he purchased, he
sought out another opinion from the
independent audiologist, who had his
old aids serviced & working again.
Here, in the office, I often hear
stories of people feeling pressured
to buy expensive aids so it was good
to see these issues being raised
publicly. Green party Consumer
Affairs Spokesperson, Mojo Mathers
said, “We want to work with the
Government to develop regulations
in the audiology industry because
we’ve become aware of too many
stories of people being pressured to
purchase aids that they do not need
or being overcharged”.
Buying a hearing aid is an
investment in your hearing and your
ability to communicate better with
family and friends. You should not
feel pressured into buying a more
expensive hearing aid than you can
afford. You need to set a budget, just
like you would if you were making any
other large purchase. You probably
would not consider buying a TV in
the first shop you walk into-you would
shop around. We recommend you get
a second quote when purchasing a
hearing aid. Ask for your hearing test
results (audiogram) and take it with
you to a second audiologist – this will
save you paying for another hearing
test. Make sure you are “comparing
apples with apples” though! Some
audiology clinics charge more, but
Happy customers at Appliances for Rent
Happy Customers – retired couple
Dick and Marlene James are effusive
in their praise of the wonderful
service and experience they receive
while renting their washing machine
from Appliances 4 Rent. “The best
service I have had in many years”
said Dick. “Friendly, helpful and all
with a smile.”
Why did you rent? “We had never
rented appliances before, but with
our own washing machine breaking
down just as we were about to shift
out of our home, for an EQC rebuild, it
seemed to make sense. Appliances 4
Rent took our old washer away for no
charge which helped us out. It’s not
so easy to get rid of old appliances
these days.”
How was their service? “Excellent!
We couldn’t fault it. Firstly they
supplied us with a brand new washing
machine at our home in Christchurch
and then shifted it out to our rental
property in Kaiapoi (free of charge),
Dick and Marlene James
as we had to vacate our home for
demolition. Simon, the delivery man,
was so friendly and helpful; nothing
was a problem for him.”
Recommendations? “We would
both recommend Appliances 4 Rent
to anyone wanting to rent appliances.
Their product is modern and their
friendly customer service is excellent.
In fact we couldn’t fault their service
in any way.”
Appliances 4 Rent would like to
thank Dick and Marlene for their
A
recommendation.
include regular follow up visits in the
total price. Others charge for each
follow-up care & warranty period is
included.
An audiologist will want to sell you
the very best hearing aid for your
hearing loss, just like a TV salesman
will try to sell you the biggest and
best. If you are clear that you don’t
want top of the line hearing aids
they should look for another cheaper
option. Make use of the trial period
to really test the hearing aid in every
situation and to remove you from the
pressure of making a decision too
quickly. Don’t be afraid to go back and
ask to trial a different hearing aid.
Under the Consumer Guarantees
Act spare parts & servicing must be
available for a reasonable time after
purchase of an item. Considering
the price of hearing aids and the fact
Association newsletter, August 2015.
www.hearinginfo.co.nz)
Bupa Short Stay gives you choice
and flexibility to take some time
out - anything from joining us for a
meal, to staying for several days or
weeks in one of our care homes. We
can help with equipment, advice or
rehabilitation too.
Residential care - We can meet
your needs in any of our care homes
around New Zealand. We have
subsidised and privately funded
options. We’ll provide you with exactly
the care you need while still helping
you to live ‘your day, your way’.
Day care is another option.
Come and spend time in our warm,
comfortable care homes. Enjoy a
tasty lunch, meet other people and get
involved with our varied activities.
Meals - Perhaps preparing a meal
is just a little too much for you at the
moment. We can offer you a meal
and a chat any day of the week.
Showering - Maybe you need
some help to shower. You might be
waiting for your own bathroom to be
altered to make it more safe for you.
Equipment - We can help you to
source exactly what you need to keep
you safe and independent. A medical
alarm or our Safer at Home products
might be just the thing.
Referral - Maybe you are ready for
additional support, but not sure who
to ask.
Let our friendly support team help
you navigate through the system. Our
established networks, experience
and knowledge can connect you to
the right health professionals and
support groups.
Rehabilitation - Recovering from
a fall, an operation or just needing
some extra care? Our care homes or
specialised sites have experienced
staff that will support you on your road
to recovery including physiotherapy
and other specialist services.
Whatever you need, we can help, call
0800 60 80 99 for more information. A
that the Ministry of Health’s Hearing
Aid subsidy scheme of $511.11 per
hearing aid is available every six
years you should expect that your
hearing aids can be serviced during
this time. I have spoken to three of
the main hearing aid manufacturers
and have been assured that from
the day a hearing aid stops being
manufactured, it will continue to be
serviceable and parts available for five
years. I asked if it was possible that a
deleted line would be sold to anyone
but, while this may happen overseas,
it is unlikely here. Audiologists
don’t generally buy hearing aids in
advance in NZ. If you maintain your
hearing aids they should last at
least until the government subsidy
is available again. (Source: Hearing
Bupa short stay is a way to
take a break - with care
Health & Care
Committed
to health &
care.
We reinvest back into the
health of New Zealanders.
Providing care homes, retirement villages,
medical alarms and rehabilitation services.
0800 60 80 99
bupa.co.nz
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
17
Parkinsons disease (PD) is a motor-system disorder
Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs
to a group of conditions called
motor system disorders, which are
the result of the loss of dopamineproducing brain cells. The four
primary symptoms of PD are tremor,
or trembling in hands, arms, legs,
jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of
the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or
slowness of movement; and postural
instability, or impaired balance and
coordination. As these symptoms
become more pronounced, patients
may have difficulty walking, talking,
or completing other simple tasks. PD
usually affects people over the age of
50.
There are currently no blood or
laboratory tests that have been
proven to help in diagnosing sporadic
PD. Therefore the diagnosis is based
on medical history and a neurological
examination. The disease can be
difficult to diagnose accurately.
Doctors may sometimes request
brain scans or laboratory tests in
order to rule out other diseases.
Is there any treatment
for Parkinson’s?
At present, there is no cure for PD,
but a variety of medications provide
dramatic relief from the symptoms.
Usually, patients are given levodopa
combined with carbidopa. Carbidopa
delays the conversion of levodopa
into dopamine until it reaches the
brain. Nerve cells can use levodopa
to make dopamine and replenish the
brain’s dwindling supply. Although
levodopa helps at least threequarters of parkinsonian cases, not
all symptoms respond equally to
the drug. Bradykinesia and rigidity
respond best, while tremor may be only
marginally reduced. Problems with
balance and other symptoms may not
be alleviated at all. Anticholinergics
may help control tremor and rigidity.
Other drugs, such as bromocriptine,
pramipexole, and ropinirole, mimic
the role of dopamine in the brain,
causing the neurons to react as they
would to dopamine. An antiviral drug,
amantadine, also appears to reduce
symptoms of PD or as a single-drug
treatment for early PD.
In some cases, surgery may be
appropriate if the disease doesn’t
respond to drugs. A therapy called
deep brain stimulation (DBS) has
now been approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration.
In DBS, electrodes are implanted
into the brain and connected to a
small electrical device called a pulse
generator that can be externally
programmed. DBS can reduce
the need for levodopa and related
drugs, which in turn decreases
the involuntary movements called
dyskinesias that are a common side
effect of levodopa.
It also helps to alleviate fluctuations
of symptoms and to reduce tremors,
slowness of movements, and gait
problems. DBS requires careful
programming of the stimulator device
in order to work correctly.
What is the prognosis
for Parkinson’s?
PD is both chronic, meaning
it persists over a long period of
time, and progressive, meaning its
symptoms grow worse over time.
Although some people become
severely disabled, others experience
only minor motor disruptions.
Tremor is the major symptom for
some patients, while for others tremor
is only a minor complaint and other
symptoms are more troublesome.
No one can predict which symptoms
will affect an individual patient, and
the intensity of the symptoms also
varies from person to person.
The material on this page “Disorders
– Parkinsons” has been used with
the kind permission of the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.
gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/
parkinsons_disease.htm
Excellent pamphlets are also
available from Parkinson’s New
Zealand.
Joint pain: it throbs, aches, and
hurts. It may make you think twice
about everyday tasks and pleasures
like going for a brisk walk, lifting
grocery bags, or playing your
favorite sport. Sharp reminders of
your limitations arrive thick and fast,
practically every time you move.
What causes joint pain?
The culprits behind joint pain are:
• osteoarthritis
• old injuries
•repetitive or overly forceful
movements during sports or work
• posture problems
• ageing
• inactivity
How exercise can help
Ignoring the pain won’t make it go
away. Nor will avoiding all motions that
spark discomfort. In fact, limiting your
movements can weaken muscles,
compounding joint trouble, and affect
your posture, setting off a cascade
of further problems. And while pain
relievers and cold or hot packs may
offer quick relief, fixes like these are
merely temporary.
By contrast, the right set of
exercises can be a long-lasting way
to tame ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder
pain. Practised regularly, joint pain
relief exercises might permit you to
postpone — or even avoid — surgery
on a problem joint that has been
worsening for years. By strengthening
key supportive muscles and restoring
flexibility, over time, you may find
limitations you’ve learned to work
around will begin to ease.
Tasks and opportunities for fun
that have been weeded out of your
repertoire by necessity may come
back into reach, too.
Beyond the benefits to your joints,
becoming more active can help you
stay independent long into your later
years. And all of this can be achieved
at a comfortable pace and with very
low cost in money or time. (Source:
As well as relieving joint pain and
strengthening muscles to improve
balance and mobility, the Aircycle
helps reduce swollen ankles and
night cramps and boosts circulation.
Mrs G Rumbles of Rotorua says, “
The Aircycle is even better than the
information says.”
“My knees have gone and I’ve been
using a walker but now I don’t need it
around the house. I can move more
freely and have much less pain in
both my hands and feet.”
For more information or to order an
Aircycle, visit www.aircycle.co.nz, call
04 569 5013, or post $39.90 (p&p
included) to Aircycle, PO Box 45105,
Waterloo, Lower Hutt.5042. Aircycles
are also available in pharmacies,
Diabetes Christchurch, More Mobility
A
and Aspire Canterbury.
(Source: Neurological Foundation of
New Zealand. www.neurological.org.nz)
The secret to relieving the throbs and aches of joint pain
Harvard Medical School, Jan. 2014).
The Aircycle exercises were
designed to manage arthritic pain
and stiffness – while you sit!
As
mentioned , they help strengthen “the
key supportive muscles and restore
flexibility” -– “at a comfortable pace
and with very low cost in money or
time.”
You do not have to designate
special exercise times or work for
long periods with an Aircycle. Just
keep your joints and muscles moving
gently while relaxing with a book,
watching TV, chatting with friends or
travelling in the car.
After Hours Counselling Services
We offer counselling and relationship consultations for
individuals, couples and families.
We can HELP with:
Anxiety
ADHD
Depression
Stress, anger, grief and loss
Relationships
Personal development & growth
Chronic pain management
Traumatic brain injury
Addictions and health behaviour change
Available evenings and weekends. Home visits in need.
We can HELP you ‘LIVE LIFE’ and feel good about yourself
Call Dr Murray Cameron
M.Sc (Distinction), Ph.D, DipMH, M.Ed Counselling (Hons),
Proivisonal Member of NZAC
Ph: 355-0336 or 027 694 5275
Caledonian Clinic, 304 Papanui Road, Christchurch
www.afterhours-counsellingservices.co.nz
Circulation Booster
Strengthen Leg Muscles
Gentle exercise
while you sit - it’s
so easy!
To support joints & improve balance
Avoid Falls
Helpful for:
* Relieving arthritic pain *Strengthening muscles
* Improving joint flexibility * Diabetic foot care
* Reducing swollen ankles * Parkinson’s & MS
* Stroke rehabilitation
* Painful fingers & wrists
* Cramps & restless legs * Travelling (DVT)
* Varicose veins
* Cold hands and feet
Available in pharmacies, Diabetes Christchurch,
at www.aircyle.co.nz or call 04 569 5013, or
post $39.90 to Aircycle, PO Box 45-105, Waterloo, Lower Hutt.
18
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Massey University - Connecting with older people vital, quake survey shows
Don’t wait for a disaster or
emergency before you get to know
older people in your neighbourhood
- that’s the message of a Massey
University public health researcher
who has studied the effects of the
Canterbury quakes on older people.
Dr Brendan Stevenson, co-author
of a recent survey by Massey
School of Psychology’s Health and
Ageing Research Team, says some
participants reported feeling less
lonely in the immediate aftermath of
the 2011 quakes.
The findings highlight the need for
awareness in the wider community of
why it is important to reach out and
get to know older people, particularly
those living alone.
“It is a good idea to befriend and
support elderly neighbours at any
time, and the value of having done
so is heightened in the event of a
disaster when older people feel at
their most vulnerable,” he says.
“It reinforces those key things that
help keep a community strong and
safe. If you know you have olderaged neighbours, it’s good to take
the first step to go and meet them.
Older people can be reluctant to
initiate contact as they don’t want
to bother others, or feel they are a
burden.”
Demographic changes
herald need for
stronger community connections
“The need for communities to
connect to elders is underpinned
by demographic changes, as the
proportion of older people in the total
population increases and with more
elderly living longer and residing in
the community,” he says.
The report, by Dr Stevenson and
Dr Sally Keeling, from the University
of Otago, explored the effect of the
2011 Canterbury earthquakes on
older people across New Zealand.
The researchers used eight years
of data collected by the New Zealand
Health, Work and Retirement Survey
from people over 55 years of age
living in New Zealand. This biennial
survey of health and wellbeing in
older New Zealanders began in 2006
and was adapted in 2012 and 2014 to
take account of the 2011 earthquakes
in the Canterbury region.
Dr Keeling says the longitudinal
nature of the study of nearly 2000
people provides a rare opportunity
to examine how the earthquakes
affected older people as it provides
information regarding individuals’
health and wellbeing both in the years
before and after the event.
“In 2014, a quarter of the national
sample of older people reported they
School of Psychology public health
researcher Brendan Stevenson with the
quake survey report
were still affected by the Canterbury
earthquakes. The range is wide,
however, from 81 per cent of those
living in Christchurch, 50 per cent of
those living in the Canterbury region,
and 16 per cent of those living in the
North Island,” she says.
The report revealed that older
people across New Zealand - not
just those living in the quake-affected
region - were still experiencing
emotional and economic impacts
years after the event.
“The fact that one third of the affected
national participants continued to
provide support to family and friends
related to earthquake effects shows
that even indirect effects continue
over three or four years,” Dr Keeling
says.
Mr Stevenson says the focus on the
resilience of older people living within
New Zealand’s communities, rather
than the care of the very old and frail
- as noted in other disaster studies
reviewed earlier - is an important
contribution of the study. The report,
which was funded under the 2014
EQC (Earthquake Commission)
Biennial Grants programme, is
available on the EQC and Health and
Ageing Team websites.
The Health, Work and Retirement
Survey has been supported by the
Ministry of Business, Innovation, and
Employment to run again in 2016,
with a focus on housing and the
effects of early life adversity in older
people. In 2016 the Health and Ageing
Research Team will commemorate
a decade of research following the
Health Work and Retirement project.
For media interviews contact Brendan
Stevenson: 027 827 4323, or Dr Sally
Keeling: (03) 3377932.
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/
about-massey/news/article.
cfm?mnarticle_uuid=1816D267-0FB76CA7-F6BC-6B54D1E6156F
CAN YOU IDENTIFY ABUSE TO THE ELDERLY?
Try our quiz and challenge your ability to recognise the
signs and symptoms of elder abuse.
1. Do you know any people 65 years of age or over?
2. Do you think that yelling at an older person could be considered abuse?
3. Have you ever notices any visible markings of an unusual nature on an older
person?
4. Have you ever noticed an unexplained change in an older person’s
personality?
5. Are you acquainted with an older person with whom your visitation privileges
have been restricted or forbidden?
6. Do you know an older person who may appear to be anxious or frightened?
7. Do you know an older person who does not appear to be properly nourished,
lacking in medical attention, or suffering from poor hygiene?
8. Have you noticed that an older person’s personal belongings are missing?
9. Are you aware of any sudden changes in an older person’s will, or unusual
withdrawals from the person’s bank account?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to some of the above and you
have reason to suspect that an older person is being abused
or neglected, you can contact, anonymously:
Ph: (03) 366-0903
ELDER ABUSE
Pam’s
photo?
You’re never too old to hurt
A confidential service providing information,
support & education
Help
Information
Support
is only a phone call away. Phone Age Concern Canterbury for your
INFORMATION REQUESTS
Phone (03) 366-0903 and
0800-803-344 (toll free)
To access our comprehensive database with
information on retirement, health benefits,
recreation and services.
www.ageconcerncan.org.nz
Email: [email protected]
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
19
Never too old, lifelong learning at the University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury has
recently appointed Dr Jeffrey Paparoa
Holman as a Lifelong Learning
Coordinator. His role is to work with
those members of the community,
particularly mature students and
those of us in retirement who have
never been to university, or have
studied in the past and would like
to return to experience afresh the
benefits of learning something new.
Dr Holman, 67, returned to study
at the age of 50 in 1997 to complete
a Bachelors’ degree he had left
unfinished in the 1970s. “I had a
bucket list,” he says, “and I didn’t
want to die wondering - could I have
finished that degree?” Even with his
previous experience of university life,
he was still nervous about starting
again. “It was over 25 years since I’d
been in study. What if my brain wasn’t
up to it anymore?”
He knows that the fear of failure
and the unknown are real barriers to
trying something new; for someone
who has never been to university, it
seems like a foreign country where
they speak a different language. “But
we know that is not true,” he says,
“as many mature students come into
study with no real problems at all and
they succeed.”
Many in their sixties, seventies and
even eighties come to Canterbury
and take whole degrees, certificates
or even one or two courses, for
credit. “We have a whole range of
options now, from Certificates of
Proficiency, given for one or more
100 level papers, with no requirement
to do a whole degree. There is a twoyear Certificate of Arts, which is a
real qualification. A whole range of
choices to dip your toes in the water,”
he says.
Dr Jeffrey Paparoa Holman,
Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator
“Yes, the old brain does protest
a bit when we start working at
something unfamiliar”, he laughs,
“but you soon get used to it and
with some application, success will
follow. We elders are smart, we’re
experienced and we know how to
apply ourselves after a working life.”
Take part in tinnitus research
Support your local community and
take part in tinnitus research at the
University of Canterbury! Tinnitus is
the sensation of sound in the head
or ears that lacks an external, driving
source. It is often described by
those who experience it, as buzzing,
humming, or ringing. Our research
aims to advance our understanding
of tinnitus towards improving
management strategies.
We are looking for individuals willing
to offer a few hours of their time as a
research participant. All participation
is
completely
voluntary
and
anonymous. Those interested would
need to be available to attend one
or more assessment sessions at the
University of Canterbury campus, held
at the Department of Communication
Disorders near Creyke Road. The
assessment session(s) would occur
at an agreed-upon time. Two groups
of research volunteers are currently
sought: 1) people who experience
constant tinnitus and 2) people who
do not have tinnitus.
Potential volunteers would receive
detailed information about the study
and would also be asked to sign
a consent form, indicating their
willingness to participate. All research
volunteers selected to participate
(both those with, and without tinnitus)
would receive free hearing, attention
and memory tests and fill out a few
questionnaires. Those participants
selected who also have tinnitus,
would additionally receive a free
tinnitus assessment to characterise
their tinnitus experience.
The research will be conducted by
Siena Jiang, a Master of Audiology
student, under the supervision of Dr
Kim Wise, a lecturer in Audiology at
the University of Canterbury. The
research study has been approved
by the University of Canterbury’s
Human Ethics Committee, Reference
number : HEC 2015/12/LR.
Those interested in participation are
encouraged to email Siena at: siena.
[email protected] or phone:
0220129101.
Without participant
involvement, tinnitus research would
not advance. We remain grateful for
your time and consideration.
Not all qualifications in this life come
from study, he says, but to add this
experience to our lives is a crowning
achievement.
In his case, he went on to complete
a degree in English Honours with a
Graduate Diploma of Arts in Måori and
finally a doctorate in Måori Studies. “I
had no idea when I walked, kind of
nervously back onto the Ilam Campus
in January 1997, that I would still be
here nearly twenty years later, with
these degrees.”
“Study has changed my life, it has
opened doors I could never have
imagined. I have travelled more
widely both in New Zealand and
overseas and I have managed to
publish more books with the skills I
have learned here at Canterbury. If
I died tomorrow, God forbid, I would
be content.” He has no plans to leave
however and is continuing to play a
productive role in the community and
enriching his creative life.
Yes, he agrees, there are costs, but
everything of value in this life has a
price: “Opportunity cost, opportunity
lost,” he says. “The opportunity cost
of a choice is what we give up to get
it. I could still have been working as
an unhappy bookseller, frustrated
that I wasn’t the writer I wanted to be.
University study changed all that for
me and you too can enjoy its benefits.
We are never, ever, too old.”
Always happy to talk to you, Jeffrey
can be contacted at the University as
follows:
Dr Jeffrey Paparoa Holman, Lifelong
Learning Co-ordinator, University of
Canterbury. 03 364 2987 ext 7643.
Mobile 021 183 9833. Email: jeffrey.
[email protected].
20
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Nutri-eSCREEN, an online eating habits survey
by Jasna Robinson-Wright, Dietitian, Healthy Eating Healthy Ageing
Find out using Nutri-eSCREEN, an
online eating habits survey for people
65+
As you know, eating well as we age
helps us stay healthy and active.
Nutri-eSCREEN is a tool that can
help you find out what you are doing
well, and how you can improve your
eating habits. You may be surprised
with your results!
A recent Christchurch study found
that 31% of older people were at high
risk of poor nutrition. Living alone,
losing or gaining weight without trying,
and having difficulty cooking made it
more likely for people to have poor
nutrition. The study also showed that
people were more motivated to make
changes to their eating after using
the SCREEN tool.
How do I find Nutri-eSCREEN?
1. Go to the website www.healthinfo.
org.nz
2. In the search bar at the top
right corner of the screen, type
“eSCREEN” and then click on the
words “managing my weight for older
adults”
3. Under the heading “How well
are you eating?”, click on the words
Four Bean Salad, a great
addition to summer barbeque
A great addition to a summer barbeque!
Ingredients (serves 3-4)
425g can of 4-bean mix, drained and rinsed
410g can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
¼ cucumber, diced
2 tomatoes, diced (or 8 cherry
tomatoes, halved)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds,
toasted (optional)
Dressing:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons sesame oil or
other oil
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon minced garlic
Method
1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a screw top jar and shake.
2. Place all salad ingredients in a bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss
before serving.
3. Store unused dressing in the refrigerator.
THE IDEAL GIFT This is an Age Concern Canterbury fundraiser
‘Different Worlds- Poems of the High Country’ with Jim Morris
Here is a great idea for anyone who likes the mountains, high country life,
sheep, horses, sheep dogs and the characters who live there.
Jim Morris, high country farmer and poet, reads his poetry and talks
about his life - 40 minutes of easy listening you won’t easily forget.
Simply complete this order form and post to:
Age Concern Canterbury, PO Box 2355, Christchurch.
Ph: (03) 366-0903.
Name:
Street:
Ph. No.:
Suburb:
City:
Number of CD’s:
x $15.00, No. of Tapes:
Pay by: Cheque
Visa
Card Number
(payable to Age Concern Canterbury)
Mastercard
Expiry Date
Name on Card:
Nutri-eSCREEN eating habits survey
for older New Zealanders
What if I don’t have a computer?
You can use Nutri-eSCREEN on
the computers at a Christchurch City
Library. If you need help using the
survey, ask a librarian. Or, try asking
a friend or family member for help
using Nutri-eSCREEN.
There are 4 steps to use NutrieSCREEN.
1. Answer a few questions about
yourself.
2. Answer 14 questions about your
eating habits.
3. Receive individualised feedback
on what you’re doing well and areas
to work on.
4. Find helpful resources such as
articles, recipes and local community
services.
Nutri-eSCREEN has been very
successful in other countries, with
over 27 000 users! So, what are you
waiting for?!
(Nutri-eSCREEN is for people
aged 65 and over, living in their own
homes. It’s not suitable for people in
rest homes, hospital or with memory
problems.)
If you struggle with cooking skills,
confidence or motivation, you may
like to join Senior Chef Cooking
Classes for Older People. For more
information visit www.seniorchef.
co.nz or speak with your health
professional for a referral.
Youth poetry competition to
mark earthquakes anniversary
by Vicki Blyth,
Communications Manager, Canterbury Museum
Budding poets in Years 4 to 8,
are invited to enter a short poem
in the ‘Bloom Poetry Competition’,
a collaboration between Poetica,
The River of Flowers project and
Canterbury Museum.
The winning poem will feature in
and inspire a mural created on a wall
in the Museum during an exhibition
commemorating the fifth anniversary
of the 22 February earthquake. The
mural will be revealed on 22 February
2016.
The topic of the poem, to be no
longer than eight lines or 40 words,
is “Who or what gave you strength to
carry on after the earthquakes?”
Poetica’s Elise van Bentem says the
topic was chosen to give students a
wide range of things to write about. “It
could be the student’s family, friends
or teacher, their hobby, a song or a
story, or a smile, a hug or a walk on
the beach. It could be anything or
anyone that gave them strength after
the earthquakes. We look forward to
being surprised!”
The poetry competition is being
KEEPINGON
run through schools with entries
closing at 5.00 pm on 9 November.
A panel of judges will choose the
five best poems which will be posted
on the Poetica Facebook page on
18 November. The public will have
until 5.00 pm on 11 December 2015
to vote for their favourite poem. Full
details and conditions of entry are
available on the Canterbury Museum
website.
The exhibition, also called Bloom,
will open in early February 2016.
The special exhibition will run for the
whole of February and feature floral
tributes by the people of Canterbury,
as well as poetry.
River of Flowers creator, Michelle
Whitaker says they are excited to be
working with Poetica and the Museum
to create this special project. “We
know this anniversary will be a big
one. We want to provide the space for
people to reflect on the last five years.
Bloom is one opportunity to playfully
explore the good in our recovery
journey - there will be something for
all ages.”
POSTAL COPIES
Please send me the next 4 editions of the Keeping On magazine.
Name:
(Please print clearly)
Address:
x $12.00 (+ $3.00 P&P)
Signature:
Date:
A payment of $15.00 is attached to cover
postage and packing (no cash please).
Post: Keeping On, Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Rd, Papanui. Christchurch.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Legionnaires’ season arrives
In October every year the number
of people with Legionnaires’ disease
begins to climb. Numbers peak in
November and December, remain
relatively high through January
and February, and then taper off in
March.
Canterbury Medical Officer of
Health, Dr Ramon Pink, says the
seasonal surge is mostly linked to
gardeners catching Legionnaires’
disease from potting mix or compost.
“It’s great getting back into the
garden and enjoying the warmer
weather but make sure you avoid
inhaling the dust from potting mix or
compost as this can be dangerous,”
Dr Pink says.
People aged over 50, those with
a long-term illness, particularly lung
disease, people with low immunity,
and smokers are most vulnerable.
It is important to open potting mix
bags carefully, using scissors; to
wear a disposable face mask and
gloves and open the bag away from
your face; to do your potting in a
well-ventilated area outside; dampen
down the potting mix or compost with
a sprinkle of water to stop the bacteria
from becoming airborne; and wash
your hands thoroughly after handling
potting mix and gardening.
Potting mix leads to near death
experience
When Robyn Sandrey used a bag
of compost to pot some plants in her
garden she never expected it to end
in a near death experience.
“I was in a hurry and didn’t bother
to wear a mask, I just quickly put a
Robyn Sandrey
t-shirt over my face and got into it,”
says Robyn.
Within a week of completing her
gardening Robyn fell seriously ill with
what turned out to be Legionnaires’
disease.
“I was deteriorating really quickly
and taken to hospital with an alarming
high temperature of 104 degrees.”
“They weren’t sure what was wrong
with me as I wasn’t responding to any
medication.”
Robyn said the ICU specialist asked
her if she wanted her family to come
in.
“At that point it hadn’t dawned on
me that I could die from this.”
Once Robyn told the specialist that
she had been dealing with potting mix
a week earlier her treatment changed
and she was discharged a few days
later.
21
The cost of a funeral
The cost of a funeral can add to
what is often already a stressful time
and we frequently see situations
where it leads to further tension in
family relationships.
With funerals commonly costing
north of $8,000 there are a variety of
options you can explore to limit the
cost of your own funeral when that
time comes. You can plan ahead for
a funeral, and either pay in advance
or make regular instalments towards
the total cost.
It’s worth checking your life
insurance policy as it may include a
pay-out for funeral costs. Otherwise,
you can save up for your funeral just
by starting up a savings account at
your bank. Other options include
funeral insurance, a funeral trust,
or a prepayment plan with a funeral
director. These generally come with
various fees and restrictions, so it’s
worth seeking independent financial
advice if you are thinking about doing
this.
If you need to organise a funeral
and are on a low income, you may
be eligible for a funeral grant from
Work and Income. How much you
get will depend on the deceased
person’s assets and, if you are a
family member, your own income
and assets. It’s worth noting that this
grant (around $2000) is not designed
to cover the full cost of a funeral.
ACC can provide a funeral grant
for the funeral of someone who has
died as a result of an accident, a
work-related disease or infection, or
medical treatment.
There are also options to reduce
the costs; the first step is to get
a couple of quotes from funeral
directors if possible. Make sure you
discuss options for your budget with
the funeral director and be clear
about your financial limits.
You should also make sure that you
know exactly what you are paying
for and be aware of any ‘hidden’
charges. It can be worth asking for
an itemised quote, just so that you
know exactly what you are paying for.
You may be able to save money by
providing your own flowers, catering
etc. You can also choose not to have
a funeral service, or to conduct one
yourself, eg, in your home.
To talk to one of our team about
funeral costs or to volunteer for
Citizens Advice Bureau call us on
0800 367 222.
Free Legal Advice Available
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 1.00 to 2.00pm
Where: Citizens Advice City Branch,
Corner of Williams Street and Ferry Road.
The Clinics are held on a first come, first served basis.
You will get to spend 10 minutes with a Lawyer.
Call to confirm that the Lawyer is available:
0800 367 222 or 366 6490.
Keeping On Advertisers - book now for a space
ACORN CHAIR LIFT
Acorn Chairlift available as a gift to someone who can use it.
Goes up straight to 117 stairs. Dismantled and 7 to 8 years old.
Phone Robin on 329 5828
in the February 2016 issue of Keeping On.
The deadline is Friday, 22 January 2016.
Please contact Anna-Marie on 331-7804.
22
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Prepare now for the summer season
The warmer weather has finally
arrived and one feels more like
spending time in the garden and
as there is plenty of growth there is
much to do.
I have enjoyed the spring display
of the daffodils and the blossoms of
the flowering trees and shrubs that
our city is renowned for, this year has
been, I think, especially good.
Much of the work needing to be done
in the garden now will determine the
results that we will get in the coming
months. The planting of the warmer
loving tomatoes, peppers, courgettes
and cucumbers etc. can now begin.
For the smaller garden it is better to
plant only a small number of these
plants and grow them well. They
can be planted all around the garden
in among flowers and shrubs. One
does not have to have a vegetable
garden as such, especially if the
garden space is small. The fancy
lettuce that have coloured leaves,
parsley and some of the herbs all
have some ornamental value and
look good planted anywhere in a
garden. Many of the salad plants will
grow just as well in pots that can be
moved around to grow in the ideal
place and give good crops.
I like to grow many of my annual
flowers in pots so that I have colour
around the house in places where
there is not any garden, this also
allows me to change pots around
so that the display is always at its
best. I also grow some of my trees
and shrubs in very large pots and will
plant flowers around the edge of the
pot to give it some colour.
Now is the time to prune the flowering
shrubs in the garden as soon as they
have finished flowering to promote
the new growth that will produce the
flowers next season. This includes
plants such as camellias, forsythias,
daphne and rhododendrons.
We are predicted to have a warm
dry summer so we should prepare
our garden for this with the use of
mulch. This helps the garden to keep
in moisture and will also suppress
weeds. Now is a good time to start
putting down mulches.
The lawns are now growing fast
and need to have weekly mowing.
Do not cut the grass too low, a bit
of length will help it to stay nice and
green and protect the roots from the
hot sun which will make it dry out and
go brown. Now is also the time for
fertilising and spraying the grass for
weeds.
Lemon trees should be fed and
remember to give them plenty of
water over the summer so that the
fruit will develop well.
Enjoy the garden.
Coulter’s Nursery, 183 Weston
Road, St Albans are specialists
in chyrsanthemums, fuchsias and
other plants such as buxus. Please
note they are not open on Sundays.
Phone 355 4656.
Political incorrectness saves the day
by Joan Eddy
If Helen Bannermanʼs story of little
Black Sambo had been regarded as
politically incorrect in the 1930s as it
is today, my first day at school would
have been even more terrifying than
it was.
Itʼs the special smell some people
mention when reminiscing about
their school days.
A combination of chalk and ink,
with overtones of unwashed bodies
that hit them as soon as they went
through the door. I donʼt recall the
odours that greeted me on my first
day at school but they must have been
there. Especially that of unwashed
bodies for this was Forbury School in
South Dunedin, not one of the most
prestigious Dunedin suburbs and
where not all of us went to school
with shining, morning faces.
What I remember most vividly
of that day was the story of Little
Black Sambo, and Miss Barronʼs
feet, which in their low heeled black
leather shoes held by a thin strap
across the instep seemed like the
longest, narrowest feet in the world.
Surely no good could come from a
person with feet like that. Especially
when their owner was so tall and thin
and sharp faced.
Weʼd already heard horror stories
from older siblings about Miss
Barron the infant mistress of Forbury
School, of the strap she kept in her
desk drawer and the enthusiasm
with which she used it, of the pulling
of ears and sharp cracks on the
knuckles with a ruler.
Little wonder that at the beginning
of our school year, we new Primer
One pupils were apprehensive as
we passed through the schoolʼs
World War 1 memorial gates into an
asphalt covered playground. While
older children milled around us,
shouted, and punched one another,
we huddled in a nervous group and
wished our mothers hadnʼt left us.
A bell rang and pupils rushed to
form lines outside the building before
marching into classrooms. Miss
Barron, a terrifying figure to us five
year olds, escorted us to ours and
seated us at wooden desks with tip
up seats which squeaked every time
we stood or sat.
Behind the teacherʼs desk was a
long blackboard attached to the wall.
I remember being given a reading
book with a story about a mother and
father, a brother and sister, a dog
called Rover; Miss Barron writing the
letter “a” on the blackboard and into
our notebooks. We were to learn it
that night for homework. We wouldn’t
dare not for we sensed that wrath
would descend on those who didnʼt
parrot it perfectly the next day.
At lunchtime, still bewildered at
this tremendous change in our lives,
we ate our sandwiches with their
Marmite, Belgian sausage, or jam
fillings and listened to our classmate
Freddie Sinclair.
Freddie had
already on that first day established
himself as The Boy Who Knew
Everything. Heʼd told us at midmorning break where babies came
from, that his father who was a
very important policeman said the
headmaster was a German spy.
Now he gave us the facts about Miss
Barron.
“Sheʼs a hundred years old and
sheʼs a witch. All witches are tall
and have enormous feet. And,” said
Freddie, “at night she puts on a
witchʼs costume and flies over South
Dunedin on a broomstick. Iʼve seen
her.”
We believed him. It was easy to
picture tall, thin Miss Barron, with
her sharp nose, grey cropped hair
and hard brown eyes taking off her
severe navy blue suit and the lilac
cravat fastened with a gold pin,
putting on a flowing black cloak and
pointed hat. We imagined her as
Snow Whiteʼs wicked stepmother,
Hansel and Gretelʼs gingerbread
house hostess, flying over our
houses, muttering curses, peering in
windows to see if the Primers were
behaving themselves.
“Sheʼs got a cat, too,” said Freddie.
“A black one. Sheʼs really cruel to it.
And she turned Callum McDonaldʼs
bicycle rusty just by looking at it.”
As we lost our lunchtime appetites
Freddie proceeded to horrify us with
more stories of wicked deeds and
spells cast by our teacher.
Towards the end of the afternoon
came the one bright spot of our
day. We sat on the floor by Miss
Barronʼs desk while she read us
the story of Little Black Sambo. We
were enthralled as the tigers fought
over Samboʼs colourful clothes, and
chased one another so fiercely they
turned into butter; and how we loved
the happy ending when the family
ate the pancakes Samboʼs mother
had cooked in the butter.
Perhaps a person who read us
such an exciting story wouldnʼt be so
terrible after all and school not such
a fearsome place.
And as far as I know the story which
today is regarded as racist and thus
politically incorrect, didnʼt turn our
primer one class into rabid racists.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
23
Get a brand new start on Springtime!
Spring is here and thoughts are
now turning to getting outside and
enjoying the fine weather and long
evenings. If you feel you need some
support to get started, how about
trying a Green Prescription?
A Green Prescription provides
support and motivation to improve
your wellbeing. This free service
provides guidance to get started and
get advice, whether you are new or
returning to physical activity.
A Green Prescription is part of
your health management. Sport
Canterbury’s Physical Activity Team
consists of friendly, supportive
advisors who are happy to share
their knowledge as well as personal
experience. They will talk you through
your current activity level, and help
you set realistic goals and complete
an activity plan to suit your individual
needs, health and lifestyle.
The Physical Activity Team also
organises an eight week Be Active
programme, where participants have
the opportunity to try out a number of
different activities for a low cost in a
supportive environment. Each week
features a different activity which is
delivered by community instructors
or the Physical Activity Team, these
range from aqua jogging to tai chi
and zumba.
The
activity
sessions
last
approximately 45 to 50 minutes, with
20 minutes of education (for example,
motivation, nutrition), and finishing
up with some social time over a cup
of tea or coffee. All activities are at
an entry level pace and generally low
impact.
This is Martha
Timmerman’s story
Ashburton
resident
Martha
Timmerman credits a lifestylechanging
programme
with
transforming her health and habits and
encourages others in her community
to take up a “Green Prescription.”
In February 2012, Timmerman
scheduled a visit to her GP. “I was
obese, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and no energy,” the Mid
Canterbury retiree recalls.
Her doctor recommended aqua
jogging, and through this activity
she met Sport Canterbury’s Green
Prescription Advisor Jacqui Welch.
Welch suggested a “Be Active” course
– which Timmerman had never heard
of before. She was told it would be
inclusive and offer diverse activities.
Timmerman
was
quickly
convinced.
“I highly recommend it. The people
are great. The course leaders were
really encouraging. Nobody was
looking at you to say ‘what are you
doing here?’”
She particularly liked the “nonjudgmental”
environment,
with
participants of all ages and
backgrounds.
“When you get older and have got
all those problems you don’t want to
join a gym with skinny people walking
around in lycra.
“We had a lot of laughs and a lot of
fun during the course.”
Although the original motivation
to try “Be Active” was physical,
Timmerman confirms that the longterm benefits are far greater.
“I’ve got far more energy and less
pain.”
Her blood pressure and cholesterol
have come down, and her pre-diabetic
condition has also been resolved.
Timmerman enjoyed meeting likeminded people and now continues to
exercise at her local pool three times
every week.
“Be
Active”
exceeded
her
expectations.
How can you get a
Green Prescription?
There are four different options:
• You may complete a Green
Prescription Self-referral form.
• You may contact our Physical
Activity team on 0800 ACTIVE (0800
22 84 83) .
• Ask your doctor or practice nurse
about Green Prescription on your
next visit to your medical practice.
• You may contact your medical
practice and request a Green
Prescription referral.
Your Green Prescription will then be
sent to Sport Canterbury’s Physical
Activity Team, and the staff member
who looks after your area will be
in contact with you to organise a
consultation.
www.sportcanterbury.org.nz
Get your affairs in order before it is too late to do so
by Sue Dwan
Why should you do something that
you may not want to really think about
or do? When is a good time to face
your own mortality and contemplate
life going on without you in it? When
is a good time to get all your affairs
in order? By and large, Western
Caucasian cultures tend to be death
denying and individuals only think
about it when they or their friends
develop a serious illness or suddenly
die.
Whether we like it or not, the day will
come when we are no longer here,
so the best time to face our eventual
reality and the state of our personal
affairs is now, today. In doing so, we
also have the opportunity to consider
our current life, how we live it and
what we may wish to change or
add to it, should we want to do so.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts
or lack of effort in this regard, things
may not go as we imagine, as these
real life stories reveal.
Long before Sally died, aged 82,
she told her family she wanted to
be buried in the small town she
was born in, and not the town she
currently lived in. She wanted to be
buried in her own mother’s grave,
which also housed Sally’s infant
daughter who had died at birth,
decades before. The family agreed.
When Sally died the family decided
their mother’s home town was too
far away from where they all lived
and it would make visiting the grave
difficult. Instead, she was buried in
the town she died in. Years after their
mother died, some family members
still regret disregarding their mother’s
expressed wishes. What Sally didn’t
know is that her expressed verbal
wishes weren’t legally binding.
When businesswoman Rose died
after an 18 month illness, her two
adult children, both in their 40’s, had
been estranged for decades. One of
Rose’s longstanding, trusted friends
was her trustee and he, along with
her son, disregarded some of her
specific funeral wishes. They ignored
her daughter’s attempts to get them
to do what Rose had asked. Rose
also didn’t know her expressed
wishes weren’t legally binding, nor
could she have anticipated her
trustee would collude with her son
to limit her daughter’s involvement
in her funeral. She may not have
anticipated that the sibling rivalries,
evident in infancy and the teenage
years, would still be played out as
adults.
Duncan and Sonia made their first
will when they were in their mid 20’s,
had an infant son and a mortgage.
Over time, their busy lives included
two more children, the acquisition of
several properties and other assets.
Now in their early 60’s, minor health
issues made them face their own
mortality, and when a friend asked
them recently if they had a will, they
said yes, one written 40 years ago.
Once they realised the instructions in
their original will would apply, despite
now having three adult children and
grandchildren, they were at their
lawyer’s door in no time.
Until we die, we are in the business
of living. Having peace of mind,
knowing all our personal and business
affairs are in order, is one important
part of that. Andy Warhol once said
“Dying is the most embarrassing
thing that can ever happen to you,
because someone’s got to take care
of all your details”. How prepared are
you, for that?
Sue Dwan is a Christchurch-based
management and business coach,
writer, change agent and director
of Dwan & Associates.
www.
dwanandassociates.com
24
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
UPDATE FROM THE CLUBS
Amberley Welcome Club members enjoyed a bus trip to Waiau and a
meal at the Rotherham Hotel. In November members have a trip to Kaikoura
and in December a meal at Islington Hotel with an evening drive around
Christchurch to see the Christmas lights. Meet: On third Monday of the
month at 1.30pm at the Anglican Church Hall, Amberley. Contact: Kath
Anderson on (03) 314 8365.
Beckenham Friendship Club members have enjoyed entertainment from
Lime Lighters and Keline Singers. Future entertainment includes Smokey
and Lorraine, Pat Hannah and City People. Meet: 2nd Tuesday of the
month at Cashmere Life Church, Colombo Street. Contact: Janet Meek on
332 4237.
Christchurch Senior Citizens Club members enjoyed their annual
bus trip to Akaroa for a midday meal. A Christmas dinner will be held on
27 November. Cards on Monday at 12.30pm($2), Bowls on Tuesdays at
12.30pm ($2), Old Time Dancing on 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 1.30pm.
Acitivites will begin again in January 2016. Meet: Scottish Society Hall,
Cnr Caledonian/Edgeware Roads. Contact: Vonnie Henry on 383 4682.
Darfield Senior Citizens Club members had a speaker from Christchurch
Women’s Prison and held a games afternoon in September. A coach trip
to Orari Gorge Historic Buildings and Garden is planned and Christmas
carols in December. Meet: 3rd Friday of the month at 2.00pom, Darfield
Recreation Centre. Contact: L Stuart on 03 318 8277.
Lincoln Area Senior Citizen Club enjoyed a bus trip to the Woolston Club
for lunch then to the Hollywood Theatre in Sumner for a film. In November
Paul Easterbrooke will entertain and a Christmas luncheon will be held in
December. Meet: First Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm at Lincoln Event
Centre. Contact: Shirley Norton on (03) 329 5874.
New Horizons Southwest Baptist Church members enjoyed a trip to
Methven and entertainment from Elgrego the Magician. A coffee morning
and pot luck lunch are planned in November. Contact: Ruth Townsend on
338 4163, ext. 221.
Papanui Welcome Senior Citizens Club members enjoyed a talk by Ken
Stevens. Future entertainment includes Sharon Russel, Ian Mac and a an
afternoon tea is planned. Meet: Tuesdays at 1.30pm at Papanui RSA,
Papanui Road. Contact: Colleen Smither on 359 7738.
Sumner Senior Citizens Club members enjoyed lunch at Station One in
Papanui followed by a visit to the Fudge Cottage in Bishopdale. Members
are looking forward to Christmas at Lincoln. Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesday
each month at 1.30pm at Port Hills Uniting Church, Cnr Hardwicke and
Nayland Street. Contact: Lola Bouckoms on 384-9889.
Garden City SeniorNet
Would like to invite you to become a member of our Learning Centre. For
a joining fee of $20.00 plus reasonable class fees, you can learn many skills
from our friendly tutors who will help you get more from your laptop, tablet,
smartphone or home computer. For further information, please phone 348
4499 or come to a ‘meet and greet’ session on the third Thursday of the
month from 12.15pm to 1.00pm at our club rooms, 3 Brake Street, Church
Corner, Upper Riccarton. Come along for an informal chat, we’d love to see
you. Please note there are no ‘meet and greet’ sessions during December
and January.
Papanui Combined
Probus Club
For interesting speakers,
great outings and to make
new friends join us at Papanui
Combined Probus Club.
Monthly meetings on the 1st
Tuesday of the month
at 9.45am in a warm Ground
Floor Room at the Papanui RSA,
1 Harewood Road, Papanui,
Christchurch.
Parking is available.
For further information
please phone
Marie on 3517708.
MARY POTTER
COMMUNITY CENTRE
442 DURHAM ST NORTH ST ALBANS
DO YOU LIVE IN THE ST ALBANS
AREA OR NEARBY?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET
NEW FRIENDS AND JOIN IN SOCIAL
ACTIVITIES AT THE
CENTRE?
IF SO PLEASE PHONE 372 9224
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
OR TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE
ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME
Buskers music meets all tastes
Busker Denis Gillison has turned
70 and he says he is still performing
works he sang in his teenage years.
He started while still at school.
He was the lead singer with a rock
band at 15 in the Lincolnshire town
of Grantham (Yes, where Margaret
Thatcher was brought up).
Also Denis soon joined a folk club for
performances at the village hall. He
left school and did an apprenticeship
in a drawing office. But the pull of
singing soon saw him and a couple of
mates touring Europe in an old van.
The group did this for two years with
the intention of reaching Istanbul. But
in Venice they met three girls, two
of whom were planning to hitchhike
back to New Zealand.
That adventure appealed to Denis
and, after selling their van in London,
the two girls and Denis set off for
New Zealand. One was from New
Brighton and it was she who attracted
him to Christchurch.
The trip took two years. They
hitchhiked across Europe, Turkey,
Iran, Pakistan, India (where they
were engaged in a film to play hippies
for $5 a day) and then Goa, Penang,
Sumatra and Timor before flying to
Darwin. Denis busked in Singapore
but was soon moved on. He arrived
in Christchurch in 1972 and was
trying to earn a few bob in Cathedral
Square. There he was soon paired
with the Wizard who remains Denis’s
good friend.
Denis says the New Zealand
dictionary didn’t even contain the
word busker and he became a tourist
attraction. “This was compounded
when one of my travel companions’
boyfriend, a reporter on the local
paper, wrote a feature on me. This
was further compounded when the
Commonwealth Games were staged
in his adoptive city and he became a
celebrity in the city square.”
Around that time, New Zealand
pubs, which previously had to close
at 6pm, were given a four-hour
extension and started to look for
Busker, Denis Gillison
entertainers. Denis was top of their
list.
His next step was playing in pubs
and clubs and he even appeared
at The Big Time Wrestling between
bouts. He says he plays “real music
for all”.
He says he plays from background
to full-on and will fit the occasion.
“I draw on a large repertoire of
popular music, gathered over a 40
year professional career.
“I have no computer devices, and
I am the only singer/guitarist in New
Zealand playing a Fotdella bass.”
He always works solo and plays
the bass with his feet, and the mouth
organ in a neck harness.
He still appears at the club or pub
scene once or twice a week these
days. But he returns regularly to the
UK where he would appear in clubs
up to four times a week.
One gripe he has is that in New
Zealand the audiences expect him
to play for four hours with 10-minute
breaks but in the UK it is easier as
audiences there like half-an-hour
segments.
He is married to Lynette and they
have three children (two show
musical abilities) and one grandchild.
It is worth noting that Denis is usually
unavailable in July/August when he’s
off on his English summer pub tour.
Loburn Red Cross
Loburn Red Cross is continuing to provide an ‘all-you-can-eat’ afternoon
tea and small country sales table during the months of February to
November for groups looking for a local outing.
The venue is the Loburn Reserve pavilion on the Loburn-Whiterock
Road, just before the Karikaas Dutch cheese factory, and the cost
is $8.00 per person.
For enquiries and/or bookings please contact
Mary Stewart on (03) 3138393.
All money raised goes directly to the Red Cross.
We look forward to meeting some new groups.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
25
Sixteen members of ‘Hey, I’m Shirley’ Club
In this club members are allocated
numbers because if the name Shirley
is called out all pay attention. The
Shirley Club of Christchurch has
about 16 members all boasting the
forename of Shirley. Members have
a motto of fun, food and friendship
– they are all different and all ages.
The problem with the local club is
that members are getting older and
new, younger members are wanted.
The club was formed in March 2000
by Shirley Smith (No.1, now Shirley
Phillips) and her sister-in-law, also
Shirley Smith (No.2).
They became interested in forming
a club in Christchurch after reading
an article about a Shirley Club in
Australia. The first club started in
Western Australia in 1996 when
Shirley Brown advertised the idea as
she was lonely.
Sixty four Shirleys responded to
her advertisement and the movement
had began. Today there are about
50 clubs around Australia and six in
New Zealand. One member of the
Otago club is a male – Brian Shirley.
Another club is in Missouri, USA.
The Christchurch club’s former coordinator, Shirley Hamilton, says the
club is informal and meets about four
The Shirley Club convetion in Canberra, 2013.
times a year for outings and activities.
“From time to time we arrange an
extra get-together to meet any visiting
Shirleys from outside Canterbury,”
she says.
“I am afraid the membership is
wilting a bit as it grows older. We
hope some young Shirleys come
along,” she says.
Shirley Hamilton (No.8) herself
responded to an advertisement
inserted by Shirley Smith (No.1) in
2000 looking for Shirleys to boost the
club. “I made an appointment and
arrived at 2.30pm on the day at her
flat. There were 15 other Shirleys
there and we all said ‘Hello’ and
answered to the name Shirley. We all
joined there and then.”
Shirley (No.8) hopes to attend the
21st anniversary celebrations in Perth
in 2017. “The Perth Shirleys are a
wonderful group,” she says. Shirley
business has taken Shirley (No.8)
to Australia before several times but
one of the most memorable was in
2001 when 122 Shirleys gathered to
be named the world’s largest group
with the same name for a Guinness
world record. This was later overtaken
several times and is now held by
Mohammed who gathered in Dubai.
One of the most well-known
members in New Zealand is probably
Shirley Faull of Te Puke who, at
nearly 90, is still attending meetings.
She has always enjoyed adventure
having been a pilot of light aircraft,
a veteran athlete and a motor-racing
fan who drove racing cars until she
was nearly 80. Shirley Hamilton
says the clubs have been named
the “Elite coterie” who enjoy life with
a smile. Anyone (must be a Shirley)
can inquire about membership from
Shirley at 03 389 0841 or email:
[email protected] .
After the Christchurch earthquakes
Australian Shirley Club members
sent $3000 to help in Christchurch.
The money went to the Shirley Boys’
High School.
Shirley Recreation Walkers have a variety of walks on offer
Meet at 9.30am Mondays and Thursdays by the Shirley Community Site
for Car Pool to start of walk. Park on Chancellor Street (entrance off Shirley
Road) NOTE: If you want to go straight to the start of walk, you must let Sue
know on the day. $4.00 petrol contribution to driver (unless otherwise stated).
Ph 981 7071 or 027 7754635
16th November: Rolleston Township (Day Walk) Check out the growing
township of Rolleston. Take lunch, drinks, warm/waterproof clothing, good
shoes/boots, sunblock/sunhats and spending money. Start from Rolleston
reserve (near toilets) on Tennyson Street, off Main South Road. $6.00 to
driver.
19th November: Kennedys Bush (2 hours approx.) This is a focal point
for an excellent array of walks including The Orongomai Trail. Enjoy extensive
native bush and birdlife up on the Port Hills. Take lunch to enjoy following this
walk. Start from The Sign of The Bellbird car park on Summit Road. $5.00 to
driver.
23rd November: Ferrymead-Heathcote Valley (2 hours approx.) This
walk features Charlesworth Reserve, The Estuary, Ferrymead Park and
Lakes. It will be followed by lunch at Café Del Mar on Ferry Road at 12.30.
Please let Sue Lang know by Thursday 19th November if you wish to come
(for numbers). Start from Charlesworth Street off Ferry Road.
MOBILE FOOTCARE
CANTERBURY LTD
Our specially trained Registered
Nurses provide basic foot care
to elderly and disabled people
throughout Canterbury.
Prices are $25.00 at
one of our clinics or
$45.00 for a home visit.
Phone now for an appointment,
your feet will thank you.
Phone 03 354 1380
26th November: Greenwood Park (2 hours approx.) This walk is an
undulating hill walk with fine views out over Sumner, Godley Head and
Lyttelton Harbour. Start from the bottom of Revelation Drive on Clifton Hill.
30th November: Riccarton Bush-Fendalton Park Jeffreys Park. (2
hours approx.) This walk features Riccarton House, Deans Cottage and
Deans Bush along with two pretty parks and Waiwetu Reserve. Start from car
park near Riccarton House, off Kahu Road.
TRADES
NAILS MOBILE
Experienced (technician)
TOENAILS, fingernails included.
Soak, cut and massage $30.00
Contact Jude on 389 7176
For all electrical repairs
* SPECIALISTS IN 4WD VEHICLES *
Cars, Trucks, Boats, Diesel, Agricultural Machinery - Forklifts
Mobile Service Available
Full BATTERY SERVICE
Sales - Service - Testing
Phone (03) 348-7736
5 Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton, PO Box 8381
BLOCKED DRAINS??
WATERBLASTING??
Competitive Prices
CANTERBURY
WATERBLAST LTD
ANYTIME - (03) 365-7960
ROSS GALT
LOCK AND ALARM LTD
95 Kingsley Street
Christchurch
Phone
365-0298
FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS
COOKY’S
SHARPENING
Knives, Garden & Hand Tools, Chains
Competitive Prices
Serving North Canterbury
Phone Cooky on (03) 314-9345
or 021 023 36393
BOOK A TRADE
SIZE AD.
4CM X 6.5CM
$51.00 + GST
26
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Affordable home cooked meals
designed to tantalise taste buds
A Christchurch personal chef is
determined to get rid of “the junk” and
highly processed, packaged foods by
launching a new healthy, nutritious
home cooked meal delivery service
with a tantalising new menu.
“I love to cook creatively and infuse
international flavours into my dishes
to give people more variety, but at the
same time retain many traditional old
favourites that my current customers
love,” she said.
Rita is a qualified chef and advocator
of the international Slow Food
Movement. This means all meals are
made using fresh, local and seasonal
ingredients to ensure every dish has
a wholesome and robust flavour,
without any preservatives.
My Home Chef’s new menu has
a fantastic range of traditional and
international cuisines including roast
chicken and seasonal vegetables,
North African vegeterian tagine with
aromatic basmati rice, Shepherd’s
Pie, beef hotpot with kumara and
creamy potato mash, Middle Eastern
vegetable soup, oven baked fish pie
and vegetarian lasagna.
Rita can create personalised meal
plans to meet specific dietary needs,
requirements or personal taste. She
is experienced in Paleo, dairy-free,
gluten-free, vegan, organic and
vegetarian diets.
“Our home cooked meal delivery
service is designed to take the stress
out of cooking and meal preparation
by delivering tasty, affordable dishes
right to your doorstep.”
Rita Yosef busy preparing food for in her
kitchen for My Home Chef
All meals are prepared fresh at My
Home Chef’s Licensed Commercial
Kitchen in Christchurch, and delivered
weekly on Wednesday. Meals can be
kept in the fridge for up to two days,
or frozen if not consumed.
My Home Chef delivery service
replaces the weekly service from
Absolutely Fabulous Food.
In order to allow for preparation
time, Rita appreciates receiving
orders before 4pm on Friday. Prices
start from $12 per meal.
To make a booking or check out My
Home Chef’s new menu, contact Rita
Yosef on (03) 359 6444 | 027 772
6022, or email rita@myhomechef.
A
co.nz.
Healthy, home cooked meals
delivered to your doorstep!
Lectures, workshops, courses and
activity groups all on offer at the WEA
‘Wellbeing
Economics:
an
alternative framework for national
policy’ is the title of a lecture being
presented at the WEA (Workers’
Educational Association) on Friday
20 November by Professor Paul
Dalziel of Lincoln University.
Everyone is welcome to this free
event organised by the WEA in
association with the New Zealand
Fabian Society and starting at
7.30pm.
Other lectures coming up include
a chance to hear about progress
on the Arts Centre, from the Chief
Executive of the centre, André Lovatt,
on Thursday 18 November, and ‘Gap
Filler and the city: five years on’ with
Rich Sewell on 25 November. Both
lectures start at 1.30pm and entry is
by gold coin donation.
‘Understanding the Treaty’ is a
two-day workshop being offered
by Network Waitangi Otautahi at
the WEA on 21 November and 5
December. The workshop will start
from where people are at and is nonconfrontational. Ancestry, cultural
difference and cultural safety: PreTreaty history, the Treaty and PostTreaty history; colonisation and
social statistics are some of the topics
explored as are models and possible
actions for moving towards a Treatybased society.
‘Armchair Travel’ is an ongoing
WEA series held each Thursday
morning with talks in November and
December on ‘Luxury in London’,
‘Vietnam’, ‘Sights and Sounds of
France and Spain: a cultural tour’;
and ‘Cycling Beyond the Arctic Line
in Norway’. The travel talks start at
10.30am and the cost per session is
$5.
‘The Post-Impressionists’ is a
four-week art history course that
is filling fast. If you’re interested in
finding out more about four artists:
Paul Cézanne, Georges Seurat,
Paul Gaugin, and Vincent van Gogh
phone the WEA and see if there’s still
a place available.
Other groups meet at the WEA,
which is centrally located at 59
Gloucester Street, once a week
to play Mah Jong and read plays
together. Anyone is welcome to join
these groups for the cost of a gold
coin donation each week.
To find out more about these
courses at the WEA, or to enrol,
please phone the WEA on 366
0285, email: [email protected] or
enrolments can be made from the
website at: cwea.org.nz
AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY
MEMBERSHIP
I would like to become (please tick one box):
An individual member ($20 per person, $30 per couple)
A corporate member ($50 per business)
A friend ($10 per person, $20 per couple)
I would like to subscribe to the Keeping On newspaper,
(Please tick box)
delivered quarterly, for a cost of $15.00.
Donations help us to continue to promote the welfare of older people in Canterbury
and are also welcomed. Donations of $5.00 or more can qualify for a tax credit.
I enclose:
Membership Subscription
Keeping On Subscription
Donation
TOTAL
All meals made using fresh, local ingredients.
Desserts and baking are also available
Prices start from $12.00 per meal.*
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:
(* Minimum weekly order applies). Free delivery for orders over $50.00.
Surname:
$
$
$
$
First Names:
Date of Birth:
Street Address:
Suburb:
City:
Postcode:
Phone No.:
To order contact Rita Yosef on (03) 359 6444 or
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Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myhomechef.
www.myhomechef.co.nz
Email:
Signed:
Please send to The Chief Executive, Age Concern Canterbury
Inc, 24 Main North Road, Papanui. CHRISTCHURCH.
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
27
Implications of buying in a retirement village are complex
Security, companionship, support
and on-site healthcare are just
some of the reasons why you
might be contemplating the move
to a Retirement Village. But, the
implications of buying in a Retirement
Village are varied and complex.
The decision to move into a
retirement village is not one you
should rush. Take time and consider
all your options. Make a checklist
of the reasons for and against and
Help to live life to fullest
Aspire Canterbury is a not-forprofit which offers support, advice
and resources to older people and
those with impairments. Practical
assistance is warm and friendly and
acts as a welcoming hub for people
with disabilities, their whanau and
caregivers.
Removing barriers to everyday
living
for
individuals,
Aspire
Canterbury inspires people to live
life to the fullest no matter what their
difficulties. The Disability Information
Service (DIS) is a source of valuable
information about the various services
available to people with short or long
term impairments, to individuals
and professionals from community
organisations.
The Aspire Community Services
Directory containing contact details
of over 300 Canterbury support
organisations is available in hard
copy for $33.00 as well as searchable
on the website.
Visit Aspire Canterbury’s new
and improved website at www.
aspirecanterbury.org.nz
for
a
directory of services, an outline of the
Total Mobility Scheme giving 50%
discounted taxi services, their online
shop selling a wide selection of
easier living aids, and rental services
for wheelchairs, ramps and walkers.
Aspire’s hall is available for hire at
$10.00 per hour for disability groups
and $20.00 per hour for all others.
Aspire also has a mobile service
whereby they visit retirement homes/
villages, and other community groups,
with an interactive presentation
showcasing their services and easier
living equipment.
To book a visit please contact us at
mobileservices@aspirecanterbury.
org.nz.
A
Support and Resources for Independent Living
Can we help you or
someone you support?
Disability Information Service – a ‘one stop
information service’ which offers unbiased
advice to assist people navigate their way to
organisations or services that can provide them
with support or advice.
Aspire Canterbury Shop – shop online or call in
to our shop at 314 Worcester Street and view
our range of easier living products We also hire
out wheelchairs, ramps and walkers.
WALKERS TO
PURCHASE (FROM
Total Mobility Discounted Taxi Service – a scheme
$190) OR HIRE
which provides 50% discounts on taxi journeys to
eligible people in the Christchurch area who, due
to health conditions,
are unable to access
PER WEEK public transport.
FOLDING
Contact us for more information on
WALKING
03 366 9093 or visit our website.
20
$15
Hall Hire – looking for an accessible venue
to hire for up to 55 people? Contact us for
hire rates or check out availability on our
web site.
Aspire Canterbury is a not-for-profit organisation
providing services to the community since 1981
Physical Address:
314 Worcester Street
Linwood Christchurch
Postal Address:
PO Box 32074
Christchurch 8147
STICKS
$41
Ph: 03 366 6189
Freephone: 0800 347 242
Ph: (Total Mobility) 03 366 9093
E: [email protected]
W: www.aspirecanterbury.org.nz
involve your family and friends in
your decision making process. It is
also important to ensure you have
the appropriate legal and financial
advice.
The most important thing to
remember is that this decision is
about you and the type of lifestyle
you want. Here are some things to
keep in mind when you’re thinking
about the move to Retirement Village
living.
The Lifestyle – what kind of
lifestyle do you want? Think about
the things that are “must haves” for
you and pick a Village which enables
you to achieve your goals. Look at
different Villages to ensure that the
Village you pick ticks all your boxes.
Your Future - does the Village
have Hospital or Dementia level
care? If your needs change, are you
able to move within the Village to a
different level of care? Who decides
if you need to be moved to a different
level of care? What are your rights
in those circumstances? Will you
have priority over a new resident?
What happens if there is no available
space?
The Money – make sure you
understand exactly what your
purchase price or “Entry Payment”
is paying for. What on-going fees
are there? Will those fees change?
If so, how will they change? On
terminating your Agreement, what
money will be refunded to you? How
is this calculated? What costs will be
taken out of any refund and when will
you receive it?
Legal Structure - You are required
to seek legal advice before you sign
an Occupation Right Agreement so
make sure your lawyer explains how
the Village you are interested in is
structured. As with all areas of law,
it is important that you seek good
advice from a team who understand
how this area may impact on you and
your legal requirements. At Harmans
we have experience dealing with
estate planning strategies.
Give Fleur McDonald a call on 03
352 2293 to arrange an appointment
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to discuss your situation.
Protecting
you through
all stages
of life
Life is full of ups and downs, and changing circumstances
can have a major impact on your financial position.
The Seniors Team at Harmans specialises in legal issues relating to seniors.
Our friendly team offers practical advice in plain English so you have peace
of mind and feel confident in making decisions that are right for you and
your family.
Our Seniors Team is conveniently located in our Papanui office. If you can’t
get to us, we offer a Home Visit Service, so we can come to you.
We’re here to help you through all stages of life. We specialise in:
• Wills
• Funeral Trusts
• Trusts
• Occupation Right Agreements
• Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Estate Planning
• Rest Home Subsidies
• Asset Protection
Contact Fleur McDonald
P (03) 352 2293 E [email protected] A 485 Papanui Road, Christchurch
www.harmans.co.nz
NOVEMBER 2015
KEEPING ON
Ryman Healthcare aims to give elderly
good choices in retirement homes
At Ryman Healthcare we aim to
provide elderly New Zealanders with
a first class choice in retirement living
and care. Each of our 6 retirement
villages in Christchurch have their
own distinctive personality and
friendly, vibrant community. Next
year will see the opening of our new
retirement village in Rangiora. Ryman
villages include stunning independent
townhouses and/or apartments,
beautiful serviced apartments and
the very best of resthome, hospital
and dementia care – in most cases
there is no need to move from the
village if extra care is required.
This is so important for those
residents whose needs increase, but
value the friendships they have made
with residents and staff and want to
stay in the same, familiar community.
It’s also great for couples to be able
to stay together, should they need
different levels of care.
Ryman care centres also welcome
residents who require short term
care, respite care or day care. Our
short term care residents receive all
the benefits of living in our friendly,
supportive community, while receiving
quality care from our friendly team.
With resort-style living and superb
facilities the hardest part of your day
will be deciding what to do. We know
your lifestyle preferences are as
individual as you are, so depending
on the village you choose you could
be starting your day with a dip in the
indoor heated pool, a stroll around
the beautiful village gardens, a Triple
A exercise class, or simply relaxing,
enjoying a chat with friends, a cuppa,
and some delicious home baking
from the village chef; the choice is
yours.
In addition to the village facilities
there are also daily activities, events
and outings. There’s something for
everyone from happy hours and
concerts, to movies, guest speakers,
bowling competitions, interest groups,
regular outings in the village van and
much more!
We firmly believe in protecting the
interests of our residents and we
pride ourselves on offering some
of the most resident friendly terms
in New Zealand. Over the past 30
years we have developed the Ryman
Peace of Mind Guarantees, which
are designed to protect both you and
your family. And, did you know that
we offer you fixed weekly fees for life
guaranteed.*
For more information about our
villages or for a copy of our ‘Welcome
to a Ryman Village’ booklet, call
Claire Poulsen on 0800 111 650.
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*Terms and conditions apply.
Local ballet-affordable night out
Local ballet school Canterbury
Ballet is offering an entertaining night
out at the Isaac Theatre Royal at a
cheaper than normal price. They are
performing “Dance Fusion 2015”, a
double bill with Swan Lake classical
ballet and a modern jazz rendition of
Alice in Wonderland.
The performance includes all
students from the dance school
but with many of its students
enrolled in its professional ballet
training programme and en route
to a professional dance career, it
is a wonderful opportunity to see
some high quality dance. In the
school’s unique programme some
of the younger students combine
intermediate and high school studies
with full-time ballet training.
“This year is the 150th anniversary
of Alice in Wonderland’s first
publication. We could not let that go
by unnoticed,” says Taisia Missevich,
director at the school. “We are also
very excited to be able to bring Swan
Lake to the stage. It is the world’s
most iconic ballet and an all-time
favourite but it is also technically
quite advanced and we wouldn’t be
able to do it without the dedication,
passion and talent of our full-time
students.
“We want all people in Christchurch
who enjoy classical ballet and jazz
dance to be able to come to this
performance and especially our
senior citizens,” says Ms Missevich.
“We know many older people love
watching ballet and dance in general.
That is why we have deliberately kept
the price at an affordable level.”
Dance Fusion 2015 will be
performed on 8 and 9 December
6.30pm at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
Tickets are $20 and available by
emailing enquiries@canterburyballet.
co.nz, or by phoning the school on
021 882 921 (Lily Cartwright) or 021
887 263 (Taisia Missevich).
Why a Ryman village
ticks all the boxes....
s
Companionship, activities, and outing
Fixed weekly fees for life*
Resort style facilities
Independent and assisted living
e
Resthome, hospital, and dementia car
For more information please phone
Claire Poulsen on 0800 111 650
www.rymanhealthcare.com
*Terms and conditions apply
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