Canberra CityNews March 7, 2013

The Big Birthday / Canberra celebrates Centenary ‘magic’ in the bubbly blend

ONE key feature of our upcoming municipal birthday bash has been about 18 months in the making: the fizzy tipple that will be served along the twin 400-metre sections of the World’s Longest Bubbly Bar at Commonwealth Place.

The sparkling wine, a traditional Champagne-style blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is one of three new offerings put together by a group of local winemakers under the “Centenary” label. A Riesling and a Shiraz have also been produced for the centennial year from grapes grown in 2008, to commemorate the selection of the site for the new capital in 1908, and to aid their flavour. According to the president of the Canberra District Wine Industry Association, Allan Pankhurst, the growing conditions that year were “fabulous”.

“In fact, it was probably one of our best years for some time at that point,” Allan says.

The bubbly was produced from 2011 grapes, he explains, “because you don’t want a five-year-old sparkling.”

While 2011 was a slightly difficult year for the region’s wineries, Allan says the grapes used were harvested early and escaped unwanted lateseason rains.

Stephen Easton reports

“It’s really got the lovely fruit from the Chardonnay and the firmness from the Pinot Noir. It really is a magic blend.”

Incidentally, if you haven’t already got a ticket for one of the short stay, long stay or premium sessions at the long bar, you might just have to drop in after 9.30pm, when it opens to all comers.

The wines were produced from the best examples of each variety, chosen through blind tasting by a panel of the region’s top winemakers. The Rieslings were selected in April 2008, the panel looking for the best quality, as well as a combination of fruitier and firmer flavours that would complement each other well.

“We did the same process with the reds in the following February and March, after they’d been in oak for a while, so we could taste them when they were more mature and then identify which wines we would use,” says Allan.

Wines from five different producers went into the Riesling and six into the Shiraz, with those that made the cut coming from every corner of the region. But are they good to hold on to?

“Absolutely. Both the Riesling and

index / contacts

Arts&Entertainment 24-25

Canberra’s Birthday 7-14

Canberra Confidential 18

Cinema 24

Dining 25

Garden 26

Letters 16

News 3-19

Politics 4

Puzzles 27

Socials 19-22

President of the Canberra District Wine Industry Association, Allan Pankhurst, with the Centenary wine collection... the bubbly’s “got the lovely fruit from the Chardonnay and the firmness from the Pinot Noir. It really is a magic blend.”

the Shiraz will age really well.

“You don’t normally think of white wines to age, but Rieslings do age particularly well. Some people prefer the fresh, young style but Riesling lovers

will actually look for an old one as well and like any wine, it depends on what you’re eating or how you feel on the day.

“They’ll both develop further in the bottle for another five to 10 years.”

Bottles of the Centenary Sparkling are $30. The Centenary Riesling and Centenary Shiraz are $35. To order, go to canberrawines.com.au/centenary or call Pankhurst Wines on 6230 2592.

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politics

Lose-lose as local Liberals fall apart

It’s all lose-lose for the Liberals in the knockout struggle for the number one spot on the party’s ACT Senate ticket, says MICHAEL MOORE

ORDINARY members of the Canberra Liberal Party are feeling frustrated, angry and resentful at how their party has been constantly denigrated in the media over the Senate preselection process.

The reality is that the preselection process has been a mess and has left the party and the candidates in a lose-lose situation. And there is still a great deal of water to flow under the bridge.

Take the party first: the Canberra Liberals have been baiting Labor for many years over their factional fights while they have pretended to be factionless.

At the last Federal election Labor’s preselection process in the seat of Canberra was a vigorous fight along factional lines with Gai Brodtmann finally winning the appropriate support. In some ways, the seat of Fraser was even more interesting when the factional wranglings and the threat of national interference finally turned party members off to such an extent that Andrew Leigh emerged as the frontrunner.

The battle between sitting Senator Gary Humphries and former ACT Opposition Leader Zed Seselja has exposed real factions within the Liberal Party. What has been clear is that the profoundly conservative Seselja faction is on the rise, while the moderate side of the party as it was under Kate Carnell and, more recently Humphries, has become weaker. The party really is the Canberra Conservatives.

When Gary Humphries originally won preselection for the Senate seat on the retirement of former Senate President Margaret Reid there was a vigorous, gloves-off fight for the position. Humphries had no hesitation in playing hardball against the other contender, Kate Carnell. The difference between then and now is that the games were played within the party ranks. The dirty laundry was not aired in public and the party was able to retain the façade of being united.

If the general meeting of members manages to overturn the preselection decision at the meeting initiated by former party president Gary Kent, it will simply continue the pain. Humphries has changed his mind and declared that he will contest the position under

these circumstances. But the battle has not been without consequences for the Senator. The general public understands that there is a large factional interest within the party that believes he is not doing a good enough job and ought not to represent the ACT as a Senator. Should things change and he manages to wind up as the lead candidate contesting the Senate seat there is no doubt that Labor and the Greens will milk this for all it is worth.

It is a similar story for Zed Seselja. But there is also the selling out of Tuggeranong factor. The battle has revealed that Seselja will do what it takes to improve his position. He was originally elected to the Assembly by an extraordinary effort of campaigning in Gungahlin when it was largely being ignored by other candidates. He moved to Tuggeranong in order for the Liberals to win three ACT Assembly seats with the promise of commitment to the area. With hardly a blink since the election he has put his hand up for the Senate.

If Seselja remains as the Senate candidate for the Liberals he will have to live down this sell-out. If he does not he will need to return to the Assembly and lick his wounds. Already the government members are mercilessly attacking him on the floor of the Assembly and this does not look like letting up.

There is now a quandary for the Liberal Party members who are considering revisiting the preselection process. Zed has demonstrated how ruthless he can be when he is involved in political games. If he returns to the Assembly without the candidacy for the Senate, how long will it be before he starts manoeuvring to displace Jeremy Hanson as Leader of the Opposition?

And through this process the only potential winner in this affair is Simon Sheikh, the Greens Party Senate candidate and former director of GetUp! The longer the Canberra Liberals continue fighting the more attractive he will become to represent the ACT and the greater his chances of stripping the Senate seat from the Liberals.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.

Kirby address

FORMER High Court judge Michael Kirby, whose ancestors come from County Antrim, will give the St Patrick’s Day Address at the annual St Patrick’s Day Ecumenical Service at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Kings Avenue, Barton, noon-1pm, Saturday, March 16. The service will be led by Belfast-born, the Rev Prof James Haire, with Anglican, Catholic, Uniting and Presbyterian Church representatives as well as the Salvation Army. Everyone welcome.

Fashfest tickets

TICKETS have gone on sale for the first Fashfest, a fournight showcase of Canberra fashion to be held from May 1 to May 4. While the venue hasn’t been announced, its

promoters say each night features a fashion parade, live performances by top musical artists/DJs and an afterparty. Tickets available only through fashfest.com.au

No Sweat collection

NO Sweat Fashions, a not-for-profit social enterprise aimed at providing employment and training pathways for refugees and other disadvantaged migrants in Canberra, is holding a “soft” launch of a new collection of collaboratively designed fashion accessories at Thin Thin’s Burmese Bistro, North Canberra Bowling Club, Turner, 6pm-9pm on Tuesday, March 12. Tickets at $55 (tables of 10, $450) include a three-course, Burmesestyle banquet. Online bookings to burmabistro. eventbrite.com. No cash payments.

The Big Birthday

Salute to our past, present and future

Cover story

ON the lush lawns of the Royal Canberra Golf Club, three people meet for the first time – each with a very different connection to Canberra.

One has been living long enough to witness its beginning, another shares its birthday. And the smallest, not quite able to speak for herself yet, came into the world just in time to celebrate its centenary year.

Ellen Heath, Paula Thomas and newborn Annabel Ekin-Smyth will join thousands of Canberrans to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday on March 12.

An array of events centred around Lake Burley Griffin have been planned on the eve of the Centenary, including the world’s longest bubbly bar, live symphony orchestras and indie bands, giant board games, free ferries over to Commonwealth Place and, of course, fireworks to top off the evening.

Ellen, 102, moved to Canberra from England in 1971, and since then she has seen two generations grow here.

“This is such a nice city, a good place to settle down,” she says.

“I think you can give your children a good start in life here, and a generous future.”

Paula, who turns 50 on March 12, says she is proud to share her birthday with a city she has such a special connection with.

“My husband reminded me that I will be exactly half the age of Canberra,” she laughs.

“I love it and have been living here for over 30 years. My kids were born here, my son was married here, we plan to retire here, and hopefully my grandchildren will be born here.”

And at just two months, Annabel already has impeccable timing – she was the first baby born in the centenary year, delivered at 12.01am on New Year’s Day.

“She literally arrived just in time to celebrate,” laughs mum Natalie.

“It’s really special to us because I was born in Canberra too, and think it’s a great place to bring up our family. We hope she continues to live here as she grows older, and maybe one day looks back and appreciates how spe -

cial it is to be born in this centenary year.”

Canberra’s own birth wasn’t a simple one. Shortly after American architect Walter Burley Griffin won a competition to design its layout in 1913, the difficult search to name the capital began. Some of the hundreds of suggestions included Olympus, Paradise and Captain Cook. Eventually the name Canberra was settled on, said to derive from the various English renditions of the name of the indigenous people of the area, the Ngambri. At midday on March 12, 1913, the city was officially named by Lady Denman at a ceremony on Kurrajong Hill, now known as Capital Hill.

Fourteen years later, Canberra’s iconic Parliament House opened, serving as the home of Federal parliament until 1988 when the new Parliament House was established.

“Canberra’s Big Bash”, March 11, from midday until late. Full schedule of events at canberra100.com.au/

Symphony celebrates Centenary in music

Music

By Helen Musa

“FIREWORKS”, “New World”, “Eroica” – the world of music has seen great works composed for great events –and now Canberra has its own such composition, “Centenary”.

It raised more than a few eyebrows when Centenary artistic director Robyn Archer, after a nationwide search, bypassed Canberra’s composers in favour of Sydney’s Andrew Shultz to commission the “Centenary” symphony. But now it’s about to happen, the buzz in our musical circles is palpable.

On March 11, as hundreds queue up at the longest bubbly bar in the world, thousands will be settling down in front of Old Parliament House to see the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the massed choirs of Canberra perform the 40-minute Symphony No.3 – “Centenary” (2013, Opus 91).

Nicholas Milton will conduct. The CSO’s artistic director, a brilliant violinist-turned-conductor who has led more than 16 orchestras around Europe in recent years, told “CityNews” from Europe that: “It’s always exciting being present at the birth of a new work for orchestra”, describing the work as “Andrew Schultz’s symphonic tribute to our city”.

“Here is a cinematic sweep to the work that gives me the impression of optimism,” he says.

“It has drama, triumph and fire, but also introspection and serenity.”

The symphony will be the culmination of what Archer calls “one very big day” and even if you can’t drag yourself away from the bubbly bar, the symphony will be broadcast simultaneously on ABC Classic FM and screened all around the lake.

Schultz has been deep in “Centenary” for the past 12 months. Perhaps Australia’s best-known contemporary composer on the world stage, he has written several large-scale works, including three operas, and in taking up this commission, he follows in a long line of composers who have created music for great occasions.

While this new work includes three large orchestral movements, they will be preceded by short choral movements to be performed by the “Centenary Choir”,

made up of three national capital treasures, the Woden Valley Youth Choir, the Oriana Chorale and The Resonants.

They’ll be singing the words of architects Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan, whose ideas partly inspired the Griffin design for Canberra, as well as words taken from Walter Burley Griffin’s original Canberra design submission. Together with the grand orchestral core to “Centenary”, the singers and musicians, all Canberrans, will be creating musical fireworks for a very musical city. Oh, yes, don’t forget, it is March 12 that’s the actual birthday, so Archer has asked all Canberrans to stop to raise a glass at 11am to toast the nation’s capital. 11am, you ask? It’ll be a moment to remember.

Symphony No. 3 – “Centenary”, Old Parliament House, 8pm, Monday, March 11. Free.

Don’t dare leave town this weekend.

And here’s why... Activities

DON’T go down to the coast this Canberra Day long weekend – “Stick around,” the Centenary’s artistic director Robyn Archer urges. “It’s going to be an enormous weekend.”

Here’s a list of some events around town on the weekend and of course, the One Big Day itself, Monday, March 11 (Page 12).

Over

the weekend

We Built This City Children and parents can build a city of cardboard boxes, guided by performers, then smash it all up at the end. On the hour, 10am-4pm, Thursday-Saturday in Civic Square. $10 admission, bookings required. Call 62752700.

The Famous Spiegel Garden Various performances including bands, cabaret and burlesque inside a traditional European spiegeltent. Senate Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House, March 1-24. Program and tickets at spiegeltent.net

Birthday party with Latin beats

THERE will be a Centenary dance party with a Latin twist when the Pura Vida Road Show plays at the Famous Spiegel Garden, in the Senate Rose Gardens, 6.30 pm, on Canberra’s birthday – Tuesday, March 12. Peruvian supergroup Novalima will play Afro-Peruvian rhythms with the cutting-edge grooves of dub reggae and chilled-out

funky Latin beats. Plus Colombia’s LA 33, promises hard-core salsa, ‘60s boogaloo and Afro-Colombian roots.

“This partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in Australia aims to maximise the impact of the arts and culture initiatives of Colombia in Australia, positioning leading Colombian artists at some

of the most important festivals and events in Australia,” says promoter Frank Madrid.

Novalima’s visit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Peru, and is supported by the Council on Australia Latin America Relations, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Friday

Lights! Canberra! Action! The short-film festival that gives contestants 10 days to shoot and edit their entries by withholding locations and items that must be included. Senate Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House from 7.30pm. Free entry.

Germaine Greer gives the Manning Clark Lecture National Library, 5.30pm-9pm. $35 or $25 for members. Book at 6295 1808.

Official opening of Arboretum

Magnificentury Exhibition 6pm at the ANCA Gallery, Rosevear Place, Downer. Free entry.

Saturday

Centenary Rugby Match

ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs, 7.30pm-9.30pm at Canberra Stadium. Tickets from the gate or ticketek.com.au

GWS Giants Fan Day Free event, 9.30am-11.30am at Kippax Oval.

Sunday

Back to the Depot

A display of Canberra’s transport history, including a 1949 Action Bus. 10am-4pm at the Old Bus Depot Markets, Wentworth Ave, Kingston. Free event.

Black Opal Stakes and Canberra Centenary Cup race day. 11.30am to 6pm at Thoroughbred Park. $25 admission, $5 for pensioners, under18s free.

Imagining the Capital: Canberra on Film

An outdoor screening of the Film and Sound Archive’s best Canberra-related material. 7.30pm in the Senate Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House. Continued Page 12

The Big Birthday

Reflections

Growing sadly into anonymity Calthorpe house:

ROBERT MACKLIN looks at the Centenary with a “certain sadness” for Canberra’s lost soul

I FIND it difficult to think about Canberra’s 100th anniversary without a certain sadness. Crazy, I know.

We’re now 385,000 strong; we live in the most beautiful surroundings; and ours is probably the most convenient city in the world where nothing is more than half an hour away. We have fine hospitals, great schools, top universities, grand galleries, magnificent research facilities, splendid restaurants, lively theatres, jobs for all and an easy passage to holiday spots at the coast or in the mountains.

And all achieved in 100 years! What could one possibly find to be sad about? Indeed, the Canberra I discovered in 1964, arriving as a reporter for “The Age”, was a horse and buggy joint by comparison, a collection of disconnected buildings and suburbs pretending to be a capital city but not making a terribly good fist of it.

But at its core was a communications network that made it very special. It was intensely local – the commercial radio and television stations, the ANU, the hospital by the lake, and most particularly “The Canberra Times” were all focused overwhelmingly on our smallish community. And despite the sneers of the Duke of Edinburgh that Canberra lacked a “soul” we knew we belonged to something unique.

And it just got better. For example, after I joined “The Canberra Times” in 1990 and became arts editor and a columnist, it was perfectly possible to engage the community in all sorts of interesting ideas.

When I proposed an award of Canberra’s Artist of the Year, for instance, every arts group in the city nominated a candidate; when I suggested “The Heart of the Nation” as the motto for our rego plates, it was adopted in short order by the government of the day; when we were forgotten by the national organisers of the walk of reconciliation in favour of the Harbour Bridge, I was able to initiate our own walk across Commonwealth Bridge with the warm support of the local police; and to my astonishment hundreds turned up on a cold and windy Sunday.

None of that was any credit to me; it was simply an illustration of the community spirit that found expression in a place where we all came together each day for a chat.

Today, while the ABC local radio does a fine job, the commercial stations are hardly a focus for Canberra news and views; and the channels ignore us. The “Times” has become the hybrid “Canberra Morning Herald” with a local content written either by kiddywinks or (with one honourable exception) garrulous old grumps. Circulation is collapsing and this at a time when at last we’re big enough to support a paper that could really reflect its readers’ interests, intelligence and sense of humour.

But there could be no better illustration of the drift from unique community to metropolitan anonymity than appointing a professional festival director, Robyn Archer – rather than one of half a dozen outstanding local luminaries – to run the centenary celebrations. I’m sure she’s a fine entertainer and an excellent artistic director. But it’s impossible to escape the impression that the entire schedule of events has been imposed from the lofty heights rather than arising from the community itself. It might be great on paper but is it really “ours”? And that, alas, is both symptomatic and sad. www.robertmacklin.com

Nostalgia

house tour

Words: Kathryn Vukovljak

Photos: Silas Brown

HOMEOWNERS are usually there to welcome visitors, but when you pop into Calthorpes’ House, on Mugga Way, you’ll find the family’s long gone, eerily leaving all their possessions behind.

Furniture, art, toys, rugs, photos, appliances and telephones remain pretty much as they were in the late 1920s, as a snapshot of family life in the early days of Canberra.

“Coming to the house is almost an intrusion – it must be a funny feeling for Dawn Waterhouse to have her childhood home on display,” says volunteer guide Bev Finlayson. “But wonderful for us today.”

Owned by Harry and Della Calthorpe, the house was built in 1927 as one of the first in Canberra. It’s been open to the public since 1986.

Everything inside is perfectly preserved, down to the collection of badges in Dawn’s bedroom, clothes still hanging in the wardrobes, scales and scrubbing brushes in the kitchen cabinets and household bills in the pantry.

With built-in cupboards in convenient places, such as Harry’s boot-cleaning spot by the back door, and cleaning supplies hidden under the bath, the home is welldesigned and practical – if a little dark.

“The fashion was for several layers of blinds, net curtains and heavy drapes at the windows,” Bev says. “It meant the sun didn’t fade the furniture and it kept the warmth in during winter and the summer heat out.”

The idea behind the conservation of the house is to preserve things as they are, not restore them to original condition, says Bev, so what you see when you walk through the home (wearing protective booties) is the actual soft furnishings that were chosen by Mrs Calthorpe.

From Harry’s razor strop hanging on the bathroom door to personal photos of young girls Del and Dawn on the walls, there are touches of personal family life everywhere.

“The home is a blend of city and country, which Canberra was then, and reflects what was fashionable and stylish at the time,” says Bev.

“Mrs Calthorpe bought everything in one go from Beard Watson & Co in Sydney, and was so careful with her possessions that nothing ever needed to be replaced.

“She did feel the home was getting a bit shabby as the years went on though, and having decided not to renovate, as was popular in the 1950s, she chose to entertain out of the house instead. It’s fortunate for us now that it didn’t get updated.”

Calthorpes’ House, 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill, open on weekends, 1pm-4pm, $7 adults, $15 family. More information at museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au/calthorpes

the way we were

Lodge or languish?

By Catherine Carter

IT is clear that The Lodge – a building constructed in the 1920s –can no longer meet the needs of a 21st century head of state and is in need of significant repair.

The reception rooms are too small, the office unworkable, the site landlocked and the building inaccessible to the Australian people.

The University of Canberra and the Gallery of Australian Design (GAD) have thrown down a creative gauntlet to the design community – come up with a design for a new Prime Minister’s Lodge.

A site has been chosen at Attunga Point, on the southern shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Entrants are asked to imagine a comfortable and secure home for the PM that takes into account essential ceremonial, private and security functions.

It has been argued that public resources would be better spent finding homes for people in need rather than on a modern Lodge. Certainly, more needs to be done to provide quality housing for the most vulnerable in our communities. But surely we can also place importance on the symbolic buildings – a Parliament House befitting decisions made which affect all our lives, galleries to house our finest art?

Democracy is at the very heart of our nation – and our PM deserves somewhere that reflects the value of those beliefs. More information at canberra.edu.au/lodge/ Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia.

The Big Birthday / 1913-2013

City shaped by love of sport

Thrills

IT was mayhem as I had never experienced before or since. I was poolside when Kieran Perkins won gold in Atlanta and trackside when Cathy Freeman won in Sydney; but Canberra in 1989 was something else in terms of sheer pandemonium.

As we celebrate Canberra’s Centenary it is worth looking at sporting events that put the city on the map.

In 1989, with five rugby league rounds to go, the Raiders were in seventh place and looked like missing the finals.

The team then proceeded to win nine games in a row culminating in the premiership with an extra time victory over Balmain in the grand final. The reaction in Canberra is hard to put into words, but it was akin to an emotional volcano within the city.

Bars and clubs were crammed with people, some of whom had only a passing interest in rugby league, but had become captivated by the Raiders’ surge into the decider.

At the end of extra time thousands of people headed on to the streets waving flags, celebrating like they had never celebrated before. The Canberra airport hadn’t experienced anything like it, as fans bombarded the terminal to welcome the team home from Sydney. It was impossible at times to see the players as supporters, decked in club colours, mobbed the players.

In the days that followed, the city showed

As we celebrate Canberra’s Centenary, TIM GAVEL salutes the role sport has played in the evolution of our city’s personality.

no signs of letting up.

The street parade from Queanbeyan to Canberra was something to behold with an estimated 20,000 people greeting the team when they arrived at the steps of the Canberra Theatre. The reception was bigger than anything before or since.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke opened up The Lodge that night; the sight of players sliding down the banisters is an image that is hard to erase.

The premiership trophy was damaged as it fell off the back of a ute, which was carrying Laurie Daley from Queanbeyan to Canberra. The quest to repair the trophy took on a life of its own.

In my mind it was Canberra’s most significant sporting moment. But there have been others when many in the ACT felt that Canberra was the centre of the sporting universe.

There was mass celebration when the Brumbies won their two championships in Super Rugby; people involved in Australian Rules still speak about the day the ACT defeated Victoria in a State of Origin game at Manuka Oval in 1980. The ACT side included the likes of “Cowboy” Neale and Alex Jesaulenko.

The Canberra Cannons were the toast of the city in the 1980s when they won three NBL titles. At certain times within the bas -

ketball season it was standing room only at the Palace, as it was known then.

The Canberra Capitals have won seven WNBL Championships and are, quite rightly, deemed to be the most successful sporting team from the ACT on the national stage in week-in-week-out competitions.

There has also been success for the softball and hockey sides in national championships.

There was a magic moment when the ACT men’s eight won rowing’s prestigious Kings Cup and the Canberra Comets’ memorable win over Victoria in the domestic one-day cricket series.

And who could forget the unbelievable season in 2011/2012 with Canberra United winning the W League title?

There have also been individual performers such as Heather McKay, Robert de Castella , Michael Milton, Michael Rogers and the list goes on.

At this time, as we celebrate Canberra’s 100 years, it is worth noting the role sport has played in the evolution of the city’s personality.

It was stated many times during the aftermath of the 1989 Raiders’ victory that Canberra had shed perceptions that it was a city of monuments and public servants and little else. We who live here have always known that this is a great place to live!

Don’t leave town this weekend...

From Page 8

Monday – One

Very Big Day

Regatta Point Stage

The Royal Military College Band at midday. The George Ellis Centenary Ensemble plays two shows at 1pm and 3pm, either side of an Orchestra Session with Steve Kilby at 2pm. Paul McDermott hosts indie bands from 4pm, including Machine Translations, The Gadflys and The Church. Canberra bands Hancock Basement, Fun Machine and Super Best Friends are on from 9pm.

Reconciliation Mound

Performance Area

Welcome to Country with Ngunnawal elder Aunty Agnes Shea at 3pm, with a performance by Wiradjuri Echoes. The Children of the Sand and Sea dance group perform at 4.30pm, William Barton and Topology at 5.30pm, and Albert David with the Mirramu Dance Company from 6.30pm.

Symphony Stage in front of

Old Parliament House Starts at 3.55pm with Woden Valley Youth Choir, followed by The Gay and Lesbian Qwire and the Mandolin Orchestra. Satirical music by Shortis and Simpson from 5pm, Topology at 6pm and the Griffyn Ensemble at 7pm.

Home Stage @ Rond Terrace Short, traditional performances, displays, demonstrations, food and drinks from Canberra’s various ethnic communities, midday-7.15pm. Visitors can draw a picture of their home on a hanky, which will be used to spell out “Our Home” in three-metre-high letters.

The World’s Longest Bubbly Bar Stretches 400 metres in both directions at the south end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, serving the specially made Centenary bubbly. Pre-booked sessions from 4pm, or cash bar from 9.30pm-11pm.

More information at oneverybigday.com.au

Party to end all parties

“THE stage is set for the biggest birthday party Canberra has ever seen. It’s now up to Canberra to come to the party,” said Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, urging everyone to take part in the once-in-a lifetime day on March 11.

She says it has been years in the planning, with about 500 artists, hundreds of volunteers and 20 cultural groups coming together to create a birthday party like no other.

“It starts at midday around Regatta Point, with lots of interactive fun for everyone, especially for kids and families, and goes till late that night; so anyone from the region who doesn’t have a public holiday on March 11 can still attend.

“About 250 people responded to the Cente -

nary’s call for volunteers to help with the year’s opening events, including the birthday party. In addition, up to 200 Scouts will add their youthful muscle power to help with the multitude of manual tasks involved in the day.”

Volunteers will wear bright yellow uniforms as they help run the festivities and guide people through the various events around the lake on the big day.

Three of the volunteers were presented with their uniforms at Canberra Museum and Gallery. Volunteer Claire Lewis said: “When I first heard they were going to be gold, I thought ‘Gosh, I don’t know if I can wear gold,’ but they feel very nice.”

More information at oneverybigday.com.au

opinion

letters

Salute to the

WITH the Centenary of Canberra almost upon us, it is appropriate to acknowledge the efforts and foresight of those who, as modern pioneers, have contributed to the refurbishment of churches in North Canberra.

In 1984, Father Brian Maher, OAM, while administrator of Braddon Catholic Parish, 1978-1986, refurbished St Patrick’s Church/ School, originally built in 1935 and also known as St Mary’s Church, Donaldson Street, Braddon.

Father Maher, now a Canberra retiree, attended this church in his younger days while staying with his grandparents, the late Charles and Iris Crowley, long-term residents of Ainslie. On July 6, 1966, he was ordained to the priesthood in the larger St Patrick’s Church, which

modern pioneers

closed in 2000.

In 1941, with Canberra’s population expanding, the late Hector Harrison, minister of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Forrest, (1940-1978) took on the challenge to reclaim, restore and reopen the derelict church now known as St Ninian’s Lyneham.

I urge Canberrans to take time during the Centenary celebrations, to visit and appreciate these wonderful contributions to the history of Canberra.

Maree Oddy, Florey

Our crumbling hospital

IT’S not only the Canberra Hospital “emergency department” that is seriously falling apart.

Last week my partner and I arrived at 8.30am for his scheduled operation and it was not until 4pm that we were informed that due to “unavoidable” circumstances a room was now not available for him and his surgery would have to be rescheduled. We had spent the whole day in “admissions” with an assortment of other “scheduled” patients who were booked in and expected, and still the system could not cater for them.

The doctors and staff who have to cope with the anger and disgust of those affected are not to be blamed. The ACT health system is crumbling and our government needs to come up with a real solution.

A Crowe, Canberra

Lundy should go

I CANNOT agree with Michael Moore’s fulsome praise of Senator Kate Lundy (“Backing careful Kate for change”, CN February 28).

The problems with sport, which include illegal gambling, drug taking, alcohol, sexist behaviour, rape, manipulation, match fixing, etcetera, has been going on for many years and yet the Minister for Sport has basically been missing in action. The position is pretty much a waste of money and should be dispensed with. Furthermore, Lundy has done little for her many constituents who are Commonwealth superannuants and retired Defence Force personnel in respect to the indexation question and, I now note, that the Greens see that this is an area worth targeting.

According to my management studies, those in high positions of authority should move soon after 10 years of incumbency and Lundy is well on her way to twice that number. It is time for her to make way for someone new. Ric Hingee, Duffy

Canberra Confidential

Neon sign language

LAST week’s story of the continuing sad state of the heritage-listed, old Starlight Drive-in sign, currently sitting unloved and awaiting repair in a Fyshwick depot, reminded one reader of a Las Vegas attraction called the Neon Museum.

“They house all the old neon signs that are no longer in use there, it’s really cool,” she says. “Maybe ‘CityNews’ needs to start one up in Canberra!” And another reader sensibly suggests the sign should be refurbished and placed at the front of the National Film and Sound Archive. Now we’re talking!

Dom out and in

A retirement home for neon signs in Las Vegas... eat your broken heart out, Starlight Drive-in sign.

Power outage

Direct action

LOYAL Canberra Times Direct customer goes to renew her subscription online. For pedantic reasons too complicated to unpack here, the payment is rejected. She gets a call to tell her. No matter, the customer pays by credit card on the spot. Next, another call from Fyshwick gently telling her to cough up. I’ve paid. Well, it’s not on your account. A second check and there’s a call to say they have now “located” the payment (it was lost?) but then comes the customer service coup de gras, the paper would be taking “no further action” –that’s right, against a client trying to pay.

Grounded seafarer

Hmmms

WHICH Canberra PR identity is fast earning the reputation of “The Devil Wears Prada?” We don’t know either, but our mysterious informant says that after being nominated for a local business award, “The Devil” demanded that the awards’ caller prove her identity as well as telling her to get to the point!

CC’s certain the irrepressible Laurie McDonald , of Canberra Furnished Apartments, blushed when we overheard her confiding to someone at a cocktail party that she has big plans for something new this year.

THIS week in the departure lounge... the czar of the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, director Domenic Mico, pictured, is stepping down after four years (this term; he was there for 20 years before heading up the Multicultural Festival for 13, then back to Tuggers).

Nothing untoward, he says, just an urge to do something more creative than politics and paperwork. And creative he will be, with the board cleverly offering this icon of community arts a year-long, part-time contract to direct shows at the centre after his reign ends in July. He’s open to offers...

AFTER a decade as CEO, Prue Power, pictured, is discharging herself from the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association to do “other things”.

The doyen of healthcare and an influential lobbyist, she is going to leave a big hole in the organisation that she has, to channel Lulu (in “To Sir with Love”), taken from crayons to perfume.

She reckons she’s still got time to be a famous artist, but her board work with the University of Canberra’s governing council and HESTA, the superannuation fund, will doubtless take easel time.

Gonged a year ago for “service to community health as an advocate for equity

and access to healthcare services, to the development of professional standards, and to nursing”, CC wonders how long it will be before Ms Power AM is back on a ward, so to speak.

Grey to black

AND to finish this week’s roll call, media manager Robyn Zwar has “parted ways” with Grey advertising agency after nine years. Despite her becoming something of a media personality and making an “enormous contribution”, Grey Canberra GM Tony Mansfield says the Fyshwickbased agency is off in a new direction, replacing her with a media and digital strategist.

AT sea at the airport... Canberra’s most distinguished sailor, Erik Adriaanise, of the Independent Property Group, tells a heroic story of marital dedication by passing on the late-night crew celebration on winning their class after the last Sydney to Hobart to head straight to the airport to make sure he was on the early morning flight to Canberra to join his wife at the coast for a New Year’s Eve knees-up. Trouble was, Hobart airport was closed and, with five hours to kill, he slipped on three layers of warm, sailing gear and kipped on the pavement, disturbed only by a garbage truck and a curious police patrol. He caught the plane, drove to the coast, went to the party and made it, just, to the stroke of midnight.

YOU can get anything you want, excepting Alice... veteran American singer Arlo Guthrie managed to complete his affable performance at a full house at the Woden Southern Cross Club sans his signature tune “Alice’s Restaurant”. What wasn’t apparent from the advertising (which waxed about “AR”) was that the show was dedicated to the centenary of his late father, the legendary Woody Guthrie

WITH prose as purple as their packaging, Cadbury introduces its new-look, chocolate Easter bunny as “a symbol of love and generosity and will help Cadbury deliver magic to families.” Magic? We’d like to see them prove that to the ACCC.

SPOTTED: Angry public servant screaming at Civic shop owner to open her store 10 minutes earlier so he can buy some “stress balls”. Obviously they work for someone.

CC was delighted to receive a renewal to the Palace Cinema club that promised continual annual membership “of just 0 (or 0 for two years)”. Brilliant value, the blank cheque’s in the mail.

scene / around canberra

At a Centenary Wine Tasting, ActewAGL Building, Civic At the Centenary Sportswomen’s ball, Parliament House

At the Open Gardens Australia reception, Residence of The Ambassador of France, Yarralumla

arts & entertainment

Humour as mates come under stress

“Save Your Legs” (M)

WATCHING Boyd Hicklin’s feature directorial debut telling about the 2001 tour of India by the Abbottsford Anglers Cricket Club, I was acutely aware of its release so close on the heels of India’s drubbing of the Australian test side at Chennai, a promotional coup if ever there was one.

“Save Your Legs” covers a broad spectrum of men’s business topics with a generous layer of humour, sprinkled with affectionate references to the weekend cricket that many play for love of the game.

Teddy (Stephen Curry) leads a team to India in the hope of meeting the Little Master Sachin Tendulkar during a three-match tour. Actor Brendan Cowell’s screenplay may take artistic licence conveying the feel of that tour, but the process is joyously undemanding.

As much as anything, “Save Your Legs” is about mateship under stress, not of battle where life is at risk but of competition in which ego and self esteem are under attack no less from team mates than from the other

Dougal Macdonald cinema

team. And, it is necessary to relate, from the Delhi belly that besets Teddy.

The film offers travelogue passages conveying a refreshing feeling of India off the beaten tourism pathways. It observes the cultural and social foibles of both countries through fond but fair eyes especially in depicting Indian hubris for cricket prowess and the ockerism that seems to overwhelm Aussies travelling in single-purpose groups among people of other nations.

Being a cricket tragic is not a prerequisite for enjoying “Save Your Legs”.

At Palace, Hoyts, Dendy and Limelight

“Side Effects” (MA)

STEPHEN Soderbergh says this non-violent (apart from one domestic murder) thriller is his last big-screen film before moving to TV.

Its complex plot develops after Emily (Rooney Mara) who, when the cops ask her about stabbing her husband Martin (Channing Tatum) with a large, French-cook’s knife, says she has no memory of the event.

Enter psychiatrist John Banks (Jude Law), experimenting with a variety of medications to help her through what a reasonable observer might call a sad and difficult situation.

Emily has, while Martin did four years’ for insider trading, also consulted Victoria, another psychiatrist, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones with a suppressed malevolence that sits uncomfortably with her striking beauty.

In the interest of forensic righteousness, John pursues Emily’s problem at the expense of domestic stability, bending rather than breaking a few ethical principles in his search for truth.

those whom we most suspect. Or have we missed a significant clue? Indeed, we might have. It’s there staring at us when we hark back to it. Cunning stuff that respects our intelligence by challenging it.

At Dendy, Palace, Hoyts and Limelight

“I Give It A Year” (M)

IN the title of writer/director Dan Mazer’s somewhat acerbic rom-com, “It” is the marriage into which Nat (Rose Byrne) and Josh (Rafe Spall) have entered at some haste, driven by visual besottment, and before long find themselves repenting at leisure.

Mazer’s film and TV career has close associations with Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat character. That’s useful information to have in advance of seeing this film, which is not totally without merit despite incremental plot tedium. PR-girl Nat resists getting entangled with wealthy client Guy (Simon Baker) who’s a tad slippery for comfort but what the heck, she’ll change her mind when she’s ready.

Aspiring author Josh married Nat after Chloe (Anna Faris) went to Africa but she has now returned. Chloe is a fun bird.

The screenplay explores domestic clichés before settling on infidelity for its preferred conflict field. It offers a choice selection of friends willing to offer problem-solving advice and encouragement. Stephen Merchant once again plays the best friend from hell, while Olivia Colman (the wife in TV’s “Rev.”) does a doozy of a counsellor whose own marriage is toxic. Minnie Driver is the wife in a marriage nourished by mutual dislike.

Enlivened, enlightened

dance

“Morning Star” Mirramu Dance Company in association with artists from Arnhem Land.

At James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia Reviewed by Bill Stephens

HOW appropriate that the opening night of the Enlighten Festival was chosen for the world premiere of this extraordinary collaboration between traditional indigenous dancers and four highly trained contemporary dancers of the Mirramu Dance Company, to communicate a sacred song line of the Yolngu people through a modern dance work. At times the two styles of dance look uncomfortable together, the meanings not always obvious. However, at one point, each of the participants introduce themselves in their native tongue. Although the audience did not understand what some said, it knew what each was saying. The same could be said of the movement. An engaging and potent form of enlightenment.

Cuban

Helen Musa arts in the city

CUBAN artist Nelson Dominguez has created a great birthday present for Canberra – a commemorative sculpture. Dominguez has been in town for the past couple of months working on it and also found time to hang a huge exhibition of his works at Megalo Print Studio + Gallery.

IT’S a happy first birthday for the independent arty magazine “Us Folk”, who’ll throw a party at the La De Da bar in Belconnen at 7pm on March 15, with The Big Birthday March 11

The process makes for well-honed tensions in which the guilty are not

See it with somebody you love. Or not.

At all cinemas

Grand designs on Terrace eating Partying with Shakespeare

IT’S a grand setting. Of that there is no doubt. Whether you sit inside or outside The Terrace at the Memorial Café you’re surrounded with stunning views of one of Canberra’s most treasured icons and one of the world’s greatest museums – the Australian War Memorial.

We visited for weekend lunch and, after easily finding a spot in the free underground parking area, were lucky to score a table outside (although views from inside the glass-enclosed café are also marvellous). The café is just beside

Seasonal fish of the day with Skordalia and fresh asparagus

Wendy Johnson dining

the Memorial so it’s super convenient for tourists and local visitors.

Once settled, we popped into The Terrace café to stimulate our tastebuds. To be quick you can order your standard pre-prepared food, such as sandwiches, rolls and wraps. Salads include seasonal options and a classic Caesar. Or you can settle for something piping hot, which is what we did.

We ordered at the counter, grabbed a number and sat soaking up the surrounds while enjoying a glass of wine. The café is licensed (understandably, not a huge list) and we gave the prices a big tick.

A couple of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are on the menu, as is a special section for kids ($9), which features pie and chips, fish and chips, sausage roll and chips… indeed, all dishes had chips.

I spotted the lamb shanks but knew they weren’t ready, even though it was after 1pm, because the fellow before me in the line unsuccessfully tried to order them. My second choice wasn’t available either, so I went for the daily risotto – cherry tomato and basil ($17.50). My friend was inspired by the Thai green chicken curry ($18.50).

Once in the sun we noticed our wine glasses had likely missed their turn in the dishwasher. The staff promptly brought us clean ones. Then, quite quickly, our mains arrived.

The green chicken curry was delightful, with just the right amount of kick and light and fluffy jasmine rice. It sat well on the plate, decorated with snow-pea sprouts and sweet potato crisps, adding nice crunch.

I didn’t have the same luck with my dish. My cutlery, tightly wrapped up in a serviette like a baby in a blanket (why

likes to think big with gift

copies available on the night and at their stall at the “Art Not Apart” festival in the laneway, courtyard and gardens of NewActon from 1-7pm on March 16. All welcome.

TENOR Kent McIntosh, alto Maartje Sevenster and pianist Colin Forbes will perform music by Janáček for “CAMRA” (Canberra Academy of Music and Related Arts) at St Philip’s Church, Turner. 7.30pm, March 15, bookings to 0406 375 051 or camra.asn.au

STARTING on March 16, the Waldorf on London Restaurant in Civic is bringing a touch of Las Vegas to Canberra with dinner and

show nights on Saturdays. Bookings to 6229 0141 or vegas@waldorfonlondon.com.au

THE Royal Military College’s hot Saxophone Ensemble will perform in the Wesley Music Centre’s Wednesday Lunchtime Live series, 12.40pm-1.20pm, on March 13. Paper note entry or $2 (concession).

THE Acting Company is staging “The Chalk Pit”, by Canberra writer Peter Wilkins, which tells of the 1940s convicted murderer Thomas John Ley. At the Courtyard Studio, 8pm, March 15-16, bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre. com.au

KATHRYN Scott’s “The Play of Light”, at Belconnen Arts Centre until Sunday, March 17, is notable for the richly patterned surfaces in her paintings, created directly “en plein-air” – 10am-5pm, TuesdaySunday.

ALL three galleries at M16 in Griffith are celebrating the “unexpected pleasures” of this city. There’s Martin Paull’s “See Canberra and Die”, Michael John Hood’s “Civic Skin” and Brenton McGeachie’s “When I saw you in my rearview... at 60 miles an hour”. At 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, noon-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday, until March 24.

theatre

“Henry 4”

By William Shakespeare

Bell Shakespeare

Canberra Theatre, until March 9

Reviewed by Simone Penkethman

BELL Shakespeare’s “Henry 4” is a highly accessible compilation of Shakespeare’s two plays, “Henry IV” parts one and two.

A post-industrial set and production design highlight the story’s lasting relevance by bringing to mind both contemporary English “chav” culture and the Australian underclass.

King Henry (David Whitney) faces rebellion by an alliance of Scots and disgruntled English former allies. There is tension between the King and his eldest son, Prince Hal (Matthew Moore). Hal eschews his royal duties in favour of frequenting bars and brothels with his debauched, surrogate father, Falstaff.

do cafes inconvenience customers with this?), was sitting in my risotto so it was covered with food. I organised for a new set and then tucked in. Sadly, the risotto was low on taste and “gluggy”, so I returned it and ordered what my friend did. The staff were accommodating and I enjoyed every bite.

The Terrace Café is operated by Hudsons Catering (which also operates the eatery at the Australian National Botanic Gardens). Open for breakfast, lunch (8.30am to 4.30pm daily) and for functions. Call 6230 4679.

John Bell’s Falstaff, dressed like an old biker, is the pivotal rascal around whom the story revolves. Through his corruption and deception, Falstaff inadvertently teaches Hal the hard lessons he needs to learn to turn aside from a wild life and become the next King of England.

Milk crates and a shipping crate make walls and structures. Broad swords and a chainsaw hang from a wall. A drum kit and electric guitar, played by various cast members, provides live sound.

Two Shakespearean plays is a lot of story to present in one night. The first half had a seamless momentum and a perfect balance between comedy and dramatic tension.

The second half, though well-played and entertaining, was less coherent, with Falstaff’s story being the strongest thread. But from the opening scene, with driving rockabilly music, pole dancing and party mayhem, the energy and humour were high and the action fast paced.

garden

March of glorious autumn

Cedric Bryant gardening

MARCH is the first month of autumn, a glorious time of the year.

As we move through the month the leaves will start to turn into their magnificent mantle of colour. Rich hues of golden yellow, burgundy and red with every shade in between.

March is an important time for pruning conifers, with the other recommended time being October.

Other smaller plants that change colour in autumn include Ceratostigma willmottianum or Chinese plumbago. Its Chinese name “Blue Snow Flower” refers to the cool, blue effect of its flowers in summer. This is a low-growing, deciduous shrub up to one metre with deep-blue flowers and a stunning display of autumn leaf colour. Its rival in autumn colour is Vaccinium or blueberries. Some years ago, I recall seeing a hedge of Ceratostigma on a corner block in Curtin that presented a stunning summer flower display and equally so with autumn leaf colour.

S O, for a moment let us sidetrack to the second part of the Ceratostigma name, ie willmottianum It is named after Mrs Ellen Willmott, a remarkable gardener in every sense of the word and a contemporary of that other famous gardener, Gertrude Jekyll.

The English family home of Warkley Place had a 13-hectare garden and the family were all keen gardeners. She inherited the home on her father’s death plus a substantial inheritance from her godmother. Willmott over the years developed the whole site and is thought to have cultivated more than 100,000 plants, employing 104 gardeners. She only employed men, once quoted as saying: “Women would be a disaster in the flower border”. Willmott used her wealth to fund plant-

hunters to China and the Middle East including the famous Ernest Henry Wilson, who named this Ceratostigma after her, having discovered it growing in China. She helped persuade her neighbour to purchase the site of Wisley in southern England, which became the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens, and donate it to the Society. Today, these gardens are a mecca for gardeners from around the world and even if you have time to see only one garden in England, visit the RHS Gardens at Wisley (see www.rhs.org.uk). Willmott’s extravagant lifestyle, including estates in France and Italy, led to serious financial troubles. She became increasingly eccentric and used to booby trap her estate to deter thieves and carried a revolver in her handbag. She died aged 76 in 1934. Despite all this, we have to thank her for

introducing hundreds of plants to decorate and enhance our gardens today.

SEDUM is a large genus of more than 600 species of succulents. One variety that has captured gardeners’ imagination initially in Britain and Europe and now becoming increasingly popular here is Sedum spectabile “Autumn Joy”. The new growth starts in late winter with the appearance of tiny, delicate shoots that give the appearance of being killed by frost, but are impervious to frost.

Gradually through spring and early summer, the stems grow and in late summer the “flowers” form, resembling broccoli. Come autumn, these pale-pink flowers gradually change to deep pink and finally bronze. When the first frosts arrive, the stems are cut back to ground level and almost immediately the new shoots start appearing. These can be dug up and divided and are so, so easy to grow. Plant this sedum in bold groups for maximum effect.

In the autumn garden...

• With conifers it is vitally important not to cut back into the old wood. Most conifers will not grow back if clipped too severely.

• Evergreen hedging plants such as Viburnum and Photinia can, on the other hand, be hard pruned and will soon respond with new growth.

• Always try and shape hedges narrower at the top and wider at the base. This allows an even amount of sunlight and overcomes dieback at the base of the hedge.

• Pittosporum hedges need to be cut back softly, softly and not too severely at any one time.

Tree quote

“The more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder the core. Such trees continue to expand with nearly equal rapidity to an extreme old

Joanne Madeline Moore

your week in the stars / March 11-17

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Mighty Mars (your ruling planet) marches through Aries from March 12 until April 20, so it’s time to be bold and brave, as you take on challenges that would daunt other signs. Be inspired by birthday great Casanova: “It is only necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless.” The more passionately proactive you are, the better the week will be.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and others may try to hurry you up. Take your time Taurus, and continue at your own steady pace. Keep what’s working in your life but don’t be afraid to discard people or projects that don’t fit in with your current plans. On the weekend you’re keen to indulge your senses via good food, beautiful music and convivial company.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With Mercury still reversing through your career zone, take the time to double-check all appointments this week, Twins. Otherwise there’ll be mix-ups and general mayhem. Mars urges you to raise your profile among a group with high professional standards, but don’t make any major moves until after March 18. The weekend is wonderful for rest, relaxation and recuperation.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Cancers are typically cautious creatures, but with the New Moon activating your adventure zone (and Mars cruising into your career zone), it’s time to crawl out of your cozy Crab cave and take on the world. If you don’t initiate changes at work, then they will happen anyway (in another form). And remember others are happy to help … all you have to do is ask.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

For attached Cats, the New Moon stimulates your sensuality zone and helps you reboot a problematic partnership. Lone Lions – a sudden attraction promises passion but are you seeing the person clearly? Remove your rose-coloured glasses and take a second look! Travel and education are favoured, as you expand your mind to include adventurous new activities.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Whether relationships are of the romantic or platonic variety, it’s time to revamp old patterns of behaviour and communicate in creative new ways. Singles – you’re looking for more than a passing flirtation. Good looks aren’t enough– you need a partner who you can really communicate with. The more you criticise others on Saturday, the more they will push you away.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Laidback Librans can be lazy loafers. This week’s New Moon highlights your health zone so it’s time to get physically fit, as you design a new exercise program that is fun and flexible; sporty and social. And have you been having relationship hiccups? Mighty Mars encourages you to initiate peace talks, as you look for proactive solutions to persistent problems.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Saturn’s moving through your sign, so you can fall into the trap of sweating the small stuff. Slow down Scorpio! Whether you are at home or at work, take the time to smell the roses along the way (they are what make the journey worthwhile). The New Moon compels you to connect with your inner muse as you write, act, dance, paint, play music or sing up a storm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Home sweet home is the place to be, as the New Moon puts you in the mood for domestic changes via redecorating, renovating, relocating or acquiring a new housemate. Wednesday is the best day to enjoy the company of family and friends. Are you sick of being a single Sagittarian? From March 12 to April 20, Mars sends a plethora of potential suitors in your direction!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you stuck in a mental rut? The New Moon encourages you to find ways to reinvigorate your clever Capricorn mind via conversation, study and travel – or by collaborating with like-minded souls to achieve a win-win result for all. But relations with a child, teenager or friend will be frustrating on Saturday, as Saturn focuses on problems rather than solutions.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It’s New Moon week and you’re keen to make a fresh financial start, but have you done all the reality checks? With Mercury still reversing through your finance zone (until March 18), make sure you balance the budget before you start splashing cash around. Enjoy playing Domestic Diva or DIY King on the weekend, as the Moon moves through your home zone.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It’s the best week of the year to break old habits, as the New Moon lights up your sign. Don’t rehash old ideas or tread over familiar ground – it’s best to start projects and dream dreams from scratch. Be inspired by birthday great Liza Minnelli: “Don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t know how to dream.” With Mercury still reversing through your sign, choose your words wisely. Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore

Across

3 What describes loose, comic verse?

7 Name the surgeon who first used antiseptics in surgery, Joseph ...

8 What are passages taken out of a book, or the like?

9 One who suffers from sleep-apnoea does what?

10 Name a less familiar term for a house

11 What describes a rifle, sword or a cannon, etc?

14 What do we call one of those confined in a prison, hospital, etc?

17 Which biennial plants, with large leaves, are used in salads?

18 What do we call two dots as a diacritic over a vowel?

19 Which term relates to valuable records?

20 What is the inner portion of a shoe?

21 What is a public selection of persons for office by vote?

Down

1 Which term applies to a woman, engaged to be married?

2 What supports a horse rider’s foot?

3 Name a delicate porcelain made in a S German city

4 What is a mischievous invisible being, said to cause disorder and confusion?

5 Name a reproduction of a work of art

6 What is a form of pasta cut into flat sheets?

11 To be receiving social security is to be on what?

12 Which word expresses a separate clause of a statute?

13 Name another term for an eye specialist

14 Which protein hormone maintains the balance of glucose metabolism?

15 To which animal group does the snail belong?

16 Name a Mexican drink produced by distillation of a fermented mash of agave