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Teenager ANGIE SCARTH-JOHNSON can't stop climbing

Dr Pete wants to make running fun again

DANIELLE NOHRA meets a local chiropractor who has built an international reputation from helping people learn to run again

TWELVE years ago, running on consecutive days was all but a dream for Ngunnawal’s Dr Pete Garbutt, whose knees would be painfully swollen days after a run.

Having a son, 16, and daughter, 12, made it all the more painful for Pete, who wanted to run around with them, rather than watch them run.

Following years of research Pete, 46, now runs every day without his knees swelling or getting sore.

Pete Garbutt’s book “The Running Machine: A User’s Guide”.

As a chiropractor, he often noticed patients with similar issues and be gan, through classes, helping people change how they ran.

During the process he realised a need for more and more information, so he decided to write a book, “The Running Machine: A User’s Guide”, which aims to make running fun again.

“One of the biggest hurdles for many would-be runners is that they have simply lost the joy they once had, whether it was before their last injury or when they were a child,” Pete says.

“Running is supposed to be enjoy able and when we take away things that work against it, we can enjoy movement.

“If you go and watch a bunch of kids running, you’ll be hard pressed to find one not smiling. It’s a natural way to express our energy.”

Pete, who lectures around the world on sports chiropractic and running technique, is the director of Enhance Healthcare in Mitchell and started Enhance Running, but had never written a book before.

“I wanted it to be easy to read but still backed by the evidence in scien-

tific literature,” Pete says.

Within the book Pete doesn’t reveal the “perfect way” to run. Instead he points out the common mistakes runners make.

“There’s not one perfect way to run, there’s just common mistakes that we see,” he says.

“Running is a skill, like everything else. Most kids run really well and then we unlearn how to run.”

One of the biggest mistakes he noticed, in himself and in others, is when people over-stride or take large steps.

“Research suggests, for a lot of people, if we decrease our stride length it’s easier,” he says.

“Taking smaller steps doesn’t mean you need to run slower, you just take smaller steps.

“Posture is another common one. We see a lot of postural fault sitting and it translates into running.

“I think our sedentary lifestyle has a lot to do with it. We sit to work, we sit to eat, we sit to relax and then, when we’re finished, we look for another reason to sit.”

Just like any skill or sport, Pete says gradual change is really important.

“Our body is a running machine,” Pete says. “As with any machine, if it suffers from misuse or lack of use, then it underperforms and breaks

“When it is maintained well and used as it was designed, then it runs smoothly.

“For me it’s not about hitting a certain distance, but the joy of a natural movement.

“Since the days of going out running with my dad as a boy, running has been a release, a time of meditation and as much for my mind as for my body.”

“The Running Machine: A User’s Guide” ($24.95) from enhancerunning.com.au

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WHEN IT MATTERS

Hawkey and Howard have a view about pollies

TWO towering political figures returned to the capital to celebrate the 90th birthday of Old Parliament House.

Speaking at the National Press Club, former Lodge dwellers Bob Hawke and John Howard – who between them led the nation for almost 20 years – lamented the lack of life skills of those currently serving the nation. The former political foes shared consensus on the contemporary crop: “Career politicians without sufficient life experience are letting the public down”.

IT follows then that political advisers may also lack the necessary experience to guide their charges. Pauline Hanson’s appalling burqa stunt is a case in point. An April, 2011, op-ed in “The Australian” on political stunts, by former Hanson mentor John Pasquarelli, highlights the ineptness of today’s political minders. Pasquarelli wrote: “The desire to make the evening news makes MPs do very silly things such as fruit picking, filling sandbags, dancing and wearing silly clothes.

Our elected representatives make fools of themselves and their

political message is diminished. Such corny things turn the ordinary Australian off”.

gathering footage for a follow up to the successful series.

THE tone of the SSM postal poll campaign may be already locked in with the gatecrashing of an anti-Safe School rally in Civic by members of the LGBTI community. Speakers, including NSW MP Fred Nile and ACL MD Lyle Shelton were shouted down by opponents waving rainbow flags and banners. Police report the event ended peacefully without arrests. However a spokesperson has warned of further trouble suggesting: “The LGBTI community had been passive for so long. Maybe that needs to stop because we are getting walked all over”.

STILL on stunts and there was a time if Craig Reucassel was spotted in Canberra, a message went out to pollies to make themselves scarce lest they be ambushed by a bunch of undergrad filmmakers. Craig and his “Chaser” mates forged lucrative careers through pranks that mostly saw pollies on the losing end of a stunt filmed for a television series. Reucassel, documenting the more serious topic of waste, hosting “War on Waste” for the ABC was in Canberra

MEANTIME, Shelton took to social media to express fears over what is in store for those who oppose same-sex legislation. Following an egging of the ACL’s Deakin offices Shelton tweeted: “Saturday, activists shouted down mums concerned about ‘Safe Schools’, yesterday they threatened to post ‘noxious’ substances, today this”. The lobbyist, who rarely backs down from an argument – or a media opportunity – says the ACL has been forced to employ private security and notify police weeks in advance of any rally.

AND clear positions have been taken by local media on the postal poll, at least in the case of Mix-FM’s breakfast newsreader, David Sharaz . The former SBS journalist used social media to back CM Andrew Barr, bizarrely tweeting: “Don’t worry

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Chief. Nobody looks back at the civil rights movement with regret. You’re on the right side of history”. And: “Rallying against marriage equality in the ACT is pointless. It’s like trying to promote smoking in a hospital”.

ASSEMBLY member for Ginninderra Tara Cheyne is finding it difficult to move forward. She continues to feature prominently on the Belconnen Community Centre website more than 18 months after leaving the organisation. Ms Cheyne resigned as chair of the BCC in December, 2015, after being pre-selected by Labor.

ACCURATE stats on people attempting suicide from the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge are scarce but such attempts, while not common, continue to occur. A Canberra man visiting the bridge several years ago, on the anniversary of his son’s suicide there, was shattered to witness police drag the body of another young man from the water. Last week one more young person jumped off the bridge during peak-hour traffic. While funding was found for a higher rail to protect cyclists from falling into traffic on the bridge, there appears no such priority to suicide proof the iconic structure.

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Angie’s on top of the world

RARELY has there been a more inauspicious start to a sporting career.

At seven years of age growing up in Canberra’s south, Angie Scarth-Johnson kept falling as she attempted to climb trees, door frames and walls around the house.

In a bid to solve the problem her mother Claudia took her to a climbing gym at Hume where her potential was soon realised. Seasoned climbers at the gym suggested she head outdoors.

Fast-forward six years and, at 13, Angie has emerged as the best under-16, female outdoor climber in the world.

Much has happened in that time with the family moving to Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains, although Claudia concedes that Canberra is still home. The family has traversed the world in support of Angie’s pursuit of greater mountaineering challenges.

That quest has included a climb in Kentucky graded at 34, in which she equalled the most difficult climb ever by an Australian female. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise given she completed a grade 31 climb at nine years of age and a grade 33 at 11.

Fear, it would appear, is not a factor.

Angie says: “I just push through it, climbing for me is all about the mental game of just thinking ‘I have just got to do it’. I have done this so many times. I just keep climbing because I love it so much”.

Judging by the hurdles she had to overcome in the Kentucky climb, her mental toughness extends to overcoming a considerable pain threshold. It was the most challenging, with her hands bleeding, her mental and physical energy sapped, but she kept pushing herself further. Claudia says: “Angie is extremely mentally tough and attuned to climbing”.

So what drives her?

“Climbing is unique, it’s out in nature,

climbing rocks,” Angie says. The solitary focus of rock climbing is also an attraction.

“I train on my own and make my own programs,” she says, likening her sport to a physical game of chess learning as much from life experiences as she would in the classroom.

While Angie is taking the climbing world by storm, to say her success has excited the Australian climbing community is an understatement.

Justin Ryan, from the Canberra Climbers’ Association, is in awe of Angie’s achievements.

“It’s exciting, she’s very inspirational for the whole climbing community,” he says.

“Climbing has this tradition where we have these young kids coming through

Climber Angie ScarthJohnson comes across as a regular 13-year-old girl who just happens to be the best in the world.

and revolutionising the sport and we have seen it time and time again over the past 20 years, but they have mostly been Europeans or Americans. This is the first time we have had somebody like this come out of Australia.”

The profile of sports climbing is about to rise following its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. Angie will be 16 years of age and old enough to compete in Tokyo but it’s not necessarily a goal.

Angie says: “I have definitely thought about it. My passion right now is outdoor climbing.”

The Olympic program for climbing will be indoors with the format yet to be released. For climbers, there is a significant difference between indoor and outdoor climbing.

She says she may look at pursuing the Olympics if it remains in the program in 2024.

For the time being, with an incredibly supportive family, Angie comes across as a regular 13-yearold girl who just happens to be the best in the world in her chosen sport.

Sisters are doing it for ...other women over 40

By Kathryn Vukovljak

THE defining moments that shape who we are can reveal so much about us and inspire others, say sisters Rebecca Tuska and Kerry Hyndes, who have started a series of networking events for women over 40.

Rebecca, 46, says the idea for their Turning Point events, which combine storytelling, music, wisdom circles and a good old-fashioned girls’ night out, came when she and Kerry were regularly hearing cries of “I’m not sure what to do next” when speaking to women of their age.

“It may have been because they were no longer careerdriven or because their chil dren had left the nest or maybe they were having to change how they lived because they were living with a new health condition,” she says.

“And then a story of complete bravery or creativity would pop up, and it was a trickling of these stories that led us to our lightbulb moment – what if we could create a network that would speed up this process for other women who were feeling unsure about their next step?”

Turning Point is networking with a difference, say Rebecca and Kerry, who call themselves Thrive Sistas, with a focus on fun, casual chats and no concerns about being a certain age with “secret dreams”.

“These days you’re expected to have all your ducks in a row by age 30. That’s just rubbish and it’s too much pressure – for everyone!” says Kerry.

“Our lives are so much richer than the wealth and success we accumulate. At 40 and even 50 we have as many years ahead as we have behind us. That’s a lot of living.

“We’ve got all this experience and we’ve also still got plenty of dreams, but there seems to be a lot of outdated stereotyping. If you hear something often enough you start to believe it. So we want to nourish the secret dreams, share the stories and role model something different.”

Rebecca, who’s mum to seven-year-old Szaffi and has worked in IT for 20 years, says her first turning point came when she returned to Australia with her husband at the age of 39 to give birth to her daughter after living in the UK for 10 years.

felt lost and isolated,” she says.

“I wanted my daughter to live in a house full of passion for life and in order to do that I had to find it myself again.

“My second turning point was when I regained my health after four years of feeling exhausted. When I got the spring in my step back I was determined to put it to good use. I knew I had to look for ‘that thing’, and now it’s starting to take shape in the form of forming Thrive Sistas with Kerry and creating our Turning Point events.”

Kerry, 50, says she remembers feeling stifled and dissatisfied in her life and work for some time, with health issues creating an impact, too.

“The turning point came when I had to look at some of my beliefs and my behaviours and realise they weren’t serving me,” she says.

“It was a humbling realisation but such a relief to let go of needing to be a certain way. That shift led me to do my yoga teacher training, leave the public service, set myself up in an off-grid cabin and get down to the serious business of living life exactly the way I had always dreamed. The funny thing is, creating what

turning point!”

Rebecca and Kerry say they wanted to create something where people could be authentic and vulnerable.

“We focus on opening up a space for wonder and possibility,” says Rebecca.

“That’s what stories and music do – they help us shake off the shackles and connect at a deeper level. And it’s not just about some people telling stories and most people listening. It’s creating the environment where people can learn through the experiences and insights of others and develop their own storytelling – either through conversations in the room or by eventually stepping up to present at a future event.

“It’s not about coming for answers or looking outside yourself. It’s about realising what is within and that we all have something unique to share.”

Turning Point will be held at Muse, Kingston, on August 30, 5pm-7pm. It will feature authors Penny Nesbitt and Leife Shallcross speaking on the theme “Culture, Fairytales and Magic”, with live music from Alison Penney and DJ Gosper. Tickets $25 at muse. com.au/events.

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The end of the world isn’t nigh

IT is not the end of the world as we know it. The idea that we have a government in crisis is simply nonsense.

Perhaps a few will lose their seats because they did not understand how Section 44 of the Constitution might apply. Accusations of an “illegitimate government” or “illegitimate ministers” might be fun as political rhetoric, but they harm the parliament more than the party in power.

Worst-case scenario – minority government. Apart from one or two occasions in the last few decades, governments have not had a majority in the Senate. Labor, under Prime Minister Julia Gillard had minorities in both houses of parliament. Her boast was getting more legislation through parliament than any previous government.

The last sitting week in parliament simply played into the hands of populist thinking. Labor put aside debate on important issues in favour of political opportunism confident their own screening would protect them from Section 44. With their Deputy Prime Minister under a shadow, the government responded with the best form of defence, attack.

However, using Foreign Minister Julie Bishop as the attack dog was never going to work. Over nearly 20 years in the Federal Parliament she has carefully projected the thoughtful, intelligent, hard-working image of someone who cares. It was simply poor judgement that made the atrocious call of suggesting “treachery”. Labor was on the attack. The government was cornered and returned the fire. The parliament was turned into a farce by both major parties. Important issues of the fortnight simply disappeared.

The earlier stance taken by the Greens highlighted the farce of the major parties. Senators Ludlum and Waters simply stepped down. No fighting. As difficult as it was for them and for the Greens it was clear that some of our elected

The last sitting week in parliament simply played into the hands of populist thinking. Labor put aside debate on important issues in favour of political opportunism confident their own screening would protect them from Section 44.

representatives were prepared to “do the right thing”. The same dissatisfaction and distrust of the current power structures is what many commentators see as behind the election of Donald Trump and the “Brexit” outcome. The August sitting weeks of 2017 simply threw fuel on the populists’ fire. The major parties are burnt by the debacle.

Surprisingly, the saving grace for the week came from one of the government’s usual “attack dogs”, Attorney-General Senator George Brandis.

He calmly pointed out that Section 44 of the Constitution might be read more widely by the High Court than the original decision that resulted in Ms Heather Hill, from Queensland, losing her position as Senator due to dual citizenship. Brandis argued a difference between the Greens being born overseas and the case of Barnaby Joyce.

The thrust of the Brandis argument is that a normal person in Barnaby Joyce’s position could not be expected to know that he would be considered a New Zealand citizen. The same argument may well apply to Senator Nash who revealed in the last moments of the sitting that she had asked the British Home Office for its view of her citizenship.

She explained: “I was born in Sydney in 1965. My parents divorced when I was eight and my mother raised me. I had very little contact with my father throughout his life.”

Her argument was that, in searching the internet, there are a host of websites that argue that a British father means that a person can “apply for citizenship”. As George Brandis explained, havoc could be wreaked with the possibility that a foreign country could simply declare that any descendant, no matter how far back, is a citizen of their country. Should someone whose great-great grandfather came from such a country in the mid-1800s, for example, be expected to know and take action to renounce that citizenship? The decision for the High Court is judging where the line should be drawn.

On the politics of the sitting, George Brandis’ defence of Muslim people following the burqa stunt from Pauline Hanson on the last day, and Labor’s supportive reaction, did provide hope that the major parties just might be able to get their act together.

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

By Chris Coleman

WITH scarcely a week going by recently without at least one Federal politician coming under some sort of eligibility criteria cloud, maybe it’s time to choose our representatives in a different way, but how?

Plenty of people have suggested Australia implement a national sporting lottery, much like the one introduced in the UK that has seen sports funding and Olympic medal hauls skyrocket in the past decade. It works.

Many Australians love a bet, so how about we look to that model? Not to fund the parliament, but to find the parliamentarians! It’s called “sortition”, essentially a lottery, where political power is given to candidates on the basis of random sampling.

It’s not a new idea. The ancient Greeks actually believed it was more democratic than using elections and, in Athens, lotteries were used to select magistrates. These days if you’ve ever been chosen for jury duty then you’ve been a winner in the sortition stakes. There are some negatives, for instance there are plenty of people who shouldn’t be eligible to be in government. However, the past few weeks have shown us that doesn’t seem to have been much of a hurdle for the current lot.

But there are positives. It would probably be the end of extensive (and expensive) election campaigns. No corflutes polluting our streetscapes and distracting drivers because there’d be no more elections. Political parties would be largely irrelevant. The public service would be able to do its job without fear of upsetting either side of politics.

Every 12 months, one third of the House of Representatives would automatically be refreshed by a new crop of randomly-chosen, government-lottery entrants from one-third

of the electorates. It might be a little more difficult in the Senate, perhaps make it changing two senators a year for the states with three-year terms for those from the territories.

I appreciate there’d be no votes to hold members to account in their constituencies, but it would also be very difficult to roll out the pork barrel. Even more so if a limit of one term per person was applied, and only willing participants allowed to put their name down to be drawn from the pot.

Imagine, if you can, a country devoid of career politicians...

Now we all know this will never come to pass, because there’s as much chance of politicians and political parties willingly putting themselves out of existence as there is of the sun turning off, but once the current mess is sorted out, we do need to fix the system. There has to be a better way.

Chris Coleman is the presenter of “Canberra Live”, 3pm-6pm,

The ACT government exploits its own people

JON Stanhope (“Lost in space: mystery of the missing blocks”, CN, August 10) rightly rails against the ACT government on housing affordability.

It’s in a pretty unique position as primary raw landowner to sort out the mess, but it exploits its own people, blaming “the market”, which it restricts, controls and wallows in.

The market’s currently overvalued, mark-ups are outrageous and costly, unwarranted, layer-upon-layer retailing in the “industry” is rampant. Getting well-supplied new land and building procurement fully back into the hands of owner-occupiers is the key but, sadly, kid gloves are required. A workable solution could involve legally bound owner-occupiers only (and not just first-timers) directly purchasing, say, the front part (roughly half) of a typical, say, 450-square-metre new block of government subdivided single-dwelling land at independent market valuation with a contractual agreement to similarly purchase the remaining part later.

The owner would be required to directly procure the design and construction of a planning-controlled “starter” house on the purchased land – typically a combined living/dining/kitchen space, a bedroom, a bathroom, plus maybe a smaller study/bedroom/nursery and a carport – still better for young families than a small, likely pokey depreciating flat. The owner would pay the rates on the full block. After a maximum of, say, seven years, the owner would complete the land purchase at the original valuation plus a fair pre-agreed, pro-rata percentage for time past, and may extend the house.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Macklin wrong and right

GIVEN the context, statistical accuracy is perhaps a second-order issue, but columnist Robert Macklin is wrong to refer to 1880 “priestly perpetrators” of child abuse (“Paedo priests: How do they sleep at night?”, CN, August 3).

In February, the Royal Commission’s wrap-up of its enquiries into Catholic institutions said that over the past 35 years there were 1880 alleged perpetrators of abuse. Of the 1880, 30 per cent were priests (and 29 per cent were lay people). As the Royal Commission made clear (but the media did not), these were allegations of abuse, not substantiated findings.

Of course, whether the number of priests subject to allegations was 1880 or 564, the figure is shocking. I share Robert Macklin’s bewilderment at how perpetrators could square their consciences with what they were doing. And I am also appalled at the extent of child sexual abuse and mistreatment in so many other segments of Australian society apart from the Catholic Church.

Stephen Brown, Forrest

Boy’s ‘heartless’ treatment

I CONCUR with C Worsley (CN, letters, August 10) and others who think the Barr government’s treatment of the child mauled by dogs is heartless and selfish.

As I believe the owners of these dogs were public tenants and the government must have okayed these people to have the dogs, surely they must take some responsibility in the matter.

Margaret Woodhams, via email

Anti-bullies behaving badly

SOMEONE was shouting obscenities in my face, from only 10 centimetres in front of me. Why?

Because I was attending a peaceful rally in Civic Square to hear about the gender theory being taught in the “Safe Schools” program on Saturday, August 12.

Unfortunately, I could hardly hear or see the speakers. Why? Protesters planted themselves immediately in front of the speakers, obstructing them with placards declaring what they thought of the speakers: “Nile is vile”, “Lyle is vile”. The chanting of slogans such as “We’re here, we’re queer” continued relentlessly for the entire 40 minutes of the presentation.

Personally, I support advocates of “Safe Schools” having a platform to share their concerns about bullying in the schoolyard, but the approach I saw that Saturday left me deeply concerned.

Do we really want our children to follow this example when they disagree with someone in the schoolyard: shout them down, obstruct them, intimidate them, label them vile and yell obscenities in their face?

It reminds me of a man who came with a very different strategy – he loved his enemies. But he was mocked for it, too, all the way to the cross.

Geoff [surname withheld by request] , McKellar

Love and marriage

I USED to work with a lovely young Indian lady who, like many Australians from that culture, had an arranged marriage.

I said: “How does that work?”

She said: “Your parents want the best for you, and they choose wisely. It works well.”

They did not marry for love.

Rewa Bate, Coombs

Church not Ponzi scheme

WITH reference to Robert Macklin (“Paedo priests: How do they sleep at night?”, CN, August 3), the Roman Catholic Church is not a Ponzi scheme because it is free to join. The poorest of the poor can join and around the world many have.

At Sunday mass a plate is passed around for optional, non-specified donations. You don’t have to pay at the door to enter or give your name.

The average Sunday mass in Australia has a congregation of more than 200 people.

Diana Fitzgerald, Curtin

‘A very public service’

READER Christopher Palmer, of Evatt, has sent a poem:

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Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at: 9b / 189 Flemington Road, Mitchell 2911

Perfect Father’s Day gift

• No experience needed

• Choose 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes

• Qualified pilot as Dad’s First Officer to assist his flight

• Bring up to 4 passengers for free

• Buy now, book later

• Gift vouchers available

• Father’s Day specials from $89

Special time to show FATHER’S DAY

SET for Sunday, September 3, Father’s Day is a celebration honouring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

In Catholic Europe, the celebration of fatherhood is known to date back to the Middle Ages.

It was brought by the Spanish and Portuguese to Latin America, where the date March 19, also known as St. Joseph’s Day, is often still used for Father’s Day celebrations through many countries in Europe.

Father’s Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May.

In Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. This week in “CityNews” we feature a compelling range of experiences and gift ideas for Father’s Day.

Up, up and away, almost

JET Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind present for dads this Father’s Day, says owner Trevor Vickers.

It provides the everyday person with the opportunity to sit in the most used plane in the world and experience what it’s like to captain the 737 using the replica 737 flight simulator.

Run by professional pilots, the Jet Flight Simulator is based on the Boeing 737-800NG.

It gives a sense of what it’s like to fly the world’s most popular commercial jet, and become familiar

Gift vouchers to get dad exploring

DURATONE Hi-Fi recommends gift vouchers this Father’s Day so dads can explore the store’s broad range of outstanding music systems, says owner Fay Cull.

Founded in 1968 by Fay and Charles Cull, Duratone Hi-Fi supplies music systems to suit every budget, such as compact wireless music streaming devices through to mainstream home audio products, which include turntables, amplifiers, speakers and high-end audiophile gear.

“Basically we cover a wide range from beginners to people who want a good-quality system made up of refurbished components, to ultra-expensive equipment,” Fay says.

Duratone Hi-Fi can refurbish older equipment and

with the primary aircraft controls – engine throttles, flaps, elevator, ailerons and rudder.

“Lots of dads have always wanted to fly a large commercial plane,” Trevor says.

“It’s a very memorable gift because it’s very unusual.”

Trevor says participants can also bring up to four passengers in for free and no experience is needed.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, Unit 5, 4 Ipswich Street, Fyshwick. Call 0438 834026 or visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au

also has a range of pre-loved equipment, catering for lovers of all things retro.

“We have three repair people who operate from the premises to make sure anything worth saving can be given a new lease on life,” she says.

There is even a room dedicated to a collection of more than 70,000 LP records, which Fay says attracts buyers from around the world.

“Everyone has particular specialist knowledge and passions and this wealth of experience is passed on to our customers, to help them make the right choices,” Fay says.

Duratone Hi-Fi, corner of Botany Street and Altree Court, Phillip. Call 6282 1333 or visit duratone.com.au

show dad how much he’s loved advertising feature

David’s sale gets dads moving

IN the lead up to Father’s Day, Cookies Cycles is having a special sale, where everything is 20 per cent off until September 2.

As a dad, David Cook, the owner of Cookies Cycles, says riding a mountain or road bike, a skateboard or three-wheel scooter with children is a great way to connect with them.

“It gives dads a chance to get out and go for a ride with their kids and also get fit,” he says.

Cookies Cycles is open six days a week and

stocks a wide range of bicycles, skateboards and scooters, as well as parts, accessories and a repair workshop.

Cookies Cycles also has a range of electric bicycles, which David says are a great option for commuters.

“They give the rider as much assistance as you need to get up the hills and a lot less effort to get to work,” he says.

Cookies Cycles, 227 Flemington Road, Franklin. Call 6242 0338.

CLOVER Jewellery in Griffith has unique Father’s Day present ideas for any dad, says store manager Honey Lee.

Aprons with dads in mind

JUST like every dad, each men’s apron at My Favourite Apron Company is one-of-a-kind and entirely unique, says designer and maker Kendall Fayle.

“You won’t see these aprons anywhere else,” she says.

“They are practical and thoughtful gifts which are designed to encourage dad to be involved in the cooking, baking or barbecuing with the kids close by.

“They are all highly functional and practical and I have designed a special range for men using funky, vintage or retro silk business neckties as the neck strap.

“Each is large in size but adjustable so they fit all men.”

The idea to create aprons for the whole family sparked Kendall’s interest while travelling, almost four years ago.

Aviary offers free entry for dads

Father’s Day all dads can enjoy a free interactive experience at the Canberra

Aviary, says owner and manager Mick

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has about 550 birds from about 60 different species.

“The aviary is great fun for all ages. You have the chance to get up close and personal with a range of birds,” says Mick.

“While not all birds will interact with you, you get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild.

“We give you a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.

“And there’s no time limit, so you can really stretch your dollar.”

“We specialise in custom-made jewellery with an onsite jeweller, who has 30 years of experience and a fully qualified designer,” she says.

Clover Jewellery has tie pins and cufflinks for dads, and can make them personalised by engraving a message on the surface.

“If customers have key rings and pens we can add a lovely message to make them unique, too,” she says.

But, Honey says the object will have to be checked to see if it fits the machine.

Clover Jewellery is a family-run business that has been in Canberra for three years after it was in Japan for more than 25 years.

“Clover Jewellery provides a very kind and friendly customer service,” Honey says.

Clover Jewellery, 2/16 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6295 8545, email clover.j@hotmail.com or visit @cloverjewellerycanberra on Facebook.

Kendall had a dream that she would start an apron company called My Favourite Apron Company.

And she did.

The former Canberran now spends her downtime making funky or vintage-style aprons.

“I only use 100 per cent cotton and I like to use a heavy cotton so it’s durable and washes really well,” she says.

Kendall believes that an apron should be something that people wear time and again.

My Favourite Apron Company can gift wrap and create a card with any chosen message, for any occasion, including Father’s Day and send it directly to the person.

My Favourite Apron Company. Call Kendall on 0415 844317 or visit @myfavouriteaproncompanyhandmade on Facebook.

“Providing the weather is fine you can have a great time feeding the birds or just observing our feathered friends,” Mick says.

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, 16 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls, call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

Special occasion? Let us design and make your unique engagement or wedding ring exactly how you’d like it.

Need or desire a new piece of Jewellery? We can design any piece of jewellery to your specifications and custom-make it in-house.

Complex repairs? Difficult repairs are not a problem –bring your repair in and we’ll discuss what can be done.

Feel like a change? We do remakes using your existing jewellery to give you an exciting one-of-a-kind creation.

2/16 Bougainville Street, Manuka (Opposite Manuka Court) • 6295 8545

On-Site Jeweller & designer • Remake • Repair • Laser solder & engraving

SCENE / around canberra

At the Orange Wine Festival program launch, Acton

At the opening night of ‘poem every day’, Braddon

At lunch with Imants Tillers and Michael Nelson Jagamara, Belconnen

sundayROAST

Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

At the Latin America Film Festival opening, ANU

WE’RE SETTING UP THE MITCHELL TRADERS ASSOCIATION (MTA) TO ADDRESS GOVERNMENT AS ONE VOICE IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE STOP BACK.

TO REGISTER WITH THE MTA, PLEASE JOIN THE INTERIM COMMITTEE AT PHOENIX GYM THURSDAY 31 AUGUST AT 11AM, WHERE WE’LL DISCUSS THE BENEFITS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS.

RSVP TO MITCHELLTRADERS2911@GMAIL.COM

HEALTHY EATING BRIEFLY

The weight that comes with age

MANY women experience weight gain during and after menopause, particularly in abdominal body fat. But why does it happen?

As women get older, and particularly as oestrogen levels reduce after menopause, their bodies start to conserve energy, which means that the metabolic rate gets much slower.

Research suggests that reduced oestrogen is associated with reduced fat oxidation (breakdown). So, women in this situation are less likely to utilise stored energy.

These metabolic changes mean that if women keep food intake and exercise the same as they go through menopause weight gain is highly likely.

So, what can be done about it?

If we know that the metabolic rate is bound to change during menopause, then there’s no point using the same strategies to lose weight as one might have done in their 20s or 30s. The best strategies are to determine current energy needs, maximise metabolic rate and reduce the disrupters to metabolic function.

This is how to do it:

If women keep food intake and exercise the same as they go through menopause weight gain is highly likely.

• Accurately measure energy needs:

A body composition analysis scan gives an accurate estimate of individual resting metabolic rate. This helps to establish the right energy deficit to assist with weight loss.

• Expend more energy:

Move more! Moving uses more energy. Any type of movement will do. It could mean starting a new hobby or trying out a new activity. Or it could be finding ways to increase the number of steps you take.

• Build more muscle:

Muscle is metabolically active. The more we have, the more energy we burn day-to-day. Building muscle is an essential part of maintaining weight after menopause. This could mean regularly including some bodyweight exercise that helps strengthen and build muscle. Also, having a source of protein with each meal will help to build and repair muscles.

• Load up on vegetables:

The body must use some energy to break food down and absorb it. This is called the thermic effect of food.

Non-starchy vegetables are low in energy and loaded full of fibre, which requires lots of energy to process. This means that filling a plate up with non-starchy vegetables can help to optimise your metabolism while controlling your energy intake.

• Stay hydrated:

Being well hydrated can help to manage food cravings, improve concentration and help digestion. Getting 1.8 to 2.5 litres a day is often a nice, simple thing to focus on and it can make a really big difference.

• Manage stress:

There’s a lot of research to suggest that ongoing stress can hamper an ability to lose weight. Ongoing stress can affect the storage and distribution of body fat. Not only that, raised stress levels can often lead to poor food choices. Identifying non-food ways to manage stress is an essential element of weight loss for menopausal women.

• Get enough rest:

Not getting enough rest can impact the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, hunger and satiety. Taking steps to get seven to eight hours’ sleep a night can go a long way in assisting with weight loss during and after menopause. Losing weight can be daunting at the best of times. Menopausal changes can make it harder to lose weight, but it’s not impossible.

Clare Wolski is a practising dietitian at The Healthy Eating Hub, call 6174 4663.

CLARE WOLSKI

Does your business want to save money and be environmentally responsible?

Thai festival time

THE annual Thai Food and Cultural Festival will be held at the Royal Thai Embassy, 111 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, 10.30am-5pm, on Sunday, September 17. Attractions to the popular festival include traditional dancing, arts, food and handicrafts.

Cue for an actor

TEMPO Theatre needs an actor aged 30 to 45 to play the role of Tom the vet in Alan Ayckbourn’s play “Table Manners”, which the company is performing at Christmas. Intending Toms should call director Michael Weston on 6288 0609.

Donna and a wombat

DONNA Stepan, from Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary, complete with wombat, will be the guest speaker at the Canberra CWA Day Branch’s next social meeting at its clubrooms, 8 Barry Drive, Civic, 12.30pm-2.30pm on Friday, September 1. All welcome and a light afternoon tea will be served.

Heartfelt walk

AUSTRALIA’S only national charity dedicated to supporting children impacted by congenital heart disease, HeartKids, is hosting Two Feet & a Heartbeat, a 2.1 kilometre charity walk from Bowen Park, Barton, on Sunday, September 10. A portion of the funds raised will go towards initiating a study aimed at helping kids with serious heart defects become more active. Registrations open at 9am, with the walk starting at 10am. Registrations to heartkids.org. au/two-feet-a-heartbeat-registration-form/

Actsmart offers a range of free programs for ACT businesses including:

• support to implement efficient recycling and waste management practices

• obligation free onsite energy and water assessments

• rebates of up to $5,000 (on a cost share basis) to upgrade inefficient equipment

More than 1000 ACT businesses have already signed up to Actsmart programs.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rob’s looking forward to puttin’ on the show

By Helen Musa

ROB Mills is the Australian face to “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, the big West End song-and-dance show coming to town and he couldn’t be happier.

“I’ve been busy learning the role with the band ready for the dancers coming from the UK,” he told “CityNews” by phone from Melbourne while preparing for his part in the glitzy show that brings to life the music of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin.

Mills, best-known from his days as a rising star in “Australian Idol”, joins the show for its Australian tour and it puts him in mind of “old-school movie musicals and the beautiful dancers that were in those shows”.

Think “Cheek to Cheek”, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, “Night and Day” and the title number, “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, which takes its name from the famous Irving Berlin song of 1927.

He’ll be on stage with a band and 30 to 40 dazzlingly-costumed dancers “doing what they do best”. This show is produced by David King, known as “the working man’s Andrew Lloyd Webber”, and it’s more of a concert than a musical, but he assures “CityNews” that it has a story.

Being centre stage as a singer is nothing new to him, but the more dramatic side of his nature, he says, was only realised at age 26 when he scored the plum role of Fiyero in the Australian production of “Wicked”. It was there, he says, he “learnt from some of the best, like Maggie Kirkpatrick. I was just a singer then, but I learnt from everyone”. He loves the show so much that he travelled to Canberra last year for Free Rain Theatre’s revival of “Wicked”, directed by

his friend Shaun Rennie.

Mills has a full book these days. He’s just played the title role in “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Melbourne, he was offered a stint with the touring “Around the World in 80 Days” and he’d like to do more comedy –“that’s a really big challenge”.

It wasn’t always like that.

“In year 12 I dropped out of drama at school because I was too scared of what

other people thought of me, but nowadays I tell kids in workshops: ‘Never mind what people think’.”

In the musicals he’s been in, such as “Legally Blonde”, “Wicked”, “Grease” and “Ghost, the Musical”, he has discovered that “it’s all about telling stories on stage, but in cabaret shows, it’s knowing when to bring the audience in, a skill you learn over time, taking the audience on a journey”.

But “Puttin’ on the Ritz” has been a learning experience, too, in finding out how to hit the highs and also the slower tempo songs, such as his favourite number, “They Can’t Take that Away from Me” by George and Ira Gershwin.

“I did that song for my Year 11 music exams. It’s the first old-school jazz song I ever learnt,” he says.

“Underneath, I’ve always been about

ARTS IN THE CITY Sculpture festival debuts on the Clyde

By Helen Musa

THE inaugural, 10-day Sculpture on Clyde Festival, running August 25-September 3, will see artworks installed along the foreshore near the bridge at Batemans Bay. The top acquisitive prize is worth $20,000 and the local Chamber of Business and Tourism has already purchased a sculpture from artist Jesse Graham to kick off a planned sculpture walk.

IN “Poetry and Place”, leading Canberra textile artist Dianne Firth has been inspired by works of poetry from 2016’s “Poetry on the Move”, where poets wrote about their experience of nature and landscape in Canberra. At Belconnen Arts Centre, August 25-September 17.

THE spotlight shines on French New Wave actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, showcasing restored versions of six of his most renowned films from 1961 to 1974, in the 2017 Alliance Française Classic Film Festival, at Palace Cinemas, August 31-September 3. Bookings to palacecinemas.com.au

LLEWELLYN Choir’s next concert will see soloists Sonia Anfiloff, Ben Connor and Michael Martin join the Llewellyn Sinfonia and the choir to perform Ariel Ramírez’s famous “Misa Criolla” (Creole Mass)

Priscillas”... an all-male revue at The

8pm, September 1.

and British composer and pianist Will Todd’s “Mass in Blue”. At Hughes Baptist Church, Groom Street, 7.30pm, Saturday, September 2. Tickets via trybooking.com and at the door.

“PRADA’S Priscillas” is an all-male revue paying tribute to Australian entertainer Carlotta, directed by one of the original members of Les Girls, Monique Kelly, and starring drag queen Prada Clutch. At The Playhouse, 8pm, Friday, September 1. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.

NEXT up in the Kangara Concert Series is “French Impressions” by the Renoir Ensemble – Anna Murakawa on violin; Anneliese McGeeCollett, cello and Kimberley Steele, piano. At Cooinda Hall, Kangara Waters, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen, 2pm, Sunday, August 27. Tickets at the door.

THE Canberra International Film Festival is coming up, October 26-November 5, at the Arc Cinema. In the meantime it’s running a fundraising movie trivia night at Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 30. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

BRINDABELLA Orchestra goes to the movies when it performs songs of silver-screen cowboys, pirates and secret agents. At the North Belconnen Uniting Church, Conley Drive, Melba, 2pm, Sunday, August 27, entrance by program at the door.

ARAB women are the focus of the 14th annual Arab Film Festival Australia when it returns to the National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema with films from Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Tunisia and Australia on September 1-2. All films are subtitled in English. Bookings to nfsa.gov.au

the storytelling… people come for the escapism, the chance to reflect on times gone by.

“I think theatre is a great place to be entertained – for me, it’s the best place.”

“Puttin’ on the Ritz”, Canberra Theatre, 7.30pm, September 3. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

Griffyns get a little curiouser

By Helen Musa

THE Griffyns, once described in these pages as “Canberra’s premier chamber music ensemble”, have been taking a kind of sabbatical.

Director and founder, the composer Michael Sollis, has been at the centre of arts activism; his wife, flautist Kiri has been seen on stage with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and sting duo Chris Stone and Holly Downes have been performing and doing workshops with young people.

“We thought it might be nice to do something different,” Sollis says. He’s just back from Moa Island in the Torres Strait where he’s been cooking up a major music performance to tour Victorian schools for Musica Viva, a fitting sequel to his earlier compositions inspired by music in Papua New Guinea and a way of continuing the Pacific connection.

“We thought that instead of a concert series we’d do a mini-festival, a different approach… and we are also looking at some different ways of involving the community so that they don’t just watch and can have an opportunity to create music,” he says.

The six months off regular performing has allowed them to think of new ideas, but it also faces the reality that many of the members of the Griffyn Ensemble, while trained in Canberra, have musical roles to play elsewhere, although the music here keeps them coming back.

Sollis is not readily daunted and, unlike some graduates of the ANU School of Music, he believes that despite changes at the school there is still a critical mass of music-making in town.

“Although no doubt it is very different, it means that people can still do interesting things within its

musical landscape – that’s life, things change… as far as Griffyn goes, we just keep doing music,” he says.

With this in mind they’ve embarked on “Six Curious Concerts, a journey to Wonderland and back over five days”, which will take everyone down the musical rabbit hole into “curious” venues. Not all that curious, mind you – Canberra Contemporary Art Space Manuka, Gorman Arts Centre, Belconnen Arts Centre, and M16 Artspace – just not the national institutions where they usually play.

“We started to do something different, collaborating with local artists,” Sollis says.

“We have performed in Belconnen Arts Centre, for instance, but we haven’t actually worked with exhibitions there, so this was an opportunity to activate the space in a new and different way – sounding out the spaces.”

Collaborating with countertenor Tobias Cole, the ANU Chamber Choir and artists Dianne Firth and Jacqui Malins, the ensemble’s curious mini-festival includes three ticketed concerts, three free events, a lunchtime concert for primary school students and families, and the opportunity to have your own ideas interpreted by the Griffyns.

With textile artist Dianne Firth, they’ve responded to the landscape theme in her coming exhibition (which is itself a response to poetry) with music from Sollis’ composition “Northern Lights”, performed as the sun sets over Lake Ginninderra.

With artist and spoken-word poet Jacqui Malins, they have unearthed a musical equivalent of an archaeological dig, where voice and flute will match the spoken word in the tiny Canberra Contemporary Art Space in Manuka.

“Six

The six concerts

Concert 1: “Curiouser and Curiouser”, an insideout garden party with the ensemble, tenor Tobias Cole & Friends, and the ANU Chamber Singers. Belconnen Arts Centre, Wednesday, August 30.

Concert 2: “Reverse Archaeology”, Jacqui Malins exhibition, video and poetry to the musical sounds of an excavation. Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka, Thursday, August 31. Free.

Concert 3: “A Night in Hyperreality”, clocks, Marilyn and the HYPERactive exhibition, Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon, Friday, September 1.

Concert 4: “Singalong with Susan the Singsect”, Belconnen Arts Centre, Emu Bank Belconnen, 12.30pm, Saturday, September 2. Free.

Concert 5: “Venus and the Twilight Arch,” Michael Sollis’ composition “Northern Lights” combines with textiles of local landscapes by artist Dianne Firth. Belconnen Arts Centre, Emu Bank, 5pm, Saturday, September 2.

Concert 6: “Lines of Site”, M16 Artspace, Griffith, noon, Sunday, September 3. Free.

CINEMA REVIEWS

Reviewer DOUGAL MACDONALD has been laid low by a virus. His reviews return next week.

When to let that opened bottle go

To partially emulate Con the Fruiterer, three days I reckon is the most you can keep opened table wines… At that point, the better alternative to drinking the stuff is to use it as a drain cleaner.

DRINKING alone is a warning sign of alcoholism according to Karen Frazier in a web article entitled “Ten Warning Signs of Alcoholism”.

So, about three days a week, Karen would have me on addiction watch.

I like to have a glass of wine with dinner and I live alone. I’m not going to stop the habit of matching my food with a suitable wine from fear of succumbing to dependency. That’s especially the case where the wine first goes in the food to enrich its flavour; for example, in risottos, that quarter bottle gives the rice depth and piquancy; I reckon the best use of sauvignon blanc is in risotto. As WC Fields said: “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food”. But the issue that I want to talk about is the real problem raised by drinking alone: how long am I able to keep the wine after opening? Because there is always about half to three-quarters of a bottle left after dinner. I would be firmly on the watch list if there were not.

On opening, oxygen reacts with wine to, at first, liberate the nasty compounds that you don’t want, such as sulphites and ethanol (they tend to be more volatile than the desirable ones). This is the good part of letting wine “breathe”. Then, like the effect it has on a cut apple, oxygen starts to do damage. It reacts with the phenolics in the wine (a large group of several hundred chemical compounds that affect the taste, colour and mouthfeel of wine) and causes a loss of fruit and varietal smells, browning and development of a nutty, bitter flavour. It is the presence of that nutty bitterness that should tell you to reject wine by the glass in a restaurant because they have kept the wine too long in the bottle.

To partially emulate Con the Fruiterer, three days I reckon is the most you can keep table wines without these adverse elements affecting the flavour. At that point, the better alternative to drinking the stuff is to use it as a drain cleaner. Three days is too short on some accounts with the Wine Folly website saying that the period is three to five days and, with some wine types up to seven days. I’m going to stick with three days because my palette doesn’t like the taste of wines that have been kept on the shelf for longer and what’s the point in drinking wine that doesn’t taste right for you?

During these three days, there are various ways that you can slightly arrest the deterioration. If there is a cork always put it back in or use a wine stopper. Store the wine in the fridge or a cool, dark place. Red wines once opened can be stored in the fridge, just bring them back to room temperature before drinking.

I haven’t entered into the controversy surrounding vacuum seals or pumps and expensive replacement of the air with nitrogen systems. They seem too much trouble and expense.

In simple terms, I just have to drink the wine within three days or throw it out. And, hey, if I throw it out maybe I’m not an alcoholic?

Taking the taste of Greek to the street

It’s kind of a glorified fastfood operation, but a licensed one. Pitas are a highlight as are souvla, Greek salads and sides.

ZEUS Street Greek, on Genge Street, is a simple, casual eatery – a place to pop by for a quick bite if you’re working or hanging out in the city. You order at the counter, pay upfront, grab your number and settle into a seat outside or in.

This is Canberra’s first Zeus Street Greek and if you like honest street food you’ll find something to satisfy. The menus are prominently placed behind the cash register and backlit. It’s kind of a glorified fast-food operation, but a licensed one. Pitas are a highlight as are souvla, Greek salads and sides.

The dips were delish and came with an amazingly generous serve of pita bread ($14.50 for three). The creamy tzatziki was lovely and lemony, the eggplant smoky (although not overly so for our taste) and we adored the beetroot hummus, which looked as beautiful as it tasted (the beetroot lifting the hummus up several notches).

The soft-shell crab pita caught our attention and we were impressed with the flavours ($13.50). The crab was lightly fried and packed into the pita with special slaw, preserved lemon mayo, caramelised onions, sweet chilli and coriander. It was all tightly wrapped in paper and served on a narrow wooden platter. My only thought was that the slaw was too sweet. I tired of it by the time I’d worked my way through.

We were surprised with the presentation of the souvla ($17.50), expecting the lamb to come on skewers. Instead it came in a dish with a lid and a black sticker exclaiming it was “naked”. We confess we didn’t read the menu well enough to realise it only came with tzatziki and lemon. The dish

cried out for more, perhaps a Greek salad.

The souvla was tender, but the gristle wasn’t attractive and it seemed the meat had stewed somewhat in the pot, changing its texture. We would have loved more herbs and spices. It was our least favourite dish.

We indulged in Yia Yia’s Chips ($6.50), created with locally sourced potatoes “from grandma’s kitchen”. I was told, when ordering at the counter, that they would be “amazing” and they were. We bet Yia Yia’s feta and oregano chips would be amazing, too ($9.50).

Other sides include spinach and cheese pie ($9.50), grilled haloumi ($11.50), calamari ($14.50) and pilaf ($6.50).

Beer and cider range from $7.50 to $9 and wines are neatly packaged – reds and whites are $9 by the glass or a flat $36 by the bottle.

We sat outside in the sun, but would have been happy inside. The décor is fresh, bright and fun. Family life is celebrated with kids’ colourings hanging on one wall.

Zeus Street Greek is open Friday and Saturday, 11.30am to 10.30pm and all other days 11.30am-9.30pm. Call 8315 5678.

GARDENING

Happiness is hebe with a haircut

HEBES are native to NZ, are remarkably tough and ideally suited to Canberra gardens and our extremes of climate.

The newest gourmet apple raised and bred in Switzerland

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They can be pruned now, following my recommendation of cutting off only one third at any one time. However, they’ll respond to more drastic treatment and will tolerate heavier pruning than many other shrubs if they’re old and neglected.

If you have any of the ever-so-sad specimens, get out the secateurs and give them a new lease of life. Don’t forget to provide a good feed with organic plant food to help them recover after their drastic haircut.

The first picture (1) shows a hebe about five years ago, since then it doubled in size. You-know-who had planted it too close to the path. The next picture (2) shows the plant with a drastic haircut. After that I reduced it by half again without a leaf left on the shrub.

The third picture (3) shows the same hebe six months later full of flower and vigour.

I planted this hebe in a group of three about 10 years ago and admit to not recalling its name.

Hebes make excellent container plants if you have limited space in your garden or on a balcony.

IN the definitive work “Hebes – a Guide to Species, Hybrids and Allied Genera” (Timber Press, 2006) by possibly the world’s expert on

and enquiries

these shrubs, author Lawrie Metcalf lists more than 500 hebes. And many more have been bred since the publication of that book.

HEBE species, representing NZ’s Anzac role, are planted down the raised centre beds along Anzac Parade. Eucalyptus bicostata along each side represents Australia’s. The NZ memorial is at the lake end of the parade. Anzac Parade was opened in 1965 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

MOST trees are showing leaves and fruit buds indicating they are ready for a feed. It’s amazing the number of gardeners who tell me they fed their fruit trees at planting time and since then only when they remembered. Don’t feed any variety of plant, tree, shrub or indoor plant that is sick. Firstly, determine why the plant is sick. Like us, when we’re sick the last thing we want is a big feed!

For established fruit trees sprinkle fertiliser evenly around the edge of the branch canopy where the feeder roots are growing. I only use and recommend certified organic plant food such as Neutrog Seamungus in pellet form for fruit trees.

When planting new trees, a handful of these

pellets mixed well into the soil at planting time is beneficial. Never use chemical fertilisers in the planting hole as these can seriously burn the new, delicate roots.

Jottings…

• Now’s an ideal time to core or dethatch lawns as the new growth starts.

• Feed the lawn after coring with the fertiliser falling down the holes to the grass roots where it does the most good.

• Check the mower, does it need new blades for the coming season? Does the oil need changing for four-stroke mowers?

• Prune raspberries only in summer by cutting out the previous year’s old canes.

Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Are you feeling rather restless? Are you sitting around berating the world for not being the way you want it to be? It’s time for Rams to ricochet into brand new territory, as Mars and Uranus help you initiate changes in creative and innovative ways. But remember that Mercury is still retrograde until September 5. So don’t be too hasty. And don’t believe everything you hear! Feisty spontaneity must be tempered with a pinch of patience and a dollop of discrimination.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Expect a domestic matter or a DIY project to go haywire, as retrograde Mercury leaves you wondering what on earth is going on! You need to be especially diplomatic with a recalcitrant relative. And don’t waste precious time wondering what a loved one is thinking – you’re probably way off the mark. Perhaps 100 per cent honesty isn’t the best policy, and communication will improve with some creative sugar-coating? A pinch of patience will also help you muddle through.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Many gregarious Geminis are keen to share information and exchange ideas with family, friends and work colleagues. But Mercury is still retrograde (until September 5) so make sure your amusing chatter doesn’t denigrate into gratuitous gossip. When it comes to all forms of communication, dynamic Mars and Uranus help you approach a dilemma in a daring new way. And is there a social media platform that you haven’t explored? It’s important to keep your options wide open.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Impulse buys today could lead to cash flow problems tomorrow. So avoid making expensive purchases or major money moves this week, as you’re inclined to view your current financial situation through ridiculously distorted glasses. A work project looks stimulating. But retrograde Mercury stirs up mischief in your social media and self-esteem zones. So be very careful about what you post online. And avoid over-reacting to any negative comments that come your way.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Mars and Uranus rev up your Cat curiosity and propel you into a brand new adventure. But you could encounter road blocks along the way, as retrograde Mercury stymies your progress. Hasty actions and half-baked plans will only lead to long-term frustrations. If you can balance dynamic action with a dose of discipline, then you’ll have a stimulating and satisfying week. Be inspired by actor Lily Tomlin (born on September 1): “The road to success is always under construction.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Thank goodness Mercury moves out of your sign on Thursday. But it’s still retrograde until September 5. So take a well-earned break from the madness around you, and escape somewhere quiet where you can relax and rejuvenate. And re-discover your Virgo vim, vigour and verve! The power of imagination is also on your side. You’ll find ideas and inspiration come from daydreaming and creative visualisation, as you retreat into your own private world. Strictly invitation only!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Avoid being a lone wolf this week Libra. If you nurture close relationships and network with colleagues, then you can combine your talents on a creative joint project. You’ll have to be patient though as you work towards achieving a long-term goal. But a relationship with a friend or acquaintance could cool suddenly, as responsibilities overtake having fun. Don’t worry. If you keep the lines of communication open, then the storm in a tea cup will soon blow over.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

You’ll be thrust into the spotlight this week (hopefully for all the right reasons). Venus and Mars give you a welcome confidence boost, so polish up your public persona and make sure you’re putting on a good show. Expect some frustration though, when a work colleague frustrates you or an authority figure antagonises you. Avoid the temptation to sulk, stew and simmer. Some Scorpio charm and deft diplomacy will get you through with your reputation (and sanity) intact!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

With the planets activating your romance, travel and aspirations zones, it’s time to dream big dreams for the future. They won’t materialise overnight though. You need to be extremely patient and persistent (which are not natural strengths for a speedy and spontaneous Sagittarian). Then – when the right moment manifests – you’ll be ready, willing and able to take flight. Be inspired by birthday great, singer-songwriter Florence Welch: “I like the idea of taking off like a bird.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

When it comes to business matters, financial opportunities or creative inspiration, things are unpredictable and haphazard at the moment. So heed the wise words of billionaire (and birthday great) Warren Buffett: “I’ve had periods of my life when I’ve had a bundle of ideas come along, and I’ve had long dry spells.” So keep things in perspective, plus keep on keeping on. This week, put your clever Capricorn mind to good use via reading, writing, researching and rehearsing.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Uranus (your power planet) forms a fabulous aspect with Mars. So your boldly bohemian side shines brightly, as you inspire others with your quicksilver mind and avant-garde spirit. You think you know how a loved one is feeling but jumping to conclusions (without checking the facts) is a recipe for trouble. So take the time to talk things through. Attached Aquarius – the relationship heads into exciting territory. Single? True love is waiting where you least expect!

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Are you feeling bored to bits with the daily grind? Seek out stimulating people this week Pisces, as you celebrate your versatility; shake up your usual routine; and do something wildly different. It’s also a terrific time to express your Good Samaritan side as you nurse a family member, support a friend in need, do some volunteer work or lend a helping hand in your local community. A bold new financial strategy could turn out surprisingly well. As long as you are patient and persistent.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

Across

1 Which vast grassy plains lie in the rain shadow of the Andes? (6)

7 What is a poem of four lines of verse? (8)

8 Name a seaport in, and the capital of the Bahamas. (6)

9 Which term describes “in the open air”? (8)

10 Which Shakespearian character was the Prince of Denmark? (6)

11 Name the kingdom once known as Siam. (8)

14 Which communication is now all but taken over by the email, fax, etc? (8)

18 Name a renowned type of soup. (6)

19 What is American football called? (8)

21 What are moral principles, as of an individual? (6)

22 Name the person chosen to control the affairs of a corporation. (8)

23 Name the escorting vessel to the First Fleet in 1788. (6)

Down

1 Fort Denison, a small island in Sydney Harbour, is also known as what? (8)

2 Name the instrument used for breaking up and grinding substances in a mortar. (6)

3 What, in Australian history, was one of a group of rich and influential rural landowners? (8)

4 Which fraction is also fifty percent? (4)

5 What term describes a trying experience? (6)

6 Which mineral is used as a gem when transparent? (6)

12 Name the social workers attached to a hospital. (8)

13 Which machine is used for the removal of waste products from the blood in cases of defective kidney function? (8)

15 Name an insect characterised by the pincers at the end of the abdomen. (6)

16 What are currents that are at variance with the main currents in streams? (6)

17 Albrecht Durer was noted as a what? (6)

20 Which term describes a fixed or mechanical course of procedure? (4)

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