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Summerset Scene •

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SEASONAL WORKER LIFE AS SANTA • HAPPY HARMONIES HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES COLLECTOR’S ITEMS TRACTOR HEAVEN • MAKE IT MERRY WONDERFUL WREATHS FESTIVE FARE TASTY CHRISTMAS TREATS

COVER Jim Pascoe sure knows a thing or two about Santa duties, read his special story on page 4. Cover photo: Kathy Pantling.

Whangārei

Warkworth Parnell St Johns

Milldale Hobsonville

Half Moon Bay

Ellerslie

Manukau

Karaka

Papamoa Beach

Rototuna

More than

6,600

Katikati

Cambridge

Hamilton Taupō

Bell Block

Summerset home New Zealanders call

New Plymouth

Napier Te Awa Hastings

Wanganui Levin

Havelock North

Waikanae Paraparaumu

Palmerston North Trentham

Nelson

Kelvin Grove

Boulcott

Richmond Blenheim

Rangiora

Avonhead Wigram

Casebrook

Prebbleton

Aotea Kenepuru

KEY = Summerset village = Proposed village

Dunedin

Story to share? We really enjoy telling your stories. If you have an exciting or interesting tale to tell, get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you! magazine@summerset.co.nz

Hello from Sara So long, farewell. This is my final spin in the editor’s chair at Summerset Scene. As another year draws to a close, it’s time for me to make a change. I’m off to pursue other writing projects, but I will always look back very fondly on my time at Summerset Scene. I have enjoyed every minute of putting this magazine together, and most of all, I have loved meeting you and hearing your stories. Each magazine has brought its own mixture of interesting, inspiring, and heartwarming tales, and this issue is no exception! In true festive spirit, our cover feature belongs to Jim, who certainly takes the title as one of the country’s best Santas. Jim’s been in the big red suit for 60 (yes, 60!) years, and has brought joy to so many. Read about him on page 4.

Carl from Avonhead talks us through his quirky collection of tractor memorabilia (page 8) while Graeme prefers to look to the skies with his impressive model planes (page 10) Choirmaster Nancy tell us how she coaxes even the shyest singers out of their shells (page 12) and Brian from Summerset on the Landing shares how his own personal battle inspired him to help thousands of New Zealanders living with serious health conditions. Read Brian’s story on page 16. And on the topic of hardy Kiwis, I want to give a special mention to all of our friends in Auckland, who did it especially tough this year. Auckland residents have had the longest spell of hunkering down to help keep us safe, and their efforts are hugely appreciated. Here’s to a

smoother 2022 for our northern neighbours, and indeed a sunny, relaxing summer for all of us throughout the country. A huge thank you for the fun, laughter, countless cups of coffee (when we got the chance to meet between lockdowns) and fascinating conversations over the past two years. It really has been an honour and a privilege. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful festive season!

Sara Bunny SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

Contents

Clever design Sky’s the limit

Making a difference Care and community

The joy of Christmas Being the big man in red

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Treasure The joytrove of Christmas of tractors Being Collector’s the big man cache in red

Raising their voices Happy harmonies

News Arty in the Mainland

Jude on Remembrance

News Latest happenings

Let’s talk about Brain health

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

This publication uses vegetable-based inks and environmentally responsible paper produced from

Paper produced using elemental chlorine-free (ECF) and manufactured under the strict ISO14001

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified, mixed-source pulp from responsible sources.

Environmental Management System.

News Competition and camaraderie at the Games

Village people Pics from around Summerset

Staff profile Michelle Kitson

Five questions Marea Falck

Poet’s corner Village wordsmiths

Delicious recipes Time to celebrate

In the garden Sensory pleasures

Style Masks and makeup

Craft corner Welcoming wreaths

Book reviews Great new reads

Go greener Green update

Wellness Tips for keeping cool

Travel log Dunedin

Puzzles Test the grey matter

Pets of Summerset Meet Griffin

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

THE JOY OF

Christmas Summerset in the Sun resident Jim Pascoe has clocked up an incredible 60 years in the Santa suit, and is known for spreading kindness and festive good cheer in his community. Now in need of a well-earned break, Jim’s retiring from his role as the big man in red, but looking back over Christmases past, he’s loved every minute of it. SUMMERSET IN THE SUN ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR JIM’S STORY.

TONI MCFELIN SHARES

Jim and his wife of 53 years, Mollie, have been part of our Summerset in the Sun village for a number of years. During that time, Jim has become a Christmas mainstay – often seen on his scooter in full Santa suit, looking every bit the part and accompanying the Christmas carollers (from our Summerset resident choir) around the village. After moving to the care centre, Jim realised that he may not have the health required to properly commit to the part of Santa this year, but the spirit of Christmas is so important to him that he decided he could instead commemorate this year’s Christmas by sharing his festive story. Jim says that he first started being Santa “on a dare”, when he was 18 years old and living in his home town of Whangārei. At the time, the local mall had a beautiful Santa grotto all set up but no one to be Santa. After his first go in the red suit, Jim was such a hit with everyone that he has been doing it every single year since, for the past 60 years! Jim’s Santa engagements grew from local shops to include being invited to kindergartens, schools and other gatherings. He really did become the Santa of Whangarei. He said people would phone up in advance and say things like, “Are you having that same Santa as last year? Great, we’ll be down, he’s the best Santa ever!”

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Jim says that back when he started being Santa as a young man he was a “skinny little runt” and the costume involved a fair bit of padding. But for Jim, he believes a key part of the Christmas spirit is being able to refresh and uplift people by sharing some of the joy of Christmas time, so he has always taken the role seriously. Jim and Mollie have always been active Christians, and both grew in their faith together to become ordained Anglican priests. Jim says that while it is clearly important to keep the make-believe of Santa distinct from their religious beliefs, “Christmas and Easter are two wonderful experiences for us, and we want for other people to share that wonder too.” He describes playing Santa as a sometimes challenging role, as the direct and open nature of children often kept him on his toes. “You’ve got to think quick and keep an eye on the parents,” he said of children who would sometimes ask him for expensive presents or ones difficult to source. Jim also describes sharing an emotional moment with a young person who asked him to get their family back together for Christmas. Another time Jim was confronted by a grown man who approached him shouting, “You’re a fake!”, to which Jim replied, “No, I’m no fake, I’m me.” Still angry, the man persisted, “What do you do this for?!” Jim said, “Because if I can make one child’s day, then I’ve done

... a key part of the Christmas spirit is being able to refresh and uplift people by sharing some of the joy of Christmas time...

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something.” Jim said the man seemed a bit taken aback and softened, saying, “Man, what a philosophy,” before heading on his way. Santa Jim made a point of connecting with kids from all different backgrounds. He remembers an encounter with a group of Māori tamariki (children) who were delighted when Santa greeted them with “Kia ora, Meri Kirihimete!” and was able to relate to their culture. Jim tells of the kids being mesmerised, and that any wariness was soon replaced with a sense of magic and awe. Reflecting on his time over his many years as Santa, Jim muses, “I loved doing it, I loved the kids.” I asked Mollie what it was like being married to Santa for 53 years, and she said they have always operated as one unit. Where Jim goes she goes; they are a true partnership and always do things together.

Jim has brought Christmas magic to many throughout his 60 years as Santa.

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

TREASURE TROVE OF

TRACTORS For Christchurch resident Carl Mize, collecting model tractors and John Deere memorabilia is his happy place. Carl can’t pinpoint exactly when his love of all things tractor – green John Deere tractors especially – took off, but it started long before he reached primary school. Growing up in the United States, he was given his first tractor toy when he was just a year old, and a range of other tractor treasures from his childhood also came with him when he moved to New Zealand two decades ago.

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Just some of Carl’s extensive collection, including a keepsake tractor quilt his mother made.

These days, model tractors line the shelves of his villa at Summerset at Avonhead, and that’s just the start of it. There are novelty signs on the walls, drawers filled with John Deere belt buckles, a keepsake quilt carefully stitched with tractor history, and even a John Deere loo roll holder sitting pride of place in the bathroom. When he’s not out at dance classes, you’ll probably find Carl watching tractor documentaries on YouTube, and even if you didn’t already know about his love of classic farm machines, the John Deere cap he often wears tends to be a bit of a giveaway. “I find tractor things anywhere, from old antiques stores and weekend markets, to the Fieldays expos and country fairs,” he says. “I’m just drawn to anything to do with the tractors. “I find that Kiwis aren’t quite the collectors that Americans are. Americans seem to collect everything, so I guess I’ve just got that in me! There isn’t quite as much opportunity to find

things in New Zealand as there is overseas, but I’ve found some great stuff here; you just need to keep an eye out and keep looking.” While many like to collect classic cars or craft model planes, tractors have always reigned supreme for Carl, who says their practicality is a big part of the appeal. “They don’t go fast, but you still have that feeling of power when you’re on one.” But most of all, tractors simply bring back good memories. On the family farm in Illinois, where Carl was the oldest of four siblings, tinkering on tractors was a favourite pastime he shared with his dad. “Whenever I was with Dad, we were driving tractors or fixing them. They’re a connection I will always have with him, and they take me back to a happy time.”

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

Clever design ARTICLE BY SHARON LUNDY

Building and flying model aircraft has been a lifelong interest for Summerset Rototuna resident Graeme Bradley, and is something he credits with keeping him grounded during stressful times.

Graeme is 81 and joined the Hamilton Model Aero Club when he was just 14, after his parents recognised his passion for modelling. He’s now the club’s oldest member and a number of other members benefited when he and wife Nancy moved to Rototuna 18 months ago. Graeme no longer had room for all the planes he had built, so he gave about 50 to other club members; now, as a thank you, the club has a get-together every so often where those who benefited from his generosity meet up and fly his planes. But that’s not to say Graeme has had to give up what he says is his “lifetime passion” – he has about nine planes hanging in his garage, and several others in various stages of assembly in the community shed. His current collection includes two P-51 Mustangs, and he’s building an SE5A glider and a couple of vintage models.

Graeme Bradley with his scale model of a Rearwin Speedster, which he made from balsa and spruce woods, and fibreglass components.

“I call myself a purist because I make them from scratch. Most of the ones you get today come in a box. You take them home and put them together in 10 minutes,” Graeme says. “It’s just not the same today; it’s a throwaway world. “But I prefer the challenge of assembling it all and really, if you think about it, you’re using a whole range of skills. You learn about carpentry, electronics, engineering, painting – and you need the skills to fly them. In fact, just about every trade you can name is involved in the building. “The building of them is a hobby but the flying of them can be a very serious sport.” There are 80 aero modelling clubs nationwide, and it’s an interest that can take you places. Graeme represented New Zealand in trans-Tasman competitions in the 1970s and 1980s, with a highlight being when the

seven-person team he was managing placed third out of 30 teams at a world championship in Melbourne. “People probably wouldn’t realise just how competitive aero modelling can be, but it doesn’t have to be. You can just do it for fun.” Graeme says he and Nancy have made lifelong friends through his love of aero modelling and, while it was tough to have to downsize his collection to move to Summerset Rototuna, he has no regrets. “It’s a wonderful lifestyle,” he says. “Coming here, it’s just been a joy, really. There’s no garden to do, no stairs to climb, and it’s such a friendly atmosphere.” The icing on the cake is that he has been able to continue growing his lifetime passion. “It’s been a wonderful hobby. Some days when I was working I would come home and feel really stressed, but five minutes in the shed and all those worries would disappear.”

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voices RAISING THEIR

For the choir at Summerset at Wigram, singing together is not just about mastering the harmonies of old-school hits, but also about having fun and making good friends along the way. And choirmaster Nancy Crowley has a knack for convincing even shy types to sing along. When you grow up in a musical family, playing an instrument becomes second nature. For Nancy, that instrument is the piano, and some of her best childhood memories feature favourite tunes and the tinkling of piano keys. “My mum used to play the piano every night to get me and my four siblings off to sleep. Mum and Dad both played the piano and enjoyed singing, Dad was in a brass band, and all of us kids sang and played piano too.” After playing the piano for local theatre company the Riccarton Players for more than 22 years, plus 15 years with the Halswell Drama Group, forming a choir at Summerset at Wigram was the perfect job for Nancy. But as she soon found out, convincing some of the

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more reserved residents to get involved was a big part of the challenge. “Sometimes people need someone to go and pester them like I do! I often coerce people at happy hour to join the choir. They are used to me by now. One lot said, ‘Oh look out, here she comes,’ but before long, we had them there performing with us! People join us when they feel ready. “Sometimes I ask the choir for a show of hands of who would like to do a solo, and nobody will put their hand up. But if I quietly ask people separately or give them a phone call afterwards, that usually gets a better response. It’s just about giving a bit of gentle encouragement.”

Nancy has played the piano since childhood.

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

“ Everyone gets along really well. A choir is something that really brings people together.”

THE CHOIR HAS 30–35 REGULAR MEMBERS

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

These days, the choir has 30–35 regular members, including nine gents to add some baritone depth to the mix. The members get together on most Mondays in the village lounge for rehearsals, and Nancy likes to keep things relaxed and casual. “As it’s a big group, it doesn’t matter so much if people are absent from time to time. I tell the choir, ‘Family commitments and doctor’s appointments come first. You don’t have to ring me to say if you can’t make it.’ We keep it fun! I would never want it to be a chore and a bore.” With Nancy guiding the group from her piano stool, choir favourites include older-style songs like the ‘Tennessee Waltz’, ‘Lili Marlene’, and ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’. The Dunedin-born musician, who was previously a

member of an Aeolian choir for a decade, says she prefers playing the piano over singing these days. But with her musical ear, she’s always on hand to help other choir members perfect their pitch or learn a new tune.

act ‘The Gendarmes’ Duet’ by Offenbach. We also perform a song called ‘The Loveliest Night of the Year’, and we have a couple of dancers, including a lady in her 90s, who get up to do a waltz during the second verse.”

Although Covid-19 restrictions have made concerts difficult these days, the choir has previously performed at Summerset on Cavendish, Summerset at Avonhead and other local villages.

But for Nancy, the best part is the firm friendships that have been forged through a shared love of music.

“We’re always greeted with enthusiasm; it’s just great,” says Nancy. “We stick to all the old music, some of the group do solos and we make it entertaining. When we do ‘Tennessee Waltz’, four members of the choir do a line dance as we’re singing. For another number, two of our male choir members dress up and

“Everyone gets along really well. A choir is something that really brings people together.”

The Wigram choir loves performing the old classics.

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

Making a difference As the founder of Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust, Brian Poole has helped to support thousands of Kiwis living with painful and often misunderstood health conditions. Bowel problems aren’t a topic anyone likes to talk about, but for more than 20,000 New Zealanders that live with inflammatory bowel disease, it’s an issue that can’t be ignored. The most common types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and ulcerative colitis, which affects the large bowel. Although they can vary in severity, both illnesses can have a huge impact on a person’s health and well-being. For Summerset on the Landing resident Brian Poole, managing inflammatory bowel disease has been part of life since his early 20s. Desperate for advice and someone to talk to, he looked for support groups throughout Wellington, but found nothing. So, Brian decided to start his own. Eventually, it grew into Crohn’s and Colitis NZ (CCNZ), and the organisation has been a trusted source of information, a place of hope and an important force for advocacy ever since.

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“It really bothered me that such a profound condition didn’t have a voice in healthcare,” says Brian. “It always seemed to be silenced. After hearing about a few others with similar illnesses, I arranged for a group of us to meet. We had 50 people turn up, and it was incredible. There were people who came along that didn’t know anyone else had Crohn’s. Before this, nobody was talking with each other.” CCNZ was formed in 2010, and Brian, who was the founding chairman, is rightfully proud of all they have achieved over the years. Highlights include producing a handbook that is now given out in hospitals throughout the country, establishing a network of support groups, and presenting a petition of 30,000 signatures to Parliament, calling for funding for vital drugs to manage the debilitating effects of bowel disease. But for Brian, the best achievement of all was helping to establish Camp Purple Live, a free annual event where children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can have fun, get to know one another and, more importantly, not feel alone. “One of the biggest concerns is that Crohn’s disease is being diagnosed in younger and younger patients – even year-old infants,” says Brian. “It was important for our organisation to be a voice for these young children.” While toilet habits are a taboo topic for most, staying silent on the subject can lead to a lack of understanding. Inflammatory bowel

Brian has been widely recognised for his work with Crohn’s and Colitis NZ. He even received a medal from then Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae (photo on page 18.)

“ It always seemed to be silenced. After hearing about a few others with similar illnesses, I arranged for a group of us to meet. We had 50 people turn up, and it was incredible.” Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

disease is not just a bit of tummy trouble; it’s a severe illness with no known cause and no cure. Symptoms can be debilitating and distressing, and the most effective drugs to help manage the condition are not funded in New Zealand, despite being readily available in other countries. “There are people with inflammatory bowel disease that go to the toilet 15–20 times a day,” says Brian. “Some can’t travel or have a job. I’ve seen people that look emaciated because of it, and they are absolutely desperate for these new drugs. It can have such a huge impact on your life. It’s a horrible, horrible disease.” In 2013, Brian was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours list, for services to health and the community. The health advocate, who moved to Summerset on the Landing last year with his wife Janet, was “blown away” to receive such an award, but helping others to feel less isolated has always been his main goal. “I didn’t meet another person with Crohn’s until I was 60,” he says. “I would have really benefited in my early 20s from meeting someone else with it. That’s why it’s so important to give people, including children, the chance to get together and talk about it.”

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

To learn more, see crohnsandcolitis.org.nz

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are

chronic, incurable, inflammatory diseases collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

NZ has one of the highest per capita rates of IBD in the world , and it is growing at over 5% per year. Most people are diagnosed in childhood , their teens or early adulthood.

IBD costs NZ an estimated $245 million in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

WE ARE WINNERS Summerset has taken the top spot at this year’s Aged Advisor NZ Awards. We have been named as Best Provider Nationwide, while our Hastings, Whanganui, Casebrook and Wigram villages were all finalists in various categories. Aged Advisor winners are based on independent reviews and opinions from people that live, visit or work at the retirement villages throughout New Zealand.

Hospital care at Katikati

ARTY

IN THE MAINLAND Creative Summerset residents from the South Island loved showcasing their skills at village art shows recently. Summerset on Cavendish held an impressive Arts Exhibition, and Summerset Richmond Ranges wowed visitors at their Crafts Expo. Every type of art under the sun was on display, proving yet again that Summerset residents are a very talented bunch. Bravo!

Just some of the clever creations from talented residents.

Summerset by the Sea is the first of our villages to be certified to provide hospital-level care within the serviced apartments, in addition to rest home-level care. This is an exciting step in the development of our continuum of care model, and we’re pleased to be able to accommodate a broader range of needs in sunny Katikati.

Survey results are here A big thank you to everyone who took part in the 2021 Residents’ Satisfaction Survey. We really value your feedback, and your insights help us to continue to bring the best of life to every resident. We’re pleased to report that this year’s survey showed village satisfaction is at 96.3%, while the care centre satisfaction rate is sitting at 97.5%. This is a great result, with both percentages up slightly on last year’s findings. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us.

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JUDE ON

R EM EM B R AN C E

Without doubt, this has been some year, with the effects of Covid-19 giving the second half of 2021 a truly memorable end. Here in New Zealand, we have been later to the reality of it than other countries, but the transition to having Covid inside our borders rather than outside has been a shock for many.

World-changing periods of time feature heavily for each new generation. For some it was the First World War, for others the Second World War, and for the current generations it is surely this global pandemic that is our war. It will undoubtedly be the topic of stories starting “I remember when…” that our children and grandchildren will be able to recall as future parents and grandparents themselves. I have a particular interest in the two world wars and in ensuring they are remembered as they start to fade from living memory. New Zealand now has only a handful of Second World War veterans left to tell their lived experiences. On 12 October this year, on the anniversary of the First World War’s Battle of Passchendaele, I went to the Cenotaph at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira to lay a poppy. I thought about the grandfather I never knew, but am immensely grateful to, for managing to survive the Great War. Had he not, he and my grandmother would not have had their third baby in 1923, who would one day become my father. The Auckland RSA, the Passchendaele Society and the Fields of Remembrance Trust were at the Cenotaph to lay wreaths. Given the 20

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restrictions, the ceremony was a very small, socially distanced affair. A handful of masked men laid wreaths and recited the ‘Ode of Remembrance’, with a bugler (from an even further distance away, up on the museum steps) playing the ‘Last Post’. While battling Covid-19 is indeed the war of our time, we can’t forget what has come before. On 12 October 1917, New Zealand lost more Kiwis than on any other single day during the First World War – 843. A further 500 had already been killed eight days earlier. For me, noting these moments is not about glorifying war, but about remembering what ordinary people did under extraordinary circumstances, fighting for the freedoms we continue to enjoy today, generations later. Our children have two great-grandfathers who were probably less than a kilometre away from each other during that fateful period in Belgium. The fact that they would have great-grandchildren was no doubt the furthest thought from their minds – surviving the day, the week, the month or the next year would have been their singular focus. My focus is to ensure I remember them and keep their stories alive to pass on to my children.

Competition and camaraderie at

The Games

Summerset was proud to sponsor this year’s South Island Masters Games, which took place in Blenheim on 15–25 October. Among the competitors were keen bowlers Ron and Wendy Gabites and John and Maureen Skinner, all from our Nelson village. The group said the round robin bowls tournament was a “tough assignment”, and although the vibe was friendly, the competition was strong! Well done to all who took part, and big congratulations to John and Ron, who won a bronze medal for the men’s pairs in the consolation division.

Happy bowlers from Summerset in the Sun.

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G’ DAY, N E I G H BO U RS!

Fifth Australian site purchased

Summerset has bought more land in Victoria and plans are under way for a fifth village there, this one at Oakleigh South. CEO Scott Scoullar says the 1.83ha site, about 16km from Melbourne’s CBD, is in a mature suburban area and is well serviced by a range of social, recreational and retail amenities.

First Foundation winner We’re proud to continue our partnership with First Foundation to help bright young Kiwis achieve their potential at university. This is the third year running that we’ve offered a First Foundation Scholarship, and we’re delighted to announce that Siotara Stowers is the 2022 recipient. She will join us for 4–5 weeks of paid work experience each year for three years, and will be based in Summerset by the Park, Manukau.

The land is located in Melbourne’s renowned “sandbelt”, where a number of Australia’s best golf courses are found, and shares a boundary with the Metropolitan Golf Club – overlooking the 16th and 17th holes.

The funding will help Siotara forge her career in nursing, and she says, “Being chosen for the First Foundation Scholarship gives me the chance to work towards this goal and help make a difference.”

“We know that many people like to retire in their neighbourhood, so we look forward to giving Oakleigh South residents further opportunity to do that,” says Scott.

Just Onesie-ful!

The number of Australians aged 75-plus is growing rapidly and is forecast to increase 140 percent to 4.1 million in the next 30 years. In Oakleigh South that age bracket is expected to rise about 14 percent, to more than 15,300, in just five years. Alongside the new site, Summerset also owns land at Chirnside, Craigieburn, Cranbourne North and Torquay, all in Victoria.

OAKLEIGH SOUTH

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

In the last issue of Summerset Scene, we mentioned that Summerset had donated $40,000 to Wellington Free Ambulance, as part of this year’s Onesie Day appeal. Now, we are thrilled to say that enough money was raised during the appeal to buy a brandnew ambulance! A whopping $270,800 was raised in total, and the new ambulance is a much-need addition for the Wellington region. A big thank you to everyone who took part in the appeal.

L E T ’S TA L K A B O U T

B R A I N H E A LT H

It used to be said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but research over the past 15 years has shown that the brain can adapt and change at all life stages, even in later life. The latest research published in medical journal The Lancet has shown that mentally and socially engaging activities, done regularly, can develop the brain’s neuroplasticity. This means the growth of new brain cells, and improved connections between existing brain cells.

Stay social

Try something new

Although physical distancing and Covid safety rules have put a slightly different slant on social interaction recently, it helps to improve our well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. It may also reduce our risk of cognitive decline. Living at Summerset provides plenty of opportunity to be social and take part in activities you enjoy – keep up to date with village happenings through your Friday notices, join a group or class, and make a habit of chatting with your neighbours, even if it’s just a friendly greeting over the fence.

Activities that are new, novel or challenging in some way require more mental effort and brain stimulation. Learn a language, try a new hobby, or reach out and have a chat with someone you don’t know.

Covid and dementia Worldwide, Covid has had a disproportionate impact on people living with dementia. The brain needs to be stimulated and challenged, and prolonged inability to socialise with family and friends or to take part in recreational activities can impact cognitive functioning. This is why community dementia organisations offer socialisation programmes – such as the Assisted Golf programme in Wellington – to enable people to remain active and engaged while doing the things they love.

It’s never too late to boost the brain! We now understand a great deal more about what factors impact our brain health than we did even 10 years ago. For example, it’s widely known that for most people the diseases that lead to dementia start in midlife. The onset of these diseases is driven by many factors – some of which we can’t change, including family history and genetics, but many of which we can, such as our lifestyle. And we also know that when it comes to making change, it’s never too late to start!

MENTALLY AND SOCIALLY ENGAGING ACTIVITIES, DONE REGULARLY, CAN DEVELOP THE BRAIN’S NEUROPLASTICITY.

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V I L L AGE PEOPLE

Despite lockdowns and level changes, Summerset people still know how to have fun! Here’s a peek at some village happenings.

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Photo 1: Keen walkers from Aotea take in the view. Photo 2: Casebrook mascot Theodore the Ted joins in for Happy Hour.

window display. Photo 7: Papamoa residents enjoy the local sights.

Photo 3: Hawaiian-themed festivities at Avonhead.

Photo 8: Melbourne Cup fun at Pohutukawa Place.

Photo 4: Manukau’s Pink Ribbon Walk.

Photo 9: Dancing for dementia awareness at Ellerslie.

Photo 5: Palmerston North pup Roczen looking

Photo 10: Fundraising for Breast Cancer NZ in

cool for summer. 24

Photo 6: Havelock North residents with a winning

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Hamilton.

Photo 11: The Summerset Palms cycle group head out on regular rides, and have plenty of laughs along the way!

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S TA F F P R O F I L E

Michelle Kitson BY SARA BUNNY

Michelle Kitson has been a caregiver at Summerset by the Ranges in Levin for 20 years. The Applause Awards winner says that looking after others is more than just a job; it’s part of who she is. There’s never a dull moment when you’re working a busy shift as a caregiver, but Michelle says a positive attitude and a good sense of humour are essential. “The minute you walk through the doors at work, it’s no longer about you, it’s about the residents – they always come first. I think it’s good to have some laughs along the way. If a resident is having a bad day and I crack a joke, the smile on their face is just wonderful.” Earlier this year, Michelle’s dedication was acknowledged at the Applause Awards (Summerset’s annual staff recognition awards). She scooped the win in the ‘Living our Founding Philosophy’ category and also took the top spot of the night as our ‘Bringing the Best of Life’ champion. Still buzzing from her first win, Michelle couldn’t believe it when her name was called out a second time. “I was sitting next to another Michelle, so it didn’t sink in at first. Even when I heard them say ‘Levin’, I still didn’t click. It was quite overwhelming; I’m never lost for words, but I was that night!” Michelle, who worked as a seamstress before venturing into her current career, says caregiving is the most rewarding role she’s ever had. But nevertheless, aspects of the job can be challenging. “Hospital-level care can mean heavy lifting, it’s very busy, and it can be hard to switch off. I had a difficult phase when my dad passed away

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and I found it hard to keep going with this sort of work. Then I thought, ‘How would I want my dad to be treated?’ In this role, you treat people like they are your own family. So I stayed on and I loved the job more and more. “In my younger days, I didn’t think I would have the patience to do a job like this, but I think caring for others has actually made me more patient. It’s changed my whole outlook on life.” With an impressive 20 years of caregiving under her belt, Michelle now trains other staff members as the village Caregiver Coach, alongside her own caregiving shifts. Despite her hectic schedule, she’s also part of the Health and Safety Committee, the Staff Engagement Committee, leads the incontinence consult at the village and is also the designated driver for residents. “I was brought up old school,” she laughs. “Hard work doesn’t faze me!” Over the years, Michelle has seen Summerset by the Ranges grow and evolve, but it’s the people she’s met along the way that have made the biggest impact. “I’ve met so many residents through my job and they are all so interesting,” she says. “Some are absolutely hardcase and some are quiet. I like getting to know them all and earning their trust. My favourite part of the job is knowing I am making a difference.”

MICHELLE HAS AN IMPRESSIVE 20 YEARS OF CAREGIVING U N D E R H E R B E LT

FIVE QUESTIONS M A R E A FA LC K F R O M S U M M E R S E T AT AO T E A Marea lives in a villa with her husband Lloyd and beloved rescue dog, Clinton. Here, she chats about having a crush on a singing star, the movie that blew her mind, and why you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.

Favourite childhood memory? Sitting on the back step of my grandparents’ house, writing to Elvis to ask if he would marry me! I would have been 11 or 12. I waited day after day for a reply but nothing came, and I wasn’t at all impressed. Then the Beatles came along and I loved them even more, so I dropped Elvis pretty quick! Your idea of a perfect weekend? Taking in the sights in Wellington. I think it’s a fabulous place to be. I love ambling along the waterfront, especially on a still night when the lights reflect on the water. It’s such a magical city.

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The best movie you’ve ever seen? I remember this so clearly – we were living in Greymouth at the time and relatives persuaded us to go to this film. I thought I would hate it but went along begrudgingly. Well, right from the opening credits I was practically slammed into the back of my seat, I hardly took a proper breath the whole time! It was Star Wars, and it was just amazing. It’s still my favourite. What advice would you give your 21-year-old self? I did drama at school and I absolutely love theatre. You can’t beat that feeling of being on stage and really becoming

the character. Any nervousness disappears and everything just falls into place. But life got busy, and I gave it up. I would definitely tell my younger self to stick with it. Favourite meal? That’s a hard question as I love to cook. In my younger days I would have said a roast dinner, but I have been moving away from meat as I can’t stand cruelty to animals. These days I would rather cook with something I have picked off a tree or pulled out of the garden.

POET’S CORNER The Carnival of the (Masked) Animals Saint Saëns, a Frenchman most genteel

Emperor penguins like togetherness

dreamt carnivals for beast and bird.

assembled in Antarctic huddles.

When told, “Put masks on them, Camille,”

Masks would upset their featherness

He answered, “C’est assez absurde!”

and interfere with wedded cuddles.

Pelicans, it seems to me

Tyrannosaurus wore a mask

though well designed for unique tasks

obeying laws imperial.

would soon become extinct, if we

Where is he now? You well may ask.

forced the poor blighters to wear masks.

Dead – from disease bacterial.

That long-jawed beast, the crocodile

Cattle and other creatures bovid

says, “Wearing masks is not for me.

when flu’s around aren’t ill at ease.

I’ll sunbathe on this rock a while

They’re not alarmed at risks from Covid

perhaps you’ll join me – for tea?”

What scares them is mad cow disease.

The rhino has a horny hooter;

A cat’s a cat and that is that;

some say the rhino is a relic.

don’t try to mask your darling kitty!

Fitting a mask won’t make him cuter

She’ll scratch and bite, for that’s a cat;

unless your on pills psychedelic.

she sure won’t show you any pity!

Masks do not phase racoons at all

You’d need a mask of several metres

They’re all en route to a masked ball.

to fit a whale, they’re such big creeters.

Aardvarks use their symmetry

Our canine friends are loyal, true,

to scratch an anticlinal living.

and lovingly adoring.

Force masks on their perimetry and

They’ll wear a mask – but look at you,

I don’t think they would be forgiving.

with soulful eyes imploring.

The excellence of an elephant is

You’d have to be immensely bold

displayed sublimely in its trunk.

to mask a polar bear or two

To mask him, and stay relevant is,

you’d also be extremely cold

where he’s concerned – a load of bunk!

unless, of course, they’d eaten you!

Putting a mask on an axolotl

The kangaroo goes hop hop hop

won’t improve its looksalotl

I’d mask him if he’d only stop! By Richard Jennings from Summerset in the Orchard.

If you would like to submit a poem for consideration in Poet’s Corner, send it to magazine@summerset.co.nz

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DELICIOUS RECIPES

T I M E

T O

CELEBRATE R E C I P E S BY JA N B I LTO N

THE FESTIVE SEASON IS HERE AGAIN, AND THAT MEANS GOOD TIMES WITH YOUR FAMILY AND SUMMERSET FRIENDS.

To help you celebrate, I’ve provided a menu that not only balances well as it stands, but also offers you the opportunity to serve the dishes on other social occasions. For example, the delicious Tuscan-style salad panzanella makes a fine side dish for the buttermilk roasted chicken and can also be served separately as a light meal.

If you’re not serving the panzanella with the chicken, then roast some potatoes (I usually par-boil the spuds, score them using two forks, then dust them in seasoned flour or cornflour before roasting), briefly bake some tasty red tomatoes and pan-fry asparagus until crisp-tender. All these are great accompaniments for summer dining.

The chicken is marinated overnight in buttermilk and salt. Don’t be put off by the quantity of salt used, as most of the marinade is scraped off. Both the buttermilk and salt really tenderise the chicken, which results in a bird with crispy skin and very moist flesh. You can use the same method for preparing a turkey.

The gin and lemon trifle is light, luscious and moreish. It contains blanched lemon slices you can eat. If you’re not fond of gin, try a distilled non-alcoholic drink full of botanicals, such as Seedlip. Or just substitute the gin with unsweetened pineapple juice. Enjoy!

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EASY-PEASY

PANZANELLA SERVES 4

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

DRESSING

Whisk the dressing ingredients together and set aside.

3–4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Remove and discard the crusts from the

2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

bread. Break the bread into 3cm pieces and spread on a baking tray. Dry in the oven for about 15 minutes, until crisp. Cool. Quarter the tomatoes, squeezing out any excess pulp. Grill the capsicums until charred on all sides. Place in a plastic bag to steam. Cool. Halve, peel and seed the capsicums. Thinly slice.

SALAD

Rinse the onion in icy water. Place in a large serving bowl with

200g day-old ciabatta or similar

the capsicums, tomatoes, bread and basil leaves. Toss with a little

400g ripe tomatoes

dressing. Top with the anchovies and capers. Serve immediately.

2 red and 2 yellow capsicums 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup basil leaves 3 anchovies, drained, patted dry and halved 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

BUTTERMILK-ROASTED

CHICKEN SERVES 6

Marinating the chicken in salt and buttermilk makes for an especially tender end result.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2kg chicken

The day before you want to cook the chicken, season it with

3 teaspoons fine salt

1 teaspoon of salt. Stand for 30 minutes.

600g buttermilk

Stir the remaining salt into the buttermilk. Place the chicken

2 cups chicken stock

in a large plastic bag. Pour in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Seal the bag and place on a tray. Refrigerate for 12–24 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the chicken from the marinade and scrape most of it off. Tie the legs together with string. Place the chicken in a small roasting pan and put in the oven, legs facing towards the back. After 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 180°C. Continue roasting for about 1 hour or until cooked. Move the pan around if the chicken isn’t cooking evenly. Place the chicken on a platter and loosely tent with foil. Stand for 10 minutes while making the gravy. Add the chicken stock to the pan drippings. Bring to the boil, scraping the pan to remove those tasty bits stuck to the base. Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain into a jug.

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GIN & LEMON

TRIFLE SERVES 6–8

This pretty trifle makes a fitting end to a festive meal.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

GIN SYRUP

Combine the syrup ingredients in a bowl and stir until the sugar

¾ cup gin

dissolves.

¼ cup lemon juice

Whip the cream and lemon curd in a large bowl until thick and well

½ cup caster sugar TRIFLE 1 cup cream

mixed. Fold in the custard and 2 tablespoons of the gin syrup. Thinly slice the lemons into rounds. Discard the pips. Simmer in water in a frying pan for about 30 seconds to soften. Drain well. Cut the sponge into 2cm × 10cm fingers. Place half in the base of a

½ cup lemon curd

round 19cm-diameter, 9cm-deep serving bowl. Sprinkle with about

1 cup thick custard

½ cup of the syrup. Top evenly with a third of the peach slices.

2 lemons

Cover with 1½ cups of the custard mixture. Stand the lemon slices

300g thick trifle sponge 400g can sliced peaches, well drained Edible flowers to garnish (optional)

around the inside edge of the bowl. Dip the remaining sponge fingers in the syrup and place on top of the custard. Cover with a layer of peaches. Top with the remaining custard. Cover and chill for 12 hours. The top can be garnished with swirls of whipped cream, the remaining peaches and edible flowers.

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IN THE GARDEN

Sensory pleasures A R T I C L E BY LY N DA H A L L I N A N P H OTO S BY SA L LY TAG G

In this extract from her new book The Joy of Gardening, Lynda Hallinan shares how touch and scent can create comfort and bring delight in our gardens. From the moment we are born, we bond through skin-to-skin contact. But the pandemic has changed this habit of a lifetime. Instead of seeking hugs, we have learned to physically recoil from touch, just as the leaves of Mimosa pudica, the so-called sensitive plant, flinch, fold and drop when touched. We can close our eyes, hold our breath, wear ear-plugs and shut our lips to avoid unpleasant sights, smells, sounds and tastes, but we can’t help but touch and be touched. When we walk barefoot on a lawn, fondle a cushion of native Scleranthus biflorus or accidentally jab our fingers with cacti spines, it sets off a neural chain reaction. The sensory nerve-endings in our skin send signals to the dorsal horn of our spinal cord and up the brain stem into the primary somatosensory cortex, which, like a mail-sorting depot, returns those messages as feelings of comfort, bliss, reassurance, love, pain or fear. Some plants appeal to all our senses. The peppermint-scented geranium, Pelargonium tomentosum, has pretty white flowers and

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sumptuous, cotton-soft leaves that smell of menthol and taste minty-fresh laid into cake tins before the batter goes in. While it takes touch — a gentle squeeze, stroke, prod or poke — to earn a pick-me-up from aromatic plants, the tactile textures of other plants is the reward. Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina), silver sage (Salvia argentea) and the silver leaf tree (Leucadendron argenteum) all beg to be caressed, and make us feel better for doing so.

Mimosa pudica, the so-called sensitive or shame plant, folds up its fern-like leaves when touched. Photo: Túllio M. Franca/Wikimedia Commons.

Ditto the fuzzy brown flower-buds of michelias, a late winter delight, and the downy rose-gold new foliage of the Japanese laurel, Neolitsea sericea. Its gets its name from the Latin sericatus, meaning ‘clothed in silken hair’, and in spring it feels as plush as puppy ears. A touchy-feely relationship with plants works both ways. Remember the spring-loaded seed pods of the Himalayan balsam our grandmothers grew? Those old-fashioned busy lizzies, much like the trigger-happy hairy bittercress weed, shoot ripe seed up to 7 metres when touched, a habit officially known as explosive dehiscence. When Venus flytraps snap shut, they’re hoping for a feed, whereas the movements of Mimosa pudica are believed to be a defence mechanism against predatory grazing. Mimosa is such a fun plant to grow that I’d like to think it forgives us for giving it the goosebumps. Indeed, like the children who tease it good-naturedly, perhaps it actually enjoys being tickled.

In human evolution, the ability to recognise smells both appetising and alarming was a key survival mechanism. Unlike our taste buds, which shepherd everything into five basic groups — bitter, salty, savoury (umami), sour and sweet — the odour receptors up our noses can recognise molecular differences between thousands of smells and instantly data-match this information with our memories. In a garden, we recoil at bad odours — the anaerobic decay of grass clippings, the stench of comfrey rotting in a barrel — but relish the perfumes worn by our favourite plants. We swoon for sweet peas, daphne, gardenia, jasmine, freesia, hyacinth, lilac and sweet alyssum, and revel in the aroma of scratch ‘n’ sniff herbs such as pineapple sage and ‘Attar of Roses’ pelargoniums. Brushing past fragrant plants is an inexpensive introduction to aromatherapy, for just as herbs have been used for healing for centuries, so have their essential oils. These concentrated botanical extracts can be soothing and soporific, comforting and mind-clearing, relaxing and rejuvenating. Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

Peppermint stimulates the appetite and relieves headaches, ginger eases nausea, rosemary increases alertness, and lavender and citrus are allies in stressful situations. In 1998, researchers at the Miami School of Medicine found that after a three-minute session sniffing lavender, people answered mathematics questions faster and more accurately, while a 2015 Iranian midwifery study found that orange-oil diffusers ease pregnant women’s anxiety during labour. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is my favourite invigorating fragrance, made more poignant since the pandemic. It’s a smell I strongly associate with travel, thanks to the sprigs I tuck into suitcases in storage (I take them out before I fly so as not to alarm the border beagles). I’m also a sucker for lemon verbena in my car; when traffic jams make me antsy, a quick sniff restores calm. Truth be told, lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) trumps lemon verbena for citrus fragrance, as this small, drought-tolerant Australian rainforest tree contains higher levels of citral compounds. Sadly, it hates frost. I’ve killed three so far, whereas my little lemon verbena bush lifts my spirits because I brought it back from the dead. My scrappy plant was a 50-cent knockdown bargain from Bunnings, and had just one green shoot when I bought it. Three years later it’s still hopelessly lopsided, but it’s also alive, and that makes me feel good. Extracted from The Joy of Gardening by Lynda Hallinan, published by Allen & Unwin NZ, RRP $45.

Lightly crush the foliage of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) to release its intense citrus aroma. Photo: Sally Tagg Neolitsea sericea is a lovely small tree with coppery foliage as soft as a spaniel’s ears. Photo: Sally Tagg

W I N A N AU TO G R A P H E D C O P Y O F T H E J OY O F GA R D E N I N G Gardens teach us to live in the moment. They nourish us, provide solace in grief and offer sanctuary from the stresses of modern life. The Joy of Gardening by horticultural guru Lynda Hallinan is a celebration of this healing power of nature. We have two autographed copies of Lynda’s book to give away! To enter, tell us what you love most about gardening. Send your entries to magazine@summerset.co.nz

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ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY

Masks and makeup

STYLE

Worried that masking up will cramp your style this summer? Here’s how to make staying safe look good.

It looks like masks are here to stay as we adjust to a Covid-19 world – and surely they’re a small price to pay for increased safety and freedom. However, if you’re a makeup wearer, it can be very frustrating to find that the inside of your mask has more cosmetics on it than your face. Here’s how to help your mask and your makeup work in happy harmony.

STEP THREE / SEAL IT IN

STEP ONE / PRIME

Treat yourself this summer by booking in for an eyelash and brow tint. Having defined brows and lashes makes a huge difference when the rest of your face is covered up – and getting them tinted saves the daily hassle of wielding the mascara wand. Plus, tinting is a great way to fill in sparse eyebrows.

Apply a primer after moisturiser and before foundation or concealer – this helps to stop makeup from settling in wrinkles or sliding off your face. Primers are available at all price points and they’re handy to have in your kit, whether you’re wearing a mask or not.

S T E P T W O / L AY E R L I G H T LY As with all makeup application, less is more. Buffing a light layer of foundation or concealer over your moisturised and primed face will be more flattering (and less prone to coming off on your mask) than a thick, heavy coating.

Dusting a very light touch of translucent or light-reflecting powder over your foundation will help seal it onto your face. Pop a compact into your handbag for quick touch-ups while you are out and about.

S T E P F O U R / T H E E Y E S H AV E I T

STEP FIVE / LIP SERVICE If you’re the sort of person who doesn’t feel fully dressed without a bit of lippy on, opt for long-wearing formulas when you’re masking up. Save those super-moisturising or glossy lip colours for another time, or you might find they migrate to your mask (not to mention the rest of your face) when you’re covered up.

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CRAFT CORNER

WELCOMING

WREATHS Handmade wreaths probably originated in the fourth century as a pagan tradition, threaded with evergreen leaves to bring some colour and cheer to homes over the darkest months. Over time, they have become an important part of Christmas celebrations and decor. ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY

While wreaths make cheerful festive ornaments, they can also simply serve as beautiful objects to hang on your front door throughout the summer to welcome friends and whānau. Once you have the basic wreath base, you can add fresh or dried leaves and flowers as you fancy. Perhaps a walk with grandchildren might yield seashells, little pine cones or interesting seedpods to add into the mix. Your wreath might be lush with greenery or rather minimalist, as I’ve shown here. Enjoy making one that reflects your own personal style.

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F I R S T, GAT H E R YO U R M AT E R I A L S Start with some sort of material to make the wreath form. You can sometimes find ready-made wreaths for sale at a craft or gift store, made from dried cane or something similar. I’ve made my own from bendy willow branches, and you could also use grapevines or plait together lengths of flax.

SUPPLIES Secateurs or strong scissors. String, natural twine or fine wire. Hot glue gun (if necessary, but I prefer to use string or wire to tie my wreath together so that the entire thing can be dismantled and composted at the end of the summer). A length of ribbon for a hanging loop and another to tie at the base.

Items to tuck into your wreath, such as small pine cones, dried or fresh flowers, woven flax flowers, seedpods such as poppy seedheads, small branches with interesting leaves, shells, driftwood, and small Christmas ornaments such as small animals or birds.

METHOD 1. If you are making your wreath base, cut long lengths of your material and bend them to form a circular or oval shape. Depending on how supple they are, you may be able to weave the ends in without the need for wire or string. Otherwise, cut short lengths of fine wire and tie the branches together in your desired size and shape. You could also use natural twine for this, or a hot glue gun if your branches are more rebellious. 2. Lay out your gathered materials for decorating. Either tuck the pieces into the wreath base or tie them on by wrapping them with lengths of wire. Remember that you don’t have to completely cover the wreath base with greenery – sometimes the base itself is equally interesting and beautiful. Use your imagination, and have fun! 3. Finally, attach a small ribbon bow at the bottom of your wreath, and a looped ribbon at the top, so that you can hang it on your door.

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REVIEWS BY KAREN MCMILLAN

BOOK REVIEWS

Apples Never Fall L I A N E M O R I A RT Y Former tennis coaches Joy and Stan Delaney are the envy of many. After years of raising a family of four children and running their own successful tennis coaching business, they have now retired and have all the time in the world to enjoy the next stage of their lives. But then Joy disappears. It seems she has just cycled off into the sunset (without her helmet!), never to be seen again. She sent her children a text message to say she was going off grid, but the rest of the text message made no sense to them. And as the days go by, her children begin to re-examine their parents’ marriage and family history with new and frightened eyes. The police are called in to investigate, and the four adult children are divided and conflicted when they consider that their father may have murdered their mother. But does Joy’s disappearance relate to the strange house guest, Savannah, who showed up at the Delaney home one night the previous year? As the police continue their investigation, it seems the family isn’t MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS, RRP $37.99

telling them all they know about this mysterious guest. This is a first-class read from an assured writer.

The Other Side of the World JENNI FRANCIS Twenty-year-old Coral catches a plane from the UK to the other side of the world – New Zealand. She is pregnant, running away and determined not to be found by the people she has left. The story picks up with her son, Tom, all grown up and married to Lucy, and struggling with the demands of work and their young son. Tom has never known his father – his mother refuses to talk about him. He suffers from debilitating headaches and seems to have a history of them from boyhood, but to begin with the reasons for these headaches aren’t revealed. When Coral suddenly dies, Tom and Lucy are initially devastated, but then surprised when Tom inherits a significant amount of money. After looking through some paperwork, they find clues about Tom’s father that send them over to Scotland to see if they can find him and get answers to the many questions they have. The Other Side of the World is an engaging family drama that explores how past and present are linked, and how RIVER PRESS PUBLISHING, RRP $34.95

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family traits can be passed down through the generations.

Draw Some Awesome D O N OVA N B I X L E Donovan Bixley is the creator of more than 120 bestselling picture books. His illustrations are instantly recognisable and much enjoyed by young and old. His new book, Draw Some Awesome, is a little different – it’s a guide for helping beginners and more experienced artists with all the tips they need to discover their own drawing style. It’s an interactive book where Bixley takes the reader through warm-up and imagination exercises, before sharing all his tips for drawing animals, faces and characters. He goes into things like copying, perspective, thumbnails, shading, shadows and composition. Along the way, he is helped by Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas and Wolfgang Mozart, and he includes numerous examples from his popular books. UPSTART PRESS, RRP $29.99

I love this book because Bixley breaks everything down to a level that beginners of any age can understand, and his tips are practical and doable. He also emphasises just giving things a go and not trying to get a drawing perfect the first time around. Draw Some Awesome is also very inspirational, as it has drawings anyone would aspire to do. Every budding artist should have a copy of this book!

The Keeper of Miracles PHILLIP MAISEL This extraordinary memoir was published as the author turned 99. Born in Vilna, Lithuania, Phillip Maisel was a young man when the Germans took over the city in and his life changed forever. He spent two years in the most appalling conditions in an overcrowded Jewish ghetto, before enduring several Nazi labour and concentration camps. Maisel was liberated in 1945 during a death march, and he moved to Australia in 1949, where he married and had a family. For the past 30 years, Maisel has volunteered at Melbourne’s Jewish Holocaust Centre, preserving the many stories of other Holocaust survivors. Each story of survival is a miracle in itself, with Maisel consequently earning the nickname ‘The Keeper of Miracles’. Surviving the Holocaust was not just down to luck, but also to Maisel’s strength of character and many instances that can only be described as miracles. Through his long ordeal, he resolved never to lose his humanity, and it is his inherent goodness that helped him start over after the war. MACMILLAN, RRP $37.99

This powerful book reminds everyone never to underestimate the impact of human kindness, even in the darkest of times.

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

GO GREENER

Green Update

At Summerset, we’re always

V I L L AG E B U Z Z

learning new ways to be more eco-friendly. Here’s a small snapshot of some of the latest green happenings.

Matilda, the queen bee, and her hive have arrived at Summerset Bishopcourt in Dunedin! Bishopcourt is becoming a bee-friendly village, and this involves designating “bee-friendly” areas with flowering plants that the bees love, providing watering

R E T H I N K I N G O U R PA P E R

stations for the bees, and eliminating the use of harmful sprays or pesticides. Village Manager Mark Ryan says they are working with an apiarist who supplied the

While digital copies are now the go-to, sometimes you just need to print on paper. That’s why we’re excited to have found a new carbon-neutral paper that will soon be used in all Summerset photocopiers. The new paper is fully recyclable, carbon neutral and Fibre Source Certified. This guarantees sourcing from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable managed forests. And on the topic of paper, this very magazine you’re reading is also printed on environmentally responsible paper, with vegetable-based inks.

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hive and all the kit. “Barry the Beekeeper will help us maintain the hive, manage the regulation required, disease control and we get all the honey. He will even jar the honey for us, which I think we will call ‘The Bishop’s Own’”. Summerset in the Sun, Nelson, also has a happy and healthy village beehive. Great work, everyone!

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

WELLNESS

COOL HOT TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR

This summer there’s going to be a hot ticket item that none of us will be leaving home without – a mask. While we all know the drill around mask wearing by now, it’s important to note how they can impact on what our body needs, especially as the weather gets warmer. Personally, I’ve found wearing a mask while coaching people at the gym to be quite inconvenient, but I certainly feel lucky that I can still do what I love. Here are some key pointers for exercising this summer.

I N C R E AS E YO U R WAT E R I N TA K E Regular mask wearing has been linked to faster fatigue and the need for more water. Unfortunately, common signs of dehydration can be hard to spot, so protective measures are key. Brain fog, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and even hunger can be signs of dehydration in disguise. Now if you’re reading this article having a chuckle that you’re forgetful at the best of times, I get it – even though I’m 31 there’s lots going on and plenty to forget!

TA K E R EG U L A R M AS K- F R E E B R E A KS W H E N I T’S SA F E TO D O SO This may not even mean taking your mask off completely. It may mean pulling it away from

your face to take some deep breaths and exhale any “stale” air in order to breathe in more fresh oxygen.

E X E RC I S E I N T H E M O R N I N G Summer afternoons have siesta written all over them. If you’re going to do some decent exercise or work in the garden, get it done in the morning after you have drunk some water and had a good meal. We know the sun hits its highest point at midday and none of us want to get caught out on the tail end of a workout when the summer sun is at its most fierce. Our body’s 24/7 mission is to keep us in a state of harmony and balance. This is called homeostasis. Any extra work it has to do to keep us here means it can’t put all of its resources towards what it is that you want to do. So keep hydration in mind before you get stuck into a hike, gardening, tennis or even swimming (you’re in water but you still need to drink some!).

Wishing you an active, adventurous and acclimatised summer! Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

TRAVEL LOG

DUNEDIN With its abundant Scottish history, wild coastal surroundings and vibrant inner city, Dunedin has a surprise, a story and something to see around just about every corner. ACCOMMODATION If you’re seeking style, comfort and a central location, you won’t get much better than the boutique hotel Fable Dunedin. Opened in 2020, this contemporary accommodation option has 50 luxurious rooms, all sumptuously decorated with touches of luxury and nods to the city’s Scottish heritage. Within walking distance of the Octagon, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the historic Dunedin Railway Station, the hotel is also completely set up with in-house dining for those who don’t wish to go anywhere at all! For something totally different, consider booking a night or two at Larnach Castle. While you don’t get to sleep in the actual castle, there are three different accommodation options to choose from, each with its own appeal: the budget-friendly Stable Stay rooms,

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

the Qualmark 4-star rated Larnach Lodge rooms or the luxurious Camp Estate. All include breakfast options, access to the castle and its gardens, and the opportunity to dine in the castle proper! You will need your own transport to get to the castle as it’s around 20 minutes’ drive from Dunedin city. EATING Start your day right with a visit to The Perc Café. Consistently rated as Dunedin’s best breakfast spot, The Perc has been serving up its breakfast staples and substantial bagels to customers since 1993. Located a stone’s throw from the Octagon, the café is the ideal place to start your inner-city exploration. A 10-minute drive from central Dunedin will take you to historical Glenfalloch Gardens. Book ahead for a delicious, relaxed lunch at Glenfalloch Café and Restaurant, and then spend your afternoon exploring the expansive 12ha gardens themselves, which were started in 1871. Owned by the Otago Peninsula Trust, this gorgeous woodland property is stunning in every season.

The Press Club is the restaurant at the aforementioned Fable Dunedin hotel. Located inside the historic Wains Hotel Building on Princes Street, this classy establishment was once frequented by poet Thomas Bracken (author of our national anthem), among other writers and journalists of the day – hence its name. The emphasis here is on sharing, with tapas-style plates and larger mains all expertly crafted from the best ingredients in the area. The Press Club is also famed for its cocktail and whisky list, so plan on staying awhile…

While you’re out on the Otago Peninsula visiting Larnach Castle, book in for a tour at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head. As the only mainland breeding colony of the northern royal albatross, this informative little attraction offers a fascinating insight into the life, times and plights of this incredible bird. And if you’re game, meander up Baldwin Street, named as the world’s steepest street. Enjoy the views from the seating area at the top, and be sure to pick up a postcard from the little shop on your return to the flat.

ACTIVITIES

Give Dunedin plenty of time so you can explore at your leisure the attractions we’ve mentioned, as well as the city’s modern art galleries, wondrous museums and fabulous shopping. You won’t be disappointed!.

A visit to New Zealand’s only castle is one of Dunedin’s must-do activities. As mentioned above, Larnach Castle is 20 minutes from Dunedin city centre, and it’s well worth the scenic drive. History buffs will enjoy the thorough self-guide brochure as they wander and marvel at the beautifully preserved and restored features. Be sure to allow enough time to explore the extensive grounds and stunning harbour views as well. The onsite Ballroom Café is perfect for morning tea or lunch, or high tea by prior arrangement.

STATS Region: Otago Airport: Dunedin Airport Main road: George Street Population: 134,100

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

SUDOKU

WORDWHEEL: 1. TOMAHAWK. 2. DIAMONDS. 3. MILLINER.

Across: 1. Sticking point, 8. Ambush, 14. Leave, 15. Muscular, 16. Enclose, 17. Barge, 18. Sap, 19. Calypso, 21. Come clean, 22. Engine, 25. First-class, 27. Sorcerer, 28. Enable, 31. Office, 33. Untruth, 34. Guilty, 35. Dram, 37. Oil, 39. Pond, 40. Cold war, 41. Explosion, 42. Eternal, 43. Fade away, 48. Labourer, 52. Peacock, 56. Fraternal, 57. Enhance, 58. Reel, 59. End, 60. Yarn, 61. Canter, 62. Sunbeam, 63. Eighty, 65. Simian, 66. Cardinal, 68. Omnipotent, 71. Astern, 72. Lowercase, 74. Drachma, 76. Gem, 79. Noise, 80. Madeira, 81. Conspire, 83. Sushi, 84. Repeat, 85. Half-heartedly. Down: 2. Tsunami, 3. Cocky, 4. Ill, 5. Garb, 6. One-horse town, 7. Nacre, 8. Average, 9. Baby, 10. Sprint, 11. False, 12. Despise, 13. Forlorn hope, 14. Lenient, 20. Sacred cow, 23. Casualty, 24. Decibel, 26. Swindle, 27. Square, 29. Barrier, 30. Utopia, 32. Flora, 34. Glint, 36. Miner, 38. Dodo, 43. Fifty, 44. Diagram, 45. Apex, 46. Annual, 47. Maker, 48. Liniment, 49. Beekeeper, 50. Upright, 51. Eject, 52. Plateau, 53. Odds and ends, 54. Kernel, 55. Chief of staff, 64. Martini, 65. Suggest, 67. Doormat, 69. Numeral, 70. Bruise, 71. Amuse, 73. China, 75. Copse, 77. Cede, 78. Ache, 82. Nor.

eight-letter word reading clockwise or CODECRACKER anticlockwise. Previous solution: DIAMONDS

CROSSWORD

Insert the missing letter to complete an

E R

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: BERIBERI

W A 1

H A ? T

? I N I

L L

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution:TOMAHAWK

1727

O MWordWheel 1725

D N

O ? S D

I A 2

1726

clockwise or anticlockwise WordWheel

WordWheel

the missing letter in each puzzle WORDWHEEL Insert to make an eight-letter word reading Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9

SUDOKU

Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

DOUBLECROSS

PUZZLES

BRAIN TEASE

17 18

23 25

30 31

37 39

41 42

47 52

48 53

59 60

64 65

70 71

76 79

78 80

83 84

ACROSS 1. Issue which can’t be agreed on (8,5) 8. Attack from concealed position (6) 14. Time off work (5) 15. Brawny (8) 16. Shut in (7) 17. River boat (5) 18. Weaken (3) 19. West Indian song (7) 21. Confess (colloq) (4,5) 22. Motor (6) 25. Of the highest quality (5-5) 27. Wizard (8) 28. Make possible (6) 31. Official position or role (6) 33. Falsehood (7) 34. Culpable (6) 35. Drink of whisky (4) 37. Lubricate (3) 39. Small pool (4) 40. Period of hostility (4,3) 41. Detonation (9) 42. Rome, the ___ city (7) 43. Gradually disappear (4,4)

48. Unskilled worker (8) 52. Cluedo character (7) 56. Brotherly (9) 57. Improve, upgrade (7) 58. Scottish dance (4) 59. Conclude (3) 60. Twisted fibres of wool (4) 61. Between trot and gallop (6) 62. Shaft of light (7) 63. Four score (6) 65. Ape-like (6) 66. Catholic churchman (8) 68. Having unlimited power (10) 71. Behind (nautical) (6) 72. Not capitalised (9) 74. Former Greek currency (7) 76. Jewel (3) 79. Sound (5) 80. White wine (7) 81. Plot (8) 83. Japanese meal (5) 84. Say again (6) 85. Without enthusiasm, indifferent (4-9)

DOWN 2. Tidal wave (7) 3. Overly confident (5) 4. Poorly (3) 5. Clothing (4) 6. Place where not much happens (3-5,4) 7. Mother-of-pearl (5) 8. Median (7) 9. Infant (4) 10. Run flat out (6) 11. Untrue (5) 12. Loathe (7) 13. Very faint chance (7,4) 14. Tolerant (7) 20. Something above criticism (6,3) 23. Victim of war (8) 24. Measure of sound (7) 26. Cheat (7) 27. Four-sided figure (6) 29. Obstruction (7) 30. Perfect world (6) 32. Plant life of an area (5) 34. Gleam (5) 36. Collier (5) 38. Extinct bird (4)

43. L, in Roman numerals (5) 44. Technical drawing (7) 45. Highest point (4) 46. Yearly (6) 47. Creator (5) 48. Embrocation (8) 49. Apiarist (9) 50. Vertical (7) 51. Throw out (5) 52. Area of high, flat ground (7) 53. Assorted items (4,3,4) 54. Edible part of a nut (6) 55. Senior military officer (5,2,5) 64. James Bond’s drink (7) 65. Propose (7) 67. Weak, ineffectual person (7) 69. Digit (7) 70. Contusion (6) 71. Entertain (5) 73. Porcelain (5) 75. Dense group of trees and bushes (5) 77. Yield (4) 78. A dull pain (4) 82. Neither (3)

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

PETS

PETS OF

SUMMERSET Whether he’s out on paw patrol at Summerset Palms, sunning himself on a windowsill or demanding his favourite treats at dinnertime, there’s never a dull moment for Griffin the Maine Coon cat. And despite weighing more than 7kg already, this fluffy young lad is still growing! “Maine Coons are quite different from other cats,” says Griffin’s mum Del Halford. “They chirp instead of meowing, and they certainly make their own rules. Griffin is technically still a kitten, and he has another three years of growing to do. At this rate we’ll be moving out to make room for the cat! “Griffin is just delightful and a real character. He’s not a lap cat, he’s very determined and he hates the cheaper pet food brands. His favourite foods are duck, turkey, and kangaroo. If you feed him something he doesn’t like, he will sit and

and true to his heritage, Griffin likes to

stare at his bowl and then stare back at us

bring in rodents and other ‘presents’ to

to let us know he’s not happy. He’s quite

the villa.

particular.

“He enjoys walking around the village at

“His name means ‘mythical majestic

night, and during the day he’s either

creature’, and we think it fits him

asleep or sitting on people’s windowsills.

perfectly. Vikings used to have Maine

He loves it here. He’s definitely living his

Coons on their ships to catch the rats,

best life!”

Summerset Scene | Summer Issue

DIRECTORY AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

BAY OF PLENTY

Summerset on the Landing

Summerset Mount Denby*

Summerset by the Sea

Wanaka Street, Tikipunga, Whangārei 0112 Phone (09) 470 0280

181 Park Road, Katikati 3129 Phone (07) 985 6890

1 Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022 Phone (04) 230 6720

Summerset Falls

Summerset by the Dunes

31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910 Phone (09) 425 1200

35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118 Phone (07) 542 9080

Summerset at Monterey Park 1 Squadron Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616 Phone (09) 951 8920 Summerset at Heritage Park 8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1060 Phone (09) 950 7960 Summerset by the Park 7 Flat Bush School Road, Manukau 2019 Phone (09) 272 3950 Summerset at Karaka 49 Pararekau Road, Karaka, RD1, Papakura 2580 Phone (09) 951 8900 Summerset Parnell* 23 Cheshire Street, Parnell 1052 Phone (09) 950 8212

HAWKE’ S BAY

Summerset in the Bay 79 Merlot Drive, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112 Phone (06) 845 2840 Summerset in the Orchard 1228 Ada Street, Parkvale, Hastings 4122 Phone (06) 974 1310 Summerset Palms 136 Eriksen Road, Te Awa, Napier 4110 Phone (06) 833 5850 Summerset in the Vines 249 Te Mata Road, Havelock North 4130 Phone (06) 877 1185 TARANAKI

Summerset St Johns*

Summerset Mountain View

188 St Johns Road, St Johns 1072 Phone (09) 950 7980

35 Fernbrook Drive, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310 Phone (06) 824 8900

Summerset Half Moon Bay*

Summerset at Pohutukawa Place

25 Thurston Place, Half Moon Bay,

70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4312 Phone (06) 824 8530

Auckland 2012 Phone (09) 306 1422 Summerset Milldale* Argent Lane, Milldale, Wainui 0992 Phone 0800 786 637 WAIKATO

Summerset down the Lane 206 Dixon Road, Fitzroy, Hamilton 3206 Phone (07) 843 0157 Summerset Rototuna 39 Kimbrae Drive, Rototuna North, Hamilton 3210 Phone (07) 981 7820 Summerset by the Lake 2 Wharewaka Road, Wharewaka, Taupō 3330 Phone (07) 376 9470 Summerset Cambridge* 80 Laurent Road, Cambridge 8493 Phone (07) 839 9482

* Proposed village

MANAWATU–WANGANUI

Summerset in the River City 40 Burton Avenue, Wanganui 4500 Phone (06) 343 3133 Summerset on Summerhill 180 Ruapehu Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410 Phone (06) 354 4964 Summerset Kelvin Grove* Stoney Creek Road, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4470 0800 786 367 Summerset by the Ranges 104 Liverpool Street, Levin 5510 Phone (06) 367 0337

Summerset at Aotea 15 Aotea Drive, Aotea, Porirua 5024 Phone (04) 235 0011 Summerset at the Course 20 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018 Phone (04) 527 2980 Summerset Boulcott* 1A Boulcott Street, Boulcott, Lower Hutt 5010 Phone (04) 568 1440 Summerset Waikanae* Park Avenue, Waikanae 5036 Phone (04) 293 0002 NELSON–TASMAN–MARLBOROUGH

Summerset in the Sun 16 Sargeson Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011 Phone (03) 538 0000 Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond 7020 Phone (03) 744 3430 Summerset Blenheim* 183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7201 Phone (03) 520 6042 CANTERBURY

Summerset at Wigram 135 Awatea Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8025 Phone (03) 741 0870 Summerset at Avonhead 120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042 Phone (03) 357 3200 Summerset on Cavendish 147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch 8051 Phone (03) 741 2330 Summerset Rangiora* 141 South Belt, Rangiora 7400 Phone (03) 364 1312 Summerset Prebbleton* 578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 7604 Phone (03) 353 6312

WELLINGTON

Summerset on the Coast

OTAGO

104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032 Phone (04) 298 3540

Summerset at Bishopscourt 36 Shetland Street, Wakari, Dunedin 9010 Phone (03) 950 3110