TAMAHERE VISTA - May 2021
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Welcome to the TAMAHERE VISTA May 2021 The year rolls on – it’s now nearly May. My all-time favourite time of the year! I hope you are enjoying the darker mornings and the cooler nights. It certainly makes it easier to sleep! Welcome to our new residents – we hope you will settle in and find homes for everything you have brought with you. We trust that you will be very happy in your new home – we think this Village is the best anywhere. We are not biased, just honest, and hope that you will soon feel right at home here too. So much has happened in the past month – we’ve had Easter and Anzac Day, the Inter Village Quiz at Forest Lake Gardens, and the AGM of our Residents’ Association. We have had the Easter Bonnet Parade and a Fashion Parade where our own models graced the catwalk!! News from each of these features inside this issue. There have been many outings and pop-up shops here during this time as well. Who said retirement was dull or boring!! The Covid-19 Vaccines became available for our age group and thanks to David and Karen who organised us all to have these. Talk about military planning! Our new Residents Committee is planning to have a regular Movie Time in the Community Centre on alternate weeks throughout the winter and would like your suggestions of suitable titles. Let Keith know of any suggestions on 021 263 1226 or leave a message for Amanda on 07 856 7379. The video shops are almost all closed now, but if you have seen a movie you would recommend, do please let Keith or Amanda know. In May we celebrate the 70th wedding anniversary of Len and Hilda Schroeder, who have lived here in the Village for 13 years. But their involvement in Tamahere Eventide goes back about ten years before that; Len came out here to play at sing-a-longs, and Hilda would accompany groups of residents from the Rest Home to Gallagher’s Pool, and also to Chartwell Square (especially if a resident in the group might become disorientated or wander). In their early days here, a neighbour of theirs (Mary Dalliessi) would always order fish and chips on Friday evenings – and someone would go and fetch these for her. Eventually other residents would join her and together enjoy their meal. As more people joined in, they would gather at what is now, the petanque area. The only other gathering space for residents at that time, was the Activity Room. Within a year or so, Hilda, who by then was Secretary of the “Social Club” (remember there were only 34 villas then), would organise monthly pot luck lunches on a Saturday. This became the main social gathering point for residents. When I moved in to the Village, these lunches were very popular - this Social Group were focussed even then, on building community. What we now know as the Residents’ Association had humble beginnings!! Thankyou Len and Hilda for your many years of care for others here at Tamahere. We congratulate you on your anniversary, and wish you both much love and happiness. Carole Fleming Editor 1
VILLAGE MANAGER’S COLUMN Quote of the Month “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” - Dolly Parton New Sales The following have all been sold. Harakeke 4 Colin and Heather Alley Harakeke 6 Sherrilyn Taylor Harakeke 28 Faye Cole-Baker Vaccinations - Covid-19 Thank you to all those who at short notice, came for their vaccination over the three days, without much fuss. In that time, 85% of all village residents have been vaccinated. For those who missed out, due to having the flu jab or other reasons, we will be contacting you over the next week to arrange a catch-up. If we have not contacted you and you require a vaccination, please ring David or Karen. We would like to thank Carole, Jean and Jenny for their assistance, without which Karen and I would have struggled. Your second vaccination is required any time after three weeks from the first one. Karen and I intend having the Te Rapa team come to the Community Centre on one day to vaccinate you all. This will be sometime in mid-May. The flu vaccine will be given on-site two weeks after that. David and Karen will inform you as soon as we have the dates. Thank you for your patience. Parking on the Grass As we move into winter, it is becoming apparent that our lawns are being damaged through the practice of some people parking on the lawns. We believe that there is sufficient car parking on site for vehicles. This parking is within an easy walk of your villas and apartments. Please ensure your visitors know that parking on the grass is unacceptable. Anzac Day Wasn’t Sunday a wonderful occasion with the Village remembering our fallen citizens. Thank you to Susan for our service, to Beverley for the wonderful poppies in the Community Centre, and for Karen for attending on the Village’s behalf, on her Sunday off. It sure beats standing at the end of your driveway, like our poor cousins over the ditch, in Australia! Lest we forget! David McGeorge 2
THE CHAPLAIN’S KORERO Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them. If you’ve done any travelling around New Zealand, you’ll know that most towns - no matter their size - have a pub, a church, a marae and always a war memorial. After the end of the First World War memorials were erected all over New Zealand to honour our war dead. They became an important place where family and friends could express their grief as well as a continuing reminder of the terrible cost of war. New Zealanders have generally been good at remembering those who lost their lives in one of the great wars. Over recent years, however, we’ve become more aware of just how widely the effects of those wars were felt. It wasn’t only our war dead and their families who suffered. So we’ve started to hear stories that haven’t been told before. We’ve heard heart-rending stories of the men who returned from war but, as their families discovered, having witnessed its horrors were never the same again. Some died of injuries, disease or suicide; others lived on haunted by their memories. We’ve also heard inspiring stories of the women who served overseas and of those who worked on the home front holding together their families and communities. Their role has frequently been overlooked but they also served with spirit and tenacity. And we’ve even heard very painful stories of those who refused to fight for reasons of faith or conscience and paid a heavy price for doing so. Theirs was also courage of a high order. Many of these stories are still coming to light and they’re a reminder that war is always a story of death and sorrow on all sides. Everyone suffers: the dead and the living; soldiers and civilians; allies and enemies; men, women and children. The tragedy of war is all-encompassing; no-one escapes its devastating social, physical, emotional and spiritual effects. This ANZAC Day then may we remember with tears and thanksgiving all those who have been and still are affected by war, not just those recorded on war memorials. May we never think lightly of the sacrifice of ordinary men and women who lost so much. And may we be inspired by our sad and painful memories to actively work for peace wherever we can, in our world, in our communities, in our whānau and most of all in our daily lives. For the price of war is too high, we know it from our own experience, for “flesh of [our] flesh they were, spirit of [our] spirit.” Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a rātou. We will remember them. Amen. Susan 3
News from the Tamahere Retirement Village Residents’ Association AGM Members of the new Committee of the Tamahere Retirement Village Residents’ Association pictured at the Annual General Meeting of the Association. From left – Keith Jones, Mary West (ex-officio member as Mary is the immediate past Chairperson), Rev. Amanda Bradley (the new Chairperson), Jenny Campbell, Lesley Mason, Mariette Poortman (Treasurer), Trevor Hornby (the new Secretary) and Margaret Blair. Chapel Volunteers Susan would like to form a team of volunteers who could help with tasks like: • greeting people before worship • reading from the Bible • offering their musical gifts • setting up the chapel …. If you would be interested in helping in the chapel, please talk to Susan or contact her on 027 538 8827, chaplain@tamahere.co.nz Covid Vaccine Time! This happened yesterday and is important information for our age group. A friend had his second dose of the vaccine at the vaccination centre after which he began to have blurred vision on the way home. When he got home, he called the vaccination centre for advice and to ask if he should go see a doctor, or be hospitalised. He was asked to immediately return to the vaccination centre, as he had left his glasses behind. If you would prefer to have your copy of the Vista emailed to you each month, please let the editor know, at christchurchlass@gmail.com 4
FROM OUR RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON Greetings to all fellow residents Well, the AGM is over for another year and you have met your new Committee members. Having met together once, I assure you we have some very skilled, knowledgeable people on the Committee who bring a variety of strengths to it and all are keen to help residents in any way they can to make life easier for you. If you have concerns, please put them in writing so that they can be dealt with, in a timely manner, at our regular monthly meetings. Urgent things can be dealt with as soon as possible after they arise and we know about them. While we all see each other around the village from time to time often we are off somewhere and people’s concerns can be forgotten as things get in the way before we get home to write it down, so, please, just pop your concerns into my letterbox, (Villa One). The cat is called Lulu and is harmless! She will definitely come to see what you are up to! She loves strokes and does not scratch. Flyers are sent out weekly by Jean and Carole who also compiles the Vista for us. This covers all the regular events and helps us, as a growing ‘body of souls’ to keep up to date with what is on offer for you. This is a great gift to us and we do thank Carole and Jean for their work for us in this area. The Vista and flyers cover most of what you will need to know, to feel part of the Village, so my report monthly in the Vista might be shorter than you are used to. We are all busy people in one way or another but let us all stick together to keep this Village the best and most friendly in NZ as, I think, it already takes the Gold Medal for that place. We are a diverse group of people so naturally we are closer to some than to others as our numbers grow, but a friendly smile as you pass, a short call on a neighbour who cannot get out often, or whose family are far away, a short phone call to make sure your neighbour is well, or an offer to collect the mail when they go away, does wonders to lift the spirits. We are not strangers - we are all just friends, some of whom we have yet to meet. Some of the best friendships are made in older age. As our Glorious Leader says often, ‘We are all in this together!’ Blessings to each one of you - Amanda (Bradley) Chairperson 5
A Very Special Celebration for a Very Special Couple! On Wednesday 12 May, Len and Hilda Schroeder will be celebrating a big milestone – their 70th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! We invite members of our community to come and join with us for Afternoon Tea in the Café at 2.30pm on that day. If you would like to come, please ring 856 1398 or email lhschroeder@kinect.co.nz by 8 May, so we know how many to cater for. CONGRATULATIONS to HILDA AND LEN on their 70th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 70 years together you’ve been, Enduring love is plain to be seen. Supporting each other in joy and tears, Right through life to the twilight years. May God continue to bless the both of you. As together you show “His love shining through”. One of our many talented residents put pen to paper about three in the morning, when she came up with this poem to honour Len and Hilda. (Ann, we are very impressed, and thank you!) And Karen was handy with her camera the day Hilda arrived on her new limousine. It looks a little like the baby version of the one Karen herself drives around the Village!! 6
NEWS FROM KAREN The months are ticking by, and now its nearly May! There seems to be so much planned for May – just keep your diary at the ready! Dates to n0te down: Friday 14 May - Our visit to the Cornerstone Alpaca Farm at Gordonton – van will leave at 10.30am. The cost is $7 entrance, and $3 travel. Friday 14 May - A movie will be shown at 4pm in the community centre. The plan is to show movies every 2-3 weeks during the winter. The next one is on Friday 4 June. Ice-creams will be available $2.00 per person. Monday 17 May (and 24 May) – Leaving at 10.15am, we set off to visit the Hamilton Gardens. Tuesday 18 May - Murray’s Shoes will be in the community centre. Thursday 20 May - Pink Ribbon brunch. 9.30-11.30am. Cost $20 per ticket. For every ticket sold, the Cherry Blossom Café will donate $5 to the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Foundation. Buy your tickets at the Café. Pink ribbons and a Breast Cancer Foundation Donation box will be available on the Café counter. Bingo – What better way to keep the brain cells charged! Our Bingo group meet every Thursday at 1.30pm in the Library in the Community Centre. It certainly is a lot of fun, and amazing friendships have grown over Bingo cards. Of course, there are chocolates for prizes! Happy Hour Our month wraps up with a Happy Hour on Friday 28 May from 3.30pm in the Community Centre. Have a very happy May. Karen Village Activities Organiser Ph: 027 437 4634 Bowls Report The weather is cooling and it's just perfect for playing bowls. Come along and join us. Put your name in by 8:50am so we can start our roll up at 9am. I can assure you we have a lot of fun. Helen Periam Bowls Convenor 7
NEWS FROM THE BOOK GROUP These were the books we reviewed in our April meeting: The Uncommon Beauty of Clouds – Alexander McCall Smith (Isabelle) Another story about Isabel Dalhousie, the endearing philosopher and amateur sleuth from Edinburgh. This time, a very valuable and much prized painting has been stolen. We read more of Isabelle’s life with her husband, Jamie, and their three and three quarters year old son, Charlie – also Grace - servant, nanny and companion. Well worth reading. A Country Nurse – Thea Hayes (Isabelle) The writer continues her story of twenty years on Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory. She leaves in 1979, married with four children for a new life in Queensland. Thea’s rich and inspiring life includes dairy and cattle farming, running a corner shop, nursing in hospitals and nursing homes, travelling to London and Europe. An interesting read. The Good Doctor – Lance O’Sullivan (Beatrice) Although from a troubled start, he, with sponsorship and model secondary school training, became a man with a mission to give health care to the under-privileged, and as such is much respected and honoured in New Zealand. (This book is here on loan.). Coming Home to Tibet – Tsering Wangmo Dhompa (Beatrice) A daughter’s tribute and poetic memoir to a mother and a homeland. A story of love, family, refuge and dreams. A fascinating insight into a country overcome by Chinese invaders and ever cherished. The Quake Years – Fiona Farrell (Gladys) Interesting reminiscences of the earthquakes and the following year by several Christchurch and Canterbury citizens of varied backgrounds and occupations. Illustrated by full page photograph from each contributor. At First Light – Vanessa Lafaye (Kay) This story is inspired by real events which took place in Key West, Florida, during 1919-1921. The book begins in 1993 when a 96 year old Cuban woman, in broad daylight, shoots a Ku Klux Klan official. She will say nothing except to admit her guilt. In 1919, mixed race Alicia Cortex arrives in Key West. At the same time, war hero John Morales returns home from Europe on the last US troop ship. Love occurs in this time of racial segregation. Then the Ku Klux Klan come to town! Choir Report Welcome to Sue and Brian who have joined us this year. We have started our weekly practices at 3:20pm in the Cafe / Community Centre on a Monday afternoon. Our selection of songs are relating to different countries around the world and have many well- known ones among them. Ann Bunney Choir Convenor 8
Tamahere Scooter Club Many of us relished the last of the summer/autumn weather that blessed us last Saturday, with a good number of people and their scooters having a try at the obstacle course. New scooters and old, people young and older, all willing to have fun. The sound of a squeaker when people went off the set track, and laughter when backing of some scooters that go so fast that they need to have suppressors attached!! This was a great couple of hours of fun, enjoyed by everyone involved. The afternoon tea with cream and jam on the scones, thank you ladies for providing them. We even had time to continue guessing on when our new motorway will be completed and when we can ride our scooters down the footpath to Tamahere Village or Mark and Meg’s place (off Tauwhare Road). Here’s hoping the weather continues to bless us when we gather again at our usual venue beside the bowling green at 2pm on Saturday 8 May. However, rain, hail or shine, we will get together and enjoy some fun, laughter, a cuppa and a biscuit. Don’t forget, there’s chocolate and a cup as long as you clean it before the next month for the winner on the day! If you haven’t been for a while please come and join the fun. The more the merrier!! Remember, everyone is invited, all are welcome, bring a friend, share a scooter, and have some fun with us. Colin Neal Scooter Club Convenor Vision Impaired Group We held our April meeting in the Harakeke Downstairs Lounge for the first time. If you have vision problems do come and join us. Members offer mutual support for issues they may have dealing with their sight loss. Sometimes, we have a guest speaker. Some are village residents; others are from the wider community. Our guest speaker this month was Hilary Simpson who entertained us with a talk about her cruise to Antarctica to visit the penguin colonies. This was most interesting. Thank you, Hilary. • Our next monthly meeting will be at 2.30pm on Tuesday May 11th in the Harakeke Downstairs Lounge. • Our weekly coffee mornings are held in the café on Thursdays at 10.30am. Jill Wilson On behalf of Vision Impaired Group. Phone 856 4080 9
Let’s take a look in our Village Photo Album for April Inter – Village Quiz Tamahere entered two teams in the recent Inter-Village Quiz – one of these teams was placed second to Summerset Down the Lane. Well done to you all. This was an exceptional result given the level of difficulty of the questions. But, no matter, wait till next time!!!!! Easter Bonnet Afternoon There were some delightful creations modelled at the Easter Bonnet afternoon. We have some exceedingly creative people living here. We even had one hat decorated with coloured eggs that were actually flashing. The beautiful creation on the left, above, is an Easter Cake, baked, iced and decorated for us by our own Ferrica. It was almost too good to cut (almost!) Spotted at the recent Inter Village Quiz! When the brain gets a bit blurry, and you need some light relief, why not try this?? 10
Swans On the left, no, this isn’t a game of “Follow the leader” – its actually the swans during recent floods in England. And on the right, an amazing Swan Plant laden with chrysalises. Check it out when you are passing Villa 42! The Covid-19 Vaccinations Looking totally unphased by the notion of a Covid-19 vaccination, two of our village ladies used their waiting time there, wisely. While David and Dorothy are proudly showing that they have just had their vaccinations. Anzac Day 2021 Anzac Day 2021 was marked in the Village with a very moving Service lead by our Chaplain, Rev. Dr Susan Thompson. Two wreaths had been placed at the foot of the flagpole by family members, with touching tributes to their lost ones. During the Service, wreaths made by the Nikau (Hospital) staff and residents were taken and laid at the foot of the altar. The very large congregation was invited to share a cuppa and an Anzac Biscuit in the Cherry Blossom Café afterwards. 11
Our Fashion Parade (with fashions from Caroline Eve). The Tamahere Fashion Parade was extremely well supported. A huge thank you to Caroline Eve of Chartwell and congratulations to the Tamahere ladies who modelled the clothes for us. A fun afternoon! Our models looked very classy!! Quiz Session If you are keen to sharpen your general knowledge and quizzing skills, do join us in the Community Centre on the third Saturday of the month – at the new time of 2.30pm. (And there are prizes!!!) The change on time is to enable residents to enjoy the Phoenix Players, who perform at 1.30pm in the Chapel, that same day. 12
How to stay active this winter When it’s cold you may want to curl up under a blanket and reach for the remote. But adding physical activity along with your daily routine is important for your health and wellbeing year around. Below are some tips to be fit this winter. Kiran Kaushik Rehab Co-ordinator 13
A boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had not phoned in sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialled the employee’s cell phone number and was greeted with a child’s whisper. “Hello. Is your daddy home?” he asked. “Yes”, whispered the small voice. “May I talk with him?” The child whispered, “No.” Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, “Is your Mummy there?” “Yes,” whispered the small voice. “May I talk with her?” Again, the small voice whispered, “No.” Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, “Is there anybody else there?” “Yes,” whispered the child, “a policeman”. Wondering what the police would be doing at his employee’s home, the boss asked, “May I speak with the policeman?” “No, he’s busy”, whispered the child. “Busy doing what?” “Talking to Daddy and Mummy and the fireman,” the whisper answered. Growing more worried as he heard what sounded like a helicopter through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked “What is that noise?” “A helicopter,” answered the whispering voice. “What is going on there?” demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive. Again, whispering, the child answered, “the search team just landed the helicopter.” Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated, the boss asked “What are they searching for?” Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle. “Me.” (It’s easier to understand the punch line, if this is read aloud) Olaf the Norseman is shopping at a supermarket when he comes across an old lady in a wheelchair, almost in tears. "What's the matter?" asks Olaf. "Oh," sobs the old lady. "I want to have a look at the frozen puddings but, as you can see, there are three steps down into the chiller cabinets." "No problem," says Olaf, lifting her onto his back. "I'll take you." Olaf strolls through the chiller cabinets with the old lady on his back. She selects several puddings and puts them in the basket he is carrying for her. At the other end, the old lady's husband is waiting with her wheelchair. "I'd really like to thank you," says the old lady as Olaf sets her back down in the chair, "but I don't even know who you are!" Olaf just waves and walks off. "I was really worried about you," says the old lady's husband. "What have you been doing?" She replies, "Well, I've been through the desserts on a Norse with no name." Have you ever wondered why some people have tattoos? Recently I was in a shop and was aware that the shop assistant had a very large tattoo of a woman’s face on her upper arm. I commented that this was a different type of tattoo, and the young woman smiled and told me that she had been adopted at birth. By the time she tracked down her birth mother, she found that her mother had died in her twenties, from a brain aneurysm. She explained that the family later gave her some photos of her mother, one of which she took with her to a tattooist and asked him to copy this on to her arm. She started to weep, as she lowered her voice and said that in life, she had never been able to kiss her mother, but, as she lifted her arm to her face, she said that she can now kiss her all the time. We were both weeping by this stage. (Editor) 14
Tamahere Retirement Village – Calendar of Events for May 2021 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday C = Chapel Gym = Gymnasium, next to Activities Room and opposite Manuka Wing 1 HDL = Harakeke Downstairs Lounge cc = Small Lounge in Community Centre 10.0 Petanque– near V28 CC= Community Centre 2 3 4 5 6 PODIATRIST HERE 7 8 SUNDAY ROAST 9.15 Balance Class /CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 9.15 Sit and be Fit / CC 9.15 Back Strength /CC 10.0 Petanque– near V28 10.00 Exercises /Gym 10.30 New World 8.50 Lawn Bowls 10.00 Knit & Natter /HDL 4.00 Chapel Service 1pm Bd Games, Pool /CC 10.30 Chartwell 7.00 Pool /CC 10.30 VIG Coffee /CC 11.00 Catholic Liturgy with led by Rev. Dr Susan 1.30 Big John /C 11.00 Catholic Mass /C 1.30 Bingo /cc Communion/C – Sue Thompson 3.20 Choir Practice / CC (Mons Frank) 1.30 Wendy /C Kenrick 2.00 Scooter Club 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 SUNDAY ROAST 9.15 Balance Class /CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 9.15 Sit and be Fit / CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 9.15 Back Strength /CC 10.0 Petanque– near V28 4.00 Chapel Service 10.00 Exercises /Gym 10.30 New World 1.30 Bingo /cc 10.00 Knit & Natter /HDL 1.30 Phoenix Players /C led by Rev. Alisi Lasi 1pm Bd Games, Pool /CC 10.30 Chartwell 10.30 Coffee & Chat /CC 1.30 Two’s Company /C 10.30 Alpaca Farm Trip 2.30 Quiz Session /CC 1.30 Lorene /C 2.30 Vision Imp Gp/ HDL 7.00 Pool /CC 3.00 Book Club /cc 4.00 Movie Time /CC 3.20 Choir Practice /CC 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 SUNDAY ROAST 9.15 Balance Class /CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 9.15 Sit and be Fit / CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 10.0 Petanque– near V28 10.30 Anita Austin 1pm Bd Games, Pool /CC 10.00 Exercises /Gym 10.30 New World 10.30 VIG Coffee /CC 9.15 Back Strength /CC Entertains 1.30 Danny Savage /C 10.30 Chartwell 11.00 Holy Communion /C 1.30 Charles /C 10.00 Knit & Natter /HDL 11.00 Catholic Liturgy with 3.20 Choir Practice / CC 11.00 Catholic Mass /C (Rev. Dr Susan Thompson) 1.30 Bingo /cc 1.00 Vocal Duo /C Communion /C led by Lynn 4.00 Chapel Service (Mons Frank) 7.00 Pool /CC Fromont led by Rev. Shelley Walker 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 SUNDAY ROAST 1pm Bd Games, Pool /CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 9.15 Sit and be Fit / CC 8.50 Lawn Bowls 9.15 Back Strength /CC 4.00 Chapel Service 1.30 Margaret Love /C 10.00 Exercises /Gym 10.30 New World 10.30 VIG Coffee /CC 10.00 Knit & Natter /HDL led by Rev. Metui 3.20 Choir Practice /CC 10.30 Chartwell 10.30 Coffee & Chat /CC 1.30 Bingo /cc 3.30 Happy Hour /CC Tafuna (Pentecost 3.10 Fairfield Production 1.30 Glen Carley /C /Wesley Day) 7.00 Pool /CC 30 31 Note: There normally is no entertainment arranged for Rest Home residents on Sundays. SUNDAY ROAST 9.15 Balance Class /CC However, on Sunday 16 May at 10.30am, Anita Austin will be in the Chapel to entertain all residents. 4.00 Chapel Service 1pm Bd Games, Pool /CC led by Liz Lightfoot 3.20 Choir Practice / CC Anita travels throughout New Zealand, entertaining at Rest Homes. 15
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