NSW/ACT Edition – FEBRUARY 2012

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of

Australia’s most successful writers – 20 bestsellers in

20 years! Full story page 4.

“Off the Beaten Track” 4WD travel feature“Feel Good, Look Good” health & wellbeing featureBook Reviews, Puzzles and more!

Di Morrissey

Also inside

Win a copy of Di’slatest book

2

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3Feb r u a r y 2012

Welcome to Hey! BoomersBaby Boomers are defi ned as people born between1946 and 1964...Welcome to the February edition of “Hey! Boomers”.

This edition kicks off with our cover story on one of Australia’s most successful authors, Di Morrissey. Di has lead an extraordinary life, travelled near and far and has enjoyed literary success for more than 20 years.

Our travel section, starting on page 13, has the second of three instalments on our “London Calling” story by guest travel writer George Kimpton and our “It’s Entertainment” section is jam packed with all the latest entertainment information.

This month our “Feel Good Look Good” section features Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Let’s Beat Bowel Cancer with Ambassador Jimoin and a chance to win a great golfi ng package to help you stay fi t and healthy.

Check out our “Up For Grabs” page for some great give aways, page 30.

We hope you enjoy the latest edition of Hey! Boomers.

Inside this issue...

ISSUE 3FEBRUARY 2012

Hey! Boomersis published by

Adcom Publishing Pty Ltd.Tel: 1300 972 141

Suite 169,3 Holtermann Street,

Crows Nest NSW 2065

DisclaimerThis publication is intended as an information source only and is not in any way an endorsement of any product or service mentioned. Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is up to date and correct at time of printing. The publisher does not accept responsibility for an errors, omissions or inaccuracies. No representation is made as to the quality or suitability for any purpose of any goods or services offered by any organisations in this publication.

21Fe b r u a r y 2012

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Book Reviews ..........Page 28

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“Up For Grabs”Give Aways ..............Page 30

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4

Although Di has always enjoyed telling and

writing stories, it was a long journey for Di to become a published and successful author.

Di was born in Wingham in the Manning Valley NSW and at fi ve moved with her parents to Pittwater. This was a remote and magical part of Sydney, which in those days was populated by rather bohemian characters. One of these, the Australian actor Chips Rafferty, taught her dozens of Australian poems and shared his experiences in the Australian outback .

The poet Dorothea Mackeller, whose poem, ‘My Country’ has such an important place in Australian literature, also lived near them. She encouraged Di to write down her stories so that other people could enjoy them, too.

The sudden death of Di’s father and brother radically changed her life. Di’s aunt encouraged her mother to join her in Los Angeles. Here her mum studied and learned about the new phenomenon, TV. The two returned a year later, and Di’s mother carved out a name for herself in the Australian Film and TV industry, initially as the fi rst female TV/fi lm director at the Artransa Studios and then in the marketing and administration of local fi lms for the Australian Film Commission and Film Australia.

When Di left school, her fi rst job was with Australian Consolidated Press, which produced newspapers such as the Daily Telegraph and magazines like the Australian Women’s Weekly. Starting as a copy girl at their headquarters in Sydney, she was able to convince the chief of staff to give her a cadetship. Di underwent four years of training as a journalist.

Research, writing and communicating became

the tools of the trade, skills which she later brought to her novels. But like many Australians at that time, the UK beckoned, and Di worked for the next four years in Fleet St. for the Daily Mail group, enjoying the excitement of swinging London. On her way back to Australia, she met up again with Peter Morrissey, an American Peace Corps worker who was holidaying in Singapore. Two weeks later, they were engaged.

After they were married, they lived for a while in Honolulu, where Di worked as a TV presenter for the CBS affi liate. Peter then joined the State Department and Di became a foreign service wife. There followed twelve stimulating and fascinating years travelling between Washington DC and foreign postings in Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Guyana.

But in spite of these exotic locations, Di was not happy. She missed Australia and decided that she had to come home. Back in Sydney, however, Di needed to make a living straight away, so she joined Australia’s fi rst current affairs breakfast TV

show, Network Ten’s Good Morning Australia, hoping to write in her spare time. But this proved to be impossible as each day started at 3am and fi nished late. The madness lasted seven years until a friend, who was a literary agent, suggested that a treatment Di had written for a TV series, should be turned into a book.

Di decided to take the plunge. She resigned from Good Morning Australia, moved north to Byron Bay and started to write her book, for which a publisher had been found. It was a lot of very hard work, but ‘Heart of the Dreaming’, which was released in 1991, was a huge success. Twenty years and twenty best sellers later, (plus a children’s book – “Buster and the Queen Bee”) it’s still hard work, but Di couldn’t imagine doing anything differently.

Initially her books were all about Australians living in Australia, but Di realised that Australians had made their mark in other parts of the world, and so she began to set her stories in more exotic locations overseas. Places where Australians lived and worked. Di always visits the

hey!

The Opal Desert is the story of three women from different generations with unresolved issues in their lives who meet in the fi ctitious NSW town of Opal Lake. The

friendship that develops between these three women, who meet in the strangely beautiful but desolate landscape of

the opal fi elds, helps them resolve and come to terms with the next stage of their lives.

Hey! Boomers has one copy of The Opal Desert to give away. To win, simply write your details on the back of an envelope, along with the CODE WORD: OPAL and post it to: Hey! Boomers, Suite 169, 3 Holtermann Street,

Crows Nest NSW 2065.

Celebrating 20 years of our darling DiDi Morrissey is one of the most successful writers Australia has ever produced. With sales of several million copies, she is a regular on top of the bestseller list, with each book outsell-ing the previous one.

places where she sets her books, talks to the locals, and absorbs the history and culture and the ambiance of every location. Di’s latest book “The Opal Desert” is out now.

Vote forDi Morrissey as a Living Treasure!Di Morrissey is without

a doubt one of Australia’s living treasures! Voting is open to the public for Di to

join the prestigious list of National Living Treasures. Only seven people will be chosen from the current list of nominees, and it’s only the second time in 15 years since the list has been reviewed.

Cast your vote here! http://womansday.ninem-sn.com.au/celebrity/celeb-rityheadlines/8405013/na-

tional-living-treasures

Pictured right: Di with Kerri Ann Kennerley

5Feb r u a r y 2012

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Road Runner Leisure Tours is an all Australian family owned business,

operating from Wyong on the sunny Central Coast of NSW since January 1998.

In 1912 George Palmer commenced Palmers Valley Bus Service, it was a horse drawn cart, the only form of public transport in the region for many years. George�s son Reice took over in1920 with a model T Ford and in 1971 Reice�s son Ashley, assumed responsibility for the business, changed the name to Palmers Leisure Tours. In October 2002 Road Runner Leisure Tours purchased Palmers Leisure Tours and today still trade as Palmers Leisure Tours. Ashley in his 70�s still drives for Road Runner. In 2012 they proudly celebrate 100 years of service and touring to all the greatest parts of our vast sunburnt country.

Road Runner Leisure Tours personal, friendly & professional service guarantees a tour taken with them will be light-hearted and peaceful, all the while being full of fun and adventure not to be forgotten. Upon arrival home passengers say they feel as though they have been on a remarkable holiday to remember, unlike any other tour before.

“First let me thank you for a wonderful trip. Since coming home I have downloaded my photos all portraying the experiences and sights covered. The trip certainly brings to life the vastness and varied landscape of our country.” - Passenger

At Road Runner they pride themselves on the warm hospitality of their entirely family owned business, friendly coach drivers &

courteous offi ce staff. As well as the ventures taken to landmark destinations Australia wide, in one of six luxury coaches. The staff have been commended on their easy-going attitudes and local knowledge as they point out all the charms and quirks of the area along the way.

“Your knowledge of the outback and attention to the security of your group made for easy travelling.“ - Passenger

With careful planning the tours always take place at the best time of year to get the best experience out of your holiday, running from 2 to 65 glorious days with a maximum of 40 passengers on one of their 48 seat coach on all tours. On their tours you are taken at a breathe easy pace, to the best places to see during the day but arrive to your motel early so as to enjoy the towns atmosphere and maybe a happy hour before a scrumptious dinner.

On tour with Road Runner you will enjoy 3.5 star or better accommodation, full cooked breakfast with 2 and 3 course dinners with loads of attractions and no need for any optional trips, as per the itinerary.

The delight of your holiday starts from right outside your front door (in your pick up area) with their free home pickup and drop off offer, just another little way of taking the stress out of travel and letting it be the adventure it should be.

If you live outside their pick up area no problem. They have a free night pre tour accommodation on all tours over 8 days

“A very good trip, value for money.”-

Passenger on the Outback SpectacularDiscover the sea of wonder and uniqueness

that Australia has to offer by giving yourself a present on their birthday and joining a Road Runner Leisure Tour. Their family, staff and drivers are there to assist you with every part of your travel including Travel Insurance, arranging tickets for transfers from your home town to Wyong, pick up from the station if travelling by train and take you to the motel.

We welcome Malcolm Leete into our family. Malcolm has been in the airline and travel industry for many years and is well known in the area.

More recently Rosemary Lee has joined the Road Runner team.

Both Rosemary & Malcolm have a vast knowledge of coach travel throughout Australia & look forward to welcoming you on board a Road Runner tour.ROAD RUNNER TOURS OPEN DAY –

CELEBRATING 100 YEARSRoad Runner Leisure Tours would like to

invite you to join in a day to celebrate 100 years of service and touring.

The day will start at 10.00 am on Tuesday 13 March 2012 at our Depot, 2 Naples Place, Wyong, and conclude with a sausage sizzle lunch. Every person present will go in the draw for a 19 Day Gulf Savannah Safari Tour valued at approx $2600.00

Kevin and his staff will be on hand to answer your enquiries regarding coach charter, day tours and extended tours. Take a look at our facilities and coaches and collect your itineraries for 2012. You could be the winner of one of the many giveaways on the day.

Bookings are essential, please call our offi ce on 4353 9050 by Friday 9 March 2012 to reserve your seat.

100 Years of “Road Running”

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Having said that, acute or chronic pain is a different matter! Usually associated with back, neck or knee pain, sporting injuries or degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain conditions may not respond to conventional therapies.

The e-cell, a relatively new technology that had its beginnings with NASA in the early 80’s, has been on the market since 2006, with a high success rate.

Shirley Hawker of Medic Technology International explains that the e-cell is not much larger than a bar of soap and is completely portable. Its objective is to speed the body’s natural healing processes, improving bone growth, tissue repair, blood fl ow and tendon fl exibility, thereby dealing with the underlying causes of pain.

Designed in Western Australia, the e-cell is registered by the TGA as a Medical Device Class 2A. You can contact Shirley on 1300 764 117 or www.medictechnology.com

Only 90 minutes south of Sydney and 2 ½ hours from Canberra, Kiama is set on one of

Australia’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. The Region is a rich mosaic of rugged sea cliffs, golden sandy beaches, dairy pastures and historic towns.

The lush green hills that literally surround the beaches and township offer a spectacular backdrop while the modest development has helped Kiama maintain its charm and reputation as a casual, relaxing resort town with a true community feel.

There are plenty of activities to entertain visitors of all ages and many eateries and cafes to choose from for that perfectly made coffee or popular al fresco dining, and when visiting the area there is nowhere better to stay than at one of the fi ve Kiama Coast Holiday Parks, which are all located along this stunning coastline – at Blowhole Point, Surf Beach, Kendall’s Beach, Werri Beach & Seven Mile Beach.

The Parks offer some of the best appointed cabins in Australia, with all cabins offering spacious living areas, reverse cycle airconditioning, Austar, some with gas log fi res, spa’s and free in-house movies. All linen is supplied, all kitchens are fully self contained and each private verandah is equipped with a bbq and an outdoor seating. Standard cabins, Eco Safari Tents and Surf Shaks are also available, for the more budget conscious, with a choice of ensuited, powered and unpowered sites for the avid caravanners & campers.

If you have ever imagined the perfect seaside holiday with the ocean on your doorstep, eateries and shops just a short stroll away and discovery & adventure only a few minutes drive or the chance to just simply relax and unwind, then stop imagining, because you have found it all and more along this magnifi cent Kiama Coast.

See Kiama Coast Holiday Parks’ ad on page 13.

Kiama Coast appeals to visitors of all ages

6

Story by Emma Brown

A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, so says

Mary Poppins, but for children with life-threatening illnesses hearing from a mischievous cartoon koala is proving to sweeten their lives.

“You’re extraordinary”, Sophie Chilcott – a three-year-old recovering from a liver transplant, heard beaming down the phone. She giggled with delight to hear from Blinky Bill. The moment was extra special as she had just enjoyed an episode of his antics.

Sophie’s mum Amanda Barr says that the famous koala is a big part of her daughter’s life. “It excites her so much getting a call from Blinky, she has a buzz about her all day,” she said.

The animated koala’s catchphrase is one of Robyn Moore’s, the voice of Blinky Bill, favourite phrases. Moore shares the power of these positive words as the national patron of the Make-A-Wish Australia and as a motivational speaker to ‘anyone who’s breathing’, she says.

Robyn lifts Sophie’s spirits when she ‘ensures’ Blinky gives her a call and he often does backed up by hundreds of people yelling into the phone: ‘Sophie, you’re extraordinary’. Robyn leaves the surprise messages whilst she is on the road talking to schools and charities from suicide prevention to drought relief across the country – where the audience joins in the call.

Studies show that the thrill and anticipation of a sick child hearing from a favourite character or being granted their wish is often proving benefi cial for their well-being and sometimes in their recovery, says Robyn.

The youngster was born with Biliary Atresia. Around one in 20,000 people have the disease that destroys the bile ducts and liver. Sophie couldn’t eat solid food before she received an organ from a donor in July.

“The donation was the best gift ever,” said Amanda. “She went from being yellow to a new girl jumping around, to the way she should have always been.”

Sophie has to take 20 medications a day, blood tests every two weeks, leg injections, ultrasounds and liver biopsies. Amanda says it’s so hard to watch her undertake the treatment, especially when Sophie’s says: “no, mummy, no” but the calls from Blinky and her upcoming wish turn it

all around.The family are anxiously

awaiting the one-year anniversary of her major operation so she can live her dream, granted by Make-A-Wish, to dance with SpongeBob SquarePants at Dreamworld - to the song ‘Best Day Ever’. They have to wait till her immune system is developed enough so she can go into a heated pool without the threat of infection.

Amanda said the whole family is looking forward to the trip. “Sophie’s been unwell all her life – so we couldn’t do things like go on holidays.”

“Thank you for making our journey easier. When Sophie hears the answering machine she runs out and says is that Blinky? Her face light’s up. Its so nice that Robyn takes the time, it’s the calls that are better than anything else and leaves Sophie smiling for days.”

I’m sorry fur ballWhen it came to fi nding

the mischievous koala’s voice Robyn (an ex-school teacher) based it on the animated tones of her favourite student Scott. He would exclaim: “Mrs Moore, look at this bird’s nest.” (Robyn effortlessly jumps into Blinky’s character to tell her story.)

Teachers warned her ‘you may as well give up on this one he only has an IQ of 55’. “Scott turned out to be the brightest little boy I ever taught. He was unstoppable, he knew everything about nature,” she said.

“He was like a little Steve Irwin – however, he couldn’t read and write so couldn’t do an IQ test but he had an extraordinary gift.” However Moore did teach Scott literacy skills.

Like a modern day fairy godmother she grants wishes, hosts fairy tea parties and inspires people to believe in themselves and to make positive changes.

“You get to make up every day who you’re going to be and which empowering word you’re going to be,” she says.

Adults relate to Blinky as well as children, says Robyn. Whilst speaking in Katherine to the School of the Air, a middle-aged father recently confessed to her:

“I love Blinky more than my son does”.

From marsupials to Prime Ministers

“Thank you, of course it’s so nice to be here” Robyn perfectly mimics the slow drawl of the Prime Minister, as the voice-over artist for the award –winning How Green Was my Cactus satire radio program in the 5066th episode.

She co-hosts the longest running comedy program in

Australian radio history with Keith Scott. The pair of voice maestros have worked together for over 25 years on including a series of Yoram Gross fi lms. Together they speak in hundreds of characters tongues. “In 40 years of Voice-overs you lose count,” said Robyn.

Robyn sends up voices from Penny Ping Pong (Penny Wong) to the Queen and Keith performs the thick Austrian accent of Arnold Schwarzenegger to former PM John Howard.

“The sky is falling! The sky is falling! It’s the end of the world” – Scott impersonates the panicky tone of Tony Abbott, in Cactus.

Scott puts the programs’ longevity down to the anti-authoritarian humour. “As the politicians become more like media fi gures– to see a team like us tearing them down is defi nitely popular,” he said.

However Keith feels that with the rise of reality TV the larger than life distinctive

voices are thinner on the ground. “The voices of Gough Whitlam, Michael Caine and Sean Connery are so distinctive and Bob Hawke was one of my favourites as he was so broad.” The show’s creator and head writer Doug Edwards – says that politician’s phrases such as ‘you’re a scumbag’ by Paul Keating was a gift for radio satire.

Robyn, it’s safe to say, has been in every Australian’s lounge room as either a babysitter through Yoram Gross’s classic series, as the voice of the mother who saves the day in the Spray and Wipe commercial or sending up our politicians on radio.

It all started when Robyn was home schooled on a remote cattle station. “I would sit my toys up and create voices for them all, so I was destined to become a voice over artist.” Pictured clockwise from top: Robyn records “Cactus”, Robyn “and friends” from Blinky Bill [Permission of Flying Bark Productions], young Sophie with her new liver, smiley Sophie

The voice of Blinky Bill still puts smiles on Australian faces

7Feb r u a r y 2012

UPDATE ON NSW FLOODS

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner

have thanked residents of fl ood-affected communities and emergency personnel for their persistence and efforts, and pledged the assistance of the NSW Government as they recover from the severe fl ooding that has affected many areas of the State.

Mr O’Farrell and Mr Stoner have toured fl ood-affected regions around Moree with SES Commissioner Murray Kear.

“The sight of Moree inundated with water is a shocking one but the resilience of the people of the Central North is remarkable,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“They will need our help not just while their streets are fi lled with water, but during the weeks and months after the water has receded.

“It was great to see local residents taking time out of their day to thank SES volunteers for their hard work.

“Moree Mayor Katrina Humphries told us the bush telegraph had been working overtime in co-operation with the SES to give residents downstream a warning of what’s headed their way.

“She also expressed great satisfaction at how successfully local residents, the Council, SES and other emergency personnel had been working together.

“To date 17 Local Government Areas have been declared Natural Disasters, unlocking a number of supportive schemes to assist with the cost of restoration and recovery under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and the NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.

“These measures will help families, business owners and primary producers get back on their feet faster.

“The emergency service personnel deployed to these areas have done an outstanding job helping communities who are in the thick of this weather system.”

Mr Stoner said the NSW Government is deploying additional resources to assist farmers affected by severe fl ooding across the State.

“A Coordination Centre has been established at the NSW Department of Primary Industries headquarters in Orange to coordinate state-wide efforts to assist affected rural communities and farmers and the local response is being coordinated by control centres in Tamworth, Wollongbar and Dubbo,” Mr Stoner said.

“Areas in the Central North, including Moree, Wee Waa, Pilliga, Narrabri and Gunnedah are the immediate focus of our operations following serious fl ooding and falls of up to 300 millimetres over the past few days.

“Wee Waa remains isolated today and Moree is dealing with its worst fl ood in almost 60 years.

“To support fl ood recovery efforts and assist farmers, aircraft are operating out of the Moree area today, providing aerial

support to affected landholders and assisting with the relocation of stock, surveillance to check on stock welfare and fodder drops.

“The fl ooding is causing extensive damage to a range of agriculture industries, with cropping, livestock, horticulture and dairy industries all hit hard by the heavy rain.”

Those in need of assistance should call the SES hotline on 132 500.

Farmers can report fl ood damage and stock losses to NSW DPI on 1800 814 647.

NEW DOCTORS WELCOMED

The Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, has welcomed 64 new

doctors in Sydney’s south, part of a record number of 844 interns starting work this week in hospitals across the state.

The interns, the second biggest group of new doctors in Sydney this year, will be placed at either St George, Sutherland, Calvary or Albury hospitals and will complete terms in medicine, surgery, orthopaedics and trauma.

“I am very pleased to reiterate that every NSW university medical graduate who applied for an intern position in NSW received an offer, which is fantastic for the future of our health system,” Minister Skinner said.

“We’ve got interns starting work at 49 hospitals and 15 GP practices in NSW this year and it’s fabulous to see our health system growing in this way.”

After welcoming the interns at a luncheon at St George Hospital, Minister Skinner joined them as they underwent CPR certifi cation as part of their induction.

“I’m a fi rm believer that everyone should learn CPR because it has been proven to save and extend lives,” she said.

“I’ve spoken to many paramedics who say they breathe a sigh of relief when they arrive on scene and see bystanders performing CPR because they know that patient will have a better chance of survival.

“With the spate of pool drownings recently, I would encourage everyone to learn these vital skills,” Minister Skinner said.

“CPR training is already a compulsory part of the NSW curriculum in primary and high schools from year 5 to year 10, but for those who have not had the opportunity to learn the skills at school, please consider doing so.”

$11 MILLION INJECTION INTO CANCER RESEARCH

Almost $7 million has been granted to two eminent research groups,

in the latest injection from the NSW Government’s translational cancer research program, the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, said recently.

The funding is in addition to the $30

million over 5 years already provided by the NSW Government for this hugely benefi cial program.

This is part of the NSW Government’s record investment to medical research – a massive $105.6 million in in 2011-12.

The grants, administered by the Cancer Institute of NSW, have been awarded to the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) and the ANZAC Research Institute, based at the Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney.

The group led by Professor Nico van Zandwijk, director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, has been awarded $3.5 million to improve outcomes for people with asbestos-related cancer and their families.

A team working at the Anzac Research Institute and the University of Sydney, led by Professor Derek Hart, has been awarded $3.47 million for the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers.

Minister Skinner announced the grants at Concord hospital.

“The translational cancer research program is a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to boosting medical research – bringing staff from seven new research hubs together to share knowledge, resources and technology,” Minister Skinner said.

“These grants will allow researchers to work closely with doctors and nurses on the front line of cancer care to get new treatments into practice sooner,” she said.

“The cutting-edge research will have a direct impact on cancer outcomes across the state – providing our doctors and nurses with the latest information and expertise to provide world-class care.”

The wider research grants program awarded by the Cancer Institute of NSW also includes $4.3 million in fellowships, attracting new cancer researchers to NSW and supporting current researchers to develop and present their work on the international stage.

Chief Cancer Offi cer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor David Currow says the translational cancer grants will benefi t cancer patients across the state.

“Australia has the world’s highest incidence of malignant mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by asbestos. The translational research undertaken by Professor van Zandwijk will see NSW as a world leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma.

“Combining this with the work of Professor Hart, these grants are also good news for people across NSW affected by acute myeloid leukaemia, recipients of bone marrow transplants and people diagnosed with Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

“Professor van Zandwijk, Professor Hart and their teams will take their work from research hub through to the treatment room and make a big difference in the lives of people with cancer and their families,” said Professor Currow.

8

I can only assume at this point you have made the jump to Windows 7, so where

do we go from here? If you still want advice on Windows XP or have questions which you would like me to deal with let me know and I will endeavor to provide readers with what they want in future articles.

Unless you have come across from Windows Vista, Windows 7 will be a whole new ball game. And perhaps the best advice I can offer short of buying a new book is to make good use of “Help”. Very few users of Windows even bother to go near “Help” yet it can be well worth the effort.

So where do you get Windows Help on this new screen? Well if you are converting from Vista you will be aware that the windows icon in the bottom left of the screen is the old START and after clicking that things will appear similar to earlier versions and you will fi nd HELP.

To give you an idea how useful HELP can be, yesterday I had a reader raise a question of mailing lists and using Word 2007 in Offi ce. It used to be easy to work out how to do this, you just followed a logical path, Tools, Letters and Mailing and away you went.

To answer her question I opened Word 2007 and what greets me but the great string of icons shown in the diagram at the top of this column. Choose Insert as the obvious choice to insert a mailing address etc and we get another string of icons as in Diagram above. So where do you go? I couldn’t fi nd a single reference to Mail Merge.

Let’s go to HELP to fi nd some answers.

Click on HELP but where is it? The light dawns and maybe that “?” question mark in the top right corner is HELP. A whole stack of items appear but they’re not very helpful so type a question in the box about mail merge and hey presto it is all there. Even a course on how to do it.

This is an example of how HELP works. It helps you in detail and whatever I may say about Windows 7 and Offi ce the HELP is terrifi c.

Windows makes it easy to see what it is talking about by highlighting specifi c text in blue. Clocking on these highlights will open up further information and even show you what it is talking about with illustrations.

Another thing that has changed greatly in Windows 7 is Control Panel where you can go to preset many working parameters. If you don’t fi nd what you are looking for go to the top box and click on the arrow after the words and click on “All Control Panel Items” and you will get the next picture with one hell of a long list of parameters to choose from. Basic.

If you still need help there are many good books around, such as “Windows 7 Quick Steps” by Mc Graw Hill and “Windows 7 Digital Classroom”.

Please send me info on what you would like to see here in this column either by Phone 02 9634 5995 or Email gkimp@westnet.com.au. I am also available to give demos and talks on computing.

Computers with George Kimpton

Windows 7 – where do we go from here?

Tobruk Sheep StationTobruk Sheep Station

Hilarious & EntertainingHilarious & Entertaining– The Australian Outback Show– The Australian Outback ShowLocated 40 mins from Castle Hill, 1 hr from Sydney

www.tobruksheepstation.com.au

y y,4

Mouth watering Aussie Damper & Billy Tea around the campfire,Licensed bar & restaurant, Gift shop, Sheep muster, Working dogs,

Shearing, Woolroom and Whip cracking displays, Two course country BBQlunch, Very little walking, Plenty of undercover areas, Wheel chair accessible

The perfect setting forBirthdays, Weddings,

Bush Dances,Special Events,

Farmstay

Enjoy the idyllic setting,unspoilt views over the

Blue Mountains, Fresh Air, Open Spaces, Loads of Fun, No Crowds

OutbackShow Special

Book a table of 8 andreceive 2 bottles of wine

and a gift pack

FarmstaySpecial

Midweek bookingsreceive 10% discount,

2 bottles of wine,free show & gift pack

Shows run 10.30am–2.30pm daily. Bookings are essential Call (02) 4566-8223Email: bookings@tobruksheepstation.com.au

Pictured clockwise from top: Windows 7 Control Panel, Word 2007 Insert Menus, Offi ce Help Window and the Windows 7 Help Window

A day of laughs, delicious billy tea and damper with butter and golden syrup,

two-course country lunch, licensed bar and gift shop plus a range of entertaining and engaging demonstrations including Stockmen on horseback, working dog display, sheep muster, shearing and whip cracking displays.

A day at Tobruk will take you back in time with the rustic charm of the drovers camp, blacksmiths shop, station homestead and woolshed buildings. Tobruk is a place where the simple things in life are refl ected in the experience - the way life was meant to be!

Described as the most beautiful and most authentic rural and outback experience in the Sydney region, Tobruk is set against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains, high on a plateau overlooking the Hawkesbury River Valley. It is located just 25 minutes North of Dural, and 10 minutes short of Wiseman’s Ferry. Tickets range from $25pp for morning tea and show through to $45pp which includes morning tea, lunch and all activties. Phone (02) 4566-8223 for bookings. Group rates available.

Tobruk Sheep Station has a beautiful farmstay option. The Tobruk Station Homestead is a large country homestead suitable for up to 3 families or 12 people.

With large central dining and lounge

rooms, three double bedrooms and bunkroom, fully provisioned kitchen, laundry and bathroom, air conditioning and wrap around balcony with BBQ facilities. So get a couple of friends or the family and grandkids together and spend a few days at the farm. It is rented as a homestead, not by the room, so whether you are a couple or a few families, you will enjoy the rustic and rural surrounds of this magnifi cent property.

Staying at Tobruk will provide an excuse to visit the historic villages of Wisemans Ferry and St Albans with their many boutique shops, galleries and pubs. Enjoy wine tasting at boutique wineries, fruitpicking (seasonal) or devonshire tea at Australia’s oldest church located at Ebenezer. Book on a day where Tobruk is running The Australian Outback Show and receive complimentary tickets to the show.

A Wonderful Day Out at Tobruk Sheep Station

9Feb r u a r y 2012

A Baby Boomer’s travelling taleHitting the road...what a feeling

– my Kombi seemed to fl y at 80kph!

I put in 150 kilometres the fi rst day, stopping at a bush camp designated in the info books I carry. I hadn’t done anything like this in my life and was pleased to have no hassles whatsoever with my vehicle, so I enjoyed my fi rst day on the road.

I met up with a couple who were camped next to me and found out they were leaving the next day to go North so I decided to convoy with them. My destination from the east was the Northern Territory. However, I found the ‘croc’ country a bit daunting having a Cocker Spaniel who liked swimming, so after fi ve weeks there I headed off for the West.

What started all this you ask? Well...I had moved originally from New Zealand, became an Australian Citizen in 1993. I moved from Victoria to Queensland some years later and acquired a lovely little rental fl at within my budget. Employment consisted of casual contracts within the medical profession. I sometimes worked, sometimes not and after turning 60 defi nitely not! My days began to consist of watching the Today Show, enjoying the occasional visit from my daughter, walking the dog to the beach, resting, feeding the dog, only to then retire to bed to watch TV or read.

This went on for months and I was getting more depressed and reclusive as each day went by. I thought there must be more to life than my present existence and after watching an ABC program titled “The Grey Nomads”, low and behold the escape from my situation became clear!

The hassles I went through before setting off seemed mind-boggling, including juggling my pension to acquire a few extra things that I thought I would need to live on the road. I sold my car to buy a vehicle I could sleep in and ended up getting a VW Kombi.

I had a waterpipe installed on the front, a roof rack installed, cupboards inside replaced, gas bottle and a few other things I thought would be needed on the road, plus a small dome tent – in case the Kombi broke down.

Each pension I always found something extra I thought I would need and eventually after a period of time, decided I was defi nitely going – bother anything else I thought I would need, otherwise I would never get on the road. So with food aboard, esky, gas ring for cooking, mobile phone, fi shing rod, everything sold and the fl at relinquished, my Cocker Spaniel and I took to the road.

I found my mobile phone useless over long distances, so with my pension purchased a “Pocketmail”

and found it marvellous to send and receive email, which I do at any phone box for the price of a local call!

One day, after driving about 350 kms, I pulled into a beach knowing I’d had enough of driving for a while and would have to stay at least a week as I’d used up all monies on food and petrol… again! The cost was $1 per night for no water, but there were toilets. I unpacked, set up camp, had dinner and then retired for the evening. I was awakened early the next morning by a lady yelling, “You wanta fi sh lady?” I struggled out of the van and before me, waving a fi sh in the air was this person – I said, “I’d love the fi sh and will have it for dinner” She said, “We have a fi re going – come cook it for brekkie”. Her name was Ann and she and her husband stay at this beach for two to three months per year. While there we netted fi sh each night, cooked together and I’ve stayed with them at their house while the Kombi had a bit of maintenance. We also travelled to South West Australia together. We have been friends ever since.

I’ve had a go at grape picking – I lasted two and a half weeks – enjoyed the company of the backpackers, but the work was too hard (the day started at 5.45 am and fi nished at 3.00 pm with no break) for this old body in 40 degree heat. But when I

left they congratulated me on having a go!

I spent one Christmas at a $5 per night caravan park and was invited to the most delightful lunch of crackled pork and trimmings with homemade plum pudding and even fl amed brandy!

I spent last Easter at a beach in South Australia. On the Sunday was greeted with Easter eggs, hot cross bun and a fresh snapper from a family camped just away from me. Plus, when they knew I had to sit for a few more days until pension time, invited me to camp on their fi ve acre property! Lovely of them, but I opted for the beach.

What do I do while sitting you ask? My time is taken up with cleaning the van inside and out, the company of my lovable dog of nine years, books to read, emails to prepare for sending, fi shing if possible, walks and swimming.

There are a few hassles to overcome in the pension budget like possible vet visits, doggie and personal requirements, van requirements, oil, maintenance etc, insurance payments, rego and prepayments of email and mobile phone.

I’ve met heaps of unforgettable people from all walks of life. I wouldn’t change my life now

unless for ill-health or a complete breakdown of my Kombi. Beats looking out the fl at window!

I’ve made friends for life and am left with places all around Australia to stay.

A few things come to mind of what Life on the Road makes one become aware of: Water is the most important commodity! I now use water really frugally and if by the sea, I have found that sea water has just the right amount of salt for cooking – thus saving the fresh. After driving hundreds of kilometres and feeling like you’re not getting close to civilisation, low and behold, a Telstra booster station appears. I’ve realised that they are situated 50 kilometres from a town...then you know you’re nearing civilisation and can fi nd a roadside stop or caravan park or a Roadhouse. This feeling is bliss when you need to stop and rest.

After 38,000 kilometres I have many happy memories and many, many friends. What a life!

On my travels I overheard a gentleman say, “this is our third time around Australia. The fi rst took my wife and I four years; the second took nine years, but this time we’ll take our time”.

Very good advice to anyone contemplating life on the road!

Lorraine Heybrook shares her tale of hitting the road in a VW Kombi

10

Now residing in Sydney, Mary launches “Act Two” of her

musical career by recording a new CD with torch songs, jazz and classic standards from her latest album Little Things Mean A Lot. It includes songs from the 1930’s through to the present day.

Tracks on the album include It Ain’t Necessarily So, Good Morning Heartache, Sunny, Little Things Mean a Lot, At Last, Sunny, (You make me feel like) a Natural Woman, My Funny Valentine, My Baby Just Cares For Me, All of Me, That Old Black Magic, Georgia on My Mind, Apartment, (a song written by Rufus Wainwright for Shirley Bassey in 2009) and Feelin’ Good. All songs on the album were made famous by legends like Etta James, Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, Kitty Kalen, Nina Simone, Judy Garland, Carole King, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney amongst others.

The album also features special guest, theatre star, Michael Cormick performing a duet with Mary of the Garland/Streisand classic from the

60’s – Get Happy & Happy Days Are Here Again.

On recording with Mary, Michael says, “Mary Kiani has a voice that soothes the soul. Her ease of style makes you feel as though she is singing just for you. It was a joy for me to work with her on this album.”

Mary’s career began more than two decades ago when she was best known for her energetic dance and pop hits both in the UK, Europe and Australia. Prior to her solo career, Mary was part of the seminal Scottish dance outfi t The Time Frequency. In addition to several Top 40 albums and singles in Europe, Mary has worked with many high profi le recording artists around the world including Eddie Reader, Donny Osmond, and Paul Young amongst others and with DJs and producers including Fergie, Paul Oakenfold, One World & Simon Clime.

Mary is a true international talent, with a powerhouse voice and loads of charisma. There aren’t many voices in Australia that can compare!

Hey! Boomers has 5 copies of Mary’s new album valued at $30.00 each to give away. To win, simply write your

name and contact details, along with the CODE WORDS: MARY KIANI on the

back of an envelope and post it to:Hey! Boomers

Suite 169, 3 Holtermann Street,Crowes Nest NSW 2065.

Scottish singing sensation Mary Kiani launches her new album “Little Things Mean A Lot”

oomers has 5 copies of Mary’s hey!

Dasia Black shares “Letter From My Father”Story by Emma Brown

When most children learn to write their name, this

four-year-old was taught to never reveal her name or her identity to anyone. Instead of playing at hide and seek she was forced to hide who she really was.

At an age when preschoolers believe in imaginary characters, Dr Dasia Black had to become one. She had to pretend to be a stranger’s daughter and couldn’t let anyone know her who her real parents were.

My father explained over and over again that I must never tell anybody what my real name was. If I did, something terrible would happen. I must hide the real Ester.

In her memoir - Letter from my Father, to be launched March 27, the academic and psychologist charts her journey from being ‘alone in the world’ to becoming a ‘New Australian’.

The author was named Ester by her biological parents, Szulem and Chana, who gave her away to a Christian family so that she could survive as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Poland.

I was now Stasia, a Catholic girl and Sabina was supposed to be my mother. But she did not

behave like my own mother. She never hugged or kissed me so that I forgot what it was like to be held and loved.

After Hitler’s troops marched into her small-town, Dr Black’s parents were taken away. She was one of the very few (60 out of 6000) remnants of her community and possibly the only child left to tell the story.

Dr Black arrived in Freemantle in April 1951 with her adoptive parents. All she knew about the country was that it was at the bottom of the world.

My father set about selecting a school for me with the naïve approach of a new immigrant. … with his experience of living in Communist countries, he thought that in a workers’ country such as Australia, claiming proletarian roots would gain one a place at the best institution. So when asked by the Department of Education what he wanted me to be, my father said: a seamstress.

Dasia tells how at her fi rst day at an Australian school her classmates gazed in amazement at her – ‘this apparition from Outer Space’. She arrived with long plaits piled on her head in Gretchen style, with knee-socks and an umbrella! She certainly

was the odd person out in many a situation.

When school students are often concerned with socialising she strove for perfect marks to please the grownups in her life.

Even losing one mark and getting a 9/10 instead of 10/10 was an occasion for detailed analysis of how and why I had lost that mark. I learned that coming fi rst in class was the best way of obtaining approval and recognition. It made my new parents proud of me. It made me worth loving.

She vividly describes her work in combating prejudice, including teaching the fi rst crop of Aboriginal schoolteachers in remote communities and becoming the matriarch of a close loving family. Letter from my Father depicts the raising of her two sons and falling in love after her fi rst marriage ended.

The health professional’s memoir tells of her wide

ranging experiences dealing with unspeakable tragedy to learning how to be frivolous, including scaling the walls of a European Embassy in Canberra for a laugh.

Dr Black said that she felt compelled to write her story to come out of hiding, revealing her time in a displaced persons camp, an immigrant’s experience, a child of adoption and a mother.

Her memoir is a frank and honest exploration of grief, recovery and joy. Her father’s letter of hope written from the abyss of destruction has been her guide and anchor.

Through grittiness, hard work and an inbuilt zest for life Dasia gained an education, married and had a family. As an adult she has had to face further traumatic bereavements. The book tells of her resourcefulness in overcoming adversity and moving beyond survival towards fulfi llment.Pictured clockwise from top left: Dr Dasia Black; Dasia’s young parents Szulem and Chana Kahane – to whom Letter from my Father is dedicated; “Letter From My Father book cover; Dasia wearing the Polish national costume at the Jewish School in DP Camp Stuttgart, Germany

11Fe b r u a r y 2012

Sydney based agency “Vital Partners” was established in 1986 and is an “offl ine”

dating service.If you are looking to meet genuine singles

in NSW, you can experience the very best personal introduction service in Australia.

All clients at Vital Partners are seeking a close, long lasting relationship with the right person - none are attached or seeking just a fl ing or a one night stand. Because they meet and screen everyone, you can be sure that the photo and description you receive about a person is up to date and accurate.

There are fi ve reasons why men & women from 18 to 80 have voted Vital Partners number one in Australia:1. It is confi dential2. Only your authorised information is

disclosed3. They mail/email photos, so there are no

blind dates4. Established since 19865. You essentially have a personal assistant

on your love journey - the staff genuinely care

It’s the friendly professionalism of the Consultants at Vital which makes the process

of fi nding that special someone fun and easy, and it’s the same genuine care and concern which is the one common thread in the letters of thanks from their satisfi ed clients.

Confi dentiality means you always remain in control of your personal information.

People love Vital because it’s a safe and sophisticated way of meeting like minded people with a view to a deep and lasting relationship.

There are no blind dates or wild goose chases; with permission, comprehensive information is exchanged which can include a photo, a physical description and a list of their interests and values. Your consultant will then speak to you personally describing the character and personality of your potential partner. If you feel comfortable with the introduction, Vital can pass on a telephone number - both parties always have total control over who they choose to date.

Vital Partners doesn’t restrict you at all in terms of the number of people you can meet: for example, if you meet someone nice and that magic chemistry isn’t there, they just continue to introduce you to the kind of person you have expressed interest in meeting.

www.VitalPartners.com.au/FreeSearch

YOUR PARTICULARSMy Height ....................... Weight ......................

My Occupation ..................................................

My Birthplace ................................Age ............

Age & sex of kids in my care ..................................

Age & sex of kids not in my care .............................In this section tell us which characteristic best describes you by underlining the word. Show who you would most like to meet with a ticked (✔) box or put a cross (✖) in the box if you definitely won't meet a person with that characteristic. You can leave the box blank if you don't mind either way.Marital Status:

Single Divorced Widowed SeparatedShape:

Slight Slim Medium LargeLooks:

Very Attractive Attractive UnattractiveSmoking:

Never Socially Regularly HeavilyDrinking:

Never Rarely Socially RegularlyEducation:

High School TAFE University PostGradWorking Hours:

Not Working Norm Hrs Shifts Nights

Grooming: No Hair Loss Thinning Balding Bald

Clean Shaven Moustached Bearded

MORE PARTNER PREFERENCESFurther details of the sort of person you want to meet.Min. Age ...................... Max. Age .....................

Min. Height .................. Max. Height .................

Max. Children ................................................

YOUR INTERESTS Please tick the interests you like to share.

Sports Travel Reading Day trips

Gym Cooking Quiet nights in Music

Parties Theatre Snow Movies Gardening Driving Conversation Dancing Beach Study Bands Picnics BBQ‘s Clubs

CONTACT DETAILS-Strictly Confidential

First & Last Name ............................................

Postal Address ............................................

Suburb ........................................................

Mobile Tel ....................................................

Home Tel .....................................................

Work Tel ......................................................

✄

Single?

9AM-6PM Weekdays 10AM-2PM Saturdays

Australian Registered Company Number 132 421 571

Open since 1986. Call us on 9017 8462

MAIL TO: Vital Partners NSWReply Paid 85947, SYDNEY NSW 2001 (no stamp required)

Shortcut your search to happiness – make a new start today.Call us or fill in the coupon and we canconduct a FREE Discovery Search for you.

actually

We met at Vital Partners where love matters.

MAIL TO: Vital Partners NSW Reply Paid 85947, SYDNEY NSW 2001 (no stamp required)

Young At HeartDating Agency

www.youngatheartdating.com.au

CONVENIENTCONFIDENTIAL

AND SAFE

Sydney (02) 9436 2346

After being married for 25 years, David found himself single again. For

Vicki, she was also single after 18 years of marriage – but without realising it, they already shared something similar.

Both in their 40s, and with three girls each, David and Vicki also shared a dislike for the pub and club scene, and of trying to fi nd a partner through newspaper ads.

They both turned to Vital Partners, and are now happily planning their own wedding.

David, who works in the city, had almost given up hope of meeting someone special.

“I certainly had enough of checking out the pubs and clubs and trying to get friends to set me up” he said.

“Then one day I spotted the Vital Partners ad and thought that seemed like it was a much better way to go, because they can screen and match you with people of similar likes and dislikes.”

Vicki said she had also grown tired of trying to fi nd a new partner.

“I decided to select Vital as I had seen it advertised quite a lot and had heard a little about it from a work colleague who had tried the agency,” she said.

Neither David or Vicki liked the idea of trying their luck on the internet due to some site’s lack of security. Vital Partners’ high level of confi dentiality and security is a key reason why people continue to chose them over other internet dating sites.

They are now planning to marry next year, and Vicki is moving to the city.

Vicki also has some advice about people thinking about using a dating agency.

“Sometimes it’s so hard to meet anyone ... This is a great way to fi nd love everyone deserves to be happy, so I would say go for it! You only live once, its secure and safe and well monitored by Vital. So you don’t have anything to lose just everything to gain,” she said.

Vicki & David – a success story

According to Della Cory; Sydney based dating & matchmaking

professional, people are often taken by surprise when they venture back into the world of dating for the fi rst time after many years.

For many it can be a timely exercise not to mention an emotional roller coaster where expectations are not met, opportunities missed and misunderstandings occur.

So – this Valentines Day the Hey! Boomers team have come up with some tips to help you navigate the exciting and sometimes misunderstood world of mature dating.

1. An Introduction by a dating /matchmaking agency, friend or family member is the most credible.

Pros - Selective, confi dential, convenient and safe. The people you meet are screened as suitable and compatible.

Cons – If your list is too long or you have unrealistic expectations, your options may be limited..

2. Online dating sites. You put your profi le and photos on the internet

Pros –You don’t have to leave the comfort of home to get started.

Cons – You have to screen potential partners based on the profi le they supply online. Also be aware that your information is also in the public domain.

3. Social Dinners, cocktail evenings, parties & speed dating.

Pros - You have face to face contact and if you have an attraction you can make a date to get to know someone better. You are in a social situation surrounded by people, so a great place to make friends.

Cons – Again you must do your own screening and this requires patience and some attention to detail.

4. Online or offl ine social activities groups. Expect to meet people seeking social friends.

Pros –People are there to learn something or participate in a shared activity or experience.

Cons - Whilst this presents a great opportunity to make new friends it cannot always be assumed that all members are single and available

Della Corey is the Managing Director of Young at Heart Dating Agency which specialises in the mature dating market.

Tel. 02 9436 2346 or go to:www.youngatheartdating.com.au

Match, Mistress, or Mate – How are you perceived in the

dating world?

“Offl ine”dating adds a genuine and personal touch

12

Born in Lagos, Nigeria to an Australian mother and an

English father, James’ family migrated to Australia in the early 60’s, settling in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula area. Leaving law school to study drama at the Victorian College of the Arts, James’ musical career initially took hold in the early 80’s when he and some friends formed the band Australian Crawl.

With his prolifi c song writing and unique vocal style, James led Australian Crawl to the top of the Australian music scene. The band’s popularity skyrocketed with all of their albums achieving top 5 status, winning numerous band, music and video awards, while James won hurrahs for the best male vocalist for 3 consecutive years. He also won acclaim as a songwriter - the song “RECKLESS” earning him a place in the league of homegrown greats.

Australian Crawl achieved a success that assured them a place in Australian music history.

After the band split in 1986, James spent some time in the United States and Europe, returning to Australia in 1988.

His fi rst self-titled solo album went triple platinum and included three top 10 singles. In the following years James released two more solo albums, “HARD REYNE” and “ELECTRIC DIGGER DANDY”, which effortlessly mirrored the success of the fi rst.

Being somewhat beguiled by the experience of working in an ensemble, James joined country music star James Blundell and recorded the classic Dingoes song “WAY OUT WEST” which exploded into the number 1 position on the Australian charts.

He next joined compadres Daryl Braithwaite, Jef Scott and Simon Hussey on the unique and very successful album “THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS”, from which four top 10 singles were hewn.

James then returned to Los Angeles to record with renowned producer Stewart Levine, arriving back in 1995 with the critically acclaimed CD “THE WHIFF OF BEDLAM”.

In 1999 James recorded and released the CD “DESIGN FOR LIVING” with friends and brothers Scott and Brett Kingman.

Arguably the most critically

applauded album of his career, it further cemented his position as a unique, witty, thoughtful and challenging songwriter and singer.

Throughout his career James has appeared in several and varied theatrical, fi lm and television productions and concert events, the more visible of these including “Return To Eden”, “Tina; What’s Love Got To Do With It?”, television drama “State Coroner” and “The Little Shop Of Horrors”.

2004 saw the completion of “Speedboats For Breakfast”, released on Liberation Records followed in 2005 with the special Liberation Blue acoustic series CD …”AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON”” which allowed James to revisit many of the above titles with little more than a lone acoustic guitar underpinning the most distinctive voice of his generation.

James toured Australia during 2005 – 2006, all the while writing and recording. For those of you with Children, you may have seen two Children’s book / CD in the stores where James’ recordings come to life courtesy of Wendy Straw’s charming illustrations. The fi rst two books were Mr Froggy & Save The Bones For Henry Jones. The third book in this series, The Little Engine was released in June 2007. James also co-hosted (with Tracee Hutchison)

DIG TV for ABC 2 during this period.

2007 saw the release of James album “EVERY MAN A KING”, closing a 30-year circle since James fi rst led Australian Crawl into the front line of the Oz rock boom. His eye and pen grew sharper through a platinum-lined solo career, but never have his wit and poignancy been on more consistently solid musical ground than they are here, on his eighth solo album.

Check out the gut-wrenching anguish of Stop Draggin’ My Name Around, the freight-train rock-radio hooks of I’m A Man and Light In The Tunnel, the masterful sonic atmospheres of Cry Baby Killer, Lapis Lazuli and the raucous white funk of Sammy and Doofus and Our Man In New York. They compare, at every deftly crafted turn, with the very best of James Reyne’s vast canon.

“EVERY MAN A KING was a phrase that (radical populist politician) Huey Long used when he was Governor of Louisiana in 1930,” he explains. “He used it in a literal sense. Here it’s more ironic. If you apply it to this country, and the world at the moment, every man is struggling to be a king and certainly every man is not. A lot of them think they are. And they’re not either.”

So it appears, in the devastating lead track. Little

Man You’ve Had a Busy Day is a master class in the seasoned songwriter’s craft, a touching scene of human endeavour that pulls out like a camera shot to join the personal and political: a suit on a train platform, a kid playing cowboys, some guy on the deck of a warship . . . all details in the same, wide-screen story.

There are other folks you might recognise here: the high-fl ying man of mystery James coyly refers to as Mr International; the everyday shark recalling the tale of the frog and the scorpion in Cry Baby Killer; the starlet with a dirty video leaked on the Internet in Broken Romeo. They’re all “no-one in particular,” James insists. Their genius is that they could be nearly anyone.

Maybe most gripping of all are the songs in which the writer’s unfl inching eye is in the mirror, as refl ected in the satiric self- deprecation of Stop Draggin’ My Name Around and the resolute piano ballad, Superannuated Idol. “That’s what I am,” James says with characteristic bluntness. “It doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop.”

Good call. EVERY MAN A KING fi nds James and his close musical allies of the last decade at the top of their game in every way, from the imaginative co-production and versatile guitar work of Scott Kingman and James to the backing vocals

of Tracey Kingman: check out her star turn as the deluded teen angel in Sammy and Doofus.

John Watson played some drums, Andy McIvor some bass, Chris Hawker the evocative slide guitar on Man. “Otherwise it was pretty much me and Scott,” James says. “Between he and I, we covered everything so maybe that’s partly why it’s a more cohesive album overall. I think we set our goals higher this time...”

From his delicate incisions to the heart to his playful pop sensibility, to the increasingly deft wordplay that propels his unmistakable scatting and crooning vocal approach, James Reyne has never sounded more comfortable, more in command, or more insightful about the world he continues to explore in ever fi ner detail.

“I tried to raise the bar on myself as a lyricist, perhaps be more refl ective of what I see and sense going on around me,” he says. “I think the ideas are more thematically in tune with each other than perhaps ever before.”

Current gigsJames is currently performing

with fellow Aussie music legend Mark Seymour at the “Twilight At Taronga” summer series.

Mark, front man of Hunters & Collectors, is internationally regarded as one of our best singer-songwriters. Twilight At Taronga presents a unique opportunity to enjoy two of Australia’s fi nest musicians performing their own classic hits, with a fantastic combined fi nale to round off an awesome night.

James is also performing in the “Optus Flix in the Stix” series of concerts in regional NSW during February and March.

Optus Flix in the Stix is the home of open air cinema in regional NSW, bringing a fresh batch of award winning short fl ix to Dubbo, Orange, Armidale, Bowral, Canberra, Albury, Wagga Wagga and Tamworth for a truly memorable night out.

James will perform a unique acoustic session while larrikin bush poet Murray Hartin adds a dash of Australian storytelling rounding out a unique evening of mixed entertainment.

For more information visit: www.jamesreyne.com.au

www.twilightattaronga.com.auwww.fl ixinthestix.com.au

Image Tony Mott, 2007

James Reyne’s still “crawling”

“Australian Crawl achieved a success that assured them a place in Australian music history...”

13Fe b r u a r y 2012

Bald HillImage courtesy Great Divide Tours

14

Perhaps not so much these days with migration from England or

UK, but England was referred to as the ‘old country’. Because many of us have British Heritage, what better reason for a trip to the UK and doing a bit of family tracing.

In my case both my parents came from England or had parents who did.. I even have convict blood with my grandmother being the daughter of two convicts. Ironically her father was never convicted yet ended out here as a convict. Receiving a pardon while working for John Oxley when he married a Mary Kelly from County Cork in Ireland

But enough about my family history even though it was the main reason for my trip to the UK, as covered in the two previous articles.

It can be fascinating to visit places that your grandparents came from like my mother from Blackfordby in Leistershire. To visit the old ‘Blue Bell Inn’ (pictured), still trading, where she grew up. The old Inn was on the boundary of three counties each with different closing times so they used to move from one bar to the next.

Next stop into Wales which can be a beautiful place to travel. The

countryside is superb with rolling hills and oh so green. There are many old homes including the one where my mother worked as a maid. In those days the girls were put out to service The old home is called Llangedwyn Hall and has a checkered history being owned by the aristocracy then tangled up in family problems before being taken over during the war for a girl’s school. It looked just like the photo mum had except that one wing had fallen into disrepair and had to be removed.

To wander the halls of these old buildings steeped in history can be a fascinating experience, as I found in Blair Castle in Scotland. This

castle was real eye opener with the walls covered with items of history, beautiful old furnishings etc.

Heading north to fi nd my grandfather’s and my mother’s homes took us across truly beautiful country past many old and historical homes. The Llangollen canal with barges operating via a viaduct across the valley. To come around a bend in the road and see a canal up maybe 100 metres with a barge travelling on it is almost mind boggling!

Entering Blackfordby was like stepping back in time and in particular, the Blue Bell Inn. One thing you notice in the old English pubs is the authentic old world

feeling. You are really in another world. A beer and a meal plus accommodation for a night is not to be missed.

The Red Lion Hotel at Banbury, was built in 1669. The bedrooms were upstairs and were accessed by a small circular staircase with a thick rope attached to the various pillars so you could steady yourself as you heaved upwards.

Onward to where grandfather was born in Abbots Langley. I approached the local library who gave me much information which enabled me to fi nd the place where he had grown up as a boy. I managed to talk to old time farmers that knew my father’s mother and again I was home as I stood in the fi eld where his home had been. The peace and tranquility overwhelmed me as I thought about a boy who at 12 years of age was put out to work as a farming labourer.

The town and church of Abbots Langley were pretty much as it must have been when he was a boy with some newer buildings. Again I found an old gentleman who knew the family and we talked about those times. We were invited to join the small group for morning tea at the ‘drop-in’ centre. Everywhere you go, you are always

welcome. Off to visit some cousins from

mum’s side and this took me further north to Ilkley, on the river Wharf, with sandstone arched bridges built centuries ago. A beautiful town on the West Yorkshire Moors in the north of England. It is known as a Spa town with much prehistoric connections with Moors. My cousin’s house was built in 1890, two stories built of blue stone blocks. He had lived there for 32 years.

If you’re interested in tracing your family tree in the UK, a good place to start is the Ancestry web site. It may cost a few dollars but it is well worth the effort. Genes Reunited is another site but when in England, Somerset House and then the National Archives which are in Kew.

Make sure you allow plenty of time to research your family history. When in the country there may be parish records and local libraries are always very helpful. There are limits to some records, as I also found with my grandfather being born just before offi cial records started around 1838. Thus no birth certifi cate for Samuel Kimpton.

~ By George Kimpton

London Calling Part 3: England & Family Trees

Lic.

2TA

0012

97

Phone (02) 9585 0277Email: sales@cruiseinstyle.com.au

www.cruiseinstyle.com.au

SOUTH AFRICA/EGYPTHOLY LAND/EUROPE

DELUXE TOUR/CRUISEWe invite you to join us for 39 days of discovery andadventure departing Sydney 24th September, 2012

For more information please contact Helen, your tour organiser.

$10,999 per persontwin share plus taxes

From only:

Visiting: Luxury Tau Game Safari & The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City plus 30 nights m.s. “Prinsendam” Cruise from Athens to Egypt/Israel/

Turkey/Greece/Croatia/Malta & Tunisia.

Includes: 30 nights 5 star cruising on Holland America Line m.s. “Prinsendam”, 3 days Luxury Tau Game Safari, 4 days deluxe accommodation at “The Palace of the Lost City”, Sun City South Africa, all meals on Safari and all meals and

entertainment on cruise plus Qantas/British Airways flights.

Cruise In Style have put together a tour/cruise to please the most

discerning traveller on their 39days tour which departs Sydney on 24th. September, 2012.

Our Qantas fl ight takes us to Johannesburg with 3 days at the luxury Tau Safari Lodge to view the “BIG 5” Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo & Elephant, then on to “The Palace of the lost city” Sun City for 4 days of pure indulgence. Play golf on the Gary Player world renowned golf course, spoil yourself in the Spa or the “Valley of the Waves” swimming pool or the world class shows or casino!

We then fl y to Athens to connect with m.s. “Prinsendam” designed to explore the remote corners of the world in

elegance and style with a guest capacity of only 835 privileged guests.

Our 30 night cruise visits: Egypt/Israel/Turkey/Greece/Croatia/Malta & Tunisia.

From $10,999.00, per person we invite you to join us on this Grand Adventure!

Price includes: Qantas airfares/Full board on Safari/Breakfasts at Sun City/all meals and entertainment on 30 nights “Prinsendam” cruise, transfer and touring.

This tour can be reduced to a 26 day tour from $9,499.00 per person share twin.

For more information please contact Helen, your tour escort on (02) 95850277 or visit our web site www.cruiseinstyle.com.au

LUXURY ADVENTURE ON A GRAND SCALE

WITH CRUISE IN STYLE

15Fe b r u a r y 2012

Prices are per person, twin share. Includes accommodation in good quality 4 star hotels throughout, meals as indicated,

all sightseeing and admission fees as indicated, travel by privately chartered luxury tour coach, local tour guides

and services of a Travel Masters tour escort. Airfare to/from Australia is additional, please ask for details.

Single supplement of $1010 applies. Conditions apply, subject to change.

Showcasing the epic history, culture and vitality of

Central Europe, at a leisurely pace, at the best time of year.

LUXURY COACH TOUR, PERSONALLY ESCORTED BY MANAGING DIRECTOR

BETH MALCOLM

3 Nights Budapest 2 Nights Vienna 2 Nights Prague 3 Nights Berlin

10 Nights – Departs 28 June 2012

Tour Cost from $2,950pp

ASK ABOUT FLIGHTS & EXTENSION OPTIONS

RAIL ACROSS EUROPE

Travel in first-class comfort onEurope’s most spectacular railways!

Join us on a spectacular journey by rail through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Our 27-day small-group escorted tour is a sublime railway journey from the highlands and lochs of Scotland to the awe-inspiring Swiss alps and on to Wernigerode in Germany for a trip onthe world-famous steam train to the summitof Mount Brocken. We enjoy three-day breaksin London, Paris and Vienna and stay infamous railway hotels – many of them athrowback to the Victorian era – the goldenage of railways.

Lic. No. 9TA 00295

Call 1300 856 661www.traveldirectors.com.au

First two departures:SOLD OUTThird tour departs all Australiancapital cities 10 Sep 2012,Price $14,897

Pictured right: St Pancras Station Renaissance Hotel

Specialise in personally guidedsmall group tours to Italy

Contact Mario & Viny03 9460 7373 / 0433 161897

www.vitaitaliantours.com.au

VITA ITALIAN TOURS

Our itineraries offer excellentopportunities to discover, experience

and enjoy Italy and its people.

Grand Tour of Italy May/SeptCinque Terre Tour May/SeptTour of le Marche Region JuneThe Northern Lakes &Dolomites Tour JuneOpera & Food Tour AugustThe Best of TuscanyUmbria & Le Marche Sept

~ 2012 TOURS ~

Those of us old enough to have been around the block

more than a couple of times have probably travelled to most of the great European destinations, perhaps even several times.

However, this extraordinary journey presents Great Britain and Europe from a fresh perspective: from the comfort of a railway carriage. In fact, this trip is not so much about the destination, but the journey itself and the glorious landscapes between each port of call. Europe and Great Britain are blessed with some of the most scenic and fascinating train routes in the world and this tour has been designed to take advantage of some of the greatest and most famous. Along the way we will also stop in famous railway hotels, many of them a throwback to the Victorian era – the golden age of railways.

This spectacular journey includes all the very best of rail travel – from narrow-gauge steam trains, to the German ICE high-speed train which cruises at speeds of up to 300km/h. We travel on the West Highland line

in Scotland, past famous lochs and over breathtaking viaducts and take one of the most celebrated and glorious rail journeys in England: the Settle to Carlisle Line.

Eurostar takes us from London to Paris via the Channel Tunnel at lightning speed for the second stage of our odyssey. One of the major highlights in Europe is undoubtedly the world famous Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz. ‘Express’ is something of a misnomer as the train takes eight hours to travel 290 km. But why rush when you are travelling through some of Switzerland’s, if not the world’s, most spectacular scenery?

By popular demand a third departure of this tour has been added after the fi rst two sold out in record in record time. This stunning 27-day tour departs 10 September 2012 and is priced at $14,897.

For more information call Travel Directors on 1300 856 661, or visit their website:www.traveldirectors.com.au

Pictured top right: Glennfi nnan Viaduct Scotland

On Track for a Spectacular Rail JourneyVisit Italy in Autumn

Vita Italian Tours is offering savings on a range of tours of Italy in 2012.

Experience Italy in autumn and take advantages of these fantastic savings at the same time.

The ever popular 17 day “Grand Tour of Italy” is a favourite with travellers. Mario and Viny Vitellone who run Vita Italian Tours personally escort groups (14 people maximum) to some of the most exciting tourist destinations of Italy. The tour starts in Rome and includes extended stays in Sorrento, Venice and Florence. Most travellers combine “The Grand Tour of Italy” with the 5 day tour of the Cinque Terre which have always captivated the traveller with its extraordinary rugged coastline and beauty.

The autumn season is best experienced with the 11 day tour of “The Best of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche”. The tour starts in Rome and ends with an extended stay in Florence, the centre of the Italian Renaissance. Between these two highlights, there will be guided tours to fascinating Renaissance and medieval hill towns such as: Urbino, Assisi, Perugia, Deruta, Gubbio, Lucca and the tiny Republic of San Marino. All of which are full of artistic treasures, ancient crafts and vibrant life. The tour also allows the traveller to experience the excellent hospitality of the people of Central Italy and taste the abundance of traditional local food and wine.

For all readers of ’Hey Boomers’ there is a 10% discount if you book directly with Vita Italian Tours. For details of the many tours Vita Italian Tours has to offer visit the website www.vitaitaliantours.com or contact Mario or Viny on 03 9460 7373/0433161897.

Pictured above: Roman Baths

16

A Slow Tour in the South of FranceWith the current low Euro,

it is a great time to visit Europe and go shopping – and a Slow Tour in the south of France is one of the wonderful options.

And so many options! Most people have heard of the French Riviera - a haven for high-rollers and movie stars and known as one of the most fashionable and exclusive resort areas on earth, with its bright lights, fast cars and lavish villas, complemented by exquisite beaches, a sparkling ocean and imposing cliff faces that stretch across the Cote d’ Azur. But France’s south is much more than that.

Provence is a glorious pocket in the south of France full of gently sloping vineyards, olive groves and lavender fi elds. Boasting excellent wine regions and traditional Mediterranean cuisine including delicious local seafood, Provence and its many beautiful villages are best explored with a guide who knows the local area - on foot, by bike or on horseback – or in a boat on a lazy ride down a river or across a lake. Perfect for lazy picnic

lunches, Provence is divided into six sectors stretching from Orange to Nice, with the Palace of the Popes at Avignon and the home of Nostradamus in Salon de Provence among the region’s many highlights.

Then in the south west is the stunning area from Bordeaux down to Montpellier, an area which includes the fabulous Dordogne valley.

This is a testimonial from David, a Sydney-based client who joined a Slow Tour of one of the Dordogne regions in September, 2011:

“Over the past 30 years I have travelled to most parts of the world, often alone and at times with a tour group. I have just returned from southern France in the Dordogne region, after a week on tour with Slow Tours and Carol Haslam, the organiser. This tour rates as probably the best I have ever done. It was relaxed, uncomplicated, full of experiences, personally accommodating, and highly professional. I am still soaking in my memories and I encourage

anyone who is seeking a beautiful experience in France to contact Slow Tours.“

In the heart of the Perigord region famed for its prehistoric caves (some of the best in the world), spectacular limestone cliffs, medieval villages and castles, narrow gorges

and tumbling waterfalls, the delightful Dordogne valley will enchant you. From one of the best markets in France at Sarlat, to the rocky peak of Rocamadour, this region is fi lled with ancient stories of pilgrims and miracles.

Specialties of the region

include truffl es and wild mushrooms, walnuts and cheeses. The most celebrated wine is Monbazillac, a slightly sweet white wine which is an excellent accompaniment to the region’s signature ’foie gras’.

A tour along the valleys will reveal gastronomic delights of the area such as ’confi t’ of duck and goose, delicious goat’s cheese and the very dark Cahors wine.

June and September are the best months to visit these regions, when the weather is at its best and children are at school. So make the most of the opportunity while the exchange rate is in our favour!

Pictured left: seaside in Haute Provence and below: sightseeing in Haute Provence

F r a n c e

Quimper

Nantes

M o n a c oA i x - e n - P r o v e n c e

Brest

B o r d e a u x

Paris

Rennes

F r a n c e

Prehistoric caves, spectacular limestone cliffs, medieval villages and castles, narrow gorges and tumbling waterfalls, the delightful Dordogne valley will enchant you.

18 – 25 June (7 nights)A$3,690 shared • A$3,950 single

Dordogne

th th

Not far from Bordeaux in the heart of a region known for its wines and good food, this region will delight the gourmet palate.

25th June – 2nd July (7 nights)A$3,690 shared • A$3,950 single

Bordeaux

5 nights in the stunning lakes district of northern Italy and 4 on the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

27h May – 5th June (9 nights)A$4,680 shared • A$4,950 single

Italian Lakes and Riviera

Enjoy a picnic in the rolling green hills of the Luberon, visit the Count of Monte Cristo’s residence and taste the region’s signature bouillabaisse.

5th – 12th June (7 nights)A$3,690 shared • A$3,950 single

Provence

Slow Tours Pty Ltd PO Box 1265, Blackwood, SA 5051 (08) 8370 3125 info@slowtours.com www.slowtours.com

Ever dreamt of an authentic French holiday where you could truly immerse yourself in the sights, tastes and culture of a quaint local village?

Slow Tours France provides intimate getaways for up to 14 people with tours ofFrance’s most charming, out-of-the-way towns. If you’re after a genuine vacationexperience, without the rush of the tourist crowds, let Slow Tours Franceshow you the real France.

For more information call[08] 8370 3125or to receive Slow Toursnewsletters, visit our websiteat www.slowtours.com

17Fe b r u a r y 2012

February 2012 was the offi cial launch by the Palace of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond

Jubilee celebrations.Lasting one year, including Royal visits

to various global destinations, the highly anticipated London ‘June’ long-weekend, including the Queen’s very own fl otilla on the Thames, is set to dominate headlines for its historical signifi cance.

To mark this momentous time in British history, tour company Visit UK has four very unique, totally exclusive packages, which guarantee you will experience ‘history in the making’.

“As detailed in our advertisement below, we have designed four very special travel packages, from a wonderful day out on the River Thames to view the Flotilla to a once-in-a-lifetime all-inclusive tour of Britain”, says Craig Brown, Managing Director of Visit UK. He continues, “we want to give our customers the best possible experience of such a unique and ‘Royal’ event, and with our dedication and focus as being Australia’s only true UK focused travel company, we know we can deliver unforgettable travel experiences”.

For more information, contact Visit UK on 1300 063 300.Pictured right: Buckingham Palace

A jolly royal time to visit old London Town!

18

The wildlife of the Lake Eyre & Cooper Basins

The Corner Country is the region of wide-open spaces,

red sand dunes and big blue skies stretching north and west beyond Broken Hill, teeming with so much to see.

In addition to the beauty of the unique landscape, a number of attractions refl ect the aboriginal and European history, culture or diversity of our region. From the wild dog fence to historic mining towns, from places where explorers camped to remarkable unique plants and wildlife...the Lake Eyre and Cooper Creek basins have so much to see. Our 16 day journey will follow the

paths of our ancestors and learn of their lives in this remarkably beautiful part of our country. We will see stunning landscapes, visit historic towns and marvel at the beauty that is Lake Eyre and visit the magnifi cent Flinders Ranges National Park.

Australian Eco Adventures has a 15 night tour departing Monday 18th June for $5795 p/p twin share (single supplement also available).

Programme Highlights include:

• Visit Currawinya National Park - the red sandplains and mulga scrubs beside long, dusty

roads give little hint to the lakes, rivers and wetlands that make Currawinya one of Australia’s most important inland waterbird habitats. Bilbies have also been released into Currawinya from the captive breeding program and we keep our eyes open to see if we can spot one!

• Visit the famous Burke & Wills Dig Tree, one of Australia’s National icons and an enduring reminder of the pioneering spirit and extreme harshness of the Outback

• See the diverse wildlife of the Cooper Creek system including fi sh, turtles, frogs and

mammals. Explore historic sites and travel through expanses of sandy desert and arid plains. Visit Coongie Lakes National Park, a deeply spiritual site for Aboriginal people and a site that is internationally signifi cant for its abundant and diverse bird life

• Our adventure takes us through the Simpson Desert Conservation Park to tackle “Big Red”, a large sandhill west of Birdsville that marks the edge of the Simpson Desert.

• Explore the geology and landforms of the northern Flinders which are quite different

from the southern sections. This section of the park is rich in minerals and fossils

• Travel through Sturt National Park, which comprises former grazing properties. Pastoral history, wildlife and a wide range of environments make for an interesting day. We travel over fl oodplains, gibber country, sandhills and rocky gorges, as well as the spectacular “jump-ups

For more information contact Australian Eco Adventures on 02 9971 2402 or visitwww.ozeco.com.au.

h C C i h h f d l d i li l hi h l k l E l hi i i f h h i Thi

THE OUTBACK EXPLORER28 Jul – 05 Aug 2012 (9 Nights)Sydney to Alice Springs10 day adventure is a true Outback Experience...from NSW, to QLD to Alice Springs; Special focus -Diamantina National Park sweeps across highlyweathered sandstone ranges down to the floodplainsof the Diamantina River, across Mitchell grass plainsto dunefields. On or off the beaten track, all roadslead to unexpected adventures & unforgettableexperiences as we explore the stunning rockyoutcrops & unique wetlands of this region........................$4285pp/ts....................$567ss

THE WILDLIFE OF THE LAKE EYRE &COOPER BASINS18 Jun - 3 Jul 2012 (15 Nights)The Corner Country is the region of wide-open spaces,red sand dunes, big blue skies stretching north & westbeyond Broken Hill, teeming with so much to see. Inaddition to the beauty of the unique landscape, a numberof attractions reflect the Aboriginal and European history,culture or diversity of our region. From the wild dogfence to historic mining towns, from places whereexplorers camped to remarkable unique plants andwildlife...the Lake Eyre and Cooper Creek basins have somuch to see. Our 16 day journey will follow the paths ofour ancestors & learn of their lives in this remarkablybeautiful part of our country. We will see stunninglandscapes, visit historic towns, marvel at the beautythat is Lake Eyre & visit the magnificent Flinders RangesNational Park................$5795pp/ts....................$769 ss

THE CONVICT TRAIL

12 - 15 Mar 2012

4 day adventure follows the Historic Convict Trail

exploring sections of the Great North Road, built by

convict labour between 1826 and 1836 connecting

Sydney with the Hunter Valley. Our journey takes us

through picturesque towns & villages, exploring the

brilliant engineering works created by hundreds of

convicts & learning of the history of the settlement of

the region....................$1488pp/ts...................$240ss

Australian family owned and operated for over 20 years • Genuine small groups of 16 or less • Quality comfortable4WD and 2WD mini coaches • Experts in great Australian Experiences • All accommodated with ensuitebathrooms • Tours include most meals, morning and afternoon teas• Well thought out itineraries highlight the best Australia has to offer with both “must see”and “off the beaten track” sights • Fully escorted with reliable,friendly professional driver/guide.

Ph: 02 9971 2402 www.ozeco.com.au

19Fe b r u a r y 2012

The New South Wales Outback provides a quintessential Australian experience

that brings you into contact with ancient and spectacular landscapes. Journey here to discover rugged natural beauty, vivid red earth, dissected by massive waterways and lake systems, bright blue skies and prolifi c native wildlife.

There is no better place to make lasting holiday memories than this awe-inspiring part of the world. All that is needed to explore what’s considered to be the State’s best kept secret is an appetite for adventure and a taste for the fantastic.

World renowned artists and photographers – attracted by the diversity of landscape, light and colours – thrive in the outback.

The New South Wales outback experience is available on the doorstep of all Australia’s east coast capitals. The distances between place to place in the New South Wales outback will give you a new perspective and sense of space. The changing terrains and intriguing wildlife encountered along

the way, make the journeys themselves a signifi cant part of your overall outback experience.

Broken Hill the jewel of Outback New South Wales, is a large inland mining town, known as the ‘Silver City”. Broken Hill’s 20,000 strong population live atop what was the world’s largest silver, lead and zinc mine. The city is the centre of a unique range of attractions including mine tours, art galleries, museums, national parks and is a Mecca world wide for artists and the home of the late great “Pro Hart”. Nearby Mutawintji is one of Australia’s best national parks.

While in Outback NSW be sure to make time to visit one of our many National Parks which offer prolifi c fl ora and fauna. The borders of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia meet at Cameron Corner in Sturt National Park. At Mutawintji and Gundabooka National Parks, you can discover some of the State’s best collections of Aboriginal art. The starkly beautiful Mungo National Park is famous

for its “Walls of China” dune scape, while Kinchega National Park is an area of pastoral historical interest, where the harsh dry desert scrublands touch the clear waters and wetlands of the Menindee Lakes.

Discover Outback NSW with the two most experienced tour companies in Outback NSW. Either Silver City Tours or Corner Country Adventures can offer you and your group the experience of a lifetime, in safety and comfort.

Phillip Island Nature Parks invites you for a wildlife experience like no other!Penguin Parade’s Ultimate Tour

Enjoy a sunset adventure to a secluded

beach and experience the natural

phenomenon of little penguins

returning from the sea to their burrows.

Limited to 10 people.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Step back in time to the days of pioneer

farming and witness our secret island’s

natural beauty

Koala Conservation Centre

See koalas up close and in their natural

habitat

Nobbies Centre

Dive into the marine secrets of Bass

Strait along the cliff top boardwalks and

immerse yourself in the displays in the

free visitor centre.

For only $73.50 per person

Bookings essentialLisa McKenzie

lisamckenzie@penguins.org.au

or phone 03 5951 2879

www.penguins.org.au

phillip island nature parks

phillipislandNP

Be social!

Download our app, it’s free!

NSW Outback is a quintessential Australian experience

Penguin paradise on Phillip IslandOnly 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip

Island Nature Parks is the perfect short break, a premier destination for nature and heritage lovers. Home to one of Australia’s most loved natural wildlife attractions – the Penguin Parade – Phillip Island is the perfect place to relax, unwind and make a return to nature.

Penguin Parade – Experience the sunset magic of penguins returning to land at the world-famous Penguin Parade. With an estimated 32 000 breeding penguins, Phillip Island is home to one of the largest little penguin colonies in the world.

Every sunset, little penguins return home from fi shing and make their way to their burrows amongst the dunes and bushes.

Koala Conservation Centre – The Koala Conservation Centre provides an extensive bushland haven for koalas under threat from habitat loss.

At the Conservation Centre, visitors can experience koalas up-close and in their natural habitat, as well as learn more about one of Australia’s most iconic animals. Tree-top boardwalks (with disabled access) wind through the eucalyptus woodland and provide close views without disturbing these

magnifi cent animals. Churchill Island Heritage Farm – A visit to

Churchill Island Heritage Farm is a journey back to a bygone era. Established as Victoria’s fi rst farm in the mid 1800’s, Churchill Island retains much of its pioneering history.

Glimpse the hardships faced by the early settlers as you wander the National Trust heritage buildings. Take a step back in time with the heritage farming demonstrations between 1pm and 3:30pm daily. Open 10am to 5pm daily.

Nobbies Centre – Set course towards the Nobbies to discover Phillip Island’s amazing marine world. The cliff top boardwalks afford spectacular views of the rugged coastline, and provide a great vantage point to look for seals and whales. Best of all the visitor centre here is free entry.

20

FREE SPIRIT CARAVANS on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland,

have been working extensively on R & D to deliver a strong and durable but essentially ‘Lighter to tow Off Road Caravan.” Their technology now delivers the build of a 16’ Off Road caravan weighing in at only 1.6 Tonne Tare weight inclusive of solar panels, fridge, shower/toilet etc for complete self-sustainable living. Prices from $78,500*.

The lower weight offers benefi ts:• The choice of a lower cylinder

engine to tow. • Lower fuel consumption. • Ease of towing.

The strength and durability built into this chassis has to be seen to be believed. A factory tour is a must! The FREE SPIRIT off road caravans are extremely durable and the in-built longevity from their aluminium materials offers a very long life span.

FREE SPIRIT progressed from building aluminium internal cabinetry (wood rot becomes a demon of the past for this company!) to then designing and building an aluminium chassis. A unique chassis without a weld of the A frame, (Patented Design) thus eliminates any weakness; at the same time allowing a change of material from the usual steel to the use of high grade aluminium in a

box frame for strength and lightness. This was the foundation upon

which they then added a honeycombed composite material for the fl oor (one piece, totally waterproof and insulation properties in built!) replacing the usual heavy wooden fl oors.

The innovation did not stop there as a further patented design saw the development of a unique walling system: a vacuumed bonded fi breglass sandwich panel within which their signatory aluminium wall frame is actually inlaid. (Unique to Free Spirit). A lot of R & D – but a fantastic outcome as all of these new design procedures created a totally new product.

Partner this ground breaking technology with the latest Pajero 4WD Turbo Diesel – and you have a dream combination as the Pajero’s high output 3.2L Common Rail turbo diesel delivers a thumping 147kW of power and 441Nm of torque. That’s enough grunt to tow 3,000kg*.

Yet the manual Pajero 4WD sips just 8.4L/100km†. Throw in Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology (MATT™) and it’s easy to see why Pajero can power through anything. Combine these features together with the innovative technology of the FREE SPIRIT’S LIGHTER Off Road Caravan and you are on to a winner.

Key Features – FREE SPIRITFREE SPIRIT off road caravans, have a 25 year guarantee on their chassis, a lifetime of peace of mind. Their unique chassis design combined with their choice of fl oor materials and wall panelling create a strong, durable and LIGHTER off road caravan allowing you to travel roads others cannot reach. *custom built to your designs & paint fi nish colours to suit! (Check out their video footage on their website – underwater camera!)

Key Features – PAJEROPajero delivers the latest and greatest in 4WD technology, style, safety and unquestionable reliability, so you can have the confi dence to go anywhere and take on anything.

FREE SPIRIT’S unique design and build has produced a 16’ Off Road Caravans that weight just 1.6 Tonne Tare. Self sustainable inclusive shower/toilet, solar panels and more. The

lightweight design means fuel savings and lower cylinder engine to tow!Strength and durability in built. Aluminium patented design chassis with a no weld in the A Frame and fibre glass wall panels with the FREE SPIRIT signatory aluminium framing ‘in-

laid within the fibreglass’. A first in the industry and unique to FREE SPIRIT. FREE SPIRIT have manufactured their internal cabinetry out of aluminium – light, strong

and long lasting. (No more wood rot). Craftsman finished kitchens to your chosen fascias i.e. Tassie Oak.

Ever at the forefront with innovation FREE SPIRIT offer a ‘state of the arts 3 dimensional design system’ you see your dream caravan take shape in front of your eyes. All in all a tough, strong and durable off road caravan

guaranteed to take you places others can’t reach.

“We are absolutelyy thrilled with our FREE SPIRIT 18’, aafter camping withh our Tvan, we weere ready to up-gradde to some home ccomforts but weree not quite ready too give up the advennture of ‘off-roadingg’. We researcheed for years lookingg for the right combbination of lightweight with off-road toughness. The uusual suspects werre simply too heavyy. ..we discovereed Free Spirit..and found what we hadd been searching for. The attention

to detail and pprofessional experieence of the FREE SPPIRIT team enhannced our design requirements. It’s evverything we expeccted and more.Amanda and Paul(Pictured below, right)

What our customers have to say:

We had decidded to look for manufacturers who woould build a van wwith the requiremeents we needed. WWe wanted the van to be as light as possible beccause it must be single axle, have aluuminium frame, iindependent suspeension, 16” wheels,, be dust proof, buut also must be

comfortable with a separate bathrooom, single beds annd plenty of storagge. We placed our order for our caravvan and have beenn very involved too date waatching it all comee together, most of aall we loved the nnew one piece no wweld chassis rails, tthis is a great innoovation.

Jill and SteveWhere do we bbegin with this testiimonial, we have bbeen overwhelmedd by your professioonalism, customer service and good nature in every

aspect of our deaalings. Both Soniaa and I have enjoyeed ‘camping’...with the arrival of ouur two little princessses (5 & 7) , we sttarted looking for the ultimate..andd after approachingg a couple of well kknown manufactuurers and trying to convince them to mmodify their existinng layouts failed,

we set to workk on developing ouur own layout. Sonia and I both noww know why..that ‘ssomething’ was alwways there and we found it when google broought up the wordds FREE SPIRIT to mmy screen.

Jamie and Sonia

The reception we received on arrival was genuinely frieendly but also verry professional andd it was clear to us that the whole teaam at FREE SPIRITT actually like whatt they do and havee great pride in their work. It clearly is a motivated ‘fammily’ atmosphere thhat quickly embracced us and madee us with our (at timmes) dumb questioons, feel comfortablle and confident in the outcome, ass well as involved inn the decision-makking process. Wee know FREE SPIRITT has a tremendouusly exciting future based on the ‘humman factor’ and thhe flexibility of the mmanagement and oother personnel inn

listening to aand guiding existing and prospectivee customers.Mike & Helen

34 Enterprise Street, Caloundra, QLD.www.freespiritcaravans.com.au

166’ JJUUST 1.6 TOONNE TAREREEVVOLLUUTTIOONISSING OUTBACK CARAVANS

You are welccomme oon a Factoryy Tour!

Off the beaten track with a “Free Spirit”

21Fe b r u a r y 2012

CLIFF JOINS THE BEATLESCLIFF JOINS THE BEATLESStarring Marty Rhone & the Beatle BoysStarring Marty Rhone & the Beatle Boys

www.cliffjoinsthebeatles.com www.cliffjoinsthebeatles.com

ENTERTAINMENTNTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENTNTERTAINMENTit’sit’s

22

To celebrate 50 years of the Beatles (with Ringo) and to help audiences relive the magic

and the mania of the 60’s Australian music legend Marty Rhone has devised a music fantasy that takes its premise from actual events that took place in the 60’s and has created an intriguing ‘what if’ scenario that sees 60’s pop prince Cliff Richard joining a disgruntled Beatles outfi t less than 12 months before their actual break up.

The year is 1969 and Cliff & the Shadows have just split. Beatles manager Brian Epstein was a huge fan of Cliffs and in the early days of the Beatles had directed his charges to use Cliff and the Shadows as a guide to how they should project themselves to the public with John being Hank and Paul adopting the Bruce Welch role complete with ties and suits and dance steps.

But once the band had established itself they became more and more singled minded, setting their own styles and agendas, with Paul & John drifting further and further apart whilst their views on music and direction digressed. So with this true life scenario in place Rhone has created a music fantasy based on what might have happened had Epstein still been alive and pulling the strings in an effort to keep his two charges and the Beatles together.

An extensive 28 date tour will commence in April 2012, taking this highly original concept show to all major capital cities and selected

regional venues across the country. The concert show features 45 of the Beatles & Cliff’s greatest hits with the ‘Beatles’ displaying how they might have played for Cliff. With soaring vocals, ‘Beatle’ harmonies and great musicianship this is a once in a lifetime concert experience not to be missed.

An exhaustive search took place to fi nd the quintessential ‘Beatles’ to play John, George, Paul and Ringo. Rhone believes he has discovered the real ‘Beatle Boys’ to take audiences along on a magical musical ride... ‘If you remembered it, you weren’t there.’

Marty Rhone www.martythone.com A legend of the Australian music scene with

an incredible 45 years of achievements, Rhone has achieved success in virtually every aspect of the industry both as an entertainer, composer and actor. No1 hit records, television series, stage success both in Australia and overseas has seen

Rhone develop a reputation as one of the most dynamic performers this country has produced. Most recently his tribute to Cliff Richard has resulted in the evergreen Aussie performing to sell out houses across the country with such success that he has been made an Honorary Lifetime Member by the Sir Cliff Richard Movement of Australia. ‘Cliff Joins the Beatles’ now sees Marty Rhone add writer and creative developer to his impressive list of credits as he brings this original music concept to the stage where he is joined by the Beatle Boys.

The Formation of The Beatle BoysChristopher Lee Frazer - as the genius, John

LennonChristopher has a deep and ongoing respect

for everything Beatles and John Lennon, so much so that he brings John back to life as the brilliant word-smith and larrikin he was.

Christopher studied acting and music from a very young age and has performed in many musical theatre productions. Christopher has become quite the expert in the authentic Liverpudlian scouse accent and with his Lennon style dry humour, impeccable Lennon singing voice, rhythm guitar and harmonica skills you are bound to end up wondering if Christopher Lee Frazer still exists beneath this famous guise, enjoying the second best life he ever had. Christopher’s favourite saying is “DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND WHO I’M PRETENDING TO BE?!!!!!”

John Kater - as the Casanova of ‘Beatledom’, Paul McCartney

By the age of 4 years and 3 minutes he could name all of the Beatles and sing their songs.

His pretend life has swept him up and down continents and through the rivers of Brunei’s forest, playing for the Sultan himself, played for rock star royalty weddings, looked out at 110,000 people and managed to get his vocal chords to work. He has played the role of Beatle Paul for 14 years now – longer than Paul himself! Further to the above, John is a most prized member of the natural left handed bass player fraternity, as was Sir Paul McCartney.

Rod Auld - as the quiet one, George HarrisonA love of 50’s rock’n’roll and a fascination

with guitars inspired Rodney to start playing guitar at age 10. Early musical infl uences were broad including Bill Hailey & the Comets, Johnny Cash, AC/DC and just about anything else. He considers himself a songwriter as much as anything else, just like George Harrison. Having signed a publishing deal with ABC Rodney is recording his second solo project and is looking forward to busy and exciting times ahead with The Beatle Boys! He eats, sleeps, and lives in a Beatles inspired world. His studio is plastered with Beatles images and the classic guitars they made famous, not to mention his son who bears the fi rst name, Harrison.

Michael Brady - as - Ringo Starr! (with a little help from his ‘friend’ Pete Best)

Showing an obsession with art rock bands from the age of two - Michael was a little more eclectic in his music tastes than his Kindergarten friends. “My parents used to play stuff like Queen, Rick Wakeman and of course The Beatles in the car when I was a kid! I was one of the lucky ones. In previous incarnations Michael has taken on the style of many of the world’s greatest drummers, including Mick Fleetwood, Roger Taylor and Phil Collins. Ringo is my biggest musical challenge! He is the most unique drummer and such an amazing character! You can only play like him if you let him into your head!” Michael’s love of the Beatles and superb musical upbringing, ensure everything from Ringo’s distinctly musical drumming, to his on stage mannerisms and disposition are lovingly embodied!

Celebrating 50 years of The BeatlesRegional Tour Dates:

Fri 13-April-2012BATHURST

Memorial Entertainment Centre(02) 6333 6161

www.bmec.com.au

Sat 14 April-2012WAGGA WAGGA Civic Theatre

(02) 6926 9688 www.civictheatre.com.au

Fri 20 April-2012DUBBO Regional Theatre

& Convention Centre(02) 6801 4378

www.drtcc.com.au

Sat 21-Apr-2012TAMWORTH The Capitol

(02) 6766 2028www.capitoltheatretamworth.com.au

Sat 05-May-2012SYDNEY State TheatreTicketmaster: 136 100

www.ticketmaster.com.au

Sat 09-Jun-2012CANBERRA Playhouse

(02) 6275 2700www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Fri 29-Jun-2012CESSNOCK Performing Arts Centre

(02) 4990 7134www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac

Sat 30-Jun-2012CENTRAL COAST Laycock Street

Theatre02 4323 3233

www.laycockstreettheatre.com

Fri 06-Jul-2012TAREE Manning Entertainment Centre

Video Ezy Taree: (02) 6552 5699 www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mec

Sat 07-Jul-2012PORT MACQUARIE The Glasshouse

(02) 6581 8888www.glasshouse.org.au

Fri 20-Jul-2012GRIFFITH Regional Theatre

(02) 6962 8452www.griffi thregionaltheatre.com.au

Sat 21-Jul-2012ALBURY Performing Arts Centre

02 6051 3051www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Fri 27-Jul-2012NEWCASTLE Civic Theatre

Ticketek: 132 849www.ticketek.com.au

Sat 28-Jul-2012CHATSWOOD The Concourse Theatre

Ticketek: 132 849www.ticketek.com.au

23Feb r u a r y 2012

M a x P e l l i c a n o

www.abstractentertainment.net

NSW TOUR INFO:

FULL NATIONAL TOUR INFO:

F o l l o w T h at D r e a mThe Gospel According to Elvis

An original musical theatre productiontelling the story of the King through hismusic that made him a legend.

FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARYDUBBO REGIONAL THEATRE (02) 6801 4378

SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY ORANGE CIVIC THEATRE (02) 6393 8112

WEDNESDAY 29TH FEBRUARYLAYCOCK STREET THEATRE (02) 4323 3233

FRIDAY 2ND MARCHSHOALHAVEN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE 1300 788 503

SATURDAY 3RD MARCHSUTHERLAND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

SATURDAY 10TH MARCHPENRITH PANTHERS EVAN THEATRE (02) 4720 5555

FRIDAY 16TH MARCHILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (02) 4224 5999

SATURDAY 17TH MARCHCIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE (02) 4929 1977

FRIDAY 23RD AND SATURDAY 24TH MARCHTHE CONCOURSE CHATSWOOD TICKETEK: 132 849

DIRECT FROM USA and proudly presented by ABSTRACT ENTERTAINMENT

Gray’s SceneBy Darren Gray

Crawford Productions have been entertaining us for 67 years! The

company was formed in 1945 by the late Hector Crawford and his sister Dorothy in order to supply radio programming one of their greatest successes in this arena was the Mobil Quest in which talented young singers, accompanied by a symphony orchestra conducted by Hector, competed for big cash prizes. Amongst the winners were Joan Sutherland and June Bronhill.

When television arrived the company had an early hit with the courtroom drama Consider Your Verdict before moving onto cop shows such as Homicide, Division 4 and Matlock Police. They produced The Henderson Kids starring Kylie Minogue, gave us airport action with Skyways and transported us to the raunchy world of television production in The Box.

Crawford Productions became a true television powerhouse and now boasts an archive of over 3,000 hours of classic programming. These days the company is owned by Bruce Gordon who also runs the WIN Television Network.

The Crawford back catalogue is now being given a new lease of life thanks to a series of DVD releases which are available for purchase online at www.crawfordstore.com.au. First up we have the complete series of The Flying Doctors, yes all 234 episodes, which followed the adventures of the brave medics of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and which introduced us to the locals of Coopers Crossing.

Crawford’s have also released the movie Fortress featuring a school teacher and nine youngsters who are held hostage by four grotesquely masked armed men and if you have

kiddies to e n t e r t a i n why not order the c o m p l e t e series of The Saddle Club which r e v o l v e s a r o u n d three girls with a mutual love for horses.

The big news is that Crawford’s are releasing the entire series of The Sullivans which ran for 1,114 episodes. The programme followed a typical Melbourne family as they endured the terror and uncertainty of World War II. Guest stars included Mel Gibson and the likes of Paul Cronin (Dave), Lorraine Bayly (Grace) and Reg Gorman (Jack ‘the barman’ Fletcher) became household names. Volume one of The Sullivans featuring the fi rst fi fty episodes is out now with more volumes to follow shortly.

I applaud Crawford’s for giving us the opportunity to enjoy these much loved shows once again, I hope that other production houses will follow suit with similar releases and that Crawford’s will make available more of their titles. These classic shows are part of our cultural heritage and are truly deserving of being brought back to life via DVD.PHOTO TOP: Les Dayman pictured here with his wife Rose, played Senior Detective Bill Hudson in the Crawford series Homicide which is overdue a DVD release. Photo by Doug Moody.

PHOTO BOTTOM: The complete series of The Sullivans is coming out on DVD. Volume one is available now!

Norah Jones is set to release a new album in the coming months entitled

“Little Broken Hearts” (Blue Note/EMI), a collaboration with the producer and musician Danger Mouse. The two fi rst worked together when Danger Mouse called upon Jones to contribute vocals to his acclaimed 2011 album ROME, and their connection proved deep enough that they decided to collaborate on Jones’ fi fth studio album. “Little Broken Hearts”, which features original songs co-written by Jones and Danger Mouse, is the fascinating next step in the artistic evolution of one of the most intriguing singers to have emerged in the past decade. Together they have married their highly personal styles to create an entirely new sound.

It was that singular voice that caught the attention of Danger Mouse as he began to conceptualize ROME, his homage to classic Italian fi lm score music. He already had Jack White in mind for the male role, and he and his collaborator Daniele Luppi realized that Norah’s voice would give the project the perfect balance it needed. Jones contributed three standout songs to “ROME” (check out a stripped-down live acoustic version of “Black” on www.RollingStone.com) and around the same time she and Danger Mouse began working on some of the material that would eventually become “Little Broken Hearts”.

The duo reconvened in Danger Mouse’s Los Angeles studio to fi nish what they had begun. The songs were all built from the ground up in the studio, with Jones and Danger Mouse sharing all the songwriting credits and performing the majority of the instrumental parts; Jones on piano, keyboards, bass, and guitar, and Danger Mouse contributing drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and string arrangements.

Jones will tour extensively in 2012, performing at a mixture of festivals, amphitheatres and theatres in the US and abroad, including her return to the Hollywood Bowl, which has been announced as part of the venue’s subscriber series. The nine-time Grammy-winning singer will be appearing at the iconic outdoor amphitheatre in Los Angeles on August 10.

NORAH JONES TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM “LITTLE BROKEN HEARTS”

24

In 1972, Ian Anderson wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic

album ‘Thick As A Brick’. The lyrics were credited at the time to the fi ctitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.

So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock – aged fi fty in 2012 – be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary “part two” album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignifi cant they might seem at the time.

Ian Anderson says of the album, “As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional ‘what-if’ moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or fi nance tycoon?,” Adding, “and those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn.....”

To coincide with this groundbreaking release, for the fi rst time since 1972, Anderson and fellow musicians will take to the road in the UK to perform the album in its entirety and, it can now exclusively be revealed that, in addition there will be a second part to the show where Anderson and the band will also perform the sequel.

JETHRO TULL’S IAN ANDERSON

‘THICK AS A BRICK 2’Ian Anderson announces 40th

anniversary sequel to the hugely successful, groundbreaking 1972 album

Hey! Boomers has 3 copies of “Thick As A Brick 2” to give

away! For your chance to win, turn to page 30 “Up for Grabs”.

hey!

Over ThirtyTop Forty

HitsIncluding:

Wild OneSwingin’ School

VolareSway

Kissin’ TimeThe Cha Cha Cha

Forget HimWe Got Love

Good Time BabyThat Old Black Magic

(I’ve got) BonnieWildwood Days

I’ll never Dance Againand many more!

Over ThirtyTop Forty

HitsIncluding:

Wild OneSwingin’ School

VolareSway

Kissin’ TimeThe Cha Cha Cha

Forget HimWe Got Love

Good Time BabyThat Old Black Magic

(I’ve got) BonnieWildwood Days

I’ll never Dance Againand many more!

Touring Australiawith the ALLSTARORCHESTRAand

DIRECT FROM THE USA - THE ORIGINAL TEENAGE IDOL

AUSTRALIAN TOUR - MARCH 2012TWIN TOWNS SERVICES CLUB & RESORT FRIDAY 16th

Bookings: 1800 014 014 www.twintowns.com.au/showroom.html

BLACKTOWN WORKERS CLUB SATURDAY 17thBookings: 02 9830 0600 www.workersclub.com.au/shows

GLASSHOUSE THEATRE, PORT MACQUARIE TUESDAY 20thBookings: 02 6581 8888

www.glasshouse.org.au/whats-on/tickets-please/buy-tickets-online

WESTS LEAGUES, NEW LAMBTON WEDNESDAY 21stBookings: 02 4935 1200 www.westsnewcastle.com.au

NELSON BAY DIGGERS THURSDAY 22ndBookings: 02 4981 1344 www.westsnewcastle.com.au

THE PLAYHOUSE, GEELONG FRIDAY 23rdBookings: 03 5225 1200 www.gpac.org.au

THE PALMS AT CROWN, MELBOURNE SATURDAY 24thBookings: 1300 795 012

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/search/searchresults.aspx?k=bobby+rydell

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE SUNDAY 25thBookings: 03 9784 1060

www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/ticket_info/index.aspx

WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTSWEDNESDAY 28th

Bookings: 03 5338 0977 wcpa@bgs.vic.edu.au

CAPITAL THEATRE, BENDIGO THURSDAY 29thBookings: 03 5434 6100 www.thecapital.com.au

KEDRON WAVELL SERVICES CLUB, BRISBANE FRIDAY 30thBookings: 07 3359 9122 www.kedron-wavell.com.au

BANKSTOWN SPORTS CLUB SATURDAY 31stBookings: 02 9722 9888 www.bankstownsports.com

Bobby Rydell’s career spans six decades and encompasses every area of entertainment. His debut in the late fi fties

as a rock n roll teen idol lead to starring roles on such hit fi lms as ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and plays such as ‘West Side Story’. Bobby has made countless network television appearances throughout the world on shows such as Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, George Burns, Milton Berle, Perry Como, American Bandstand and Brian Henderson’s Bandstand. Working with the greats of comedy Bobby was able to develop an uncanny feel for comedy.

Bobby Rydell made his fi rst television appearance on “American Bandstand”in 1959 when he sang his No.1 hit single Kissin’ Time, and a year later he made his fi lm debut with Dick Clark in “Swingin’ Together”. He then went on to star opposite Ann Margret, Dick Van Dyke and Janet Leigh in “Bye Bye Birdie” and “That Lady From Peking” opposite Nancy Kwan.

Bobby Rydell has earned a reputation as a classic performer. He is a superb singer whose voice has matured over the years and he has proved to be an outstanding drummer, an agile dancer and an extremely fi ne actor, with an unsurpassed knack for comedy.

A polished performer at the age of 19 Bobby was the youngest ever person to headline the famous Copacabana in New York. Bobby’s recording career earned him 34 top forty hits placing him in the top fi ve artists of the era. Bobby’s hits include million selling singles ‘Volare’, ‘Wild One’, ‘We Got Love’, ‘Kissin Time’, ‘Swinging School’ and ‘Forget Him’, selling a total of more than 25 million records.

Today Bobby enjoys a busy schedule throughout the world as a headline performer. Australia has welcomed him for some 20 tours and he remains a favourite performer. Bobby also performs regularly in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. For the past 25 years he has also performed on hundreds of shows with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, with the trio as the Golden Boys.

Of all the teen idols of the day the singing and performance of Bobby Rydell was unquestionably the most polished.

Bobby Rydell’s infl uence on popular music has been quite profound. When the producers of the world’s largest selling movie soundtrack album, ‘Grease’, wanted to pay tribute to the era in which it was set they named the school where most of the action took place as Rydell High.

In 1995 his hometown of Phil-adelphia named the street he was born “Bobby Rydell Boulevard.” The City of Philadelphia sponsored “block party” followed ded-ication ceremonies. Quite a tribute to a City’s favorite native son! Wildwood, NJ also has a street named for Bobby in appreciation for Bobby’s massive hit, Wildwood Days.

The teen idol, now a seasoned performer, continues to sell out shows throughout the world. Without any doubt Bobby Rydell is a true American music icon.

Bobby Rydell is touring Australia with the Allstar Orchestra and The Allstars during March 2012.

“If you have not seen Bobby Rydell perform you have deprived yourself of something very special. When he returns to Australia make sure you are there!” - Bob Hayden, Big Beat of The Fifties

BOBBY RYDELL 2012 NSW TOUR DATES Friday 16th March - Twin Towns Services Club,

Tweed Head (Bookings: 1800 014 014 orwww.twintowns.com.au/showroom)

Saturday 17th March - Blacktown Workers Club(Bookings: 02 9830 0600

or www.workersclub.com.au/shows)Tuesday 20th March - Glasshouse Theatre,Port Macquarie (Bookings: 02 6581 8888)

Wednesday 21st March - West Leagues Club,New Lambton (Bookings: 02 4935 1200)

Thursday 22nd March - Nelson Bay Diggers Club(Bookings: 02 4981 1344)

Saturday 31st March - Bankstown Sports Club(Bookings: 02 9722 9888 or www.bankstownsports.com)

BOBBY RYDELL 2012 AUSTRALIAN TOURTouring with the Allstar Orchestra and The Allstars

A Unique Entertainment Experience!

25Feb r u a r y 2012

February is National Ovarian Cancer Month – an opportunity to

raise awareness about the prevalence of the disease amongst Australian women as well as the symptoms that signal ovarian cancer in its early stages.

More than 1200 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Australia and the disease claims more than 280 lives in NSW each year.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Frank Sartor today threw his support behind the month-long campaign which culminates with ‘Teal Ribbon Day´, the last Wednesday in February.

“Contrary to public opinion, a Pap smear cannot be used to detect ovarian cancer,” Mr Sartor said.

“Ovarian Cancer is often referred to as a silent killer, because there is no screening test available to detect the cancer in women and the early symptoms can mask themselves as common, everyday conditions.

“The Cancer Institute NSW has invested more than $1.9 million over the last two years in research and clinical trials related to ovarian cancer.

“This research is making progress into understanding the biological and overall management of ovarian cancer.”

Minister for Science and Medical Research and Minister for Women, Jodi McKay said there needs to be a better understanding of the causes of ovarian cancer so we can work towards an early detection program that will help save lives.

“We know that the risk a woman has of contracting ovarian cancer increases after the age of 35,” Ms McKay said.

“We also know that 49% of new cases diagnosed are in females aged 65 years or older.

“The fact is, women, particularly in these target age groups, need to be aware of the symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer and see their doctor if they experience any unusual and persistent changes.”

The most common symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer include:• abdominal bloating/feeling full, appetite loss• unexplained weight gain• constipation• heartburn• back pain• frequent urination• abdominal/pelvic pain• fatigue

The Pap Smear MythPap smears are essential for the

early detection of cervical cancer. This simple test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix to test for the early signs of cervical cancer. It is important for women to have this test every two years, even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

But every woman must know that pap tests do not detect ovarian cancer. There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer.

In Australia, more than 1,200 women are diagnosed yearly with ovarian cancer. In NSW each year, more than 280 women die from this disease. Due to the illusive nature of this particular cancer, it is commonly found to have spread by the time it is diagnosed.

“It is important for women to recognise the signs and symptoms of this disease. Your risk of ovarian cancer also increases as you get older over the age of 35, and a family history of ovarian, breast and colon cancer also increases your risk. During February, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminding all women to listen to their body and recognise signs and symptoms of this disease,” said Professor David Currow, Chief Cancer Offi cer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW.

“Women can give themselves the greatest chance of beating this disease by paying attention to their body, following their ‘gut feeling’, and visiting their GP if they are experiencing the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Take the time this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to ask yourself these fi ve simple questions, and it could save your life,” said Professor Currow.

Follow your gut feeling on ovarian cancer:

¨ Have you had an abdominal cramp-pain and/or back pain and bloating for more than two weeks?

¨ Have there been any changes in your visits to the toilet, such as urinating more frequently, loss of bladder control or unexplained changes in bowel movements?

¨ Have you experienced unexpected weight loss or gain, or a loss of appetite?

¨ Do you feel more tired than usual, without knowing why?

¨ Have you experienced persistent heartburn or indigestion that is unusual for you?

Greater awareness needed of ovarian cancer symptoms

Play golf at Shelly Beach Golf Club to stay fi t and and have fun!

Golf is a great low impact sport. As the weather cools down

approaching Autumn, playing 18 holes of golf is the perfect way to keep fi t and be social.

Shelly Beach Golf Club is located in the heart of the NSW Central Coast, a leisurely 60 minute drive north of Sydney. The newly renovated club house offers beautiful, panoramic ocean views and a perfect respite after a game of golf. The club offers fully licensed bars, TAB and Keno facilities, light snacks and full a la carte service in our Seaspray Restaurant and Cafe.

The 18 hole championship course overlooking Shelly Beach is renowned for its magnifi cent ocean views and spectacular tree lined fairways. Designed by Ross Watson, the gently undulating fairways offer a challenge to experts but are still forgiving enough for novice players.

Shelly Beach golf course is open from 6.30am to 6.00pm seven days a week with times available for social golf. The club has a fi rst class golf shop that has everything you need to get you on the course. Whether hiring or buying, the golf shop offers the best range of the very latest equipment,

clothing and accessories at the best prices on the Coast plus you have the opportunity to get expert advice, test the demo equipment and have your clubs professionally fi tted.

Perhaps you may need some fi nishing touches to your game or would just love to learn how to play. If that’s the case Shelly Beach Golf Club has a ‘learn to play program’ perfect to get you started or if a little more experienced a private lesson with one of our professionals will help improve your game, package options are available. The ‘Tyro’s’ or learn to play program is extremely popular particularly with ladies. The program offers 4 x 1 ½ hour clinic lessons plus golfi ng membership for only $230.

Shelly Beach Golf Club, Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261Phone: (02) 4332 3400 Golf Shop: (02) 4332 1103

www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au www.facebookcom/shellybeachgolfclub

Golf Professional, Jason Hart says the easiest way to butcher a hole is to ‘short

side’ yourself and rack them up around the green. Most times, if the pin is at the front you want to select a club or shot that will at least make the front of the green. In contrast if you are playing to a back pin you should pick a club or shot that can’t possibly make it past the back edge of the green. The modern day GPS units make it easy to fi nd these distances. Leaving yourself easy chips all day is a great way to boost your confi dence in this department of your game. You’ll start hitting better iron shots too when the bad ones don’t cost you as many shots as they used too. Use this advice to better plan your approach shots in your next round of golf and hopefully you’ll be benefi tting from lower scores.

HOT TIP FROM THE GOLF PRO!

Win 18 holes of golf for fourpeople, including motorised carts at Shelly Beach Golf

Club valued at $230!See page 30 for details.

26

NSW Ministry of Health is reminding people of health implications that can

result from extreme heat and encouraging people to be prepared for hot weather.

Chief Health Offi cer, Dr Kerry Chant said it is important to be aware of the serious health effects that really hot weather can have and understand how heat may affect your personal circumstances.

“Heat puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It can also make underlying health conditions worse. However, being prepared and taking some simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness,” said Dr Chant.

NSW Ministry of Health recently launched the Beat the Heat campaign, which has been developed to explain ways to take care in hot weather and gives people information about how they can stay healthy in the heat and avoid ending up in hospital.

Dr Di O’Halloran, Medicare Local Chair and Conjoint Professor of General Practice at the University of Western Sydney said certain people are at higher risk than others of suffering from heat related illness, including those who are aged over 75 years, overweight, pregnant, breastfeeding, work outside, exercise in the heat, or have a medical illness.

“It is especially important for people with chronic diseases to prepare for hot weather and ask your GP how heat might affect your health,” Dr O’Halloran said.

NSW Health’s Beat the Heat campaign website and booklet provide a portal of information for the general public, carers and health professionals on how best to prepare for heat waves and how to stay healthy during the warmer months.

During hot weather, remember to:• Drink plenty of water• Regularly check on elderly friends,

neighbours and relatives, especially if they live alone

• Plan your day around the heat – avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm

• Minimise physical activity• Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks• Wear light coloured, loose fi tting clothes

made from natural fi bres• Take cool showers or baths• Cool your house by shading windows,

shutting curtains and, if it’s safe to do so, opening windows at night

• If you have an air-conditioner, make sure it is working before you need it

• If you don’t have air-conditioning, spend time in a cool place like a library, shopping centre or cinema. Try to go early, so you’re not outside in the middle of the day.www.health.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/

beattheheat

Prepare to Beat the Heat

Almost three-quarters of Australians over 40 have never tested for

bowel cancer despite it being the most common internal cancer killing almost 5000 Australians each year, according to a new national survey commissioned by Cabrini Health.

Nine in ten surveyed did not know what screening tool was used to detect the early stages of bowel cancer. Of those who were familiar with Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) Testing, complacency was a common excuse: one in three claimed they simply had not got around to having a test. Almost one-quarter of these respondents felt they were not at risk of bowel cancer because they did not have a family history – this is only one risk factor.

Colorectal surgeon and bowel cancer expert, Professor Adrian Polglase, said it’s important for all Australians over the age of 50 to have a FOB Test to screen for bowel cancer regardless of their family history.

“It’s disturbing that such a high percentage of Australians are not aware of how to screen for bowel cancer, or

think they don’t need to. This lack of understanding is contributing to a higher than necessary mortality rate for bowel cancer, when it can, and should be detected early through screening,” said Professor Polglase.

According to Cabrini Health’s survey both men and women are getting the message when it comes to screening for other cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate and skin cancers. Yet not enough Australians are testing for one of the biggest killers, bowel cancer.

This month’s FOBruary campaign is calling on all Australians over the age of 50 to have a FOB Test during February to screen for bowel cancer.

“The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of the FOB Test so it becomes as common as other cancer screening tests. It is arguably the easiest of all cancer screening tests because it can be done in the privacy of your own home. It only takes a few minutes and it is not invasive,” said Professor Polglase.

Comedian and FOBruary ambassador Jimeoin was shocked at the attitudes of some Australians with one in fi ve claiming it was the process of having a FOB Test that put them off.

“I fi nd it crazy that Australians, of all people, would rather put their lives at risk than take a swab from the toilet bowl – yet according to the survey almost nine in ten of us would happily dive into the John if we dropped our mobile phone,” said Jimeoin.

“Having a bowel screen test is easy – you just dip it in the loo, drop it in the post and you’re done. It’s a few moments once a year and it could save

your life,” said Jimeoin.Let’s Beat Bowel Cancer – a Cabrini

Health initiative is a not-for-profi t health awareness program designed to reduce the number of deaths caused by bowel cancer.

FOB Test bowel screening kits can be purchased online at www.letsbeatbowelcancer.com by phone 1800 555 494 or people can speak to their GP or pharmacist about bowel screening.

Have a FOB Test this FOBruary and together Let’s Beat Bowel Cancer.

Fast Facts Bowel cancer is the most common internal cancer affecting both men and women in Australia2. Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer. 90% of bowel cancers occur in people over the age of 50 but can present at any age. Every week, bowel cancer kills around 80 Australians2 – that’s one every two hours. There are more than 14,000 new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in Australia every year2. Early detection through regular screening greatly increases the chance of survival.

What is FOBruary?This year Let’s Beat Bowel Cancer –

a Cabrini Health initiative is launching FOBruary, a health awareness campaign designed to reduce the number of deaths caused by bowel cancer. FOBruary calls on all Australians over the age of 50 to take an annual FOB Test (Faecal Occult Blood Test) during the month of February to screen for bowel cancer.

Each year almost 5000 Australians die from bowel cancer despite research indicating that nine in ten bowel cancers are treatable, if detected early. Bowel cancer has no obvious signs until it reaches advanced stages - if more Australians took an annual at-home FOB Test there is a greater chance of early detection and fewer deaths.

What does the test involve?There is an easy, non-invasive test

that can be done in the privacy of your own home that can detect the early stages of bowel cancer. A FOB Test is a screening tool used to detect blood in the stool, often released by polyps or bowel cancers. All you have to do is dip it in the loo, drop it in the post and you’re done – have a test this FOBruary!

These easy-to-use, at-home tests can be purchased online at www.letsbeatbowelcancer.com. Alternatively you can speak to your doctor or pharmacist about bowel screening.

Simple test can savethousands of Aussie lives

27Feb r u a r y 2012

28

On the Road meets Endless Summer as Tim Baker, bestselling author of Occy, High Surf and Bustin’ Down the Door, embarks on the classic surfi ng road trip around Australia.

All surfers dream of shedding responsibilities and answering the siren’s call of ocean swells. For most, it is an ideal that recedes as age advances - as family, career and provider fatigue threatens to overwhelm the wanderlust of youth.But what if you could defy the slow march of age? Shelve all your worldly pressures, pack up the family and a few trusty surfboards and hit the open road for the Great Australian surfi ng road trip? Inspired by the dreams of his youth, surf writer Tim Baker embarks on the Big Lap in search of the perfect wave and domestic bliss.Surfari documents the state of surf culture and our coastline, and the array of colourful characters who inhabit these parts, evoking all the magic, charm and challenges such a lifestyle entails. It is a story for anyone who has ever dreamed of an alternative to the busy, micro-scheduled existence of work, school, shopping and the daily drudge.The result is a lively, colourful account of what happens when you trade your life for another variety, and the delights and dangers that lay in wait when you dareto chase your dreams and follow another path.

Hey! Boomers has one copy of Surfari to give away. See our “Up for Grabs” page 30 for details.

Surfariby Tim Baker$34.95 RRP (9781864712124)

Matilda is Missingby Caroline Overington$32.95 RRP (9781742750385)

Prime Timeby Jane Fonda$32.95 RRP (9780091940003)

The extraordinary personal story of the Scottish woman who became a global superstar overnightOne year ago, a modest middle-aged woman from a village in Scotland was catapulted to global fame when the YouTube video of her audition for Britain’s Got Talent touched the hearts of millions all over the world. From singing karaoke in local pubs to live performance with an eighty-piece orchestra in Japan’s legendary Budokan Arena and a record-breaking debut album,Susan Boyle has become an international superstar, this is her own story.

In the struggle between warring parents, who will protect the child?Garry Hartshorn and Softie Monaghan were never love’s young dream. Not even on their wedding day. Softie was sophisticated, a career woman, who owned a nice apartment overlooking St Kilda Beach. Garry had a few rough edges, plus one failed marriage and an assortment of jobs under his belt. But Softie’s body clock was ticking, and Garry wanted children ... So they got married, and produced the only thing they ever had in common. Matilda. Now, two years later, their golden-haired child is at the centre of a bitter custody battle. Both parents insist that her well-being is the only thing they care about. Yet, in truth, Matilda was always the one most likely to become lost.

A new thriller in the no. 1 bestselling Private series based around the London 2012 Olympic GamesThe Olympic Games have arrived in London, and the world is waiting in eager anticipation of the biggest event in global sport. The preparations have gone fl awlessly and the stage is set for one of the greatest Olympic Games of the modern era. However, one man is plotting to destroy the Games. Having waited years for this chance, he is ready to exact his vengeance. When Sir Denton Marshall, key member of the London 2012 organising committee, is found decapitated in his own back garden, Peter Knight, head of the London branch of Private investigation agency, is called to the scene. Private have been hired to work alongside the security operations at the Games, so Sir Denton was a client. He was also Knight’s mother’s fi ancé. Having only recently lost close friends and colleagues at Private London in a fatal plane crash, this new personal grief threatens to push Knight over the edge. But when it becomes clear that this attack was not an isolated incident, Knight knows that he cannot afford to crack under the pressure - the fate of the Olympics rests on his shoulders.

In this inspiring and candid book, Jane Fonda shares her wisdom on making the most of your lifeJane Fonda, no. 1 bestselling author, actress and fi tness pioneer, is an icon for generations of women. Now you can learn her secrets to living life to the full with this intimate insight into her world. Combining stories from her own life and from the lives of others with new research, Jane Fonda explores how the critical years from 45 and 50, and especially from 60 and beyond, can be the time when you truly become the energetic, loving, fulfi lled person you were meant to be. Covering the 11 key ingredients for vital living, Fonda shows you how to enjoy a more insightful, healthy and fully integrated life – one that is profoundly in touch with yourself, your body, mind and spirit, and with your talents, friends and community. Covering health, fi tness, sex, love, social growth, and self-understanding, Prime Time offers a vision for successful living and maturing, so you too can ensure that your forties and beyond are your own prime time.

Book Review of the Month

29Feb r u a r y 2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 32

33 34

35 36 37 38

39 40 41 42 43

44 45 46 47

48 49

50 51 52 53 54

55 56

57 58 59 60 61

62 63 64 65 66

67 68 69 70 71

72 73 74 75 76 77 78

79 80 81 82 83

84 85

86 87 88

1. Bread block 4. Stroll aimlessly 8. Touch at one end11. Move crab-wise13. Altogether (2,3)15. Bring together17. Soviet secret police (1,1,1)18. Location20. Hot beverage21. Natural disaster, ... wave24. Pastry shop proprietor27. Ski slope28. Scoff30. Measured (out)31. Feelings33. Smells34. Submissive35. Unchanged (2,2)

36. Blokes39. Cricket side42. Stunts44. Mixed sex (of school) (2-2)45. Outmoded46. Secure48. Overhead49. Ruled (paper)50. Flying saucers (1,1,2)52. Ancient54. Fairy’s rod55. Dorky youths56. Ten years57. Luggage item60. Hitch62. Murky65. Dangers67. Jeans fabric

69. Travels by bike70. Sleep late (3,2)72. Baby goat73. Minimum amount75. Remains77. Flesh around the teeth79. Racket81. Flower-bed weeder82. Keep score84. Scrounge85. Cowboy’s noosed snare86. Vampire beasts87. Mythical woman/fi sh88. La-di-da

1. Oaf 2. From India or China 3. Exercise, keep ... 4. Spicy honey liquor 5. Leg/foot joints 6. Applied with pats 7. Skating stadium 8. Every bit 9. Trumpet loudly10. 13-19 year-old12. Discourage14. Fourth month16. Fledglings’ abodes19. Easy (job)22. Pressed23. Taken aback25. Doted on

26. Turfs out29. Abate (4,3)32. Plead35. Chronicle37. Turn upside-down38. Sowing (with grain)40. Disclose (3,2)41. Metal spikes42. Entertained lavishly43. Caesar or Waldorf44. Military takeovers47. Delicacy of execution51. Magic saying, open ...!52. Unpleasant whiffs53. Most recent54. Cautiously58. Related to hearing

59. Immense time span61. Declare void63. Stacked64. Whichever65. Spanish pre-Euro currency unit66. Inventories68. Authoritative order71. Arctic Circle snow house72. Round door handle74. Interrupting cough76. ... Lang Syne78. Fable80. Army special forces unit (1,1,1)83. Egyptian snake

5 7 81 48 2 64 7 1

9 7 6 55 3 84 5 1

6 39 3 2

Rating:

QUICK QUIZ

All solutions are provided on page 31

1. What car company logo consists of 3 red diamonds?

________________________________________________________

2. Name the legendary mare whose fi rst offspring, nicknamed Rockstar, was bought for $1.5 million by Melbourne trainer Danny O’Brien.

________________________________________________________

3. Which animal is the national emblem of Canada?

________________________________________________________

4. Who wrote and illustrated the children’s classic, The Magic Pudding?

________________________________________________________

5. What is the name for fi lm studio MGM’s famous lion mascot?

________________________________________________________

6. How many stomachs does a cow have?

________________________________________________________

7. According to the proverb, the eyes are the window to what?

________________________________________________________

8. What does the fi rst A of NASA stand for?

________________________________________________________

9. Who was the fi rst Australian to win a ‘Best Actress’ Oscar?

________________________________________________________

10. An adult butterfl y has how many legs?

________________________________________________________

Mega Crossword& Sudoku Supplied By:

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Across

Down

30

Boomer CLASSIFIEDS

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For your chance to win any of the fantastic items“UP FOR GRABS”, your entry must include your name, address, contact telephone number.Write your details on the back of an envelope, along with the competition code word and post it to:Hey! Boomers CompetitionsSuite 169, 3 Holtermann Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065.

hey!

On the Road meets Endless Summer as Tim Baker,

bestselling author of Occy, High Surf and Bustin’ Down

the Door, embarks on the classic surfi ng road trip

around Australia.Hey! Boomers has one copy of Surfari to

give away valued at $34.95.

To win, simply write your details on the back of an envelope, along with the

CODE WORD: SURFARI and post it to the competition adddress at the top of the

page.

Surfariby Tim Baker

CONTACT US:Telephone: 1300 972 141

Fax: 02 4334 3791Suite 169, 3 Holtermann Street,

Crowns Nest NSW 2065Email: editorial@heyboomers.com.au

Complete the details below (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLACK INK). If the space provided is not large enough, continue on a separate piece of paper and attach it to this coupon. To calculate the cost of your classifi ed, multiply the words by $1.50 + gst.Complete the coupon together with your payment and send to the address to:Hey! Boomers CLASSIFIEDSSuite 169, 3 Holtermann Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065

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Ian Anderson“Thick As A Brick 2”CD Give AwayHey! Boomers has 3 copies of “Thick As A Brick 2” to give away, valued at $24.95 each.To win, simply write your details on the back of an envelope, along with the CODE WORDS: THICK AS A BRICK and post it to the competition address.

18 Holes of Golf for 4 peopleHey! Boomers is giving away a prize pack consisting of 18 holes of golf for 4 people including motorised golf carts valued at $230.To win, simply write your details on the back of an envelope, along with the CODE WORDS: GOLF and post it to the competition address.

31Fe b r u a r y 2012

I wish to pay $ _____ MASTERCARD VISA CHEQUE MONEY ORDER

CARD NUMBER:

SIGNATURE:

Subscribe to Hey! BoomersMake sure you don’t miss an issue of Hey! Boomers newspaper by having your copy delivered each month. Fill out the

subscription form below and return it to us at: Suite 169, 3 Holtermann Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065.Subscriptions must be received by the 21st of the month prior to publication to receive the following month’s edition.

Late subscriptions will result in a further month’s delay.

Name: Address:

State: Postcode: Tel:

$35.00 = Seniors Card Holders (Quote card number) Card Number: $55.00 = Standard Price

Terms & Conditions of GIVEAWAYS in Hey! Boomers1. Instructions on how to enter forms part of these Conditions of Entry2. Entry is open to all residents of Australia.3. Employees of Hey! Boombers, their advertising agencies, newsagents, sub agents, sponsors and their respective employees and families are not eligible to enter.4. The competitions commence 10th February 2012, entries close 30th February 2012 unless otherwise stated.5. The winning entries will be drawn at the offi ces of Hey! Boomers on the fi rst working day following close of the competition.6. You may enter as often as you like but each entry must be on a separate stamped envelope.7. Prize winners will be notifi ed by mail within 14 days of the competition draw and published in the March 2012 issue of Hey! Boomers.8. Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.9. No responsibility is taken for late or misdirected mail.10. Where travel is involved in the prize, the winner will be responsible for meals, spending money, transport to and from departure and arrival points, travel

insurance and all other ancillary costs unless otherwise stated.11. Second Chance Draw – In the case of unclaimed prizes, after a 3 month waiting period a second chance draw will take place.

NSW TPL# LTPM/08/00116 ACT TP 08/03121

In the stars... your horoscopeMINERVA’S

TAROTREADINGSWith channelled guidance

LET MINERVA’S PSYCHIC READINGS

FOR 2012REVEAL;Problems,

Opportunities and Alternatives

Question answered onlove, ffi inances

& future direction.

MINERVAPh: 0422 805 734

Email:minervapost@hotmail.com

AQUARIUS JAN 21–FEB 19

Aquarian’s are notoriously unpredictable on an emotional level. With the POWERUL infl uence of Uranus; your ruling planet on home and family, this month, it is vital that you focus on keeping your emotional control.. Mercury and Mars will bring you the passion and energy to embrace opportunities as you work towards liberating yourself from real or imaginary injustices.

PISCES FEB 20–MAR 20

For the fi rst time in more than a century, Neptune your ruling planet comes into your sign where it will say for two years. The positive impact will bring peace, happiness and contentment, allowing you to reach out and bring inspiration to those around you. The impractical side, however, may bring emphasis on your martyr-saviour side where you try to save the world and those around you – remember to empathize is okay, just don’t carry their load!

ARIES MAR 21–APR 20

Pluto’s explosive infl uence will bring things to the surface making you aware of events, people and situations in your life that must be addressed. The Mar’s, Pluto combination will show others just what you are capable of. Hard work and positive organization will bring rewards, but joint money dealings should be handled with caution. Mercury will bring strong belief in your own ideas and self- worth, and Saturn will provide stability energy and confi dence.

TAURUS APR 21–MAY 21

The dynamic planetary patterns surrounding you early this month may require adjustments to your daily routine. The infl uence of Pluto is disruptive but it will eventually clear the way to a new direction-its infl uence can lessen your options. The desire to transcend limitations makes it a good time to clear up outstanding problems and change any fi xed

outlooks to allow positive change.

GEMINI MAY 21–JUN 20

The transit of Venus through your sign may have you revaluing your emotional life. Quite often you spend more time fantasizing rather than participating – Gemini’s do have a problem with commitment! Pluto’s infl uence embodies the drive to confront all that needs to be eliminated, thus bringing new life and a positive outlook and belief in yourself . this will enable you to make the right choices. As long as you are practical as you look to your hopes and wishes new opportunities will bring a major change.

CANCER JUN 21–JUL 22

The current dilemma with the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius indicates you won’t suffer fools gladly. Be sensitive to the needs of others but give yourself time to withdraw and refl ect. Neptune’s infl uence encourages you to break old habits and patterns – a major clean- up is underway. Jupiter’s infl uence over the coming 12 month period brings a bright new chapter, promising expansion through new concepts.

LEO JUL 23–AUG 23

Don’t overlook any opportunity that may come your way. This is a month of setting your goals and showing what you can really do! Old habits and beliefs will be left behind as you leave the role of servitude to embrace a new direction with the courage to initiate change and evolve independently. This month’s challenge is to honor and value your needs rather than put others fi rst.

VIRGO AUG 24–SEP 23

The Sun infl uences your choices and decisions this month, welcome its support but be quietly cautious in all areas. The rebellious energy of Uranus clears the way for the new by breaking through any resistance, thereby allowing you to confront each

problem individually. You will have the strength to handle the consequences of your choices.

LIBRA SEP 24–OCT 23

Mercury the planet of communication will cut to the core issues, forcing you to face and explore areas which you previously have been reluctant to address. This will enable you to have faith in your decisions by taking responsibility for your actions and allow others to be responsible for their own. By freeing yourself from unnecessary obligations you open yourself to new opportunities, and simplify your life.

SCORPIO OCT 24–NOV 22

This month you will accomplish more by slowing down and adjusting – patience and compromise is the key! In this period, old taboos come back to test us, showing us that things are not always as they seem… keep an open mind and be aware! Try not to take life too seriously or feel that every action must produce instant results.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23–DEC 21

Expect Murphy’s Law to rule, this month with more than the usual chaos and confusion. You usually have the ability to deal with many things at once but in multi-tasking you may fi nd that you overlook important details. If you are fi nding old ways unproductive just let them go and adopt the quality of living in the moment.

CAPRICORN DEC 22–JAN 20

Your dealings with others will be stressful this month making it hard to cope with any unresolved emotional issues. Limitations frustrate you and you become dissatisfi ed with daily routines, with these changes it is imperative that you think before you act. The disruptions this brings will be a catalyst for re- defi ning boundaries and creating a more harmonious environment.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

6 1 9 3 5 4 7 8 27 2 8 1 6 9 5 4 33 5 4 8 7 2 1 9 62 8 6 4 9 5 3 7 19 4 1 7 3 6 8 2 55 3 7 2 1 8 9 6 44 7 2 5 8 1 6 3 98 6 5 9 4 3 2 1 71 9 3 6 2 7 4 5 8

L O A F M E A N D E R A B U TO S I D L E N A I N A L L EU N I T E A K G B N P L A C ET E A T I D A L B A K E R R U N

S N E E R M E T E D V I B E ST A R O M A S D O C I L E H

A S I S N Z R C G U Y SL E L E V E N F E A T S P EM C O E D D A T E D S A F E EA L O F T I T L I N E DN U F O S O L D E N W A N D IA P N E R D S D E C A D E NC A S E S O W R S N A G

U O P A Q U E P E R I L S ND E N I M R I D E S L I E I N

K I D L E A S T S T A Y S G U MN O I S E H H O E U T A L L YO C A D G E E T L A S S O TB A T S M E R M A I D P O S H

Quiz Answers:1. Mitsubishi 2. Makybe Diva 3. The beaver

4. Norman Lindsay 5. Leo 6. Four 7. The soul 8. Aeronautics 9. Nicole Kidman (The

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