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Core Values: Welcome • Respect • Compassion • Hope
Junip
er’s
REMEMBER… we welcome your feedback or ideas for future editions. You can email us on [email protected] or give us a call on 6363 6324
Don’t let the cooler Winter days keep you inside –
Rug up and explore the beautiful world
around you!
Winter 2017
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I hope you enjoy reading our magazine, as much as I enjoy developing it. Juniper and our Dementia Champions always welcomes all your comments and suggestions on what you may have found interesting or useful and what you might like us to include in future.
This magazine is for you and with that in mind, I would like to make our Summer (Christmas) edition this year all about you. But to do this, I will need your help.
So, please can you send me your tips, stories, useful finds, gift ideas, tasty recipes, or simply a photo of a creative project you have completed for inclusion in our magazine.
As the people living with or supporting those living with dementia, I am sure other readers will love reading your contributions.
You can email [email protected] addressed to ‘Rachel’ or, if you prefer, send something in the post to Ron Wilson House, 1 Centenary Drive, Bentley 6102.
Many thanks
Rachel
Hello Readers and welcome to our 11th edition of TIME-OUT. It’s hard to believe we are approaching our fourth year of publication already!
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What’s in the news?
BBC launches a new service for people with dementiaThere’s no doubt that TV can play a useful role when you’re caring for someone with dementia. The right show at the right time can help a loved one to relax and may even stir good memories and great conversation. But it can be difficult to find something that will resonate with them. Until now.
Imagine being able to sit down
with your loved one and watch
a Pathe news clip from 1945,
a clip from Alistair Cooke’s
Postcards from America, or
a very young looking David
Attenborough meeting a
gorilla… These (and around
1,500 more) vintage TV clips
are now available on the BBC’s
new RemArc website which has
been designed with dementia
in mind. The site contains items
from BBC archives (including
video clips, audio clips and
images) which it’s hoped will help
people with dementia to trigger
happy memories and spark
conversation with family and
friends. The permanent archive
includes popular television and
radio programmes throughout
the decades and is very easy to
navigate. News footage of Royal
visits, political speeches and
moments from history such as
the moon landings are also easily
accessed, as can generic photos
and footage showing everyday life
from the 1930’s onwards.
RemArc was created in
conjunction with Alzheimer’s
Society, and specialists from
Dundee University and St
Andrews University. ‘We know
that reminiscence can be a
powerful way of connecting
people affected by dementia with
their memories and improving
their mood,’ says Kathryn
Smith, director of operations at
Alzheimer’s Society. ‘People who
have used it already talk really
positively about their experience
of it as a helpful reminiscence tool
and enjoyable activity.’
Follow the link https://remarc.
pilots.bbcconnectedstudio.co.uk/
remarc to see more.
As a Dementia Champion, I
love this idea and have emailed
the ABC encouraging them to
consider something similar in
Australia. Fingers crossed!
https://www.unforgettable.
org/blog/bbc-launches-a-new-
service-for-people-with-dementia
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Male dementia carers less likely to ask for help than female carersA new report by Alzheimer’s Australia has found male carers for people with dementia are less likely to seek support or advice.
Becoming a carer for someone
with dementia can be a daunting
prospect, but one that can be
helped immensely by drawing on
the help, support and expertise of
others – both professionals and
other carers.
However, a report by Alzheimer’s
Australia has discovered that
only one in five callers to the
organisation’s national helpline
were men, and that three times as
many female partners contacted
the service as male partners. And
chances are, this pattern is likely
to be repeated worldwide, for male
carers in the UK and US, too.
The report noted that 78% of
callers seeking support were
female, and that there were almost
four times as many daughters
ringing the helplines as there were
sons.
‘I think that men feel it’s their role
to care for their person no matter
what, and so are reluctant to seek
help,’ said Debbie Slater, CEO of
Alzheimer’s Australia Tasmania.
‘They feel like they may have failed
if they did accept services and
especially the age group, the older
age group, they tend to be very
independent and don’t really feel
like they need extra support.’
Slater noted that accessing
support through helplines was key
to helping to make people’s lives
as comfortable as possible.
‘It’s about keeping people at home
for the longest length of time and
when people do access services
they are able to stay in their own
homes for a much longer time than
otherwise.’
If you have concerns about
Alzheimer’s disease or about
any other form of dementia, and
need advice/support, call the
Alzheimer’s Australia Helpline –
1800 100 500, or for help with
challenging behaviors associated
with dementia you can call
DBMAS (Dementia Behaviour
Management Advisory Service) on
1800 699 799.
www.unforgettable.org/blog/male-
dementia-carers-less-likely-to-ask-
for-help-than-female-carers/
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Aged care provider sees fewer falls, reduced drug use under new dementia care modelOne of the early adopters of a British approach to dementia care is reporting positive outcomes at its aged care facilities in Brisbane and Canberra, while the model’s founder seeks more Australian facilities to get on board. The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus says it is seeing a significant reduction in falls and the use of psychotropic medications as a result of its implementation of a British dementia care model. Since July last year the organisation has been rolling out the model at its Cairns Aged Care Plus Centre at Chapel Hill in Queensland and the Mountain View Aged Care Plus Centre at Narrabundah in the ACT.
The model was pioneered in the UK by Dementia Care Matters and moves from a task-focused institutional approach to one guided by each resident’s interests, feelings and emotions.
Interim results from The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus’ adoption of the model, which it has called Making Moments Matter, show significant improvements in the quality of life for residents living with dementia.
Falls have been reduced by 65 – 85% across the two sites, along with a drop in the number of residents requiring psychotropic medication of 10 - 33% per cent. The model has also positively
impacted residents’ pain levels, with 60 per cent of those at both centres experiencing a stabilisation in their pain under the model.
The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus said the results can be attributed to the physical, cultural and environmental changes that have been implemented under the model.
Social areas have become more intimate to enhance social engagement, while household items have been introduced to replicate a sense of familiarity.
Residents can get involved in domestic duties to help give them a sense of purpose, and meals are now shared with staff, who have also undertaken emotional intelligence training so as to better connect with residents.
Benefit of emotional connections“The value of replacing task orientated care routines with relaxed homelike experiences, where staff are considered to be an extension of family, cannot be underestimated. The benefits of emotional connectivity have had a significant impact on physical, psychological and social wellness.” Aged Care Plus executive manager care services Peter Bewert said.
Families of residents are also reporting positive results, with one
family member saying - “They are engaged and welcomed into a new home and I can see they are no longer bored or reserved,”
Further changes to the environment are on the way, with the construction of small households, featuring fully-functional domestic kitchens and laundries in which the residents can carry out daily routine tasks, planned.
Additional staff training will also be carried out to complete the emotional intelligence and person-centred care delivery element of the model.
Other Australian facilities sought: founderMeanwhile, Dr David Sheard, CEO of Dementia Care Matters, which pioneered the Butterfly Care Home model, said he was now looking for other facilities in Australia to adopt the approach.
Interested providers are asked to make contact via [email protected]
www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2017/02/17/aged-care-provider-sees-fewer-falls-and-drugs-under-new-dementia-care-model/
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Dementia Research
Prolonged sleep in older adults may increase the risk of dementia
High levels of Vitamin B12 in Marmite may help prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s.The high concentration of vitamin B12 in Marmite (a distinctly British food spread) was
found to increase levels of GABA chemicals in the brain, which may protect against
neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease - helping to regulate the balance of
activity needed to maintain a healthy brain. It also helps fight fatigue, according to recent
research from York University in Ontario, Canada.
In the study, participants who ate a teaspoon of Marmite daily for a month, showed a
30% reduction in the response to visual stimuli, in comparison to compared to a control
group who was given peanut butter, in effect “turning down the volume” in the brain.
B12 is also naturally found in our diet in meat, fish, and dairy products, but only in very
minimal amounts. This has led to the development of products, such as B12Boost Spray,
which is easily absorbed by the body via the rich system of veins within the mouth.
https://alzheimersnewstoday.com/2017/04/11/high-levels-vitamin-b12-marmite-helps-prevent-dementia-
alzheimers
Older adults who started to sleep more than nine hours a night — after
previously not doing so — more than doubled their risk of developing dementia
a decade later, new research reports. The increased risk wasn’t seen in people
who had always slept more than nine hours. The researchers suggest that as
Alzheimer’s-related changes begin in the brain, people may inadvertently sleep
longer as their bodies attempt to remove the abnormalities, but additional research is needed.
“We’re not suggesting you go wake up Grandpa. We think this might be a marker for the risk of dementia,
not a cause” of the illness, said Dr. Sudha Seshadri, a professor of neurology at Boston University School of
Medicine.
Using data from 2,457 people, average age 72, the researchers found that those with a new habit of excessive
slumber were at a greater risk of all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, which is characterized by a
buildup of beta amyloid, a toxic protein fragment that forms plaques in the brain.
www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/well/mind/prolonged-sleep-may-be-early-warning-sign-of-dementia.html?
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Study provides starting point for development of VR therapies.An engaging, attractive and colourful interface, an element of challenge plus continual feedback have been identified as key features of a virtual reality experience for people with dementia, according to new research.
Findings from independent research on Alzheimer’s Australia’s forest-themed virtual reality program, which shows residents with dementia experience greater pleasure but also more fear, can be applied to other virtual reality applications, said the study’s lead author.
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic began development on the sensor therapy application in 2014 ahead of launching the Virtual Forest for use at Lifeview Residential Care in Victoria in September 2015 where it continues to be used as part of a successful sundowning program aimed at reducing agitation and the use of antipsychotic medications.
Leading dementia care researcher Professor Wendy Moyle undertook a small exploratory study – the first to describe the impact of a virtual reality activity on people with dementia – involving 10 aged care residents with dementia, 10 family members and 9 care staff at two Lifeview facilities.
Overall, the forest was perceived by residents, family members and staff to have a positive effect and the study suggests virtual reality may have the potential to improve quality of life and outcomes for people with dementia.
The research assessed how a 15-minute virtual reality forest experience affected the person with dementia’s engagement, apathy and mood. It found that residents experienced more pleasure and a greater level of alertness, but also a greater level of fear or anxiety than normal for this cohort. No participants showed signs of anger or sadness.
Professor Moyle said the results around fear and anxiety were not surprising considering the participants and unfamiliarity of the situation but needed to be highlighted because it was relevant to staff education.
Other findings included general agreement among participants that 5–10 minutes was enough time in one sitting to use the forest while many family members indicated the scenery and objects were well designed but would like additional scenes.
Staff feedback suggested the program was best suited to people with mid-stage dementia as people with early stage dementia could get bored and those with later stage might become confused, according to the findings.
“The next stage is about taking the learnings and putting them into the redevelopment or the new
development of other technology,” Professor Moyle said.
The paper outlined the following steps to consider in the development and use of virtual technology:
1. An engaging, attractive, and colourful interface that promises enjoyment
2. It is always obvious what to do next, either because of the way the interface behaves or because of a specific prompt
3. An element of challenge and skill mastery to the experience, such as a point to the activity even for people with little working memory
4. Continual feedback provided on the user’s performance.
www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2017/04/05/study-provides-starting-point-development-emerging-vr-therapies/
A scene from Alzheimer’s Australia Vic’s Virtual Forest
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Study shows benefits of community exercise programs for people with dementiaRegular exercise for people with dementia improves balance and functional independence with everyday activities such as bathing and dressing, a new study has found.
The systematic review pooled
the data from seven randomised
controlled trials of long-term
exercise programs which ran for
more than three months in the
home or community.
The results provide evidence to
support exercise training in the
home as a low-cost, non-invasive
intervention for people with
dementia, which has the potential
to reduce hospitalisation and the
progression of functional decline in
this group.
To realise these positive benefits,
current health service models may
need to be restructured to ensure
the availability of trained support
workers or physiotherapists, as
well as extending post-acute care
transitional programs beyond three
months, the authors said.
Older people with cognitive
impairment are at risk of
progressive physical deterioration,
including loss of muscle strength,
deconditioning, decreased
standing balance and impaired
walking, all of which can lead to
falls and injury.
“The positive results for balance
and the ability to complete
activities of daily living shown in
this review may help reduce the
risk of falls in this population,” the
researchers concluded.
The data also showed that more
demanding activities such as
shopping and cleaning were also
improved from participation in a
longer-term exercise program.
The authors called for further
research into the effects of long-
term home and community-based
exercise programs for older people
with cognitive impairment.
www.australianageingagenda.
com.au/2017/02/16/study-shows-
benefits-community-exercise-
programs-people-dementia/
Benefits of moving more
Check out further information below, from the ‘Unforgettable” website about becoming more active.
1 It’s good for your heart and can reduce high
blood pressure.
2 It keeps your bones and muscles strong so
you can stay mobile and independent.
3 It improves sleep.
4 It can reduce the risk of falls by improving your
strength and balance.
5 It improves confidence and reduces loneliness
especially if it involves mixing with other
people.
6 It might ease agitation, anxiety restlessness
and wandering.
7 Tai Chi is often regarded as the perfect exercise
for elderly people.
8 Gentle daily exercise – 30 minutes, six days a
week, has been found to be as good for elderly
men as stopping smoking.
9 Regular exercise can boost the size of parts of
the brain that shrink with age.
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Golden Rules - Keep it simple & make it fun. It doesn’t have to cost anything.
Don’t let physical immobility prevent you from doing some form of exercise. Your local GP should be able to
put you in touch with a community therapist that can help you look at safe ways to exercise.
Benefits of getting outdoors
Whilst any form of exercise is good, if you
have dementia, exercise taken outside is
even better! Just a five minute walk around
the garden, or a trip to a nearby park, can
really help improve physical health in someone
with dementia, as well as provide multiple
forms of sensory stimulation.
Physical Benefits - Improved sleep and reduced restlessness- Improved diet- Improved activity and exercise levels- Improved awareness- Increased verbal expression- Improvement in memory
Psychological Benefits Dementia can cause a range of psychological challenges and behaviours, which getting outdoors has been found to help.
- Mood enhancement, reduced stress levels- Spiritual uplift- Having more control- Stronger sense of self- Reduced aggression and agitation
Social BenefitsOne of the hardest things about living with dementia can be dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Stepping outside however can definitely help to ease this.
- Increased social interaction and encounters- Sense of belonging- Sense of friendship and kinship- Community benefit
Don’t worry if your loved one is reluctant to do very much. Try to work out why.
Maybe they’ve lost their confidence or are afraid they’ll fall? Keep reassuring them that they’re safe with you
and if necessary try using a walking stick or wheeled walker to provide extra comfort and safety. If you’re going
outdoors make sure they’re dressed properly so they stay warm and comfortable.
https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/the-great-outdoors-why-should-you-help-someone-with-dementia-to-go-
outside/
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What, Where, When...?Best practice flexible respite guide launched for providers
FLEXIBLE RESPITE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARERS INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
FLEXIBLE RESPITE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARERS INFORMATION FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS
Two new resources aimed at improving the delivery and navigation of respite services for people living with dementia are now available.The resources created by Alzheimer’s Australia, in partnership with the University of Wollongong and Carers Australia, aim to promote best practice strategies for respite service providers and to assist people with dementia and their carers to navigate the system.
The Flexible Respite Services for People with Dementia and their Carers resources suggest a new approach to respite care is needed to meet the individual needs and goals of clients and carers and to lift the overall quality of services.
Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the resources would help support best practice in respite care for people with dementia and their carers.
“As both the aged care and disability sectors move to consumer-directed and individualised funding models, it is vital that respite services ensure they are flexible and responsive to the needs of people living with dementia, their families and carers,” she said.
The booklet for providers identifies the key features of flexible respite services, such as staff continuity and appropriate activities, and provides a checklist for providers to assess the flexibility of their services.
The resource also shares examples of good practice from around Australia, including a 24-hour live-in dementia-specific respite service and mobile services, as well as consumer case studies.
Ms McCabe said it was important that people living with dementia have access to quality respite services that provide opportunities for both social contact as well as physical activity and emotional stimulation.
Project leader of ReThink Respite Dr Lyn Phillipson from the University of Wollongong said the resources will help carers access information to better understand and navigate the system.
The new resources are available for free on Alzheimer’s Australia’s website and were developed with funding from an Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grant from the Federal Government.
http://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2017/04/20/best-practice-flexible-respite-guide-launched-providers/
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Check out these user-friendly books from the Unforgettable range.
Check this out! (A great product to support undependence)
A Family Guide to DementiaA Family Guide To Dementia has 150 pages of practical tips, step by step support and brilliant, realistic advice from people who’ve been there too. Whether you’re just starting out on the dementia journey or already caring for a loved one you’ll find all the essential information you need.
Staying out of hospital when you have dementiaStaying out of hospital when you have dementia has already received glowing reviews from people who’ve downloaded it as an e-book. Written by dementia specialist Danielle Wilde, the printed version has 60 pages of advice about keeping loved ones safe and well - and out of hospital - whenever possible.
What readers have said:“I felt so emotional reading A Family Guide To Dementia due to its wealth of information. It is an easy read that anyone can follow.”
“Contains masses of really useful information. I will share it with my Carers’ Group. I wish you could also buy printed copies”
Available to download or buy from the Unforgettable website: www.unforgettable.org
Myhomehelper - an award winning on-line, digital memory and communication aid for people living with cognitive impairment such as dementia and learning difficulties.
Originally designed and built by Kevin Marsch in 2010, to let his Mum (who had Vascular Dementia) know where he was and when he was at work or on holiday and how to contact him, it can provide the following benefits: *Increase Independence *Reduce Anxiety & Depression *Stimulate the memory *Provide reminiscence *Increase Engagement *Reduce Isolation & Increase communication *Reduce Carer Burden *Provide Reassurance & Peace of Mind *Allows for flexibility for the carer regarding everyday routines.
Myhomehelper has 6 display modes: Calendar Clock, Diary, Reminders, Photos, News & Messages. Each of those display modes are optional and you can choose how often each of them is shown over the period of an hour.
Requires: A Wi-Fi network or a 3G SIM card that can be put directly into the device. The display is setup and managed over the internet by you or anyone that you want via the myhomehelper website. Any changes made by you are picked up by the myhomehelper display within approximately 90 seconds.
For inforamtion on costs contact: [email protected] or call 01482 217285 for info about a 14 day free trial. Or visit their website to find out more: www.myhomehelper.co.uk/home/home.aspx
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Easy Peasy Cheesy Bean and Potato Bake Suggestion – serve with grilled pork chops, pork steaks or chicken breasts
The Best Sticky Date Pudding
INGREDIENTS
450g desiree potatoes, peeled, quartered
1/2 cup hot milk
3/4 cup grated tasty cheese
820g can baked beans
INGREDIENTS
For the sponge:1 cup (170g) dates
½ cup (125ml) water
1 stick (100g) butter
1 + ¼ cup (185g) plain flour
½ cup (110g) caster sugar
½ cup (110g) brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
For the sauce:¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
¾ cup (150g) butter
²∕³ cup (175ml) heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced.
2. Place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water & season with salt (to taste)
3. Bring to the boil over high heat. Boil for 15 minutes or until tender.
4. Drain. Return potatoes to pan. Cook over low heat for 30 seconds or until dry.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Using a potato masher, coarsely mash potatoes.
7. Add milk & mash until smooth.
8. Add 1/2 cup cheese. Stir until smooth.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Place beans in a 5 cup-capacity baking dish.
11. Cover with mash. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and hot. Season with pepper.- Serve.
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/375F and grease a 9x9in (24x24cm) dish. (or any dish of approximately the same size).
2. Roughly chop the dates and put them in a saucepan with the water. Bring to the boil, leave for about 30 seconds, and then turn off the heat.
3. In a stand mixer, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy. Add the flour, sugars, spices and baking powder, and mix until everything is combined and sandy-looking.
4. Add in both eggs and mix until just combined. Add the dates and water, and mix again until everything is smooth and combined.
5. Scrape the batter into the baking dish, and place into the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
6. While the cake is baking, make the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a saucepan and bringing them to the boil (I use the date saucepan). Boil for about 1 minute, and then set aside to cool slightly.
7. When the sponge is ready, drizzle over about ¼ of the sauce, and then serve warm with the rest of the sauce to pour over as you go! Perfect with ice cream, or double cream.
Naughty butNice!
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COMMUNITY EVENTS Heritage Perth Walk & Talk seriesThis year’s programme offers a variety of FREE guided walks & talks, that will help you get to know more about Perth’s amazing history. Check out the website - http://heritageperth.com.au or call 1800 171 234 to find out more.
WA Day Festival - Elizabeth Quay The flagship WA Day Festival at Elizabeth Quay will be returning for two days of fun and interactive activities, food, music and much more on 4 & 5 June – a great opportunity for every generation to spend time together!Foodies, families and fun-seekers alike will be kept busy by a five-star, carefully curated program of food and wine, entertainment and activities to showcase and celebrate all things Western Australia.Tastebuds will be tantalised by a swathe of international food trucks representing the state’s melting pot of culture, OR those after a more sophisticated bite, can indulge in a plate by some of Perth’s favourite restaurants and bars, accompanied by a glass of Western Australian wine, of course!Sunday will be a shopaholic’s delight, with Perth Makers’ Market taking residence under the Centre Stage Big Top and showcasing the wares of local artisans, while local musicians and performers entertain the crowds throughout the day and a celebrity cook-off takes place in the pop-up kitchen.On Monday, SOTA, Western Australia’s favourite music festival will have Elizabeth Quay buzzing with another sensational line-up of local acts taking to the stage. This year’s concert is FREE and is suitable for all ages.Visit www.celebratewa.com.au/2017-wa-day-festival for more information.
2017 Chittering Spring Flower FestivalCelebrate springtime in the Chittering Valley at the 2017 Chittering Spring Flower Festival from 15 - 17 September, 2017.The weekend showcases much of what is on offer in the region with two market days, an historic vehicle day and fair, floral displays and plant stalls in the hall, a Speakers lounge, an art exhibition, quilt exhibition, open days at the beautifully renovated Holy Trinity Church and the Bindoon Museum members will open their building to show off their collection of memorabilia.The interesting and historic Enderslea Farm will be the setting of four performances of Uncovering May Gibbs, including a farm fare afternoon tea. The play is performed by members of Agelink Theatre, directed by Jenny Davis and produced by Diane Pope.Date: 15 – 17 Sep 2017 Time: 09:00 – 16.00
Drawing for BeginnersThis class is comprised of several drawing classes at unique locations around Perth. Each location is specifically chosen by the host, whether it be for a great view, a particularly interesting landmark, or the opportunity for a lesson in technique. There will be a sit-down venue on the day for a chance to draw still life or portraits, and includes a complimentary beverage. Class sizes are kept small so each participant will have a chance to interact with the host on a one-to-one basis. Basic materials will be provided on the day, including paper and pencils. A complimentary beverage will be provided at the sit-down venue. This class is open to all skill levels; no previous artistic experience is necessary. Bookings are essential.Time: 10:00 am Duration: 3 hours Cost: $44pp Meeting Point: Will be notified upon bookingTo find out more or make a booking, call: 1300 32 22 32
Just chilling
Letter Logic
Letter Logic
Letter Logic
LETTER LOGICFind the correct letter for each clue to spell a six-letter word that you can eat.
Find the hidden objects
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
1 2 3 4 5 6