Cheese Making Demo

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This month we had a visit by one of Sydney’s premier cheese makers, La Stella, for a fascinating insight into how mozzarella is made. Approximately 20 residents gathered in the lounge to witness Adriano Bamonte, the cheesemaker (and Flora's husband), demonstrate the intricate process of crafting mozzarella. Following the demonstration, everyone had the opportunity to savor the freshly prepared cheese and even take some home! Adriano also shared samples of their other cheeses, including a delectable white scamorza and a creamy stracciatella, which quickly became a crowd favourite. The cheeses were complemented with red, white, and sparkling wines, and we spent the afternoon enjoying cheese, wine, and great company. The event was a huge success, with some residents dubbing it their favourite Astra event! A heartfelt thank you to La Stella and Adriano for an unforgettable afternoon filled with delicious cheese and wonderful memories.

Kambala Chamber Music Outreach Initiative

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We recently hosted a delightful visit from the students of Kambala School as part of the Kambala Chamber Music Outreach Initiative. The performances, which lasted approximately an hour, showcased two pianists, a flute trio, and a string quartet. These talented girls performed captivating pieces by various composers such as Mozart, Chopin, and even a traditional Ukrainian folk song.

A large number of residents gathered in the lounge to enjoy the concert and share in a lovely afternoon tea. Following the conclusion of the performances the girls were quite happy to join in afternoon tea and get to know the residents. A big thank you to the prefects and teachers who arranged the musical groups, and, of course, to the exceptionally talented ladies for their remarkable performance that brought smiles to everyone present.

St Patrick's Day

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The Astra lounge was filled with shamrocks and a vibrant green hue in honor of St Patrick’s Day. The residents broke out their finest green attire and gathered for a delicious ploughman’s lunch. Lunch was a lovely mix of sweet and savory foods and some traditional soda bread care of the Bondi markets and Paddy the Baker. Some residents enjoyed a sip or two of Guinness, adding an extra Irish flair to the event.  The ambiance was cheerful and airy, accompanied by Irish melodies playing in the background and jovial banter and storytelling shared amongst the guests at the tables. Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon and good craic!

Bus Trip to The Auburn Botanical Gardens

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This month a group of residents ventured to the urban oasis known as the Auburn Botanical Gardens. The tranquil grounds are home to a stunning range of flora and fauna, ponds and lakes and even a waterfall. It was a perfect autumn day for a stroll around the lush gardens and to enjoy a picnic lunch. A highlight of the day was when a mischievous peacock decided to pull a disappearing act after a gate was left open! But fear not, because our very own peacock-whisperer, Noni, channelled her inner country girl and expertly guided the runaway bird back home, much to the amusement of everyone else!

Casino Day

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A group of residents came together in the Astra lounge for an enjoyable afternoon filled with games, socializing, drinks, and charcuterie. The lounge was beautifully themed as a casino for the day, complete with three tables offering Blackjack, Roulette, and other card games. Players received a stack of chips to play with, there were no rules at this casino, or rather the rules were made up (and changed) as we played along. Special mention goes out to Darryl the pro roulette croupier who kept the good times rolling!

The gathering was a delightful occasion with drinks, laughter, and merriment. The event was a huge hit, prompting thoughts of turning it into an annual tradition. Thanks to everyone who joined and contributed to the festive atmosphere.

Insightful Visit from the Director of Seniors Fitness

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This week, we had a visit from Emily, the Director of Seniors Fitness, who delivered a captivating talk on improving well-being through exercise. The talk covered a range of topics including an overview of common health conditions, the benefits of exercise, fall prevention, and a demonstration of some exercises. During the presentation, Emily elaborated on the distinction between physiotherapy and exercise physiology. Physiotherapy is recommended for acute injuries, while exercise physiology focuses on long-term injuries and strength enhancement. Regular exercise was emphasized for faster post-surgery recovery, fall prevention, and overall daily well-being.

Seniors Fitness provides tailored programs either at their Bondi Junction studio or in the convenience of your home. The session was highly informative, leading to increased interest among residents, with some signing up for future sessions. A big thank you to Emily and Seniors Fitness for their enlightening visit to the Astra!

Australia Day

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Crikey! What a flamin’ good day for a BBQ! Some of the Astra residents took advantage of the beautiful summer weather and partook in a shared meal and BBQ to celebrate Australia Day. Everyone chipped in with food and drinks, and the result was a mouth-watering feast. One highlight of the day was when Lore, who hadn't tasted a Lamington in 50 years since her arrival in Australia, finally got to sink her teeth into one.

Bus Trip To The Teahouse At The Crown Towers

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Established in 2020, the Tea House at the Crown is the perfect fusion of a traditional Chinese tea house and an uber-modern lounge bar. After seeing the beautiful pictures online a group of us ventured into the city to check it out. When we arrived at the Crown Towers we headed through the decadent foyer and up to the Tea House. We were seated in one of the coveted “birdcages” but ultimately chose to sit on the balcony and enjoy the views of the harbour and the boats passing by. Although the weather wasn’t the greatest the atmosphere, ambience and views certainly made up for it. We sampled some of the beverages on offer, Alana tried the spicy, tequila-infused “Mango Tango” cocktail and Nellie tried the “Madame Butterfly” and the fiery “Sichuan Boulevardier”, all of which were delicious! The group then headed to 88 Noodle, a restaurant with a tantalizing mix of Shanghai, Singapore, and Thai cuisines. After a hearty meal, it was time to say goodbye to the Crown's glitz and glam and head back to the Astra.

Bus Trip To See The Christmas Lights

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This month's bus trip was a festive one! A group of residents (and Anna) went to see the Christmas displays adorning some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The highlight of the trip was St Mary’s Cathedral, its stunning projections on the building façade accompanied by joy-filled music embodied the holiday spirit perfectly. The trip started at the QVB to see a unique Christmas tree honouring the importance of Aboriginal culture. From the QVB the group made their way to Pitt Street Mall and the David Jones animated window display. This year’s display was inspired by the beloved children’s book “Twelve Dogs of Christmas” by Alison Ritchie. Next up was Martin Place and its 3.4-metre colour-changing tree! Every 15 minutes or so the tree would change colours and play Christmas songs. The last stop in the city was St Mary’s Cathedral where the group took some great photos and got to look inside the Cathedral where real pine trees lined the aisles. The Cathedral grounds were filled with families and friends enjoying the lights and markets.

On the way back to the Astra, Nick the bus driver, took the group through Avoca Street in Bondi where almost every house was lit up and included some great holiday displays.

This trip was a sleigh-full of magical memories!

Christmas Party

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Tis the season to be jolly! And jolly we were at the annual Bondi Astra Christmas party! The night kicked off with drinks in the lounge then the residents and guests settled into the Bondi Tratt for a hearty Christmas feast. The Tratt once again delivered a beautiful meal with all the trimmings and plenty of libations, which enhanced the already festive atmosphere. After dinner, the residents and guests headed back to the Astra lounge for dessert, more drinks and speeches. The lucky door prize raffle was awarded to a bunch of lucky residents, with the first winner being Cleo who scored a fabulous bottle of bubbly. Once the formalities were out of the way the music was turned up and the residents (and staff!) danced the night away.

It was a fantastic night with lots of merriment, good cheer and a fun time had by all! Thanks to everyone who was involved and to the Bondi Tratt for another wonderful Christmas dinner.

Farewell Anna

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After seven years, Anna has decided to finish her studies and pursue a career in graphic design, sadly this means she will no longer be working at the Astra ☹

Anna has been an integral part of the Astra over the years and has made a lasting impact on residents and staff alike. Her creativity and ingenuity have been showcased at the many events and activities she has organised, Anna has been instrumental in implementing regular events/activities such as the Astra book club and technology workshops.

Her kind nature has touched the residents and is reflected in their smiles as they have grown to cherish her over the years.

Although it is goodbye, it’s more “see you later” as Anna hopes to still attend the monthly book club meetings and will be joining us at the Christmas party! From the staff and residents, we wish Anna all the best in all your future endeavors and will miss you greatly!

Bus trip to Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre

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A group of our residents had a great time shopping at the Birkenhead Point outlet center. Although the weather wasn't the best, it turned out to be the perfect day to hunt for bargains indoors. The early Black Friday sales were in full swing, and the group was able to take advantage of them and make some fruitful purchases. They also had the chance to explore the Christmas displays and enjoy a delightful lunch. The shopping was so good that even Nick, the bus driver, was able to get all his Christmas shopping done too!

On the way back, the residents were treated to a scenic journey through Kirribilli, where they were able to see the beautiful purple arches of the blossoming Jacaranda trees. All in all, it was a fabulous day enjoyed by all!

Len the Pen

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Our very own Len the Pen came down to talk to us about his life and career as a journalist. He gave us fascinating anecdotes, interesting insights and wonderful stories. He spent time working in Canada, on and off through the years in London, and in Zambia, Rhodesia, Malawi and Mozambique. In the 1960s he worked on the London Evening News on weekdays (the largest evening paper in the world at the time, with over 1m copies sold every day) and on the Daily Express sports desk at the weekends. Len moved to Zambia with his wife Barbara, and was tasked with turning a weekly newspaper into a daily one. He was there for the moon landing! Len loved being a foreign correspondent and is envious of all the journalists who get to do it these days with all the fantastic technology they have. 

The second half of Len’s career was more involved with public relations and communication, and he often found himself teaching would-be journalists, media and PR personnel. He was a speechwriter for WA Premier Carmen Lawrence for a time. He and his family emigrated to New Zealand and then Australia, where they settled in Perth and lived there for 40 years. At the end of his career, he created a magazine called School Matters, and was editing it - on his retirement they produced a special cover dedicated to especially to him.

Everyone who came along thoroughly enjoyed themselves and hung on Len’s every word! Thanks, Len, for regaling us with such interesting tales from your life and career!

Melbourne Cup

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This year’s Melbourne Cup was a huge success…Once we found the correct channel on the TV! It was a lovely afternoon which included fancy frocks and fascinators, a sumptuous feast and drinks flowing. The atmosphere was filled with lots of conversations and laughter while the Astra lounge was adorned with colourful decorations. Congratulations to the cup winner Without a Fight and all the sweeps winners at the Astra!

Bus Trip to The Grounds and Antique Warehouse

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Our residents had a wonderful day out to the Mitchell Road Antique and Design Centre, The Grounds at Alexandria, and Centennial Park. It was a fabulous sunny day, perfect weather for having a leisurely lunch and a wander around The Grounds. First stop was the Antique and Design Centre, a huge warehouse full of antique items and fascinating bric-a-brac. Two hours later everyone had had just enough time to see everything they wanted to, plus do some shopping, and were ready for lunch. When they got to The Grounds they were excited to see the Christmas decorations going up. After another couple of hours having a beautiful relaxed lunch, and time spent drooling over the fabulous selection of cakes, our kind community bus driver took a detour via Centennial Park to look at the lake. A great end to a lovely day – watching the ducks, black swans and turtles. The bus even had a visit from two ferrets being walked by their owners, who enjoyed the attention, and caused much amusement! Back home at 3pm and our residents reflected on a fun-filled day. Roll on the next trip…

Multicultural Bring and Share Lunch

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Our multicultural bring and share lunch was a great success. The village provided food, and residents brought a plate. We had Italian, Asian, Samoan, Hungarian, Serbian, Australian and British cuisine represented, and it was a delicious buffet of tasty food. Wine and soft drinks provided a lovely accompaniment, as did resident Len’s compilation of traditional folk tunes from all the nationalities of the residents who were present. It was a beautiful day, a delicious lunch and a great opportunity to chat with friends.

Remembering and Telling Stories Interactive Talk

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Jackie from ReeLife Stories held an interactive and informative seminar on the importance of remembering, telling stories, and passing on memories to family and friends. We listened to her interesting presentation over a cuppa and a biscuit and chatted with our neighbours about our memories and loved ones. It was a great reminder to tell our stories, and to listen to other people’s stories. It was also an important encouragement to people who don’t think they have anything interesting to say – each person’s story is unique and interesting in its own way. It is particularly important to have memories of people you’re close to for when they’re gone – what they look and sound like as well as pieces of their history and family stories. Thanks to Jackie for coming and getting us talking about memories and storytelling. All those who came thought it was an important topic. Indeed, some residents have already written memoirs, books, and even a letter to their 16-year-old self. It was lovely to discover this and to discuss already published works as well as unpublished stories. The key take aways? Keep remembering, keep telling stories, keep taking photos and videos, and ask questions of people while you can.

Afternoon Tea With Special Guest Irene E Pfeiffer

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What a pleasure it was to have resident Noni’s friend, Irene Pfeiffer, come and talk to us about her amazing life. Irene has, as she puts it, “always been in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time”! She spoke to us about growing up in Canada, speaking French and English (or sometimes Frenglish!) She graduated school at 16, university at 20, and went on to work for the oil and gas industry. Irene broke many glass ceilings in her work, not least integrating the bathrooms at the large company where she was to become one of the only women on several senior executive teams. Her parents taught her the value of travel, and she has had some incredible experiences. She travelled to Tanzania and Kenya and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. She went to China a week after Tiananmen Square and worked in Hong Kong for a while. Irene and her husband were in Iran when the Shah of Iran was overthrown, and they were in East Germany when the Berlin Wall came down. Irene was given the honour of the Order of Canada for her work with women on the streets of Canada, and she has been involved in numerous charitable works. Her philosophy is “how can I be retired if I’ve never been tired?” She is a member of several boards, is a citizenship judge, and is a marriage commissioner. It was a really interesting talk, and many residents and friends came to hear her speak. The next day Irene told us that she had forgotten to mention that she’s met the Pope and the Queen! Perhaps next time she’s in Australia we can hear part two! A huge shout out to resident Eva who organised the event, and baked some beautiful Hungarian treats for the occasion. Thanks to Irene, Eva and everyone who came.

Care Live Smile Information Session

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Thank you to Ronna, from Care Live Smile, who came to talk to us about accessing care services in the area. She spoke about the importance of connecting with MyAgedCare, and of getting into the system early before an emergency. She explained how to register with Carer Gateway, a great service that provides help for carers of all ages. Although Care Live Smile is a provider, Ronna told us that there are many different options out there to explore, and she suggested having conversations with a few people to find out what will work for us as individuals. She discussed accessing home care services like shopping, cleaning and making food, as well as transport and general support. Those that came to the talk asked questions throughout and went away with a greater understanding of the options available. Ronna brought us a beautiful morning tea of fresh fruit, lamingtons and muffins, and we enjoyed those over a cuppa and a chat. Thanks to everyone involved in this interesting and informative event.

Men's Shed Chorale

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Men’s Shed Chorale singing Don’t Fence Me In by Cole Porter

We were so happy to welcome the Men’s Shed Chorale to the Astra to perform for us. What a treat! The group were in fine form and performed wonderfully for us. Hugh was the compere for the afternoon and he was a delight, telling us about the group and about the music they were singing. The program was a mix of genres and decades, from traditional sacred choral music to American classics like ‘Come Fly With Me’ to a spectacular finale including the comical ‘A Place in the Choir’ and the melodic ‘The Way You Look Tonight’. The men sang beautifully, Musical Director Daniel conducted and played the theme to ‘Cinema Paradiso’ on his violin, and the Accompanist Belinda played the piano fabulously. Everyone who came to watch had an amazing time and were thrilled when the singers/players stayed around for a cuppa and a chat afterwards. The biscuits and other snacks went down very well, and cups of tea and coffee were enjoyed by all. Thanks so much to the Men’s Shed Chorale for giving us a lovely afternoon of entertainment and being such great sports. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would love to have the group back again at some point in the future…