International Star Wars Day!

/ Everywhere!/

May the 4th Be With You! That is what the Astra proclaimed from it’s foyer windows yesterday for all passersby to see. I hope there were more than a few smiles in response, and although we weren’t able to go through with all the exciting things we had planned for the event, we were still able to bring the Star Wars magic to the village and beyond. Aaron decorated the foyer with Star Wars themed material, and I put together some interesting trivia facts about the franchise (see previous post). There are printed copies for anyone who wants one at the office. We suggested that residents might like to re-visit their favourite movie, and that if they had any Star Wars memories we could collate them here.

I, for one, have a long and enjoyable history with the franchise. I vividly remember my response to watching the first of the original trilogy on VHS with my Dad at home. I absolutely loved it and I can still feel the sheer joy of it now. I think I went on to watch the other two movies over the rest of the weekend - I couldn’t wait! I have watched most of the movies in the series, and went to see one of the prequels live - I enjoyed the atmosphere of costumes and props and people clapping in response to things happening on screen. Although I didn’t think the prequels were very good, it was still a fun experience, and I was able to repeat this last year when I went to see ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ at the Ritz cinema in Randwick at their midnight showing. Once again, there were adults and children alike dressed up and carrying lightsabers and models of droids, and the sounds of an entire theatre gasping and laughing and crying in all the right places was an exciting experience. I have greatly enjoyed the later movies, so that added to the fun. I have watched friends dress up as Star Wars characters for a charity ball I attended at university, made Star Wars Lego sets, and even crocheted a whole set of characters for some friends who are fans. who knew there were so many facets to this phenomenon?!

Thanks to everyone who has been getting involved with our new and different events since social distancing - we can’t wait to get back to normal but it’s good to be able to maintain some link to the events we’d programmed. Hope you had a very Happy Star Wars Day!

ANZAC Day Commemorations

/ Everywhere!/

Anzac Day 2020 was a bit different this year. Residents had the opportunity to pay their respects in a more personal way than what we have been accustomed to. A 6am start with a torch on a chilly morning with the Last Post heard over the crashing waves told us it was indeed still Anzac Day. Flags adorned windows to remind us of the sacrifices made. At 11am in the Astra, I conducted a brief ceremony over the public address system. This consisted of me reading the Ode of Remembrance, playing the Last Post, and a minute’s silence before the Rouse. A solemn and sobering experience and definitely an Anzac Day we will always remember.

Written by Aaron Ross

Coronavirus Pastimes

/ Sydney's Eastern Beaches/

Well we are continuing to find interesting and innovative ways to keep ourselves active in this time of isolation. For some, it’s catching up on their reading; for others, finding ways of doing exercise while still social distancing. Residents have been going through their old photos, tidying up, taking up new skills and chatting to their families remotely. Here are a few of the best pastimes from the last couple of weeks:

The ‘Own Your Self’ book is interesting and informative and comes recommended by Noni. Jo is passing her days reading, trying to draw, colouring in, and has even started knitting a cardigan! I have also been getting out my yarn and have started a crochet project that I’ve been procrastinating about for a while. Many of our residents go for a short walk each day, to get a coffee or walk along by the beach, and they always enjoying passing each other in the street and stopping for a sensibly socially distanced chat.

Here is present day Noni, who normally runs our weekly Qi Gong lessons, getting to grips with Qi Gong in isolation. And she has also been sorting through some old photos - this is 3 year old Noni and at the RAS in 1948. What a wonderful thing to spend time looking through old family photos.

Nature Therapy

/ Everywhere!/

We’re all trying to stay physically and mentally healthy in isolation, so here are a few nature photos from our village community to inspire and calm.

World Sleep Day Virtual Pyjama Parties

/ Everywhere!/

A few of us ‘got together’ apart to recognise World Sleep Day, and sent some photos to prove it. Others were there in spirit, just not in pictorial form. At least it was nice to have an excuse to lounge around in our pyjamas - I for one love fun PJs, and I know others in our community do too!

Our Community in Isolation

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It has been a few weeks since we all started to try and come up with ideas for how to make isolation more enjoyable. Because we have had to postpone our social events for this month, we have asked residents and staff of the Astra to send in activities they have been doing to keep entertained. Here are some of the first few:

As for me, this weekend I ate lots of chocolate, read a graphic novel based on the ‘Avatar: the Last Airbender’ animated series, worked out in my “home gym” (a chair, a mat on the floor and some dumbbells), and went for some long walks in and around Coogee. I also had a virtual party with some friends all around the country on Easter Saturday, with cocktails and hot cross buns!

We will continue to collate information from our Astra community on what we are doing in these difficult times. Keep checking in for more posts and watch out for competitions and chances to win a bottle of wine or two…

Changes to Social Events Due to COVID-19

/ Online/

We have been limiting social gatherings at the Astra since our St Patrick’s Day lunch, and now, due to further government restrictions and the risk posed to older communities, we have suspended all physical activities for the time being. Thank you to all residents and their families for their patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult situation.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom! We will be moving some of our social events online in the coming weeks and are encouraging residents to interact with us in different ways. Sadly, our pyjama party wasn’t able to go ahead last week, but we’ve rescheduled it to this Friday for anyone who wants to to do something at home. We have asked residents to send in photos of their own pyjama parties and we will have a competition and give a bottle of wine to the winner of the best photo! We are also going to encourage residents to send in photos of their latest walk, write book or movie reviews and let us know about any other ideas they have for making life more interesting during isolation. We will be posting regular updates and tips on this blog, so keep checking in to see what’s going on in virtual Astra community life.

As with everything, we are always happy to listen to ideas and suggestions of things that we can do to support the residents or encourage more community spirit. Don’t hesitate to email us if you think of anything.

St Patrick's Day Lunch

/ Bondi Beach Astra Unit 2/

The day was grand, to be sure, to be sure. The aroma from the kitchen kept the residents salivating all day in anticipation. Freshly baked soda bread (made by Anna) and a yummy Irish stew (chopped by Aaron, cooked by the slow cooker) were enjoyed by all. Decorations adorned the walls and some residents got into the spirit with costume and green clothing. The meal was great and was polished off with seconds and doggy bags for the hungry. A fruit platter nicely complemented the meal and a fine day was had by all.

Written by Aaron Ross

Bus Trip to Fire-Affected Bilpin

/ Bilpin NSW/

Bright and early on Tuesday 11th March, Astra residents and friends boarded the bus to visit fire-affected Bilpin. After leaving Sydney metropolitan area we were all amazed how green the countryside was, however closer to Bilpin we saw the fire devastation on both sides of the road that went on for many kilometres. The locals refer to NYE as a night from hell. It was really wonderful to see the regeneration already happening on very burnt/blackened trees though; nature is truly amazing.

Unfortunately many places we wanted to visit were closed but we did stop at two roadside cafes/shops where we were able to support the Bilpin community by purchasing some very delicious apples, other fruits, condiments, eat homemade apple pie and also enjoy lunch. Then it was back on the bus, stopping to take a group photo at Bellbird Lookout, and home to beautiful Bondi Beach with everyone agreeing it was a most enjoyable day.

Thanks very much to Aaron and Anna for organising this trip and a big thanks to BBARV for paying for our bus and driver, much appreciated.

Written by Darryl Bourke

Astra Residents and friends set out on a very pleasant day bus trip to visit Bilpin, a spread out settlement on the Bells Line Of Road, a back road to the Blue Mountains. This road was blocked off in the recent bushfires and suffered so much damage to property and of course the famous apples that are grown there. Ann had done some research as many of the orchards with cafes attached had been forced to close. We managed to find two open on either side of the road, so we had a choice. After a nice lunch, we raided the shelves for pomegranate molasses, local Bush honey and, of course, apples.

The bush on either side was blackened by the fires but it was encouraging to see the regrowth and regeneration. The grass, while short, was lush and green. The thought of so many native animals being trapped and no way out was devastating, but Australia and its animals are resilient and it won’t take long to get back on track.

The pit stops on the way there and back at Macca’s are always a welcome break and the driver was caring and safety conscious. A great day was had by all and a big shout out for the BBARV for providing us with this service free of charge. Thank you.

Written by Noni Gove

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast

/ Bondi Beach Astra Unit 2/

We had a beautiful sunny day for our beginning-of-Lent pancake morning, and everyone came up to unit 2 in high spirits (the lounge being out of action this week). The water sparkled as we sat down to a sumptuous breakfast of pancakes, fresh fruit, cream, jam, maple syrup, nutella, lemon and sugar! Aaron and Alana provided traditional Aussie thick pancakes, and Anna made European-style crepes. There was plenty of choice for everyone who came, and teas, coffees and soft drinks all round. It was a happy and colourful affair, and being able to see the beautiful beach definitely added to the atmosphere. Thanks to all those who came, and to those who lent a hand, for a fun and enjoyable community get-together.

World Radio Day

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

A blast from our yesteryears got us all excited thinking of the glory days of radio in Australia. From the early AM-only days through to the multitude of channels that we have today, our ears rang with delight at the sounds long gone. We began with a small explanation of World Radio Day, how different radio waves work and the history of commercial radio in Australia. We listened to excerpts from programs like 'Dad and Dave', 'Blue Hills', and sporting events and commercials. Ahh, the memories came flooding back! We exchanged a variety of stories of favourite programs and programs from other countries, and looked at pictures of old radio episodes and the big units of days gone by that we grew up with. The halcyon days of radio may now be long gone, but they will never be forgotten.

Written by Aaron Ross

Yum Cha Lunch for Chinese New Year

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

Ni hao. We celebrated the Chinese year of the rat with a fantastic yum cha lunch. Aaron and Kirsty were slaving away in the kitchen with Darryl as server of the food. We feasted on traditional Chinese delicacies such as BBQ pork buns, dumplings and dim sims. This was supplemented with gyoza, spring rolls, samosa and money bags. Delicious foods were washed down with jelly drinks for the adventurous. The dishes were cooked and delivered on small plates yum cha style with labels advising what they were. The food just kept on coming, plate after plate, until we were nearly full. Then we had crackers and traditional Chinese lollies for dessert, which made us full to bursting. A full dining room provided plenty of atmosphere and the day was a joyous event, universally liked.

Written by Aaron Ross

Puzzle Day Puzzling

/ Bondi Beach Astra Foyer and Lounge/

It was a successful event last year, so we decided to put on some Puzzle Day activities again this year. The foyer and lounge became home to jigsaws, word and number puzzles, dot-the-dots and a number of other tactile puzzle sets. We hope you enjoyed your puzzling!

Australia Day BBQ

/ Bondi Beach Astra Courtyard/

It was a beautiful warm day on Sunday 26th, and a large group of 25 or so residents gathered in the lounge and courtyard to celebrate Australia Day! The food was expertly cooked and enjoyed by all who came - thanks to everyone who was involved in that process. The wine was freely flowing and a good number stayed up having a laugh in the courtyard until quite late. All in all, it was a great turnout and a great fun event. We had ordered some flags from the different countries represented at the Astra, but unfortunately they didn't arrive in time. Ah well, there’s always next year!

Hat Day Morning Tea

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

Well I think Hat Day was a roaring success - any opportunity to gather for a coffee and a biscuit…and of course wear a silly hat. We hat big hats and small hats, floppy sunhats and traditional Aussie hats, well-travelled hats and hats with interesting stories! It’s amazing how much more special the event felt, just wearing a hat and doing something a bit out of the ordinary.

Trivia Day Morning Tea with Trivia

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

We had a lovely morning tea for Trivia Day last week. It was a great opportunity for us to get together and have a chat over a cuppa and some trivia questions. We started with a set of questions and picture clues that Aaron and I had put together, but when the residents smashed through those rounds only getting one question wrong, we knew we had to do something more difficult! Thanks to Margaret who went to get her iPad; we spent a happy hour puzzling over the SMH questions, as well as some rounds from the Trivial Pursuit app. It’s always good to start the day (and the year!) with some brain-taxing activities, and we all had a great time.

New Year's Eve Bring and Share Dinner

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

Who would have thought that a casual conversation at afternoon tea a few weeks ago would have resulted in a wonderful NewYear’s Eve celebration here at the Astra! Informal! Impromptu, no cooking, no fuss, with the deployment of the old tried and trusted catering method of ‘bring a plate and BYO drinks’. The office posted a notice and about ten residents registered their interest.

As time moved on through Christmas, another quick decision fixed a starting time, and another notice was posted with suggestions of food items that might be suitable. In the end it wasn’t ten, but almost twenty happy, enthusiastic revellers who rolled up for the Astra NYE celebrations, mostly residents, but some friends, or perhaps we should say ‘Friends of the Astra.’

There was food aplenty, a banquet surpassing all expectations. There was music; thank you to Cecilia who played piano, and Lore for her Spotify tablet. And to the rousing chorus of voices joining in the singing. There was dancing, with George and Mary leading the charge. There was jovial conversation and the atmosphere throbbed with conviviality and good will.

The 9pm fireworks lit up on the TV, but as everyone was having such a good time, no one was in a hurry to leave, with some stalwarts hanging in to watch the midnight show. It was, we all agreed, an extraordinary night, and a wonderful start to 2020.

Many thanks to everyone for making this an occasion to remember. And thank you to Aaron and Anna who interacted with residents on arrangements and posted our notices. And Anna, the reorganised kitchen cupboards were a real bonus. I hope we left them in good order. May 2020 be a year free of dissension for that grand old lady, The Astra, and its residents.

Written by Cleo Lynch

Christmas Party

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

It is the highlight of our social calendar, and this year we kicked off our festivities at 5pm with drinks in the lounge. Our new lounge furniture had just arrived in time for us to enjoy the comfy chairs and sofas throughout the evening. There was much chatting and catching up over drinks, and then we headed next door to the Tratt for a Christmas meal. We had prawns and salad to start, followed by turkey and ham and all the trimmings. It was a lovely meal and the staff made us feel welcome (as they always do).

When we returned to the Astra, John, our music maestro for the evening, was getting ready to serenade us to dessert. John has played for us before, and always delights with his guitar and trumpet playing skills. There was a wide selection of desserts on offer for us, as well as plenty of alcohol and soft drinks to keep us going into the night. The Christmas decorations sparkled as we danced and sang and ate. At the mid-point we drew the raffle to see who would be going away with a prize this year. There were food hampers, gift cards, candles and all sorts for people to choose from. Congratulations to Mary, who won the big hamper that had gifts donated by the residents, and to everyone else whose ticket was drawn. We couldn’t have done it without you all!

After the raffle we had some speeches and a short summary of the year’s events. Then it was back to dancing and chatting and drinking, and having a great festive time. I think it’s fair to say we all had a lovely evening - many residents came by the office over the next few days to say what a nice time they had. Thanks to John for the music, Chris and Patricia for getting the desserts, and to everyone who came and contributed to the party atmosphere.

Make a Gift Day Craft Workshop

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

It was ‘Make a Gift Day’, so appropriately we thought it would be good to have a gift making workshop just in time for Christmas. There was a large variety of craft tools available to residents including paper, textas, paints, glue, ribbon, buttons, beads and glitter! We also had mini terracotta pots, photo frames and little cork bottles to use as a base for creating our gifts. Several people painted on the pots and frames, while a few others made gift tags and put confetti and glitter in the bottles. It was a very enjoyable morning of crafting and chatting, and everyone made something lovely (regardless of how talented or otherwise they claimed to be at the start!) Thanks to everyone who came.