Speaker Talk by Cleo Lynch

/ Bondi Beach Astra Reitrement Village Lounge/

Residents enjoyed an engaging and entertaining presentation by fellow resident and author Cleo. The session commenced with a captivating narrative on the history of Weston's Biscuit Factory and the wagon wheel. Next up was a hilarious account of strata living from the perspective of a downstairs neighbour, a highlight was the graphic details of the upstairs neighbour's nocturnal activities and bathroom routines. The atmosphere then shifted to a poignant and gripping account of overhearing a victim of domestic violence through shared walls, prompting contemplation on whether to intervene. The talk concluded with a delightful poem about the 433 bus route, which Cleo sent to the transport minister for consideration.

Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Vivid Bus Trip

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It was a cold June evening when a group of us rugged up and ventured into the city to see the VIVID lights. The first stop was Hickson Road Reserve where we wandered around and enjoyed the lights of the bridge, Opera house, tall ships and surrounds. A highlight (no pun intended) was the Light Connection exhibit by New Zealand Artist, Angus Muir. The mesmerizing canopy of LED lights enveloped you in a vibrant glow, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature. It was an enchanting experience to wander through, getting lost in the immersive atmosphere.

The bus then continued onto Kirribilli and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where Len captured a magnificent shot of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Flora's Baby Shower & Farewell

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We all gathered in a sea of baby blue decorations to celebrate Flora's bun in the oven (baby Claudio) and to bid her adieu after her two-year stint at the Astra. Flora's time at Astra was pure magic - her no-nonsense charm, engaging persona, and heartwarming smile left an everlasting mark on everyone. Her sense of humour was infectious, and her laugh will echo throughout the Astra long after her departure!

Amidst a feast of treats like cakes, macarons, cucumber sandwiches, and baby quiches, residents watched as Flora unwrapped a mountain of gifts and listened to heartfelt speeches from Sam, Penny, and Len. We also got to meet the new Office Manager, Glenn Piper (he's aware of the big shoes he's stepping into - it's been mentioned a few times!).

The afternoon was full of laughter and a few tears (especially from Nellie). Despite bidding farewell to Flora, she will continue managing sales and will visit the Astra during unit inspections. Although saying goodbye is tough, we'll still have the chance to see her occasionally, making it more of a "see you later" situation.

We will also see her when she brings Claudio in to meet all his extra grandparents and aunties!

Australia's Biggest Afternoon Tea

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We'd love to bring you the photo story of our Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council – but Len forgot to take any pictures! 

We can tell you that the event – held as an afternoon tea because we like to do things differently at the Astra – raised $646 for the Cancer Council. It was a magnificent effort.

 Our thanks go to our raffle sponsors the Bondi Tratt, Chapter One Cafe and Bondi Beach Chemist.

 Congratulations and thanks to all.

Cinco De Mayo

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The Astra lounge was bursting with colourful decorations and the lively tunes of mariachi music during our Cinco De Mayo celebration (well, Ocho De Mayo in our case). We had a great turnout and some residents really got into the spirit by donning sombreros and ponchos for the occasion. While some residents got into the spirits and enjoyed some delicious margaritas! There was an abundant taco bar for residents to feast on with an array of meats, sides, salsas, tortillas and guac. Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon and everyone left satisfied with full bellies, ready for a siesta!

Special thanks to Alan and Bar 34 for generously providing some margaritas and to everyone who helped out. The event was so successful it will become an annual tradition. Until next year adios!

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…