GRAHAM COMPLETES GREAT VICTORIAN BIKE RIDE

In 2004, our very own Graham Berryman completed the gruelling 8 day Great Victorian Bike Ride. At 76, that is a feat that would daunt even the youngest of athletes. The tour took Graham from Port Fairy to Geelong, camping overnight at Port Campbell, Camperdown, Gellibrand, Apollo Bay, Aireys inlet and Queenscliff. The Great Ocean Road was closed for several hours to accommodate the 8,500 riders that packed the route. From expensive racing bikes to babies in trailers, from toddlers to tandems. What a sight to see the bikes winding their way around the coastal cliffs of the Otways.

Not satisfied with this feat, in 2005 Graham then decided to ride from Swan Hill to Heidelberg... a true test of endurance for any cyclist. “The strong winds, rain and dirt roads made the ride very difficult in places... with temperatures in the 30’s”, Graham said. He even had to camp out in the rain on some nights. Graham has decided to attempt this year’s Great Victorian Bike Ride once again. “Oh well, I hope I can cope with this year’s ride. I’ll have a go anyway. Any Blue Hills residents like to join me? It’s a great experience!” Go Graham, go!!!

NEW FACILITIES ON THE WAY

Indoor pool

The new indoor pool will be built by Neptune Pools, it will be a heated indoor pool, fully tiled and will have a separate spa that will be fully glassed-in to look out to a magnificent fernery. After much deliberation, the pool will be 16.67 metres long, which is one third the length of an Olympic size swimming pool. A sauna will also be included in the complex next to the heated spa. Construction on the pool will commence on the 1st July pending plan approvals.

Woodwork Room

The woodwork room will be situated inside the new complex which will have small kitchen attached. A big thank you to all the residents who worked with management on the layout and design, in particular Don Kennon who co-ordinates our ‘blue team’ for maintenance and projects advise. All donations of machinery, equipment or tools by our residents will be gratefully accepted by ‘the blue team’ for the new workshop.

Medical suite

The blue hills medical suite located in the country club offers a wide range of personal services for our residents. We encourage those who would like a relaxing massage, Bowen therapy treatment or physiotherapy session to come and take advantage of the services on offer.

Monday - Counselling service by our resident Ray Coates from 9am to12.00. Ray can arrange sessions by appointment and these will remain strictly confidential. Ray is also available as our resident JP to sign any documents during the week. Ray’s brochures are available for counselling at main reception. Bowen therapy sessions with Sally Whelan are available every Monday from 12 to 5pm.

Tuesday - massage therapy with Sue Twyford. Sue alternates Tuesday one week to Thursday of the next week. Blue hills resident doctor Sam Auteri is available every Tuesday at 4pm, bookings can be made at reception.

Wednesday - physiotherapy with Paula Charlton will be available every Wednesday from 10.30-11.30am. Reflexology with Linda Tuley, this is a new service which will be available every Wednesday from 12pm.

Thursday - massage therapy with Sue Twyford, Thursday fortnight

Friday - beauty therapy with Kerry every fortnight from 9.30am. Kerry provides services such as waxing, manicures, eyebrow shaping, eyelash tinting and facials.

Other services available: hairdressing with ‘Airheads Hair Design’ available in country club salon, bookings through Kirsty direct every Wednesday and Friday. There is a podiatrist available every Tuesday fortnight from the hairdressing salon.

RESIDENTS AWARDED VETERAN’S WW2 MEDAL

“When World War 2 was declared
over on august 15th 1945, I was inland
in Borneo fighting Japanese who had
no idea the war was over… not a lot of
fun! What a great pleasure to be at
Cranbourne RSL on Monday 25th
October 2005 taking part in a
commemorative 60 year medallion
presentation. Lest we forget!”

Norm Bear

TAI CHI AND BLUE HILLS

Tai Chi is an ancient form of show, a graceful and rhythmic exercise which originated in china and generates the following benefits: health/fitness, relaxation, posture and peace of mind for peace of mind for all ages. Sometimes called ‘Cottonfist’ and was taken from the martial arts and turned into a slow moving exercise where you step like a cat and flow like a river.

There are several styles of Tai Chi, namely Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun. At Blue Hills we practice the Yang style, 108 long form consisting of 6 levels which takes between 15 and 17 minutes to go through the whole routine. Having learnt the 108 form we then advance and learn the Beijing 24 form. We have over 30 residents participating. At senior, intermediate and beginner levels sharing lots of fun and enjoyment every Saturday morning from 9am to 12 noon on the dance floor. We extend a big welcome to any newcomers even if you have never done it before.

WE’RE RIGHT BEHIND THE SCORPIONS

The Casey Scorpions, our local VFL team in Casey, moved into their new home at Casey Fields in April. They have played three home games, and have been winners on the three occasions, with victories against Box Hill Hawks, Northern Bullants and Williamstown Seagulls.

The New Pavilion and ground is right opposite Blue Hills, and as key sponsor of the Club, there have been many residents join as Members, and also come along to the games and enjoy the luncheons and hospitality of the day. This new venture to Casey Fields is an exciting move for the Club ( previously Springvale Football Club), and they are very pleased to have the support of the local community, and pleased that organizations like Blue Hills are getting right behind the team.

The Scorpions are looking forward to the remainder of the season, and hoping to make the finals in September.

Go Casey Scorpions!

DOING OUR BIT FOR CHARITY

The 42 square double bed quilt was completed in just over 2 months, much to the surprise of the 14 people from the craft group. It was expected to keep everyone busy for the best part of a year.

Judy Coombs was responsible for the idea, she then passed the job of buying the material and cutting out etc. on to the expert Mary Benson. The group worked on the squares doing candlewicking, beading and embroidery to be finally machined together by Mary. The rafflemade a total of $1439.00 which was drawn on the 28th June and will be donated to ‘Windemere’, a charity assisting abused wives and children. “It was an enjoyable time for all of us,” said Judy.