Archives for 2016

The Hon Stuart Robert MP officially opened Seachange Arundel Community Garden on Tuesday 6^th September.  The afternoon proceedings started off with a leisurely walk through the new established and renovated community garden, followed by a delightful garden tea party hosted by the residents.

 

The ambience for the afternoon was simply one of getting back to nature!  A vast array of residents took the time to show off their beautiful community garden to all in attendance.  This garden is for the resident’s family and friends alike to enjoy, treasure, develop, improve and importantly love.   The residents were in their elements in their new community garden, with all quick to discuss, eager to explain and with all taking pride answering questions. Connie Glover a long term resident mentioned that, “every time I come, there is something different to see – a new type of lettuce, newly laid herb beds, and features to appeal to different residents”.

 

John Cowan proudly walked both the Hon Stuart Robert MP and Phil Goodman throughout the garden. The Hon Stuart Robert MP commented on John’s enthusiasm and knowledge which was so refreshing to see and simply stated, “there is just something beautiful about a community garden and it is clearly evident with the funding received that Seachange Arundel is making a difference within their community”.

 

During the formalities of the afternoon John spoke of how this community garden will provide many opportunities for recreation and exercise, from a simple stroll amongst the plants, to the day to day work of maintaining the garden– exercise carried out in friendly company, with a real sense of satisfaction and purpose.  He also spoke of the impact this garden has already had on the community, “…already access to this garden has had positive impacts on people’s physical and emotional wellbeing.  There are as many ways of starting and maintaining a community garden as there are gardeners and with the vision commitment and dedication and help of Mike Cecil and many others we are very proud of our community garden”.

 

The community garden, within Seachange Arundel, is a great way to grow food, foster good health, support learning, and cultivate vibrant friendships. Undoubtedly through connection to this community garden the residents are growing together as a community and loving their garden and in doing so nurturing their mind body and soul.

 

Over the past two months residents of Seachange Arundel have rolled up their sleeves to get dirty whilst reconditioning a community garden after receiving a generous community grant from the Governments Healthy Communities Initiative.

John Cowan, also known as JC the Garden Gnome, is the resident Project Manager of the community garden and he was assisted by fellow resident Dianne Cecil who played an integral role in submitting the application to receive a community grant for the garden.

Dianne proudly states “All residents can benefit from the new community garden, whether it is simply a walk through the garden, watering plants, learning about the growing of diverse vegetation or simply admiring the beauty of the garden.”

John, a keen and passionate gardener was thrilled to receiving the grant as he sees the community garden a place that will encourage active hands on participation and collaboration, uniting residents through common interests and a love for gardening. John added, “This garden has already created positive social interaction with residents showing a keen interest and working well together as a team to see the garden flourish.”

From the very beginning, the aim of the community garden was to establish and construct a productive garden precinct.  It is wonderful to see the community spirit that has arisen from the project as the garden builds a sense of community and belonging amongst residents and allows them to nourish their mind, body and soul.

On Thursday 14^th July Seachange Lifestyle Resorts Arundel hosted a Welcome Centre Demolition Party for all residents who have volunteered their time over the past six years in the Welcome Centre. The party was a perfect time to acknowledge each and every volunteer who has contributed to the many events, functions and activities to welcome new guests to the community.

Welcome Centre members, in their role as ambassadors came to the party in their blue shirts alongside the sales team and were filled with excitement not only for the party but for what the Welcome Centre has achieved and what lies ahead for the community.

Lin Seesink, a longtime volunteer and Welcome Centre Coordinator stood tall amongst all volunteers with such pride and satisfaction as to what they have achieved together. Lin humbly states, “It is great to see such commitment from volunteers and the ownership for all that they have contributed to in this community, in the past, present and for the future.”

According to Jill Reynolds another resident volunteer, “The Welcome Centre held such a loving atmosphere where Seachange sales staff and Welcome Centre volunteers worked together side by side and played an integral part in growing the community.”

The Demolition Party was about celebrating and recognising the strength of resident volunteers and their positivity towards the community particularly the work they have done in showcasing their lifestyle at Seachange Arundel, because simply, they love the way they live. Through dedication, commitment and passion these volunteers have been an important piece of the Welcome Centre and building the community to what it is today.

Seachange Lifestyle Resorts Arundel recently hosted a presentation dinner for the annual Inter Resort Bowls Challenge tournament where Arundel resident cook Peter Kennedy, baked over 200 Apple Strudels for a dessert course.

The Apple Strudel was definitely a hit amongst guests and residents so Peter has kindly shared his recipe with us so we can all make this delicious dessert over the colder winter months.

Ingredients
1 kilo apples
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornflour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup sultanas
1 sheet Pampas Puff Pastry
Icing sugar for dusting

Method
1) Slice up 1 kilo of apples
2) Place sliced apples in a pot with a teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 a cup of sugar and 1/2 a cup of sultanas. Cook until tender then slightly thicken stewed apple with 1 tablespoon of cornflour.
3) Cut 1 sheet of puff pastry in half and place stewed apple on bottom sheet.
4) Place other half of pastry sheet on top of apple, seal sides and slash top piece.
5) Place on baking tray with grease proof paper and bake in oven for about 20 minutes at 220 degrees.
6) Sprinkle with icing sugar and enjoy with custard or ice-cream!

If you have a Winter Warmer recipe that you would like to share with us, email: live@seachangelifestyleresorts.com.au

Seachange Lifestyle Resorts Arundel were proud to host the 2016 Inter Resort Bowls Challenge, a tournament that originated in 2013 to help bring together residents in over 50s communities who share a passion for lawn bowls and enjoy friendly rivalry over an eight round bowls challenge.

The Inter Resort Bowls Challenge has become a popular tournament amongst over 50s communities with 14 teams across eight resorts entering this year’s competition which is a significant increase in players since the very first tournament.

On Monday 6^th June, Seachange Lifestyle Resorts Arundel accommodated 260 guests for a premium presentation dinner held in their 5-Star County Club. Lawn bowlers, families and friends came together united supporting their resort and spirit for the game.

The presentation dinner had all the ‘bells and whistles’ with former Channel 9 weatherman, Brian Bury as Master of Ceremonies and from beginning to the end, he owned the stage with much frivolity and laughter.  Renowned violinist Frank Fodor, through his repertoire of music, delighted guests who were up dancing to performances, adding ambience to an already entertaining night.

Neal Hewton, Palm Lakes Games Director humbly stated, “This has been the best presentation dinner by far, Seachange Arundel has set a very high standard tonight and it will be hard to beat for the resort that hosts the tournament next year.”

Seachange Arundel came in first place for the Silver Division and Palm Lakes Eagleby took out first place for the Gold Division.

Seachange Lifestyle Resorts believe that active people are happy and healthy people and this tournament has proven to nourish the mind, body and soul.

Share your story

Everybody has a story to tell so why not share yours with us! To share your story or photos from our events, email: live@seachangelifestyleresorts.com.au