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Issue 34 December 2015

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Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!

5 13 20page A CRAFTY

SOLUTION TO BUY LOCAL

page pageROSES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Alan, our roving reporter, wandered into this great looking building in Hoppers Crossing and met a group of lovely local people. He came out with this great story about how disabled people in particular were being helped. Maybe you know somebody they can help?

Dion Griffin, who has been a youth worker for over 10 years launched his business Ability2drive and Career Assist Australia, in Werribee last month - “We assist disadvantaged people to gain independence with our driving programs, and also help participants overcome life and employment barriers,” he said. Ability2Drive was launched in Warrnambool nine months ago and has already expanded from Warrnambool to Geelong, Braybrook and Werribee, with future sites including Hamilton, Ballarat, Melton, Camperdown, Bendigo

and Colac.

Mr Griffin said he had plans to expand the business, but didn’t expect it to grow so quickly. When the program was launched it had over 290 enquiries in 1 hour. Over 120 students have completed Ability2Drive and 150 students currently engaged in our driving programs. Ability2Drive has already changed the lives of many participants and there are many success stories to be heard. “We have had participants with significant barriers, who have previously failed their license up to eight times, join our program and finally been successful in gaining their full licence, and have found employment,” Mr Griffin said.

“We can assist anyone to drive, so we would like the

A GREAT ADDITION TO OUR WESTERN SUBURBS

CHRISTMAS RECIPES

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Advertising enquiries: Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.comWill 0449 834 359

will@aroundhopperscrossing.comLouise 0403 191 084

ml.goegan@gmail.com Alan 0412 412 740

Advertising: aroundsell@gmail.com will@aroundhopperscrossing.com Contributions: editorhoppers@gmail.com

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804 www.aroundhopperscrossing.com

FROM THE EDITORChristmas is my favourite time of year! I love it more than my birthday and you would not believe how much I love my birthday!

I feel like Christmas is the one time of year where everything is a little shinier, people are a little kinder and singing in public just feels right. I put my tree up too early, (at least that is what people tell me,) but why should I delay happiness?! In fact, I cannot think of a single reason why anyone should put off being happy.

Happiness is what I want for Christmas – it is actually what I want for everybody all the time – is that too much to ask? So what can I do about it?

You can’t buy happiness from a store – I should know, I’ve tried. Happiness comes from unexpected interactions and random acts of kindness.

With so much devastation in the world, it can be easy to lose sight of the positive, but I refuse to be consumed by negativity!

So take time out this year to smile at strangers. Offer a helping hand to anyone who may need it. Be grateful for what you have and the people you know. Look after yourself and each other. Just the tiniest act of kindness can make such a difference.

I really hope that you enjoy this month’s edition of the paper, our first official Christmas issue. I know that not every body celebrates Christmas in the official sense, but if you celebrate togetherness, kindness and the hope for Peace on Earth, then we are totally on the same page!

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!

Melissa Longo

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERRecently I was travelling from Point Cook to Seabrook, having visited the gorgeous Freda, my wife of 66 years, (who has become a trifle eccentric) - when the batteries in my electric scooter decided to give up the ghost.

I found that if I got off the ride-on machine, I could walk beside it and there was just enough power to drive itself, with me walking alongside - only a little difficult really.

As I paused for breath, a resident who introduced himself as Guy, appeared and helped me push the machine to his garage. He plugged it in to the power to recharge and then offered to drive me home - an offer I couldn’t refuse and for which I was most grateful.

In the morning I set off to walk to the bus stop, to go pick up my scooter, just as my gorgeous neighbor drove up and asked me, “Where are you off to?” I told her the story from the day before and she said, “Hop

in the car and I’ll drive you there!”

Here the niceness was happening again!

Upon arrival, the family rescue-team were all expecting me and came out to greet me! I could not have been more touched.

Christmas is usually the time of year,when kindness abounds, but this ‘Good Samaritan Story’ had nothing to do with Christmas Miracles – it was simply a sign that People Do Care!

Bill McPhersonbillmcpherson@optusnet.com.au

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community to think of us when they need driving experience. Our passion is to help people who have a disability, a mental health issue or are disadvantaged, who need assistance in moving forward to full time work, or study,” Dion said. “We currently have 20 driving scholarships available in Werribee and surrounding areas, for people with a mental health issue, disability or disadvantage. We will pay for your Learners, professional driving sessions to gain up to 120 hours, Hazard test and Probationary test, as well as supplying cars, fuel and insurance! This is a big opportunity!” Mr Griffin said.

Career Assist Australia have qualified career consultants, to help all people identify future employment and study options, to help you move forward with your career!

So, if you are interested in Ability2Drive and Career Assist Australia’s opportunities, visit their new office at 107 Elm Park Drive, Hoppers Crossing, or contact them on 9749 0000.

Source Margie O’Laughlin, as interviewed by Bill McPherson and Alan Webster.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

IN “AROUND HOPPERS CROSSING”

GIVE US A CALL:

Alan 0412 412 740

Daniel 0408 659 940 aroundsell@gmail.com

Louise 0403 191 084 ml.goegan@gmail.com

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THE HOME COOK POINT IS CELEBRATING!

October 2015 marked the 2nd Birthday for ‘The Home Cook Point’, a community Facebook group for Point Cook residents, and their family and friends. To celebrate this milestone, a Garden Party was held at Werribee Park, which gave members the opportunity to get together, and share their homemade/home grown creations.

As founder, the purpose of the group is to inspire, and be inspired by all things cooking, homemade and home grown. I started the group in 2013, after always watching cooking shows, looking through recipe books, wandering through fresh produce markets, and generally just having a love (or perhaps obsession) with all things cooking.

Members are encouraged to share their cooking tips and tricks, ask questions, discuss, recommend, as well as upload photos of their homemade creations, and home grown produce, in a friendly and supportive environment.

It’s wonderful to see so many people sharing their love of cooking, as well as learning new skills on how to prepare and cook real, homemade food. In addition to all the food photos, and cooking chitchat amongst members, we’ve achieved some truly amazing things together as a group. Fundraising being at the top of

the list, with 100% of the funds raised, going directly to charity.

We’ve had hundreds of members, lovingly bake and donate goods, to be sold at our homemade stalls, at two major fundraisers, ‘The Race for Alex’ and ‘Raise it to the Max’. We’ve been inundated at these stalls, which have been complete sell outs, and have raised close to $5000 for the charities.

The community spirit is alive and well in Point Cook, and it is incredible to think, that a group of likeminded foodies, have come together through The Home Cook Point community group, to do such great things for local families in need - in particular for terminally ill children.

Whilst I am truly passionate about the group overall, I know it would be nothing without the member’s contributions, and the support I receive from a wonderful group of individuals, who help to make things possible. Thank you to Jannine Yost (admin), Leah Shin, Natalie Milgate, Efie Moustaklis, Ellen Simitsis, Nat King, Alexandra Aguilar, Tabitha Mitchell, Anna Cardno, Janine O’Connor, Andra Taylor and Kyli Davis, for all of your help behind the scenes over the past two years.

I am in the process of getting branded aprons and a recipe book produced, as a fundraiser. It has been such a wonderful, rewarding journey for the community, and I know it will only continue to grow.

Article by Janine Miller

Photos courtesy of ‘Nat King Photography’ and ‘The Brook on Sneydes’

Cake courtesy of ‘Frosted Tiers’

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Werribee Civic Centre was the center of creativity this spring, with Rotary’s Annual Art Show in October, followed by the Werribee Craft Festival in November. Every year since 1978, the Werribee Craft Festival has given our talented local artisans a platform to display and sell their crafts in an annual event that is a win win for all of the community.

Lauren, of Lauren Russ Designs, (pay her a visit on Facebook,) found having children meant she needed to work around child-friendly hours. Adapting her skills as a florist, Lauren creates the pictured miniature worlds for every imagination.

The tiny terrariums featured fairies and dinosaurs, flowers and butterflies and given the time of year, a reindeer or two as well! For the visitor, the beauty of this festival is that you can make contact with many of these crafters throughout the year; a nice way to support local and find some original gifts for family and friends.

Petronella Boonen

A CRAFTY SOLUTION TO BUY LOCAL

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Christmas is a time for family. Three years ago we celebrated our first Christmas without my grandparents in almost forty years, and decided to change it up a little while still embracing family traditions.

Inevitably, each year after dessert, the girls would return from the kitchen advising they'd forgotten at least one element of the meal – like the gravy. This

has happened many times and I recall one story, when even the potatoes were overlooked -obviously so important, nobody noticed their absence.

So Hubby and the children decorated the garage like an Industrial-Christmas-wonderland, complete with festive tablecloths and handmade holly candles, Mum had created years before.

Each year we're issued a hat from Mum’s box of goodies, and Gran always wore a ridiculous one that looked like it was stolen from Heidi the Goat Herd.

After lunch, Dad made a toast to Gran and Pa, noting all the Christmases spent forgetting food and finding hidden gifts on Boxing Day, falling off bikes and choking on coins slotted into pudding.

We trekked outside for cricket, but shortly after, Mum realized she forgot her wine.

Returning to the garage she found the holly candles had burned down further than one would consider

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

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safe, setting the tablecloths alight. As flames leapt into the air she raced back yelling “fire”!

By this time of day most of us were on the way, so Mum’s words were met with an uplifted roar of delight, until the reality of what she said hit and a few of the sober players came to her rescue.

When asked why she didn’t throw her drink onto the flames she replied, "God no. I'm not wasting good wine on a fire!" No wonder my name means Goddess of Wine in Greek.

Have a safe and happy Christmas, one and all xx

Denise Simpson

For more stories, you can find me at https://comejoindee73com.wordpress.com

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Does Your Business Need Its Own Mobile App?

Does Your Business Need Its Own Mobile App?

Why should you consider building a mobile Business App for your company?

If you think that mobile apps are solely for big name brands like NAB, Telstra, BUPA AAMI, keep reading! More small and midsize businesses are following the mobile trend, understanding that an effective mobile strategy involves more than just a mobile-friendly website.

In fact, these days you’ll notice that many small businesses you interact with in your everyday life have their own dedicated mobile Business App. These businesses are ahead of the game when it comes to taking their marketing to their customers.

The top 7 benefits of having your own mobile Business App today!

1. Builds Brand Recognition

Your own mobile Business App can greatly contribute to your brand awareness. A mobile Business App is like a billboard. You can make it stylish, hip, functional, shocking, or informative. But what you really want to do is create a Business App that has features your customers love, while at the same time promoting your brand.

In advertising there is something called the Effective Frequency and as a general rule, hearing and/or seeing your brand approximately 20 times is what gets you truly noticed. The more often you can get customers involved with your app, the sooner they will be inclined to buy your product and/or service.

2. Regular Direct Marketing

One of the biggest benefits of having your own Business App is that all the information you’d like to provide to your customers, including specials, sales and promotions is right at their fingertips. With “push notification” messages you’re getting even closer to a direct interaction, and can easily remind customers about your products and services whenever you please. Business Apps also provide general information, prices, booking forms, search features, news feeds, and much more…are you starting to see the benefits?

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3. Constantly Visible

Statistics show that the average consumer spends more than two hours a day on a mobile device. Being in that daily 2 hours can be an advantage to your business, as consumers minds are constantly taking in information. Be in front of mind of your customers. That is why big companies keep advertising! You can update your Business App quickly and easily yourself!

4. Improves Customer Engagement

No matter what you are selling your customers need a way to reach you. Having a messaging feature within your Business App can really make a difference in the way you communicate with your customers. How many customers would prefer to communicate with you via text than via phone? Direct customer contact, but not intruding, like annoying telemarketer calls.

5. Creates Customer Value

How would you and your customers like a digital loyalty program? Instead of the old point-collection card, your customers come in and you digitally stamp their phone via your Business App to collect their rewards. The result is more returning satisfied customers.

6. Establishes Customer Loyalty

The most important reason why you should consider building your own business App is customer loyalty. It’s time to go back to making a true and sincere connection with your customers, and making them a loyal lover of your business. It’s the modern way of staying closer to your customers, and being just a “tap” away at all times.

7. Beats Your Competition

Mobile Business Apps at the small business level are still in the early stages, and this is where you can take a big leap ahead of your competitors. Be the first in your area to offer a Business App to your customers. They’ll be impressed by your forward-thinking approach!

A Business App is going to be a standard component of any business in the future. The choice you make today is going set the course for the future of your business. It’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to be ahead of the competition.

Mobile Apps can be built for as little as $990.00 (inc. GST) and hosting fees from less than $5.00 a day. Make an App today and experience the difference. Email team @ bemormobile.com or call Des on 0409 749 746 or try out one of our local Business Apps by typing in and downloadingWyncity in itunes or Google Play stores.

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As 2015 approaches its end, I cannot help but wonder yet again, how quickly another year has flown by. I come across individuals trying to fit so many activities into such little time - shopping, cooking, entertaining, etc.

This can often be stressful and at times may take the enjoyment out of the festive season.

I find it useful to undertake a few tasks, rituals if you may, towards the end of every year, to allow you and your family to reflect on the year gone by. Reflecting makes you an observer.

It enables you to objectively view the highlights and challenges of the year gone by.

Here is my list of the top three things to do, in order to make the year gone by more meaningful:

1. Organize individual dates - one on ones with absolutely everyone that matters. Book these dates in advance if you can - they can be quick and

mission-driven. Say the things you need to in order to strengthen the relationship.2. Family meeting - spend a few hours with your immediate family to discuss how the year has been. Point out the year's highlights for each of you and things that could have gone better. Go through the pictures, or other memorabilia from the year, plan the next year and create a memory jar (google it!) if you haven't already, as it makes the task easier and more fun for next year.3. And don't forget to do something extra nice for yourself!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Festive Season and a fruitful end of the year! xx Neha Dave

http://www.nehadave.com

With the silly season almost upon us, leading NATUROPATH, Caterina Morrison shares six tips showing how, with a little preparation, you can stay healthier this Christmas.

1. Eat first

Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Eating something first, preferably protein, will slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.

2. Pace yourself

Drink no more than one alcoholic drink an hour, to give your liver time to process the alcohol, preventing a build-up in your blood. Drink water in between.

3. Avoid dehydration

Alcohol causes dehydration, via loss of fluid and electrolytes like magnesium and potassium. To combat hangover symptoms, drink plenty of water when out and have an electrolyte drink (coconut water) before bed.

4. Vitamins & antioxidants

Alcohol depletes the body of important nutrients such as vitamins B & C, magnesium and zinc, and our eating

may be less than adequate during the festive season. Taking a good-quality Vitamin B & multivitamin daily, is a good way to help protect your general health and improve elimination of alcohol. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is found in citrus fruits, guava, parsley, berries, rosehip tea, green and white tea, red and orange fruits and vegetables.

5. Chill out

Chillaxing keeps your digestion happy. Stress hormones serve as chemical mediators and signal your blood to focus on your extremities, like arms and legs, (not digestion), in case a quick getaway is needed. Low stress = better digestion. Taking a probiotic supplement daily will also help boost good intestinal bacteria and therefore digestion too.

6. St Mary’s Thistle & Chlorella

Removing toxins (alcohol) from your body will help your liver and help reduce hangovers. Take St Mary’s Thistle tablets daily over the party season and try the super sea algae, Chlorella. Take about five grams before heading out.

REFLECTIONS AND RITUALS

Surviving the Silly Season with Caterina Morrison

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MEASURES OF ‘INVESTMENT’

Art, in its many forms, summons emotional connection, as it reflects every aspect of life in every imaginable interpretation.

'Investment', an exhibition by Tabitha Moses, held recently at Wyndham Art Gallery, taps into a sensitive space. The body of work presented IVF and its extremes. Moses, through her own experience, explores the vulnerability, the miracle and the fast moving pendulum, which ruthlessly swings between one and the other.

In her book about the exhibition, Moses describes art as helping her through the experience,

"During each round of fertility treatment, I thought 'If I don't get pregnant, at least I can make work out of the experience', as if that was the consolation prize; and it was a sort of solace, to sew and imagine. I get to know my subject intimately during the laborious process of hand embroidery. It forces one to slow down and focus. My hands are busy while my mind is free to roam."

When an artist documents their struggle, perhaps it is a cathartic process for them. It also is a gift to be allowed into that space, to appreciate the art and begin to empathise with the message.

This exhibition was striking visually, while its layers of meaning impacted me in an unexpected way. The embroidery on the clinical canvases was soft and subdued in contrast to their general use as hospital gowns.

If you missed it, visit the artist’s website at tabithakyokomoses.com

According to IVF Australia, fertility issues affect one in six couples of a reproductive age. For more information about IVF, visit IVF.com.au.

Petronella Boonen

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ROSES IN THE SPOTLIGHT: THE 2015 WYNDHAM ROSE GARDEN FESTIVAL

A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world. (Leo Buscaglia)

This year’s 2015 Wyndham Rose Garden Festival proved to be an attraction worth the travel and the time.

The weather was oh-so-perfect, and from early in the day, the sound of live music wafted in the air. One feels lightheaded,

content and stress-free! Why not when one is surrounded with mature roses of different colours, shapes, sizes, varieties and smells. A single rose can already delight one’s eyes, what more when it is a sea of blooms!

I was also impressed with the line-up of experts who were given time to present and lecture about looking after plants, or to give tips on how to plant roses properly. The exhibitors were also people who knew their stuff – no fluffing around here!

The event was not just an affair for all flora lovers or plant enthusiasts, but also for families who just wanted some time to get away and literally enjoy and “smell the roses!”

This leads me into thinking of how we can make Christmas different for our loved ones this year. For example, instead of the usual synthetic or plastic decorations, one could consider having live plants as decor during the season. Or as an alternative to the usual gifts, perhaps a pot of roses with budding flowers would charm the recipient of such a unique gift.

Besides, these are blooms that, with proper handling and maintenance, will reward you with beautiful, resilient flowers year after year.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s festival … I can’t wait!

Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet. (Katharine Lee Bates)

Mimi Laurilla

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As one old fogey to another, greetings and good wishes and I hope the cold isn’t getting to your arthritis.

No trouble with cold down here, but bring sunscreen for the reindeer. Everything is ready at this end. The wrapping paper was bought in January and is last year’s design, but they are too young to notice.

And the parcels are locked in the whiskey cupboard – they know that the only sin in this house is any attempt to investigate grandad’s whiskey stock.

In your enterprise, you can count on my discretion and I am happy to act as your local representative for another year which is probably about as long as I can keep up the deceit. I have to tell you that there are suspicions, muffled whisperings that probably originated, not from the seven-year old and her friends but from one of the pagans at pre-school.

The parents are not enthusiastic about the subterfuge and when I remind their mother that she was ten before she gave up her profitable credulity, it is met with a watery laugh. But there are other heresies that threaten the continuation of your benign contribution to fellowship. The word commercialism is often used to describe them, but it is more serious than that: it is a reduction of the pageant of which you are one of the more prominent players, to a fable of no likelier veracity than Troy or Camelot.

Time was, as you know, when the world or that part of it we used to think of as Christian, was lit at this time of year by red window candles to guide a fleeing family, a time of carolling more than carousing, when we wished strangers happiness rather than merriment. But they told us the lights were dangerous and they replaced them with blinking neon and they changed you from a benign giver into a rogue merchandiser.

By right of course, you should have departed the scene once Columbus discovered America and Newton explained gravity and we learned that we

share 98.4 per cent of our DNA with chimpanzees. But you have hung on, you hoary old fraud, because as much as we need science and discovery, we need fable and myth and imagination too.

So I am still, in spite of the cost of living, happy to be your representative and depot manager. What I will do when they find me out, I’m not sure. Maybe I will admit to a lie but excuse it on the grounds that it was a cloak for a bigger truth. They won’t believe it, of course and will probably think that what I tell them about global warming is equally fanciful.

While I’m on it, Santa, you wouldn’t have another Al Gore stacked away somewhere, would you?

Your fellow conspirator,

Frank O’Shea

DEAR SANTA,

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I am kicking off our first ever photo page, with a few snaps that I took whilst out and about! I managed to get to Wyndham Diwali, the Point Cook Relay for Life and the Grange Community Market in Hoppers Crossing! If you are a keen photographer, please send your High Resolution shots to me @ aroundpointcook@gmail.com, or follow us on Instagram at aroundpointcook, or aroundhoppers - I cannot wait to see what you have been up to!

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A WORD FROM AVALON AIRPORT’S CEO – THE YEAR THAT WAS…

What a fantastic year it’s been at Avalon Airport!

It began stunningly with the hosting of the Australian International Airshow, which brought beautiful planes to the sky, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area, and injected millions into the region.

That was quickly followed with Jetstar’s renewed commitment to flying out of Avalon. The Gold Coast was named as our first new destination, and we eagerly await the announcement of the next.

Avalon has also been thrilled to welcome Jetgo, flying in and out of Dubbo. It’s a temporary arrangement that offers a terrific opportunity to invite people from a new region into ours, and to establish a great relationship with a great new airline.

Our onsite jumbo and hangars were used for countless ads, film, TV and events this year, and we were pleased to welcome new tenants.

Our terminal had an upgrade, and the addition of free Wi-Fi and charging stations, means we're easier than ever for business travel.

And we've welcomed more of the most important people in our lives - our passengers, who want easy access to the airport and to fly local. Our planes are full and the airport is buzzing.

The year has been a ripper, and we now look towards 2016 with excitement and optimism for expanding relationships and new horizons.

We want to thank our passengers in Wyndham for your on-going support.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas, a safe and wonderful New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2016.

Justin Giddings

CEO, Avalon Airport

Follow us for the latest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And if you have feedback, suggestions or questions, feel free to write to enquiries@avalonairport.com.au

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FIREWORKS AND PETSNothing says it’s the holiday season like a beautiful display of fireworks, however a lot of pets can find fireworks extremely frightening, resulting in thousands of pets demonstrating destructive behaviour, escaping from their properties and injuring themselves.

It is very important to ensure your pet is safe and secure when fireworks are anticipated, and ensure that some steps are undertaken to help reduce any negative experiences.Make sure that your pet is completely identifiable with a micro-chip, collar I.D tag and most importantly, that all contact details are up to date.

Try to keep your pets inside during fireworks. It might be a good idea to close any blinds or curtains and create a comfortable hiding place, where your pets can feel safe. Having the TV or some music on, may help to distract them and mask the noise outside.

Direct supervision is important to help prevent injury or escape. If possible, try and be home with your pets during firework events, as this will make them less anxious. If you are unable to be home, try and get a pet sitter, or consider boarding, to ensure they will be supervised. Try and take your dog out for exercise before the fireworks, as a tired dog will be less likely to get anxious during the night.

Avoid fussing over your pets excessively and try to engage them in normal activities. Make sure to reward them when they are calm, with treats and their favourite toys. Synthetic pheromone products such as diffusers or collars are worth trying. These products imitate the natural pheromones of their

mothers, helping to give a sense of reassurance, reducing anxiety and stress.

Rescue Remedy Bach flowers can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, along with using a diffuser with essential oils such as Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang ylang,

Neroli and/or sweet Marjoram. Staying calm and providing a safe and relaxed environment during these festive seasons, will lead to happier pets and owners and most importantly, a reduction of lost and injured pets this year.

Let’s all have a safe and Happy New Year!

Cindy Bremner

Natural Pawfection- Animal Naturopath

0421-446-764

Pets Page

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The two articles below describe what entertainment was on offer in Werribee in years gone by.

I can’t help but wonder what exactly the ‘Great Leotard troupe’ looked like, and what is the difference between English, American and continental clowns?

WERRIBEE SHIRE BANNER, Thursday 22nd

December 1938

WIRTH'S CIRCUS WERRIBEE VISIT

TOMORROW WEEK.

This famous Circus closed its Melbourne season on Saturday night last, after

having experienced the longest successful run it has ever had in Melbourne.

Before setting out for the more distant parts of the State, Wirth's intend to play a few of the seaside towns, and Werribee will be visited on Friday December 30th, appearing here for one night only, after which the show will move to Queenscliff, playing there on New Year's Eve. Philip and George Wirth claim that the programme this year, is the strongest they have ever presented, and it would appear that this is the view of Melbourne audiences, judging by the long run it has had in the city.

Chief among the sensational acts, is the world famous Flying De

Christmas in Werribee 1938 and 1952

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Vards, in their high aerial trapeze act, who work at a height of approximately fifty feet, doing double and swirl somersaults in mid air, concluding with their sensational passing trick.

Then there are the Seven Performing Lions with Capt. Eric Flyger, in the Cage of Death, the Briellos, who balance on their heads on the tops of high poles, the Great Leotard Troupe, the Oriental Mayedas, together with a whole host of performing wild animals, and a bevy of new English, American and Continental Clowns.

The box plan is at the L.J.T. Cafe, and the location will be at the rear of the Commercial Hotel.

WERRIBEE SHIRE BANNER Thursday 18th December 1952

CHRISTMAS IN WERRIBEE WON'T BE DULL

Werribeeites, who are staying home this Christmas are unlikely to find the season dull, if they are in search of diversion. Carols by Candlelight, now an established fixture, will be held at Chirnside Park on

Sunday next, at which features of the programme will be items by well known local artists.

On Saturday next a full scale circus including wild animals, clowns, tumblers and acrobats will perform at Kelly Park. A very large inter-State attendance is expected for the Australian T.T. Races at Little River on December 26 and 27, when the leading riders of Australia will compete.

Greg Milne

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ShortbreadThis shortbread recipe is so simple to make and really easy to make adjustments to, so don’t be afraid to tinker! There really isn’t anything better than Christmas baking, and for me, shortbread is the simplest way to impress guests.

Ingredients:120g Unsalted butter½ cup Caster Sugar1 Egg2 cups Self raising flourVanilla essenceCloves, Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Method:

• Turn oven to 170°C

• Using a handheld mixer, cream butter and sugar. Mix in egg.

• Sift in flour and spices. Add vanilla.

• Knead into ball and allow to rest in fridge for 20 minutes.

• Roll out, and cut into Christmassy shapes – stars, bells, trees, etc.

• Bake until golden – 10-15 minutes.

I like to decorate mine with melted chocolate, or icing sugar – do whatever you feel. They are delicious!!

I love making seasonal cakes, and I'm always inspired to make cheesecake at Christmas time! When it comes to this particular recipe, I find it to be an all time favourite with family and friends! The taste of a good baked cheesecake should be creamy, smooth, rich and dense - this cake achieves all that, so enjoy!!

Ingredients:

200g Nice biscuits

60g Melted butter

1 tsp. Cinnamon

¼ tsp. Nutmeg

750g Cream cheese

4 cups Thickened cream

3 Eggs

1 cup Caster sugar

Lemon zest

1 Tbsp. squeezed lemon

½ cup Icing sugar

1tsp. Vanilla essence

Method:Base:• Preheat oven to 180 degrees.• Grease and line a 20cm cake tin with baking paper.• Place biscuits in freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin until a fine crumb is formed.• Mix in melted butter, cinnamon and nutmeg and a tbsp. spoon of caster sugar.• Press evenly into the base of the cake tin and chill for 30 minutes.Filling:• I like to use an electric mixer, set to medium to cream the cheese and sugar together.• Add eggs one at a time, making sure that it is completely combined.• Gently fold in the cream, grated lemon zest and juice of the lemon into the mixture.• Spoon mixture over the biscuit base and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the cake cracks slightly in the center, then turn off oven, open the oven door and let the cake sit for a further ten minutes.Topping:• Whip the remaining cream in a medium chilled bowl.• Add icing sugar and vanilla essence, whipping until thick. • Decorate as you please – seasonal fruits always look lovely, topped with mint leaves.

Angela Longo

Melissa Longo

Christmas Cheesecake

21

Laugh Out Loud

Confessions of a Store Santa

While I was working as a store Santa, a boy asked me for an electric train set. “If you get your train,” I told him, “your dad is going to want to play with it too. Is that all right?”

The boy became very quiet. So, moving the conversation along, I asked, “What else would you like Santa to bring you?”

He promptly replied, “Another train.”

***It Beats a Board Meeting

The office Christmas party is a great opportunity to catch up with people you haven’t seen for 20 minutes.

22

FAT SANTASanta Claus, a jolly old bloke,

Has a very high BMI:He’s well overweight; that’s no joke;

It could be he’s too fond of pie.

But each of Santa’s little elvesLooks so skinny and underfed.

Don’t they take good care of themselves?Or does Santa eat all the bread?

I reckon this old man in redLooks fatter with each passing year.

What if one day he should drop dead?Stuck in someone’s chimney I fear.

‘Twould be hard for the CoronerTo examine his corpse in situ;

And to get his body out of thereWould be a tricky task, I tell you.

He’ll have to go on a dietAnd shed lots of that excess fat,For his passing we’d all regret;And nobody wants to see that.

Kids would be so disappointedWith no presents on Christmas morn.

With celebrations disjointed,Folk would stand round feeling forlorn.

It must be hard on those reindeer,Young Rudolph and the other eight.

In our hearts we hold them most dear:They shouldn’t be lugging all that weight.

So what if one of them should dieThrough overwork and exhaustion?

“It’s Santa’s fault!” would be the cry,A clamour of condemnation.

So get the kids to write to him:“Dear Santa, We’re worried about you.

“You should lose some weight and get slim.“We love you Santa, your reindeer too.”

Jack Nystrom

23

Calling on Hoppers Crossing Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to will@aroundpointcook.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

Hoppers Xing kids Hi Kids,

Christmas EveIt was Christmas one time

and I wanted to see Santa. So, we waited all night and my eyes barely stayed open. At

midnight my alarm went off. I kept on looking at the chimney.After thirty minutes there was a light. We thought

it was Santa, but it was a dragon with our gifts. When we

saw him, he turned invisible.

And,

we didn’t get any gifts!Jamie

Every Thursday, the Western Union Young Writers’ Group, Imagination Creation, meet at the Werribee CBD Library from 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Author and Poet, Margaret Campbell, has co-ordinated the group for the past 21 years and has seen many children come and go with some pursuing writing as a career.

“One student became a sports journalist,” she said, “while another worked on the set of a James Bond movie.”

The pieces included in this Christmas edition, Kids’ Page, are from two Imagination Creation students.

The group is for children who have an interest in reading and writing. For enquiries, contact margaret_c@optusnet.com.au

Red-nosedUniversally lovedDancing through the snowOn Christmas DayLeader of the reindeersPrecious to Santa, Happy Christmas Piyush

Here are some creative writing prompts to try over the Christmas holidays. Give them a go and then send us your story.

The editor loves receiving content from new voices.

1. “The trouble with Frogs is …”

2. “Every Tuesday, May rode to school on a kangaroo…”

3. “If only my teacher was …”

Have a fantastic Christmas

and a Happy New Year

Kyla-Jayne Rajah

24 Please redistribute rather than discard.