Buderim Views and Niews

LIVE THEATRE IN FULL BLOOM!

2008-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

That is the way organisers describe the annual Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival coming up in Buderim in August.

Now in its 28th year, the word has spread throughout Queensland with over 30 budding entries from Rockhampton, Ipswich, Brisbane, Strathpine and Caboolture taking on our local theatre groups. The Festival welcomes guest adjudicator Rebecca Frith to the event this year. Rebecca is probably best known for her role in the Cannes Film Festival, Camera D’or winning, LOVE SERENADE for which she won the New York Beaux Arts Society, Da Vinci Award for Best Actress in a Debut Performance. She has also graced our television screens over the years, having appeared in MDA, Secret Bridesmaids Business, Water Rats and A Country Practice, to name a few.

The Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival offers an opportunity for writers, directors and actors to perform new plays, which are often a platform for cutting edge theatre.

The festival commences Thursday night at 8pm and continues all weekend, with sessions on Friday night, all day Saturday and all day again on Sunday at the Buderim War Memorial Hall, Cnr Main and Gloucester Roads, Buderim.

Tickets:Weekend Pass - $30; Session Pass - $12; Family Pass - $20; Child Session - $5

A detailed program with session times is online, at the FESTIVAL page at http://www.livetheatre.com.au/, or phone 5449 9972 during office hours.
Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival…. bloomin’ marvelous! just like a short film festival, only live!

Live Theatre Fund Raiser

2008-07-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Enjoy an evening of Live Theatre with all proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Assoc QLD Sunshine Coast Support Group.
Join us at the Buderim War Memorial Hall, cnr of Main Street and Gloucester Road, Buderim, as we present 3 x award winning one-act plays performed by local award winning actors.

Two evening performances on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August with pre-show glass of champagne and nibbles included, be there at 6.45pm for 7.30.

Matinee on Sunday 17th August (no pre show champagne and nibbles) at 2pm.
Evening performances $20 and matinee $15 .
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - Susie; 54527881

Pioneer Cottage Grand ReOpening Celebrations

2008-07-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Pioneer Cottage is a heritage listed piece of Sunshine Coast history, right here in Buderim. Originally the home of the Burnett family in the 1800's, the home is in the care of the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) and maintained by volunteers as a museum.

After a lot of hard work by the Buderim Historical Society Inc. Volunteers the Grand Re-0pening of the Buderim Pioneer Cottage is being held on Saturday 2nd August from 1p.m. to 4p.m.

Come along and view the restorations and improvements at the formal reopening ceremony! Sing Australia will be providing entertainment from 1.30p.m. to 2p.m. Mr. John McMahon, President of the BWMCA, will be doing the official re-opening.

There will be lace making demonstration throughout the afternoon by members of the Lacemakers Guild. This is a pastime which would certainly have kept the ladies of that era busy!

Afternoon tea and viewing for $5.00 per head and Children under 12 are free.

Read more about the Pioneer Cottage at their web page on the Buderim Web Site!

Buderim Community Bank - What it is all about!

2008-06-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

BUDERIM COMMUNITY BANK ®

We need your help to make it a reality!!

Plans are in place to establish a Community Bank ® in Buderim that will be owned by Buderim shareholders, for the benefit of all residents, with a majority of the profits going directly back into the Community, covering a wide range of concerns and interest.

A Steering Committee has been established to drive the process, and as such is seeking pledges that would indicate a willingness to take up shares at some time in the future, as this process passes through the necessary legal and regulatory steps.

The Buderim Community Bank ®, once established, will be a normal trading bank, established on the Bendigo Bank Model, which has successfully created over 200 such banks around Australia in the last 10 years.

The Steering Committee is asking interested people, organizations, and groups who either live in, or are connected to the Buderim area (postcode 4556) to consider pledging to this very worthy cause. It is hoped that 300 pledges will be received, amounting to at least $600,000, to allow the process to move to the next stage, which is a feasibility study. (This is the anticipated amount required to establish the bank, and cover the associated costs until such time as the branch becomes profitable, however as many shareholders as possible are required).

Once the feasibility study confirms that the Bank would be a viable business, a prospectus will be issued. It is at this stage that pledgees would have the opportunity to convert their pledge to shares in this exciting new venture.

Pledges from $500 to $10,000 are being sought, to allow as many people as possible to become shareholders in the newly created Buderim Community Bank ®

MOST IMPORTANTLY – the profits from the bank will be shared by the Buderim Community and the shareholders of the newly formed company. A majority of the profits will be distributed in the form of sponsorships, charitable endeavours and special community projects.

More information (and pledge forms) is available on

www.thebuderimbank.com or by e-mailing info@thebuderimbank.com. John Burgess and Ken O’Flaherty (members of the BWMCA executive) are on Community Bank Steering Committee, along with Geoffrey Hole, and would be able to answer any questions. Pledge forms are also available at the OPO.

Committee members are available to address your next meeting, if required. Please contact either Keith Neuendorf (Chairman) on 0408 714 151 or Jenni Davis (Secretary) on 0418 387 079.

Ken Peters - Buderim Community Hero

2008-06-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Ken Peters is a long termer on the Sunshine Coast and a Buderim resident, who has spent much of his time giving and helping in the community. His work in the Lions and later in the Cancer Council was a major part of his life before he retired and now in "retirement" he seems tireless in his efforts to contribute to making this an even better place to live.

Currently he serves on the Board of the Community radio station Sunshine FM 104.9 and still puts in loads of good work with his beloved Lions and other volunteers efforts.

Despite all of this, those who know him, know him as a humble man, quietly spoken and yet very effective in all tasks, to which he assigns himself.

Ken has been recognised on the Queen's Birthday Honours List and received an Order of Australia for a lifetime of wonderful volunteer work.

From all of us at the Buderim Web Site, we offer heart-felt congratulations Ken, on receiving the high level of recognition which you deserve!

ROMANTIC COMEDY SEEKS AUDIENCE

2008-06-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

ROMANTIC COMEDY SEEKS AUDIENCE

NO LONG TERM COMMITMENT REQUIRED. SENSE OF HUMOUR ESSENTIAL.
SENSE OF OLD FASHIONED ROMANCE A PLUS.

The elusive search for a room to rent. Making the most of single life in the city. Comedy. Confusion. And a couch...that's Mr 80% Lind Lane Theatre's upcoming production, co-directed by Nell Davis and Denise Campbell, is James Sherman's award winning romantic comedy Mr 80%, featuring an outstanding local cast.

Gala Opening Friday June 13th 8pm $25 includes champagne, hors d'oevres and coffee BOOKINGS: 5441 1814

Season continues Saturday 14th 8pm, Sunday 15th 2pm Matinee, Friday 20th 8pm, Saturday 21st 2pm Matinee, Saturday 21st 8pm, Wednesday 25th 8pm, Friday 27th 8pm and Saturday 28th 8pm

BOOKINGS: 5441 1814 Lind Lane Theatre 16 Mitchell Street Nambour http://www.lindlanetheatre.com

Buderim Craft Cottage - VISION 3

2008-05-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Visions III
The Fabric Art and Surface Design Group of the Buderim Craft Cottage present their third Biennial Exhibition.

Visions III is an exhibition and sale of wearable art. This exhibition will be held in the Buderim Craft Cottage Atrium Gallery on July 12 from 9am to 4pm,and July 13 from 9am to 3pm.
This year we are featuring a display of Wacky Wearable Art.
We are also delighted to host a photographic exhibition of ‘The Artists in their Workshops’ by Gavin Keats.
The Fabric Art and Surface Design group has twenty members all practising textile artists working in many different mediums, silk, wool and cotton.
They produce exquisite art to wear, textile pictures and wall hangings. These works use many techniques both modern and traditional, including hand dyeing of fabrics, machine embellishment, Nuno felting and Shibori. A wearable art garment may take weeks to complete.
A work will begin with an idea - a unique design. Just imagine starting with that idea and a clean piece of white fabric, then having to hand dye and sometimes machine embellish it before drafting your own pattern and hand making it to complete your ideas. You may then realize why members of the group become obsessed with their work!! You are invited to come along and see some of these unique ideas.
The Buderim Craft Cottage is located in Main Street between the Memorial Hall and St Marks Anglican Church, opposite the Buderim State School. Parking is available at the rear of the hall.

For further information please contact Lyn 5445 6113

ANZAC Day Pics

2008-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

The ANZAC Day Parade and Service on Buderim was a wonderful community event which embodied the pride of Australians. The memory of our military heroes who sacrificed so much for our way of life is still strong in the hearts and minds of Buderim people.
Here is a little gallery of some of the morning's highlights!
Click a thumbnail to view or use the play buttons to see a timed slideshow
If you can read this, you should get a better browser!Click here to view it

Local Silversmiths Exhibition

2008-04-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

You are invited to an exhibition and sale of Classic Elegance
by The Silversmiths of the Buderim Craft Cottage
Friday 30th May (6pm-9pm)
andSaturday 31st May
& Sunday 1st June(9am-3pm)

Atrium Gallery Buderim Craft Cottage
5 Main Street Buderim

This is a unique opportunity to view and purchase
beautifully handcrafted silver and gold jewellery and other items.
On Friday night, one lucky purchaser will win a $100 Gift Voucher while one of Saturday’s and Sunday’s purchasers will win a $50 Gift Voucher
Light refreshments will be served on Friday night with $5 admission.

Saturday and Sunday admission is by gold coin.
Credit card facilities available

Enquiries please phoneIrene 5445 2202

Buderim Craft Cottage is located on Main Street
behind the Buderim War Memorial Hall

NEEDLEWORK AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION

2008-04-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

BUDERIM CRAFT COTTAGE NEEDLEWORK AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Pens and Needles

Saturday 3^rd May 9am – 3pm and Sunday May 4th 10am - 2pm - entry via Gold Coin

Both the Needlework and the Calligraphy groups will be exhibiting their exquisite handwork talents including gold work, thread painting and embellishing, and refined penmanship, framed pieces and paper tole work.

This exhibition, just a week before Mother’s Day, provides a wonderful opportunity to purchase unique handmade gifts for those special mums and grandmas or maybe something just for yourself!

Members of both groups will also be carrying out demonstrations.

Indulge your afternoon tea fantasies with ribbon and finger sandwiches, classic scones with jam and cream, exquisite pastries, mini tarts and cupcakes – just to name a few.

The Craft Cottage is located at 5 Main Street –

set back from the road between the War Memorial Hall

and St Mark’s Anglican Church.

Parking at the rear of the Hall.

Further enquiries to Pam (5445 1076) and Marcia (5445 2907) from Needlework,

or John (5445 2515) from Calligraphy.

First time in Buderim Attilla Sautov plays The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

2008-04-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

Attilla Sautov, violin virtuoso from Uzbekistan will join with the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra to present an inspirational program of celebrated violin and piccolo concertos.
Considered one of Australia's most brilliant violinists, Attilla Sautov, Artistic Director of the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra, will delight with his virtuosic interpretation of Vivaldi's best known work, The Four Seasons.
Le quattro stagioni or The Four Seasons, comprises four violin concertos, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The texture of each concerto is varied, resembling its respective season. While Winter is dark and sombre, Summer invokes a thunderstorm in its final movement.To complete this virtuosic program:
Attilla and the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra present the:

Vivaldi piccolo concerto in C major, Kristine Healy (piccolo)
J.S.Bach violin concerto for 2 violins in D minor, Adam Piechocinski (Poland)
J.S.Bach Ave Maria for Violin and Organ.
Pachelbel Canon for String Orchestra
Albinoni Adagio for Violin,Organ and Orchestra. Attilla Sautov

Tickets available from
St.Mark's Anglican Church one hour before the concert from 2pm.
For more information call 3897 2990 or 0424 780 389

New Bushcare Group gets down and dirty!

2008-04-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

With the spirit of Clean Up Australia in the wind, a group of Headland Park residents decided it would be timely to start a long-term conservation project to improve a stand of original old-growth bushland near Deloraine Drive.

On the initiative of four families who for the previous two years adopted and worked in the Wilgan Lane Reserve nearby, Maroochy Shire Council offered the expertise of Nick Wills from Greening Australia to oversee their fortnightly working bees. Nick advises the volunteers on weed control, indigenous vs. invasive plants, wildlife corridors and sustainable replanting. Like 24 other local bushcare groups, such as the Foote Sanctuary and Maroochy Botanic Gardens groups, these projects will continue after council amalgamation in March.

“90% of our work is weed removal, many of which have taken hold after illegal dumping of exotic garden species, ” says co-ordinator John King. “Lantana, Singapore daisy and camphor laurels have also infiltrated. By removing these unfriendly species the native trees and shrubs, such as the majestic Rose or Flooded Gums can regenerate. Council also provides seedlings of local plants which we plant, especially on the reserve edges which are prone to infestation.”

The group expects its work to take at least two years to complete. The 4 hectare reserve extends from Deloraine Drive playground to Cumberland Way along a creek feeding into the Maroochy River catchment. Since council built a cycling and walking path integrating it with access to Maroochy Boulevard, many locals use it for recreation and non-motorised transport.

As well as getting down and dirty, the community conservation members hope that their work will educate people everywhere not to dump garden waste in reserves, plus create appreciation by beautifying an existing natural area. “On our first day we found a cache of reptile eggs and a rather lost scrub turkey chick. At Wilgan Lane we encountered wallabies, ducks, frogs and an echidna, emphasising these areas’ value as habitats.

The group meets at 9am every first and third Thursday of the month at Deloraine Drive playground. It’s amazing how much is achieved in only four hours per month. Helpers are always welcome.

Call Wendy King 54795529

Buderim Community Christmas Carols 16th December

2007-11-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

The Carols by Candlelight event on Buderim is a much loved highlight of the local community calendar, attended by thousands of families across the Mountain and beyond. This year the Carols will be held on Sunday, December the 16th from 6pm at the Buderim Mountain School Oval.

The event is staged thanks to the personal efforts of many locals, businesses, and community groups, giving their time, talents and financial support to ensure the Carols is a success. Last year the rain caused a postponement of a week, but the final result saw Buderim treated to an outstanding theatrical show and public caroling. This consolidated the all new entertainment format into the seasonal calendar.

This year a whole new Christmas Story will be told by the crew of "That's Entertainment" to thrill both young and old, we will just have to rely on the Archdeacon for better weather!The Buderim Carols by Candlelight offers an outstanding opportunity for you to promote your business to locals and visitors. You can enjoy the advantages of such positive promotion shared by The Maroochy Councillors, Joyce Mayne Discounts, buderim.com, BWMCA, Limehouse Press, BNC Financial Services and Acclaim Apprentices and Trainees, when you buy a sponsorship promotional package. There are still opportunities available, but be quick to take full advantage of all pre-promotion.

The committee is calling on anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help on the night, we need people to hand out the songsheets and collect the gold coin donation at the entry points, plus people to help with the chairs and set up. Please contact Steve on 0416 234 838 for more details on sponsorship or volunteering.

Get behind your community!

Craft Cottage Christmas Fair 25th Nov

2007-11-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

Buderim Craft Cottage’s Christmas Fair is coming up again Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November from 8.00am to 4.00pm Two whole days to get in and fill up the present cupboard ready for Christmas. Each of the talented 13 groups have been working hard to ensure there will be a huge array of gorgeous goodies for sale. There will also be refreshments, plants and produce for sale.

The cottage is located opposite the Buderim Primary School, set back from the road between the Memorial Hall and St Mark’s Church.

Further details please contact Pamela Van der Kooy PH 5445 5454 FX 5476 9373 e-mail pammra@keypoint.com.au

Buderim Mountain School Fete 10th Nov!

2007-11-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

The Buderim Mountain State School Spring Carnival is on Saturday November 10th, 2pm - 8pm.
It's been a long wait for the kids after the Carnival had to be postponed in September due to bad weather but finally it's on this weekend.
All the old favourites with rides galore, show bags, fairy floss and much more.
There are market stalls, cakes and sweets, plants and second-hand treasures.
Rides for the big kids and littlies too, with Paratrooper, Scrambler, Rock Wall and Laser Tag just to name a few. Pre-paid armbands can be bought prior to the carnival @ $30 which allows unlimited rides... just go all day. Ride passes on the day are $35, so get in early.
Sideshow alley is packed with fun games and plenty of prizes to win. Crazy hair and face paint, show bags & glow stuff, balloon clowns and plenty of yummy carnival food keep the oval buzzing with carnival fun.
You can escape from the buzz and enjoy a cuppa at our afternoon tea area and check-out the kids’ art competition with lots of talented artwork on show.
Main stage entertainment runs all day with music and dance, cultural displays, sporting demonstrations and lots more. The kids lip-sync competition showcases our budding entertainers to be and is always a lot of fun. Five great prizes in our carnival raffle will be drawn with a chance to win a $1000 holiday, a great family Kayak package, a laptop computer, a portable dvd/mp3 player and a digital camera so make sure you have raffle tickets, you have to be in it to win it.
The monster auction starts at 3pm with some absolutely fantastic lots on offer, surfboard, bikes, homewares, art, gift vouchers, beauty treatments, the list is just endless. There's over 60 huge prize packed lots for auction.
It's a great family fun day and goes with a bang at 8pm with our fantastic firework finale.
For information, armband passes etc contact the P&C office on 5477 2737.

Buderim Tawny Frogmouth Rescue!

2007-10-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

Living on Buderim Mountain, you often live with nature. Because we don't have domesticated animals, we share our yard with Scrub Turkeys, several varieties of parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, carpet snakes and Tawny Frogmouths. A family of the latter have lived in the trees around our house for several years now. Over the last weekend the relatively peaceful afternoon was shattered with strange squawking and bird calls.

Looking up at the top of a tall poinceana, I saw two Channel-billed Cuckoos (we are told these are migratory birds from New Guinea) having a life and death struggle with 2 Tawny Frogmouths. Two strange grey balls fluttered to the ground, a closer look revealed two little baby Tawnies and a broken nest. The big grey immigrants were going for the babies!

Quickly calling my family, we carefully surrounded the babies and kept the attackers at bay. Meanwhile, mum and dad were circling, distraught and beaks all a-snappin'

A quick call to the Wildlife Warriors hotline and we were given the instructions to hopefully save the chicks. "Make a new nest out of an ice cream container, put holes in the bottom to let rain out. Then catch the babies and put them in the new nest . . . in the same tree if possible" were the instructions. Unfortunately the poinceana is around 30 metres high and extremely dangerous to climb. So the nest was placed into a nearby tree which was easier to scale and yet, left them well and truly above the ground.

The chicks were carefully picked up in a towel and gently placed into the nest. The little cuties offered no resistance. One of the parents watched very closefully, while the other went to a nearby tree and slept!

We kept an eye them all afternoon and the watchful parent stood guard beside the nest.

Next morning brought a disturbing sight. The nest was empty and the Tawny Frogmouths were nowhere to be found!!

There was no sign of trouble, no feathers or evidence of any struggle. It is unlikely the parents would have given up their kids without a fight. So we are hoping they were taken to a safer place by the parents, to grow up here on the mountain.

The Tawny Frogmouths are often seen dead on the roads, they sometimes take an easy meal off roadkill, only to become victims of careless drivers and hoons running around late at night. If you are driving around the quiet streets of night-time Buderim, please be vigilant for the wildlife that shares our home.

If you would like to see more images leave a comment and I will post some more.

Our Perfect Home - Great new theatre on the Coast

2007-10-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

theatre s in partnership withSuncoast Repertory Theatre Inc present
Our Perfect Home
By Bruce Olive
Director: Sue Clapham
Casting complete Director Sue Clapham has assembled her cast to present the World Premiere of the latest Bruce Olive comedy, Our Perfect Home, in December.
Taking the lead roles of Steph and Mal, the hapless couple on a mission to find the perfect home, are Jenni McCaul and Shane Cassidy. Playing a variety of support roles from Real Estate Agents to neighbours, builders and even a ghost are Jane Rivers, Shane Ross and Stephen Moore.
Bruce wrote the play based on his own experiences of buying, renovating and selling homes in Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. Many of the incidents and characters in the play will be recognised by most people, which makes the whole show funnier and more accessible. Bruce has written a delightful, light-hearted piece perfectly suited to the traditional “silly season”, and with the 4 Dinner Shows, it is an option for a very different Office Christmas Party.
Performances:

* Nambour
o Lind Lane Theatre, 16 Mitchell St.
o December 5, 6, 7, & 8 at 8pm.
o Matinee December 9 at 2pm
* Noosa
o Theatre J, the j, 60 Noosa Dr, Noosa Junction.
o December 14 & 15 - bar from 6pm; dinner from 6:30pm; show from 8pm.
o Matinee December 15 at 2pm.
* Kawana
o Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sportsmans Pde, Bokarina
o December 21 & 22 - bar from 6pm; dinner from 6:30pm; show from 8pm.

Ticket prices:

* Nambour and Matinees:
$27 Adults.
$22 Concessions (Pension & Seniors Card holders; group bookings of 8 or more; MEAA members; students up to 26 years old; children up to 18 years old).
* Noosa and Kawana Dinner Shows (includes quality 3-course dinner and show):
$55 Adults
$50 Concessions (Pension & Seniors Card holders; group bookings of 8 or more; MEAA members; students up to 26 years old; children up to 18 years old).

Enquiries:
Phone 5449 2625 or email theatre_s@squirrel.com.au

theatre s is a non-profit co-operative theatre company touring theatre and cabaret to intimate venues on the Sunshine Coast. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. S for Simple...Sharp...Stylish.
Patrons: David and Kristin Williamson

Arts Festival Sippy Downs 20 & 21 Oct - click for more!

2007-10-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Art, food, wine, music.... Bambu Cafe, 96 Bellflower Rd, Sippy Downs, Sat & Sun 20th & 21st October, 10am - 3pm

Bambu Cafe is hosting an arts festival, featuring a renowned arts teacher and local artists painting on the lawn. Come along and enjoy local cheeses, wine and other tasty fare, whilst watching the artists at work. A local jazz band will be performing.

Details: 5445 4884 or http://www.bambuevents.com.au/

Garage Sale by buderim Lioness Club

2007-10-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

Come on come all this Saturday October 6, from 7am to the Buderim Scout Den, Lindsay road, Buderim - the Lioness Club of Buderim are conducting there famous Garage Sale.
Funds raised with assist the SES, Cittamani Hospice, Australian Red Cross Blood Bank, Sunshine Coast Rescue Helicopter Service and Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre in Nambour.
So pop in for a look and support the Lioness and buy a sausage sizzle cooked by the Buderim Scout Group. For further information and donations contact Marilee on 5456 4455.

Bishnu - A message for a Brighter Future for the Children of Nepal

2007-10-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

Brighter Future Children’s Home Bishnu Kumar Shrestha. (16 yrs, eldest boy and child at BFCH)
I would like to say and talk about BFCH. Brighter Future Children’s home makes children happy and makes futures bright and shiny. Like stars brightly in the sky the children’s future is too.
In the world there are many countries, in some countries there are many orphanages. Nepal is the part of land on earth there are more orphanages. One for these is Brighter Future orphanage. This orphanage is organised by VSN (Volunteer Services Nepal) to help the poor children. Nepal is a brave country, as we know but the Nepali people are poor. Why? Because they don’t have education. VSN try to help some children by offering a Brighter Future. BFCH is like the sun during the day, shiny and bright.
In the Brighter Future orphanage the children are around volunteers, Sir (home manager) and their friends. In the orphanage Sir, friends and volunteers are good. I think I get a wonderful life because I get all this. I cannot describe about all this Brighter Future children’s home and VSN, we get so many facilities.
At last I would like to say about VSN Volunteers; I would wish to thank you so much for helping me. I would request to all volunteers to come again to Nepal and help the children. Thank you very, very much to you all

Lessons from Nepal

2007-10-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

A life full of adventure, family and daily living has passed since my last installment from Nepal. With some exciting (coming home to my family and the addition of a new niece) and busy distractions since my return it is far from the land of colour, chaos and my Nepali friends that I continue the story of my Nepalese adventure. I have made several attempts to get this written, and it seems that the further in time and distance I am from the experience itself, the trickier it becomes.

My final week in Nepal was both emotional and exciting. Emotional because there were so many feelings tied to the experiences with the children there. During this time I saw their confidence build through their willingness to acknowledge their individual strengths and to embrace the concept of their having so much to offer themselves and others. One of the activities we did together was individual posters with a picture of a candle light – representing their personal light and power to shine – which they coloured, and then a sentence underneath which they completed with their personal strengths.

This seemingly simple exercise actually was a beautiful journey of discovery for the children and myself as their guide.

Also had a chance to visit the day centre where our 2 downs syndrome boys attend, that was great to see and interesting how many different disabilities were catered for. We watched their exercise session and spent some time hanging out while they did various floor activities. It was well run with a group of committed and passionate teachers as well as volunteers. On a personal note (it’s a little about me!) this was a personal highlight for me also, as I have not worked with the intellectually or physically challenged before meeting Raju & Krishna (the boys at Brighter Future) and it was a real gift on this trip to learn to connect, appreciate and contribute to them. To be honest (thanks for allowing me to be) I know that I would have been very uncomfortable in that room of children had I not had the benefit of living with and connecting with the boys. When I found out they were going to be at the orphanage I must admit I was apprehensive about how I would know what to say, or do with the Raju & Krishna. Such a fantastic example to me of how we just don’t know what we are capable of until we put ourselves out there.

Overall my last days were about using my skills to anchor the children with love, self appreciation, acknowledgement, personal hygiene routines, songs, laughter, fun and games. I taught them ‘what’s the time Mr Wolf?’ and they taught me this great game played outside with teams and a few lines drawn in the sand.

I had taken a photo with each child early in the week and got them printed off before I left, I wrote a note to each of them and had some one on one time with them to chat over the last few days which was super special. I believe that my being a parent offered them a different opportunity to connect, and allowed me a perspective and approach I would have not had other wise, and I think that it meant the children could receive me and my motherly ways in a way that was new to them, and hopefully something that will stay with them. This has also led to a discussion with Emma (director of VSN) about a the general behaviour management and communication with the children, and I have committed to create a behaviour management plan as a guide for their home managers, staff and volunteers. A project I am really excited about.

Also had the chance to go to a local home for dinner after being invited by Rajesham (??? Don’t think that is spelt right) who was the night guard at the home. He was most excited to show the dvd of his brothers Nepali Wedding. Yes that’s right a dvd… it was quite surreal sitting in a mud brick floor and walled room, and seeing a computer unveiled from under a cloth, and then to see that it actually worked and we got to view the wedding celebrations, until the power dropped out, as it did most evenings. But then, we (another volunteer & myself) were treated to a fabulous meal of Daal Baht with all the trimmings. Of course we ate separately from the rest of the family, they waited until we had finished to have theirs, and we were waited on by the Aama, who is the grandmother of the home, and she was determined to be sure that we couldn’t fit another mouthful in. It really was divine.

On a foodie note (and you know how I love my food), it was a pleasant surprise ofthe trip, I stayed really ‘well’, meaning I didn’t need the gastrolytes and other medications I took to counter any belly bugs! The food was delicious and I adapted to eating rice and spice twice a day, very easily. Interestingly it has taken 2 weeks at home to re-adjust, I didn’t feel right after eating anything when I first returned.

On my last day it was ‘health check’, a monthly visit by the health team where they check each child top to toe. Such an amazing resource and service for these kids who are in relative great health to some of their peers. When it was time to go, we made it short and sweet as I had already said my individual goodbyes, I was overwhelmed when Jaggu (the home manager) and Didi Sita (the home cook & aunty) called me in to the kitchen to say good bye with a ceremony which included a wreath of fresh flowers to go around my neck, a dish of crushed flowers etc which were pressed on to my forehead in a giant tika, and an apple presented on a plate. All of which represented appreciation and good luck, and so much more to me.

A final night in Kathmandu where the other volunteers came in to say good bye and then I was homeward bound.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

VSN orphanages offer so much more than a roof over the heads of their children, or simply survival for them day to day. It was agonizing to see the children in the other homes (which VSN supports as sustainably as they can) with standards of living so much lower, with so few resources and opportunities compared. What I learnt was that the opportunities being offered to children in VSN’s care means that there is a chance the cycle will be broken, because providing survival leads to more mere survival, and taking their experiences to the next level means that they have an awareness of what else is possible for them. This is so in line with my vision for children everywhere and it was so inspiring to see it in action through the visionaries at VSN. As an example of this in the last week, 5 of our children were given the opportunity to attend a 3 month art program on Saturday mornings, something that only the privileged in Nepal would have access to. Some of these children have real artistic potential and to know that will be nourished and supported is extremely exciting. Also the eldest of the children in the home will soon be ready to finish secondary school and in my discussions with Emma before I left she told me that they are looking to support him in to higher education. WOW that is just amazing. And you know, these kids deserve every bit, as do all our children. Bishnu – the boy I mention here, has a goal of becoming a journalist or teacher, actually his real dream would be to be in the army, but due to the fact that he only has one arm, it wont happen, so I gave him the task of writing an article for me to publish and I have attacjed it, with some editing for translation purposes. He wrote it in English and I think you will agree that the graciousness and appreciation that comes through would make you want to educate him further too!

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

ALL of the donations of goods you contributed before I left were just perfect, while some of them are still making their way there, it was great to see just how and where they will be put to use. The Monetary donations I passed on to VSN have been earmarked to help with the building costs of the new orphanage “Shining Stars Children’s Home’ to be built not too far from Brighter Future Children’s Home where I was placed. I will forward an email with more details regarding this, and look forward to keeping you updated.

So that’s it from me – for now, I am a little technically challenged however when someone wonderful guides me as to the easiest way to make my photos available to all, (I know its out there, just need some simple instructions….)you will be the first to know!

Thank you so much for your support, emails, encouragement and thoughts. I truly feel blessed to have been able to live what was just a dreamy idea in my head and heart to achieve, and without the belief of the people around me (especially my angel Adrian) I would still just be talking about going one day. Experiencing in reality what is currently an idealism is not just for me, and it doesn’t need to be sleeping on a wooden slat, eating daal baht twice a day for you, truly just take a step towards what you would want to be experiencing in your life, what ever it is, and see what happens. You see if you wait for someone else to do something about it then you will continue to wait, be your own pilot on your flight path, be the captain of the game of your life, and if you think it all sounds too far fetched for you then call me so I can give you more corny but absolutely true analogies…. Trust me I have one for you!

THE BIGGEST LESSON I LEARNT

That the quality of my life is measured by the newness of the experiences I have!
Ok that really is it
Lots of love and Light
Becxxxxx

School holidays almost here..so what to do?

2007-09-20T00:03:00.000-07:00

This will be the cry throughout the next two weeks, sometimes driving parents and carers to distraction. However, there is a solution as Buderim’s Wendy Gilmore, co-author with Karen Shelley, of Keeping Kids Active: Sunshine Coast was quick to explain to interviewer Beth Miller recently on the Sunshine Coast’s Community radio station 106five Rhema FM.

The comprehensive, compact 384 guide, “Keeping Kids Active: Sunshine Coast,” with activities available to kids on the Sunshine Coast, is published just in time for the school holidays.

“Although we have lived on the Coast for over 10 years we are still amazed at what the Coast has to offer,” said Wendy.

Further information is available on http://www.keepingkidsactive.com.au/ or by phoning (07) 5445 6524

Amazing Grace in Nepal

2007-09-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

Well hello again, and firstly THANK YOU so much for all your emails, if I haven't replied directly know that I definately read your email and am very touched by your thoughts and support. Am on limited internet time while in the city today so must get moving.
I have had an amazing week filled with so many emotions, so much love,
wonderment and pure 'life'. I am living in an stunning rural area, surrounded by mountains, bright green rice fields and the smallest and quaintest of villages. THe rains have been plentiful (sounds like home at the moment), and I am grateful I brought my trekking boots from my visit here 12 years ago!
The 13 souls I have been blessed to care for are truly a testament to living as it is meant to be. Whether they are cleaning the toilets, sweeping, mopping, washing their own clothes, tending to leech bites, or doing their homework, they seem to be constantly singing! Singing and music seems to be their ultimate joy and while they know lots of songs already I have been
requested to teach them, My Favourite Things (yes from the sound of music, they saw a video on my phone of Paris singing it), Amazing Grace (I sang it at bedtime and it was a great hit), and This little light of mine (my family will know that one!)
I was a little worried about what I might have to offer these precious beings, what it was that I could add that would truly be of benefit to their lives, the practical things seem somewhat insignificant, however useful. So in addition to some general mothering in relation to cleanliness (like getting changed from the clothes they have worn all day in to something clean for bed) and some help on routine I have discovered that their overall sense of 'self appreciation' is not so strong. So we have been having some wonderful chats about the power of their inner light, their connectedness to their 'god' and their ability to share their special gifts of love, caring, and peace with others. I know this all sounds a little full on, trust me they are the catalysts for these awe inspiring conversations.
Some of my most special moments from this week include, when saying goodnight to the girls a few nights ago, after some converstations about 'self', I asked them, who loves you, and in a change from their previous response of 'you do didi' (didi is the name for volunteers/aunties) they all replied "I DO!", my heart did sing.
Then this morning I was writing in my diary and RAju, one of the downs syndrome boys - an absolute delight - asked what I was doing, so I said i was writing about what I had been doing, and about him, and pointed out that I had written, Raju is a wonderful boy!.. Well at that he took my face in his hands, looked me deeply in the eyes before turning my face to kiss me on
the cheek... it was all I could do to hold it together. and last night Beekas the oldest boy and child in the home,(16yrs, with only one arm as the other one never grew,a congeital disorder thought to be related to his mother taking morning after pill while pregnant with him)
shared with me the conversation he and the house didi (she does all the cooking etc) were having, which was to say that they are so lucky to have all that they have, and that they are so appreciative of their situation.
Just amazing insights and love.
... and of course there is the divine Sunita A who I spend extra time with each morning doing her physio excercises for her Cerebral Palsy. She has adopted my 'hug?' question when ever we are parting company and gives me the most hearfelt hugs. She is such a special intelligent girl, they are all really clever, and she is particularly appreciative for everything, saying 'thank you so much' for every time I do anything remotely related to her.
There are so many more special moments I can't wait to share with you all, and it is these that have allowed me to rise from the pure horror of the tour of the other orphanages I took a few days ago. I have pictures which I will share when I return, but it was heartwrenching to see the standards of living, if you could call it that which some of them are required to live
in. On the contrary, the VSN (who I am with) places are just a breath of fresh air in comparision, and still many moons from what you or I are used to. I can't begin to describe this any further at the moment, it is still too distressing and I am still too confused as to what is supposed to be
done....
Needless to say the wonderful time spent with the kids is fantastic, and it is just little things that make their day special. It is exciting to uncover their special talents, and I have a mission to have them acknowledge their own gifts and uniqueness before I leave.
WEll I am now off to give a report of the week to the VSN organisers, an inspired group of people led by Emma, a Phillipino lady married to a Nepali man.
Much love to you all, and thank you again for all your kind thoughts and wishes.
Becxxx

Nepali Life - Rebecca meets the Children

2007-09-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Anticipation and excitment are abundant this morning as today is the day I meet the children and move in to the childrens home itself. I am to stay in the home with the children, as I am here for a relatively short period (some volunteers are here for more than 3 months), the intensity of living with, sleeping with, and eating with the children will be doable!

The last 2 days have been training in all aspects of Nepali life. Eating (daal baht with my right hand), showering in public, using a 'charpi' toilet, lots of language lessons and cultural know how to be sure we fit in as easily with the local families and children as possible. Have found out lots more about this organisation too. It is incredibly inspiring what the founder Emma has managed to achieve in such a short time, I am looking forward to filling you all in on more about that.

From here on in we will be eating two traditional meals a day, both of which are daal baht, this consists of copious amounts of rice (Adrian would be in heaven), some curried vegetables, and a daal soup. The soup is poured over the rice and then it is all mixed together with your right hand and eaten with the same.

As I will be living with the children I will have the enjoyment of eating on the floor with them (apparently easier than using the low tables), and no doubt being a source of amusement to them during meal times.
Last night I read through a folder containing the information on all the children I will be looking after. There are 13 of them, ranging from 4 to 15 years old. 2 boys are Down Syndrome and one little girl (Sunita) has Cerebral Palsy and Polio, part of my job will be to work with SUnita on her daily physio and assisting these boys with their needs too.

It was amazing to read all of their backgrounds, and somewhat disturbing too, these kids are real survivors, many have family or parents alive, however they have no contact with them, others have witnessed parents being kidnapped or killed by the Maoist unrest here over the past few years. The information was great in that it is updated each month by the volunteers to keep new ones abreast of what the childrens likes, dislikes, tricks and needs for attention are.

The last few days with the other volunteers (13 of us) has been fantastic, it is one of those situations where despite age, nationality, profession, sex, or any other status, we all connect, we all have a common value, goal and desire to be here. It really has been like I have been transported to a parallel universe, sometimes I wonder if I am really here or simply imagining it....

Nope, am really here and the bus leaves in 30 mins. THank you for your emails, it is a great way of still being connected to my other life! I am carrying all your love and wonderful intentions for these children with me.
Happy Fathers Day for yesterday to all the dads! You are all amazing inpirations and guides for your children who are lucky to have you!Lots of love and lightness from Nepal!Bye for now

Kathmandu reporting - Rebecca Ramsay

2007-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Ramsay is a Buderim local who has taken a journey to Nepal as a volunteer aid worker. Read her first story here.

from Kathmandu

Well I made it here and what a treat for the senses. The smells, sights, tastes, emotions of this culture so very different from ours. Getting off the plane to the humidity was actually a relief from the airports and planes, and I was soon in the van for the incredible ride through Kathmandu.
I felt strangely energised and excited despite the somewhat disturbing sights along the way. The roundabouts made up of piles of rubbish and festering damp food in the middle of the road, the children and adults riffling through gutters looking for supplies, the manic drivers dodging oblivious cows and calves as they wander the streets in a state of calm amongst the madness, the incredible intensity of colour, odour and activity.
It is amazing to note amongst all of this there is a sense of purpose, everyone is getting on with what they need to/ can do, there is no time taken to feel sorry for them selves, they get on with living in what ever way works for them right now.
The contrasts here amaze me too. The exquisitely dressed women in silk saris beautifully presented right down to their feet, where they seem to be oblivious to the filth, dirt and wet of the roads through which they seem to float. I think this contrast will continue to astound me, there is actually a tv in my room with, HBO, and various american, indian and local channels. And while sitting in a restaurant last night with a mixture of new and experienced volunteers, the indian/nepali style music was mixed with 'my funny valentine' and various eric clapton hits..... Had an intro at the volunteer office yesterday afternoon, with some insights in to what the program will involve.
They actually own and operate 2 orphanages and also support a number of other 'privately owned' orphanages. Interesting how it is run, quite a variety of setups. I have a couple of days of language and culture training starting tomorrow, before being allocated my role. We had a quick introduction to some of the medical issues we may come up against, including a recent outbreak of chicken pox at one home (funny i just had a week of that before leaving home), and of course the incidences of scabies, lice, vitamin deficiency and diarreah.
I look forward to giving you more delightful stories about those as I experience them! I am assured that when (if) I do contract any of those my self, they are all treatable... thats good isn't it, because I really wouldn't want to come home with SCABIES!!!!
Went for a walk this morning early and met a couple of young girls looking after their 'aunty daughters' (nieces), they talked me in to buying some milk powder for the babies (who were gorgeous), and so while I will be spending most of the donations at the orphanage itself, it felt good to do something so practical to help today!
Ok must go, just rewrote this email after spending 20 minutes on the last one which disappeared as I hit send.
Rebecca