Further Afield
  
  

ADVENTURES WITH JENNY P.

My role here at Tea Gardens Grange is to dream up, plot, scheme and generally rack my brain for all sorts of wonderful ideas for outings ranging from close by to further afield. The time seems to go more quickly each year – I think there is just so much happening here at the Grange and outings have to be planned so far ahead.

There are quite a few outings that have become embedded in the yearly calendar due to their popularity. One in particular, is a visit to the Maitland Cinema where we enjoy morning tea and then have a choice of usually two movies. It is then lunch at the ever popular East Maitland Bowling Club followed by a visit to the Sweets Factory before heading home.

Another favourite is a visit to the Belmont 16’ Sailing Club in Newcastle where everyone enjoys an hour long popular Show before having a great meal and enjoying the wonderful ambience of the lakeside setting.

Cruises are high on the favourite list so they are always slotted into the yearly calendar as well as a yearly visit to the Newcastle Paceway for a night at the trots. There might not be any big winners after the evening but a great time is had by all!

Each year we venture farther afield to interesting places such as Tamworth, Armidale, Narrabri and Mudgee. These short break getaways are always lots of fun and a great opportunity for residents to get to know each other. We have experienced a wonderful trip overseas to Fiji and more recently, Norfolk Island. It is a very picturesque holiday destination, the people are friendly and it is very relaxing. Just what one needs!

We have been to Canberra’s major event, “Floriade” and closer to home the Hunter Valley Gardens is not to be missed especially when their “Rose Spectacular” is on. We have been fortunate enough to visit the Gardens for their “Christmas Lights Spectacular” which is very aptly named.

There are many Shows in Sydney and Newcastle which we manage to fit in as well – some of the more popular ones being “Miss Saigon, “Menopause the Musical,” and “Billy Elliot”.

On the home front there is a Trivia Challenge every three months and residents wait eagerly for this particular event.

Each month I try and slot in an outing we have not experienced before – that is quite a challenge!

The Social calendar is a busy one for residents as most of them have their own interests within the local community such as Golf and Bowls – many belong to various Clubs as well so there is no such thing as boredom at Tea Gardens Grange!