Latest news with #Lesley
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
‘No regrets' for Rotorua Retiree
A 600m move brought Lesley new friends, fun and peace of mind. Despite moving just 'around the corner' from her family home, Lesley Evanson reckons it is one of the biggest – and best – steps she's taken in her life. After selling her family home, the 73-year-old shifted three months ago into a brand-new unit in the recently completed 87-unit Karaka Pines Regency Park Estate in Rotorua. 'I haven't gone far,' she says. 'My home was literally 600m from the village and I've lived in the area for 40 years. I've no regrets. Everyone here is so friendly and it has a nice vibe. I don't even think about my old house now.' Regency Park Estate is owned and operated by Tauranga-based Karaka Pines Villages and is one of eight retirement villages the company runs throughout New Zealand. With 59 units occupied when Karaka Pines purchased the complex in 2019, a further 28 have since been constructed, with the final one completed in February this year. One of the advantages for people moving into Karaka Pines Villages like Regency Park Estate is that they get to retain capital gains, unlike the situation at most other retirement communities in New Zealand, where it is kept by village operators. Karaka Pines CEO Adam Yates says this financial model is a fair one for residents and can make the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in their pockets. The last unit to be constructed at Regency Park Estate was the one snapped up by Evanson, and already she says it feels like home. 'It's got two bedrooms, a joint bathroom (between the bedrooms), a visitor toilet and a huge kitchen, living area and patio. I love it,' she says. 'I had watched the village being built and a few years ago I took an aunt to have a look at it. Then I had some of my friends move in here which started me thinking 'oh, maybe it's time for me too'. 'Since I've been here, I've had other residents knock on my door and introduce themselves, it's been really nice. The staff and managers are lovely and keep us informed about what's going on.' While Evanson enjoys plenty outside the village – including aqua jogging, knitting, crochet and quilting – she's kept just as busy within Regency Park Estate. 'There is always something to do,' she says. 'A lot of activities are organised for us. We had a Mother's Day night and I believe they are arranging something for the King's Birthday weekend in June.' Evanson, who lives alone, was just six when she emigrated to New Zealand from England with her parents. Before settling in Rotorua, she lived in many areas of the country including Northland, Lower Hutt, Christchurch and Auckland. She retired four years ago from her job in the information systems department at Rotorua Hospital, a position she held for 33 years. Another plus for Evanson is that she still sees her five grandchildren regularly. Ranging in age from 3 to 23, they all live nearby apart from her 23-year-old granddaughter who is away studying in Hamilton. 'One of my granddaughters goes to high school not far from Regency Park Estate and she often pops in to see me on her way home.' Yates describes Regency Park Estate as a boutique lifestyle retirement village set in 'beautiful' landscaped grounds. It is close to the Redwoods Forest Park and is a short drive from the Green and Blue lakes, Lake Tarawera and Lake Rotorua. 'Everything people need to live a satisfying and easy-going retirement is close at hand as well,' he says. 'The Te Ngae shopping centre is just across the road and a bus stop is right outside the village.' Yates says construction on the first home in the new development started in July 2021 (progress had earlier been held up amid the Covid-19 pandemic) with the first resident moving in in December 2021. 'In the time we have owned Regency Park Estate we have renovated the resident community centre, introduced a weekly fee that's fixed for 15 years, and had the pleasure of watching residents thrive.' He says homes come up for sale in the village from time to time. Before being put on the market, they are refurbished to near new condition with modern kitchens and bathrooms. Apart from Regency Park Estate, Karaka Pines operate Roseland Park in Hamilton, Kempton Park in Tauranga, Karaka Lifestyle Estate in Auckland, Karaka Pines Rototuna in Hamilton, Woodcroft Estate in Christchurch, Karaka Pines Waihī Beach and Karaka Pines Pāpāmoa.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Lifeline Scots multibank needs volunteers to join fight against poverty as it moves into bigger base to cope with demand
Loaves and Fishes have moved to a bigger premises at Greenhills Community Hall and Library to cater to increasing demand, deliver a wider range of services and to move into the area of most need in East Kilbride. Loaves and Fishes are looking for volunteers to join their fight against poverty as they unlock a new chapter in the heart of East Kilbride's most deprived area. After their much-anticipated move was delayed when Storm Eowyn blew the roof off Greenhills Community Centre, the lifeline multibank finally has the keys to their new base. Loaves and Fishes were successful in rescuing the under-threat venue through South Lanarkshire Council's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Lite process. Greenhills Hall sits in the heart of the most deprived area of the town and the charity's aim is to better serve those in need who struggle to access food and essential goods at its former premises at Singer Road in the Kelvin Industrial Estate. The multibank will close for one week while the new base is set up and will reopen at Greenhills Community Centre on Tuesday, June 10. Chairperson Lesley Davidson said: 'After what seems like forever we have finally moved! We closed our old premises at Singer Road today (Thursday, May 29). 'It was a strange feeling, we were excited and of course feeling a little overwhelmed. We look forward to welcoming all of our customers, donators and supporters to Greenhills. 'We might deliver the service but it's not us who feed and look after people, it's the community in East Kilbride and it's a good place for that. We hope that this will be an easier location to access for people and are looking forward to being part of the community along with our partners at Waist Not Want Not. 'We can only offer a better service from here.' Loaves and Fishes have moved into Greenhills Hall and Library to cater to increasing demand, deliver a wider range of services and to move into the area of most need in East Kilbride, allowing easier access for the local and wider community. They are currrently dishing out more than 200 food parcels a week to those living on the breadline. Operating since 1992, the anti-poverty charity has a strong committee and volunteer base and the organisation has linked up with local charity Waist Not Want Not to help those most in need, through a sub-lease of the library premises. And the charity will be hosting a 'revolutionary' new community-led support initiative which will offer weekly advice from health, housing, social work and financial agencies. Lesley added: 'This new partnership is such a fabulous opportunity to work with our friends at Waist Not Want Not and we could not be more excited about what the future will hold for us with Jan, Ann, Karen and the team. 'We were also invited to host this new multi-agency coordinated delivery which is pretty revolutionary as people can drop-in and get direct access to services that are needed the most. 'Given that food banks were never still meant to be in existence in 2025, for food banks to be sustainable in the long term you have to look at what else you can deliver which is why we're looking at this community-hub concept where people can stay for a cuppa and they can get advice. 'We're still a food bank and free non-food service, but we're now looking at the bigger picture of Loaves and Fishes community hub.' The charity is now searching for a band of volunteers to join their dedicated team in their food warehouse and cafe and are also on the hunt for drivers and maintenance support with various other roles on offer. Lesley went on: 'We are going to be much busier. We will manage it the way we always do but we are all going to have to work a bit harder. 'Despite having an excellent team of passionate volunteers, we desperately need more. For us to deliver our service to the standard we would like, we really need volunteers in our food warehouse, drivers, cafe, maintenance and a variety of other roles. 'Loaves and Fishes provides vital care and support across East Kilbride and far beyond. We would love you to join us. If you are keen to join our fight against poverty, isolation and genuinely improving people's lives we have a role for you.' An official open day at the new premises will be held on Saturday, July 26, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and special guests. Lesley is hoping to unveil a special plaque to pay a lasting tribute to the people who began Loaves and Fishes. Locals are encouraged to go along to meet the team and tour the new premises with afternoon tea, stalls, a bouncy castle and more entertainment. Visitors will also be welcomed by a striking new mural painted free-hand by talented Strathaven jeweller and Loaves and Fishes volunteer Iona Lundie. Lesley continued: 'The move felt like a good time to reflect on our history and the charity's beginnings. Our talented resident artist Iona Lundie has already created a welcome mural in our hallway, however she is working on a very special piece to really show the history and growth of the charity. 'This has led me to have some amazing conversations with those involved at the very beginning of Loaves and Fishes - Denis Curran of course, the family of Geordie Aitken, Rev David Currie and many more. 'It's been an absolute honour to learn so much about our roots and see the huge changes, while also learning that actually our mission remains the same as it did in the very beginning - giving our people 'Full Tummies Warm Hearts Clear Heads'. 'We just need the support to continue to do this. We are so grateful to our town, its businesses, churches, youth groups and all who support our work. Heres to the next chapter!' Loaves and Fishes would like to thank all their supporters for their help with the big move, including Sandy at ISS Hairmyres, EK Rugby Club, South Lanarkshire College painting students, Bo Concept, Glencairn Crystal and Paul from Gallagher Carpets & Flooring. And a special thanks to Gebbie & Wilson Strathaven's Solicitors & Estate Agents who covered all their legal fees free of charge. To enquire about volunteering contact Lesleyloavesandfishesek@ or send a direct message to Loaves and Fishes on Facebook or alternatively call 01355 223657. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Don't skip the 'hated' ingredient for the best chicken soup
Chicken soup: the best winter soup of all time? While I could very easily devour a bowl of any soup at any time in the colder months – leek and potato and minestrone are current favourites – a nourishing chicken soup always makes me feel instantly soothed in the winter months. Because it's cold and flu season, I always lean more towards broth-like chicken soups, but when a friend recommended me this old-school creamy chicken soup recipe I was hesitant to try it. Why? Celery. Celery: a divisive soup ingredient I've never been a celery fan. Hate's a strong word, but where celery's concerned, I think it's appropriate. Even as a kid I despised it, and now as an adult I'm quick to replace it or omit it from recipes altogether. Something about the grassy flavour, the bitter taste and the smell makes me want to run for the hills. What Australia thinks of celery in soup I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way. We asked our Facebook community whether they're fans of celery and we were met with decidedly mixed reviews. While some loved the taste, there were many who were very vocal about their opinions. Here's what they said: 'That's a no from me.' – Keryn 'Ohhh no no no… yuck.' – Lesley 'No, not a fan. It tastes horrible.' – Melanie In defence of celery in chicken soup Despite my celery concerns, the chicken soup recipe looked so hearty and delicious that I still thought it was worth a try – and I definitely trust this particular friend's food recommendations. Plus, the 4.8 star rating across over 70 reviews was pretty convincing: 'This one is a WINNER! Chicken dinner …. so nice. It's going to become a regular monthly meal.' – Vittoriasecrets 'Beautiful soup! Hubby is a soup fanatic and looooves this.'- doodooyang 'Really delicious recipe. First time making chicken soup and it turned out really well.' – GinaB Why you should put celery in your soup It was Amira, our Digital Food Director, who reassured me that not only will celery mellow when cooked in this recipe, but it's the celery that actually helps make the recipe taste as good as it does. She says: 'Celery is often used to make stocks and broths as it adds a mellow herbaceousness and helps balance flavours.' 'It's also always used in mirepoix (a mixture of onion, carrot and celery) as a flavour base for stews, sauces and soups.' Celery in chicken soup: the verdict I put my celery fears aside, listened to Amira, and made the recipe exactly. And you know what? She was right! Once the celery has done its job of adding flavour, all the lumps of used celery get discarded, and all you're left with is smooth, velvety, creamy chicken soup. Instant comfort! The recipe basically comes together in two steps: the flavouring of the stock and combining the cream. Step 1 Begin by creating the stock with chicken maryland pieces, liquid stock, onion, celery and leek. Simmer for about an hour to allow the flavours to develop and the chicken to cook. Once it's ready, remove the chicken to shred the meat and strain out any solids. Step 2 The next and final step is creating the cream base with butter, flour and pure cream. The two components are combined and the shredded chicken is returned to the pot to create a luscious creamy, rich and hearty soup. So step aside, minestrone, leek and potato and chicken broth. This is without question my new go-to winter soup recipe.
Edinburgh Reporter
24-05-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Entrepreneur launches first Scottish Women's Wellbeing Summit
Lesley Canis, from Kennoway in Fife, is looking to help women to make real change by staging an inaugural Women's Wellbeing Summit at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, later this year. Motivated by her own incredible life journey, which has taken her from Fife, to the Caribbean, and back to Scotland, she has become a fierce advocate for women's wellbeing in the workplace along the way. Once declared homeless, following the break-up of her first marriage, Lesley fought back by achieving a degree in English and creative writing, and became a lecturer & journalist. The whole experience demonstrated to her that childcare provision was woefully inadequate for working women, and especially for single parents. At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, she was isolated alone with her young child. Taking a huge gamble, as a result of seeing the Welcome Stamp Visa Programme, she moved to Barbados to work as a freelance writer, staying there for a year before returning to Scotland with a new husband, with whom she now shares young twins. She was then working for an advocacy charity called Voiceability, in Fife, and she found that very little progress had been made in addressing the mental and physical needs of women facing obstacles to study and work. The Scottish Women's Wellbeing Summit, or SWWS, is aiming to ensure meaningful change in this area starts to happen now. It will be held on 15 November at the Old Course Hotel. Bringing together 200 women, a committed and highly engaged mix of leading female professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate business leaders, the summit will provide them with the opportunity to network, collaborate, and inspire, with exhibitor stalls from Scotland's leading wellness and leadership industries, along with networking sessions and workshops to attend. Keynote speakers will take to the stage, aiming to attract column inches on what can be done to improve the situation for working women in Scotland. Additionally, the summit will provide an opportunity for those attending to mentally and physically renew, with a series of immersive experiences, including ice bathing, yoga, and even fire walking. For delegates who chose to stay overnight, they will have access to the hotel's swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Having qualified as a Kundalini Yoga Teacher back in 2022, running Living Fierce Yoga in the community, with chair yoga and mum & baby yoga classes part of her repertoire, Lesley took the logical next step, given her passion for wellbeing in the workplace, and launched her own yoga business, entitled calmandcofficeyoga, which, although still in its infancy, and run alongside her current advocacy job, is attracting businesses to think about workplace wellbeing in a new way. Lesley explained that facilitating and staging this important summit is the realisation of a long-held dream: 'This summit, a combination of a wellbeing & leadership summit for women, means the absolute world to me. I have wanted to do something like this for a long time,' she said. ' 'I know there are a lot of local summits doing great things and driving change, but with SWWS, I want to get in front of women who are in leadership roles or entrepreneurs in wellness. As a group of women sitting down together, they can facilitate change at high levels, and raise incredible awareness that drips down through their organisations, and onto their customers.' Lesley went on to say that other aims of the summit were to directly discuss the issues that matter to working women, 'whether they have been affected by menstrual issues, menopausal concerns, or pregnancy. There are so many innovative, non hormonal, treatments for women's health issues, such as menopause, that can be accessed in non medical settings if more women knew about them, for example. Sadly, they tend not to be available in traditional settings.' 'But, even more importantly for me personally, is my hope that this summit will be profitable enough for me to use some of these profits to start a childcare charity within Fife, not dissimilar to Flexible Childcare Services Scotland. I'd also like to run luxury wellbeing retreats for women in Barbados that allow for two funded spaces for women who financially wouldn't be able to access them otherwise. Doing what I did was life changing in so many ways, and I want other people to experience that.' Describing the childcare provision across Fife, as 'shocking', Lesley said that 'as a mum of young children in the workplace twenty five years ago, and a mum of young children in the workplace now, not much has changed at all. I know what it's like to be down on your luck, and to feel that you're not valued in either the workplace or society, just because you're a single mother. I felt I had nowhere to turn at that point in my life, so I want to make a difference.' Lesley explained that staging the summit was 'at a very high cost to me, with huge risks and outlay. It's a wellbeing summit that is also a luxury retreat, partnering one of Scotland's premier Hotels. 'I wanted to make it as luxe and commercially appealing as possible, in order to attract the level of corporate sponsorship and support I need. I have negotiated special overnight rates with The Old Course Hotel, for summit delegates who may wish to stay overnight on the day, which would certainly give them the very best experience. Staying overnight gives them exclusive access to a networking Drinks Reception, plus the exclusive Leadership Dinner afterwards. I want to make the summit an unforgettable and empowering experience that could well become a regular fixture in influential women's yearly calendars.' 'I'd like to thank The Old Course Hotel for its assistance, and support so far,' continued Lesley. 'They have been absolutely fantastic in seeing my vision for this event.' Facing, what she calls, 'a full on summer ', Lesley is now busy securing summit speakers, tweaking the itinerary, and seeking key sponsorship. 'Any sponsors or exhibitors who would like to get involved, please reach out to me at [email protected],' said Lesley. 'I am delighted to say that I have already secured Biomel UK, a prestigious gut health brand, on board as a sponsor, along with the incredible Viking Heat Retreat in Cupar, so things are starting to move. Fife based Vivimus Water has agreed to supply the water for the event too, which is fantastic news. 'JoyWorks!, one of Scotland's leading holistic teambuilding companies, has been confirmed as our first speaker.' 'I always felt like a square peg in a round hole in the workplace,' finished Lesley. 'I've always been a bit rebellious, not seeing the point in a lot of structures. This always made me feel like a failure because of it. It took me a long time to realise that a lot of women felt the same in the workplace, as its structure simply isn't set up for single mothers, or for women in general.' 'This summit is for women tired of asking for approval, or trying to make changes within the current system. It's for the rebels and the changemakers who aren't asking for permission anymore, for people who know there's a better way to lead. If Covid proved anything, it's that there are other ways to work that still work.' Tickets for the Scottish Women's Wellbeing Summit are now on sale through the website Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Launch of inaugural Scottish Women's Wellbeing Summit
Once declared homeless, following the break-up of her first marriage, Lesley fought back by achieving a degree in English and creative writing, and became a lecturer & journalist. The whole experience demonstrated to her that childcare provision was woefully inadequate for working women, and especially for single parents. At the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic, she was isolated alone with her young child. Taking a huge gamble, as a result of seeing the Welcome Stamp Visa Programme, she moved to Barbados to work as a Freelance Writer, remaining there for a year before returning to Scotland with a new husband, with whom she now shares young twins. Then working for an advocacy charity called Voiceability, in Fife, Lesley found that very little progress had been made in addressing the mental and physical needs of women facing obstacles to study and work. To be held on the 15th of November at the iconic Old Course Hotel, the Scottish Women's Wellbeing Summit, or SWWS, is aiming to ensure meaningful change in this area starts to happen now. Bringing together two hundred women, a committed and highly engaged mix of leading female professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate business leaders, the summit will provide them with the opportunity to network, collaborate, and inspire, with exhibitor stalls from Scotland's leading wellness and leadership industries, along with networking sessions and workshops to attend. Keynote speakers will take to the stage, aiming to attract column inches on what can be done to improve the situation for working women in Scotland. Additionally, the summit will provide an opportunity for those attending to mentally and physically renew, with a series of immersive experiences, including ice bathing, yoga, and even fire walking. For delegates who chose to stay overnight, they will have access to the hotel's swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Having qualified as a Kundalini Yoga Teacher back in 2022, running Living Fierce Yoga in the community, with chair yoga and mum & baby yoga classes part of her repertoire, Lesley took the logical next step, given her passion for wellbeing in the workplace, and launched her own yoga business, entitled calmandcofficeyoga, which, although still in its infancy, and run alongside her current advocacy job, is attracting businesses to think about workplace wellbeing in a new way. Lesley explained that facilitating and staging this important summit is the realisation of a long-held dream: 'This summit, a combination of a wellbeing & leadership summit for women, means the absolute world to me. I have wanted to do something like this for a long time,' she said. ' 'I know there are a lot of local summits doing great things and driving change, but with SWWS, I want to get in front of women who are in leadership roles or entrepreneurs in wellness. As a group of women sitting down together, they can facilitate change at high levels, and raise incredible awareness that drips down through their organisations, and onto their customers.' Lesley went on to say that other aims of the summit were to directly discuss the issues that matter to working women, 'whether they have been affected by menstrual issues, menopausal concerns, or pregnancy. There are so many innovative, non hormonal, treatments for women's health issues, such as menopause, that can be accessed in non medical settings if more women knew about them, for example. Sadly, they tend not to be available in traditional settings.' 'But, even more importantly for me personally, is my hope that this summit will be profitable enough for me to use some of these profits to start a childcare charity within Fife, not dissimilar to Flexible Childcare Services Scotland. I'd also like to run luxury wellbeing retreats for women in Barbados that allow for two funded spaces for women who financially wouldn't be able to access them otherwise. Doing what I did was life changing in so many ways, and I want other people to experience that.' Describing the childcare provision across Fife, as 'shocking', Lesley said that 'as a mum of young children in the workplace twenty five years ago, and a mum of young children in the workplace now, not much has changed at all. I know what it's like to be down on your luck, and to feel that you're not valued in either the workplace or society, just because you're a single mother. I felt I had nowhere to turn at that point in my life, so I want to make a difference.' Lesley explained that staging the summit was 'at a very high cost to me, with huge risks and outlay. It's a wellbeing summit that is also a luxury retreat, partnering one of Scotland's premier Hotels.' 'I wanted to make it as luxe and commercially appealing as possible, in order to attract the level of corporate sponsorship and support I need. I have negotiated special overnight rates with The Old Course Hotel, for summit delegates who may wish to stay overnight on the day, which would certainly give them the very best experience. Staying overnight gives them exclusive access to a networking Drinks Reception, plus the exclusive Leadership Dinner afterwards. I want to make the summit an unforgettable and empowering experience that could well become a regular fixture in influential women's yearly calendars.' 'I'd like to thank The Old Course Hotel for its assistance, and support so far,' continued Lesley. 'They have been absolutely fantastic in seeing my vision for this event.' Facing, what she calls, 'a full on summer ', Lesley is now busy securing summit speakers, tweaking the itinerary, and seeking key sponsorship. 'Any sponsors or exhibitors who would like to get involved, please reach out to me at team@ said Lesley. 'I am delighted to say that I have already secured Biomel UK, a prestigious gut health brand, on board as a sponsor, along with the incredible Viking Heat Retreat in Cupar, so things are starting to move. Fife based Vivimus Water has agreed to supply the water for the event too, which is fantastic news. 'JoyWorks!, one of Scotland's leading holistic teambuilding companies, has been confirmed as our first speaker.' 'I always felt like a square peg in a round hole in the workplace,' finished Lesley. 'I've always been a bit rebellious, not seeing the point in a lot of structures. This always made me feel like a failure because of it. It took me a long time to realise that a lot of women felt the same in the workplace, as its structure simply isn't set up for single mothers, or for women in general.' 'This summit is for women tired of asking for approval, or trying to make changes within the current system. It's for the rebels and the changemakers who aren't asking for permission anymore, for people who know there's a better way to lead. If Covid proved anything, it's that there are other ways to work that still work.' Further details Tickets for the Scottish Women's Wellbeing Summit are now on sale through the website 3 . Contributed A special dinner and drinks reception will be staged Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Immersive experiences will be available at the summit Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
