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ANZA Aths: Back on the track

We can’t think of a better way to jump into the school term than to try a new sport, meet new friends and have a lot of fun along the way. In keeping with this month’s wellness theme, ANZA Athletics is bound to make your kids feel great – mind, body and soul. There might just be a little something to make the parents feel good about too…

BODY
One of the most undersold benefits of athletics is how many different types of events and skills are on offer. ANZA Athletics kids work muscles they didn’t even know they had running, throwing and leaping around the track and field. By the end of the session everyone is red, sweaty and smiling after a sensational workout.

MIND
Research shows the important role physical activity plays in improving mental health. Kids are no exception with the old adage ringing true – active kids are happy kids. And let’s not forget the mental muscle they’ll flex while concentrating on learning new skills and sporting rules. The technique for throwing a discus, measuring a long jump or clearing a hurdle is harder than it looks! Determination and resilience is essential. Remembering their last record also becomes quite important as they strive to beat their personal best each week.

SOUL
One of the most uplifting sights over the course of the season is watching friendships blossom at ANZA Athletics. With age categories split into girls and boys, the kids get to know their group well very quickly. Each week kids bound over to their friends to catch up on their week, before cheering each other on. It’s heart-warming stuff.

PARENTS WIN, TOO!
ANZA Athletics is a wonderful way for parents to meet new people, which is important in our transient expat population. It’s not a drop off and retreat into your phone type of event. Parents are actively involved every step of the way as timekeepers, team leaders and place givers. The kids’ excitement is infectious.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and discover just how fabulous the whole family will feel joining the ANZA Athletics community!

Registrations are open now at anza.org.sg/sports/athletics
When: Friday afternoons from 4:30pm to 6:45pm, starting from Friday, 6 September 2019 (through to 20 March 2020).
Where: Toa Payoh Stadium, 297 Lorong 6, Toa Payoh, 319389

Interview: Jimmy Barnes

Photo: Stephanie Barnes

Why was Singapore an important stop for you to perform?
Seeing a band live is a big part of the way that music lovers get close to a band. So, I try to play wherever there are fans. Plus, I love coming to Singapore. My wife, Jane, and I stop there regularly.
Which of your big hits always gets Aussie expats on their feet?
Working Class Man, Khe Sanh, Flame Trees, Lay Down Your Guns. There are quite a few and we like to play them all live.
Tell us about your new album My Criminal Record?
The recording process was very straightforward – I used my live band because they know me best and have lived through the fallout from my childhood with me. (Barnes’s 2016 autobiography, Working Class Boy details his traumatic and violent childhood) It was important for me to be singing from my soul, from my own experience. It had to be personal. At this point in life it seemed the right thing to do.

What’s the significance of the title?
It’s not my own personal criminal record. It’s a record of how I was brought up. Surrounded by violence, poverty and abuse. That’s what was criminal. To make things worse, kids are still being brought up in suburbs all over Australia, if not the world, surrounded by the same conditions. That’s the real crime.
You’ve done some very honest interviews lately.
It’s helped me a lot. To speak about the darkest moments of my life, to shine a light on those dark moments has helped me heal.
What have been your career highlights?
Making our first record. Hitting number one on the charts. Playing at the Olympics. Just getting to play music every night are all highlights. I get to sing with my children and my wife every night of the week. That’s really special.
Do your grandkids know that you’re a rock star?
Some do but it’s not that important to them. They’re happy if we spend time together. Just like all grandkids.
What’s one thing you’d like to do or see in Singapore?
We always make a point of eating Chili Crab and we have a dear friend who lives here that we love to see.
What are you most likely to do on your days off nowadays?
Write stories for my next book and keep writing songs. Sometimes I just recover and get ready for the next show.

8 Sept
Jimmy Barnes – Live in Singapore
Capitol Theatre
The legendary front man of Cold Chisel and chart-topping solo performer will bring his distinctive and powerful rock vocals to Singapore for one night only. Playing at the beautiful Capitol Theatre, this ARIA Hall of Fame member will play his Australian anthems plus hits from his new album. Don’t miss out! From $85, Sistic.

What’s On: September

7-8 Sept
The 13-Storey Treehouse, Live on Stage
SOTA Drama Theatre
A play based on the bestselling book series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton is coming to Singapore! Expect a bowling alley, a secret underground laboratory, and self-making bed, as well as loads of laughs. Tickets from $40, Sistic.

10-15 Sept
Shakespeare’s Globe
Victoria Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe presents a trio of plays exploring refuge and displacement; The Comedy of Errors, Pericles and Twelfth Night. Taking on multiple roles across all three plays, the company unravels timeless tales to discover what belonging truly means. From $88, Sistic.

18-19 Sept
Glamorous Giving Fashion & Homewares
Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
Glamorous Giving is back in September for its 12th edition. Singapore’s top independent local brands, designers and boutiques will be selling their products at clearance prices in support of the Singapore Committee for UN Women. Feelgood retail therapy! facebook.com/Glamorous.Giving

10 Sep – 6 Oct
SRT Presents Caught
Miaja Gallery
Looking for something completely different? In this ground-breaking event, audiences will be immersed in a social theatre experience in a two-storey gallery, where truth and reality are never what they seem. Is it a party, or a performance? Written by Christopher Chen – conceptualised and directed by Ed Iskandar.
From $75, Sistic

14 Sept
Feeder Live in Singapore
The Pavilion at Far East Square
Chartbusting Welsh rock band Feeder are touring their latest album, Tallulah. Expect stripped back, organic rock tunes that hit the heartstrings. Tickets from $118, Sistic.

Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg

19 & 21 Sept
Parenting Seminars
• How to Raise Happy and Resilient Young People
• Five Great Challenges of Parenting in 2019
Australian International School (AIS)
Alliance Counselling is hosting Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, along with Dr. Natalie Games for two parenting seminars at AIS on Thursday, 19 Sept (7pm-8:30pm) and Saturday, 21 Sept (2pm-3:30pm). Michael is one of Australia’s highest profile psychologists, author of 14 books, broadcaster and a specialist in families, parenting, children and adolescents.  Tickets $35, eventbrite.sg

Sep 27-Oct 31
Halloween Horror Nights 9
Universal Studios
Universal Studios annual scare event returns for another year of terror. Together with haunted houses inspired by Southeast Asia’s most iconic ghosts, twisted clowns and creepy dolls, Halloween Horror Nights 9 promises an immersive scare experience. Go if you dare! halloweenhorrornights.com.sg

29 Sept
NUS Giving Run BIG
(Believe in Giving)
Town Green, NUS
Join NUS students, staff, alumni and partners on this unique run around the vicinity of the university. There’s a10km Run, 10km Mixed Team, 5km Fun Run and 1.2km Kids’ Dash. The run celebrates local community heroes and you can even nominate your own! nusrunbig.com

Hotspots: The Sampan

Interiors: The Sampan
Mango Chilli Smash

The Sampan
63 Boat Quay, 049851
thesampan.sg

Located in the heart of Boat Quay, sophisticated newcomer The Sampan is a refuge from the area’s many rowdy pubs and partygoers. With a prime location on the Singapore River, this hip, three storey restaurant and bar features unique Pan Asian cuisine from a young, passionate culinary team. We start with a round of bright, flavourful cocktails, including the smoldering Mango Chilli Smash ($17), easy drinking Hibiscus & Vanilla Margarita ($17) and a refreshing White Sangria ($17) They’re accompanied by crunchy, salty and slightly bitter Indonesian-style emping nut crackers. Our sharing appetisers includes Half Shell Japanese Scallops, with laksa leaf pesto ($15) Silken Egg Tofu with peanut sauce ($12) and Pot Sticker Dumplings ($12) The dumplings are the clear winner, with delicate lacey skin and spot on filling. The tangy Crispy Thai Beef Salad ($15) runs a close second.
There are plenty of tasty and affordable salads, noodle and rice dishes, but for mains we can’t go past the fresh Local Seabass, with soya sauce glaze and potato puree ($21), Charred Chicken, with mango sambal and steamed rice cake ($19) and the tender Beef Cheek Rendang, with grilled vegetables ($26)

Pot Sticker Dumplings

Dessert, if you have room, is Asian-inspired and light with pandan, palm sugar and mango notes. My pick is the Local Coconut Pudding with coffee tuille and charred bread ice cream ($13) but ask for the off-menu banana ice-cream which tastes like banoffee pie – heaven!

Verdict: A fun atmosphere, good pricing and delicious local flavours make The Sampan a great pick for riverside dining.

Smoke & Mirrors New Cocktail List

Smoke & Mirror’s Jorge Conde

Smoke & Mirrors
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01
National Gallery, 178957
smokeandmirrors.com.sg

Order up!
With over fourteen years of bar industry experience in Spain and London, and a background in graphic design, Jorge Conde is a guy you want fixing you a drink after a long day at the coalface. He’s the brains behind Smoke & Mirror’s inventive new cocktail menu, ‘Illusions of Flavours’, which includes creative and surprising twists on the classics. While the bar has one of the best views in Singapore, even the Marina Bay panorama can’t distract from Jorge’s flair and sense of theatre.

The menu is split into sections: Fizzy & Elegant, Sour & Neat, Long & Refreshing, Strong & Neat, Fruity & Punchy and Savoury & Umami. First up, Jorge prepares his version of the iconic Singapore Sling, Robbery at the Museum ($28). Served blush pink, it has notes of sour cherry, fermented pineapple, gin, herbs, and is topped with a fizzy foam. It’s a savoury, peppery and not too sweet starter. Next, we try the Le Paix 75 ($28) a twist on the classic French 75. This refreshing drink uses locally sourced fennel, gin, sparkling wine and the salty brine of a green olive garnish. We can’t leave without sipping the signature Smoke & Mirrors #4 ($28), this complex clear bronze cocktail blends strawberry and cacao-infused mezcal, milk vodka, bamboo charcoal, salt and pepper, and a salty strawberry powder. Served over a branded block of ice, it’s earthy, fruity and smoky. My personal favourite.

What’s to eat
There are plenty of grazing options here, from Chicken Yakitori ($16) to Salt and Pepper Calamari ($16), and Truffle Fries ($14) plus sharing options like the Australian Lamb Skewers ($28) and Grilled Beef Short Rib ($32) You can also munch on modern Chinese dishes from Yan restaurant, including crispy duck, pork belly and fried rice with crab meat.

Don’t miss
If you’re very lucky, you might be invited into Jorge’s on-site testing lab, where he preserves, infuses and distils various ingredients. The small space is crammed with equipment and bottles of unusual aromas and flavours, including pencil shavings, lemon balm, cilantro and fennel. Jorge also uses his artistic talents to sketch the drinks onto the walls!

Creating Safe Swimmers

State Swim

What’s the end goal of swimming lessons?  
“While not everyone can become an Olympic gold medallist, all children should be confident and safe in the water by the time they leave primary school,” says State Swim Operations Manager, Melisa Tay. “We believe that a strong and safe swimmer is someone who can swim 400m of freestyle confidently with good technique, this is what we offer in our 400-Gold program.”

What age is best to start swimming lessons?
“We start at four months old and I honestly believe the younger you start the better,” says Marsden Swim School coach Sam Jackson. “Swimming is a confidence sport and infancy is a great time to introduce them to water in a safe environment, before any anxiety has set in. A relaxed body is a buoyant body and a tense one sinks! Classes are a wonderful way to pick up the tools to take home and a fun environment for kids to build confidence together.”

Finding the right coach is crucial

Is swim squad a good idea for my developing swimmer?
“Once graduating from the 400-Gold program, our swimmers can then move into our squad program,” says Melisa. “It helps keeps children fit and active, whilst developing their technique. In Australia, we have over 1500 children per week enjoying our squad program, participating in time trials and inter school carnivals. It’s a fantastic step in encouraging kids to have fun with swimming and set personal goals.”
“At Marsden, we encourage competition from national level down,” adds Sam. “We compete in the fun Merlion League where everyone from first timers to the more seasoned swimmer can enjoy low pressure competition. It’s a wonderful motivator, but we encourage our kids to understand we all develop at different speeds. At the end of the day if they continue to set their own personal bests, they are winning.”

How can you encourage a reluctant swimmer to enjoy water?
“Don’t rush them,” says Sam. “Forcing a child underwater can be traumatic. Make it fun, smile lots, and keep encouraging. Our coaches are very patient and have always found taking it at the child’s pace is the fastest way to creating a confident swimmer. Be patient!”

What’s the key to water safety in Singapore?
“With so many unfenced pools in Singapore it’s so important our kids learn a respect for water, and we are extra careful monitoring them,” says Sam. “Right from the start we can teach kids to relax, float, and turn and swim back to the wall if need be. Even practicing climbing in and out of the pool is essential. Please watch your kids.”

What’s the secret to buying good googles?
“Find something that fits their smaller eye socket – kids should wear kids-appropriate shapes. Also, the reason goggles don’t last is that they’re worn far too tight. They need to cover the eyes, be comfortable, and a light push should ensure a seal!”

Tips for finding the right coach
• AUSTSWIM certified and continually updates their skills
• Enthusiastic, engaging and knowledgeable
• Understands all stages of development, from babies to competitive swimming
• Encourages kids to try their best in their lessons, without bribery or punishment

stateswim.com.sg
marsdenswimschool.com

Why Join?. . . ANZA Athletics

What makes ANZA Athletics a fantastic activity for kids? A focus on friendly competition, doing your best, lots of fun, and new friendships . . . all wrapped up in a welcoming, happy community. Register for the new season now!

Anyone can have a go

ANZA Athletics welcomes kids of all abilities, aged from 5-14.  From experienced junior athletes to absolute beginners, everyone gets their chance to have a go on the track or field. Participating in ANZA Athletics helps kids build confidence, develop focus and teaches them to overcome challenges – independently and as a team.

Increased skills and fitness  

Expect your child to come away from the season with a solid mix of skills and increased fitness, agility and strength. At the weekly meet athletes compete in track running, hurdles, discus, shot put, long jump, triple jump and high jump. During a six-week rotating program kids are exposed to all events – so they can learn new skills and build on them over successive weeks and seasons.

Fun and friendships

Joining a sports team gives kids a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make new friends. Kids from many schools across Singapore take part in ANZA Athletics, so new social connections are formed throughout the season. Fun is essential for kids’ sports, and at the track there’s a DJ spinning tunes for the kids to bop along to. Look out for more family fun at the new Toa Payoh stadium this season.

Life skills

Athletics isn’t just about who crosses the line first, jumps the highest or throws the furthest. It gives kids the opportunity to develop personally, socially and physically, and hone essential life skills, such as discipline, hard work, patience and persistence. Kids also learn how to respond positively to setbacks and failure and to respect authority.

Sense of achievement

Weekly ‘PB’ stickers reward improvement and are a chance for athletes to feel personal pride at their own individual efforts. At the end of the season kids are further rewarded with a presentation ceremony where the entire ANZA Athletics community can gather and celebrate the group’s achievements and progress.

Why I love ANZA Athletics:“I like ANZA Athletics because it’s great for my fitness and I’ve noticed that I’ve gotten faster. I love how I win things – especially beating my PBs (Personal Bests).” Xavier Brasher, 10

Registration for the 2019/2020 season is open now– don’t miss out and register early! There is always plenty of room for more wonderful volunteers to join the Committee, so if you are keen, please get in touch at athletics@anza.org.sg

ANZA Athletics caters to kids aged 5-14, with a focus on fun, fitness and skills. Tao Payoh Stadium. All meets will be held on Friday afternoons from 4.30pm to 6.45pm, starting from Friday 6 September 2019.

 

Celebrating ANZA

 

Volunteers are ANZA’s most valuable asset, working tirelessly to support our sporting, social and charity groups. We’re raising a glass and applauding our amazing volunteers and ANZA community at Celebrating ANZA on 25th September.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of ANZA,” says ANZA President PJ Roberts. “Without them ANZA does not exist. This event is about celebrating volunteerism and the positive impact it has on the lives of our members.”

What do our volunteers say about the work they do for ANZA?

“As anyone who volunteers knows, the rewards you get are much richer than what you put in,” says Fleur Maidment from ANZA Tours, who with the rest of the tours committee, arranges interesting and culturally-rich experiences for our members – from charity walks to workshops and special tours which delve deeper into Singapore’s diverse society.

“There are many people who volunteer and do excellent work amongst all of the groups”, says Pat Taylor from Secret Men’s Business, an ANZA men’s social group who do a range of charity work for Melrose Home. “It’s a fantastic organisation – there is something in ANZA for everyone.”

“What I love about volunteering is that I’m surrounded by lots of special and interesting people that give their time and energy,” says Skye Wellington, who leads a huge team of volunteers at ANZA Singapore Nippers. “I get to see the best of humanity in action.”

What keeps Skye focused is echoed throughout our community. “Seeing smiles helps you stay the course and realise you’re part of something bigger that gives back to so many people.”

 

Here’s your opportunity to give our vollies a big thank you. Nominate your ANZA hero here and tell us why they’re doing us proud.

Siem Reap for Families

Photo: Louise Walls

Angkor at dawn
The temples of Angkor Wat, are Siem Reap’s main attraction. Soak up the serene silence of early morning visit or hop on a bike tour or a tuk tuk any time of day to navigate the mesmerising ruins. A private guide can illuminate the history of the area and take you back to the days when the powerful Khmer empire ruled Cambodia. We opt for a 4am start, and blearily line up to grab temple passes (US$37) Kids under 12 are free, but bring their ID as they’ll check it at every entry. It’s a bumpy, but exhilarating rickshaw race through the dark to reach the majestic stone facade, illuminating with the gently rising sun. A hoard of photographers wait to capture the ruins reflected in an adjacent pond, but we quickly get lost among the countless narrow passageways, stairs and rooms. It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering this eerie, beautiful temple, steeped in history and tradition – but with kids it’s best to keep the tour moving along!
TIP: Make a small donation to one of the resident monks – they’ll bless your child and give them a woven bracelet.

Photo: Louise Walls

Other temple attractions
We’ve hired a local tuk tuk driver for the day (US$20) to show us around the main temples. He carries an eski with cold towels and water, so we can freshen up between dusty, hot explorations. Next, we venture into Angkor Thom city and visit the richly decorated Bayon Temple – a 12th century Buddhist shrine. Its 54 Gothic towers are decorated with 216 colossal, serene smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, which makes for fun photo opps for kids with their own cameras. Across the road we watch (from a safe distance) a family of monkeys playing. There are three babies, who attract a crowd with their adorable antics. With the sun beating down, we opt to stroll briskly alongside the Elephant Terrace, then jump into our waiting tuk tuk for our last stop, Ta Prohm or Tomb Raider temple, (nicknamed for the locations it provided in the movies). Wrapped in huge tree roots, it’s easily the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor, and kids will love exploring its crumbling nooks and crannies. Scheduling temple touring in the earlier part of the day, means we escape the worst of the heat. We arrive back at the hotel, exhausted, by 10am, ready for a swim in our hotel’s gorgeous saltwater pool!

Detection dogs
We loved visiting the Explosive Detection Dogs (explosivedetectiondogs.org), a 10-minute tuk tuk ride from town. Visitors can stop by every day at either 8.30am or 4pm. During the hour-long show (tickets $7) visitors experience firsthand the incredible abilities of the Belgian Malinois breed, trained by dog experts to find unexploded landmines and bombs left over from war. We learn about the devastating legacy of landmines across South East Asia, then the dogs put on a show of their astounding sniffing skills, which help protect Cambodian lives. The organisation has worked with dogs in the field since 1992, expanding into 30 countries. During that time not a single dog has been seriously injured or killed.
TIP: Kids can participate in hiding the search items during the show, and afterwards pat and get their photo taken with the friendly dogs.

Cambodian cuisine
Cambodian food is similar to Vietnamese and Thai cuisines, but with subtle differences. You’ll find noodle soup similar to Vietnamese phở and sandwiches like bánh mì, refreshing salads and sour soups, Indian-inspired curries, noodles and stir fries. Our first meal is at Chanrey Tree (chanreytree.com), recommended by our friendly hotel staff for its delicious Khmer food and gorgeous riverside setting. We devour the minced chicken spring rolls, tender beef lok lok stir fry, eggplant with pork ribs, and sticky mango rice with longan and jackfruit. Servings are large – bring your appetite! Another excellent choice for families is il Forno, hidden down a lane, off Pub Street. Kids will approve of their authentic pizzas and fresh pastas (ilforno.restaurant/siem-reap). In the early evening Pub Street is family friendly and genuinely good fun. Wander around the local night markets and try one of the many ‘fried ice-cream’ stalls. The vendors pour your choice of flavours onto a freezing plate, and fashion the handmade ice-cream into delicate rolls. We went back for seconds for the Nutella and Oreo version!
TIP: Malis (malisrestaurant.com/siemreap) has very good 2-for-1 cocktails during happy hour at 5-7pm (plus free nibbles!) and they welcome kids with plenty of ‘mocktails’ on the menu.

Where to stay:
The Aviary Hotel (theaviaryhotel.com) has the perfect central location in the heart of Siem Reap town, super friendly staff, and a peaceful atmosphere. Kids will adore the bird-inspired design, chill out zones with books and comfy chairs, and the refreshing saltwater pool with wonderful views of the vines and flowers that drape over the balconies above. The 25 rooms are large and eco-friendly, with oversized balconies made for lounging. We opted for the Sarus Crane Suite, a sprawling 60sqm pad which has a large bedroom, a separate living room area, and a private balcony. There are plenty of dining options, including the laidback Flock Café. Don’t miss a family trip to the onsite Amret spa, where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage after a long day of temple sightseeing.
TIP: The hotel is expanding and will soon feature a glam rooftop pool, a Japanese restaurant, and more gorgeous rooms!

Top 5 kid approved activities in Siem Reap:

1. Eco-adventurous families can zip line through lush jungle in the Angkor Archaeological Park. (angkorzipline.com)
2. Explore the regions rural heart with a visit to a working farming village – wander through rice fields, populated with buffalo and oxen and mingle with local communities.
3. Foodie families can dive
into the spicy culinary
scene with a cooking class or guided market tour.
4. Support Cambodia youth and watch incredible young performers at Phare,
the Cambodia Circus. (pharecircus.org)
5. Tweens and teens will enjoy shopping in trendy Kandal Village on Hap Guan St. You can grab a bite at one of the hip cafes or pick up funky Cambodian homewares, or jewellery.