The Auckland Central Breast Friends meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at 1.00pm at Domain Lodge (Auckland Cancer Society building, Boyle Cres, Grafton). Please contact either Christine ((09) 416 7114) or Irene ((09) 528 3084) for details - or call us on 0800BreaCanSupport (0800 273 222). New members are always welcome.

Latest news: Central Members enjoy some Xmas Geriantics!
 

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 Auckland Central Breast Friends 2010

Central Members enjoy some Xmas Geriantics!

This report on Central's December meeting from Christine Rule  
What great cooks we have in the Ak Central group. At our December meeting we had a delectable shared lunch with requests for some of the recipes.  Afterwards plates of food were sent upstairs to the cancer patients staying at Domain Lodge and these were greatly appreciated.

A short sketch called Geriantics is about three elderly women Hazel, Mavis, Doris and her daughter Jenny. The sketch, written by Christine was performed by Irene, Lynne, Leonie and Christine and caused a good deal of laughter. (Christine and Leonie pictured above reading Geriantics: Leonie is playing the part of Jenny, trying to deal with a slightly eccentric mother!). 

Following this, gifts were given to the ladies which had been made by Irene and Lynne.  These were delicious Christmas biscuits wrapped and put in pretty origami containers.

The ladies were so impressed that they've asked if Irene and Lynne could be guest speakers and do an  origami demonstration sometime in the New Year.

Christmas blessings to all and we wish you health and happiness in the New Year. 
 
NB.  Whether you are from the Auckland Central group, other Breast Cancer Support groups or haven't been to any Breast Cancer Support group meetings, you are welcome, if you have had a recent or past breast cancer diagnosis, to our meeting on Jan 10 2011 at Domain Lodge 1 Boyle Cresc. Grafton.  Phone Christine  09 416 7114.

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Heavenly Herbs!

This report on Central's November meeting from Christine Rule 
The Auckland Central Breast Friends  November meeting was very well attended.  Sadly our original guest speaker for October was still not well but Jane Wilks (pictured at left) very kindly agreed to help us out at very short notice.

Jane has her own business called Herb Heaven.  She brought a variety of essential and fragrant oils to show us and explained the differences not only in the preparation, but in the use of the oils.  She has also written a book to help users understand the different oils and the benefits of each as well as precautions which need to be taken when using some of these aromatherapy oils. 

Jane also demonstrated how she makes little gifts and dabs some of the oil onto them.  A little Christmas tree from salt dough to hang on the tree, a medallion dabbed with oil to hang in the car and several other things, all ideal cheap, easy gifts. Another suggestion was to put a few drops of oil into a plastic bag place some cards inside and seal the bag, leaving it for for a while. These perfumed cards are very nice for the recipient.
 
This was followed by afternoon tea of Lebanese biscuits, jaffa slice and banana cake and a great deal of laughter and chat.

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 Sharing life experiences ...

This report on Central's October meeting from Christine Rule
Our guest speaker was taken ill two days before our meeting so we shared some interesting experiences instead.

We also had a talk from a member who showed maps and photographs from her recent trip to Canada where the temperature ranged up to 45 degrees and in winter can be minus 25 degrees!

We learned about the amazing and complex work of an Air Traffic Controller and the problems caused by fog and small aircraft in places where they shouldn't be.

Another shared her experiences of living in different countries around the world and the work she did there. We were given an insight into teaching and helping with special needs pre-school children, where there are not only some frustrations but huge rewards.

Another recited a poem she’d performed during elocution exams when she was twelve. One lady brought beautiful ceramic plates, which she’d decorated.

This was so entertaining and time went so quickly so we’ll have to have another day when the rest can share their stories or interests.

Last month our guest speaker brought along a large jar of organic moisturizer which she’d made. This month the ladies brought small containers and were able to take some home. 

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Being beautiful on a budget!
This report on Central's September meeting from Christine Rule
Our September meeting was well attended with one new lady joining the group.

Heather opened the meeting by showing us photos of her post BC party which sounded loads of fun and raised in excess of $200.00 for breast cancer. The photo at left shows Heather enjoying her party!

Elizabeth Francke was our first guest speaker for the day. Liz makes her own cosmetics and brought along some moisturiser for us to sample and gave us some very useful tips on how to be beautiful on a budget. She also gave us some interesting information regarding the evolution of shampoo and conditioner and some equally good, cheap alternatives.

She has also written a book called 'Make your own cosmetics and fragrances.' This is the 25th Anniversary edition. Some of us purchased copies and I believe she still has a few for sale. I'm sure the hints, recipes and general information will make interesting reading and will be beneficial for our body's well-being.

Liz is pictured at left (on the left), sharing her knowledge of home-made cosmetics and beauty hints.

Our second speaker was Rebecca Lee, a counsellor from the Cancer Society, who gave us an overview of what the Counselling Service provided. Several of the ladies have availed themselves of the services and said they found them really helpful and very worthwhile.

Helen had made some delectable Mexican wedding cakes to add to the afternoon tea provided.

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Laughter is the best medicine!
This report on Central's August meeting from Christine Rule

A great feeling of well-being settled over the group after Louise Stevens had led us through the laughter yoga routines of breathing, laughter exercises and relaxation.  Louise was ably assisted by Mieko MacInnes from the North Shore Breast Friends group.

None of us knew what to expect but several other groups had recommended we try it.  Thanks for the recommendation!  We all joined in enthusiastically and found that it was very easy to laugh and at the conclusion of the session we felt very relaxed.  We’ve all heard the old adage that ‘laughter is the best medicine’. Both ladies were presented with small gifts as a token of appreciation from the group.
 
We welcomed two new ladies today, one from Waiheke who came to find how best to help her daughter who has breast cancer.  The other has recently undergone surgery as have several other ladies in the group.

Irene invited members to join a walk and meet the dragon boat team and to consider joining.  The team is travelling to Australia to compete later this year. Then the group enjoyed a social time over afternoon tea, an opportunity to chat informally with each other.

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Ladies who lunch ... and skydive!
This report on Central's July Meeting from Christine Rule

Although we had some members away with winter ills and chills and others with children at home during the holidays we had 15 members present. 

At our last meeting, recipes brought by members were drawn out of the hat and yesterday we celebrated mid-winter Christmas with the food prepared from those recipes. There was a magnificent selection of savoury and sweet food - a veritable feast!

There was more food than we could eat so some was given to the Cancer Society Reception staff and to guests staying at Domain Lodge (whilst undergoing treatment at Auckland Hospital). Members also bought a small gift to exchange. (Irene, pictured at left, gets into the mid-winter Christmas spirit!)

We also acknowledged Helen's 80th birthday. In the picture at right, Barbara admires Helen's special book showing her 80th birthday celebrations, published by her family - the photographs were taken by family too.

Shirley then entertained us with a talk and a DVD about sky diving and some of her jumps.  She and friends once landed 10,000 feet up on the highest mountain in Germany!  Another time her group dropped by helicopter, completely missed a mountain and landed in thigh-high snow.  They then had to make their way with all their equipment to another ridge where the chopper could pick them up. 

On another occasion Shirley (pictured at left) landed 30ft up a gum tree in Australia (and had to be rescued by the fire department) and a crash into some railings at Pukekohe were the only incidents out of over 400 jumps.

“Every jump was magical,” says Shirley, who has even sky-dived from a hot air balloon. She also brought along ‘Silver Wings’ a book she helped contributed to celebrating the 50^thanniversary of the New Zealand Association of Women in Aviation.

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Central is quite the musical group!
This report on Central's June Meeting from Christine Rule

In spite of a bitterly cold day the warmth of the meeting soon had everyone relaxed and cheerful. Eighteen ladies attended and we celebrated Helen’s 80th birthday. She had made a delicious carrot and pineapple cake. We sang happy birthday to Helen and then to Yvonne when she told us it was her birthday too. Quite a musical group are we! Perhaps we should consider forming a choir.

The lady who won the Colours prize at the last meeting told us she had been treated royally when she went for her consultation and another said the haircut she’d had with her discount voucher at LJL salon was the best haircut she’d ever had. Thank you to those businesses and ladies for their generosity and kindness.

A few of the many things discussed and shared at this meeting included: suppliers and costs for sleeves and gloves for lymphoedema; exercises to do when flying were available for those travelling; the availability of pink bracelets if women are having any further surgery; a DVD called ‘Living Proof’ based on a true story about how Herceptin was developed. Finally everyone had brought a recipe for cheap and easy to make finger food. These went into the hat, everyone drew one out and each will make their selection for our July meeting – a mid- winter feast! Members decided to bring a gift from the $2.00 shop as well.

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A ‘Colour’ for all seasons
This report on Central's May Meeting from Christine Rule

Well we had another great day today. Our guest speaker for May was Lois Busch from Colours, ably assisted by her friend Moyra from Newport at Upland Rd Village Remuera.

Marie Goudge, our BCS Chairperson, was welcomed to our group today also.

Lois (pictured) brought several large stands where she was able to display the Spring, Autumn, Winter, Summer range of Colours for all to see and explained how the colour system works.

She used various models from the group to point out the benefits of various colours and styles which suit different people. She also brought along some of her own clothing and demonstrated how easily outfits can be transformed by changing a top, adding a scarf or jewellery and suggested combinations that many of us hadn't considered. Her presentation showed us that we could benefit from being a bit more adventurous with styles and colours but she added that we need to feel comfortable in the colours we wear. Different necklines for different shaped faces were also covered and naturally in winter most people dressed for warmth as well as style. This year scarves are still very acceptable. (Rose, Janine and Yvonne are pictured here, contemplating style and colour combinations!).

At the conclusion Lois gave each lady a small bag of goodies which was greatly appreciated. Sandra (Beryl and Heather congratulate Sandra - centre - on her win) won the lucky bag which entitles her to a free personal image consultation with Lois. Other ladies who attended our meeting today were given a discount for a consultation. LJL from Kohi also included a $25.00 discount at their salon so we were all very spoilt.

One of the ladies brought along beautiful date scones for afternoon tea, another shared her box of chocolates, another brought grapes as well as crackers and cheese and there was banana cake too.

Next meeting we are going to bring along our favourite, simple, finger-food recipe. Come to the next meeting on June 14th 1pm at Domain Lodge.

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An Adventurous Life

In April the Central Breast Friends enjoyed an inspirational talk from Glen - truly an adventurer extraordinaire!

Glen has experienced many things in her life that most of us would probably never encounter, traveling to such remote and beautiful places as Antarctica and Macquarie Island and experiencing a strong earthquake on Raoul island.

Glen has worked as a volunteer for Search and Rescue and she described the training required to qualify for this vital service, offering some important tips for those who enjoy venturing into the bush or exploring. Careful planning is imperative, even for an afternoon bush walk. Sensible clothing should always be worn and that does not include jandals. A hat, warm clothing, food and water, a good map and an ordinary rubbish bag are essential items for the back pack. The rubbish bag has many uses - as a windbreak, a makeshift sleeping bag and a waterproof covering-and even if there is no intention to be out after dark, a torch and whistle can make that unexpected rescue far easier. Leave some food and water in your day-pack, as often it is on the way back, when you are tired and cold that people get lost. Have your afternoon tea when arriving back at your car.

We shared just a glimpse into Glen's amazing life but it was enough to inspire and fascinate - and to remind us how important it is to have some basic survival skills along with us while we enjoy the natural beauty of our country.

Check out the Mountain Safety website for further information. www.mountainsafety.co.nz  

Glen's latest adventure is a chemical one. It is the meeting of people and making new friends that makes any adventure.

Our next meeting is on Monday 10 May, 1pm at Domain Lodge (Auckland). We will welcome a speaker from Colours who will tell us about colours to wear that best suit our different skin types and necklines that enhance our face shapes and natural beauty! This will be a great meeting so pelase come along and join us. 

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Busting with Life wins big at Lake Hood!

Like to read more? See the story written by BWL member Leslie Ash

Congratulations to Irene and Liz of the Central Breast Friends group and all the members of the 'Busting with Life' Dragon Boat team who won the Gold medal and Cup in the Breast Cancer Division at the New Zealand Dragon Boat National Championships. The event was held at Lake Hood, near Ashburton in the South Island. The race was battled out between six intrepid Breast Cancer teams with tough competition.

At the conclusion of the event the Breast Cancer Dragon Boat teams rafted together for the flower ceremony where pink flowers are scattered in the water in memory of those who are no longer with them. This was followed by one of the organizers saying a Karakia and by members of the army and air-force teams doing the haka, bringing to a close a very memorable day.

Visit the Busting With Life website to read more about the team. 

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Silent films fascinate at Central - March 2010

Seventeen ladies attended our March meeting where we  enjoyed a presentation given by our guest speaker from the film archives. She showed us footage from near the turn of the last century when movies were silent, through to when sound came before the visuals, up until the sixties.

There was a real cross section of life and living from when trams were in Queen St, to the Royal Tour, to Ohakune school where the whole district worked together to achieve the goals they wanted, such as a swimming pool for the children and other community assets.

It was a great sight to see everyone working for the good of the community, where they all knew each other, worked together on projects and later enjoyed the fruits of their labours. No OSH rules and regulations, or hand-outs. We had some laughs over earlier fashions, including wearing of hats and gloves and some hair styles which have recently returned. It was a very enjoyable meeting with some of us having a wander down memory lane.

The public are able to go to the film archive building and can request to see film about topics they are interested in or if they wish to do research on particular subjects. 

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January - February 2010

Auckland Central Breast Friends held their first meeting of the year in January. All of those ladies attending enjoyed a time for sharing, caring, chatting and eating. Some shared affirmations they have found useful.

At the February meeting, the group had an enjoyable get-together. The highlight was a helpful and informative talk from Annaliese Jones from Elementa. Annaliese, who is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist, spoke about diet and breast cancer. She emphasised the need for quality foods in a high fibre diet – whole grain foods, lots of beans and lots of fruit and vegetables. Also important - fatty (deep sea) fish and nuts!  Annaliese recommended daily servings of fermented whole soy foods,(miso, tempeh, tofu). She is available to assist with diet on an individual basis.

The Relay for Life was also discussed and the ladies encouraged to take part in the Survivor's and carers' lap. 

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  2009 - Christmas Lunch and 'Overheard in a Supermarket'!

The Auckland Central Breast Friends Group celebrated Christmas on Monday 14 December with a shared lunch of delectable finger food!

Lunch was followed by a short fictional sketch called Overheard in a Supermarket, written by Group Coordinator Christine Rule and performed by Cindy and Judy (pictured). Considering the sketch was read without a previous rehearsal, the girls were very entertaining and their costumes and wigs most appropriate for the characters they portrayed. They were given a small gift and a round of applause for their performance.

A 'Guess Who' competition caused much mirth. The ladies brought a photograph of themselves as teenagers. Each photo was given a number and each lady a pen and paper. The competition was to write the name of the person in the photo, next to the appropriate number. This task was a great deal more difficult than anyone had imagined and we definitely had the endorphins working overtime with all the laughter. Each lady was invited to select a small gift for her efforts.

On behalf of the Central group, Irene presented Christine (pictured)with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

(Posted 20 December 2009)

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