The latest ANZA group aims to get kids ready for fun in the sun while learning beach and surf awareness.

Continuing with the Australian tradition of good seaside fun and safety on the beach, Singapore now has its own Nippers programme. The parent-led volunteer group aims to teach children from 4-13 years of age about beach and surf awareness through fun activities and connecting with the great outdoors.

‘For me, the motivation to start Singapore Nippers was, and remains, to create a community,’ Skye Wellington, founder of ANZA Singapore Nippers says. ‘Through starting Singapore Nippers I’ve met some wonderful people that I might not otherwise have crossed paths with, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our passionate volunteers.’

Running early every Sunday morning at Tanjong Beach along Sentosa, classes begin with a quick clean-up of the beach – encouraging kids to take care of the natural environment, and to also keep participants safe from stepping on anything sharp.

After a warm-up, the volunteer coaches then take the kids through a series of Nippers events designed to build strength and speed, promote strategy skills, develop teamwork and perseverance, and ultimately prepare them for lifesaving. ‘There’s theory built in too but we do it all in a fun way, particularly for the younger kids,’ Skye says. ‘Every age group loves using the boards and honing their paddling skills.’

To finish, there’s an all-ages relay and awards ceremony, where they rotate medals every week for the person in each age group who has demonstrated great commitment. ‘We’re not bothered about winning; it’s more about encouraging confidence and participation,’ Skye says.

Skye first became intrigued about starting a Nippers group after watching an episode of AusBizAsia where they profiled Hong Kong Nippers. Usually having surf is a critical part in why a Nippers club would exist, but if Hong Kong could run a Nippers group, why not Singapore? ‘At the time I’d been feeling a little homesick and missing a sense of community,’ Skye says. ‘Anyone that’s been a member of a surf club can tell you that they have great spirit, and connect people to a special coastal culture. Since then it has been a labour of love, gathering together people and information so that a group of us could finally get on the beach.’

Skye’s two oldest children – 6-year-old Matilda and 4-year-old Flynn – are Nippers, and her husband Alex is a coach and coordinator. A beachside kid, Skye saw the beach like ‘an enormous backyard’ – where it was normal for all the kids to wander down and play on their own. ‘My parents gave me that freedom but they wanted to know I was safe,’ Skye says. ‘I became a member of Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and Nippers every Sunday was like a religion. My mum helped organise sausage sizzles and my dad coached the march past team.’

Lesson in progress.

Skye reached out to Surf Life Saving Australia to gain support, but due to bureaucracy the association couldn’t get involved. Surf Life Saving Singapore’s programme are limited to training lifeguards for pools, and not necessarily the activities that Nippers would do. Both associations however gave their blessings for the Nippers to be formed. ‘Through lots of research, consultation with clubs and my own recollection of being a Nipper, we’ve created a programme that our growing group of kids seem to enjoy,’ Skye says.

Since the first session back in April 2016 – with just a handful of people – the group has grown. ‘I’ve had to sacrifice our garden hose so that we have markers for our Flags event and batons for relays,’ Skye recalls. Nippers isn’t necessarily only for the sporty type. ‘I’m not known for being particularly sporty, but Nippers is more than a sport,’ Skye begins. ‘It creates a sense of belonging, and I think people feel happier when they feel part of something.’

For any interested kids wanting to join in, a basic swimming ability is necessary. Nippers helps build upon a child’s strength and ability on the sand and in open water, but it is not designed to teach people how to swim. There is an assessment criteria for each age group which involves being able to swim certain distances, floating on your back and treading water for a certain period of time. ‘Other than that, it’s all about good humour, good friends, good sportsmanship,’ Skye says.

Kids will get to learn a whole bunch of useful skills for the seas. Learning how to deal with a jellyfish sting; learning how to read surf conditions; learning how to be gracious whether you win or lose; learning how to pick yourself up again when you get sand kicked in your face. ‘I’m not saying that Nippers is like becoming a Jedi, but there are a lot of lessons to be gained from an activity that demands that you respect the elements, your competitors and yourself,’ Skye says. ‘The endgame is that you graduate to being capable of saving lives through rescue and resuscitation, but I would say the most important thing is to have fun.’

Like a lot of ANZA’s groups, all the coaches are volunteers who give up their Sunday morning sleep-ins to ‘run around with a bunch of kids on the beach’. ‘A few even allow themselves to get buried in sand up to their necks, be decorated with seaweed and act as a giant floaty,’ Skye says. ‘Some coaches have Bronze Medallions and life-saving certificates, were lifeguards themselves and ran patrols, have been swimming teachers, or are just ocean-loving.’

For anyone considering getting involved, Nippers has always relied on parent participation. Having more coaches means taking on more members. To become a coach, some surf lifesaving experience is an advantage, but not an absolute requirement – and the group offers training in how to run and teach Nippers events. If people want to offer their time in other ways – for example, supporting admin, events, fundraising and marketing functions – Nippers welcomes that. Planning trips away – to find some real surf – developing the programme, liaising with other clubs, or even issuing uniforms and bringing along fruit for the end of the session are all valuable contributions.

ANZA Singapore Nippers starts this month, with two seasons of 15 weeks each. Typically, Nippers starts at 5 years of age, but at the moment they offer the following age groups: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12. ‘Once we have the capacity to grow further we will create separate groups for each age and may expand up to 14 years of age,’ Skye says.

Click here to find out more about the ANZA Singapore Nippers.

It’s fun to be in on some secrets around town. Here’s a handful of places to discover.

The Library

47 Keong Saik Road, 089151
6221 8338
facebook.com/thestudy49

‘Password?’ seems like the opposite of what you’d want to ask potential customers coming to your bar. This tiny room along Keong Saik Street can be confusing when first walking in, but if you check the Facebook page of sister restaurant The Study, you’ll have the password needed to get in – it changes every Monday. The bouncer will let you through a mirrored door and into this secret cocktail bar. With drinks served in miniature bathtubs and intricate glass, why wouldn’t you want to go?

Operation Dagger

7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01, 069791
6438 4057
operationdagger.com

Find the symbol above a glass door in this alley near Club Street with two rectangles – one with a jagged bottom. This symbol is part of the ‘Hobo Code’ created in the US in the early 1900’s to tell fellow vagabonds what to expect in the neighbourhood – this particular symbol means ‘Cowards! Will give to get rid of you’. Of course, the drinks at this speakeasy don’t come free, but owner Luke Whearty has rightfully earned the accolades this bar has. You’ll begin to feel at home among the concrete walls, shelves of unlabelled brown bottles and a roof covered in lightbulbs.

Bincho at Hua Bee

78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-19, 162078
6438 4567
bincho.com.sg

Who would challenge local coffee shop Hua Bee to be anything more than a place that makes mee pok and kaya toast? Head around the back alley of this Tiong Bahru establishment and you’ll find the entrance to Japanese yakitori restaurant Bincho. Locals know it exists, but it’s surprisingly still a fairly hidden place to check out. The menu switches around depending on what’s available, but there’ll always be tori (chicken) available if sashimi worries you.

Mindanao Gum Heritage Tree

Katong Park, 59 Fort Road, 439105
nparks.gov.sg

Not so much hidden as it is an unknown fact, but there’s a eucalyptus tree in Singapore. There’s more than 700 species of the iconic tree in Australia, but there a small number that have island-hopped. The ‘eucalyptus deglupta’ is in Katong Park – one of the oldest parks in Singapore, built back in the 1930s – and though it’s part of the eucalyptus family, this tree is native to Papua New Guinea. What makes the tree striking is its rainbow-like bark – the reason for it being the bark peels off at different stages, almost like seeing different layers of an onion. If you’re lucky, the bark of the tree will look like a melted Rainbow Paddle Pop ice-cream.

Riders Café

51 Fairways Drive, 286965
6466 9819
riderscafe.sg

It’ll be hard to stumble across this place. By the Bukit Timah Saddle Club is a popular brunch spot where guests can sit in a restaurant built in a Black and White and watch horses being tended to at the nearby barn. Surrounded by greenery and calm is certainly a peaceful way to begin the day – especially with a big plate of food to keep you company.

These lucky adopted dogs have a home and a great chronicle with the book Happy Tails, Gerard Ward finds.

Vet-slash-photographer Sandra Macheroux and owner of FairPrice Antique Chantal Travers both have experience in working with welfare groups like Action for Singapore Dogs and Causes for Animals Singapore. ‘Chantal and I have both seen the need for the promotion of “adopt don’t shop” first-hand in Singapore and overseas,’ Sandra Macheroux says.

Both also own adopted dogs, believing buying a puppy doesn’t make sense with so many dogs living in shelters. ‘There are so many beautiful strays to choose from at the many shelters, with independent rescuers or even just families relocating and having to leave their animals behind,’ Macheroux says.

Chantal’s adopted dog Tammy came from Action for Street Dogs when she was three months old, and Sandra’s family adopted Kari from another expat family when she was around six years old. ‘Poor Kari had been living with three other families before this,’ Sandra says. ‘The last expat owners were relocating and did not want her anymore.’

The final product, Happy Tails, is a 64-page book filled with dogs and their heroic owners. There are 15 owners, some who were generous enough to adopt more than one dog, in the book. It took only three months from the first brainstorm Sandra and Chantal had in Tiong Bahru, to the finished product.

Owner Leslie with Lilac. Image courtesy Sandra Macheroux

All photos taken by Sandra are set in places around quintessential Singaporean spots – from Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat to Haji Lane and Marina Bay. Not only do the dogs get featured, but the neighbourhoods too, making it a great miniature guide to the country. ‘Being a keen street photographer I wanted to create a visually appealing book which tells the happy tales of the dogs, and also features cool parts of town because they are also their stomping grounds,’ Sandra says.

Misconceptions about adopting dogs usually stand in the way of people when making the choice whether to buy a dog or adopt. ‘People seem to think adopted dogs are not as “good” or cool, attractive, cute, etcetera, as purebred puppies,’ Sandra explains. ‘Some worry about the dog’s temperament being less pleasant or stable as that of their chosen purebreed dogs.’ An example Sandra mentions is of Golden Retrievers, who are seen as always super sweet and well-behaved. ‘I certainly have met some quite aggressive Golden Retrievers, and there are no guarantees with any dog, purebred or mongrel,’ she says.

Puppy farms are no help to the problem, often causing more problems. ‘They often have genetic and behavioural issues which can become costly concerns on an emotional and also financial level,’ Sandra says. ‘There are plenty of gorgeous strays which would be excellent pets, and probably have a lot less health problems.’

Jenna and Kia with their owner Sian. Image courtesy Sandra Macheroux

So far the book has been selling really well – at the time of printing, over $4,000 has been raised – with readers having that heart-warming knowledge of every cent from the $49 sales price going towards helping veterinary costs for shelters around Singapore. ‘We will soon ask for submission of cases of stray dogs that are currently in need of veterinary care, then select those most in need of our financial support and will pay the vet bills directly,’ Sandra says. ‘We want to raise awareness and offer financial relief to shelters and rescuers so they can continue to do the amazing work that they do every day of the year.’

If anyone is considering adopting – or fostering a dog until a permanent home can be found – animal welfare groups and shelters are the best place to check. ‘Of course volunteering at a shelter or at events organised by animal welfare groups is another great way to help,’ Sandra says. ‘Donating money or fundraising is another way that will help those that care for the dogs on a daily basis. Plus they can buy a Happy Tails book and can rest assured that the money will go where it is needed.’

To grab a copy of the book, visit Sandra’s gallery at 16A Haji Lane, Chantal’s FairPrice Antique at 315 Outram Road #01-10, or head to facebook.com/happytailsSG.

All it takes is a cookbook and a love for food to whip up something with a pro chef in Singapore.

Nothing is more disputed a topic in Singapore than food. Ask someone about where to get the best laksa or chicken rice, and nine times out of ten you’ll be bombarded by differing suggestions from friends, passers-by and taxi drivers. But what if you’re a budding cook and want to get first-hand experience from a professional chef without forking out thousands of dollars for classes? If you want to be inspired and educated about great food, with the guidance and inspiration from chefs in Singapore, there’s an ANZA group for you.

The ANZA Cookbook Book Club asks chefs around Singapore to suggest a cookbook for members to look over the recipes – chosen by the group coordinator – to discuss on the night. If you’re happy to whip up one of the recipes to bring in, you’ll get an expert opinion from the chef yourself. Then the group meets with the chef in their dining room to share experiences, thoughts and questions in a relaxed atmosphere.

‘Living alone, but with a persistent urge to cook, and cook in a big way, I had little reason to try new recipes just for myself,‘ the group’s founder Leonora Roccisano says. ‘One way around that was to start my own Supper Club, which I have done. A further way, and a way that would really enhance my skills – and have me befriending chefs, creatures who truly intrigue me – was via the Cookbook Book Club. So many book clubs are available, so why not one for cookbooks?‘

Dean Brettschneider walks through his date twist.

So far there have been two get-togethers, both with great success. The first was hosted by Daniel Chavez at contemporary Spanish restaurant Ola Cocina del Mar, featuring the book Ceviche Power by Gaston Acurio – chosen by Chavez, who described the author as the ‘godfather of Peruvian cooking’. Chef Daniel Chavez spoke with incredible passion about Peruvian cooking, the seafood industry and how to shop for, prepare and enjoy a wide range of sustainable fish. ANZA members sat around the kitchen bar enjoying some of Chef Daniel’s creations.

The second get-together involved New Zealand baker Dean Brettschneider of Baker & Cook and Plank. With another passionate presentation and, this time, a demonstration by the host chef, we found out about Dean’s authoring and how it led him to various businesses – such as the Brettschneider’s Baking & Cooking School and even television in New Zealand, Europe and Singapore.

Dean made a date twist featured in one of his cookbooks, and also a sweet dough, teaching us the techniques of each. Dean also listened to members sharing their experiences to attempt his recipes at home.

The group is still growing and keen for more get-togethers. To join the next Cookbook Book Club session, get in touch by email at [email protected], or call 9145 4054.

Host of BBC Earth’s ‘Deadly 60’ Steve Backshall talks about leopard seals, polar bears and Sir David Attenborough before his upcoming live talk in early February.

You’ve done so much work with animals throughout your career. How did you first get involved?
I’ve kind of worked with animals for my whole life. I grew up on a small farm. My first ever job was working for the RSPCA when I was no more than ten or eleven, and I sort of knew I was going to do something with animals. The whole television thing came a little bit later on. It was in the late 1990s and I went out to Columbia and made a wildlife film, and sold it to National Geographic. They took me on as their ‘Adventurer in Residence’, which is the greatest job title I’ve ever had, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Even just getting onto National Geographic must have been mind-blowing at the time.
It was pretty amazing. I can remember the first time that I went to Washington DC where their main centre is and going into the Explorer’s Hall, and there were the statues of all the great explorers they’d had through there. Just walking in and seeing the massive maps, it was something very, very special. Now, I work for the part of the BBC which is where Sir David Attenborough has always worked, and just weeks ago I was co-presenting an awards ceremony with Sir David Attenborough himself – my idol for my entire life. Even now there are just moments where I catch my breath and think, ‘How on Earth did this happen?’ I just have to pinch myself to believe it’s true.

What is the audience going to expect when they come to see your Deadly 60 Live! Pole to Pole stage show?
The show is themed around my Pole to Pole expedition, which was travelling from the Arctic to the Antarctic, travelling through the most remote, wild, crazy environments; searching for the animals that lived in those environments. So that could be kayaking alongside a polar bear or a walrus in the Arctic, or diving underneath a great green iceberg down in Antarctica with a leopard seal flashing its teeth in my camera, or king penguins zipping past my ears like little torpedoes. There was such a vast array of fabulous wildlife that we saw on that 14-month expedition, and what we’re doing is bringing that to a theatre in a show that aims to involve the audience as much as possible. We want lots of feedback and audience participation, and lots of opportunities for the audience to ask me questions. There’ll be lots of outtakes and bloopers and bits where things haven’t gone according to plan.

You’ve also been a great advocate of big topics like poaching and climate change through your writing, both in fiction and non-fiction.
Yes, I do this blog with the Huffington Post where I write on conservation situations that I see, and that I believe I can add something particular to. I’m not a climate scientist, I’m not a meteorologist, and I’m not someone that has a deep understanding of the facts and figures behind climate change; but what I can offer is a perspective of how the world has changed within my lifetime, from someone who’s had a life being constantly on the road and constantly travelling.

What’s next on the horizon from here?
I have a big expedition series which coming out soon from an expedition in Papua, where I try to run a river from source to sea for the first time ever.

Deadly 60 Live! Pole to Pole runs from 3-5 February at the Grand Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.

ANZA 1st Scouts offered a day filled with excitement and fun for the children from Melrose Children’s Home, Rachel Landau says.

Following on with the success from last year’s afternoon spent with children from Melrose Children’s Home, we made plans for another session this year.

With some major changes to staff at the home, the planning process was more complex than expected as new relationships had to be forged. However, a date was set – Sunday 27 November – and the Boys Brigade campsite at Sembawang was booked for the day. This provided us with a field, large dining area and covered shelter for activities in the event that, as with last year, the heavens opened for the afternoon.

The objectives, as with last year, were to give the children a fun and interesting afternoon – while also introducing them to aspects of Scouting. The more experienced Scouts helped plan the session to include games, dinner and a rotation of three activity stations. Some older Scouts were dispatched to the kitchen to prepare fruit snacks and dinner, while others mixed with the children to accompany them in games and to the stations. A fun and energetic game of Bullrush started things well with everyone getting involved and using up a bit of energy.

A first aid session saw great enthusiasm for applying bandages, slings and plasters. This became particularly enjoyable once they started drawing wounds onto their arms and legs with a red pen that then required attention. An arts and crafts session, ably run by James Mansfield-Page proved very successful, as well as a small scale construction section run by two of our Venturers – older Scouts aged between 14 and 18.

First aid and construction are very much a part of Scouting and provided opportunities for learning and applying new skills. The children certainly seemed to have a great deal of fun and there were a few more games before dinner.

Learning how to use an arm sling.

This year, dinner was a repeat of a popular meal from a previous camp, being fried chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots, followed by fruit salad. The fact that it didn’t rain all afternoon this year was a definite bonus and dinner was again appreciated by all.

Finally, over a campfire – well, a BBQ really but it served the purpose perfectly – copious quantities of marshmallows were toasted and consumed before a bus load of happy and tired children were returned to Melrose Home.

Thanks have to go to our Scouts for their part in activities and our Venturers who ran their station successfully, managing both the children and the activity. Kerry Low and our other leader Elisabeth Lange certainly played a big part in making the afternoon go well, but our biggest thanks has to go to our leader James Mansfield-Page. Not only was he very involved in the planning and a huge hit with the children, but his dedication to the event and energy on the day played a major part in making the day such a success.

We are delighted to continue to build this relationship and provide a hands-on event like this – it’s something very tangible, particularly for our Scouts, as they can see the results of their efforts.

Interested in Scouts? There are new opportunities for Scouts Troop (ages 10-14), Venturers (ages 14-18) and leaders. Sign up on ANZA’s website or email Rachel Landau at [email protected].