Sorry this has been so late this year. As you read you may discover why we have been held up ... waiting for permission to divulge some important news.
Here we are in Watsonia, still living among the
renovations, but the end is in sight. Most things have now been unpacked.
Finally! We can’t wait to start working on the front garden.
 |
| The back courtyard |
 |
| The front driveway |
 |
| Roy's beloved fire pit |
 |
| The water tanks |
 |
| The front verandah railings |
Roy retired three years ago
(2014) so he continues to enjoy his freedom with line dancing, gardening,
socialising, and some odd jobs around the house. Roy still keeps in touch with
the folk at Croydon SDS. He is still involved with much to do with Duane and
also goes around to Noraccom to help with gardening etc. Roy would probably say
the highlight of his year getting the driveway asphalted.
Liz will retire from working
at La Trobe University at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at the end
of 2016. It will be an adjustment, but she has a number of things planned and will
continue her watercolour painting at U3A and a couple of new subjects. Liz also
enjoys catching up with old friends from former workplaces. This year Liz
trained and started teaching English to migrants/refugees 1:1. It has been an
enjoyable experience and she is learning from her student also (e.g. The art of
dumpling making). Some of her time is also taken with involvement in the
Special Olympics Melbourne North committee.
 |
| Retirement flowers from my lovely Amy. |
 |
| Retirement gift from colleagues at OTARC - something to treasure |
Duane continues to work at
HiCity Industries, three days a week. He has ongoing funding to attend La Trobe
University Life Skills Program two days a week, which adds variety to his life.
Duane still enjoys his drama activities and this year they presented “TOAST” at Essendon Grammar School
theatre. Duane still enjoys dancing on Tuesday evenings and can often be found
enjoying the music at Watsonia RSL with his friends on a Saturday night. Duane
also benefits from a weekly session with a personal trainer.
Miles is enjoying living in his self-contained
bungalow/granny flat. He loves his independence. Miles has had another
successful year with his painting and photography. He exhibited in numerous
group exhibitions. Miles is still a regular SteamRail passenger throughout
Victoria (as well as all his travel on the MET system). He also gets his
money’s worth with his annual pass to the Melbourne Aquarium. Miles’ work at
Fire & Clay (Lilydale) is two days a week and he is an enthusiastic member
of the work choir, Fireworks, singing
in various concerts and nursing homes. Miles also sees John, a carer from
Yooralla, most Sunday afternoon where they go out into the community to enjoy
all sorts of age-appropriate things together. |
| Miles beside one of his photographs =- complete with magpie, train lines and sharks (on the mug). |
Amy and Craig have had
another good year. Their two dogs, Charlie and Mittsy, and Austin, the cat, are
still going strong. Craig is still working for an app developer, whilst Amy is
still working for the accountancy firm in East Ivanhoe. We had some extremely
exciting news on Melbourne Cup Day when Amy & Craig announced they are
expecting a baby next June.
 |
| Our eagerly expected grandchild |
Liz and Amy have maintained
their tradition of ‘Girl Time’ where they share high teas. The quality
continues to be high and the enjoyment evident.
 |
| Yes - Liz and Amy still enjoy the odd high tea. |
Liz has managed to read all
the books set at the book group at the Watsonia library. Miles has enjoyed some
success at Special Olympics Northern Melbourne Region. Recently he had a PB in
bowling of 222. We love being within walking distance to the shops, the
station, and the library and close to family. It is just a 40-minute train ride
to the centre of Melbourne.
The winner of this year’s
Wilks-Handley footy tipping competition was Alison again, Craig’s sister. It
was a close competition with 3 players equal in the last round. Unfortunately
Collingwood let Amy and Roy down. We are hoping for better things in 2017, on
and off the field.
Banyule adopted the NDIS in
July 2016 and we have been somewhat frustrated with what we have experienced so far. Who said no one will be worse off?
The Wilks Family (Roy, Liz,
Duane, Miles, Amy & Craig) are planning a flying visit to Sydney on New
Year’s Eve to watch the fireworks. Another one off the Bucket List! A one night
extravaganza and home again on New Year’s Day.
The 2016 Wilks’ newsletter
is coming to an end. We hope you had an enjoyable year and you are healthy. We
wish you the compliments of the season and hope you will visit, if you are in
the area.
Love from Liz & Roy Wilks. XXXXXX
(Let
Christmas 2016 celebrations begin!)