Latest news with #Lorna


Telegraph
13 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Mash 'n' pea fish pie
Fish pie wouldn't be the same without peas. In this version, shared with me by my friend Lorna, the peas are added to the topping rather than mixed through the sauce. Lorna runs an online Duke of Edinburgh cookery school, which is all about building confidence in young people. Before that, she was the queen of canapés, cooking for the stars and writing countless articles and books. There's nothing she doesn't know about cooking, so I practically bit her hand off when she said she had a great fish pie recipe to share. Overview Prep time 25 mins Cook time 35 mins Serves 2 Ingredients 2 Maris Piper potatoes (around 400g), peeled and cut into 3cm cubes 40g butter 20g plain flour 300ml whole milk 300g skinless sustainable white fish fillet (such as cod, haddock or pollock), cut into 3cm cubes, or use a fish pie mix 1 slice white bread 1½ tbsp olive oil 150g frozen peas or petits pois Method Step Put 2 Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into 3cm cubes, in a saucepan of salted water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Step While the potatoes are cooking, make the sauce. Melt 20g butter in a small saucepan over a low heat. Step Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 20g plain flour, mixing well. Step Gradually add 300ml whole milk, stirring continuously. If there are any lumps, vigorously beat them out with a wooden spoon or whisk. Step Put the saucepan back over a medium-low heat, bring to a simmer then cook for 1 minute while stirring. The sauce should lightly coat the back of a spoon. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Step Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in 300g skinless sustainable white fish fillet (such as cod, haddock or pollock), cut into 3cm cubes. Step Make the crumbs by tearing 1 slice white bread, including the crust, into very small pieces. Put them in a small mixing bowl with 1½ tbsp olive oil, season well and stir well with a fork to coat in the oil. Step Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7. Step Once the potatoes are cooked, add 150g frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes. Step Drain the potatoes and peas, then return them to the pan. Add the remaining 20g butter and mash well – you should end up with smooth potato, but you'll only be able to crush the peas, so the mixture will be a combination of rough and smooth. Season well with plenty of salt and pepper. Step Spoon the fish and sauce into an ovenproof dish and top with the potato-pea mash, spreading the mixture to the edges of the dish with a fork. Scatter over the crumbs. Step Put the dish on a baking tray and place on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake in the hot oven for 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the crumbs are crisp and golden. Serve on warmed plates.


Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Lau: First-time participation in GoBald motivated by past experiences
Lorna shaves Lau's head. SIBU (June 16): This year's GoBald 2025 campaign holds a special meaning for Councillor Kevin Lau, who decided to have his head shaved for the first time yesterday in support for children suffering from cancer. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman described his participation during a private event here as an emotional one closely related to past experiences with young cancer patients. 'During my time serving as Sibu Hospital Board of Visitors chairman, I saw firsthand the difficulties faced by families of children with cancer. At that time, I often met with the parents of children undergoing treatment. 'The hospital had also requested financial assistance from us, especially to cover the cost of transporting patients from Sibu to Kuching or Kuala Lumpur for immediate treatment,' he said. Recalling the difficulties faced by the families of patients, Lau said this included how their children had to undergo intensive treatment and the emotional burden borne by their parents. He added that the experience left a deep impression on him that remains in his memory to this day. 'I sympathise with them. Today, on Father's Day, I feel a deeper connection with all these parents,' he said. The private event, held in conjunction with Father's Day, saw Lau's head shaved by Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) honorary advisor Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan. He lauded SCCS for successfully organising GoBald and other programmes every year to raise awareness on childhood cancer and encourage people to donate for a good cause. 'GoBald is not just symbolic, but a message of hope for those directly involved. This event is not only to raise awareness, but also to give hope to parents and strength to the children. 'They face various challenges during treatment and need high spirits. With continued support, adequate funds and medical care, they can recover and lead normal lives,' he said. He highlighted that children undergoing cancer treatment are often isolated from their peers and unable to lead normal lives. 'That is why I find this experience a very meaningful one, and I really hope that GoBald continues to receive strong support from all parties this year.' Lau also praised the hard work of SCCS and called on more individuals and parents to join their effort to raise awareness on childhood cancer. 'I know there are many people and parents out there who are very concerned about the plight of these children. I hope we can all continue to work together to raise awareness and bring hope to their lives,' he said. Meanwhile, Lorna said the GoBald campaign has proven effective in raising public awareness. 'We work with certain individuals who usually keep their hair short. When they let it grow for a year and then shave it off, people start asking is they are okay or if they are sick. 'This is because not everyone knows the real reason. Maybe they think it's just a fashion. But when they know the reason, it indirectly raises awareness. 'So, when people see Kevin, they will know that he is one individual who has played a significant role in raising awareness about childhood cancer,' she said. cancer patient community fund raising GoBald Kevin Lau lead


Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
GoBald: First-time participation motivated by past experiences – Lau
Lorna shaves Lau's head. SIBU (June 16): This year's GoBald 2025 campaign holds a special meaning for Councillor Kevin Lau, who decided to have his head shaved for the first time yesterday in support for children suffering from cancer. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman described his participation during a private event here as an emotional one closely related to past experiences with young cancer patients. 'During my time serving as Sibu Hospital Board of Visitors chairman, I saw firsthand the difficulties faced by families of children with cancer. At that time, I often met with the parents of children undergoing treatment. 'The hospital had also requested financial assistance from us, especially to cover the cost of transporting patients from Sibu to Kuching or Kuala Lumpur for immediate treatment,' he said. Recalling the difficulties faced by the families of patients, Lau said this included how their children had to undergo intensive treatment and the emotional burden borne by their parents. He added that the experience left a deep impression on him that remains in his memory to this day. 'I sympathise with them. Today, on Father's Day, I feel a deeper connection with all these parents,' he said. The private event, held in conjunction with Father's Day, saw Lau's head shaved by Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) honorary advisor Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan. He lauded SCCS for successfully organising GoBald and other programmes every year to raise awareness on childhood cancer and encourage people to donate for a good cause. 'GoBald is not just symbolic, but a message of hope for those directly involved. This event is not only to raise awareness, but also to give hope to parents and strength to the children. 'They face various challenges during treatment and need high spirits. With continued support, adequate funds and medical care, they can recover and lead normal lives,' he said. He highlighted that children undergoing cancer treatment are often isolated from their peers and unable to lead normal lives. 'That is why I find this experience a very meaningful one, and I really hope that GoBald continues to receive strong support from all parties this year.' Lau also praised the hard work of SCCS and called on more individuals and parents to join their effort to raise awareness on childhood cancer. 'I know there are many people and parents out there who are very concerned about the plight of these children. I hope we can all continue to work together to raise awareness and bring hope to their lives,' he said. Meanwhile, Lorna said the GoBald campaign has proven effective in raising public awareness. 'We work with certain individuals who usually keep their hair short. When they let it grow for a year and then shave it off, people start asking is they are okay or if they are sick. 'This is because not everyone knows the real reason. Maybe they think it's just a fashion. But when they know the reason, it indirectly raises awareness. 'So, when people see Kevin, they will know that he is one individual who has played a significant role in raising awareness about childhood cancer,' she said. cancer patient community fund raising GoBald Kevin Lau lead


Hamilton Spectator
7 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
A Legacy of Love: Bethell Hospice Celebrates 15 Years
Bethell Hospice celebrated 15 years since opening its doors with a themed Garden Party. Invitees were invited to bask in the history of Bethell Hospice palliative care and walk the surrounding therapeutic gardens. Lorna Bethell, the driving force behind Bethell Hospice in Caledon, during the event, was remembered for her unwavering belief that everyone deserves to die with dignity, surrounded by loved ones and free from pain. Inspired by personal loss and her husband Tony's experience as a survivor of The Great Escape during the Second World War, Lorna was determined that no one should face death alone. Her vision for a hospice residence was also shaped by her own experiences sleeping upright in a hospital chair beside her stepson, Jamie, and caring for Tony at home before his death from cancer in 2004. Encouraged by her daughter Elizabeth, a VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) nurse who saw the need for hospice care firsthand, Lorna spearheaded the creation of the ten-bed Bethell Hospice residence. Following its opening, she focused her efforts on ensuring hospice services remained free for residents and families, becoming a tireless advocate for fundraising and personally engaging with residents until she died in 2013. Her legacy lives on through the care and comfort Bethell Hospice continues to provide. Bethell opened its doors in the Inglewood community in April 2010. Adrian Horwood shared during the event that over the 15 years, more than 2,000 people have resided in Bethell, and another 11,000 have been impacted by their community programs. 'I know that many of the supporters and staff and volunteers are here today because of a strong desire to contribute to all that Bethell stands for based on our personal understanding of the hospice. Many of you were really fundamental to getting this organization going 15 years ago. Many are here who are essential to sustaining the ongoing work through your volunteerism and philanthropy and work,' shared Horwood. 'To date, you and the community have raised over $14 million to support Bethell.' Bart MacDougall, Lorna's brother, also shared a few words at the event. 'Nothing gives me more pleasure or makes me prouder than to be asked to pay tribute to your community for the creation of this wonderful place we know as Bethell Hospice. I've wanted the opportunity to do just that since it opened 15 years ago,' shared MacDougall. MacDougall shared that what makes Bethell special is the team of approximately 145 volunteers who provide support for those employed there and help prepare meals, sit with residents, and maintain the garden. 'Dare I suggest that you are the envy of any community that is aware of your accomplishment. You have earned the thanks and admiration of those you have served. You are to be congratulated as a community for creating a model hospice facility that deserves ongoing support in the years ahead,' said MacDougall. He also shared that the genesis of the hospice rests with Lorna's daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Birnie served on the Residences Building and Design Committee, and then as Chair of the Bethell Hospice Foundation Board from 2011 to 2013. Since retiring as a Board Member, Birnie continues her involvement with Bethell Hospice as a kitchen volunteer, cooking and serving meals to residents and their families. Birnie, wearing the same purple jacket she wore 15 years ago on opening day, addressed the room of friends, families, volunteers, and other attendees. She told stories of how Bethell began as a 10,000-square-foot house in a hay field with a few apple trees and mostly rocks and gravel on site. 'This landscaping committee, over the course of 15 years, have taken this four-acre property and turned it into this most magnificent oasis where our families and people can come out in their beds and experience the surroundings,' shared Birnie. Birnie said her mother loved high tea, thus sparking the idea for the Garden Party High Tea event that day. Bethell Hospice also acknowledged the Foundation team and the volunteers and staff who brought Bethell to where it is today. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Otago Daily Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Surviving an ocean of troubles
SEA CHANGE This book has a "please note" in the frontispiece: "This is a work of fiction, not a DIY Survival Manual. However, readers may learn a thing or two..." Above, there is a dedication to all whose practical skills keep the world turning in times of disaster. When reading Sea Change , you may think the warning is unnecessary as the characters in the book have such remarkable skills that most of us could only hope they would be in our orbit if disaster ever strikes. They make this book — they are clever, resourceful, rounded, very human and largely optimistic. The disaster is a tsunami, the setting a village on the Kapiti Coast. It brings to mind the John Masefield poem "Sea-Fever" where each verse begins "I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky". The sea in Sea Change is central to the plot and the lives of every character. We first meet it as it comes to the people in fierce terrifying waves described vividly by Lorna, one of three central characters. Lorna is disaster-prepared. New Zealand has had a number of weather disasters and the villagers have their emergency drill and supply bags. Warning is sounded and Lorna climbs a ladder to the roof with her supply bag and hangs on to her flagpole. Lorna is elderly, arthritic and a recluse after a nasty end to her employment as a civil servant some years ago. She forgets in her self-absorbed state to tend to her equally elderly, blind neighbour Toddy. He is aware Lorna is on her own and knows about the relative safety of the roof and flagpole and he comes to check on Lorna. Lorna calls down to him and he, too, makes it up the ladder and joins Lorna hanging on to the flagpole. It is a good thing he does because the wind is so fierce that she needs his strength to maintain her hold. She feels both guilty that she forgot to look out for him and relieved he is there. Meanwhile, 9-year-old Eru sits on the ridge of his roof on the house below, his dad out fishing in his boat. The first wave of the tsunami approaches and the salt and debris laden wind batters them, almost knocking them off. Toddy tells Lorna to stay calm because there will be a second wave and they need to brace themselves. All three survive, but they are on their own, cut off from Wellington and the rest of New Zealand by land slips. Several days later officials arrive and tell them there is to be a mandated retreat and boats come to pick up all the residents. Toddy, who looks after Eru and Lorna, decide their lives are here in this place and they will conceal themselves when the boats come. The sea that took so much away is now the only way in and out and becomes a significant source of food, fuel and supplies. A larger group of characters come to life as the villagers adapt to a life of survival. Everyone has some skill that contributes to the survival or comfort of others. Surprising and entertaining alliances develop especially as outside forces work both for and against their continued occupation of what remains of their village. It is an uplifting tale with much to fascinate and amuse. Anne Stevens KC is a Dunedin barrister