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The impertinent foreigner
Winners and losers
The race to the South Pole was won by Roald Amundsen a century ago. Much more was lost in the race to the South Pole by Robert Falcon Scott a century ago. Both became heroes but because of his brilliance as a writer perhaps it’s Scott’s story that we’re all more familiar with. Also, as Tim Bowden puts it, Amundsen was “the impertinent foreigner”, Scott the “gallant English gentleman”. Scott and his party paid the ultimate price as all lost their lives, while Amundsen went on to further glory, becoming the first person to lay claim to visiting both the North and South Poles. The story of Scott and his men will never be forgotten, but on Sunday 11th March it’s Amundsen who will be remembered in Centenary celebrations in Hobart. For it was to Hobart that Amundsen returned after his victory, and from the Hobart GPO that the news was circulated to the world. Broadcaster Tim Bowden will play a major part in the celebrations. His grandfather was the telegraph clerk who transmitted the message of Amundsen’s victory home to King Haakon VII of Norway, and hence to the world.
A change of Poles
Robert Scott should have been the first to reach the South Pole. In fact, his should have been the only team to do so. But when Norwegian Roald Amundsen received the (as it turned out later) false news that he’d been beaten to the North Pole, he decided, secretly, to try for the South Pole instead. He kept it secret because others were known to be harbouring the same ambition. With the help of his brother Leon he organised the outfitting of the ship Fram. His crew prepared for a voyage to the Arctic Circle. Both they and Scott were told of the ‘race’ after the Fram had set sail. Amundsen was a strong leader and an experienced explorer of the Arctic Ocean’s Northwest Passage, experience backed by equipment and a dog-team. Tim Bowden says, “… they effectively cantered to the South Pole and back … they actually put on weight during the journey!” Scott, on the other hand, had a soft spot for dogs and the ponies he used instead (which turned out to be useless), and the men hauled the sleds. Scott’s party arrived 35 days after Amundsen’s and began the return journey without enough food or heating oil. They all perished. Their heroism became the stuff of legend, at the time outshining Amundsen’s triumph in this staunchly British outpost. But the impertinent foreigner’s day has come at last!
What a difference a century makes!
At 11am on Sunday March 11th, husky sled dogs will muster at the Elizabeth Street Pier for a run up Elizabeth Street, and a re-enactment of Roald Amundsen’s victory announcement at Hobart’s GPO. Special guests will be Tim Bowden and the Norwegian Ambassador to Australia. Huskies love running, and they’ll get another chance to show their prowess with a run to St David’s Park, via Macquarie, Murray and Davey Streets. From then on it’s all family-friendly fun and games, featuring Antarctic related activities in St David’s Park. Hadleys Hotel, Amundsen’s home whilst ashore, will host afternoon tea at 3pm with a talk by local Hobart polar historian, John Williamson ($26), and a free lecture by Amundsen expert, Susan Barr, at 5pm. (Book for both at Hadleys). Both the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the Maritime Museum are featuring Amundsen exhibitions throughout March. An authentic two-month re-enactment of the actual race began in 2011 and ended, predictably, in a victory for the team that followed the Norwegian’s route from the Bay of Whales through the Axel Heiberg Glacier. Fortunately for the British team, only the race, from Scott’s Hut through Beardmore Glacier, was lost!
Perhaps your grand-parents were there?
Amundsen ended his voyage as secretly as he began it. He moored the Fram out in the Derwent, came ashore alone, unkempt and dishevelled, and was given an inferior room at Hadley’s. He swore the telegraph officer to secrecy, and it was not until Nansen, a former Norwegian competitor-turned-sponsor, and the King of Norway had acknowledged receipt of the news that he let the world know of his triumph. The Fram was thrown open for Hobartians to inspect, the main objects of interest being the ‘foreigners’ and sixteen Siberian huskies – whose barking kept the ladies of Sandy Bay awake at night! The Derwent Sailing Squadron was quick to offer him honorary membership. His letter of acceptance in “extraordinarily neat handwriting” was recently discovered by the DSS. Tim Bowden may not be the only Tasmanian with connections to the original event, but whether or not your grandparents were there, this is an event for everyone. It’s part of the Antarctic Centennial Year celebrations. Keep a lookout for more to come throughout 2012.
Judy Redeker
Bring back the days of then
When your word was your bond
My dear old daddy, who sadly passed away six years ago, was an old-fashioned man. When he looked you in the eye you knew he said what he meant and meant what he said. He was an honest man who believed in a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and a fair go for all. He could be relied upon. When his word, sealed with a steady, strong handshake, was given, it was a bond! Unbreakable and completely reliable! Simple as, bro! I’m sure many readers will identify with the type: a person of integrity and reliability, true and straight-forward, who could be relied upon to keep his word, through thick or thin, rain or shine, in good times or bad. I am painting a picture of a universal character, found in all cultures, in all societies, throughout the history of mankind. These types still exist, I like to believe, or is that sort of integrity just a fading memory? Does anyone mean what they say any more? If someone makes an arrangement, do they still think it’s important to keep to it, even if they get a better offer or if it is inconvenient or unpleasant for them to do what they said they would do? Does having instantaneous communication mean that we have a better society? Or does it mean that people change their plans a whole lot more?
The unsociability of social media
Am I being a fuddy-duddy, or is there a decline in reliability? When people make arrangements, do they mean it anymore? Since the onset (or should that read “onslaught”?) of the ubiquitous social media and all-pervasive “technology of the ether-net”, have we become less reliable? Do people make arrangements, knowing that they can change those arrangements in the blink of an eye, the flick of a wrist and the twitch of fingers and thumbs? With the possibility of having our options so wide and open, so flexible and so easily changed, are we developing an ingrained unreliability, verging on untrustworthiness? Our communications may be fast, but they are also impersonal, mainly because there is no looking-you-in-the-eye (not unless you count skype!) straightforwardness. Do you get peeved if the person you are having a conversation with is texting others during that conversation? Go on, admit it: it’s rude. The other downside of social media, apart from the time-wasting factor, is its shallowness. Having hundreds of so-called “friends” on a list, mostly people you don’t know, is no substitute for real relationships. Of course it isn’t. That statement is probably likely to earn me the label of being a Luddite, at best, or a loser, at worst because most people believe that texting, twittering and tweeting is the best thing in the world, and a perfectly valid way to while away most of the hours that God (whoever yours may be) has given you. Often, a waste of time! Call the statement my equivalent of “the emperor has no clothes”, I don’t care, but how does the dependence on social media lead to unreliability?
Freedom to change your plans
Freedom and self-determination are not interchangeable or one-way. The freedom to change your plans also carries responsibilities. Obviously, if I make plans and others make plans around those plans, then I break the agreement, it will affect others. It happens too often, and often for the silliest reasons, that people let each other down. So often, that it has become commonplace and acceptable. That is why I believe that social media has led to unreliability. Recently I returned to my state of origin and caught up with friends from my teenage years. I was reminded of my energetic, even hectic social life, which was all conducted without social media, and, mostly, without even the aid of a telephone! When we friends had made an agreement, usually while we were at a dance or club or coffee shop or somewhere, we would all decide, then and there, where we would meet the next time, and that was it. We would all turn up at the appointed time, at the appointed place and no one would be late or not show up. How old-fashioned was that? How hard was that? Believe it or not, it wasn’t hard at all, and none of us felt deprived because we didn’t have the privilege of being able to change our minds on a whim. It was sheer common courtesy: do unto others. Our words were our bond. How quaint!
Merlene Abbott
So much between us
So how was your Valentine’s Day? Eating the last of the choccies and still a little tremulous at his attempt at poetry? Well, you may remind him of a flower! You could almost feel the lovvve; though spare a thought for the poor postie labouring under the load of all those sacks of sentimentality.
It is such occasions though that brings out the best in people and illuminates their differences, remember that book ‘Women are Aliens, Men are from the Dark Side of the Moon’? (or something like that). Never a truer word. A mate was saying about his Valentine’s Day; thought he’d do the trifecta - flowers, chocs, champers; so hopped into the neighbour’s garden, popped into Woolies, and swung by the bottlo. When he got there a young lad was putting price stickers on bottles. My mate, who enjoys a bit of mischief, selects a bottle with the best looking label, only $7.50, and asks the boy if he can print up a sticker for say...$135, and place it discretely on the back of the bottle. Wife arrives home from work and putting on his best cheesy grin he says “Here ya go luv”. After putting her bags down and taking off her coat she does her best to rise to the occasion though seems puzzled why the roses look so familiar. Peeling the cellophane off the Cadbury Assortments, she couldn’t resist a little quip about the trouble he’d gone to with the wrapping, and as there was no card, turned her attention to the champers. You’ve got to hand it to the makers of bubbly, with the fancy shaped bottles, French sounding labels, alfoil and wire, even the cheapest stuff looks a million bucks. And so it was as she admired the label but secretly looked for the price tag that would indicate the level of his affection, she spied the tiny label on the rear. Shifting her gaze to my mate, who was beaming ear to ear, and in a voice that resembled a band saw passing through sheet steel, she screeched “You spent this much on a bottle of booze”!! Being caught off side and trying to make the most of a bad moment he blurted out “Nah it only cost $12.50” To which she replied “Is that all I mean to you?”
Though the best intentions can be misconstrued, men can be practical. Take another mate, who, unlike the other guy is a real charmer with words. At a barby one time somebody was banging on about the difficulty of finding good medical help, so he pipes up with “I’m no gynaecologist, but I could take a quick look”. Everyone was taken aback by such a can do approach. He’s that sort of bloke, always willing to lend a hand in a tight spot. He had a handyman round and most callers were women wanting small jobs doing. Nothing irked him more than when he got to the house the husband would be there, hands stuffed in pockets, muttering about how he could easily do the job, all the gear is in the shed, so why waste money. Eventually he got some T shirts printed up, and when the woman answered the door, cocking an eyebrow at the waiting husband, he would inflate his already substantial beer belly so the message on his chest was presented like a billboard...’Think how much money you’d save if you married me’!
But then it’s claimed women are much smarter. Another mate in the building trade had been going out with this girl for awhile. One Saturday morning having coffee in bed after a particularly enjoyable night she commented how much she was enjoying the relationship and what could be done to improve it. He was all ears particularly when she claimed what really turned her on was the sight of a man dressed in tight shorts, singlet, wearing a tool belt. Hardly believing his luck he dashes out to the car, slips into his work togs and returning to the bedroom says in his most suave manner “So...er...what ya got in mind?” Wiping a toast crumb from the corner of her mouth she replied “You’ll find the list on the fridge door”.
John Barnard
A treasure Trove of history
Following is an extract from The Mercury Hobart, Tas. : Wednesday 20 April 1881:
“ PORT CYGNET [From our own Correspondent.]
The weather here for the past week has been all that could be desired. Yesterday (Easter Monday) was observed as a general holiday. Shortly alter 2 o'clock p.m., people were to be seen wending their way along the lonely bush roads that lead to the port, to be present at the tea meetings and concerts, of which there were two in the port in the evening, both of which were well patronised. The tea meeting and concert held in Host Sexton's Assembly Room was in aid of the Roman Catholic Presbytery fund. About 250 sat down to tea, among them being the Hobart Minstrels. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided by some of the ladies of the district, a large number wended their way to Mr. R. Harvey's paddock, where a football match took place between 11 men from Hobart and a like number of local men. There appeared to be great interest taken in the game, the local men kicking the first goal. After this all wended their way back to Host Sexton's Assembly Room, to be present at a concert given by the Hobart Minstrels, at which there must have been between 300 and 350 persons, all of whom seemed to enjoy themselves well. Every one who assisted did his part first-class. There was a fair sprinkling of visitors from Franklin, Honeywood, and even Hobart. I am informed that the tea and concert realised £21.
A tea meeting and concert were also held at Host Dance's Assembly Room, the proceeds to go towards a testimonial to the Rev. W. W. Hugill, the Church of England minister, on his leaving the district. About 90 people sat down to tea, and, as usual, the good things provided were given by some of the ladies of the district. There were about 100 present at the concert.”
Wonderful website
The Trove website, trove.nla.gov.au is indeed a treasure trove for all Australians interested in their own history. A simple search turns up the extract printed above. Not only does this date the first recorded football match in the Port, but also reveals how things haven't really changed that much over the years. Cygnet remains a community spirited town with a love of music, sport, church, social gatherings and charitable events. The Harvey family are still a prominent local family and the football club continues to be a valuable social institution. The St Mark's Anglican Church is the hidden gem of Cygnet and a look inside will reveal an extraordinarily beautiful and inspiring building with a remarkable fresco painted by the Rev Alf Reynolds.
John Wilkins
School Holiday Program
The Kingborough Council summer School Holiday Program was a real success. Taking place at various venues over seven days from the 30th January through to Friday 10th February, the Youth Services team of Daniel, Michelle, Carol, Angela and Troy, and Colony 47, produced as usual a very well organised program of events, all of which were very well attended.
Events
The events were:
Monday 30th January - Bowling and Skating;
Wednesday 1st February - Movie and Wall Climb;
Thursday 2nd - High Rope;
Monday 6th - Skirmish, Spray Art and T-shirt Painting;
Wednesday 8th - Sailing;
Thursday 9th - Master Chef; and
Friday 10th - Fishing and Snorkelling.
All participants in the events were asked to complete a special form, rating and answering a number of questions, including, did they enjoy the event and how could it be improved and would they like to be included in future holiday programs.
The Master Chef event was held at the Twin Ovals, and in addition there was also fencing and archery, with the Master Chef event being the highlight of the program. All competitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves expressing a wish for further competitions. There were eighteen competitors in total, evenly split between girls and boys, and the results of their efforts would possibly have amazed their parents, judging by not only the appearance of the dishes but also the verdict of the taster and judges.
An interesting aspect of the event was that the competitors also prepared and served lunch and afternoon tea for all forty people in attendance. There were no single winners on the day as the boys produced the lunch while the girls prepared the sweets, with each group acting as tasters and judges for the other group.
Junior Master Chef
The event took on a whole new meaning for the competitors when Jack, of Junior Master Chef Australia fame, visited the kitchen. He quietly strolled around speaking to and offering encouragement to the competitors. Of course, as one would expect, out came the autograph books, which he willingly signed to the delight of all.
We understand that another such event is being planned to take place in June. So, if you parents and grandparents out there have any budding chefs in your family, please encourage them to enter the next competition. Not only will they have a lot of fun they will for sure learn a lot, possibly even to the extent of being able to prepare a meal to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Mike Bowyer
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If you must use our writers work at least contact us first.
The impertinent foreigner
Winners and losers
The race to the South Pole was won by Roald Amundsen a century ago. Much more was lost in the race to the South Pole by Robert Falcon Scott a century ago. Both became heroes but because of his brilliance as a writer perhaps it’s Scott’s story that we’re all more familiar with. Also, as Tim Bowden puts it, Amundsen was “the impertinent foreigner”, Scott the “gallant English gentleman”. Scott and his party paid the ultimate price as all lost their lives, while Amundsen went on to further glory, becoming the first person to lay claim to visiting both the North and South Poles. The story of Scott and his men will never be forgotten, but on Sunday 11th March it’s Amundsen who will be remembered in Centenary celebrations in Hobart. For it was to Hobart that Amundsen returned after his victory, and from the Hobart GPO that the news was circulated to the world. Broadcaster Tim Bowden will play a major part in the celebrations. His grandfather was the telegraph clerk who transmitted the message of Amundsen’s victory home to King Haakon VII of Norway, and hence to the world.
A change of Poles
Robert Scott should have been the first to reach the South Pole. In fact, his should have been the only team to do so. But when Norwegian Roald Amundsen received the (as it turned out later) false news that he’d been beaten to the North Pole, he decided, secretly, to try for the South Pole instead. He kept it secret because others were known to be harbouring the same ambition. With the help of his brother Leon he organised the outfitting of the ship Fram. His crew prepared for a voyage to the Arctic Circle. Both they and Scott were told of the ‘race’ after the Fram had set sail. Amundsen was a strong leader and an experienced explorer of the Arctic Ocean’s Northwest Passage, experience backed by equipment and a dog-team. Tim Bowden says, “… they effectively cantered to the South Pole and back … they actually put on weight during the journey!” Scott, on the other hand, had a soft spot for dogs and the ponies he used instead (which turned out to be useless), and the men hauled the sleds. Scott’s party arrived 35 days after Amundsen’s and began the return journey without enough food or heating oil. They all perished. Their heroism became the stuff of legend, at the time outshining Amundsen’s triumph in this staunchly British outpost. But the impertinent foreigner’s day has come at last!
What a difference a century makes!
At 11am on Sunday March 11th, husky sled dogs will muster at the Elizabeth Street Pier for a run up Elizabeth Street, and a re-enactment of Roald Amundsen’s victory announcement at Hobart’s GPO. Special guests will be Tim Bowden and the Norwegian Ambassador to Australia. Huskies love running, and they’ll get another chance to show their prowess with a run to St David’s Park, via Macquarie, Murray and Davey Streets. From then on it’s all family-friendly fun and games, featuring Antarctic related activities in St David’s Park. Hadleys Hotel, Amundsen’s home whilst ashore, will host afternoon tea at 3pm with a talk by local Hobart polar historian, John Williamson ($26), and a free lecture by Amundsen expert, Susan Barr, at 5pm. (Book for both at Hadleys). Both the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the Maritime Museum are featuring Amundsen exhibitions throughout March. An authentic two-month re-enactment of the actual race began in 2011 and ended, predictably, in a victory for the team that followed the Norwegian’s route from the Bay of Whales through the Axel Heiberg Glacier. Fortunately for the British team, only the race, from Scott’s Hut through Beardmore Glacier, was lost!
Perhaps your grand-parents were there?
Amundsen ended his voyage as secretly as he began it. He moored the Fram out in the Derwent, came ashore alone, unkempt and dishevelled, and was given an inferior room at Hadley’s. He swore the telegraph officer to secrecy, and it was not until Nansen, a former Norwegian competitor-turned-sponsor, and the King of Norway had acknowledged receipt of the news that he let the world know of his triumph. The Fram was thrown open for Hobartians to inspect, the main objects of interest being the ‘foreigners’ and sixteen Siberian huskies – whose barking kept the ladies of Sandy Bay awake at night! The Derwent Sailing Squadron was quick to offer him honorary membership. His letter of acceptance in “extraordinarily neat handwriting” was recently discovered by the DSS. Tim Bowden may not be the only Tasmanian with connections to the original event, but whether or not your grandparents were there, this is an event for everyone. It’s part of the Antarctic Centennial Year celebrations. Keep a lookout for more to come throughout 2012.
Judy Redeker
Bring back the days of then
When your word was your bond
My dear old daddy, who sadly passed away six years ago, was an old-fashioned man. When he looked you in the eye you knew he said what he meant and meant what he said. He was an honest man who believed in a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and a fair go for all. He could be relied upon. When his word, sealed with a steady, strong handshake, was given, it was a bond! Unbreakable and completely reliable! Simple as, bro! I’m sure many readers will identify with the type: a person of integrity and reliability, true and straight-forward, who could be relied upon to keep his word, through thick or thin, rain or shine, in good times or bad. I am painting a picture of a universal character, found in all cultures, in all societies, throughout the history of mankind. These types still exist, I like to believe, or is that sort of integrity just a fading memory? Does anyone mean what they say any more? If someone makes an arrangement, do they still think it’s important to keep to it, even if they get a better offer or if it is inconvenient or unpleasant for them to do what they said they would do? Does having instantaneous communication mean that we have a better society? Or does it mean that people change their plans a whole lot more?
The unsociability of social media
Am I being a fuddy-duddy, or is there a decline in reliability? When people make arrangements, do they mean it anymore? Since the onset (or should that read “onslaught”?) of the ubiquitous social media and all-pervasive “technology of the ether-net”, have we become less reliable? Do people make arrangements, knowing that they can change those arrangements in the blink of an eye, the flick of a wrist and the twitch of fingers and thumbs? With the possibility of having our options so wide and open, so flexible and so easily changed, are we developing an ingrained unreliability, verging on untrustworthiness? Our communications may be fast, but they are also impersonal, mainly because there is no looking-you-in-the-eye (not unless you count skype!) straightforwardness. Do you get peeved if the person you are having a conversation with is texting others during that conversation? Go on, admit it: it’s rude. The other downside of social media, apart from the time-wasting factor, is its shallowness. Having hundreds of so-called “friends” on a list, mostly people you don’t know, is no substitute for real relationships. Of course it isn’t. That statement is probably likely to earn me the label of being a Luddite, at best, or a loser, at worst because most people believe that texting, twittering and tweeting is the best thing in the world, and a perfectly valid way to while away most of the hours that God (whoever yours may be) has given you. Often, a waste of time! Call the statement my equivalent of “the emperor has no clothes”, I don’t care, but how does the dependence on social media lead to unreliability?
Freedom to change your plans
Freedom and self-determination are not interchangeable or one-way. The freedom to change your plans also carries responsibilities. Obviously, if I make plans and others make plans around those plans, then I break the agreement, it will affect others. It happens too often, and often for the silliest reasons, that people let each other down. So often, that it has become commonplace and acceptable. That is why I believe that social media has led to unreliability. Recently I returned to my state of origin and caught up with friends from my teenage years. I was reminded of my energetic, even hectic social life, which was all conducted without social media, and, mostly, without even the aid of a telephone! When we friends had made an agreement, usually while we were at a dance or club or coffee shop or somewhere, we would all decide, then and there, where we would meet the next time, and that was it. We would all turn up at the appointed time, at the appointed place and no one would be late or not show up. How old-fashioned was that? How hard was that? Believe it or not, it wasn’t hard at all, and none of us felt deprived because we didn’t have the privilege of being able to change our minds on a whim. It was sheer common courtesy: do unto others. Our words were our bond. How quaint!
Merlene Abbott
So much between us
So how was your Valentine’s Day? Eating the last of the choccies and still a little tremulous at his attempt at poetry? Well, you may remind him of a flower! You could almost feel the lovvve; though spare a thought for the poor postie labouring under the load of all those sacks of sentimentality.
It is such occasions though that brings out the best in people and illuminates their differences, remember that book ‘Women are Aliens, Men are from the Dark Side of the Moon’? (or something like that). Never a truer word. A mate was saying about his Valentine’s Day; thought he’d do the trifecta - flowers, chocs, champers; so hopped into the neighbour’s garden, popped into Woolies, and swung by the bottlo. When he got there a young lad was putting price stickers on bottles. My mate, who enjoys a bit of mischief, selects a bottle with the best looking label, only $7.50, and asks the boy if he can print up a sticker for say...$135, and place it discretely on the back of the bottle. Wife arrives home from work and putting on his best cheesy grin he says “Here ya go luv”. After putting her bags down and taking off her coat she does her best to rise to the occasion though seems puzzled why the roses look so familiar. Peeling the cellophane off the Cadbury Assortments, she couldn’t resist a little quip about the trouble he’d gone to with the wrapping, and as there was no card, turned her attention to the champers. You’ve got to hand it to the makers of bubbly, with the fancy shaped bottles, French sounding labels, alfoil and wire, even the cheapest stuff looks a million bucks. And so it was as she admired the label but secretly looked for the price tag that would indicate the level of his affection, she spied the tiny label on the rear. Shifting her gaze to my mate, who was beaming ear to ear, and in a voice that resembled a band saw passing through sheet steel, she screeched “You spent this much on a bottle of booze”!! Being caught off side and trying to make the most of a bad moment he blurted out “Nah it only cost $12.50” To which she replied “Is that all I mean to you?”
Though the best intentions can be misconstrued, men can be practical. Take another mate, who, unlike the other guy is a real charmer with words. At a barby one time somebody was banging on about the difficulty of finding good medical help, so he pipes up with “I’m no gynaecologist, but I could take a quick look”. Everyone was taken aback by such a can do approach. He’s that sort of bloke, always willing to lend a hand in a tight spot. He had a handyman round and most callers were women wanting small jobs doing. Nothing irked him more than when he got to the house the husband would be there, hands stuffed in pockets, muttering about how he could easily do the job, all the gear is in the shed, so why waste money. Eventually he got some T shirts printed up, and when the woman answered the door, cocking an eyebrow at the waiting husband, he would inflate his already substantial beer belly so the message on his chest was presented like a billboard...’Think how much money you’d save if you married me’!
But then it’s claimed women are much smarter. Another mate in the building trade had been going out with this girl for awhile. One Saturday morning having coffee in bed after a particularly enjoyable night she commented how much she was enjoying the relationship and what could be done to improve it. He was all ears particularly when she claimed what really turned her on was the sight of a man dressed in tight shorts, singlet, wearing a tool belt. Hardly believing his luck he dashes out to the car, slips into his work togs and returning to the bedroom says in his most suave manner “So...er...what ya got in mind?” Wiping a toast crumb from the corner of her mouth she replied “You’ll find the list on the fridge door”.
John Barnard
A treasure Trove of history
Following is an extract from The Mercury Hobart, Tas. : Wednesday 20 April 1881:
“ PORT CYGNET [From our own Correspondent.]
The weather here for the past week has been all that could be desired. Yesterday (Easter Monday) was observed as a general holiday. Shortly alter 2 o'clock p.m., people were to be seen wending their way along the lonely bush roads that lead to the port, to be present at the tea meetings and concerts, of which there were two in the port in the evening, both of which were well patronised. The tea meeting and concert held in Host Sexton's Assembly Room was in aid of the Roman Catholic Presbytery fund. About 250 sat down to tea, among them being the Hobart Minstrels. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided by some of the ladies of the district, a large number wended their way to Mr. R. Harvey's paddock, where a football match took place between 11 men from Hobart and a like number of local men. There appeared to be great interest taken in the game, the local men kicking the first goal. After this all wended their way back to Host Sexton's Assembly Room, to be present at a concert given by the Hobart Minstrels, at which there must have been between 300 and 350 persons, all of whom seemed to enjoy themselves well. Every one who assisted did his part first-class. There was a fair sprinkling of visitors from Franklin, Honeywood, and even Hobart. I am informed that the tea and concert realised £21.
A tea meeting and concert were also held at Host Dance's Assembly Room, the proceeds to go towards a testimonial to the Rev. W. W. Hugill, the Church of England minister, on his leaving the district. About 90 people sat down to tea, and, as usual, the good things provided were given by some of the ladies of the district. There were about 100 present at the concert.”
Wonderful website
The Trove website, trove.nla.gov.au is indeed a treasure trove for all Australians interested in their own history. A simple search turns up the extract printed above. Not only does this date the first recorded football match in the Port, but also reveals how things haven't really changed that much over the years. Cygnet remains a community spirited town with a love of music, sport, church, social gatherings and charitable events. The Harvey family are still a prominent local family and the football club continues to be a valuable social institution. The St Mark's Anglican Church is the hidden gem of Cygnet and a look inside will reveal an extraordinarily beautiful and inspiring building with a remarkable fresco painted by the Rev Alf Reynolds.
John Wilkins
School Holiday Program
The Kingborough Council summer School Holiday Program was a real success. Taking place at various venues over seven days from the 30th January through to Friday 10th February, the Youth Services team of Daniel, Michelle, Carol, Angela and Troy, and Colony 47, produced as usual a very well organised program of events, all of which were very well attended.
Events
The events were:
Monday 30th January - Bowling and Skating;
Wednesday 1st February - Movie and Wall Climb;
Thursday 2nd - High Rope;
Monday 6th - Skirmish, Spray Art and T-shirt Painting;
Wednesday 8th - Sailing;
Thursday 9th - Master Chef; and
Friday 10th - Fishing and Snorkelling.
All participants in the events were asked to complete a special form, rating and answering a number of questions, including, did they enjoy the event and how could it be improved and would they like to be included in future holiday programs.
The Master Chef event was held at the Twin Ovals, and in addition there was also fencing and archery, with the Master Chef event being the highlight of the program. All competitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves expressing a wish for further competitions. There were eighteen competitors in total, evenly split between girls and boys, and the results of their efforts would possibly have amazed their parents, judging by not only the appearance of the dishes but also the verdict of the taster and judges.
An interesting aspect of the event was that the competitors also prepared and served lunch and afternoon tea for all forty people in attendance. There were no single winners on the day as the boys produced the lunch while the girls prepared the sweets, with each group acting as tasters and judges for the other group.
Junior Master Chef
The event took on a whole new meaning for the competitors when Jack, of Junior Master Chef Australia fame, visited the kitchen. He quietly strolled around speaking to and offering encouragement to the competitors. Of course, as one would expect, out came the autograph books, which he willingly signed to the delight of all.
We understand that another such event is being planned to take place in June. So, if you parents and grandparents out there have any budding chefs in your family, please encourage them to enter the next competition. Not only will they have a lot of fun they will for sure learn a lot, possibly even to the extent of being able to prepare a meal to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Mike Bowyer
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