THIS week’s column comes to you from down town Port Macquarie, where the ocean water is beautifully refreshing, the weather not quite ideal today but at least the beer is cold. Unfortunately for me by the time you read this I will be back up the mountain.
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LAST weekend my daughter Rachel and I visited the Settlement City shopping centre where I put on a driving exhibition to remember. While attempting to enter a covered car park, I came to a sudden halt when a median strip cropped up out of nowhere and then seconds later, went down a one way lane the wrong way. When I asked Rach if she noticed what had just gone on she replied in the affirmative but didn’t say anything about the performance.
ON the way to the coast last Saturday a number of Walcha people passed an accident near Mount Seaview where a motor bike rider collided with a car and was treated on the road until an ambulance arrived. Unfortunately the rider died due to the injuries he suffered in the collision.
LOCAL sheriff Anthony Smith wasn’t a happy camper not long back when he experienced problems with his new twin cab while down in the Taree area. On his way home ‘The Sarge’ apparently filled his vehicle up with petrol instead of diesel which didn’t do it much good. The Sea Eagles supporter wasn’t a happy to say the least considering only 17,000 kilometres had been clocked up on the speedometer. At least when I spoke to him about the incident Anthony did have a smile on his dial but also mentioned he wasn’t laughing on the inside.
A FEW years ago the Fong family used to live in Sydney and each Christmas would travel to Walcha to stay at Amanda’s parents (Robyn and Margaret Stace) place. By all accounts when one of the Fong kids, Henry, was informed they would be heading to the coast for a holiday this year Henry asked why they couldn’t just travel to Walcha like they used to. If you don’t know it the Fong’s now reside at Kentucky.
EACH week the Walcha News office receives not only copies of their own edition but a paper from The Northern Daily Leader, Armidale Express along with publications from Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield which arrive at the Walcha Newsagency. Sometimes I do the honours of picking them up and delivering them to the News Office and last week was surprised to see an extra sizeable bundle present with the other papers. When I mentioned to Newsagency employee Karen Reid that I had an extra bundle she replied that Friday’s Armidale Express hadn’t come in that day but on closer investigation they were alright just they were wrapped in an old NDL which threw someone off the track. No big deal but Karen was happy to see the ‘lost’ Armidale Express papers.
THE Walcha Community Hub will be holding a Healthy Lifestyle afternoon at the pool today between noon and 4pm. There will be fruit on offer and some giveaways during the four hours with everyone invited to attend. Anyone without a season ticket will have their entry fee paid for them by the organisers.
ALSO at the pool if anyone is missing a thermos drink bottle which had green cordial in it the cooler is still where you left it. If it is not claimed I am sure it will be put to good use. Just tell me the size and colour and it’s all yours – again.
A WHILE back North Street resident Julie Hoad visited the pool and as she was leaving engaged in a short conversation with me. As she left her grand daughter Bella asked her grand mother if she knew me to which Julie replied ‘Not only did she know me she went to school with me as well’. Much to Julie’s merriment Bella then suggested her grand mother looked a lot older than I did. Thanks Bella but I’m not sure if you are correct in your assessment.
DETAILS are a bit sketchy but apparently there were some fun and games in the ‘Lagoon’ at the front of the Apsley Street residence belonging to Mal and Linda Ballard around Christmas time. Word has it the former English wrestler was doing some tricks in his boat with some oars and fell into the water, popping his shoulder out.
BY her own admission Linda isn’t a strong swimmer but did attempt to save her husband although the rescue mission was somewhat hampered by their dog ‘Turt’ who decided he would get in on the action and lend his assistance. Mal did mention something about a ‘circus’ but you will have to see him or Linda for more information.
DON’T forget the annual Australia Day Breakfast in the Park at McHattan Park which commences at 7am followed by presentations at 9am. Come on down for a bite to eat and a yarn on a day when we celebrate living in the best country in the world despite some recent tragic incidents.