SAD to hear truck driver Brian Swift was tragically killed when the vehicle he was driving left the road just south of Bendemeer last Sunday night. In his younger days, “Swifty” was a talented football player who played for both the Walcha Roos and Rams where he displayed plenty of skills which included his ability to kick goals. Condolences to his mother Narelle, brothers Greg, Mark and Anthony, along with all other family members and plenty of Brian’s friends.
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SAD also to hear about the departure from this world of Meridian Street resident Alf Croucher last weekend. Personally, I was lucky enough to share an August 2 birthday with Alf, as did his across-the-road neighbour Pauline Marchant, who will no doubt miss her good friend. Condolences to Alf’s daughter Kate Mackaway, all other family members and his friends.
FORMER Ben Nevis grazier Bruce Steel also left us recently and was farewelled at the Armidale Crematorium on Tuesday morning. Sadly Bruce, a former Walcha Golf Club champion, battled ill health for a few years and now may he rest in peace. Condolences to his wife Cherry, daughter Erica along with all other family members and his many friends.
ON a much lighter note, last Friday night, Roos president Peter Berry drove the New England Hotel bus to Uralla with A.J. Cross riding shotgun accompanied by Dal and Fraser Evans, Johnny Byrne, Lachlan “Filbert” Green and Tony Martin. As “Perky” drove out of the Newie backyard, he commented to his passengers the bus was a bit low on juice but at least there was a quarter of tank of fuel present and hopefully that would be enough for the trip at least to Uralla.
AS the pub bus passed “Yalgoo”, the co-pilot mentioned to the bloke with the steering wheel in his hand that they had gained fuel as the gauge was now on half-full, which would be plenty to get them back home. Pilot “Perc” soon informed me that what I was looking at was in fact the temperature gauge, and didn’t the rest of the boys start to give it to me. By all accounts, someone who either heard or knew about the story wanted to bet bus owner Bob Denniss that it would not make the What’s the Goss column, and although Bob did not accept the wager, he suggested it probably would get a mention here. Right again, Bob.
OVER in Sports Shorts, there was a mention that the Walcha golfer who travelled to the coast last weekend wouldn’t have got much of a hit due to the wet weather. Well, that wasn’t quite true, because 10 players got 18 holes in at Maclean but from then on, things went downhill. Yamba and Couts Crossing had to be abandoned due to the big wet, but apparently that didn’t stop the players having some fun and games.
Rumour has it that although Barry Hoad played a good tee shot on the same hole, he lost the grip he had on his nine iron and it landed in the drink nearby. Don’t know if he retrieved his stick, you would have to ask 'Bazza'.
AT Maclean, only about two players shot under the ton, but one of the highlights was a nearest-the-pin on the 17th hole by Owen Presnell. Rumour has it that although Barry Hoad played a good tee shot on the same hole, he lost the grip he had on his nine iron and it landed in the drink nearby. Don’t know if he retrieved his stick, you would have to ask “Bazza”.
WORD has it that Cameron Norbury kicked over a Toyota Prado on Tuesday morning at the family car yard in Fitzroy Street to charge the battery of the vehicle, but must have forgot to turn it off. Someone witnessed Cameron switch the Prado off well after lunch and although the recharge was successful, the fuel tank probably needed a little recharge of its own.
BIG wigs of the week: Newie - Emma Hillier. Emma sensationally picked the card. Great effort, Em. Bowling Club - Tom Wicks, Terence and Hannah Byrne, “Mick” White, Lisa Swanton, “Normie” Goodwin; Apsley - Suzie Foster; West End Store - Mel Hawkins; Vet Supplies - Mel Hawkins; Prime Meats - Brian Wellings. All of these big wigs each scored 14 points.
HOW’S the form of “My Gunyah” grazier and Newcastle supporter Brian Wellings who in the last three weeks has selected no less than 18 correct winners out of a possible 19 attempts. Brian reckons he should deserve bonus points in the Prime Meats competition but by all accounts, the hierarchy at the butcher's shop do not agree, because the previous two roads were not the full eight games. I think you might have a case, Brian, but then again, I’m not the one running the show.
ANYONE involved with running a sporting organisation would be fully aware that the support from sponsors is vital and always extremely well appreciated. That was no different last weekend when the 15th John Oxley Triples Tournament was held at the Walcha Bowling Club.
CHIEF organiser Noel Goodwin would like to thank Betts Transport, Neil and Wyn Dark Plumbing and “Auchen Dhu” Mayor David Fletcher for their valued contributions, along with Brian Lockyer who donated trophies.
