LAST Friday was an extremely sad day after my father-in-law Ken Hoy left this world that morning at home peacefully in his sleep. The amount of goodwill and support shown towards Ken’s wife Ida along with their daughters Sandra and Linda from people in the Walcha district and beyond has been wonderful to say the least. Thank you one and all.
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KENNETH James Hoy was born on May 27, 1927, racking up 90 years on the planet earlier this year and celebrated 63 years of marriage with his best friend Ida early last week. Together with Sandra and Linda, they formed the strongest family unit I have witnessed – one Robert Laurie and myself were fortunate enough to join a few years back.
SIX grandkids, three marriages and now seven great-grandkids later, the clan has blown out to 22 with another on the way. All of us will greatly miss Ken who will be farewelled this afternoon at the St Andrews Anglican Church from 2pm. May he rest in peace.
DURING recent times, we have lost far too many former and current community members. My apologies for not listing them at the risk of leaving someone out. My sincere condolences to everyone who has farewelled a loved one in the past few weeks.
ON a much lighter note, former English wrestler, Apsley Street “Mollydooker” and local builder Mal Ballard was fairly excited when telling a few fellow Newie patrons that he had a 100 per cent strike rate when it came to lambing this year. Mal went on to explain that every one of his ewes gave birth to twins which prompted Jayne Cross to suggest that percentage might have been 200 per cent. One thing’s for sure, going on Malcolm’s maths, I certainly wouldn’t want him doing my tax.
Little wonder 'Normie' has received plenty of offers from his 'best friends' to accompany him to the Big Smoke...
WHEN my youngest sister Jayne won a tray of meat recently, she gave it to her daughter Grace to take home. Unfortunately, Grace left it in the car with their pet hound Sanda a bit too long, but at least the pooch appreciated the meat. All that should be forgiven when Grace celebrates her 21st birthday at the Newie this Saturday under a fancy dress format. Never know, that old pink tutu might get another run. Hope you have a great day, Gracie.
LOCAL law enforcer Anthony Smith was the trophy donor on Sunday for a stableford round of golf which Owen Presnell won with a score of 46 points. The “Omen” was tickled pink with his prize – a Manly Warringah Sea Eagles team photo and two “Get out Jail Free” cards, not that he would need them. He also received a gift voucher.
PRIME Meats boss Clint Lyon has drawn level with former butcher shop footy tipping leader Stephen Dunn after his Cowboys upset the Roosters last weekend. Clint’s much better half Kate is only one correct selection off the pace, so in theory there could be a three-way tie depending on who takes the Storm or the Cowboys this Sunday. Good luck if you back against the Storm, guys.
ISN’T it great to see Manly Warringah advance to the “Big Dance” against Parramatta this Sunday, although it is a bit strange to see the main game brought forward to the earlier time of 1.30pm. The Sea Eagles put out the Dragons’ fire last weekend to qualify for the Holden Cup grand final much to the delight of “Red V” supporter “Paddles” Chandler who was kind enough to have a wager on the game. Little doubt it will taste sweeter than most, Philip.
HOPEFULLY, not too many people were caught out last Friday when the Walcha Council Picnic Day was held and the main office was closed for the day. Last year, my son-in-law Josh Wellings was one of many who turned up at the front door and couldn’t get in and vowed even last Thursday he wouldn’t get caught again. This time around, Josh didn’t attempt to enter the building but tried to phone the office instead, with much the same result.
JUNIOR sporting allrounder Amahli Kennedy, daughter of former Yarrowitch resident Melissa Latham, had a week to remember recently. Amahli was a member of the Camden Haven U/13s netball team that won the their Hastings Valley grand final and was named best and fairest U/13s player. A few days later, she won a bronze medal in the 12 years javelin at the Catholic Schools State Athletics Championships in Sydney before returning home to receive the Camden Haven U/13s coach’s award. Amahli is the oldest grandchild of proud grandparents Jenny and Ron Latham.
HEARD along the grapevine - former Walcha Soccer coach and player Mark “Normie” Stackman won the Armidale Express Footy Tipping competition which entitles him to two tickets to the NRL grand final on Sunday, accommodation, airfares and other trimmings. Little wonder “Normie” has received plenty of offers from his “best friends” to accompany him to the Big Smoke, but I heard Nathan “Alfie” Goodwin has firmed as favourite.
THERE is a new brew out at the moment called Iron Jack, and personally, along with quite a lot of other people, it gets the tick of approval. There is a whisper that when asked what he was going to have at the bowling club the other day, Irwin Partridge indicated he would like one of those new “Iron Horses”.