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Edition 19 March 2013

New Landholders

Shooting in New Zealand CA4SE Trivia Night Poker Run Photos

Two new landowners have emerged in the Hay area recently, with the sale of Uardry and Arundel, Ravensworth’s East Farm.

Watervalley, owned by the Brinkworth family, purchased the iconic Uardry and Arundel stations in late 2013, and the holding added to the existing one million hectares of land owned by the family in South Australia and NSW. Primarily sheep and cattle farmers, Water valley plan to use the Hay properties to grow feed for their operations here and in SA, utilising existing irrigation areas. Justin Creighton and Caleb Thompson have undertaken managerial roles. Controversially, the company recently sold the Uardry merino stocks, at a well-attended sheep sale in Hay, which some have bemoaned as the end of such historically important breed stock. Tandou Limited is a public company, based in Mildura, which has been operating a cropping agribusiness since the early 1970s. Eager to move into the Hay area for some time, Tandou has leased the irrigation portion of Pevensey Station, and commenced cotton cropping works there in 2012. The recent purchase of Ravensworth East Farm in February 2013 has cemented the company’s commitment to the area, and the development of new irrigation and cropping areas. Plans are in place to rename the land, possibly to ‘Glenmea”, in homage to the origins of the holding, which was formerly parts of neighbouring Glenhope and Waimea. Tandou have employed several irrigation workers, all under the watchful eye of former Hayite, Stephen Wells, and plan to employ an assistant manager, additional irrigation workers and tractor drivers, and are contemplating training an agronomist, while looking to secure other land around Hay As family farms become a thing of the past, it is pleasing that companies have the foresight and belief in the region to move into the Hay area, and commit to ongoing development.

New Landholders

In the Region

45 Shooters attended the 3rd round of the NSW 5 Stand State Selection match on the 2nd & 3rd of February at the SSAA Hay range. The weather conditions were quite windy on both days, making for some interesting targets, especially from the new 50ft tower range. The tower range set by Simon Gee and Peter Jacka was challenging, with a selection of high and fast targets. These kept shooters on their toes especially being driven by the windy conditions. The other range set by Darren Macartney was a closer range with a very slippery rabbit, and good variety of crossing targets, with tricky battue. Competitors came from Tocumwal, Toolernvale (Vic),Temora, Griffith, Deniliquin, Avenel, Queanbeyan, Bathurst, Nathalia, Canberra, Kyabram, Shepparton as well as the local shooters. Shooters were treated to country hospitality on Saturday night with a two BBQ dinner. A huge thankyou must go to Tony Andronaco who cooked all weekend, lunches, BBQ tea and was at the range bright and early Sunday morning cooking bacon & egg sandwiches for the early risers. The canteen was run efficiently by Sara Aldred and her trusty helpers. A thanks to the ladies who supplied salads and sweets they were much appreciated.

Results from the weekend: High Gun winner was Nick Guerra from Nathalia after a shoot off with Grant Barton 88/100 § AA: 1st Grant Barton 88/100 with a perfect “25″ round for the weekend from Bathurst. § 2nd Brett Inch 86/100 – Temora § 3rd Frank Tagliapetria 80/100 – Griffith § A: 1st Chris Tingay 85/100 - Avenel Vic § 2nd Andrew Webb 78/100 – Bathurst § 3rd Peter Jacka 70/100 – Hay § B: 1st Mark Langham 64/100 after a shoot off – Shepparton § 2nd Flavio Zanotto 64/100 – Griffith § 3rd Ray Waldron 57/100 – Tocumwal § C: 1st Steve Botterill 71/100 – Nathalia § 2nd Chaise Staltare 64/100 – Griffith § 3rd Luke Turner 63/100 – Griffith § Vets: 1st Sid Guglielmino 70/100 after coin toss - griffith § 2nd Roy Sullivan 70/100 - Hay § 3rd Michael Callanan 64/100 - Hay § Juniors: 1st Jayden Roe 84/100 - Conargo § 2nd Jeremy Guerra 68/100 - Nathalia § Sub JNR: 1st Zac Murphy 47/100 - Hay § 2nd Sebastian Zanotto 36/100 - Griffith § Ladies: Jan Jacka 75/100 - Hay

Shooters in Action, and above Vice President Peter Jacka with High Gun winner Nick Guerra

Photos courtesy Jan Jacka

The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) Hay Branch welcomes new members

For more information, visit their website at

www.ssaahay.org.au

or find them on Facebook

Recently the SSAA NSW Shotgun team travelled to Wanganui, New Zealand to compete in the New Zealand Sporting Clay Championships. The team, pictured above, consisted of Hay Branch shooters Casey Jacka (centre) and Darren McCartney (right), as well as Greg Allen, Warren Brown and Frank Tagliapetra from Griffith. The team came 3rd overall, after the four day event, with Casey & Darrens teammate Greg Allen securing a personal second place in the A Grade North Island Championships. “The weather was perfect, although the locals complained that 25 degrees was a bit hot,” Casey reported. “Each of the four days consisted of four 25 target rounds over four different terrains, which was challenging, and took some getting used to.” Congratulations to all! Pictured below are Casey Jacka (Left) and Darren McCartney (right) in action - Photos courtesy Casey Jacka

As part of the NRL’s 2013 Community Carnival, players from all 16 clubs will travel more than 40,000km to visit more than 500 schools (both primary and secondary) across Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga to deliver anti-bullying messages. This is the 12th year of Community Carnival, with the focus this year on the NRL’s ‘Tackle Bullying’ campaign. Over a month of activities (from January 31 to February 27), the Community Carnival will see NRL players and Ambassadors take part in a broad range of community visits, including speaking with students at school, visiting hospitals and conducting Junior Rugby League clinics. NRL players and Ambassadors will reach a record of more than 120,000 students and visit more than 180 towns across the Community Carnival period. Parramatta Eel Nathan Hindmarsh visited schools in Hay, Booligal and Hillston schools recently, and also attended training sessions with both the junior and senior Magpies teams, before enjoying dinner with locals A snapshot of the locations that will be visited as part of the 2013 Community Carnival include: o The northernmost location is Cairns (Dragons) o The westernmost location in NSW is Dubbo (Roosters) o The southernmost location nationally is Geelong, in Melbourne (Storm) o Internationally, Samoa is the furthest any club will travel (Warriors). The NRL has produced a ‘Tackle Bullying’ DVD featuring NRL legends Andrew Ryan, Nathan Hindmarsh, Hazem El Masri and Mario Fenech which empowers students to stand up for themselves and others who are being bullied. The DVD will be played at each classroom visit to inspire students to take action. Over the month-long period of Community Carnival, NRL players will distribute anti-bullying resources such as 30,000 anti-bullying wristbands, 25,000 anti-bullying banner pens, 5,000 booklets and 5,000 DVDs.

Photo courtesy Riverina Rugby League Development

Photo courtesy Riverina Rugby League Development

Arguably Hays busiest community group

CA4SE hosted another great fundraiser

recently, with a Trivia Night held at the

Services Club.

Anna Lauer captured the winners on stage at

the end of the evening (above) as well as

some of the hard working committee and

volunteers (at right) Tara Dixon, Ann Black

Janice Dwyer, Debbie Lumley and Jan

Eames

CA4SE continues to raise funds to support

their works in training local people in suicide

awareness, in an effort to reduce the incident

of loss in our community.

Our Camera At

More Pics on Facebook

The name Easter owes its origin from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolizes hare and egg.

Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25.

Pysanka is a specific term used for the practice of Easter egg painting.

From the very early times, egg has been considered the most important symbol of rebirth.

The initial baskets of Easter were given the appearance of bird's nests.

The maiden chocolate eggs recipes were made in Europe in the nineteenth century.

Each year witnesses the making of nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies.

Next to Halloween, Easter holiday paves way for confectionary business to boom.

When it comes to eating of chocolate bunnies, the ears are preferred to be eaten first by as many as 76% of people.

In the catalogue of kids' favourite Easter foodstuff, Red jellybeans occupy top most position.

Easter Bonnets are a throwback to the days when the people denied themselves the pleasure of wearing finery for the duration of Lent.

In medieval times, a festival of egg throwing was held in church, during which the priest would throw a hard-boiled egg to one of the

choirboys. It was then tossed from one choirboy to the next and whoever held the egg when the clock struck 12 was the winner and retained

the egg.

Some Churches still keep up the old tradition of using evergreens - symbolic of eternal life - embroidered in red on white, or woven in straw,

but most now prefer displays of flowers in the spring colors of green, yellow and white.

The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Gauls, Greeks and Romans, to whom the egg was a

symbol of life.

The date of Passover is variable as it is dependent on the phases of the moon, and thus Easter is a movable feast.

Fun Facts About

L����p�� B�n��e

Lollipops (sphere shape) Foam Eggs Balls (bags available from discount stores or craft shops) Double-sided Tape Pom Poms (For tail) Pipe Cleaner (Cut each into 3 equal pieces) Cardboard (cut out in small squares for the feet) Permanent Marker (To draw face) 1. Twist a foam egg on to lollipop stick (twisting carefully not to damage foam ball) 2. Using double-sided tape fix bunny to cardboard and draw on feet with permanent marker 3. Use 1/3 of pipe cleaner and twist around the lollipop stick between the foam head and the lollipop body. This will make arms. Tip: You can use a ribbon instead to make the arms 4. Use 1/3 of pipe cleaner, bend in half and push the ends into one side of the foam egg to create and ear. Repeat for the other ear. 5. Draw a bunny face on the foam egg with a marker. 6. Use double-sided tape to fix a pom pom tail

H� Cros B�n

4 cups plain flour 2 x 7g sachets dried yeast

1/4 cup caster sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice

pinch of salt 1 1/2 cups currants

40g butter 300ml milk

2 eggs, lightly beaten Flour paste

1/2 cup plain flour 4 to 5 tablespoons water

Glaze 1/3 cup water

2 tablespoons caster sugar Combine flour, yeast, sugar, mixed spice, salt and currants in a large bowl. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add milk. Heat for 1 minute, or until lukewarm. Add warm milk mixture and eggs to currant mixture. Use a flat-bladed knife to mix until dough almost comes together. Use clean hands to finish mixing to form a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth. Place into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until dough doubles in size. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Punch dough down to its original size. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Divide into 12 even portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Place balls onto lined tray, about 1cm apart. Cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 30 minutes, or until buns double in size. Preheat oven to 190°C. Make flour paste: Mix flour and water together in a small bowl until smooth, adding a little more water if paste is too thick. Spoon into a small snap-lock bag. Snip off 1 corner of bag. Pipe flour paste over tops of buns to form crosses. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until buns are cooked through. Make glaze: Place water and sugar into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Brush warm glaze over warm hot cross buns. Serve warm or at room temperature

Why do we eat Hot Cross Buns?

In many historically

Christian countries, buns are traditionally eaten hot or

toasted during Lent, beginning with the evening of Mardi Gras (the evening before Ash Wednesday)

through Good Friday, with the cross standing as a

symbol of the Crucifixion. They are believed by some

to pre-date Christianity, although the first recorded use of the term "hot cross bun" was not until 1733. It is believed that buns

marked with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eostre (the

cross is thought to have symbolised the four quarters

of the moon

Full page $155 per month

1/4 Page $88 per month

Custom sizes available, plus a

FREE deign service

two7eleven@live.com.au

0406 624447

Red Lion Brewery was owned by Thomas Simpson, born in England in 1835. Simpson moved to Hay with his wife and brothers after living in Deniliquin for a period. Originally known as ‘The Excelsior Brewery & Soda Water and Cordial Manufactory’ the brewery was established in 1858 and manufactured ales and cordials, and servicesdthe towns of Hay, Hillston, Cobar & Bourke. In 1882 the brewery assets were sold to Tooths, but the company continued to act as an agent for the district, supplying beer, cordial and softdrink, and delivering ice and ice-cream, biscuits, cigarettes and butter. From the 1880’s paddle steamers and riverboats pulled into the Red Lions wharf and loaded beer and goods to be distributed to towns along the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan rivers. In 1928 the Red Lion was forced to close it beer production facilities as it was unable to compete with larger breweries, although it continued to produce softdrink for some time later, under ownership of Leo Rutledge. The site of the Brewery was just downstream from the present day, aptly named Brewery Park, at the western end of Moppet Street

Do you have a tale of a past business or club in Hay?

Let us know!

The Story of the RED LION BREWERY

Peter “Parra” Montgomery’s story continues

Chapter 13

RETIREMENT DINNER

Take a bucket and fill it with water, Put your hand in it up to the wrist,

Pull it out and the hole that's remaining,

Is a measure of how much you'll be missed.

You can splash all you wish when you enter,

You may stir up the water galore, But stop, and you'll find that in no

time, It looks quite the same as before.

The moral of this quaint example, Is to do just the best that you can, Be proud of yourself but remember, There's no indispensable man I was truly surprised, humbled and flattered by a Retirement Dinner at the Comfort Inn Motel on Friday November 30, 2007, put on for Pat and I, by my friends and work colleagues. It was EXACTLY 46 years to the day that my working life commenced at the Department of Lands - on November 30, 1961. How co-incidental was that. To be surrounded by family and friends on a special evening – and for my youngest daughter Sharni to put it all together without me even suspecting was simply amazing. For the past year or so, Rod McCully, Tertia Butcher, Gary Perrot and I have had a "Wine Club" in operation. We have been meeting at the Grazier Office after work on Tuesday afternoons and sharing a bottle of wine, and evaluating its ‘taste’ – but what we were really doing was just enjoying the wine and having a social hour together. We hadn’t had a ‘wine meeting’ since I had finished up on November 14. Tertia sent Pat and I an invitation to join her and Ken, Gary and Marilyn ,

retirement. We have always been a close family, and this was just another example. Another of the first to greet me was Mardi Motton (nee Short) who had made a special trip over from Wagga to be with us. I am just so proud of Mardi and the outstanding young lady she has become. She is an inspiration to me. Mardi started with us at the Riverine Grazier in 1999 – and she is the closest thing to an indispensable person that you could find. Her professionalism set the standard at the paper – especially for mugs like me who had come into the production of a Newspaper with absolutely NO IDEA. Mardi, we knew was only on loan with us for a short time. It was inevitable that she would find ‘love’ and we would lose her. She did exactly that. She was ‘wowed’ by her new husband - a schoolie – Grant Motten – and whisked off to Wagga where her service were snapped by the great regional newspaper ‘The Wagga Daily Advertiser’, where she became a feature writer. Mardi left the DA and joined the Roads and Traffic Authority where she now heads the RTA Media Unit. Her climb up the ladder of success has only just begun. She has the ability to go much higher, and I have a feeling we will hear a lot more about Mardi’s career in the coming years as it blossoms. The ‘Retirement Dinner’ itself was simply sensational, and I was humbled by the speeches that were delivered about me. I was very touched by the kind words said about me. But really I was retiring from a worklife that had given me so much pleasure over 46 years. Sharni was the M C for the night and I have re-produced her speech.

and Rod and Brenda for a Christmas Party at the Comfort Inn. It would be a late start (8pm), she explained to me, because Probus Club was holding a wind up at the same venue, and no tables would be available until then. That’s Fine I thought nothing more about it. In the morning Pat told me she had been asked by Elsie Corliss to accompany her to Griffith where she had a doctor’s appointment. Pat took off in our car and drove out to ‘Eljoda’ to meet Elsie and go to Griffith. Again, I thought nothing about it. What Pat was actually doing was driving to Griffith to pick my sisters Jenny and Lyn up from the Plane, and she delivered them to the Comfort Motel. Sharni rang me after work and told me that she was, as usual, dropping into the Crown for a Friday ‘arvo’ drink with her mates. "Do you want me to come in and get the car?" I asked her. "No", she replied, "I’ll pick it up tomorrow", she told me. "It’s locked in at the back of the Office". I got ready for the dinner, and Ken and Tertia picked Pat and I up at 7.50 – and we drove to the Motel. I still suspected nothing. I opened the door of the Restaurant and got the shock of my life. The room was full of my very dear friends, and the Restaurant was decked out in Blue and Gold streamers and balloons. I looked to my right and caught sight of my Son in Law Guy Lewis with my two lovely grandchildren Hannah and Toby, followed by my daughter Janine. They had driven over from Albury. Behind them was my brother Paul, his wife Marg who had driven to Hay from Camden, my sisters Jenny and Lyndall, and my wonderful Mother in Law ‘Granny’, Edna Boyle. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I was so proud and honoured they had made a special trip to Hay for my

It was lovely and it tugged at my heart-strings. Sharni is so much like me it is not funny – that is why we probably clash - but like the rest of my family I love her dearly and I am really proud of her. She doesn’t know how talented she is. Sharni in a prepared speech told the gathering - "If I had looked into a crystal ball this time a year ago and someone told me I would be making a speech for Dad’s Retirement party in Hay, I would have thought it most unlikely – I would have thought Dad would be pumping out Parra Pieces from his deathbed; getting up at the crack of dawn on Wednesdays to pop inserts into the paper forever..and yelling at me about the font I used in an ad for a LOT longer. But circumstances change rapidly, we never know what is around the corner. The corner Dad has turned is one full of possibilities. Retirement, so I hear, is a strange time of life. When you spend most of your life identifying yourself with ‘what you’ do, retirement can feel like you have lost your identity. I look at it in a different way. Retirement is the opportunity to find your identity that has been mistakenly wrapped up in how you spend most of your life – WORKING. For his life Dad has been a Clerk at the Lands Office, the funny barman, the Motel Man, the Sports Writer, he has been the man who helps everyone – the charismatic guy at the front desk at the Riverine Grazier. Suddenly, all that has been removed. I imagine that Dad may feel that he has been placed in a room surrounded by mirrors, stripped naked without all these attachments he has carried for many years. This may seem scary. This is the time for Parra to remove himself as "Parra" and all those other hats he has been wearing for so many years. For the first time work out who Peter really is. Sounds odd for this discovery to be kicking off at age 61! I am reminded of a story from one of Dad’s favourite shows – Seinfeld. George Castanza in this episode, too was a bit baffled with the order of life and said – "The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do

everything you need is out there and waiting for you now Dad. You just have to declare it as your own. Your health has been bad and we all hate to see you suffer. Now is the time to dedicate all your time to YOU. With all the love in the room, you just need to give to yourself and you can do MAGIC! We are all here tonight to celebrate the dawning of a new era for both Mum and Dad. May you spend this next chapter relaxing, loving, overcoming health issues, writing a book – and just being YOU." I was really touched by the emails Sharni received from special mates who were unable to travel for the dinner. From my son, Michael, who is currently living in England "Dad, needless to say, I’m extremely disappointed not to be in Hay tonight to celebrate your well deserved retirement with you. Nobody deserves a celebration more than yourself! To PARRA-Phrase you, you have been about ‘as busy as a one armed cabby with crabs’ for as far back as I remember. Your work ethic has always been something I have always been in awe of. When I was growing up, you always worked two jobs. Firstly with the Lands Department – and then the Hibo, the Highway Inn Hotel and Motel and finally the Pub and the Grazier together. All the while you managed to find time to be President of the Magpies for almost twenty years, the Cutters for a few more, host sportsman’s dinners, bonanza draws, rally up support for the Labor Party (put Libs Last), host a radio show, write references and eulogies yet still you were able to find time to be a great Dad to Neen, Sharni and me, and a great husband to mum!! Now is the time to put your feet up. RELAX. Write your book. Look back with pride on your achievements and enjoy the fruits of your labours! Dad, you are a legend and I am so proud of ya! Enjoy your night with your mates and family and for God’s sake, if you are going to be like that one armed cabby in retirement, at least pull over to the side of the road to have a scratch. Love ya Dad – Mick.” From Michael Johnston, Director with Jenman Real Estate

you get at the end of it? A DEATH? What’s that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you’re young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you’re young enough to enjoy retirement. You drink alcohol, you party, and you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating with luxuries like central heating, spa, room service on tap, and then you finish of as an orgasm!!!" All jokes aside – life goes forward – not backwards – so you need to make the best of the order of life. All I want for you Dad – and all I have wanted for you Dad, is for you to see the amazing person that you are and the continued possibilities that surround you. It doesn’t stop when work stops – it begins. You are surrounded tonight by close friends and family who didn’t think twice about being here tonight. You would probably give me a thousand reasons for that or being equally humble. But I want to get it through to your head, Dad. You are a dead-set champion! You are a man who has touched the lives of so many people in this town and have moved mountains in Hay in terms of Sport and the way you relate to people in town both on a business level and personally. You always take the time to make strangers in town feel special – and the pride you have for the town is truly admirable. Your ability to relate to everyone you meet is a rare gift. Your sense of humour, whilst I will say - YES DAD, I DID GET THAT JOKE – DON’T TELL ME IT NINE MORE TIMES – it is a gift you take for granted, but brings joy to people’s lives every single day. You are the hero of many – and you should be your own hero as well. My wish for you in retirement is for you to be brave enough to rid yourself of all the working hats that you have worn. Strip yourself of all the pressure of life. The worries of money – the fears of health as they will always be present. You need to decide to focus on the positives and trust that you deserve to – and will feel better, and that you need to have a happy next chapter. Trust in yourself and Mum, your family and friends in the universe – yeah, yeah I know you secretly mock me with my hippy thoughts and ways – but

“Hi Parra, and of course his best mate Pat. I would love to be with you this evening but unfortunately that is not possible. No excuses simply not there, but that does not stop me saying a few words, via Sharni. Parra, you would be one of the best blokes ever. You are one of my closest mates even though you won’t come to my son’s weddings. Still got one wedding to go, so lets lock that in eh! You have often told people you took over my home on the Murrumbidgee River, so you thought you might as well take over my career at the Riverine Grazier as well. I couldn’t think of anyone more suited and I’m honoured that you wanted to do that. Parra, you are gifted with many talents. To name a few that come to mind instantly are creativity, imagination, innovation, originality and inspiration. Your work serves as your expression of creativity and it has served you well. I will never forget and am still amazed how you could come into my office on a Monday morning, usually hung over from celebrating a Magpies win somewhere in Group 17. You would sit on the other side of my desk and write a four to five hundred word detailed report on the Magpies game, talking about how and when every try and goal was scored, and many times how the score eventuated. You always managed to use every players name, which of course is why we all read it. There wasn’t a note or prop anywhere to be seen – it just flowed from your wonderful mind onto the blank pad. Your enthusiasm for whatever you are focused on achieving is contagious. I love you for it and it has helped so many get over their obstacles. It has helped sporting Clubs and Sportspeople achieve outstanding success. Nothing great has been achieved without enthusiasm. Winning companies realise they are only as strong as their intelligence, judgement, character of their employees. The Riverine Grazier management – and its readers are going to miss you Parra. It’s not just your Back Page that we sports/Parra nuts turn to first – it’s the presence of Parra within the Company. Michael Caine once sadi "Life isn’t a rehearsal. This is it and the day you are born is opening night. When I am an old man, I want to regret the things I did instead of the things I didn’t do". I feel that you have many things you need to do in retirement, away from the pressure of a weekly deadline. You are now on another journey with

with World Famous sporting team. “Hi Parra. Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but I just wanted to say that whenever I think of Hay – I think of Parra. Your passion for every single thing you have been involved in is inspirational. You’re a great mate who never fails to catch up with what I am doing, and is always so enthusiastic about whatever I tell you I’ve been up too. My association with you through the Hay Magpies and then the Cutters was uplifting, and I never failed to get your 100% support. On a personal note, our family will never forget the time you made the Motel Flat available to us when we left Yoorooga. You are a legend Parra, and I look forward to keeping in touch. Kindest regards and best wishes. From us all, Stu, Libby Hodgson and the girls (PS on a lighter note – I’m sorry about all the times that Mick Ireson (Boxhead) and I sent your blood pressure through the roof).” From Nephew Ben Simons in Toronto. (Sharni asked Ben to send it in telegram format) Ben is involved in Movies, having worked on animation in Happy Feet 2, In the Wild, and others for Disney.. “Dear Uncle Pete - Stop Greetings from Toronto Canada - Stop. I heard you are about to stop working - Stop I had to Stop to say Happy Retirement! -Stop Finally the Long Lunch need not Stop, - Stop Then get on the Bus at the Bus Stop ,- Stop And when the Bus Stops at the Bus Stop- Stop Else you will have to Drive on those New Tyres - Stop I hope they're Good Years!!!!!!!!! HA HA LOVE BEN STOP” A truly memorable evening for me and for my family. Thanks for making an old bloke happy.

Next Month - The final chapter (so far!) in Parra’s story

Pat, the kids and your grandchildren. Please take my advice – because I never do. This is just a change of lifestyle, and a change of lifestyle, and a change is a process NOT a goal; a journey, not a destination. We have so much to look forward to Parra. Love you heaps, Parra. Gooska.” From Ken Beissel – General Manager of Cavalier Developments – one of the nations big builders and major sponsor of many sporting organisations including the Queensland Rugby League Former Origin Greats which does outstanding charity work. “Mate, when Sharni rang me a couple of weeks ago and told me she was planning a retirement Party for you and she wanted to complement the party with some special friends, I was filthy as I wanted to be there. Unfortunately, I knew I couldn’t, but nothing was going to stop me saying a few words for my real ‘special mate’. Parra, this is your night and I am going to keep my email short and sweet. A great mate, a great mate always someone I can ring anywhere, anytime, just to get on the phone and have the smallest chats to Parra, you just don’t know how it makes me feel. Parra, you have held the headline in Hay for nearly four decades. Without a doubt I believe you are Hay’s most recognised and most loved person, and I hope the town actually realises what it is losing – a great commodity that will never be replaced. Mate, I can’t wait to read your book. I am sure your recollections of your many roles and adventures you have had over the four decades will be rally worth a read. I am sure there were plenty of funny things, as well as sad things you recall, but I know with the spirit and humour for which you are so highly regarded, your larrikinism will shine through and it will become a best seller. Parra, as well as being family, I am proud to be your mate. Your support for me through some really tough times, tragedy and adversity, your support has earned my love and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Parra have a great night, I wish I was there. You and Pat enjoy your retirement. Regards, a great mate, a best mate forever. Kenny.” From Stu Hodgson – A great mate from Wagga who was the Australian Liaison Officer with the New Zealand All Blacks during the World Cup campaign in Australia in 2003, spending six weeks

Chapter 17 Wildflower

Izumi had never before experienced what it was like to be loved and cared for by someone unselfishly. She was safe, and protected. As a little wildflower, who was wind-blown and burnt with the sun, abused by this world, she found shade, at last, from a tall green tree who took notice of something so tiny and insignificant. And instead of ignoring the flower's pain, (which it could do very easily from so high a vantage), the tree sheltered it, and tended it. To be content with a discarded bloom, and find in it beauty and fragrance, everything to be desired - only true love can perform such a transformation. So Izumi found refuge in John, and her rest was sweet. As morning dawned through the window of the little yellow house, Izumi opened her eyes. Careful not to awaken John, she quietly got out of bed and tiptoed to the kitchen. With a quick glance at the bare cupboards and empty refrigerator, came the realization that John was not used to eating at home. She shook her head sadly. With determination, and very little experience, she made up her mind to go to the grocery store. Izumi changed into her new blue dress (the only article of clothing she had, except her school uniforms) and opened John's wallet that lay upon the dresser. It took every ounce of courage she had in her small frame to do something so bold, "But," she reasoned to herself, "he must eat!" The cool wind from Three Mile Bay perfumed her face as she stepped out into the sunlight. She looked upward, and witnessed several small clouds scudding across the sky, as if bent on a happy errand as she was herself. The path from the little yellow house led to a street teeming with trucks and cars pulling

boats much bigger than themselves. Izumi looked about her. People were walking down the sides of the road, fishing poles in one hand, and a tackle box in the other. Izumi followed the road, keeping a lookout for anything resembling a supermarket. The busy street did not bother her. In fact, she was glad to see so many people. It reminded her of Tokyo. Before she had gone very far, she saw a large parking lot packed with cars. People were pushing grocery carts, and unloading them into their cars. "So this is what a supermarket looks like in America," she mused. In Japan, there are many large stores, but it is rare to find one with a parking lot. Most people carried their groceries, or came prepared with their own carts.

The store doors slid open as she walked through, and a gust of cold air chilled her face. The huge store clamored with the sounds of music playing over the loud speakers, and the sounds of squeaky carts slowly making their way down the aisles. She walked to the closest aisle and scanned the shelves. For the first time that morning, she felt out of place. Unfamiliar labels proclaimed the virtues of unfamiliar products. For a second or two, she felt like retreating. But, her desire to help John, made her stand fast. "God, please help me," she silently pleaded. "May I help you, miss?" asked a short portly man with a balding head. He wore a white coat with a name tag that read, "Store Manager." His short stubby fingers clutched a brown clipboard as he waited for her reply.

"Do you sell Japanese food here?" she asked, her voice betraying her confusion. The short man smiled widely, "Of course!" A loud speaker crackled as it interrupted the music with, "Manager at checkout five. Manager at checkout five." He motioned to a man who was busy stocking the shelves. "Show this woman to aisle six." The manager walked away without waiting for a reply. The man obeyed, and Izumi soon found herself on more familiar ground. "Thank you," she said, as he left. Izumi picked up the items she felt were necessary, and made her way to the checkout. The clock on the wall warned her that the morning was growing late. She sighed as she looked at the several people in line ahead of her. "I wish they would hurry," she thought. By the time she left the busy store, the sun was burning hotly in the sky. Cars sped by her, as she picked her way through the crowd on the side of the street, her mind bent on getting back home before John awoke. After she had walked some distance, she realized that none of the surroundings around her were familiar. "I must have went in the wrong direction," she thought, making an effort not to panic. "Help me, God!" she again pleaded. A young man wearing a white T-shirt passed by her and then abruptly stopped. "Excuse me, but is your name Izumi?" With a surprised face, she nodded. "John has been looking everywhere for you! You better follow me." He motioned to her to follow him, as he turned in the opposite direction from which she was headed. "I never thought John would get married," he said, shaking his head. "I don't think he's ever looked twice at a girl in his life,

A novel by

Judith Bronte

"So this is what a supermarket looks like in America”

let alone get up the courage to ask one to marry him!" He turned to look at Izumi as they walked. Her head was bent, and she remained silent. The young man was obviously curious, but refrained from asking any questions. The walk that led to the little yellow house, soon told Izumi that she was near home. "Hey! John! Get out here, I got your wife!" he shouted. Izumi became even more embarrassed than before. When no one came out to meet them, the young man sat down on the porch swing. Izumi ran into the house, and quickly found the bedroom, locking the door behind her. Izumi buried her face in a pillow and let the tears she had been holding back, burst through. John soon made his way up the walk, confident that, wherever his Little Dove was, God was watching out for her. "So you lost her on the first day," the man on the porch swing joked. "Did you find her, Terry?" asked John. "Sure did." He descended the steps,

bags resting on the table. "So," he muttered to himself, "that's what my Little Dove was up to." John soon discovered the locked bedroom door. "Dove, open the door," he said gently. "Please." The heartfelt tone in his voice did not fall on deaf ears. The door opened, and a tear-streaked face met his. John embraced her, and all was well again

Continued next Month

Legal Disclaimer: The characters and events depicted in these love stories are fictitious, and should not to be interpreted as medical

advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely

coincidental.

Copyright: These original love stories are copyright © 1998-2011 by Sarah L. Fall

(a.k.a. Judith Bronte). All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission

and whispered in John's ear, "I think she was embarrassed. I mean, after all, to go the wrong direction when there were only two directions in the first place! There's only one main road in all of Three..." "Thank you, Terry," interrupted John. "Sure, just don't lose her again," said Terry, grinning ear to ear. "Aren't you going to go in?" he teased. "Aren't you ever going to leave?" asked John, half-jokingly. Terry threw his arms up in the air. "I know when I'm not wanted!" he exclaimed, sauntering down the walk,

mimicking someone who just had his feelings hurt. "Terry!"

"Yeah?" "Thanks." He smiled, and left. John opened the door, and looked about for Izumi. He saw the grocery

"I think she was embarrassed. I mean, after all, to go in the wrong direction when there are only two directions in

the first place!”

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