Our journey in April was populated by friends and neighbours offering a wonderful kaleidoscope of characters and neighborhood experiences that enriched our ‘growing up’ years. There was a commonality across rural and urban landscapes significantly impacting on who we are today.
Prior to experiencing this landscape, Bev introduced an engaging memoir titled, ‘Finding Memories of a Distant Home Through Milo Toast’. We shared entertaining memories of ‘what a difference’ Milo made, particularly in how it was consumed, cold or hot, freely offered or surreptitiously sneaked, in powdered form or in solid balls. For most of us, Milo was an unforgettable early gastronomical delight.
Under the heading of ‘precious objects’, Heather recounted the journey of a precious crystal cabinet, which holds special personal memories, particularly of her father. Neville, under the theme of ‘failure’, philosophically and rhetorically delved into the experience successfully leaving us unresolved as to its nature and its weight against a high benchmark for success. Within the same theme, Carmyl described an academic journey where ‘failure’ was a catalyst for a re-focused energy. Ultimately proving a winner
.
Ray invited us to imagine the unappealing nature of Easter in Ballarat for a child who had not yet found his ‘family’. On the other hand, Barry took us on a ‘first class’ Easter journey to the Mallee and revealed the special significance of family time at Easter. Finally, Bev enchanted us with stories of the Molyullah Easter weekend populated by participants, past and present. Via the theme of Anzac Day, Graham shared his anticipation of standing beside his grandfather, father and brother, at least in spirit and memory, this Anzac Day.
Then populating our galaxy of ‘Friends and Neighbors’ were Carmyl’s ‘Bet and Jess’, both unexpected visitors and subsequently long-term friends, and Carmyl’s mum, who was not to be reckoned with if you preferred pineapple over custard and stewed apple. Heather acknowledged that it was the kids who often made the first friendships with new arrivals and reminded us of shared television watching in the main street of our towns and suburbs. Barry recounted the early history of Lalor, his family involvement and the unfortunate history of supply shortages and administrative mismanagement. Trish reminded us of spinning wheels, prizes and a family tragedy that reinforced the value of precious neighbours. Phil transported us to the close knit and ‘wonderful’ little village of Bishops Itchington and a personal validation of his own integrity. Graeme introduced us to London and Auntie Beatie, sea worm grasping and meeting ‘the Mob’. Finally, Phiona introduced us to the delightful, petite and quiet Misses Brooks and then led us to experience a series of locations and next door friends, teaching Phiona the value of accepting differences in culture, religion and lifestyles. Thank you all.
Coming up on May 16 - ‘Learning from History’ “History is a marvellous thing. We cannot change it, we can only learn from it. Tell us about significant life lessons you have you learnt from one or two incidents in your past?” Alternative topic: Shaped by Childhood Describe a formative experience from your childhood, and how it helped shape the person you grew up to be. It could be a treasured family ritual, an early friendship, an influential teacher or your first experience of losing a loved one. Think about an experience or person that’s influenced you and share this with us.
Graham Jensen
Prior to experiencing this landscape, Bev introduced an engaging memoir titled, ‘Finding Memories of a Distant Home Through Milo Toast’. We shared entertaining memories of ‘what a difference’ Milo made, particularly in how it was consumed, cold or hot, freely offered or surreptitiously sneaked, in powdered form or in solid balls. For most of us, Milo was an unforgettable early gastronomical delight.
Under the heading of ‘precious objects’, Heather recounted the journey of a precious crystal cabinet, which holds special personal memories, particularly of her father. Neville, under the theme of ‘failure’, philosophically and rhetorically delved into the experience successfully leaving us unresolved as to its nature and its weight against a high benchmark for success. Within the same theme, Carmyl described an academic journey where ‘failure’ was a catalyst for a re-focused energy. Ultimately proving a winner
.
Ray invited us to imagine the unappealing nature of Easter in Ballarat for a child who had not yet found his ‘family’. On the other hand, Barry took us on a ‘first class’ Easter journey to the Mallee and revealed the special significance of family time at Easter. Finally, Bev enchanted us with stories of the Molyullah Easter weekend populated by participants, past and present. Via the theme of Anzac Day, Graham shared his anticipation of standing beside his grandfather, father and brother, at least in spirit and memory, this Anzac Day.
Then populating our galaxy of ‘Friends and Neighbors’ were Carmyl’s ‘Bet and Jess’, both unexpected visitors and subsequently long-term friends, and Carmyl’s mum, who was not to be reckoned with if you preferred pineapple over custard and stewed apple. Heather acknowledged that it was the kids who often made the first friendships with new arrivals and reminded us of shared television watching in the main street of our towns and suburbs. Barry recounted the early history of Lalor, his family involvement and the unfortunate history of supply shortages and administrative mismanagement. Trish reminded us of spinning wheels, prizes and a family tragedy that reinforced the value of precious neighbours. Phil transported us to the close knit and ‘wonderful’ little village of Bishops Itchington and a personal validation of his own integrity. Graeme introduced us to London and Auntie Beatie, sea worm grasping and meeting ‘the Mob’. Finally, Phiona introduced us to the delightful, petite and quiet Misses Brooks and then led us to experience a series of locations and next door friends, teaching Phiona the value of accepting differences in culture, religion and lifestyles. Thank you all.
Coming up on May 16 - ‘Learning from History’ “History is a marvellous thing. We cannot change it, we can only learn from it. Tell us about significant life lessons you have you learnt from one or two incidents in your past?” Alternative topic: Shaped by Childhood Describe a formative experience from your childhood, and how it helped shape the person you grew up to be. It could be a treasured family ritual, an early friendship, an influential teacher or your first experience of losing a loved one. Think about an experience or person that’s influenced you and share this with us.
Graham Jensen
