I watched the children enjoying themselves at the newly opened Splash Park and it brought a smile to my face to see the brand new colourful equipment, and the clean, crystal clear water. It triggered a memory of the fun times we had all through the summer, down at our local pool. Our swimming pool was a far cry from the pristine pool and splash park the kids enjoy today.

I am not sure when it was actually built but it was one of the earliest and biggest ones, around, with a length of 44 yards and 22 yards in width. The sides were brick and the bottom was gravel and the shallow end had a rusty old pipe running along the bricks as a kick bar to aid children and non swimmers. The water came in from the lake situated above the pool and it certainly wasn’t crystal clear and there was no way we could see the bottom which made diving for things a challenge.

The biggest challenge, however was keeping clear of the leeches. It meant we had to keep moving while we were in the water otherwise we’d find the black bloodsuckers hanging from our leg, which meant splashing vigorously until it dropped off. The young boys would catch them and pass the time turning them inside out on sticks and lining them up in the sun.

Just before the ladder halfway down the length of the pool there was a slide which provided hours of fun, and the kids came up with all sorts of ways to come down it into the water. I can’t remember any accidents and I must point out that there was no adult supervision other than a parent or two that may have accompanied their child or came for a swim themselves. Warm weekends meant the pool was enjoyed by many of the locals.

Each summer Chiltern hosted a carnival attracting swimmers from visiting towns. It was a big affair and the kiosk was opened to provide drinks and ice creams etc. There were events such as breast stroke, backstroke, butterfly and relays etc., but the most popular to watch were the diving events and the skill demonstrated on that springboard.

Besides the big annual event the town held its own night carnival for the locals and the pool was lit up by green metal lights strung across the water. I competed in some of the events and am proud to confess to winning places in events including the diving. But the most exciting prize was the duck. The final event open to all was the Duck Hunt where everyone lined up around the pool and someone released a duck in the middle and everyone jumped in to try to catch the poor scared duck which swam in all directions. I caught it once (only because it swam towards me) which meant I got to keep it. Although father rigged up a pen to keep it overnight it was gone by morning and I could only hope it wasn’t a fox’s breakfast.

I am pleased to report that there were no drownings or diseases eventuating from our times in the pool except for the odd earache. The only precaution taken was the pool was drained and cleaned during the season.

​Betty Milligan

​Hot sunny days, balmy nights,
BBQ's and Christmas lights,
Sweaty armpits, Mozzie bites,
Frogs croaking, sleepless nights.
Blow flies buzzing all day long,
Cicadas sing their mating song.
Gardens wilt in searing heat,
Burning soles on naked feet.
Days get hotter by degrees,
Heightened by a lack of breeze.
Paddocks bare, no grass to eat,
Water low and dams deplete.
Livestock standing, lean and weak,
Snakes sunbaking by the creek.
Clouds are gathering in the sky,
Dogs are restless where they lie.
Lightening flashes everywhere,
Scent of moisture in the air.
Raindrops fall, light at first,
Heaven sent to quell a thirst.
Heavy now on rooftops pound,
Welcome water on thirsty ground.
But showers sent are far too brief –
Humid weather gives no relief.
Still, Summer marches on its way,
Weaker with each passing day.
 
Searing heat has been upstaged,
Autumn brings a brand-new page.
Colours of yellow, red and gold,
Fresh new season begins to unfold.
Showers fall on arid ground,
Green grass sprouting in the brown.
Thirsty earth drinks in the rain,
Flora and fauna thrive again.
Snakes slink into hibernation,
Fireman rest with quiet elation.
Milder days are on the menu,
Outdoors is the chosen venue.
Jackets now common attire,
Evening drinks around a fire.
Leaves fall in a scattered mess,
Trees left in a state of undress.
Dewy dampness in the air,
Winter’s chill lurks out there.
Autumn can’t keep it at bay,
Accepts defeat and slips away.
 
An eerie wind howls all around,
Indoors sheltered safe and sound.
Winter woollies warm and snug,
Hot chocolate and a cosy rug.
On the roof, the pelting rain
Running down the windowpane.
Out of bed on a chilly morn,
Jack Frost spread across the lawn.
Lace-like threads on spiderwebs,
Shrubs and trees dressed like debs.
Crunch of grass from booted feet,
Eggs and bacon, winter’s treat.
Frosts all gone, skies are blue,
Clouds pass and sun shines through.
Then Winter shows its cruel deceit,
Sending forth its hail and sleet.
So, time to snuggle in a cosy bed,
To read the books we haven’t read.

Soon there will be much longer days,
The seasons in a brand-new phase.
Milder days soothe winter’s sting,
Bringing forth more pleasant things.
Soon tiny buds burst into flower,
Responding to a passing shower.
Warm sun sends its golden rays,
Clearing away the dismal days.
Shoots appear on naked trees,
Grasses sway in a gentle breeze.
Chirping birds in feathered vests
Busily building brand new nests.
Joggers on their morning run,
Children outside having fun.
Warm clothes shed for light attire,
Blooming gardens to admire.
Neighbours outside busily mowing,
Veggie patch, now right for sowing.
Buzzing bees for nectar search,
Magpies warble from their perch.
Oh, what joy to welcome Spring
And the new life it is bound to bring.
 
Betty Milligan,
Published in ‘Benalla Poet’s Corner’ in the Benalla Ensign, Wednesday November 11, 2020