HELLY’S CELEBRITIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY – SAMMY DAVIS JNR

Celebrities of the 20th Century

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August 19, 2018

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HELLY’S CELEBRITIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY – SAMMY DAVIS JNR

Tags: Sammy Davis Jnr. Celebrities. Actors. Actresses. Famous people

THE NIGHT SAMMY DAVIS JNR LAUGHED AND CRIED

With Helly Kemp

It’s a September London night in 1969 I will never forget. But what I am not expecting is that I would write about it nearly 50 years later. Dating one of Sammy Davis Jnr’s Managers at the time and so being “one of the family” as Sammy describes it, I am privy to attend many of his private parties and functions. Having only recently relocated from Sydney to London, my first ever attempt at a celebrity profile interview moves me to tears, never imagining it could make cover story in the 1969 December ‘SHE MAGAZINE. ’

And yes, you guessed it, it’s on Sammy. But back to September. In tonight’s performance Sammy is introduced to the audience – not that the red-hot box office attraction needs an introduction – by his close friends, Richard Burton, Roger Moore and Richard Harris. It’s the opening night and 10 years since ‘The Entertainer of the Year’ performed at London’s top Theatre Restaurant, creating such a magnetic response from the public, that the atmosphere is highly charged electricity.

The audience go wild with applause, cheering, clanking their cutlery on the tables, stamping their feet and whistling endlessly, demanding more and more and more encores. Pow! The man also selected in America as ‘The Personality Of The Year’ and’ The Man Of The Year’ sings, dances, gives devilishly good impersonations, leaps around the stage like a yo-yo, joking, buffooning, teasing and pushing forward his chin farther and farther with each new burst of unpretentious laughter, till his lower teeth extend a good inch in front of his upper ones. Simply: Sammy is a ball of fire.

And the 43-year-old New York born phenomenon not only gives the people everything they want, but loves every minute of it, performing an unprecedented two and a half hour s straight, instead of the advertised scheduled 50 minutes. It is difficult to judge who is more elated, the public or Sammy himself, or as he put it earlier , “If this don’t turn you on, man, you ain’t got no switches!” After the performance, the fun continues with the lithe comedian’s private party of some 30 people upstairs.

This time, for the rest of the evening, Sammy’s teasing is directed straight at me, actually some relief after the shock of my upstairs entrance. Wanting to look smart for this special evening, I buy a fabulous designer evening slack suit just before the event. Made of white brocade with authentic silver thread embroidery throughout, it is the most stunning and expensive outfit I have ever bought. A two inch wide open slit from neck to navel, but demurely covered with crisscrossed rows of spaced out pearls, makes this suit very sexy without being provocative.

So, like a proud peacock spreading his feathers I enter the party room and there she is – why oh why out of hundreds of people at the show, was she invited to this small party – an older woman, wearing my identical white brocade suit! Immediately the elated Sammy leaps towards me, twirling me around, whispering in my ear, “I know someone who is not going to wear an outfit again!” Yet as distraught as I am, I can see the funny side of it. But I never have a photograph taken in that suit.

And then it happens. A show business writer from a daily London paper starts harassing Sammy, bombarding him with a barrage of accusations, claiming Sammy only gave such a long performance tonight because of religious, political and other ulterior business motives. I have never seen Sammy like this before. Within minutes he is reduced from the triumphant success of the evening to a deflated balloon, head and shoulders drooping, his hands between his knees.

And I am moved by the tears swelling in Sammy’s eyes. Sammy stays silent. But the man keeps on and on, until finally Sammy has had enough. He sits up straight and blasts out. “I’ll tell you unabashed. It was therapeutic. I was hungry for their approval and their fantastic applause. I’ve been making movies. It’s a long time since I‘ve worked with a live audience. I’m a performer. I need the audience.

This was my party tonight. It was just for me. I didn’t do it for money or any of the other silly reasons you gave.” Sammy receives more money for one night in Las Vegas than he does here in London for 10 days. “Yes, I know,” he confirms, “I’m supposed to hate talking to my fans. I’m supposed to hate giving autographs. It’s supposed to be so boring. Well man, let me tell you, I love it, all and every bit of it.” The man leaves and Sammy soon returns to his joyous self, circling around me, whispering amusing suggestions of what to do with my fated white brocade suit.

Fortified wines and brandy

The Bribie Winelander

David Sweedman

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August 19, 2018

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Tags: Fortified wines and brandy. Wine. Red. White.

Over recent months we have covered the winemaking skills with table wines and sparkling wines but there are two segments which were the heroes of the industry only forty years ago but now hardly get any coverage at all, and that is fortified wines and brandy which to some degree are linked.

When I joined Kaiser Stuhl in 1980 the public drank sweet white wines, casks and flagons, cheap sparkling wines, sherries and port but only 3% of wine drinkers drank the excellent red wines we produced. In those days our wines carried names such as Minchinbury Champagne, Houghton White Burgundy, Moyston Claret and hock was still around and many brandies also had the word hospital on the label, also popular were cold and white duck and porphyry pearl, how marketing and labels have changed!

It is sad that fortified wines and brandy have lost popularity as Australia makes these products that match any country in the world, it is unfortunate that our fortified wines have lost the words port and sherry as this could have helped the consumer leave the products on the shelves, let’s try and set the records straight.

Australia has been producing grape spirit for over 150 years from Sultana grapes which there was an abundance of, initially, this was for the production of fortified wine, but in the 1920’s the production of true brandy began in South Australia where a coppersmith produced a pot still and the product took off.

Fortunately the word Cognac was never used and here in Australia the brandy market is strictly regulated with the finished spirit having to spend a minimum of two years in barrels before being bottled and nowadays very few wineries even make brandy, the largest seller and best quality is St. Agnes from Angove’s where their three star is the most popular in the country and they make a V.S.O.P five-year-old, an X.O. 15-year-old, an X.O. Imperial 20-year-old and a magnificent 40-year old Grand Reserve which retails at over $500 per bottle, the X.O. products can be a match for most Cognacs so if looking to buy one don’t, buy a St. Agnes instead, no other brandy maker in Australia can come close to producing a quality product such as this because they don’t have the museum stock that Angove’s have been storing away since the 1920’s, and some of the other labels on the shelves probably contain brandy made by Angove’s any way.

Brandy can be made from any fermented fruit and are easy to manufacture and doesn’t need to use premium grapes. White wine is boiled in a small copper still for fine brandies or continuous still for commercial brandy at a temperature between the boiling point of ethyl alcohol and the boiling point of water, the resulting vapours are collected and cooled. The cooled vapours contain most of the alcohol from the original liquid along with some of its water, and then the process is then repeated (double distilled) which increases the alcohol level to around 72% which is then reduced to 40% using distilled water and it takes around 34 litres of wine to produce 3.8 litres of brandy.

The first distillation takes around eight hours, 13,249 litres of wine have been converted to 4,542 litres of a concentrated alcoholic liquid at around 26-32% alcohol. After the second distillation the brandy is placed in oak casks and allowed to age which is where it develops its colour, the more commercial brands spend two years and as they age the quality increases and the product softens on the palate and absorbs the oak flavour of the barrel, and attracts a higher selling price.

The brandy also loses around 1% of its alcohol per year for the first 50 years and is known as ‘on oak”. A fortified wine is a delicious viscous wine-based treat that can be served before dinner as an aperitif with a bone-dry fino sherry or an after dinner drink such as a fine port. The most common types of fortified wines are Port, Sherry, Madeira, Marsala, and Vermouth and are made from a variety of wine grapes then a neutral grape spirit or brandy is added to fortify the wine and the time the wine is allowed to ferment will determine whether the finished product will be sweet, medium or dry.

Many fortified wines undergo aging in wooden casks with the cheaper the wine the less time it has spent aging in oak, but the more expensive wines can be a blend of different ages the wines have been kept in the barrels, sometimes even a small amount as old as fifty years or more can be blended into a port, tokay or muscat. Port, which originated in Portugal is the best known fortified wine and comes with names such as tawny, vintage, ruby and white port.

Generally port is made using red wine and the two styles we are familiar with are tawny and vintage. Tawny is made by blending several vintages together from a system known as the solera aging system where the barrels of wine are stored on top of each other, the oldest at the bottom. The older the components determine the price the wine is sold for, Penfolds Club, for example, has an average age of five years whilst Grandfather contains material that has been aged for fifty years. Tawny Port is made from aged casks whereas vintage port is bottled using young fortified material and ages in the bottle in a similar fashion to a fine red wine, when you open a vintage port it is normally necessary to decant it as a lot of sediment will have formed in the bottle which is quite unpleasant, it should also be consumed within days as it will deteriorate very quickly.

Sherry originated in Southwest Spain and is made in a similar fashion to port but uses white grape varieties and ranges in styles from Fino (dry and light bodied ) Oloroso (dry but richer) to medium and sweet. Although in Australia we cannot use the terms such as Port or Sherry many fine examples of fortified wine styles still exist on the liquor store shelves such as Galway Pipe 12 Y.O Tawny, Penfolds Club Tawny, Penfolds Club Reserve Classic Tawny, Seppeltsfield Para 21 Y.O. Tawny, McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate 10 Y.O. Grand Tawny and Stanton and Killeen Vintage Fortified. With Sherry look for names such as Apera, Fino and Flor on the labels, brands such as Seppeltsfield DP 116 aged Flor or All Saints “The Keep” Golden Cream Apera.

Although the names are now confusing it is well worth the effort to seek these wines out as there are bargains to be had with Australian fortified wines just look at the medals on the labels. I have noticed that Liquorland at Sylvan Beach has had some excellent deals on Rosemount Chardonnay and Rapaura New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

If you can’t get away from the island, well worth a visit. Cheers, Philip Arlidge [email protected]

Money and finance – Access Your Super – At Retirement

Money Talk

David Sweedman

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August 19, 2018

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Money and finance – Access Your Super – At Retirement

Tags: Money. Finance. Superannuation. Retirement.

Your super is your retirement nest egg and access to it controlled by measures designed to preserve it until you retire except in exceptional circumstances. When you are at or near retirement you can access your super when you reach your ‘preservation age’ as long as you are permanently retired or have reached age 65.

Your preservation age is the minimum age, set by law, that your super must be ‘preserved’ until and is currently between 55 and 60, depending on when you were born. If you were born before July 1, 1960, you can access your super at age 55. If you were born after July 1, 1964, you can access it at age 60. Before retirement, there are other ways to access your super including starting a transition to retirement pension or specific circumstances such as severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, permanent incapacity or a terminal medical condition.

These will be discussed in later articles. If you withdraw part or all of your super benefits on or after the age of 60, you will pay no tax on the withdrawal except if you are a member of certain types of public sector super funds. Withdrawing before age 60 will incur a tax the rate of which will be dependent on several factors. See the ATO website for details. You can withdraw your super as a lump sum or pension or combination of both. To start a pension you will need to transfer all or part of your super balance into a retirement income account within the super fund. Prior to starting a pension, your money will be held in what is known as an accumulation account.

Earnings on the accumulation account are taxed at 15% whereas earnings on the retirement income account are tax-free provided the balance in the account is below $1.6 million. This tax-free income is one of the significant benefits of maximising the money that you accumulate in your fund during your working life. Once you start a pension you must draw a minimum amount from your pension account each year. There is no maximum amount other than the balance of your super account so you may withdraw the balance of your account.

The minimum draw for a pension starts at 4% pa of your fund balance if you are under 65 and rises in steps to 14% pa if you make it to 95. The minimum draw requirement means that you must have sufficient liquidity in your fund to make the annual payments. This may be a problem for the likes of a self-managed fund that is heavily invested in property where the income from which is insufficient to meet the minimum draw requirement. Some property may have to be sold to enable the minimum annual pension payments to be made.

Super needs to be considered as part of estate planning. Super death benefits are tax-free when paid to someone who was financially dependent on a deceased fund member but taxed when paid to a non-dependant. Your death benefit will be the sum of the balance of your super account plus any benefits payable under an insurance policy. If you die your super fund trustee normally pays your death benefit to one or more dependants of your estate.

If you want to be sure that the benefit be paid in accordance with your wishes you need to make a binding nomination. A binding nomination needs to be renewed every 3 years unless you put a non-lapsing binding nomination in place. In this article, I have covered some of the basics of accessing your super in retirement. Super is a complex and ever-changing topic and different funds have different rules. Do your own research and always check with your super fund before making any decisions.

Comprehensive information is available at ato.gov.au, moneysmart.gov.au, and most major super fund’s websites.

The Bribie Vibe Markets – Another great vibe

Community Events

David Sweedman

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August 19, 2018

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The Bribie Vibe Markets – Another great vibe

Tags: Bribie Island local markets. Brisbane. Queensland. Tourist destination

I guess that most locals would by now be aware that the best place to be on the last Sunday morning of each month is the Bribie Vibe Markets at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre on Sunderland Drive at Banksia Beach but what most are not aware of is that this month, both the markets and the current exhibition in the Mathew Flinders Gallery are about the next generation.

Featured Image(above): The Moreton Youth Concert Ensemble will entertain from 11 am

In the gallery, the Next Generation Art Prize is on display and the main entertainment at the Vibe Markets on August 26th will be provided by the Moreton Youth Concert Ensemble and market co-ordinator Kelly Vass told me that she would love to see the community support this incredibly talented group of young musicians by coming to hear them perform. I have been told that the members of the ensemble, formerly known as the Pine Rivers Youth Band, are delighted to include the Vibe Markets in their schedule and are looking forward to performing in front of a large audience.

As always, as a craft market with the motto “Make It, Bake It, Grow It,” the Vibe Markets will offer a great range of handmade goods and fresh produce and marketgoers will also be able to check out the beautiful array of goods at the Gem Club and the Woodcrafters. The Moreton Youth Concert Ensemble will be entertaining from 11 am and other entertainment will be provided by The Celtic Fiddlers who will commence playing at 8.30 am.

For those who get a bit peckish, the café will be serving their usual tasty snacks. ANOTHER GREAT VIBE By Neil Wilson The Moreton Youth Concert Ensemble will entertain from 11 am. For further information about the Bribie Vibe Markets, those interested can call the Art Centre on 3408 9288 or Kelly Vass on 0417 741 979.

MAJOR EVENTS IN BRIBIE HISTORY

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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Tags: History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Major events. Historical

People often ask me what to read to get an overview of the rich History of Bribie Island. There is no doubt that this small Island has a fascinating past, and has experienced many events that are significant in the history of both Queensland and Australia. A basic understanding of what has happened here over the year s will enhance enjoyment for both residents and visitors.

Featured Image(above): First shop on Bribie Island

The following quote from noted historian and author Stan Tutt, a man who had experienced a lot of life and history, puts it all in perspective.

“Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island contains more History, written and unwritten, than any other place in Queensland.”

For this month’s History Page I thought it would be helpful if I provide readers with a chronological list of some of the major events that have happened on Bribie over the past 248 years since James Cook first sailed past this coastline back in 1770.

What he saw through his telescope was the distinctive distant shape of what he named “The Glasshouses”, being reminiscent of Glassmaking factories back home. He did not come near Bribie Island, it was Matthew Flinders who first set foot on the island with his aboriginal companion Bongaree, 29 year s later in 1799. Long before white man came to this land there had been thousands of years of occupation by the indigenous people. Within 100 years the last of the local aboriginal people were gone.

The early white settlers saw the birth of an amazing tourist industry on Bribie from 1912, and although thousands came for weekends and holidays, there were still less than 200 residents in the 1930’s. Here is a list of some key events and old photos that have shaped this island community over the years..

Learning more about Bribie Island History

There are several plaques and signs around Bribie Island that recall some of these events. The names of many streets and Parks around the island are a reminder of the pioneers who contributed so much, and in the local Library, you can find several books by local authors who have captured wonderful stories and events from the past.

Crowd awaiting the arrival of the bay steamer

Historical events

1770 James Cook aboard the Endeavour names “Glasshouses”
1799 Matthew Flinders & Bongaree on the Norfolk land on Bribie Island.
1823 Three castaway Sydney convicts cared for by Bribie aborigines.
1824 Surveyor John Oxley rescues lost convicts & shown Brisbane river.
1824 Moreton Bay Penal colony established on future site of Brisbane.
1839 Convict transportation to Brisbane stops and pioneer settlers come.
1859 Queensland proclaimed a new colony of the British Empire.
1867 Caboolture develops on Brisbane road to Gympie Goldfields.
1877 Area at Whitepatch reserved for Aboriginal settlement.
1886 Reserve now closed and Town of Bribie surveyed at Whitepatch.
1890 Oyster Farms, Bees, Fish canning and Cattle grazing on Bribie Island.
1891 School for Aboriginal children briefly operates at Mission Point.
1901 Commonwealth of Australia formed with the creation of Federation.
1903 Brisbane Tug & Steamship Co. promote interest in Bribie Island.
1912 Steamship Koopa starts regular trips to new Jetty built at Bongaree.
1918 Hall & Bestmann first shop opens at Bongaree for holiday campers.
1919 First car floated across to Bongaree after a long drive from Brisbane.
1924 First School & Road constructed from Bongaree to Ocean beach.
1933 The closest Surf Club to Brisbane established at Woorim beach.
1937 Thomas Welsby’s book “Bribie the Basket Maker” published.
1939 New Hotel Bribie at Woorim used by the military during World War 2.
1941 Residents evacuated and Military Forts & defences built.
1947 Residents return and new car ferry runs from Toorbul point.
1953 Electricity connected and Movies being shown at Church hall.
1953 Recluse artist Ian Fairweather comes to live in a grass hut on Bribie.
1963 Bribie Island Bridge opened with expensive Toll lasting 12 years.
1967 Proposal that Bribie, now with 1000 residents, become Independent.
1977 Development plans for a Bribie Racetrack & Airport rejected.
1988 Community Arts Centre opens as a Bi-Centennial project.
1989 Bribie Island National Park was declared.

Bongaree Foreshore 1920

Hotel Bribie built 1939

The Historical Society give presentations to local Clubs & Groups, conduct Heritage Walks and publish several free informative brochures. We are conducting guided Heritage walks at Bongaree on August 9th and Woorim WW2 relics on September 20th as part of the Councils “Healthy & Active” program. Visit the website https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/healthy-active/ to book in.

You can also view our Blog site at http://bribieislandhistory.blogspot.com where there are hundreds of articles and photos dealing with all aspects of Bribie Island History. There is also a public presentation on “Bribie in WW2” on Friday 31st August at the U3A Centre in the Recreation Hall on First Avenue.

You must phone 3408 1450 to register your attendance, which will be followed by afternoon tea. We hold a monthly public meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at 6;30pm at the RSL Club with presentations by members and guest speakers. Visitors are always welcome. We have recently published a new book “Describing Bribie Island” containing 27 first-hand stories by people who visited Bribie over the century from 1865 to 1965.

These are personal handwritten articles, stories, letters and poems in which the writers detail their Bribie Island experience. This book is available for sale at the Seaside Museum or by contacting us. If you have information or photos of interest or would like to ask a question, you can contact us on [email protected]

Local Articles

Bribie Island Parks, how they got their names

Locals’ Only – The Blue Pacific Hotel

Locals Only

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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Tags: Queensland Travel and tourist destinations. Bribie Island. Hotel. Pub. Tavern. Brisbane

The Locals Only Show Rocks! Another fine and warm Sunday afternoon ensured that the Locals Only Show would be an afternoon of surprises and great music would be enjoyed by all. Hosted by guitarist/vocalist, Dan Burns, the show featured song and dance, a new artist and a new band. Once again, volunteers from Project Pink helped to make sure that it was a day to remember. Project Pink has been fundraising all through July to support breast cancer awareness and over the past few weeks, has managed to raise much-needed funds for this worthy cause. Thanks to Caz, Tracey, Chez and Jo for your wonderful and tireless help during the month.

The show began with the Wham Bam Thank You Band with some lively tunes to set the mood for a fun afternoon. The first guest artists came in the form of the Step Up dance troupe, a local dance studio, who performed 2 sets of very colourful dance numbers. It was very enjoyable and showed the remarkable energy and talent of these young performers. It’s very refreshing to see new artists at each of the shows, and this time, it came in the form of Tony Hirst who quickly made himself popular with the Blueys audience and went on to receive one of the Performer of the Day prizes.

The other prize was awarded to Frolly, a duo consisting of Frank Sover and Amanda Jones, making a long-awaited comeback to the Locals stage. A new band, Black Adder, formed only a couple of months ago, graced the beer garden with some really great music and showed the crowd how much fun that playing music can be. The show ended with host Dan Burns seeing out the day with a few friends for a long bracket of blues and rock ‘n roll. Dan is proving to be a great master of ceremonies and is attacking his hosting role with relish. Thank you to all the artists, the audience and especially Malcolm Smith who lent us the PA system for the day. The next Locals Only Show begins at 1 pm on Sunday 26th August.

www.thebluepacific.com.au

3408 1004
Featuring Local Talent & Special Guest Artists
2 North Street, Woorim

WILDLIFE AUSTRALASIAN GREBE – TACHYBAPTUS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE

Wildlife

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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WILDLIFE AUSTRALASIAN GREBE – TACHYBAPTUS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE

Tags: Australian Wildlife. Queensland. Brisbane. Birds

By Marj Webber

Last week I spent a couple of hours in the serenity of the hide at Buckley’s Hole. There were lots of birds scattered around the far banks but only a few species were feeding in close proximity of the hide. Two Australasian Grebes came closer and closer, diving all the while to find food beneath the water. One was in breeding plumage and the other was not and I was able to take a few shots of each one.

Chick eating a red dragonfly caught by the parent

Australasian Grebes are very common breeding residents on Bribie Island working in pairs or in small groups. They live in freshwater lakes and wetlands and are almost always able to be seen at Buckley’s Hole and Bibimulya Wetlands. They are found throughout Australia where there are lakes, rivers and dams and also inhabit the Pacific Islands, and have introduced themselves to New Zealand.

Non-breeding plumage

Australasian Grebes are the smallest of the three species of Grebes in Australia with males and females being of similar in appearance. Males are usually a little larger than the females being 23 – 26 cm with a wingspan of about 39 cm, weigh 100 – 230 g and a lifespan of 11 – 12 years. Their plumage is waterproof and tail feathers are often fluffed and spread out when swimming to attract the warmth of the sun. When in breeding plumage the feathers become much darker with a rufous stripe down the side of the head and neck and a yellow patch appears behind the bill.

Nest with eggs starting to turn brown

Hoary-headed Grebes are of similar appearance. Buckley’s Hole has had only three recorded visits from Hoary-headed Grebes which not normally found in our area. Most of the day is spent looking for food by diving and finding small fish, crabs and water insects. Aquatic grass seeds are also on the menu. Australasian Grebes will sometimes eat their own feathers and feed them to the chicks. This is thought to prevent injury from sharp fish bones that have been eaten.

Chick riding on parent’s back

If the food supply is sufficient the grebes will usually stay at their normal feeding grounds and only move if the water dries up and food becomes scarce. I have often observed the small grebes following other waterbirds such as Grey Teal and Hardheads and diving together when searching for food. The grebes eat some of the prey that has been disturbed by their host. September to April is their most likely breeding season.

They build a platform of aquatic vegetation on the water which is normally anchored to something under the water. Sometimes two females lay the 4 – 7 bluish eggs in the finished nest. After a time these eggs are stained a dark brown by the vegetation in the nest. Eggs are incubated by both male and female for 23 days and both parents care for the young when hatched.

Grebe on nest

Chicks can swim as soon as they are hatched but often hitch a ride on their parents’ backs. Parents feed their chicks for about 10 weeks and when they start breeding again they are driven away. Up to three broods are produced in a season. When in danger grebes usually dive under the water to escape their prey. Other times they will hide amongst the vegetation with only the head protruding.

Conservation status is widespread and common. Artificial waterways created in parks and farmlands have been of benefit to their survival. There are no major predators threatening the species.

Dragons Abreast Bribie Island – A WEEKEND ON THE RIVER

Local Clubs & Groups

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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Dragons Abreast Bribie Island – A WEEKEND ON THE RIVER

Tags: Breast cancer awareness group. Brisbane. Queensland. Bribie Island

‘It was an amazing couple of days and everything was so well organised,’ was how Dragons Abreast Bribie Island secretary Joie Scheinpflug described the International Dragons Abreast Regatta which was held in Florence recently. Twenty-nine members of the Bribie Island club attended the event and from what Joie has told me, they all thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to participate.

Featured Image(above): Dragons Abreast Bribie Island members Joie Scheinpflug and Judy
(Fin) Finegan with their participation medals and bright pink shirts.

The regatta was held on the waters of the Arno River with teams of breast cancer survivors from across the globe competing in timed races over a distance of five hundred metres and Joie explained to me that whilst the local team enjoyed being able to win one of the trials in their section, just being able to be involved and be there to support each other was the important issue.

As a much-anticipated part of the Dragons Abreast calendar, the International Regatta was attended by about four thousand and, over the two days of the event, the venue was a mass of pink with all the competitors and supporters decked out in the special shirts that were issued to all that were there. Each of the paddlers also received a medal of participation which had been crafted out of the local Murano glass.

Rafting up for the Flowers on the Water ceremony.

Towards the close of the regatta, representatives from each team joined to paddle in a special “Sandy Smith” paddle which was in honour of one of the early driving forces in the movement and Joie remarked that Sandy’s husband, daughter and sister were all present as the boats made their way through the water. The finale on the weekend was when over fifteen boats rafted up mid-stream for the traditional “Flowers on the Water” ceremony. This is a tribute to all those who are not with them anymore and involves everyone throwing a single flower into the water.

The Bribie Island contingent

The Dragons Abreast movement was founded in Australia twenty years ago and the Bribie Island club has recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. I have been told that there are plans to conduct “come and try” days in the near future and this will be an opportunity for any prospective new members to see if dragon boating is right for them.

Anyone who would like to know more about the Dragons Abreast organisation should either send an email to [email protected] or make a call to the club president Leonie Dyer on 0418 782 334.

Lions Clubs News August 2018

Local Clubs & Groups

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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Tags: Lions Club Queensland. Australia. Events. Bribie Island

SPECIAL AWARDS AT CHANGEOVER

When people give freely of their time and in some instances, their money, to be of help within their community, it is important that they receive due recognition for their efforts and at the recent Lions Club of Sandstone Point changeover, recognition of outstanding service to others was given to some well deserving locals.

Lion Eric Banham was presented with a J.D. Richardson award for outstanding service to the community and the Lions Club by District Governor Englebert Krampl and club President Len Dawber. Melissa and Brendan Smith were recognised for being the founders of the Bribie Island – Sandstone Point Little Athletics Club and they were given a Lions Community Service Award by District Governor Krampl.

Brendan and Melissa Smith being presented with a Lions Community Service Award by the District Governor and the Club President

District Governor, Engelbert Krampl, Lion Eric Banham and the Club President, Len Dawber.

THE RIVALRY GOES ON

The often fierce rivalry between sportsmen and women of Australia and our neighbours across the ditch in New Zealand is well documented and has been for many decades. It seems that there are dew sports which are excluded from this ambition to be the best and, as was witnessed at the Bongaree Bowls Club recently, bowls are no exception.

It seems that from 2006 until 2008, bowlers from both countries had entered into eager competition for the Jim Carr Trophy and following the rediscovery of the trophy at the back of a cupboard in the clubhouse in 2014, the rivalry began once more in 2015. In the previous three years, the visitors have won the trophy and despite a very determined attempt to wrestle the prize back for Australia, the final result after twenty-one ends was announced as a draw.

Apparently, the greens at Bongaree were filled to capacity and there were a few who missed out on a game. With the competition overall present enjoyed a BBQ lunch which was followed by the presentations. Bowlers who managed to get a “toucher” during a specific time frame were suitably rewarded and the raffle provided a range of great prizes. Special thanks must go to Brenda Hutchinson, Judy Hargreaves and Pat Clancy for doing such a wonderful job of organising the event.

Doreen O’Halloran, Doreen Pennery, Di Davidson, Pat Clancy, Judy Hargreaves, Lorraine Clark and Brenda Hutchinson with the Jim Carr Trophy

A WALK WITH UNCLE RON

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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There is no doubt that the opportunity to take a walk through the natural environment of either the beaches or bushland can be of benefit in a number of ways which include the opportunity to be physically active as well as to develop a close connection with nature and a recent walk along the tracks at the rear of the Art Centre by the Bribie Island Community Kindergarten community has been described as a worthwhile experience by all who took part. Kindy Director Narelle Dawson explained to me that this was part of a regular program of walks which are always accompanied by Uncle Ron who shares his indigenous knowledge about the area, wildlife, plants and trees.

Featured Image(above): Uncle Ron takes the time to share his knowledge

‘Part of our beliefs and goals for the kindy community are to be connected to places and to each other which fosters a sense of belonging for all,’ said Narelle. ‘I believe that there is no better way to achieve this than by these regular outings which bring about a calming effect and a sense of peace. Walking among nature grounds the body whilst also creating a sense of safety, comfort and belonging which in turn provides the opportunity to develop a close connection with nature,’ she added.

The kindy community were all eager to begin their walk with Uncle Ron

During their excursion along what is known as the Banksia Walk and the Palm Grove Walk, the children, their parents and kindy staff learned from Uncle Ron about the Bungwall Fern and its Indigenous use as a flour for cooking “Johnny Cakes” and Narelle pointed out that as well as providing the young children with a chance to learn about the environment, the family bush and beach walks are designed as a way of inspiring communities to spend more time outdoors.

Matilda Ivory (L) and Evelyn Haggerty were keen to point out their artwork 0n
the Arts Centre wall

Following their walk, all who took part enjoyed morning tea on the lawn at the rear of the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre before taking the opportunity to inspect the children’s artwork which is on display at the centre. ‘Having their work displayed alongside the work of accomplished artists fosters a sense of worth and achievement for our little ones,’ Narelle told me. ‘The partnership with the Arts Centre has provided us with a worthwhile opportunity,’ she said.

World’s most eco-friendly car based on Hemp

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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World’s most eco-friendly car based on Hemp

Tags: Eco-friendly car. Automobiles. Environmentally. History. Hemp based fuels.

From when the first automobile was produced, vehicle designers have experimented with various methods that will not only improve economy but will also have less impact on the environment and whilst one Canadian company has recently designed what is claimed to be the world’s most eco-friendly car with a body that is manufactured completely from hemp, few people are aware of a previous attempt to produce a similarly made vehicle by none other than Model T inventor, Henry Ford.

History reveals that Mr. Ford spent something like twelve years researching the viability of such a vehicle and had even included the possibility of incorporating an engine that ran on a hemp-based fuel. However, due to the restrictions placed on the industry during World War II, his plans failed to come to fruition and the idea was shelved in 1941, never to re-appear on the company’s design and development schedule.

Obviously having access to a much greater degree of technology than Henry Ford could have ever dreamed of, Calgary based Motive Industries Inc have come up with a design that is seen partly as the result of the Canadian Government’s pro-active support of the industrial use of hemp and with that, the farming of the product.

The four-passenger vehicle, the “Kestrel, is powered by an electric motor which is manufactured by TM4 Electrodynamic Systems of Quebec and produces a top speed of ninety km per hour with a arrange of approximately one hundred kilometres before the need to re-charge. Interestingly, the body of the Kestrel passed it’s crash testing admirably and unlike steel, the panels are not only lighter but have been reported to bounce back into shape after impact.

As hemp is relatively easy to grow, requiring nothing but the sun, the retail price is said to be very affordable. Hemp is a substance which complies with every eco-standard that exists in the world today, in fact, it actually exceeds those standards by an appreciable margin. The oldest recorded instance of hemp farming was five thousand years ago in China and for thousands of years, ninety percent of all ship’s sails and rope are made from hemp which is regarded as a forever lasting resource.

It has uses in over 50,000 applications including medicines, fuel and clothing and is regarded as a large threat to the profitability of large corporations that control the supply of energy, health products and many more. From when Motive Industries first revealed the Kestrel to the motoring world and predicted that it would be readily available within two years, all Seems to have gone quiet and one is left wondering if this is just another case of a product which is a threat to our current financial and economic system being stifled by the large companies which stand to be affected by it’s existence.

Whilst the systems which we have in place are used to justify the reasons why products such as the Kestrel should not be mass marketed, we must work towards implementing new methods and technologies that are more harmonious with the planet.

Pet care and Pet advice

Pet Care & Pet Pics

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2018

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Tags: Pet care. Advice.

LIVING WITH A FOUR-LEGGED TEENAGER Part 2

By Yvonne Bishop

In the last issue, I wrote about the two main periods dogs go through: 6 – 9 months the sexual maturity stage – during this age bracket is when most people will have their dogs both males and females desexed. Some people have the idea that this will quieten down the dog and may be dreaming they can skip the teens. Sorry, it doesn’t. The dog may be quiet for 24 hours after surgery and then usually they are back to their bouncing energetic behaviour.

Training and maturity is the key to have a well-mannered dog. 12 – 24 months is known as the social maturity stage where he learns how to interact with and respond to changes and learning skills. During this period he is learning how to deal with new experiences being good or bad. Some dogs when puppies would not be bothered about loud noises and thunderstorms and during this period they may develop fear.

Some dogs are very sociable but one bad experience can cause anxiety more so at this stage than others. Most important is to understand it is a normal stage and that the dog is not naughty. Dogs are not aware of human house rules and so they have to be taught. So how do we survive the teen years and turn them from a rollercoaster ride to a merry go round?

1. Patience Dogs behaviours such as chewing, digging, barking are normal and healthy but we need to teach them skills that are not normal such as don’t bark or chase. How do we do it? By being patient and 100% consistent. We need to teach them our rules. The simplest way is to reinforce and reward good behaviour.

2. Exercise During this stage they may need more stimulation then they did as puppies. Walking more often and vary the walks can be helpful. As they are also fully vaccinated it is safe to take them to the beach or the dog park and let them run around. This will help to use up their energy and excitement level. Taking them for long walks around the neighbourhood can be calming as they sniff around and yes, it is important to let them sniff. To be continued in the next article.

ET COME HOME

By DR JACKIE at Sandstone Point Vets

Many dogs bark when their owner is not home, and we can only speculate why. One good explanation is that they miss their significant human and are calling them home. Your dog’s barking is rewarded every time, eventually, because you do come home. Your dog does not understand that you were coming home anyway.

Dogs chasing the postie is part of our urban legend; the reasons for this may be similar, using “doggie logic”. Consider the following sequence of events: postie threatens to impinge the pack boundary and messes with pack property (i.e. the letterbox), dog produces a territorial display (hackles up, barking), postie leaves, and dog’s behaviour is rewarded. That silly postie comes AGAIN the next day and gets driven off by your dog’s ferocious display AGAIN… Will postie never learn???