Home Blog Page 88

A TALE OF TWO TRADIES

By
David Sweedman
-
0

The following supplied article from John Boland offers a warning to our readers when sourcing their tradespeople from social media to adhere to the old adage Caveat emptor – “Let the buyer beware” and on a positive note that there are some really decent people in our community. Here’s John’s tale in his own words…. Recently we had to engage a tradesman to replace the dividing fence between the neighbour and us as it had past it used by date. (Some could say a bit like me). Taking responsibility to project manage I sought quotes through a trades site on the Internet for fencers.

Featured Image(above): Jonathon Huston our “Guardian Angel”

Two trades persons made contact and times were set for a quotation. Neither turned up so I commented on Facebook of my disappointment. As a result, there were three responses within a short time frame and times were set for quotations. The first guy was way over the mark as I had a fair idea of costs as I replaced fencing last year. The second person arrived with his wife and three kids sleeping in the car.

Being parents of four and grandparents to seven were decided to go with the young guy as it was just before Christmas and paid a deposit via EFT. On Wednesday 12 our “builder” rocked up around 11 am to start the job. By 4 pm I’d paid him the remainder of the bill in cash not taking too much notice workmanship (or lack of). After he left I discovered that not only was it not on the boundary line but was as crooked as a seaman’s leg, not bedded, palings at all angles and generally shoddy work. (There are other major issues that can’t be mentioned however they are under police investigation).

He decamped in such a hurry he even left his wheelbarrow behind. After running the issue on Facebook showing the “mess” left behind my faith in mankind has been restored. Jonathon Huston (QBCC License 15022051, ABN 20419979871) lobbed on our front door and informed that he would replace the fence the next day at cost. I don’t believe in “Fairy Godmothers” but my “Guardian Angel” is a bloody good bloke. If there were more people like Jonathan Huston in the world it would be a much better place. To my unregistered builder, I look forward to our date at QCAT. My lesson from this is to ensure that any tradesperson you engage is registered with the appropriate authorities and has an ABN as a business.

Queensland travel destinations – Leaving Darwin

By
David Sweedman
-
0
Tourism, travel, Queensland. Australia. Darwin. Northern Territory

Tags: Tourism, travel, Queensland. Australia. Darwin. Northern Territory

Hi there, my short stories are all about our family, Richard my hubby, Ginger our daughter and myself, going on a 15 month trip of misadventure in a “big rig” around Australia, on a mission to find the place to call home… After five glorious and relaxing weeks in Darwin, we were sad to leave but excited to get back on the road again. Heading South, we returned for a pit stop at Mataranka, once again immerse ourselves in the Warm Springs and the life from the ‘We of the Never Never’.

Featured Image(above): Climbing Cawnpore lookout

This was our current night time read, causing our imagination to go walkabout, and leaving us eager to have another good look at Jeannie Gunn’s original homestead. The small basic hut without water and electricity was a total contrast to our next destination of Mount Isa, which as a huge mining town was lit up like a Christmas tree all year round. By now our rig was at a bursting point from storing all our rock and shell collections, however, that did not stop us having a ‘day out on town,’ acquiring a set of colourful bookshelves for Ginger, with no plan of where to put them in the rig…

To be honest we could not wait to leave this part of civilization behind and return to our outback mode. With a couple of options to get you out of town, we decided to take a more scenic route via Boulia to get to Winton. Little did we know that this road was narrower than any drive-way, and at best could be called a single lane road! It also came with its own road rules, namely …that the road trains have right of way and do not need to slow down for anyone or anything.

Wings would have been handy, but nothing was big enough to whizz us out of the way when the huge dust cloud was approaching! Veering into the bushes with Dodge, caravan and all was our only option! Not sure how we made it unscathed, however for the next 300 km we obeyed the rule of large comes first… and fogged in anything smaller than us. Now you are thinking, what mongrels! Honestly, one could not help but bury any bypassers with a dust cloud, because that was all there was… lots of dust. And the dusty Dodge was holding up through all those humps and bumps, however not without a couple of flashing warning lights going off!

Tourism, travel, Queensland. Australia. Darwin. Northern Territory

North Gregory Hotel

One constantly urging us to stop immediately as we were meant to have a ‘flat tire’! We obediently stopped and investigated multiple times, but could not find the flat tire… Ginger realizing our serious situation of possibly being stranded once again in no-mans land told us to think outside the square and to consider that maybe we left the flat one behind … No wiser, we pushed on with our phantom flat tire and instead jumped on the brakes for a couple of wild camels and an emu crossing the road with its chicks.

With all that excitement we missed our powered caravan site at Boulia and instead ended up right next to the gents toilet door, mistaking those mosquito zappers for the infamous Ming Ming lights during the night. Still, on the way to the Queensland outback town of Winton, we came across a spectacular lookout called Cawnpore, reaching above the flat landscape like a red desert cupcake framed by the deep blue sky.

Tourism, travel, Queensland. Australia. Darwin. Northern Territory

Ginger in danger

To top it off we found a pub in the middle of nowhere, called the Middleton Hotel, which made history in 1862 when the first white men, John McKinlay and his Burke and Wills search party entered the area. I couldn’t resist a Baileys on ice, while studying the old photos and admiring the historic remnants of the ‘town’, which by now had shrunk to a population of three.

In comparison, Winton was a thriving town with multiple historical pubs, one of them being the North Gregory Hotel where Waltzing Matilda was first publicly performed in 1895. There was even a hairdressing salon called ‘Pinky’, made famous through the ABC show ‘Backroads’. Needless to say, my hair was pink and perfect after my visit! But first, we had to go on a search through the pubs to find the booking officer for the Tattersalls Hotel caravan park.

Tourism, travel, Queensland. Australia. Darwin. Northern Territory

Baileys on ice at Middleton Hotel

As usual, we had to pace out our spot when helping Bob appeared from the neighbouring motorhome. He and his wife Noelene soon became our Winton travelling buddies, and we decided to all go together in the Dodge to the dinosaur museum. This was especially exciting for Ginger as she could talk to her heart’s content with our new friends about her favourite books. Ginger announced that she loves all sort of books except Mummy books because they are sooo boring and send her to sleep…. always talking about how to be happy…

Tourism, travel, Queensland. Australia. Darwin. Northern Territory

Glassed out days and great fishing

And happy I was when this informative car trip ended, and we arrived at the most impressive Winton dinosaur museum. It was a great combination of in-house information with a bones workshop, where experts and volunteers alike made bones emerge from dirt and rocks. The outdoor activities were just as exciting with a short trip on the shuttle bus to a designated area of dinosaur canyons and boardwalks, which made me feel like I was walking next to those ancient polished giants! By the end of our stay in Winton, I was also in need of some polishing up and was looking for a place to get my eyebrows waxed.

Ginger was surprised and remarked that she thought I wanted to have more hair not less? Leading to a deep and meaningful conversation of how one could implant their ‘plentiful eyebrow hair’ onto the top of one’s head… Before I leave you with that hairy thought… I have to tell you that we have some very exciting news! Can you guess it? Send me an email! Although this is the end of this episode, I hope you can join me in the next edition of ‘The Bribie Islander’, when we try to strike it rich fossicking for gemstones.

Other Articles

Queensland travel destinations – Coolum

CRAFTY FOR LIFE

By
David Sweedman
-
0

Tags: Arts and crafts. Bribie Island

Tucked away at the rear of the Ningi Community Hall is a building which, although it takes on the appearance of nothing more than a shed, is the home to an organisation which is not only a meeting place for locals to catch up for the chance to indulge in their own particular type of craft. Going by the title “Crafty Shed,” the organisation is a frequent supporter of various charities, either by way of monetary donations or by supplying the results of their efforts whenever applicable.

Featured Image(above): Jill Heading with the painting by Stephanie Domagala

Members of the Crafty Shed recently gathered for their end of year Christmas party and during the morning, they recognised the wonderful job done by president of twelve years Beryl Higgins by honouring her with a life membership. I think everyone in the building other than Beryl knew that this was on the agenda and, after Pauline Heaslip made the presentation, Beryl, who is retiring from the position, was quite speechless.

As another part of the Christmas get together, I had the pleasure of drawing the winning ticket in the raffle which was for a beautiful painting by Stephanie Domagala and, although Beryl threatened me with dire consequences if I didn’t draw her ticket out, it was Jill Heading who took the painting home. I believe Beryl has insisted that Stephanie do a similar painting for her now.

One of the ways that “Crafty Shed” members support others within the community is by providing “Pamper Packs” for distribution to victims of domestic violence and, in a small ceremony at the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre recently, Crafty Shed President Beryl Higgins handed over thirty six of the packs to centre staff. Beryl explained to me that many of the items for the packs are supplied by an extremely generous Jenny Smith as well as some donated by Jill Heading.

‘Jenny is a frequent traveller and she even pays the cost of extra baggage to bring us the items that she gets at various places of accommodation,’ said Beryl. ‘The bags that contain the items were made by Diane Dirkson,’ she added.

For more information see https://www.facebook.com/ningihall/

Other Articles

Arts and Crafts Club

MAD POETS SOCIETY – Dec 2019

By
David Sweedman
-
0
poetry rhymes lyrics

RUDOLFS BLANK FACE

Rudolf is hanging by a piece of string

His face is blank no mouth or eyes he cannot see a thing

The nose jaw and mouth move separate from his head

I hope someone buys him as Santa will dread

Training another reindeer so close to Christmas time

He needs his nose ears and eyes for the journey of a lifetime

Now Santa is around the corner and the elves are down the isle

Gathering all the toys while Santa looks for his mobile “Come on Rudolf it will soon be Christmas day”

“We have heaps to do and must be on our way”

“ On the glass shelves are the fairies that wave their magic wand

They fly to isle two for Rudolf and sing a magical song

Now Rudolf shakes his head and his ears turn pink

Next comes his deep brown eyes and he gives the fairy a wink

Hair begins to grow on his face and his red nose is distinct

Rudolf is very hungry and his belly is starting to sink

Clipperty clop goes Rudolf shoes as he walks down the isle

Carrots biscuits and a bale of hay create a great big smile

Santa lets out a roar “It is time for all to flee”

Rudolf is harnessed at the front of the pack

The elves create mayhem there is no going back

Santa puts on his big black boots

The fairies fly and begin to swoop

The reindeers focus and off they go Flying high then flying low

Now Australia is pretty hot and the reindeers are really spent

Rudolf musters all he can to make a happy event

Santa is sweltering in his big red suit

The elves are packing the sack “Check the list” Santa calls

“There is no going back” Brisbane Sydney Melbourne and the Coast the list is very long

They are heading for the outback just in time to see a billabong

They see the billy boil from the sky and take respite by a tree Kangaroos

Emus Koala Bears gather at the fray Santa Rudolf and the elves land safely on the sleigh

Fires drought and red dirt is not a place to nap

Rudolf wanders off to view without his GPS map

The siren sounds everyone is bound

The presents sit by the log

The search party is out and so are the dogs

The reindeers are in a bog

Footprints of mud at the creeks edge

Leave an impression that Rudolf is dead

Bubbles appear in the middle of the creek

Thank God is alive but he is weak Rudolf is alive and prancing again

Everyone has cooled off nothing is bleak

This is Australia in the summer heat

So Santa and Rudolf and the team Hitch up the sleigh and create a beam

A magical rainbow to the North Pole “Yuletide “ he calls and off they go

By Sharmayne Kurtz

Other Articles

Poetry, Poems, Riddles and Rhymes

LAUGH RIOT – Dec 2019

By
David Sweedman
-
0
jokes humour funny

An Irishman was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet . “I want you to eat regularly for 2 days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for 2 weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least 5 pounds .” When the Irishman returned, he shocked the doctor by having lost nearly 60 POUNDS ! “Why, that’s amazing!” the doctor said, “Did you follow my instructions?” The Irishman nodded…”I’ll tell you though, by jaesuz, I t’aut I were going to drop dead dat 3rd day. “ “From hunger, you mean? “ “No, from bloody skippin’ !”

 

 

Scotch with two drops of water… A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two drops of water. As the bartender gives her the drink she says, ‘I’m on this cruise to celebrate my 80th birthday and it’s today..’ The bartender says, ‘Well, since it’s your birthday, I’ll buy you a drink. In fact, this one is on me.’ As the woman finishes her drink, the woman to her right says, ‘I would like to buy you a drink, too.’ The old woman says, ‘Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with two drops of water.’ ‘Coming up,’ says the bartender. As she finishes that drink, the man to her left says, ‘I would like to buy you one, too.’ The old woman says, ‘Thank you. Bartender, I want another Scotch with two drops of water.’ ‘Coming right up,’ the bartender says. As he gives her the drink, he says, ‘Ma’am, I’m dying of curiosity. Why the Scotch with only two drops of water?’ The old woman replies, ‘Sonny, when you are my age, you’ve learned how to hold your liquor. Holding your water, however, is a whole other issue.’

Other Articles

LAUGH RIOT – Funny jokes

Contributors Wanted

By
David Sweedman
-
0

Are you a boating enthusiast? An automotive buff? A lover of film with a keen critic’s eye? A passionate carer of the young or elderly? Or any of 101 other topics that you may believe our readers will be interested to read about in 2019.

Then The Bribie Islander is keen to talk to you about contributing to the editorial pages of The Bribie Islander magazine. Are you a music festival goer? A foodie with a penchant for spices? Or maybe you know of a special person in the Bribie community that you would like to write about. Whether you can contribute just one article or an ongoing regular series on a topic that you are familiar with and passionate about we would love to hear from you. Students are also welcome to get in touch, as is anyone looking to increase their writing portfolio.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer you payment for your contribution but here’s what we can do.

We can offer: The opportunity to have your work published in print with a byline and enhance the community feel of The Bribie Islander magazine. All submissions will be sub-edited before being published. We will give contributors feedback on improvements where relevant. Interested?

Then contact David Sweedman General Manager/Editor The Bribie Islander Phone: 0409 846 559 or email [email protected] or drop by the office for a chat Shop 9 / 9 Toorbul, Street Bongaree.

A REALLY GREAT READ

By
David Sweedman
-
0

I doubt that there are many avid readers who have not enjoyed one or more of the mainly African themed novels by well-known author Wilbur Smith and I think that it would be accurate to describe Smith as possibly the most well-read novelist by those who enjoy reading about all things African.

Whilst Mr Smith could be said to have captured the market in that category, since 2013, a Bribie Island author has definitely made inroads into removing that title from him. November “Islander Extraordinaire” Tina Clark who writes under TM Clark recently released her latest novel “Nature of the Lion” with a book signing at the Target store in Bongaree and when I stopped by for a chat, the Target stock had already sold out and Ms Clark was drawing from the stock she had brought along in reserve.

“Nature of the Lion” is the fifth novel that TM has written and, like Smith, she bases all her works on Africa. When I interviewed Tina for the Islander Extraordinaire article, she explained that she tries to pen one novel each year so, having now read and really enjoyed her latest effort, I will be waiting in anticipation for the next one. Without giving too much away, “Nature of the Lion” tells of a secret society of hunters who, after fulfilling their normal five animal target, Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant, are given the opportunity to include a sixth victory, Man.

Having always been an avid reader of Wilbur Smith’s works, I can honestly say that TM Clark’s style is, to me, just as enjoyable. Unlike some authors, Ms Clark does not tend to get bogged down in lengthy descriptive text whilst still setting the scene quite accurately. In fact, I have found that events in her books are quite fast moving at times and this really keeps one reading for long after it was intended. In summing up, I would highly recommend that Wilbur Smith Fans treat themselves to a copy of this novel with a rather different storyline. Published by Harlequin, “Nature of the Lion” is available at all good bookstores as well as some other outlets.

Other Articles

Books – DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT

A FANTASTIC YEAR

By
David Sweedman
-
0

Following what TS Koopa Training Officer AJ Hughes has described as a really fantastic year for the cadets and staff of the Australian Navy Cadets local unit, parents and supporters attended the end of year Ceremonial Division and Awards at the Sandstone Point facility recently. Under skies which at times threatened to dampen the occasion, cadets were presented with a range of awards for their achievements and some received promotions.

Featured Image(above): Ready for inspection

The morning began with the unit assembling for the official welcome by Petty Officer Hughes and the Colours and then the parade falling in for inspection by Commanding Officer Lieutenant Garth Schmith and Executive Officer Sub- Lieutenant David Withers. As MC for the morning, PO Hughes summarised the events of 2018 and told those present that the year’s activities had included attending the YMCA training camp as well as a march through the City of Brisbane.

He also pointed out that the unit had attended several local events including Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans Day the recent Bribie VMR Emergency Services Expo where they attracted a number of new recruits. Petty Officer Hughes said that in the new year, fifteen cadets from TS Koopa will travel to Sydney where they will participate in tours of various military bases and museums and that 2019 will also be a year in which the unit will get back into sailing.

Petty Officer AJ Hughes was the MC

Before commencing the awards ceremony, he made mention of the important role that the Unit Support Committee plays in funding the cadets’ activities. At this point, the announcement of the award recipients began with representatives of community organisations being asked to make the presentation of each award. Award recipients were, Jonah Stokes (Robin Houston’s Highest Achievement Cadet of the Year), Ella Adams (The Commanding Officer’s Cadet of the Year), Marissa Simpson (Best Senior Cadet), Zeke Parry (Best Junior Cadet), Yasmin Campbell and Isaac Dean (Best DressedCadets), Lachlan Smith (Most Improved Cadet), Joseph Fitzgerald (Jacob Miles Encouragement Award), Piper Campbell (Recruiter of the Year), Angus Bell (Recruit of the Year).

The award for the person who has excelled at showing the ANC values went to Pat Withers of the Unit Support Committee. A number of cadets were promoted from Cadet Seaman to Cadet Able Seaman and Recruit Cadet Angus Bell was promoted to Cadet Seaman. Before the Commanding Officer made his speech, a special presentation was made to Sub-Lieutenant David Withers and wife Pat in recognition of their continued dedication to the upkeep of the unit and the facility.

On beginning his address to all present, Lieutenant Schmith said that the unit would not be half of what it is without the great effort of the staff which includes Sub-Lieutenant Withers, Petty Officer AJ Hughes, Petty Officer Danielle Holingsworth and soon to return Petty Officer Christine Howitt. He thanked the cadets for their commitment to doing their best and said that he is extremely proud of them all. Prior to the morning’s ceremony drawing to a close, Chaplain Rev. Colin Baxter RAN (Ret) described how he considers his role as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people and is extremely grateful for that.

He told the cadets that they will never forget the value of the discipline that they learn and remarked that the integrity and endeavour will remain with them for life. In closing the event, Petty Officer Hughes expressed thanks to the Unit Support Committee for their work, including the provision of the lunch that was to follow. This was enjoyed by many who attended by way of a gold coin donation.

MEET the Volunteers – BRIBIE ISLAND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE

By
David Sweedman
-
0

DEBRA MIETH

Anyone who has visited the café at the rear of the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre or perhaps spent a Sunday morning at the Vibe Markets will no doubt have seen the brightly decorated tables and benches that adorn the area and it so happens that they are all the work of highly creative Arts Centre volunteer, Debra Mieth. Having grown up in Caboolture as a member of the well known Hausmann family (parks in Caboolture bear the name of both Debra’s grandfather and uncle), Debra has a long association with our beautiful island due to regular visits here from a young age.

Featured Image(above): Debra painted all of these bright colours

After a time spent travelling the world, working as a nurse and raising children, she became a volunteer at the centre over four years ago and has become involved with several areas of operation since that time. ‘I started at the reception but have helped with tasks like hanging the pieces of art in the gallery, as well as taking on the role of co-ordinator for the “Artist of the Month” display and talk,’ said Debra.

‘I did go to art college but I really am keen to learn as much as I can about art and the various techniques involved,’ she added. Debra told me that as a volunteer, she enjoys being associated with a place where everyone is so respectful and encourages each other. As a person with a naturally creative nature, Debra operates a business which she has named “Colour Me Joy Upcycled” and sells the results of her creativity at markets throughout the region. She also operates the clothing line “Mona Dearlove”, named after her grandmother.

Creative volunteer – Debra Mieth

Anyone who would like Debra to paint up some furniture or even a mural is welcome to call her on 0402 720 598. The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is situated on Sunderland Drive at Banksia Beach and relies on the dedicated efforts of the many volunteers there for its continued operation. Anyone who would like more information about what the centre has to offer or perhaps is interested in becoming a volunteer should visit the centre during opening hours which are from 10 am each day except Monday. To enquire by phone, 3408 9288 is the number to call.

the Bribie Island Croquet Club holds their annual Community Club Challenge

By
David Sweedman
-
0

During November, the Bribie Island Croquet Club held their annual Community Club Challenge, a day on which organisations and businesses from across the district are invited to participate in the not too serious social events and field a team to play in the afternoon competition. Croquet Club committee member Jan Rees told me that this year, there were a total of eighteen teams competing with Bribie Island Rotary Club being declared the winner at the end of play.

Featured Image(above): Jan Rees (L) of the Bribie Island Croquet Club presented a $2,000 cheque to Neighbourhood Centre Manager Cecelia Taylor

Those who attended the event had the opportunity to pick up a bargain from the “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It” stall and try their luck with a few tickets in the raffles as well as satisfy their hunger with a snack from the sausage sizzle. The club had made the decision to donate all money that was raised from the day’s proceedings to the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre and this has resulted in Neighbourhood Centre Manager Cecelia Taylor being presented with a cheque for $2,000 recently.

On receiving the cheque from Jan Rees, Cecelia pointed out that the extra funds could not have come at a better time. ‘We are running very low on the funding that we rely on to provide emergency relief to people who are at risk,’ Cecelia said. The Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre is arguably one of the most pro-active organisations which provide assistance to those who are doing it tough within the area. The diverse range of services provided at the centre include personal and family counselling, food packages, debt relief counselling and various courses during the year.

They also offer access to Centrelink and a legal service. The volunteers at the centre take pride in what they do and go out of their way to ensure that all who walk through the doors are made to feel welcome. Situated at 9 Verdoni Street in Bellara, the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre is open each weekday other than Friday from 9 am until 3 pm. Anyone who wishes to enquire about what is available at the centre or about becoming a volunteer is welcome to either call in for a chat or phone them on 3408 8440.

The Rotary “World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio

By
David Sweedman
-
0

Each year, people across the globe hold events to mark the United Nations sanctioned “International Day of People with a Disability” and, as they have done in the past, the Rotary Club of Bribie Island celebrated the day by holding an afternoon tea and fashion parade at the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club. Special guests at the well-attended event included Member for Pumicestone Simone Wilson, Tyson Johnston who represented Federal Member for Longman Susan Lamb, Jeanette Kretschmann from Spinal Life Australia, Gold Coast Benji and visiting Rotarian Karin Kalenko.

Featured Image(above): Kay Bush and Jean Prime wearing styles from Anna’s Boutique

Following a welcome to country and introduction by Bill Peacock OAM, the afternoon’s proceedings were opened by Simone Wilson who spoke about the importance of empowering people with a disability, and Rotary’s ongoing commitment to end polio. She also praised the work of Spinal Life Australia before handing the mike back to Bill. During his talk, Bill explained the importance of the day and of raising awareness. He pointed out that society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disabilities.

Bill is the Community Connector for Spinal Life Australia and he told those present that, as a leader in specialist services, Spinal Life Australia is committed to supporting people with spinal cord damage to living an accessible, equitable and empowered life. Before handing over to Diane Wells of Anna’s Boutique for the commencement of the fashion parade, Bill also explained that the event was being held under the banner of Rotary’s “World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio” and all funds raised would go towards that important cause. He recalled his rehabilitation after having contracted polio just before his fifth birthday and described how, over the last forty years, he has been an advocate for people with a disability and the late effects of polio.

As the “Parade for All Abilities” got underway, a succession of ladies paraded a variety of both day wear and evening wear garments, most of which were from Anna’s Boutique in Kangaroo Parade in Bongaree and a few were supplied by Target Bribie Island. After the ladies showcased their range of clothing, Bill again took to the mike to introduce the men as they strutted up and down the floor wearing some very well chosen gear which was once again supplied by Target.

Models for the ladies’ parade were Rae Guyder, Tara Quirke, Carol Dueter, Kay Bush along with Jean Prime, Maudi Bennett and Chloe Blinco. Wearing the men’s apparel were Barry Anderson, Rick Thornton, Jeff Eustace, Tom Dutton, George Grant and John Oxenford. Entertainment on the day was provided by the very popular Shane Kells who is known as “One Voice.” Also present during the afternoon were Nadine King and Jada Woodward. Nadine is the operator of Fifth Avenue Collection, a direct sales company which sells high quality, fine fashion jewellery.

Nadine operates her business from her Bribie Island home and donated ten per cent of the afternoon’s sales toward “End Polio.” Jada was there to provide information about “Aimbig”, an employment service which has specialist services to assist people with disabilities. With the fashion parade, then everyone enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea and a number of lucky people won prizes in the raffles. Judging by the reaction of all who attended, I have no doubt that the event will be even bigger and better next year.

The Rotary “World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio” is aided greatly by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which donates double the amount raised by events. When all the funds raised at the Parade for All Abilities were tallied, the total was $2,726 and this means that, after the contribution from the Gates Foundation, the amount which will go towards ending polio is an incredible $8,226.

ENTERTAINERS OF THE Island – RICK DALTON

By
David Sweedman
-
0

From when I began this series in 2017, I have been surprised at just how many former members of well-known bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s now live and still entertain in the local area and for this issue, our “Entertainer of the Island” is former Pink Finks and Running, Jumping, Standing Still guitarist and now local resident, Rick Dalton. Currently the bass guitarist in a band which is known by the name “Dave Deano Rick & Steve,” Rick Dalton made the decision to become a professional musician at the age of twelve when, while on holidays with his mother, he saw a group of guys setting up a band and reckoned it looked like a good idea.

Featured Image(above): Bossmen xpress members Rick, Charlie and BJ pictured without their fourth member Hadyn

‘At first, I asked for a banjo and my Aunty bought me a tin banjo with strings that were virtually unable to be tuned,’ Rick told me. ‘Because that resulted in me not being able to produce a good sound, I became a bit discouraged with it all. It wasn’t until I was about fifteen that my mum took me to a music shop where we purchased a nylon string guitar,’ he said. Following a while spent playing surfing and Shadows music alongside a couple of others including Ross Hannaford, a harmonica and trumpet player by the name of Ross Wilson happened along and joined in.

Rick pointed out that he was always the one who found places for the band to play at, and one of those venues was a downbeat jazz club which they turned into a blues club. ‘I’m not sure whether we were very popular with the jazz fans but they seemed to like us,’ Rick remarked. Before long, an advertisement for a band to play at a venue in Rosebud prompted the band members to come up with a better name than what they had and this r6esulted in the birth of “The Pink Finks.” ‘At the time, we were all still at school and I made the decision to leave, moving into a garage in Brighton,’ said Rick.

‘Unfortunately, the other guys’ parents became concerned that I might drag them away from school as well and this resulted in me being basically made to leave,’ he said regretfully. Quickly recovering from this disappointment, Rick joined a band by the name of “The Polka Dots” as lead guitarist and recalled the time when they were desperately in need of transport to a gig. ‘The mother of one guy owned a VW and we packed it up with the drum kit, two amplifiers, three guitars and all of the band,’ Rick told me. ‘One of us was working the pedals while another changed gears and someone else was steering,’ he added.

The next chapter in Rick’s career was when he, Ian Robinson, Andy James and Doug Ford joined up to become “Running, Jumping, Standing Still” and became quite popular within the local music scene, appearing at a variety of venues and doing a segment on the Channel Ten “Go Show.” There were, as is the situation with most musos at one time or another when they struggled for money and Rick mentioned the times when they would pull into a service station and put seventy cents worth of fuel in the old blue bus that they ended up with after a tour.

Running, Jumping, Standing Still

‘We went on a tour in this bus and when we returned, we never got paid by the promoter so we kept the bus and lived in it,’ said Rick. ‘I went around to ask for our money but got met with a knife. I think that he was trying to scare me and it certainly worked,’ he said. A trip to his parents’ motel in the country was the start of a series of events that would see Rick become a family man and, as many do when life gets in the way, put his music career on hold.

He told me that a downturn in the business world prompted his move from Victoria to the Sunshine Coast where he commenced a successful TV antenna business which he operated for about fifteen years before moving to our part of the world. During his time at the Sunny Coast Rick played in a band which entertained under the name of “Bossmen Xpress” and folded after the singer moved away.

As seems to be the case with most musicians who move to the area, Rick went along to check out the “Locals Only” afternoon at the Blue Pacific Hotel and from that visit, he became the bass guitarist there for a number of years. His current band, “Dave, Deano, Rick & Steve” play at The Beachmere Tavern on alternate Sundays and are also available for bookings. Anyone who would like to enquire about having the guys play at an event is welcome to call Rick on 0448 976 900.

Other Articles

ENTERTAINERS OF THE Island – BITS N PIECES

 

BRIBIE SIMPLY HEALTHY – Dec 2019

By
David Sweedman
-
0

Protecting Your Iodine Receptor Site from Toxins.

Iodine is a chemical element, which supports different glands in our body. Our body needs iodine but cannot produce it so the iodine must come from our diet. Due to environmental issues many of us are lacking in Iodine. Deficiency in iodine is linked to many health problems.

If you are iodine deficient you will have thyroid problems, blood sugar, metabolism problems, low energy level, heart disease, cancer, polycystic ovaries, fibrocystic breast disease, brain fog and infertility. Iodine repairs the adrenal gland and thyroid gland. It’s been said that you cannot become type-2 diabetic unless you are iodine deficient. Iodine keeps your kidneys and liver from being infected, as it is a disinfectant. The biggest cause of low IQ and mental retardation is iodine deficiency.

It is known that 20mg a day will increase urinary excretion of lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, fluoride, bromide and chlorine. Iodine is only known adaptogen that will monitor and regulate the PH levels automatically in our body. The reason most of us suffer from lack of iodine is due to the industrial revolution, that the iodine receptors are blocked by fluoride, chloride and bromide. Even when we use a good water filtering system for our drinking water to cut out these harmful chemical intakes, we still absorb by having a shower or bath.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, it only takes about 15 seconds for our skin to absorb chlorine and fluoride. Bromine is a preservative, commonly used in baking. If you are missing iodine in the receptor site, fluoride, chloride and bromide settle into that receptor site. Fluoride toxicity causes bone and teeth to dissolve. The bones become soft and brittle. Fluoride has been linked to osteosarcoma (bone cancer). It weakens bone, teeth and jaw.

Due to toxicity, bones become harder and less flexible, as we get older. Consequently, hip replacement surgery has become a common practice lately. It’s because been heavily fluorinated for about 70 years and osteoporosis is rampant. If you suffer from low energy levels, or any glands issues such as adrenal glands, thyroid glands, pituitary gland, pineal gland (if your pineal gland is blocked you may suffer from insomnia as it releases melatonin, which regulates the sleep pattern).

If you want to find out more information please check ‘The Quest for Cures’ by Dr. Daniel Nuzum. Vitamin C Shower will help eliminate harmful chemicals during showers and is available from Bribie Simply Healthy. EFT/Emotion Code therapy. My name is Heenam Kim, and I’m an EFT therapist. I believe people are ill and in pain due to emotional blockage. I locate people’s trapped emotions causing the symptoms and neutralizing the emotion people are suffering from will reduce the symptoms dramatically.

A few weeks ago a late 40ish woman came to the shop wearing a mask, out of curiosity I asked what was wrong with her and she said she was allergic to every smell you can imagine, including natural fragrance which leads to light-headedness and causes a terrible headache. As a result, she couldn’t go out freely and the headache was so bad she had to stop working.

Migraines and headaches are relevantly easy to fix with EFT. The result was excellent, for the last 14 years she couldn’t go out and never went to any weddings because of her reaction to the perfume that people would wear. She is extremely happy now; she even went to a wedding for her niece and all her relatives couldn’t believe the change.

Other Articles

BRIBIE SIMPLY HEALTHY – Gumbi Gold Aboriginal Native Medicine.

1...878889...143Page 88 of 143