Donation From the MG Car Club

Published at: www.headstart-abi.com.au, October 2014

ON THE 12^th of September, staff member Andrew and consumer Tim met with the MG Car Club of Newcastle. The occasion was the hand-over of a cheque of $500 raised for Headstart and its services. “They were a very hospitable bunch,” said Andrew.

Back in July, a race was held at Ringwood Park Raymond Terrace. Members of the MG Car Club saw Headstart as being a worthwhile recipient of donations was Headstart. Throughout the day, buckets displaying our logo were touted about and used for this very purpose.  “Initially we thought of this because someone we know is involved with Headstart,” said Peter Robinson, promotion officer for the club.

As well as raising funds for a local charity (“something we do often”, said Peter), the occasion was to test out the changes to the Ringwood Stadium.  Both he and his daughter Liz joined the field of around 70 cars who braved the chilly weather to race up and down the hill.

How did you find the new track, I asked? “Oh, really good,” replied Peter. “Quite tricky with some difficult corners though, and it’s now the kind of track which means that a less powerful car can get a lot closer and be a real challenge.”

Since the Hillclimb in July, the Club has busily continued with its modifications to the track. Over the past 12 months,  members have carried out a working bee at least 2 days a week. Tarring the pits and waiting bays, setting up new buildings- from all reports, the fellows have not been idle!

The MG Car Club always appreciates new members. If this interests you, please visit:
http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/

REVIEW: The Taxpayer’s Waltz

Published at: www.culturehunter.com, October 2014

Who: Myall Coast Entertainers Inc.         

What: A play by Peter Coke- production by arrangement with Hal Leonard Pty Ltd on behalf of Josef Weinberger Ltd, London

Where: Hawks Nest Community Centre

When: October the 15^th- 18th

Cost: $15

Myall Coast Entertainers delighted audiences with their production of the play ‘The Taxpayer’s Waltz’. It tells the comical story of two sisters who invent a fellow named Guy Thompson to suit their own purposes. One, a writer, is all for it, giving this Mr Thompson multiple wives and children, perpetually putting him “upstairs with a fever” and deviously acting as his “personal secretary”. The other is the (always ignored) voice of reason who reminds her sister of the pitfalls of lies and tax evasion.

Done in three acts, the play took a while to gain momentum. The first act more or less consisted of two people pacing to and fro and dialoguing across the stage- “setting the scene”, as I was later told. The second saw the play come to life as a whole new batch of characters entered, evidently summoned (to the astonishment of the sisters) by this invented bloke himself. In the third act the pair felt that he had become too controlling of their lives and so decided to “kill him off”, discussing and planning how best to do so.

Beyond the central characters who were convincingly carried out, there were others who stood out also. There was the lady in Act Two who played ‘Maureen’. Believing herself to be Mr Thompson’s wife, her portrayal was really brought to life with her wildly colourful attire and spirited Cockney accent. In Act Three we met Ms Timwell, the risqué and cheeky tax collector. With striking legs, bright blonde hair and a lively disposition, she immediately captured the viewer’s attention. And throughout the show the chap in the purple shirt often kept the sisters on edge, always seeming on the cusp of discovering the truth.

There were shortcomings…but then, what home grown theatre production doesn’t have them? The prompt lady down the front was kept busy all night, often slipping in phrases just as the actor began to stumble. And at one point the pair on stage seemed to have forgotten their lines entirely, but they so fluidly maintained their composure that the mishap merely seemed to be part of the script!

It’s always a pleasure to see this group in action. Their hard work and enthusiasm was clearly evident in their delivery, and seeing locals flexing their theatre muscles usually guarantees a great night out with plenty of laughter. So cheers, Myall Coast Entertainers- I look forward to next year’s production!