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!    

Directory Entry- 030814

Published at: Culturehunter.org, September 2014

September 2014:

2014 is now beginning to wind down. Term three of school will end in only a few weeks and the seasons seem to be changing characteristically (although Spring could hasten it’s approach!). Conversations and developments since last entry have made it even more pressing that my sights remain on my ambitions and the world around me. I remain looking forwards and to the future.  

1) Employment: My volunteering with the Salvation Army continues, giving me useful experience. The business my folks began in July 2014 (DeGre Energy- www.degre-energy.com.au) has begun to gain a core group of alliances that may be of great benefit to both parties. And what my mother has often explained to me is the real potential for the whole family to one day be involved. Here’s to the future!

2) Publishing a collection of poetry: have continued to be pro-active in this regard. Went to a poetry recital at a near-by writer’s group the other week, and was quite impressed by the talent there. Yes, still publishing in various outlets and the shortlist for a competition I entered will be published in mid-October. More will doubtlessly be said as need be.

3) The children's book begun in the latter half of 2013: a work in progress, but this has slowed somewhat. Have met with a group at city library twice; last visit saw me rethink the development of the plot. More tweaking will be needed, methinks. Has not been high on priority list for last few months either, and may stay that way for a little  longer. Even so- stay tuned.

4) Writing often for here and elsewhere: Haven't actually done much for here at all since my article about the DSA back in January (points one and six explain why), but still have a few projects in the wings. They will develop as need be…

5) Keeping active: the City 2 Surf came and went, and I was happy with my result- one hour twenty three minutes. Though I have since wound down, considering it to be the off season, I am still putting in a good walk every few days plus other exercises and should be back on the Bowls Green soon. Joined the local fishing group too, so will be along a few times once the weather warms up. 

6) Music: while I abandoned the Way of the Pianist for many years, my return has been an- though far from effortless- easier approach than I imagined. A friend once said to “steer by the compass of your soul”…and so back to the keys I go! Local involvement with the community band has seen me writing a lot more of my own bass lines too, reminding me of the long-forgotten skills I cast by the wayside.

That all for now, my friends, but I will endeavour to remain a loyal contributor- you can be sure of that.

Cheerio, y’all!

REVIEW: Ringwood Park

Published at: www.culturehunter.org, July 2014

Who: The MG Car Club Newcastle
What/ Where: Round 6 of the NSW Hillclimb Championship, Ringwood Hillclimb Complex
When: July 6^th, 2014

ON THE 6^th of July, the drivers of around 70 cars braved the chilly start to the day to test their mettle on the newly improved track. Affectionately dubbed “Dad’s Army”, over the past few years a group of volunteers from the MG Car Club have spent 10,000 hours adding to the track. Today was its second test run.

Half a dozen different classes of cars competed, making for an interesting field. There were humble minis making themselves known. Several VWs raced up-and-down the hill, bringing back memories of Herbie and his adventures. Some older models of Commodore took part too, as did some classic Toranas as well. And those who liked their cars even faster and louder were not disappointed either, as a couple of McLaren Formulas and even a Lola 8750 took their turn too.

At one point, the afternoon was brought to a temporary halt after one of the drivers spun off one of the dicier corners up the top. As it happened though, something in the driver’s suspension broke, causing his car to spin off the track. 

The drawing card for this writer was some friends who are keen car enthusiasts. Peter Robinson, promotion officer for the MG Car Club, and his daughter Elizabeth both took their turn behind the wheel of their Formula Ford. 

“Have had this car since 1994,” said Peter, “so it has done plenty of hillclimbs in the years since.”  The experience of both was plainly evident in the skill with which each handled the course. Peter did a great best time of 39.8 seconds, coming 6^th in the field; Elizabeth, just as comfortable with the car, raced in at 40.17 coming 12^th overall.

Thanks to the suggestion a member made one night, the club decided to raise money for Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Service. Over the two days of the hillclimb, with a “gold coin” donation, several hundred dollars was raised. “The club will also donate a bit more,” said Peter, “so I reckon the total will probably be closer to five hundred.” 

Tom, a Support Worker from Headstart, was most pleased for this donation. “This will be a real help,” he said, “as it will enable us to better the efforts of the Community Education Team.”

The next big event will be the Australian Hillclimb Championship in November. So impressed with Ringwood’s improvements are the contest’s organisers that the new course is to be the hosting venue for this year. If this interests you, why not come along?

Editor's note: "I've removed it (from the site) as it is not related to the arts...really appreciate your contributions to Culture Hunter (though)."

REVIEW: The DSA at Blacksmiths Beach, 2014

 Published at: www.culturehunter.org, January 2014

Who: The Disabled Surfers’ Association
What/ Where: The annual surf at Blacksmiths Beach
When: January 16^th

ON JANUARY 16^th a few dozen people gathered out at Black Smiths Beach.  Beneath the blue tent set up on the southern side of the beach scurried about members of the Disabled Surfers’ Association (DSA) from the Hunter Branch. 

Once customary ‘hullos’ had been made and I’d registered for the day, the next port of call was to grab myself a rash shirt of the correct colour. There was yellow, for participants; blue, for volunteers; red for team leaders or green for marshalls. Primary carers had shirts of a sky-blue colour.

Then it was off to the beach in the hope of diving in the water. As I drew closer to the tent which had been set up for the occasion, it was clear that other fellow yellow-shirters were having a grand time. There were expressions of nervous excitement as some were deposited onto carefully handled long-boards. Others showed pure exhilaration when came their turn to race back into shore. One particular chap was so excited after his run that for much of the remaining afternoon he kept whooping with joy, “I won! I won!”

One of the volunteers spoke to me about how great it is to help out at the DSA. “I have three kids and am currently doing as Master’s Degree in Health,” he said. “Being able to set aside one whole day every few months works out for me perfectly, as opposed to needing to commit myself for a few regular afternoons each week.”

After we had all dunked ourselves in the waves we adjourned back up to the BBQ area to a hearty feed of snags and bread rolls. Over lunch Bede, president of the Hunter Branch, advertised the upcoming trivia night. Events like the trivia night, he said, are very important as they help the DSA to raise the much-needed funds to continue operating. “When we are out,” he explained, “we must have a defibrillator ready for use. Each of these costs two thousand dollars…”- money the DSA can’t easily spend. 

The DSA itself has developed quite noticeably since its humble beginnings in 1986. Previously a surfer, President Gary Blashke was disappointed when told he would never surf again.  With a few mates he formed the DSA, and in the years since it has “grown enormously”, currently boasting 14 branches in 5 states as well as six over in New Zealand. There is talk of efforts over in Perth too, so it seems likely that the western side will soon have its own DSA also.

Most pressing at the moment is the upcoming Trivia Night at Souths Leagues Club. If this interests you or someone you know, or perhaps if there is an item in your possession that would be a great auction piece, please check out the attached flyer and contact Ben on 0402-294-534.