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.

Bikers For Kids Salvos Family Fun Day

Published at: www.culturehunter.org, December 2013

Who: Assorted Bikers in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
What: Bikers For Kids Toy Run
Where: Stockton Ferry to Newcastle Foreshore
When: December 1^st, 2013

ON THE 1^st of December, about 5,000 riders gathered over near Stockton Ferry. Meanwhile, dozens of stalls set up tent in the park next to the Newcastle Tram Sheds. The aim shared by all? To head over to Nobby’s Foreshore and deliver $25,000 worth of donated toys to the Salvation Army.

The event was the ‘Bikers For Kids Toy Run’, now celebrating its 35^th year.  When it first began in 1978 it was only a small event, attended merely by 20-odd riders. By 1988 this number had grown to 300; over the next two decades, it grew even further to an impressive 4,000 bikes in 2011.

By 2000 the run was causing major headaches to the RTA, as bikers were interrupting road usage- risking collision- and often overheating, thanks to stalled conditions.  The implementation of the Traffic Management Plan signed off by the RTA, the Police and NCC, however, gave the event a higher level of protocol and organisation. “This saw the ride run much more smoothly,” said Howard Mole, one of the organisers, “and with less traffic interruptions, it meant a better flow for the bikes.”

Big John was the ‘man-to-go-to’ for the run, and has been since 1990. He was as good-natured as he was imposing, and I was lucky enough to grab him on one of his many visits into the Salvation Army office. He spoke to me about the lengthy time it took to weave through all the red tape, and his insight gave me a real appreciation for the protocol that must be addressed. Howard later expanded upon this, commenting that “one of the biggest challenges each year is safely getting the bikes on and off the road.” This is always compounded by the dramas of merging with traffic.  “With around 5,000 bikes, “he added, “traffic flow needs a lot of planning.”

Since first beginning, the Newcastle Toy Run has come to be considered Australia’s oldest continuous toy run. In 2012, $75,000 in donations and toys were “gratefully accepted by the Salvation Army.” Some 500 families were among those whom the care of the Salvation Army was directed towards. 2013 was much the same with about $40,000 in donations being received, helping perhaps 600 families; in addition, there was literally a truckload of toys packed away as the day wound down.

This toy run, together with the ‘Bikers For Kids Salvation Army Fun Day’ is a huge community event. As John observed, Newcastle City Council said that it brought in $1.5 million to the Newcastle economy last year. Considering this, the efforts to bring it into being and the big number of participants involved, one thing certainly comes clear- it’s definitely a worthy day!

The Loft and Its Demise

Published in Wordhurl 'Anti-slam', October 2013.

A lot of people have been very upset about its closure for several years now and understandably so. This venue is said to have “immense popularity amongst people 12-25…of ALL backgrounds (in Newcastle)” and has won several awards over the past few years, whether that be for Local Government or for its Aboriginal Youth Programme. There are a number of ex-patrons (myself included) who can speak highly of what it does, and from what I can gather it has made very decent efforts to reach those ostracised from main-stream society.

Though results like that are good for any service, they are always trumped by the same thing: money. In its official statement, Newcastle City Council says “the city is…(approaching) its challenges (responsibly)…and the (new) budget has…a focus on reducing costs and streamlining services.” Amongst those measures taken will be the closure of the Loft. Given that the council owes more than $64 million, it makes sense for it to cut costs wherever possible.

Mr Saddington of Broadmeadow gave readers a sharp slap in the face when he pointed this out back in June.  “Out of 29,000 people aged 12-25 in Newcastle LGA,” he wrote, “the Loft has about sixty regular members.” With a loss of “$609,000 over 2012/13”, this translates to the “council subsidising each member about $11,000 per annum.” If the council were to (continue to fund the Loft as is), he said, (it would) cost $7.7 million over the next ten years.

Unfortunately, the die have already been cast; the ominous and final sounding bell of resolution is ringing out loud and clear, so to speak. The council made its call months ago and in the time since the Loft has been winding down. As it stands now, what staff do remain are merely there to ensure the closure is managed appropriately. The other day, I stopped by the office and was lucky enough to chat with Dale- one of the Loft’s stalwarts- as he was packing up the old music room. “Finish (up) here at the end of the week,” he said, “and I am already thinking about next year.” 

So what are we to do now? 

Simple, my friends- follow Dale’s lead and look ahead! Though never easy, everything around us eventually grinds to a halt and the Loft is no different. Whilst it has done so much for so many, it’s lifespan has very nearly run its course. If there’s one thing we can still do though, it’s this: remember the good times of the past and optimistically look forwards to those unseen in the future.

REVIEW: A Trilogy, of Sorts...

Published at:  www.culturehunter.org, October 2013.

Who: Myall Coast Entertainers Inc.

What: A trilogy of one act plays.

Where: Hawks Nest Community Centre

When: Friday 18^th October 18^th, at 7pm; Saturday the19^th at 2 and 7pm; Wednesday  the 23^rd, at 7pm and Friday October 25th at 7pm.

Cost: Free

OCTOBER the 19^th saw the opening night of the Myall Coast entertainers 2013 show at the Hawks Nest Community Hall.

This night featured three short, one-act plays written in the first few decades of the 1900s; ‘Overtone’, ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Fourteen’. All were entertaining and showcased some quality acting skills. “We did (these shorter plays),“ said Elizabeth, one of the three directors, “to give everyone a chance at doing something different.”

Whilst not the fanciest of settings, the night still had a cosy, country-town feel to it. Though the strains of Mozart as you entered seemed out of place, this was soon forgotten in the break once you heard the sweet soul of Eva Cassidy singing of how there “ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone.” And even though the prompter down the front got more air-time than you would expect, such slip-ups were quickly forgiven once they were so good humouredly dealt with.

In the first play, ‘Overtone’, we met two women (Margaret and Harriet) discussing business over a cup of tea. Both were completely unaware of their alter-ego (Maggie and Hetty) behind them shouting instructions and voicing their true thoughts. Hetty, played by a local store owner, was acted out with great enthusiasm and much theatrical flair. It was hilarious too to observe how whilst the real lady was doing her utmost to treat the other with decorum, her alter-ego was in fact demanding of her to do just the opposite!  

In ‘Yesterday’ we met two people who had left the main room of a lively party. “Can’t stand this music,” said Sir Richard Farrington, “it’s so loud!” to his companion Lady Anne Travers. As the pair spoke it soon became apparent that they were once lovers many years ago. Anne, to her credit, quickly figured this out; poor Richard, on the other hand seemed very slow on the uptake and a bit gawky, attempting to swing his pocket watch only to find it to be caught around his jacket button!

The final play, ‘Fourteen’, saw the heroine Mrs Pringle doing her best to adjust to the ever-changing number of guests in the face of a blizzard. This was made notable by some great characterisations. Mrs Pringle, for example, had a commanding note to her voice which sounded very similar to the regal way the Queen might talk. The butler boasted a deep, English flavoured baritone which made me think, “now this fellow really seems quite cool, calm and collected!” And Mrs Pringle’s daughter, Elaine, was heart-breaking on two fronts: she possessed a girlish charm similar to that which made Audrey Hepburn so endearing, and her voice instantly brought back memories of Rachael Weisz with her elegant lilt in The Mummy.

Were there gaffes? Plenty.  As it was the opening night though, I have a hunch the troupe will only get tighter as the showing progresses and I shan’t be the one to rain on their parade. So to the Myall Coast Entertainers, thanks again for a great night!