Xmas Newsletter 2013

 Kogarah 2217

Sydney

saveheritage.com.au-  my web site

December  2013

XMAS NEWSLETTER   2013

Dear relatives and friends,

This year has been a year of diversified activities, and some “colourful’ incidents for me;  a long newsletter this year.…….

I celebrated my January birthday at the St George Motor Boat Club  in Sans Souci , with Nan , Ken, Phillip and Manuel ,who was holidaying  with Ken and Phillip. Manuel works as an interpreter at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.

On January 9 2013 I met for the first time, Peter Duggan, a heritage architect and a Masters student in the Heritage Conservation Course at Sydney University. We were to work together over the next 10 months, with 3 other people, to produce a guide to heritage for the community.

On January 14 2013, I was chatted up by a young man, maybe  23 years old, who was selling tickets for cancer research.  I won’t repeat all of the conversation –just some salient points . “Your late gentleman was a very lucky man to have you all those years “ He looked carefully at my face and asked me” if I had ever had any work done on my face.” “No’ I replied . “you are in good condition” he said . “You have plenty of energy for a woman of your age  “  ( I was wearing my Lorna Jane sports pants, a  t -shirt and joggers)

I leaned forward to the table he was sitting at and eye balled him “well what age would you have picked me for, if I had not told you ? “ Mr 23 year old said “I would have picked you for late forties “ I thanked him for his compliment, and smiled to myself the rest of the day ……….   I am certain that Mr 23 year old will go far in life with his charm –he told me he was training to be a Sports and Drama teacher!

January 15-21 2013 I was in Coffs Harbour, Northern NSW. I knew that I would not be back in Coffs Harbour for some time, so I was intent on enjoying it.  Whilst I was in Coffs Harbour, on January 18 2013, Sydney experienced a heat wave .

January 26 2013 acknowledged that it was one year since my official retirement date. Time flies……  I don’t think of school, as I have chosen to move off in a creative direction. Whilst I was invited to the Year 12 Farewell on September 20 2013, I realise that I am now an ex-member of staff.

There were many lunches and a few breakfasts and dinners during the year – with friends, and also in catching up for lunch with my elderly Aunt and Uncle, Betty and Jack. I caught up with Adele, an old Macquarie University friend on October 1 2013-we had not seen each other since possibly 2007.

On February 5 2013, I tendered my resignation to Rotary after 24 years .It was time to close that Rotary door, and to move on to other things.

I presented the Noel Seiffert Award on February 13 2013, at Ramsgate Senior Citizens , Ramsgate.  This award is in memory of one of my former colleagues from Rockdale Council, Noel Seiffert, and acknowledges the work of a member of the Senior Citizens Club during the year.

On February 23 2013, I heard from Dave, in Sheffield , in relation to  the date of Harold’s football team’s celebration . February 28 2013, my ticket was finally booked for a May 16 2013 departure on Virgin Atlantic to London.  My trip was actually going to happen ……

February 24 2013 the Kogarah community’s farewell to Griffith House, St George Hospital Campus was held – we wore black.   The beautiful 1890 Victorian villa was to be sacrificed for a small car park and an access ramp. I led the community campaign, which was a strong campaign, but the Health Department bureaucracy won out in the end.

On March 28 2013, the local newspaper, the St George Leader, printed my Bottle Overboard Story in a Letter to the Editor.   It has been difficult to get the media interested in this story so this was a breakthrough …….

Raine , my wonderful Cavalier, had become seriously ill  in late March.  She died at the vets in her sleep on Sunday night, March 31 2013 almost 12 years of age – she was born on April 8 2001 and came into my care on September 16 2001.   I was devastated. There will never be another Miss Raine –a toffy nosed Cavalier, who knew her mind. Raine always kept the male Cavaliers in their place. She was a beautiful looking Cavalier, King Charles Spaniel in her prime . She will always have a loving spot in my heart.

April 2 2013, I mailed a letter to Prince Harry to inform him that my new Cavalier, Harry was named after him and Harold –who was usually called Harry.  I explained that as both Harrys were larrikins, the name fitted . Prince Harry’s  Press Secretary replied to me, in a confidential letter, dated April 26 2013.  ( The letter To Prince Harry  is on my blog )

April 6 2013, Joan Field, my Aunt, sadly passed away in Perth . I saw her last in November 2012 when she was still coherent. Joan was a wonderful lady, and I am so grateful to have known her over so many years.

Black Cavier raced for the last time at Randwick on April 13 2013. I was not able to make Randwick, but I still had a sentimental bet at the TAB on Black Caviar. I also had a bet on Amy’s Fury in the Doncaster Prelude -it came second . On my way to the TAB, I drove past Griffith House, and saw the ugly demolition shroud up. I chose a horse, which had anger in its name for my bet, hence I chose Amy’s Fury.

Catherine Stanmore and I attended on April 13 2013, the Open Day (for Heritage Week) at Tempe House, Wolli Creek . I was introduced to Jeanette by a local resident.  Jeanette later interviewed me in relation to my Bottle Overboard story and produced the 8 minute You Tube, which she titled Anne’s Adventure. This was put on line, by link on July 16 2013. ( In late August 2013 it was put on public viewing )  As of December 24rd  2013, You Tube is up to 1077 ; the 1000 views were reached on December 9 2013.

Griffith House was sadly demolished in early May 2013. The Kogarah community had put up a good fight –sadly, Kogarah has lost one its landmark buildings of its founding fathers.

I left for London on Virgin Atlantic on May 16 2013- I had not been back to London since1996, so I was excited about my visit.  I was busy every day, and the time sadly flew by.It was great to see my Scottish relatives again, and to have honoured Harold’s memory in the north of England. I had a stop over in Hong Kong for a few days to catch up with some ex St George Girls, to do some shopping and sightseeing. I love the frenetic pace of Hong Kong and its cultural diversity.

My Overseas Adventure Story, in written form, appears on my blog. Whilst overseas, I met a number of colourful characters, as it is my norm to do. I was chatted up by a somewhat 35 year old Glaswegian male, at Hotel Reception, at 8am on a Sunday morning June 2 2013 – I was on my way to a Cavalier dog show, many kms south of Edinburgh.

I thought that I handled myself very well, as he edged very close to me. The female Hotel Receptionist however, was going a pale shade of white by the second, as the somewhat “colourful conversation “continued for some time…… Oh, it could only happen to me!

On June 11 2013, Virgin Atlantic touched down in Sydney, after circling for a considerable time due to fog.  I could not believe how quickly my wonderful trip had passed.

I attended Hazel Hawke’s Memorial Service at the Opera House on June 25 2013 .A  wonderful tribute to a great Australian ,who achieved so much in her lifetime. The Opera House was full for this moving tribute- interestingly people of all age groups attended.

On June 27 2013, Annabella went to car heaven.I sold Annabella in early June 2012 to Kavel , an apprentice mechanic, who lived in the Blue Mountains.  He restored the car and on-sold it to a friend. In the week of heavy rain in late June, Annabella had an accident and was written off. Kavel bought her back for parts to another old Toyota he is restoring.

It was soul destroying for me to receive pictures of her restored, then Annabella after her accident on June 27 2013. Annabella has provided me with many memories –she had been part of my life since February 1981. We travelled many kms together – my wonderful yellow Toyota Corolla. In her later years, I received some admiring looks –the car, not me!  Annabella was in good condition for her years.

On July 18 2012, myself and 3 other people were photographed in Beatle’s Abbey Road style crossing  Bellevue Street , Kogarah . The photograph was to be used with an article on the planned controversial planning laws for NSW .The four of us agreed to wear something red. The photograph was stunning – it has been, I believe, the most viewed photo in the Leader newspaper for some time.

I have attended a couple of community meetings at Rockdale Council, August 2 2013, and September 19 2013, in relation to the planning of the new $16 million library.

Catherine Stanmore, a friend of many years, died suddenly, aged 60 , on Friday, August 16 2013 . I had afternoon tea with her on the Thursday afternoon, August 15 2013 – I left her house at almost 4pm; she died early on Friday morning .When things happen like this it makes you appreciate the fragility of life, and how important friends and family are.

I started swimming in early September 2013, initially at Brighton Beach. I then progressed to a heated pool, where I could swim laps. I have my trendy hot pink water proof watch, hot pink swimming cap and swimmers.

September 7 2013, was our long awaited Federal election, which resulted in a change of Government.

September 9 2013 the NSW Heritage Network Inc was registered. This will become an important network in the months ahead.

On September 12 2013 Ken Jagelman, Mr Di Leo and myself attended a Members only tour of the new stand at Randwick Racecourse. The stand is lovely, but I cannot but feel that it is pricing the average punter out of a day at the Races.

Ken photographed me standing underneath a photo of Arthur Ward which was near the Jockeys Room. Arthur was the jockey, who rode the last winner at Moorefield Racecourse, in July 1951 – Chief Pontiac. Arthur Ward died in mid- October in Perth, aged  94.

September 29 2013, I drove to Wollongong to attend the final of the Under 21’s in the Premier League. Dapto Dandaloo Fury again made the final, which was held at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Harold’s Memorial Award goes to a player in this team, so I like to attend at least one match during the football season.

I decided to write a story about my Cavaliers for the Hurstville Writers Group competition –my first foray into creative writing for a competition.  The presentation to the winners was held on October 12 2013 in Hurstville Library. My story, which honours the memory of Pepper, Angus McTavish , William and Raine, is on my blog.

On October 27- 30 2013, I enjoyed a few days on the South Coast, staying at Greenwell Point near Nowra. Harold’s daughter, Karen joined me for the few days away. We enjoyed morning tea in the Berry Tea Shop on October 30 2013.  The owner of the shop asked if I was a former St George Girls teacher – she had been a student 1987-1990 at St George !

Saturday, November 2 2013, I attended the 30 year reunion of the 1983 girls, which was held at the St George Motor Boat Club.  It was wonderful to see almost 60 girls from this year in attendance .The girls appreciated my attendance and gave me a lovely bottle of champagne.  The changes in the school since their 2003 reunion had been updated, and then I gave my speech. Linda Baron said to me “you are well preserved “ – perhaps she thought I had  been pickled all these years ……

Melbourne Cup Day, November 5 2013 this year was enjoyed with 5 ex -St George staff at the St George Rowers Club. I requested that all ladies wear a hat or a fascinator with their racing finery– all obliged. We had a great day – good food, good conversation and a gossip. And, some of us were lucky with our bets. I was up to my usual big race form and backed first and third in the Melbourne Cup and the winner in Race 8.

On November 10 2013, at 11.30am, at a State listed heritage property, Linnwood House in Guildford, our heritage publication was launched by Barbara Perry MP, Shadow Minister for Heritage in the NSW Parliament. This publication is an online publication, which will be accessible from heritage websites, to all communities across Australia. This publication is dedicated to the memory of Griffith House. In its format, and with its content, it is a first and I am proud of the effort/contribution of my team of five heritage advocates.  It went on line November 18 2013 and can be found at saveheritage .com.au.

I was invited to attend the Rockdale Council Mayoral Christmas Party in mid –December – I have not attended this function for many years. Ian Thorpe , ex -Olympian, was the guest of honour.

This year I will spend Xmas day lunch with my elderly Aunt and Uncle.

Cultural activities have been varied this year. On January 4 2013, Patricia and I visited Hazelhurst Art Gallery to see HSC Art works. On April 21 2013, I again visited Hazelhurst with Marlene, to see the Cavalcade of Fashion Exhibition. A friend, Kathleen, who was a textile teacher, has been assisting this year in setting up and dismantling this exhibition across NSW.

On July 7 2013, a friend and I enjoyed a day in the Royal National Park , and again on July 28 2013, at Kurnell .  July 13 2013, a friend and I attended the Circus at Tempe – I had not been to the Circus for many years. On August 31 2013, Katherine and I were able to enjoy an afternoon at Rosehill Races.

On October 7 2013, Maria and I had the opportunity to go on board a British Naval Carrier, which was berthed at Bangaroo.  The Australian Navy celebrated 100 years, and ships from around the world came to Sydney for the celebrations.  November 13 2013, I attended one of my favourite ballets, La Sylphide at the Opera House.(The ballet has a Scottish theme and the men dance it in kilts-in 1836 La Sylphide revolutionised Ballet as women were en pointe.)

On November 20 2013, I was invited to a function at Kogarah Library to acknowledge 50 years since the assassination of John F Kennedy.

Technology has crept into my life in a big way from mid -year. A friend, who knows his way around the computer, set up my blog (annefield.net.au) in mid -July 2013 and my heritage website (saveheritage.com.au) in early November 2013.  I am very appreciative of his expertise, and his encouragement of me to more frequently update my bog.

It is “that birthday” in early 2014, a day for mourning perhaps, or a day to wear black.No, it is a day to acknowledge not only what I have achieved over the years, but to acknowledge my friendships with so many people, from across so many different walks of life.   Life is a journey, and I have had a rewarding and at times, a colourful journey.

I acknowledge that my year has been very busy with some Moorefield Racecourse work done this year.

I have not heard anything in relation to my 2 bottles .They were recommitted to the ocean on September 30 2012. Obviously, they are happily bobbing along ………

In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge a special person, whom I have continued to be friends with, over many months.  We are of different backgrounds, have different skills and vastly different life experiences.  Yet in all of this, we work well together, and complement each other in so many ways.  A challenging and rewarding experience.

Good health and happiness to all .

Best wishes for 2014

Anne