Swan Magazine April 2017

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LEISURE MEDALS BLITZ FOR SWAN HILLS LISA SKRYPICHAYKO

Health

Happy competitors: (L-R) Gisele Brezmen, Evie Oliver, Angela and Joel Whitaker, Phil Salmon (Photograph by Melinda Brezmen)

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tudents from Sensei Bob Allen’s dojos in Melinda Brezmen (centre) winning gold for Female Veterans’ Kata Midland and Mount Helena (Photograph by Lisa Skrypichayko) showed their winning style last month, bringing home where competitors vied for spots on the State Team. a dozen medals from recent

Local girl Tazmin Smith took home a bronze medal for her tournaments. kata performance, and Phil Salmon again won bronze in Men's Sensei Bob Allen, WA head Open Kata. At time of writing, Salmon is competing in the of Swan Hills Goju Ryu Australia Australian Open in Sydney. said "I never wish my students

Regardless of the outcome in their events on the day, good luck - that has nothing to do tournaments can give students that extra challenge and with it. Once again, hard training motivation to excel. has paid off.

Sensei Bob praised the “It's pleasing to see so many high participation level and local Swan Hills Karate students enthusiasm, remarking competing in the first tournaments “I'm pleased and excited of this year, and I'm proud of to see so many of my everyone's results." students moving outside At the Senshinkan Open their comfort zone. tournament held recently in

“Ability to rise Joondalup, Melinda Brezmen won gold to new challenges is a in the Female Veterans' Kata division, priceless quality that ta a K i a while Drew Ridley took silver in the g Seip men) in rm will serve them well in fo r Male Veterans' Kata event - his first da Brez idley pe all aspects of life”.

Drew Rgraph by Melin Drew Ridley competition since he last trained in (Photo karate twenty years ago.

Phil Salmon's team took out gold in their Team Kata event and he also received a bronze medal in Men's Open Kata. Joel Whitaker and Pierce Brezmen both won silver medals in their age group kata events, with Pierce also placing third in his debut kumite (sparring) competition.

Giselle Brezmen came third in her age group for kata, and Evie Oliver of Swan Hills Goju Ryu's sister dojo brought gold and silver kata medals home to Bridgetown.

Swan Hills Goju Ryu's medals run continued at the WA Karate Federation State Championships,

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IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES Books and Writing

PAGE

Books KSP Open Day KSP Writers’ Centre Letters to the Editor South-West Shorts The Idler

34 35 35 40 36 37

Business Card Board

Finance with Steve Reasons to Network

44 29 32

Business

Community

ANZAC Simpson and His Donkey 2 A Soldier Brave 2 Gallipoli Dead from WA 3 The Australian Soldier Park 4 RSL ANZAC Day Events 5 ANZAC Hero 5 Bickley Harvest Festival 13 Federal Notes 6 Honey Festival 16 Lili-Mae’s Dream 41 Machine Knitters 40 Miss Galaxy Australia Candidate 7 Moondyne Joe 15

Northam Motorsports Notes From Parliament Out and About With Sharron SAFE SVRN City of Swan Notes Fashion in the Valley School Holiday Workshops Young Artists Wanted What’s On

39 6 8 43 30 31 31 30 30 11

Film with James Kookaburra April Love Me Slender at KaDS Once in Royal David’s City Theatre with Gordon

28 25 25 29 26

Douglas’ Wineries & Dineries Food Trivia Letter from South Africa Meet The Winemaker Quills

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Entertainment

Food & Wine

Leisure

Front Page Photograph: Australian Light Horse Monument.

Photograph: The monument in Beer Sheba dedicated to the memory of Australian Light Horse regiment.

See editorial on page 4 ...

Have a Bee-Friendly Garden 19 Medals Blitz for Swan Hills Inside Cover Transform Your Garden 19 DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and or issues canvassed. Synhawk Publications Pty Ltd does not accept any liability for any statements or any opinion, or for any errors or omissions contained herein.

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ANZAC

SIMPSON AND HIS DONKEY AT THE STATE LIBRARY DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

Simpson and his donkeys rescued 300 plus men at Gallipoli s part of the Anzac Day commemorations the State Library of Western Australia have mounted a display of original illustrations by Frané Lessac from the children's picture book Simpson and his Donkey, by Mark Greenwood.

The story of John Simpson Kirkpatrick is part of the Anzac Legend and an inspiring one. He was born in Tyneside, UK. He went into the British Territorial army aged sixteen in 1908, transferred to the Merchant Navy two years later and, while in Newscastle, deserted, spending the next four years travelling widely around Australia.

When the first world war broke out he volunteered immediately as a field ambulance stretcher bearer. He trained at Blackboy Hill Training Camp in Greenmount before being sent in April 1915 to Gallipoli where he began ferrying wounded soldiers, while under fire, via donkey back from the heights above Anzac Cove down to the beach.

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General Monash spoke highly of Simpson's service and bravery and example to others. Simpson was killed by machine gun fire on the 19th May, but his example of selfless service lives on.

Author Mark Greenwood has written many histories of Australia for children, including Simpson and His Donkey, which is illustrated by well-known illustrator Frané Leesac. Greenwood and Lessac have collaborated on a number of books.

The display of Lessac's notes, preliminary sketches and finished original artwork give a fascinating glimpse into the artistic process. The display is on in The Story Place Gallery of the State Library in the Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge and runs until the 27th April, 2017.

The exhibition is from the State Library's Peter Williams Collection and is part of the larger Digging Up The Past - World War One workshop designed for school groups.

Entry is free.

A SOLDIER BRAVE

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BRENDA JOY

saw the news, horrific views of soldiers coming home, though brave of deed, no life to lead, and never more to roam.

With tribute earned he had returned, another Aussie dead.

Beloved son - her only one – a mother's tears were shed.

I know you fly to take supply to allied bases far but there's no word on what's incurred or where you really are.

Our lads I know have had to go on missions danger filled.

They take on task too much to ask, those gunners highly skilled.

His coffin's drape – an honoured cape – our flag of Southern Cross, but stars of light can't hide the sight of that poor mother's loss.

Such empathy I feel to see her wreath upon his tomb.

My son still fights for human rights where cultured poppies bloom.

And you my boy, do they employ your special talents there, put downs and pick-ups rough and quick, a target in the air?

That barren land of dust and sand and rugged hill terrain; when you're away I beg the day I'll hear your voice again.

For God who gave a soldier brave for me to nurse awhile, I steered your days of boyish plays through childhood tear or smile.

Your wounds I'd chafe and keep you safe encircled in my arms.

Each memory comes back to me, my treasure chest of charms.

Leanne came by, we didn't cry, we laughed and shared a joke.

For Timmy's sake we must not break but through our eyes we spoke.

He needs his Dad, he's just a lad, he doesn't understand, just misses you as you go through crusade in foreign land.

With adulthood, I understood, you had your life to lead.

Your wife brought joy and baby boy; I watched your plans succeed.

But world moved on with dream-times gone, another path you trod.

Although I care I'm well aware you're in the hands of God.

With loss of limb or eyesight dim our warriors return and everyone with girl or son for absent child must yearn.

But they would pray that on that day no hindrance meets their sight – and I'm the same, I dread some maim might be your future plight.

You heeded call along with all who rallied to the cause – no harder than Afghanistan to tackle Terror's wars.

The chilling word so often heard; our country's bonded role to help united forces fight the Taliban's control.

And what of those with no repose from nightmare, fear and stress, no wounds displayed for accolade but crippling none the less?

Those tortured souls who've served their roles against such fierce attack; with inner pain and mental strain, how can they settle back?

I have some trace when you're on base encamped at Kandaha.

Through modern net or 'phone you get in contact from afar.

But even there the constant scare from dangers rocket borne, an enemy you cannot see; no battle codes are drawn.

No solace comes to Aussie mums whose children fight abroad, no nights reprieved, no fears relieved, no news reports ignored.

With every knock I feel the shock of heartbeat pounding loud.

Don't swap your swag for Aussie flag to drape your coffin's shroud.

It's hidden well, the force from hell that threatens global calm, with children used and life abused – no place is safe from harm.

And more I grieve when you must leave and go behind the lines to regions strange within the range of guns, explosives, mines.

The fervent care of all who share and want you home from war is that unharmed you'll come disarmed to be with us once more.

A soldier brave, the son He gave – your loss my soul would rack.

I pray for peace, that wars may cease and God may speed you back.

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I pray for peace, that wars may cease -- my heart is full of pain.

Dear God, please save, my soldier brave and speed him home again.

ANZAC GALLIPOLI DEAD FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

We honour them by knowing them and remembering them

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orensic anthropology: "Is scientific work at its most committed and advanced, helping to meet humankind's most primal need: to bury or in some way ritualise the remains of our dead."

This is done in many ways, from the sepulchre to the war memorial where we pause in our busy lives and commemorate those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

The iconic symbol of this for Australians is the woeful and tragic Gallipoli campaign in 1915.

It is, for us, the pinnacle, peak and epitome of the Anzac Spirit and mateship in adversity.

For example, the State Library has a display on Simpson and his Donkey.

And yet, archivist, author and historian Shannon Lovelady, found that no one had numbered or memorialised the Western Australians that had served and died at the Gallipoli.

So she established the Gallipoli Dead from Western Australia project. She and her team of thirty dedicated volunteers have worked hard and tirelessly as they found out how many West Australians were killed at Gallipoli and who they were.

Lovelady: "Despite consciously locking my heart away and not looking at the mens' stories

until the research phase of the projects is done, I've found it confronting when I've seen a brother, or two and sometimes three - of one of our Gallipoli men on the Western front list."

Shannon Lovelady will be talking about the project; the sources used and some of the incredible stories unearthed along the way at the Thornlie Library, 1 Culross Avenue, Thornlie on Wednesday 26 April from 10.30am – 11.30am.

This is a free event for adults. Bookings are essential as places are limited. To book a place, contact Thornlie Library on 9251 8750.

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ANZAC THE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER PARK

The handicap parking is located in the middle of the park, much closer to the facilities than the rest of the parking spaces.

The currency for the park establishment summed up to three million dollars and was contributed by an Australian fund, and by the Fund for Beersheba Development

THE CHARGE

After the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) defeats at the first and second battles of Gaza in March and April 1917, the victorious German General Friedrich Freiherr Kress von Kressenstein strengthened his defensive line stretching from Gaza to Beersheba.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Philip Chetwode (commanding the EEF’s Eastern Force) began the Stalemate in Southern Palestine, defending more-or-less the same entrenched lines held at the end of the second battle. In June General Edmund Allenby replaced General Archibald Murray as commander of the EEF. Allenby reorganised the EEF to give him direct command of three corps.

At the same time General Harry Chauvel’s Desert Column was renamed the Desert Mounted Corps. As the stalemate continued through the summer in difficult conditions on the northern edge of the Negev Desert, EEF reinforcements began to strengthen the divisions.

While the primary functions of the EEF and the Ottoman Army during this time were to man the front lines and patrol the open eastern flank, both sides conducted training of all units.

Beersheba was defended by lines of trenches, supported by isolated redoubts on earthworks and hills, which covered all approaches to the town.

The Ottoman garrison was eventually encircled by the two infantry and two mounted divisions, as they (and their supporting artillery) launched their attacks.

Meanwhile, to the north-east of Beersheba the Anzac Mounted Division cut the road from Beersheba to Hebron (which he Australian Soldier Park, in Beersheba, Israel is dedicated to the continued to Jerusalem). Continuous fighting against the main redoubt and memory of the Australian Light Horse regiments, that captured the defences on Tel el Saba (dominating the eastern approaches to the town), town from the Ottoman Empire during World War I. resulted eventually in its capture in the afternoon.

The park was established in 2008 on a The Battle of Beersheba was fought on 31 large area, and is maintained by a team of its October 1917, when the EEF attacked and own employees. captured the Yildirim Army Group garrison Australia’s then Governor-General, Major at Beersheba.

General Michael Jeffery, opened the park

After successful limited attacks which is designed to commemorate the Light in the morning, by infantry of the XX Corps Horse Mounted Infantry Charge at Beesheba from the south-west, the Anzac Mounted in October 1917.

Division (Desert Mounted Corps) launched a On the eastern corner of the park there is a series of attacks. memorial statue of a mounted Australian light

These attacks, against the strong horseman as well as documentary material on defences which dominated the eastern side aluminum boards, written in three languages. of Beersheba, eventually resulted in their The statue shows clearly that the soldier has capture during the late afternoon. a bayonet in his hands as his sole weapon.

Shortly afterwards, the Australian The park also includes an area for picnics, Mounted Division’s 4th and 12th Light gardens, artificial waterfalls, a maze, and a Horse Regiments (4th Light Horse Brigade) large playground under a circuses-tent-like conducted a mounted infantry charge with shade that protects visitors from the desert bayonets in their hands, their only weapon sunlight. for mounted attack, as their rifles were Most of the playground facilities are fully slung across their backs. accessible for children who use wheelchairs. It

While part of the two regiments includes slides one can climb to via a wheelchair dismounted to attack entrenchments on Tel ramp, a carousel with two regular benches and es Saba defending Beersheba, the remainder two secured places for wheelchairs, hammock of the light horsemen continued their charge and swings one can easily use without sitting into the town, capturing the place and part straightly and without holding tight, and so General Sir Henry George Chauvel, GCMG, KCB of the garrison as it was withdrawing. in 1923 on.

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ANZAC RSL ANZAC DAY EVENTS THE DAWN SERVICE

The Dawn Service will be conducted at the State War Memorial on Fraser Avenue commencing at 6:00am. It is recommended that you arrive from 4.00am onwards.

Some travel delays may be experienced, so please plan your journey and allow extra time to get to the Commemoration. Please note at

5:50am lights will go out and at 6:00am all will be quiet as the Service commences.

In 2017 there are three public designated areas where you can view the service on large screens. Area C is closest to the State War Memorial and an area immediately surrounding the Memorial will be low-fenced and controlled by security. Once at capacity, the fenced area will closed off.

The large screens will be located around the Commemorative site, so you will be able to see the Service within all four areas.

Wreath laying during the Dawn Service is by invitation only, however general public are welcome to lay a wreath after the Dawn Service has completed.

Road closures for the Dawn Service will be same as 2016 - Saw Avenue and May Drive as well as Fraser Avenue in Kings Park and three external of Kings Park (Kings Park Road, Malcolm Street and Havelock Street).

Bus-only lanes will operate in parts of Wellington and Havelock Streets to ensure a smooth operation of the free shuttle bus from Perth Busport to the ANZAC Dawn Service.

Transperth will be running special event train and shuttle bus services to Kings Park in time for the Dawn Service. Trains will arrive into Perth Station and free shuttle buses to Kings Park will depart from Perth Busport.

There will also be a Kings Park internal shuttle service (Route 621) operating between the Vietnam War Memorial at Synergy Parkland and the coach terminal near Wadjuk.

Attendees who are able to walk to Kings Park might like to consider the thirty minute walk from City train stations.

For further information on routes and public transport schedules, please visit the Transperth website or call 13 62 13.

GUNFIRE BREAKFAST

The community is invited to attend a Gunfire Breakfast for a gold coin donation to share the spirit of ANZAC Day. The breakfast will be held in Stirling Gardens on St Georges Terrace (adjacent to Council House). The event will cater for up to 2,000 people. The event is proudly supported by Rotary Club of Heirisson.

ANZAC HERO

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ecently the Australian War Memorial honoured Major Peter Badcoe at its Last Post Ceremony on the fiftieth anniversary of the award of his Victoria Cross.

This Australian Army Major was not the typical Aussie Digger of the day, he was quiet and bookish preferring to read and discuss military history than play mess rugby.

Short, chubby and wearing horn-rimmed glasses in 1966, after sixteen years in the Army, and aged thirty-two, Major Peter Badcoe joined the Australian Army Training Team - Vietnam and was the Australian advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam near the border with North Vietnam, far removed from the Australian AO near Saigon.

On February 23 1967, he monitored a radio transmission stating that a US Army Officer had been killed during a contact, his body lying in front of a troublesome enemy machine gun post, and another medical officer severely wounded nearby.

THE MARCH

The Australian Defence Force will step off from the corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace at 9:00am, followed by veteran-carrying vehicles and military jeeps, and the Ex-Services Unit, Corps, Regimental Associations.

The March will head east along St Georges Terrace, turn right onto Victoria Avenue and into Langley Park. To secure a good viewing area at the March, we suggest you arrive around 8:30am.

The Form-Up Area will be between William & Barrack Strs on St Georges Terrace and on Barrack St between The Esplanade and Hay Street.

If you wish to participate in the March, please be aware of the ANZAC Day March Protocols. If you are marching as a Next of Kin and are unsure whom you should be marching with, please call RSLWA with the details of the person you will be marching on behalf of (i.e. the Unit, Corps, Regiment, Ship they served with).

Contact RSLWA directly at events@rlswa. org.au or ring 9287 3799.

COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE

The Commemorative Service program will feature the Salvation Army Perth Fortress Band and choir brought together from the Perth Modern School Choirs, Chorus Angelicus, Phoenix and Schola Cantori. The Service concludes at 11.45am.

Seating will be provided for 1,000 at the Commemorative Service, standing areas are also available. Proceedings can be seen on large screens. It is recommended attendees go to Langley Park straight after the March or arrive by 10:30am.

All City of Perth open-air carparks near Stirling Gardens are open on ANZAC Day.

Sprinting across 650 metres of open ground, swept by machine gun fire, he joined up with the besieged troops, tended the wounds of the medical officer, rallied the friendly forces, then led a frontal attack on the enemy inflicting heavy casualties and neutralising the machine gun post himself.

He picked up the body of the dead US officer and still under fire, carried the officer’s body while leading the South Vietnamese troops on a fighting withdrawal over the 650 metres of open ground.

Two weeks later, whilst commanding the Ready Reaction Company of the province, he led a series of assaults which saved the besieged district headquarters of Quang Dien and its defenders, routing the enemy and forcing them to flee.

Then, on April 7, 1967, the company came under heavy attack and withdrew to cover, abandoning Badcoe and his signaller. He ran back to the South Vietnamese troops, rallied them and spurred them to advance.

They halted, again leaving him alone, but Badcoe continued forward. A stubborn machine gun post attracted his attention and he started lobbing grenades at it in an attempt to silence it.

As he rose to throw another grenade, he was cut down by enemy fire.

For his service to his country and for these three individual acts of bravery, this hero from South Australia was awarded Australia’s highest honour - the Victoria Cross.

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NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT HON ALYSSA HAYDEN MLC Member for East Metropolitan Region

THE VOTES HAVE ALL BEEN COUNTED

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he Western Australian Electoral Commission has completed the count and declared the final result. I am very sad to report I have not been returned to Parliament which will result in my role as a Member of the Legislative Council ending on 21 May 2017.

Sadly I join too many of my good friends and colleagues in such a devastating and

disappointing loss across the Lower House electorates, especially in East Metro seats.

The preferential voting system of the Upper House is incredibly complicated. In East Metro, the Labor Party won first place with 3.26%, followed by the Liberals in 2nd place with 1.75%, the Greens in 3rd place with 0.62% and 4th One Nation at 0.56%. If you went by the above votes we should have seen 3 Labor, 2 Libs and 1 Green.

With the complex preferences from the minor parties that achieved only 0.01 and 0.02% of the quota, their preferences flowed to One Nation that then bumped me off the ticket. Did the result reflect the desire of the voters? No I don’t believe it did, however this is our system.

Of course there are always lessons to be

learnt and our lesson as a Liberal Party is that we need to remain true to our values and not forget our voter base. We also need to learn how to tell our story and promote the major investments and achievements we made.

Having said that, I am very proud of the achievements I have delivered for the East Metro Region and to encourage the heads of our major decision makers to look east. I believed that for far too long, the East Metro Region had been overlooked and ignored by all previous governments.

I have been shameless in promoting the East Metro Region that has seen the largest investment from any Government in history by our Liberal Government. Continued on page 40...

FEDERAL NOTES COFFEE WITH KEN

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KEN WYATT MP

ver the past month I have greatly enjoyed being able to spend time with the wonderful people in Hasluck.

During the last few weeks I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit local schools, conduct my Coffee with Ken program, get involved in supporting local foundations and initiatives and meet with many residents to assist with queries or concerns and help find solutions.

I am grateful to be able to continue doing these things despite my responsibilities in parliament growing with my new portfolios. I will always be ready to help the community in Hasluck however I can.

Corridors College, Heritage College and Swan View Senior High School were all kind enough to host me recently and have chat about how their schools are going, what their key issues are and what programmes in their schools are working well to deliver outcomes for Hasluck’s students.

I have always believed it is vital that we ensure our students understand the importance of education, and that doors open to them later

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in life from their knowledge and perseverance at school.

I visited Swan View Senior High School on National Close the Gap Day and had the privilege of addressing approximately 100 Indigenous students about how we can move forward in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Hasluck, and throughout Australia.

During the week of 13 March, I hosted another round of my Coffee with Ken programme.

Over a three day period I met with constituents at coffee shops throughout the electorate, and discussed the issues that mattered to them.

On Monday 13 March I was at The Bolt Coffee Roasters in Hazelmere where I had some great discussions about the importance of protecting our precious local environment. I will be holding another round of coffee shops later in the year.

Please don’t hesitate to come and have a chat if you see me out and about or make an appointment to meet me at my office if you have a specific issue that you wish to raise.

KEN WYATT MP Federal Member for Hasluck 9359 0322

ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au

kenwyatt.com.au

kenwyattmp

Authorised by K.Wyatt MP, Shop 10-12 Forrestfield Marketplace, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058.

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Ken Wyatt MP and some of the staff at Corridors

COMMUNITY MISS GALAXY AUSTRALIA CANDIDATE

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annah Swart is currently one of the youngest National Finalists in the Miss Galaxy Australia pageant at nineteen years.

Hannah is a student at Edith Cowan University, studying a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood studies. Her goal is to be a primary school teacher and be able to be part of the most important stages of a child’s life, by influencing and assisting in the development of the child’s knowledge.

She has always known this was the career path she would take, saying she is grateful to have the opportunity to carry this out in the top university in Western Australia for teaching.

Back in 2015, Hannah entered in the Teen Division and unfortunately didn’t get through at her state finals. Hannah has a background of almost six years of modelling which kick started at Metro Modelling Academy in 2011.

Hannah left the academy a couple years after, looking for modelling jobs outside of Metro and one day came across Miss Teen Galaxy online. She took a chance and made it to the state finals.

“Modelling and Pageantry are two completely different worlds”, says Hannah.

After learning more about how pageants work, Hannah knew that she had to try again, this time with more determination and purpose.

Hannah took part in her state final in December becoming a national finalist, along with five other women in her division.

She was judged on the categories: evening wear, swimwear, fashion wear and an interview.

On the night there were also six girls chosen in the Miss Teen category who will join the Miss contestants in representing Western Australia at the national final, held in the Gold Coast in April.

The winner from each division - Teen, Miss and Mrs, will then fly to Florida in the United States and compete against the rest of the contestants around the world, at the International final.

During her pageant journey, Hannah has been engaged in much charity work. She has worked with over sixteen organisations in the last four months, as well as hosting two events of her own.

The two main charities of the pageant are Make a Wish Australia and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.

Hannah says the pageant has given her so many opportunities to meet amazing people in her community through volunteering which is extremely rewarding and shows pageantry is not all about beauty.

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON MRS BROWN’S BALL

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he inaugural Ball was held at The Vines Resort on St Patrick’s Day, Friday 17th March.

Facilitated by ‘The Sparkly Umbrella’ – local friends committed to raise funds for the Cancer Council WA, the ball was hosted in honour of Mrs Jean Brown who passed from cancer a year ago to the day. $22,000 was raised on the night and will be donated to research into Childhood Cancers in honour of inspiring local Kai Nell, having lost his battle with cancer in January this year at just three years of age.

This was a night of remembrance and hope.

– ttee mmi guire, o c re lla y M a s Umb , Trace i Franci y l k d Kell r Spa t woo T h e r r o n At a g ui r e & a S h o l li n M C

Ada m M

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& Ashle

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Lisa Hyde, Tracey Maguire and Justine Challender sparkling away

Sandra and Halil Talib flew in from Dubai to support close friends in honouring Mrs Brown.

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Gemma Jaworski and Jenelle Booth, beauties in blue

OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON

Surprise floorshow featuring the Kavanagh School of Irish Dance

Kelli Francis with her mother Anne Marie Chapman

Band Leader Chris and the Undercover Big Band belted out the classics

Well known local entertainer ‘Ezereve’ wowed the crowd with a set dedicated to modern Irish songs.

SOCIAL EDITOR SHARRON ATTWOOD Photograph by ShaBo Studio

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON MIDLANDIA FESTIVAL OPENING Midlandia opened with a launch event followed by an energetic performance featuring 360 Allstars.

The music and non-stop action certainly set the tone for what was to come for the rest of the festival.

Martin Eade, Brooke Wren and Tamrin Grigoratos enjoying the atmosphere

Councillor Darryl Trease rocking his festival tie with his wife Ann

Councillor Cate and Calven McCullough enjoying the amazing food on offer

ELLENBROOK BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT As a part of their fortnightly networking events for local business owners, District 32 hosted a guest event on Friday 24th March at Amarettos Restaurant in Ellenbrook – welcoming visitors from around Perth to see what’s happening in our local area.

The local group formed last year and welcomes visitors keen to meet and learn from others in business.

Regular 10 attendees - Sharon Gerschwitz and Suze Trappitt welcomed guest Kat ‘Ezereve’ who enjoyed networking so local to her home and client base

Suzanne and Tony Perry were keen to meet other local business owners

WHAT’S ON IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN EVENT LISTED IN THIS COLUMN RING OUR OFFICE ON 6296 5161 Entries for non-profit entities are free.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Glen Forrest Group Every Monday evening We meet at 7.00pm at the Glen Forrest Uniting Church, Mc Glew Rd, Glen Forrest. Call Dermot 0488 905 211 or John 0448 074 536 or the Perth Office (all hours) 9325 3566.

MORRIS DANCING All welcome. It’s like bush dancing, with sticks and bells. It’s aerobic exercise and great fun!

Tuesdays 7-9pm practice, Guildford Town Hall, cnr James St and Meadow St, Guildford. And drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Irish music For more information please contact: AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOC. Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 Discussion groups, guest speakers, morning Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au tea. Free breastfeeding counselling. Expectant Website: madtattersmorris.Myclub.Org.Au mothers, mothers, babies and children welcome.

National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 2686 MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS is a 24 hour 7 days a week service.

Mustard Seed is a fifteen year old non-profit organisation and teaches all aspects of everyday Swan/Mundaring Group meets every Monday, 9:30- computing. Ability levels from beginners 11:30am at the Gumnuts Family Centre, 8 Mudalla onwards. Want help with Windows 10? In need Way, Koongamia. A qualified ABA counsellor of instruction with your Mac computer? Have an is present at each meeting to give confidential iPad or Android tablet and don’t know what it will information and support on breastfeeding issues. do? We can help. Cost is $3 per session. Classes Contact Natalie 9572 4971. are heldat 56 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest. To gain a place enrol now.

Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a Thursday, Phone 9299 7236 or 0478 604 163 or 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Church, E: mustardcomputers@gmail.com Edney Road, High Wycombe.

W: noodlebytes.com Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP Northam Group meets each second Tuesday of The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior the month at the Bridgeley Community Centre, Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm.

Wellington Street, Northam 10am to Noon. on 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tuesday, and at 7-00pm.

Fourth Tuesday each month at Toodyay Playgroup, on 2nd Tuesday of each month. A demonstration Stirling Terrace, Toodyay. Noon to 2pm. Please and cuppa are the norm. Men and Women are phone Louisa 9574 0229. welcome. Enquiries to Ted 9295 4438.

TUESDAY BADMINTON CLUB Tuesdays Join us for Social Badminton from 9am - 11am at Brown Park Recreation Centre. Beginners Welcome. Contact Miriam 9274 5058.

THE HILLS CHOIR Monday Evenings Do you enjoy singing and joining with others to make beautiful music? Come and join the Hills Choir. We meet from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Uniting Church on Stoneville Road, Mundaring. Contact Margie on 9295 6103 for further information.

TALKING HORSES Wednesday evenings 6:00pm The WA Horse Council equestrian radio program is now in its seventh year. The programme is broadcast on the Community Radio Station 91.3 SportFM. To ensure that your club, event, breed or business gets coverage, call Diane Bennit 0409 083 617.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Monday Mornings The Art Group meets at Baskerville Hall from 9am – 12pm for just $5.00 per session.

The group leader is Gilly, she can help and advise with most media. Feel free to come and have a look and meet our local artists – they are a very friendly lot, new members welcome!

For more information call 9296 1976 or E: enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com W: www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com.

SWAN VALLEY SQUARES – ELLENBROOK Every Friday Night Modern Australian Square Dancing from 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Woodlake Community Hall, 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly, fun and low cost. No previous experience necessary. All Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com SWAN HARMONY SINGERS Wednesdays ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony Singers WEIGHT LOSS CLUB is a community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to sing music ranging from jazz to pop, plus the Every Wednesday evening We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the occasional classic. No auditions. Join us at the Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1. Salvation Army Church Hall, 371 Morrison Rd, Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support (opposite Swan View Primary School), Swan View. group and low cost. Male and females of all Enquiries: call Anna on 9299 7249, or Chris on ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 9298 9529 or 0435 062 728. shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

ELLENBROOK AND DISTRICT MENS SHED INC. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday We are open at 4 Transit Way Ellenbrook from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Potential members can turn up on those days and there will be someone to explain what we do and give membership details.

Annual fees are low and members can do their own thing, participate in projects for the community or simply just come in for a chat and a cuppa.

We are considering extending our days to include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough interest.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE MUSIC CLASSES Tuesday mornings Learn to play tunes on piano or keyboard immediately – the SIMPLY MUSIC method. Play songs, chords, blues and classical in small groups at a reasonable price.

Call Heather 9296 4181 for more details.

HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP 1st Wednesday of each month Hilltop Grove Estate, 1645 Jacoby Street, Mahogany Creek. Morning tea provided, between 10.30 - 12.00 noon.

Enquiries Terina 9572 1655.

MIDLAND MEN’S SHED Every Tuesday morning We meet socially every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am in the Bellevue Baptist Church Hall and each month we have a guest speaker on a wide range of topics.

We also go on excursions to various places of interest (e.g. HMAS Stirling, Aviation Museum, ALCOA, etc.). There is the chance to also do some woodworking or metal work at external sites.

Our music and art groups are functioning extremely well and welcome new members. For more information please contact Kevin Buckland on 0417 961 971 or by email: kebinsv@tpg.com.au.

EASTERN DISTRICTS MACHINE KNITTERS Friday - second and fourth We meet from 9:00am to noon at 10 Brockman Road, Midland.

Feel welcome to join us for morning tea and see how easy it is to make your own garments.

For more information contact Pat 9309 3260; Liz 9572 7074 or Pat 9295 2793.

HYPERLINKS You will notice in some advertisements and articles that some web addresses are blue. These are hyperlinks and if you click on that link your browser (Outlook, Opera, Firefox) will open that page for you providing you have permitted it in the browser’s ‘Preferences’.

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COMMUNITY BICKLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL MANDY SKEATES

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he cool mornings of Autumn are upon us, signifying the return once again of the Bickley Valley Harvest Festival.

The Bickley and Carmel Valleys will come alive over the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May 2017, as the 20th Annual Bickley Valley Harvest Festival venues open their doors.

A “hidden secret” is how the valley has been described, offering a mixture of boutique wineries, a cider house, local clubs, gourmet foods, stunning flowers and the freshest fruit and vegetables direct from the growers.

Where else can you find all this in Perth?

Spend some time looking at all the local art and craft whilst sampling all the valley has to offer then sit for a while as the valley comes alive with local musicians.

Make a weekend of the festival and book into one of the celebrated bed and breakfasts so that you can stay in the valley and savour the ambience. Better be quick, this little treasure is becoming more well known every year, the ultimate relaxation experience.

Have a look on Facebook and you will find the myriad of opportunities for Harvest Festival weekend, all brought to you by some of the youngest vintners in Western Australia – yes there is something special about the Bickley and Carmel Valley.

The Bickley Valley thrives in the cooler autumn sun presenting visitors with a myriad of colours throughout the vineyards, orchards, the abundan t deciduous trees and glorious gardens.

Visitors can partake in a variety of

activities such as enjoying the local artistic talent or indulging in tastings from boutique owner-operated wineries with hand crafted wines.

Take home fresh local produce or treat yourself to delicious lunches – all while taking the time to admire the magnificent surroundings of the Bickley Valley.

Situated approximately thirty-five minutes drive east of Perth and nestled in the Darling Ranges the beautiful Bickley Valley forms part of the Perth Hills, Western Australia’s best kept secret.

Beautiful forests, extraordinary wildflowers, tranquil bushwalking trails, bird and animal life, creeks and waterfalls, are some of the scenic attractions. Vistas of vineyards and orchards in the valleys make motoring a delight and driving into the Perth Hills to sample the vintners wares is a very pleasant day out.

Roadside fruit stalls, asparagus straight from the farm, beautiful open gardens and fresh flowers, delight the visitor. One can stay at any of the country-style bed and breakfast facilities for the ultimate in peace and relaxation, explore the forest from the back of a camel or buy a memento from one of the local potteries or art and craft stops.

All of what makes this region so special is celebrated at the annual Bickley Harvest Festival so mark the dates in your diary!

There will be no hop on hop off buses running through the Bickley Valley this year. We look forward to seeing you all there. www.bickleyharvestfestival.com 13

14

COMMUNITY MOONDYNE JOE’S OUT AND ABOUT LESLIE HERBERT

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ooray, it's coming round to the Act-Belong-Commit Toodyay Moondyne Festival time again.

Each May the small rural town of Toodyay goes en feté, attracting visitors from all over the state and even from the Eastern states.

The town of Toodyay celebrates the life of legendary Welsh Bush ranger, Joseph Bolitho 'Moondyne Joe' Johns, transported to Western Australia for stealing food.

He was given a ticket of leave on arrival in 1853 and embarked on a life of crime, stealing, getting caught, escaping, getting caught, escaping again, finally gaining a Governor's pardon on a bet that he couldn't escape. He married and together he and his wife travelled WA until his death in 1900.

The connection with Toodyay in that a lot of his activity was in and around the township. His nickname 'Moondyne' is probably from the area near Toodyay.

The town celebrates Moondyne Joe's life by stepping back into Victorian times and recreating his trial and escapes in the main street. The town is full of Victorian architecture so the illusion is convincing.

As well as the vivid street theatre there is the interactive Colonial Village, smaller events, wood-chopping displays, Bush poets and bush bands, the 1860's Regiment, glorious in their scarlet coats and polished Brown Bess muskets.

There's a miniature train for the littlies, face painting, displays of antiques and home-made wares of all kinds. Arts, Crafts and lots and lots of food stalls as well as the Toodyay shops, cafes and restaurants vending their excellent wares.

Go along and join in the fun of WA's premier Colonial festival.

It's free, fun and family.

We support many events in regional WA just like this one!

Royalties for Regions is investing $60 million in Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program to help grow our regional areas into thriving and sustainable communities.

share your Toodyay & Districts Community Bank® Branch

Regional events bring valuable promotion, vibrancy and prosperity to communities.

Don’t keep your best photos to yourself. Tag your photos #justanotherdayinWA to share your extraordinary Western Australian experiences and follow us on Instagram @westernaustralia

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HOUSE AND GARDEN HAVE A BEE-FRIENDLY GARDEN

T

here are few better sounds than a garden alive with the industrious buzz of bees.

Gardeners owe a lot to these hard-working pollinators – without them we wouldn’t be able to grow many of the fruits and vegetables we take for granted, so it’s worth including a few simple but highly effective elements in your garden to attract these essential insects.

and nectar. This usually means choosing single flowers over double flowers. Providing a wide range of flowers in your garden, including many trees and shrubs, will provide a bigger banquet for your bees.

Plants that bloom early in the year offer food for bees emerging from hibernation. Suitable plants include willows and the blossom of fruit trees such as apples, cherries and plums, and plants such as crocus and aubretia.

Excellent summer bloomers include clover, calendula and borage. Towards the end of the year make sure there are late-season flowers available, such as aster, echinacea and common ivy. These are just some of the many bee-friendly flowers available.

additional shelter. Many wild plants, such as dandelions and thistles are a rich source of nectar and pollen. Cutting lawns less frequently also enables low-growing lawn flowers such as clover and daisies to flower for longer, which means more foraging opportunities for bees. Apply this hands-off approach to your entire lawn or to specific areas.

Tip 2: Plant flowers strategically Most bee-friendly flowers prefer a sunny, sheltered location. Grow plants in blocks or swathes to maximize their useful impact for bees.

Include flowers within your fruit and vegetable plot – either at the margins, at the ends of beds or among crops as companion plants.

Tip 1: Choose bee-friendly flowers Remember that flowering vegetables such as Bee-friendly flowers draw in pollinators, beans will also attract bees. putting your garden firmly on their map. Plan for a succession of flowers, so as one finishes Tip 3: Go wild! another starts off. By providing a constant supply Allowing some corners of your garden to go a of pollen and nectar for bees to feed on, you’ll little wild will provide valuable habitat for bees. keep bees on site year round.

For example, in winter leave grass to grow longer There are no hard and fast rules about and the hollow stems of perennials uncut to offer what to plant, but opt for flowers rich in pollen

Tip 5: Avoid chemicals in the garden Gardeners in tune with nature really shouldn’t have to use chemical pesticides or weed killers. These unnatural controls both directly and indirectly impact beneficial wildlife, disrupting the food chain, depleting populations of pollinators and pest predators as well as pests, and thereby locking the gardener into a dependency on further chemicals.

Instead, opt for natural pest controls, including netting, garden fleece or mesh barriers and companion plants, and natural weed controls such as regular hoeing and mulching.

Bees are the gardener’s hard-working allies, and without them we’d face very disappointing harvests.

WHY THEY NEED OUR HELP In many parts of the world bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, are in decline.

The reasons are complex but include modern agricultural techniques, the spread of towns and cities, and the loss of natural habitat such as wildflower meadows.

HOW GARDENERS CAN HELP BEES Combined, our gardens make up a vast area of green space. In towns and cities they provide corridors of plant life that are vital for urban wildlife. By creating bee-friendly spaces within our gardens, we can help to support vulnerable populations while enjoying better harvests.

Tip 4: Provide bee habitat Wild bees nest in a range of locations, including small holes left by other animals, in sheltered nooks and crannies such as within a compost heap, or among thick tufts of grass. Stay vigilant and avoid disturbing nests or hibernation sites.

TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN WITH WORMS KATE PHILLIPS

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he City of Swan is holding a series of free worm farming workshops to teach you how to transform your household food into useful garden products.

The workshops, which are part of the City’s Thinking Green series, kick off in April and will focus on the benefits of worm farming, as well as how to set them up and maintain them.

This workshop presented by Kevin Smith from The Worm Shed, features a presentation on all aspects of worm farming and the role worms play in recycling and waste management. This is followed by a demonstration of setting up and maintaining a worm farm. Worm Café worm farms will be available to purchase.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said owning a worm farm was a simple way to do something good for your garden beds and the environment.

“Worm farming can help you have a thriving garden while reducing your waste, improving your soil and protecting water quality,” he said.

“It helps divert organic materials from landfill, which can produce potent methane gas, which is a big win for the environment.”

Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward Councillor Rod Henderson said City rate payers and residents who attended the workshops were eligible for a

subsidy on a worm farm or worms.

“As an incentive to get involved, we are offering subsidies to ratepayers and residents looking to set one up,” he said. “There is a $100 subsidy available to those who are looking to buy a worm farm and a $40 subsidy for those looking to buy a box of worms only.”

This workshop is suitable for adults and children aged 14 and over.

The next workshop will take place on April 29, 2017 at the Ellenbrook Public Library between 10am and 12pm. Places are limited so bookings are essential.

To book online, or for more information on the workshops and subsidies, visit www.swan. wa.gov.au/thinkgreen.

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DINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

time browsing the menu which is quaintly divided into ‘Scratchings’, ‘Small eats’, ‘Full rations’ and ‘Sweet pickings’.

Considering the high quality of the service and, as we later discovered, the food the prices are remarkably modest.

Garlic Focaccia bread DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE as an appetiser was $5; n Italy there are tiny eating places called Grilled chorizo with lemon trattoria, which are less formal than ($8); restaurants, but more so than osteria, which serve simple wine and limited food often at shared tables.

There is no exact equivalent in Australia, but we do have tiny restaurants in shopping centres basically operating as store front eateries apart from the proliferation of fast-food outlets, serving burgers and the like.

These shop-front restaurants vary tremendously in quality, but in the truly viciously competitive market in which they operate few are very bad and some are surprisingly good.

In Forresfield there is a small shopping centre in which can be found Quills - a bistro-style shop-front restaurant where I ate one of the most pleasant meals of recent memory.

Whenever I review a restaurant, as I am now, I usually compare them, not to some mythical high standard, but against what I think they are trying to achieve. It’s hardly fair, for example, to contrast Gerties’s Greasy Spoon against The Loose Box’s standards.

We arrived at Quills as a happy group of six (it was my son’s birthday) into a larger than expected dining hall, with several tables outside under umbrellas. There was a happy buzz and lively Shaved Parma chatter as we seated by a charming hostess and ham ($8) and pork crackers, fennel salt ($5) and so on. had a look around.

The place appears to be decorated by This was carried through into the entrées someone with lots more imagination and taste (small eats) - James ordered the Duck Liver than budget. The floor is plain cement, rather parfait with onion jam and charred bread ($16). well rendered in pleasing shades of blue and Parfait is, as I’m sure you know, pate passed grey, the bar is backlit with light glowing through through a fine sieve, so that it’s particularly smooth and light. golden booze.

The logo/name has a nice feather as the I pinched as much off his plate as I could and it was particularly delicious, the flavour delicate, stroke which is repeated throughout.

The roof has no ceiling but is painted a light, rich and the onion jam beyond reproach. velvety black and the tables are polished wood My own entrée was the Pork and fennel bratwurst, chips, curried ketchup and slaw ($18). and the chairs comfortable.

The wait staff are swift, friendly and I am particularly fond of bratwurst and these efficient dressed in a neat uniform black. We were magnificent examples, sourced locally had been sitting for a only a few minutes before from a clever butcher who hand makes them. our vast menus arrived and we entered foodie The addition of fennel gives it a delicious subtle flavour and I have seldom had as good. heaven.

This was dinner and we spent quite a lot of Continued on the next page ...

QUILLS

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Fully Licensed Lunch & Dinner A Great Family Friendly Restaurant Only Minutes From Home!

Hours: Mon, Tues & Pub Hols Wed & Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 5:00pm – 9:00pm 5:00pm – 9:30pm 11:30am – 9:30pm 11:30am – 9:00pm

9453 9698 BOOK ONLINE

quills.com.au

Wattle Grove Shopping Centre, 338 Hale Road, Wattle Grove

Concluded from the previous page ...

Before I leave this dish I must draw your attention to the ‘slaw’, which as freshly made and superb. All the portions were generous in spirit and in size.

With so many sitting at the table I got the chance to see several dishes and taste most.

Angela, for example, had as entrée the Chorizo ragu, pappardelle pasta and parmesan ($20) a rich and delicious bowlful. It’s hard to make such a dish look good, but chef managed - and it tasted better than it looked.

Main course for me was Roast confit pork belly, pig croquette and carrot, crackling and a fennel and orange salad ($24) The dish was beautifully presented, the pork belly superbly tender, wonderfully flavoured and the salad absolutely delicious, although it did taste to me more like grapefruit than orange.

This was an incredibly sophisticated dish, perfectly balanced in flavours and textures, the crackling in neat little piggy tails with a pulled pork croquette glued to the plate with some creamed carrot.

The croquette was tasty, but I’m not sure what it was doing there as it added very little to the dish. Similarly Jess’s Pan roast salmon, grilled zuccini salad with zingy tomato dressing ($28) came with two fish cakes of rather less quality than the rest of the dish, which was very superior indeed.

And Keelan’s Lamb rack, pea puree and carrots ($30) came with a neat, but sizable shepherd’s pie, so really more a ‘Lamb two ways’ the taste was amazing, the rack perfectly cooked.

No one leaves Quills hungry, that’s for sure. As well as the handsome portions, you can add side dishes of garlic mushrooms($2); grilled lemon garlic prawns ($6) Quills chopped salad, LTO, cucumber, feta with French dressing ($8) and so on.

Dessert was entirely beyond me, but Angela felt able to order a portion of mini

doughnuts. There were five of them, so I helped her out a bit - delicious, freshly cooked and liberally sugared.

We washed our dinner down with pints (in lovely pint glasses) of draft cider and rounded off the evening with some excellent coffee, although the cheese boards looked pretty

tempting, too.

The wine list is considerable and varied, also at reasonable prices. I’d have liked to see more local wines, but that’s personal prejudice. As well as cider, there’s beer on tap, bottled beer, spirits and some interesting-looking cocktails.

Now it may seem to the casual reader that I’m being overly critical of a cheap and cheerful family, friendly restaurant.

And in a sense I am, but this is really not true, although it is is cheap, cheerful and most certainly family, both family run and for families.

This is a sophisticated, elegant restaurant, offering highly professional sophisticated food of a high standard at very moderate cost and a truly envy those for whom it is a local eatery.

Dinner for us, three courses and drinks was roughly $60 a head - a bargain the likes we haven’t seen since the Dutch bought Manhattan Island for a handful of beads and an axe head.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

FOOD TRIVIA R If you put a can of Diet Coke in water it will float but regular Coke will sink. Although no one outside the Coca Cola company knows the ingredients of the drinks, it’s thought that the amount of sugar in regular coke makes it dense enough to drop.

R Chicken soup was once considered an aphrodisiac in the Middle Ages.

R Apples can wake you up in the morning better than coffee due to their high levels of fructose.

R If you eat too many carrots, you may turn you slightly orange due to the beta carotene found in them.

R If you put tonic under black light, it’ll shine bright blue. It’s not magic sadly, it’s because it contains quinine which reacts with the light.

R It’s no secret that bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, that they protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system and keep blood sugars steady but less people know that eating them can actually help fight depression.

The fruit contains high levels of tryptophan, which converts into serotonin - a type of chemical in our brain that influences mood.

R Ever wondered why peppers are hot? It’s because of capsaicin, a chemical compound, that tricks your sensory nerves causing you to feel like your mouth is being burned.

R One of the most hydrating foods to eat is cucumber, made up of 96% water. It contains electrolytes, which are minerals that include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium, which helps your body restore what it may have lost through dehydration. It really is the best hangover cure, ever.

R There are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown in the world. Each can vary wildly in size - from a small cherry to the size of a large grapefruit. The Guinness Book of Records states that the heaviest apple weighed 1.849 kg and was grown and picked by Chisato Iwasaki at his apple farm in Japan in 2005.

R If you put lemons and limes in water, lemons will float and limes will sink. Why? Because although lemons are usually bigger in size, making them typically heavier, it all comes down to density.

Lemons have around the same density as water (0.99) and they have pores all over their rind, resulting in tiny air pockets on their surface causing them to float. Limes, on the other hand, are denser than water so naturally they sink.

R Almonds are actually a seed not a nut as we know it. They’re the seeds of a flower and they’re directly related to the botanical families of orchids and roses.

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DINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

experts, Peter Forrestal, deeply knowledgeable and affable, Peter is the ideal choice.

We gathered, some dozen or so of us, total strangers (well, Peter and I know each other) caught up in the anticipation of the day. We sat randomly at a long table in a private room at Frasers overlooking a

MEET THE WINEMAKER LONG TABLE LUNCH

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ome in, sit down and draw a cork, let's talk.

I am no stranger to long lunches. In the 1980s, before the FBT, lunches would merge imperceptibly into dinner, sometimes even into supper. But these were happenstance, not planned.

The planned long table, long lunch is a relatively new phenomenon in Perth, the concept being that a random group with just one, or perhaps two interests in common

- the 2015 Reisling, crisp, fresh and eminently

gather en famile at one long table and eat from communal dishes especially cooked as a many-coursed meal.

Often there will be a speaker, or two, and the whole concept is based on the goodwill and conviviality of those that attend.

This would seem risky, but in fact is less than it would appear, since the sort of people that go are the sort of people you'd hope to meet.

As an example, the series of 'Meet the Winemaker' Long Table Lunches skillfully organised by Fraser's Restaurant.

They ran them last year, very successfully and a new series has just begun for this year, starting off with the winemaker from Paul Nelson Wines, Paul Nelson himself.

The host and facilitator is doyen among wine 22

drinkable.

Peter introduced Paul Nelson, the winemaker, a profoundly charming young man who's passion for winemaking began about twenty-five years ago when his parents purchased a farm in Denmark WA, which was planted to wine vines.

After university he hopped between hemispheres making wine for various wineries, both large and small. After fifteen vintages, eight countries, and meeting his wife, Bianca, they decided it was time to head back to Oz and put all of that experience into practice.

Paul and Bianca bought the old Karriview Winery, added land and planted more grapes and Paul Nelson Wines was born.

splendid view of Perth.

The table was glassy, black, tapered and decorated with fresh fruits and vegetables in a sort of rustic shabby chic. Peter gave a brief chat and the first of many Paul Nelson wines were poured

DINING OUT Over the course of the afternoon we tasted and tried a number of his wines, on at least two occasions also tasting the pure grape juice that the wine was made from, an absolutely fascinating 'before and after'.

He was also kind enough to let us taste some of the 1990 Karriview Chardonnay - contrary to the view that white wine won't age more than a few years this twenty-seven year old wine is magnificent, subtle, rich, complex and has yet a few years left it it, I think.

Another of his wines is his rather interesting GMT - a Grenache, Mourvedre and Tempranillo blend. Deeply reminiscent of the great Rhones and Riojas, a rich brooding wine oaked only slighty and fruit driven. If you get the chance, do try it. A wine of great character.

The food that came out in a seeming endless array of sharing plates was the creation of Chef Tom Randolph and I found them imaginative, delicious, some even inspired. The Nannygai ceviche cured in citrus and served with shadow thin onion and radish in a lettuce cup was beyond praise.

I cannot readily recall an afternoon more pleasantly spent with great food, outstanding wines, informed wine talk and convivial conversation. Thank you Fraser's, for putting this all together.

At $120 per person, it is great value for money and as this was just the first of a series, I'd make sure to follow up for the next. You never know, I might see you there.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area. So I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me: "Has your plane arrived yet?"

LETTER FROM SOUTH AFRICA A LOVE AFFAIR WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES INGRID SHEVLIN

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y day Steve Haskins is a businessman. After hours he fulfils his passion for growing heirloom tomatoes on an allotment. Here he explains his love of good coffee, food and the appeal of heirloom tomatoes. Once tasted… never forgotten.

‘I arrived in South Africa from Europe in the mid 70’s. The allure of the “endless summer” brought me to South Africa in spite of the perils and politics of the time. After arriving in Durban in July and going for a dip in the 23C water, I decided I was going to stay and try to survive. Avocados were R1 (10 cents Australian) a dozen!

‘One of my early experiences in Durban was to go to a well-known Italian restaurant on West Street called Aldos. I had spent a year in Italy and it was there I first experienced fine dining and true coffee. In Italy I first experienced traditional Italian cooking and real coffee made in a simple stainless steel espresso pot.

‘So going out to an “authentic” family Italian restaurant in Durban I naturally was looking forward to real Italian coffee, but was shocked to be served the standard of the time.

Disappointed, I politely called over the owner, one of Aldo’s son’s and asked him why they didn’t serve proper Italian coffee. His reply was, “we did at first but the South Africans complained and turned up their noses. So we gave them what they wanted.”

‘But now forty years later South Africans have changed their tastes and few choose the chicory that was then the prefered norm.

‘So what does this have to do with heirloom tomatoes you ask? Well, it’s about going back to a food’s origins and discovering authentic flavours.

Tomatoes, as sold in most shops in South Africa, are one of the cheapest produce you can buy. It is the most basic ingredient for almost every form of cooking . The list of its uses is endless. Because of the great demand for tomatoes, farmers, using all the modern chemistry available, have developed a method of growing certain varieties of hybrid tomatoes that meet all the needs for growing and marketing except one … taste.

‘Tomatoes are a fruit. For a fruit to have flavour it has to stay on the tree, bush or vine long enough to develop the sugars that give the fruit its flavour, but to let this happen means it has to be picked when it is nearly ripe and, by the time it gets to the market place, it will ripen and spoil faster than profit-oriented stores require.

‘Tomato farmers like varieties they can pick early and refrigerate just before shipping. They sometimes use special gases that make them ripen and turn red even though they aren’t ripe.

The result is a tomato that is red, but totally flavourless.

‘Now the general public, having never tasted a true tomato flavour, do not question this as they just don’t know any better. Even the small gardener grows the same hybrid varieties that are chosen for resistance to disease and slow ripening as opposed to their colour and flavour.

‘Heirloom refers basically to a traditional variety of fruit or veg that has not been “tweaked” scientifically. This “tweaking” has reached the point where insecticides and herbicides are genetically infused into the plant and, subsequently, the fruit and veg they produce.

‘I first experienced heirloom tomatoes at a farmers’ market in California. I was amazed at the different varieties, colours, sizes and flavours.

Farmers’ markets are the home of artisan growers, cooks and bakers of modern and traditional foods not available in today’s mass produced food outlets.

‘The produce usually cost a bit and sometimes a lot more, but this was about food, cooking and eating as entertainment. You were either impressed or wanted to impress others.

‘I brought some seeds back to South Africa and began growing in earnest about five years ago.

I knew nothing and had no one to teach me either. The climate where I was growing was not ideal. Hot and humid and wet in the spring and summer.

Tomatoes like hot, but not humid and wet summers.

‘Since I started there has been a small introduction of some heirloom varieties and some specialised shops like Woolies. Because they are priced at more than three times normal tomato prices they have not proved to be appealing. They also still lack the flavours of true vine ripened heirloom tomatoes.

‘So, until South Africans have the opportunity to taste and experience a true tomato experience, the heirloom tomato market will flounder apart from in the farmer’s market realm.

‘But once you have tasted the difference, there is no going back. Just like coffee. People are prepared to pay for what they want. The same food revolution is taking place with craft beers and artisan breads. Once you have experienced the real deal, you won’t accept a bland flavourless experience.

‘Heirloom tomatoes are a visual treat and a flavour experience. From cooking tomatoes like San Marzanos and Orange plums, slicing tomatoes like Black Crims, Peach, Yellow and Red Brandywines, to multi coloured cherry tomatoes.

It’s only a matter of time. You get what you pay for.

So far, you won’t get it in a supermarket or mass market shop. Look for them in the open markets. It will be worth it I assure you.’

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DOUGLAS’ WINERIES AND DINERIES

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ENTERTAINMENT LOVE ME SLENDER AT KADS

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE uch-acclaimed community theatre group Kalamunda Dramatic Society is pleased to announce their latest production, by actor/director/ playwright Vanessa Brooks, Love Me Slender.

The play centres on the eternal concern for today - weight loss.

Siobhan, Achiever of the Year, and leader of Slim for Life dieting club greets her new acolytes with: "Remember girls - not slim for today. Not slim for tomorrow. But slim for life!"

Siobhan herself, we are assured has 'has lost seven stone, found a new self, a fulfilling job and a wonderful husband.' and if you follow her simple regime of 'commitment, discipline, sacrifice, realisation and salvation' you too shall achieve these things.

But, can Jean, Claudette, Rosie and the rest win the flab fight? Succeed comes with a price not everyone is willing to pay.

Described as "A satisfyingly humane

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and perceptive play that memorably nails one of the great issues of our times" by the Daily Telegraph this play, is directed by award-winning director Anita Bound and stars local acting luminaries Siobhan Vincent, Marsha Holt, Raelene Cover, Cathy Parr, Charlotte Weber, Alexis Marr, Sarah Langridge, Laura and Grace Goodlett.

This amusing comedy runs at Kalamunda Community Theatre, Barber Street, Kalamunda, at 8:00pm from April the 21st through to May the 13th.

Tickets cost $20.00, ($17 concession). Bookings may be made at the Lucky Charm Newsagents, Central Mall, Kalamunda on 9257 2668.

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COMMUNITY THEATRE REVIEWS THEATRE WITH GORDON

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

- Helen K eller THE REAL MCCOY he Real McCoy is a hilarious, madcap Irish comedy, with plenty of gut laughs; it comes from the pen of Tubbercurry (also called Tobercurry) playwright, Tommy Marren.

During his secondary education in Banada Abbey, Tommy always wanted to work in radio.

After a couple of short jobs pushing paper, he became the anchorman on a County Sligo weekend sports show, for Midwest North West Radio.

After twelve years, he was appointed to the major post of ‘Head of speech programming’.

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‘the genuine article’.

This rip-roaring presentation can be viewed from the well-tiered seating at the Irish Club of WA, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco.

As always, a free, quality light supper and sherry are included in the ticket – all served in Nora’s farmyard! A fun idea.

The scene is rural Ireland in the 1970s. The location is the Molloy’s kitchen – dining room.

Aidan Murphy’s set was well constructed, painted in cream and lilac being typical of the adventurous colours being used in the 70s.

The furniture and the many props gave the appearance of a smart farmhouse that was being run on a budget, and displaying the thirty-three years of clutter. A very good, ‘lived-in’ set.

The house front door was to the right side of the stage on the auditorium floor.

68-year old Madge Molloy (Caroline McDonnell) is setting the dinner table when her daughter Maura (Shannon Murphy) arrives home. Madge is in a bad mood, and her sharp tongue is particularly acrid. Tomorrow, it will be 33 years since her husband, Tom (Frank Glackin) of only 5 months, went off to a ceilidh and never returned.

When Maura’s nervous, dim boyfriend, Martin (Brian O’Donovan) the local postman, calls around, now Madge has someone on whom to vent her frustrations. Maura

director Denice Byrne was just the girl! She selected an outstanding cast with varying experience, from newcomer Bobby Donaghy, to Finley Award nominees and winners.

Each actor created his or her own little mannerisms, thoroughly understanding and demonstrating the rich characters that the playwright has created.

The sound and light teching were by John Spurling, John Woolrych and Nathan Holland. The lighting system is old, but the complexity of the lighting and the ingenuity of the design were excellent. The sound effects were realistic, with just the right amount of volume and duration.

The delightful costumes were made that little bit quirky by costume mistress, Liz Quigley, with a little bulking and slightly ill-fitting garments.

As well as being one of the funniest plays that I have seen in years, with a laugh every thirty seconds, it was a ‘complete’ show.

There was a quality set, first class teching, superb direction, a magnificent richly written script and a talented cast that carried the situation off perfectly.

The curtain call beat anything that I have seen in Community Theatre. As the cast came onto the stage in pairs, the noise of the applause was deafening.

By the time that the female lead, Caroline (Madge) took her bow, more than half the house were on their feet, in a standing ovation.

What can one say? This is a show that I will remember and laugh at for years. ~oOo~ WHERE THERE’S A WILL Where there’s a Will is a fast moving dark comedy, written by Warrington resident, Ian Hornby. As well as writing more than fifty plays. Ian, who was admired for his dry sense of humour, was the founder of New Theatre Publications.

Ian was never too busy to help budding playwrights, sadly died three years ago, so one can only hope that his funeral was a little more dignified than this hilarious play.

This ‘deadly’ amusing comedy is the latest offering by the Rockingham Theatre Company.

These wild, two hour performances can be seen at the Rockingham Theatre, Attwood Place, Rockingham. You can always be assured of a warm welcome at the Castle Theatre.

Congratulations on another jaw-dropping set. The scene is the sumptuous sitting room of a wealthy couple, Linda and Derek. Centre stage is a three-seater, leather Chesterfield sofa.

Here is a small bar and telephone table. The rear of the stage leads to the front door and staircase. Most impressive. Designed by David Heckingbottom and built by the members.

The stage manager is Danny Joyce, ably assisted by Callon Leam and Melanie Taylor.

Jackie Hiscox has capably designed the sound and lighting. India Allen smoothly operated the follow spot.

yearns to know more about her lost father, Now, after eighteen years, he still has his own only to be constantly greeted with a tirade of daily slot, bringing a huge variety of musical derogatory words. genres to his audience.

This miserable vixen did not even soften Due to his generosity, the fees for Marren’s when the new curate in the parish, Father play, The Banshee of Crokey Hills raised almost McCoy (Bobby Donaghy) arrived, to find out 100,000 euros for various charities. why Madge had not been to either of the This play is not connected to the 1993 film of morning Masses. the same name.

Within seconds of Father McCoy leaving The Irish Theatre Players Incorporated are the farmhouse, the ears of the village, Nora based in Perth, and are the only theatre group O’Hora (Denice Byrne) and her brain dead in Australia specialising in plays written by Irish daughter, Cora (Rachel Bartlett), call for the authors, or with Irish themes. latest gossip.

This play is the sequel to Marren’s play, What will happen on the 33rd anniversary?

Nobody’s Talking To Me. The Real McCoy is also Will Madge ever see her husband again? set in rural Ireland in the early 1970s. It was one of the longest running, continuous touring It takes a special kind of director to squeeze The curtains open to show a domestic tiff. productions in Ireland.

The ‘real McCoy’ is an idiom or expression for every ounce of humour from a script, but actor/ Continued on page 30 ...

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ENTERTAINMENT KOOKABURRA’S - APRIL PROGRAMME

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ring your picnic basket and enjoy a meal under the stars before the show. Blankets and cushions are advisable if cool. This is the Hills’ icon’s twenty-first programme, both varied and interesting:

This chance meeting sets off a range of emotions in Julieta, and she begins to write a long and revealing letter to her daughter – one filled with regret, guilt and love. With a sense of mystery, an expressive score and his trademark use of vibrant colour, Almodóvar has made a film of spellbinding beauty.

while she was a white Englishwoman working as a clerk at Lloyd’s of London.

Now their 1948 marriage, which caused scandal in Apartheid-stricken South Africa, is the subject of this new period drama. Oyelowo plays Seretse Khama, who in 1965 became independent Botswana’s first president.

He was also Kgosi (King) of the Bamangwato people, having been crowned at the age of four in 1925. Pike stars as Ruth Williams, who would go on to be the first lady of Botswana between 1966 and 1980.

MESSAGE FROM THE OWNERS Thank you for your support in this, our first season, although the iconic venue’s twenty-first.

We hope you have enjoyed our varied season and as the wetter weather closes in the cinema will be closed now at the end of, but we promise we’ll be back, better than ever in November of this year, when we look forward to giving you the kind of film you’ve told us you like.

A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (PG) UK Drama Screens: Friday 14th and Saturday 15th April THE GREAT WALL (M) US/China Director: Roger Spottiswoode Action/Adventure/Drama Stars: Luke Treadaway, Joanne Froggatt, Ruta Screens: Saturday 1st April & Sunday 2nd April Gedmintas, Anthony Head, Caroline Goodall Director: Zhang Yimou When James Bowen, living on the streets of Stars: Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Andy Lau, Lu London, found an injured, Han, Pedro Pascal ginger street cat curled Tells the story of an elite up in the hallway of his force making a last stand for sheltered accommodation, humanity on the world’s most iconic he couldn’t resist helping structure. The first English-language the strikingly intelligent production for Yimou is the largest tom cat, whom he quickly film ever shot entirely in China. christened Bob. Despite sending JASPER JONES (M) Aust Drama Bob on his way, the cat Screens: Friday 7th & Saturday 8th returned and the two April became inseparable and Director: Rachel Perkins their diverse, comic and Stars: Hugo Weaving, Toni occasionally dangerous Collette, Levi Miller, adventures would Angourie Rice transform both their lives, Based on the iconic Australian slowly healing the scars novel, and shot in WA’s south west, of each other’s troubled it tells the story of Charlie Bucktin, a pasts. bookish boy of fourteen who strikes up a friendship with the titular character Jasper JULIETA (M) Spain (Subtitled) Jones, a mixed race outcast who discovers the Screens: Sunday 16th April dead body of young woman: an event that will Director: Pedro Almodovar expose the racism and division within their country Stars: Adriana Ugarte, Rossy de Palma, WA town in the summer of 1965.

Nicole Scherzinger, Michelle Jenner A dramatic, emotional story of a woman’s A UNITED KINGDOM (PG) UK. Drama loves and regrets. Adapted from Alice Munro’s Screens: Sunday 9th April short stories, Julieta (Ugarte) is about to leave Director: Amma Asante Madrid to Stars: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Tom live in Portugal when she runs into Bea (Jenner), Felton, Laura Carmichael, Jack Davenport the childhood friend of her daughter Antía.

He was an Oxford-educated African King, 27

FILM REVIEWS FILM WITH JAMES

Growing Up In WA

JASPER JONES

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n 2010 I read Craig Silvey’s novella The Amber Amulet and was impressed by his writing style and portrayal of a twelve-year-old boy, Liam, who believes he can channel nature’s energy to give him self super powers.

The story also impressed John Sheedy at Barking Gecko who adapted it for the stage.

The play had a two-week run at Subiaco Arts Centre in October 2011 with Will Mahoney playing the super hero.

I hope it too is made into a short film at some point. Silvey is an author worth watching.

So impressed was I that I bought a copy of his earlier, award-winning, novel Jasper Jones. And had my opinion confirmed. It is usually billed as an Australian To Kill a Mockingbird.

Certainly its primary themes are a comingof-age story in a country town beset by racial prejudice. The underlying story concerns the daughters of the shire president, one of whom has gone missing.

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However, while Harper Lee’s novel is considered one of the great books of the twentieth century. I hardly think Jasper Jones is in the same league and, in fact, it is not without some irritating flaws.

Problems which could have been fixed with just a little more research by the author and editors.

There are anachronisms. There were no Vietnamese living in Australia in 1965. Under the White Australia Policy the first boat people from there arrived in 1976. And certainly not with sons who were cricket prodigies. And certainly not bowling six-ball overs. And why is an Australian author using so many Americanisms? In 1965 it was called a bookshop, not a bookstore!

Right. Having got that off my chest, I should say that I found the plot engrossing and the characters fascinating.

Charlie Bucktin and his Asian best friend Jeffrey Lu are thirteen – one year older than Liam - and are subject to chronic bullying by the older sportsmad boys of Corrigan.

Charlie is intelligent, reliable and loyal. So when in trouble, the local aboriginal scapegoat (Jasper Jones) and the class-mate-with-asecret (Eliza Wishart) turn to Charlie for help.

The dialogue is overlong and repetitive and the pace flags at times.

Even the mystery of Eliza’s sister is faintly boring. What keeps you on the edge of your seat is the growing relationships between the characters.

A high point was the fabulous cricket match straight out of the boys’ magazines of the 1930s.

So much for the book.

The film stays remarkably close to the book.

There are many cuts in order to fit the story within the 105 minutes.

Fortunately, Craig Silvey insisted that the cricket match stay in. I have no idea why the date was shifted to 1969 – the anachronisms still hold. The director, Rachel Perkins, has chosen Pemberton to represent Corrigan - with many locals participating as extras.

Levi Miller is perfectly cast as Charlie, ably supported by Aaron McGrath as Jasper and the beautiful Angourie Rice as Eliza. Sadly the growing romance between Charlie and Eliza does not quite match the power portrayed in the book.

Toni Collette and Hugo Weaving have important supporting roles.

This is a fine coming of age story with the added appeal of being West Australian.

I give it four stars and look forward to further films from the stories of Craig Silvey. Jasper Jones opened at the Luna Leederville Cinema on March 2nd and is still showing. ~oOo~ Tread with care, this is a shrine DENIAL Reviewer: Douglas Sutherland-Bruce

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n the interests of full disclosure, let me begin by saying that I was formally trained as a historian, spent a great deal of time studying the Third Reich and despise David Irving and his fellow pseudo-historians that twist facts into supporting a pre-conceived theory.

I therefore approached this film, Denial, which is about Irving’s libel case against Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin Books for calling him, among other things, a ‘holocaust denier’ with a certain amount of trepidation.

Would it, I feared, suffer the Hollywood treatment and resemble A Few Good Men and The Caine Mutiny? Would there be histrionics?

Would the Americans get the British legal system laughably wrong as they often do?

No, to all of that. The film, based entirely on court records and Lipstadt’s published memoirs of the trial is faithful to what was, and remains, one of the more important libel trials ever held, as important in it’s way as the Lady Chatterly obscenity trial (also involving Penguin Books, oddly enough).

However the main topic of this case is one fraught with emotion. Auschwitz is no light matter nor should it be treated thus. At one point the legal team are actually in Auschwitz being shown locations by an architectural expert. He says; “Be careful how you tread. This is a shrine’.

In a larger sense this is true of the whole movie, in which the subject, the survivors, the script and the trial itself, including the whole British system of defamation law is treated with great respect and due reverence.

The casting was done with considerable care, Tom Wilkinson, Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall (David Irving), Andrew Scott and Alex Jennings all were perfection in their roles. Even tiny little cameos are filled by great actors - Dame Harriet Walter plays a survivor on screen for about two minutes and yet it’s a performance that lingers.

THEATRE REVIEW ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY JAMES FORTE

A Dark Look at the Modern World hat is this play about? Stating that it is about ‘us dying and being dissatisfied with the way we are leaving the world’ gives too dark a feel to a play that covers a wide range of questions and explores them with a light touch.

Yes, this is a serious play. No, it is not one from which you emerge needing a strong drink to get you home.

Today, Michael Gow is arguably better known as a director (particularly of opera) than as a playwright. His best-known play, Away, was written in 1986. I should add that it is an Australian classic – it was included on the syllabus of school drama courses in many states.

Once in Royal David’s City is Gow’s second play in twenty years (while he was engaged as Artistic Director of the QTC – the Queensland Theatre Company) and has many similarities with Away.

It is about death and traveling “up the coast” from Sydney at Christmas to resolve the family’s grieving.

Playwrights write about what they know.

The main character, Will Drummond (brilliantly played by Jason Klarwein) is an eminent theatre director and specialist on Brecht. His father died recently and he is looking forward to spending

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a quiet Christmas with his mother Jeannie (a fine performance by Penny Everingham) when he discovers that she too is dying.

The production is a joint effort by the QTC and Black Swan. The director, Sam Strong (the current Artistic Director at QTC) notes that Gow “is a writer with a wicked sense of invention”.

Strong has built on this to produce, with designer Stephen Curtis, a piece of theatre that is imaginative and fast flowing. In fact it is the staging which I shall remember most from this play.

It opens with the large Heath Ledger stage quite bare. Upstage is a box structure which serves as an airport arrival hall one minute and

a hospital ward the next. Right across the width of the stage are two hospital-bed style curtains which divide it into thirds. These are drawn and then opened by the actors to reveal the rapidly evolving story.

The pace is that of a TV drama with many short scenes.

From the comedic opening with a variation on Brecht’s demolition of the fourth wall (between cast and audience) to the ending with a flat screen showing Prof Julius Sumner Miller asking “Why is it so?” we have a gentle existentialist look at the human condition.

Once in Royal David’s City has a level of theatricality which keeps you leaning forward in your seat.

It opened at the State Theatre Centre on the 25th March and runs until the 9th April.

The filming is done with care and a truth that imbues every scene with authority. The one aspect which is not explored is motives. The film makes no speculations about why Irving did what he did, what he hoped to gain and also does not mention that an appeal was dismissed and he was landed with all legal costs, which bankrupted him.

Directed by Mick Jackson from a script by David Hare largely based on Professor Lipstadt’s History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier.

This was an important case (just imagine if she had lost!) and this is an important film. The holocaust is treated respectfully, but dispassionately, by the lawyers, which simply adds to its desperate tragedy.

In Perth Denial’s season starts at Luna Leederville (155 Oxford St, Leederville) and at Luna SX (13 Essex Street, Fremantle) plus Windsor Cinema (98 Stirling Hwy, Nedlands) from April 13th.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

Rachel Wiesz is Professor Lipstadt in Denial (Photograph courtesy of Luna Cinemas) 29

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK YOUNG ARTISTS WANTED

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he City of Swan is calling for entries from young artists aged 15-25 for the 2017 HyperVision exhibition and competition.

The exhibition, which is a joint initiative between the City and the Hyper Team, will take place at the Midland Gate Shopping Centre in July 3 to 23.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said it was a great opportunity for young and emerging artists across the City and the State.

“Not only will the successful entries be put on display, they’ll be in the running for some awesome prizes, including the major prize of $1000 which has been donated by Midland Gate,” he said.

Each year the competition has a theme that artists are encouraged to explore through their work. This year’s theme is Instability – which delves into the artist’s views on the community, personal relationships and what they deem as stable and unstable in their own lives.

All art forms are welcome, including photography, fashion, jewellery, sculpture, traditional or experimental art or short film.

Entries can be submitted online via www.hyperfest.com.au/ HyperVision before Thursday June 1, 2017.

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor Mark Elliott said the Hyper Team had also a series of Hyper Miniseries events planned, which would take place during the exhibition.

“These Miniseries events will include live art battles and musical performances and are an excellent way for young people to express their artistic side and have fun,” he said.

“The amount of talent across the City never ceases to amaze me and I am very proud of the City’s contribution to supporting young artists.”

For more information on the exhibition, art workshops or submitting your work, visit www.hyperfest.com.au or www.facebook. com/hypervision or contact Simon O'Leary on 0409 895 251 or simon. oleary@swan.wa.gov.au.

YOUR RURAL PLACE

BULLSbrook

SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS KATE PHILLIPS

gidgegannup

SCHOOL HOLIDAY I ACTIVITIES! TRAMPOLINING AT BOUNCEinc - BULLSBROOK

Free!

BOUNCEinc is a massive indoor trampoline park for all ages, with more than 100 interconnected trampolines housed within huge, colourful spaces.

Date Tuesday, April 11 Transport Bus leaves from Bullsbrook Skate Park, Maroubra Ave at 9.30am and returns at 3pm Age 12 to 17 year olds who live, go to school or hang out in Bullsbrook Please bring closed in shoes and money for lunch. Registrations close on Friday, April 7 or sooner if places are full.

For enquiries, contact Bec Pudney on 0418 922 927 or email rebecca.pudney@swan.wa.gov.au Important We encourage parents and participants to be aware of the Bounce’s safety policy and their rules and guidelines. Please visit www.bounceinc.com.au for further details.

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS OF PREY - GIDGEGANNUP

A great experience for kids and parents alike. Presented by WA Birds of Prey.

Date Time Venue Age

Wednesday, April 19 10am-12noon Percy Cullen Pavilion, 1990 Toodyay Road Suitable for children aged between 6 and 12 years old

di Bookings essential as spaces are limited. For enquiries, ty contact Jenna Whistler on 0427 163 317 or ci e register at www.swan.wa.gov.au/events on

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www.swan.wa.gov.au 30

Free!

Come and learn about the environment from a raptors point of view.

Find out how we impact their lives and what we can do to make a difference to their survival. There will be opportunities for the brave and strong to hold a live wedge-tailed eagle and brown falcon.

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f you’ve ever wanted to create a robot from scratch, make your own movie or learn to code on a credit card sized computer, this is your chance.

The City of Swan is holding an awesome series of workshops for ten to fifteen year olds dedicated to all things technology.

The City’s Futures Lab series will take place over the April school holidays at the Midland Railway Workshops from April the 10th to the 21st and will focus on a variety of emerging technologies including digital movie making, Raspberry Pi, Arduino LED, Minecraft, robotics and CoderDojo Game Jam. City of Swan Deputy Mayor Dave Lucas said the workshops catered to young people of all skill levels.

“This is an opportunity for young people to learn new skills or enhance the skills they already have and see what their peers are doing in this area,” he said.

“It’s also a chance for participants to meet new people, build leadership skills and see just what creativity and hard work can produce.”

Ballajura Ward Councillor Adam Kovalevs said the popular workshop series would culminate in a Futures Lab Showcase on April 21.

“The showcase will feature all of the inventions created during the workshops and I am excited to see what is produced this year,” he said.

“The calibre and creativity of the creations is always very impressive and I am sure this year will be no different.”

The workshops range from free to $67 and bookings are essential as places are limited.

For more details head to www.swan.wa.gov.au/futureslab or call the City on 9267 9267.

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK FASHION IN THE VALLEY

CITY OF SWAN NOTES

he Inner Wheel Club of Swan Valley is holding a charity fashion show at the Mallard Duck Restaurant on Friday 28th April 2017 starting at 10.30am.

The fashions are from Pre-Aimeé & Nouveau Fashion Parade. (Preloved & New Fashions) After the show the fashions will be available for purchase from between $4 to $40.

There is more to this event than Fashion, it is also raising funds for Cord Blood - all monies raised will go to Cord Blood, which works supporting blood cancer and other diseases and conditions The Fashion Parade is for a great cause that supports all Western Australians and at the same time you can have great fun.

If you want to stay for lunch at the Restaurant afterwards cost will be $30 and discount fee of $10 for the Fashion Parade. ($40 for both show and lunch) or if you can only spare the time for the fashion parade, the cost will be just $15.

To book your place you can email: iiw.au.swanvalley@gmail.com or ring Geraldine 9377 2277 or Lyn 9296 9520.

Various school holiday activities (Bullsbrook) – Scooter Comp on Friday 21 April. If you have any questions contact Rebecca Pudney on 0418 922 927 or email Rebecca.pudney@swan.wa.gov.au. Balance and Bounce at Pickett Park Oval on Friday 21 April registration is essential – please contact Jenna Whistler on 0427 163 317 or to register go online at swan.wa.gov.au/events

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ABOUT INNER WHEEL They are a new Inner Wheel Club and one of fifteen Clubs in Western Australia. If you would like to know more go along as a guest at one of the meetings to see what they do. Email the secretary for more information: iiw.au.swanvalley@gmail.com.

Inner Wheel meets at the Mallard Duck Restaurant, Henley Brook, on the second Friday of each month.

Inner Wheel Clubs throughout the world used to be comprised only of the womenfolk of Rotarians but now individual clubs have the option of inviting woman who are not related in any way to a Rotarian or Inner Wheel member to join as long as they are committed to the cause.

Inner Wheel is now the second largest women’s organisation in the world and now stretches throughout 103 countries with approximately 100,000 members in 3,895 Clubs.

Inner Wheel is a voluntary organisation that concentrates on friendship and personal service. One of the greatest features of Inner Wheel is the opportunity given to members the world over to get to know one another, thus contributing to international friendship and understanding.

International Inner Wheel has three key objectives:

To Promote True Friendship

To Encourage the Ideals of Personal Service

To Foster International Understanding

Various school holiday activities (Gidgegannup) – Introduction to Birds of Prey on Wednesday 19 April at Percy Cullen Pavilion. Bookings essential as spaces are limited. For enquiries, contact Jenna Whistler on 0427 163 317 or register at swan.wa.gov.au/events Futures Lab school holiday activities (Midland) - Perth’s hub of innovation throughout the 20th century – the Midland Railway Workshops – is about to host the City of Swan’s Futures Lab series various throughout April. Participants are to provide their own packed lunch. Bookings are essential. Visit swan.wa.gov. au/futureslab or contact library staff for more details Swan Grants - Sustainable Environment Grants and Community Safety Grants available. The City of Swan is seeking Expressions of Interest from community based or not-for-profit organisations – Successful organisations will be asked to develop and submit full applications. For information and applications: swan.wa.gov.au/services-support/grants-funding/available-grants/proactivegrants Restricted fire season - restricted burning period April to May. In certain circumstances, you can light a fire during the restricted burning period. Before you do this you must obtain a permit and adhere to the restrictions. Information on how to obtain a permit is listed on the back of the City’s Fire Season Guide.

Inner Wheel Club of Swan Valley Inc. PO Box 2672, Ellenbrook WA 6069

Pre-Aimeé & Nouveau Fashion Parade (Pre-loved & New Fashions) At the Mallard Duck Restaurant Marquee 10 John Street, Henley Brook

Friday, April 28th 2017

Time: 10:30am

Cost $15—Nibbles & Glass of Champagne on Arrival

Raising funds for Cord Blood

Come along and join in the fun….

Fashions will be between $4 and $40 - Boutique closing down sale and pre-loved fashions To book your place you can email: iiw.au.swanvalley@gmail.com or ring Geraldine 9377 2277 or Lyn 9296 9520 - if you want to stay for lunch at the Restaurant afterwards cost will be $30 and discount fee of $10 for the Fashion Parade.

You will need to book and pay by 21st April - Direct deposit: BSB: 066 115 Account: 1082 5910 Please quote name and Ref: FP

You are most welcome to bring a friend...

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BUSINESS - NETWORKING REASONS TO NETWORK

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o often in business we get told to discover our ‘Why’ for being in the business or career we have chosen.

It can certainly help us focus on the value in our activities by asking such questions as, “Will doing this meet my outcomes?” Or we ponder, “Will it support me in achieving my why?”

However - our ‘Why’ sometimes gets in the way of building our networks. We become too focussed on specific outcomes – blocking out the more abstract ways that networking, interacting with others and attending relevant events will assist us to grow our business, find employment and as I’ve said before, even find love.

I have worked with people so determined to calculate the return on investment (ROI) in dollar terms that they have declared no form of networking or relationship building is worth their investment of either time or money!

But is this fair? Can we honestly expect a ROI that is readily attributed to a particular event or phone call every time? It’s usually the same folk that sit there waiting for Karma to vanquish their enemies right in front of their eyes. Some things take time – it’s a cumulative outcome.

Of course it can happen – you invest two hours at a breakfast, pay your $29.95 for bacon and eggs and happen to sit next to someone who needs you or your product – right now! Winner!

But this is not the norm for many reasons and is it enough that they spend the $500 you calculate it cost you to be there? Is that the best we can hope for?

In the forgoing example – we landed a seat right next to our ‘ideal client’. It could be put down to luck – or your innate understanding of who your ideal client is – which would draw the two of you together.

In terms of fulfilling our ‘Why’ meeting our ideal client meets the brief. We go out, make a phone call or post on social media and they come running.

But if this isn’t always happening – why do we persevere? I always believe that we either earn or we learn. We can certainly learn about our

SHARRON ATTWOOD

ideal client, their needs and wants – and adjust our approach accordingly.

We also discovered last month that most people have about 120 others in their circle. So if they aren’t our ideal client – they may know or come across someone who is. These people become our advocates – our referrers.

They may never be a client of our goods or services – but by networking with our advocates we can educate them about our business and what we have to offer. Over time they will grow to know us, to like us and to trust us.

This process forms an invaluable part of our pipeline and whilst it’s rarely instant it can be long lasting if we treat our advocates well.

Looking inwards now – we can reach out to our networks and to networking events in particular, for education and experience.

Especially when in the company of our industry peers – we may not see the opportunity for gaining a client – whilst it may be there - the immediate value is in the learning. I’ve been to events purely for the speaker or to remain current and that’s ok.

On the topic of staying current, there is also value in being seen to be up to date – to be out in your industry. This strengthens your personal brand and the reputation you have amongst your peers and current/future clients alike.

It’s why I advise you to check in at events properly on social media and to pay forward key learning via a blog or post. Again this is not going to give you an immediate return – but builds on a strong personal brand foundation.

I’m sure you can add many other reasons to the list, build skills, test theories, be seen – but I’m going to finish on ‘Motivation’. Working from home, or small office, or even being a lone wolf in a larger organisation can be lonely, which in turn affects our motivation.

Reaching out to our networks or attending strategically chosen events and meetings can help us reclaim our mojo by being around people who ‘get you’ or excite you. Seeing others moving along the same path can out the fire in our belly –

so isn’t this worth our time? But how do you put a dollar value on it?

I’d put it to you that not every activity we undertake in building and tending to our networks bears fruit immediately. It’s not always obvious how some activities help us to achieve our why.

But in the bigger picture we need all elements of our networks to strengthen us, to educate us and to motivate us – so be honest about your why – and say why not to networking.

Concluded from page 24...

Linda (Helen Brown) has steam coming out of her ears, she has suspected for some time that her meek husband, Derek (Peter Shaw) has been having an affair, but now she has the evidence – a pair of lace knickers found in the glove compartment. The young, dippy housekeeper (Natasha Birch) loves these confrontations, and blatantly watches the feud whilst drinking a cup of tea.

Eventually, Derek admits his to having his fling, and tells Linda that his lover is her sister, Carol (Cherry Allen). ‘Ridiculous, in that case’ says Linda ‘I am having an affair with your brother, Colin (Peter Scarrott)’.

They both laugh at the absurd suggestion.

However, Linda is still deep down furious and decides to poison her husband by putting arsenic in his teacup.

The doorbell rings, it is the vicar (Terry Winter) looking for another donation for the church roof. The vicar sees the cup of tea and drinks it. Linda is now left with a dead body to dispose of. To make things worse, two friends that they have not seen for several years, Julie (Sharyn McCaskey) and Peter (Danny Joyce) arrive at the worst possible moment.

The battle is now on, who will win the competition to live happily ever after on the large life insurance policy by killing off their partner first?

Directed by David Heckingbottom, this play is hilarious. The first Act sets the scene, and Acts 2 and 3 get more bizarre as the play builds to a remarkably, uproarious climax.

Most of the cast are Rockingham regulars, and as always gave their absolute best; however, it was comparative newcomer, Natasha Birch as the house cleaner, who won everyone’s heart with her brainless confusion.

Rockingham has departed from its regular farce production, to give us this special dark comedy. The script is very well constructed, with some fabulous derogatory lines that many of the audience will, no doubt, have stored away for their next family argument.

Hornby has developed some great characters that still bring a smile days later, thanks to an ‘in tune’ cast with immaculate delivery.

An unusual play, skilfully presented.

Thoroughly recommended.

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FINANCE CAN TRUMP DELIVER HIS TAX REFORM PACKAGE STEVE BLIZARD

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he expectation of lower taxes and decreased regulation in the United States has seen global equity markets rise strongly following the election of President Donald Trump.

However, the market surge, dubbed the “Trump Trade”, now appears to be running out of steam.

Since March there has been eight straight down-days for the Dow, the longest losing streak for the stock market index since 2011.

At the same time, rising inflation and interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve have helped to wipe more than $US1 trillion from bond markets worldwide.

Market traders and investors are now focusing on one of two narratives – “Trump Reflation Trade On”, and as has been the case recently, “Trump Trade Off”.

David Kostin, chief US equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, says that with the market struggling to readjust its expectations for US

number of votes needed to pass the bill despite a large majority in that chamber.

The failure calls into question how easily the President will be able to deliver his economic package.

However, the second group is encouraged about the shift in focus to tax reform as the new top priority for the administration.

Despite the recent stumble by the Trump administration, Goldman’s Washington D.C. economist, Alec Phillips, continues to expect the tax reform legislation to pass later this year.

However, as Kostin cautions, from an equity market perspective, recent performance reflects a shift in sentiment from post-election hope to an acceptance of political reality.

ECONOMIC DATA Stocks have continued to rise in the face of several indicators suggesting they should be lower with differing views on whether the US economy is entering a cyclical downturn.

“At least the economic data look good, and that is an important catalyst ultimately that keeps markets going,” said David Harris, Chief Investment Officer of Rockefeller & Co. “You’d probably have more than anything a pause that refreshes in the US markets, as valuations are arguably ahead of themselves.”

Harris foresaw a “time correction” in the market, but not a drop that materially ends the bull market run.

Conditions for the global manufacturing sector are clearly improving, signalling a likely pickup in broader economic activity worldwide.

Faster rates of expansion have been signalled for the US, the Euro area, and the UK.

government policy following the move away from health care reform, it appears investors now fall into these two camps.

The first group worries that the failure to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is a sign that other items on Trump’s policy agenda are less likely to be enacted than they had hoped.

MONETARY POLICY TIGHTENS Trump’s replacement American Health In addition to the policy concerns, other Care Act was pulled from the House floor after issues have arisen in the U.S. economy.

Republican leaders realised they did not have the The Federal Reserve raised interest rates in

March, so for the second time in four months.

“Hard” economic data that measures actual activity in the US has not matched the enthusiasm seen in “soft data” from surveys of investor, employer, and consumer sentiment.

All of these factors added together led to a rough March for those betting on the Trump Trade.

Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans said he favoured further interest rate hikes this year, while Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren said the Fed should raise rates three more times during 2017.

Fed officials raised their benchmark lending rate by a quarter percentage point on March 15 and stuck to projections for three total hikes this year.

COMPETITION FOR LOCAL CAPITAL Australian Foundation Investment Company managing director, Ross Barker, has warned that Australian companies will be at a massive disadvantage if Donald Trump cuts America’s corporate tax rate.

Barker said the corporate sector here would struggle to attract investment or justify spending for new projects if President Trump delivers on his pledge to cut the rate from 35 percent to 15 percent.

“It will bring to the fore that Australia needs to be globally competitive in terms of its tax regime, as well as other parts of the economy,” he said.

“The Australian tax regime needs to be able to attract people to the country, not push them away and I’m not convinced the current settings do that.”

AUSTRALIAN COMPANY TAX DEAL LANDED In response to this threat, the Turnbull Government has just landed an 11th-hour deal to cut taxes for businesses with annual turnovers of up to $50 million, after handing a slew of concessions to the Nick Xenophon Team, including one-off payments to help pensioners pay electricity bills.

The Coalition agreed to a string of demands following a frantic 24 hours of horse-trading with the trio of South Australian senators.

The agreement represents a significant victory for the government ahead of next month’s budget.

Companies with an annual turnover of up to $50 million will see their tax rate cut to 27.5 percent, at a cost to the budget of $5.2 billion over the next four years, and eventually to 25 percent at a cost of $24 billion over the medium term.

Regardless that this is a little less than half the cost of the package originally proposed by the Turnbull Government last year, Treasurer Scott Morrison is determined to press on with the balance of the planned tax cuts, in order to stay ahead of the pending Trump tax reforms.

Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities 33

BOOKS JUST OUT Title: Author: Publisher: ISBN:

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The Gaza Kitchen Laila El-Haddad Just World Books 9781 6825 7008 1

aila El-Haddad acclaimed international chef, author of The Gaza Kitchen, journalist and Palestinian activist is coming to Australia in April.

She was recently featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown episode Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza as his guide in the Gaza Strip and in 2016 cooked a dinner at the Met in New York with Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, featured in the New Yorker Magazine.

“This is a place that the Silk Road passed through, so it is a unique intersection of the spices of the east with the traditions of the Middle East. It’s quite unique.

“And since 1948 with the dislocation of so many people from Gaza, the food history was dispersed.

“There’s a lot of Palestinians who are passionate about food, and there was a smattering of books out there, but there was nothing about southern Palestine, the Gaza-area.

“So it makes Gaza a really interesting place to encounter the cuisine of a much broader Palestinian area–and the histories of villages that were completely wiped off the map, that were depopulated. Often times, the only way to be able to explore this history, to live this history,

and a regular contributor to the BBC World Service. During this time, she produced two Gazabased documentaries including The Tunnel Trade. · A graduate of Duke University and the Harvard Kennedy School, she is a recipient of the Clinton Scholarship, as well as the Inspiration for Hope and the Literary Leadership Awards. · She has been published in The Washington Post, The International Herald Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, New Statesman, Le Monde diplomatique, and The Electronic Intifada, among others, and she has been a guest on al Jazeera, NPR stations, CNN, and the BBC. ~oOo~ Title: Author: Publisher: ISBN:

A The Gaza Kitchen is one of the only political histories of Gazan cuisine and Palestinian cuisine generally, tracking down century old recipes being used today, and showcasing them to the world through the dramatic stories and innovations that have unfolded.

Ms El-Haddad said about her book: “Often, the only way to explore the history of true history of Gaza is through its food.

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is through the food you find in Gaza.

Ms El-Haddad has also had an accomplished career as a journalist, academic and activist.

Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents from Gaza, she currently lives in Clarksville, Maryland with her husband and their three children.

Ms El-Haddad is being brought to Australia by the Australian Jewish Democratic Society.

Her high profile career includes: · In 2016, Ms El-Haddad’s recently conducted a dinner with world-renowned Israeli born British chef Yotam Ottolenghi at the Met in New York. · In 2013, she co-authored The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Culinary Journey with Maggie Schmitt; this cookbook of recipes from across the Gaza Strip both explores the food heritage of the region and tells the stories of Gazan women and men to portray the reality of Palestinian life from a personal perspective. · Author of Gaza Mom: Palestine, Politics and Everything in Between about the trials of raising my children between spaces and identities; displacement and occupation; and everything that entails from potty training to border crossings. · Policy advisor with al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network. · From 2003 to 2007, El-Haddad was the Gaza correspondent for the Al Jazeera English website

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After the Tumbles and Tangles Angie Salamah Balboa Press AU 9781 5043 0411 5

ngie Salamah’s willingness to help people through hard times prompted her to write her book titled After the Tumbles and Tangles: A Guide to Good Thoughts which shows readers how to change the undeniable relationship between their thoughts and the lives they create for themselves does not have to be difficult.

This collection of short, thought-provoking poems inspire readers to take small, accessible steps to a healthier emotional life. It includes encouraging quotes providing a positive outlook through difficult times. It can be used as a reference through hardship or times of feeling down.

“This book will appeal to readers because people will be able to relate to some of the quotes, from their own personal experiences,” Salamah says. “It is very raw and speaks from the heart. This is something people can identify with.”

After the Tumbles and Tangles hopes to provide readers with a feeling of optimism and a knowing that they are not alone. Salamah would like readers to feel a sense of belonging and understanding through the poems she shared in this book.

About the Author Angie Salamah is a clairsentient. She was a successful advertising manager, working with leading magazines. She often found herself at the end of board meetings, providing insight to others.

This led to her decision to use her gift to assist people through their setbacks and to bring their attention to the effectiveness of positivity.

She lives in Sydney with her husband and their two children.

The self-professed caffeine addict works from home, writing and painting. Readers can catch her on Twitter: angieswallofhrt and on Instagram: angieswallofheart.

mmmmmmmmm

WRITING KSP WRITERS CENTRE

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SHANNON COYLE

he not-for-profit KSP Writers’ Centre in Greenmount offers many activities and development services for writers, one of the most popular being the residency and retreats program.

With three self-contained Jarrah cabins onsite, writers from all over the country come to KSP to write, contemplate ideas, and be inspired by the former home of Katharine Susannah Prichard, notable Australian author.

In 2017, KSP has launched a new tier to this program. In addition to the more established Writers-in-Residence, the Centre will also host thirteen Fellows, who are a talented group of dedicated aspiring writers.

KSP’s comprehensive line-up of Writers-inResidence and Fellowship recipients means that the Centre will be buzzing with special guests this year, and our local community has the unique opportunity to meet and learn from these talented artists.

Keep an eye on Boya and Mundaring libraries as many of our writers will be offering a free author talk this year.

The writers will also host workshops and feature at social events at the Centre, so be sure to check out our website for details or pop in to KSP to collect an events

calendar. KSP’s March guests are offering the following events: April Press Club Tuesday, 18th April One-day (9:30am-3:00pm) writing program for ages 11-17, lunch included.

Facilitated by Guy Salvidge at KSP Writers’ Centre. Advance booking essential. $55 Shire of Mundaring residents $60 KSP members, $65 non-members KSP April Sunday Session Sunday 26 March, 4.00-5.30pm In this regular monthly event a featured author talks on the KSP’s Balcony Bar. April’s special guest is Fremantle Press-published short fiction author Nadine Browne. You should note this session is also an open mike so bring along short piece of work to share. Open theme.

This event is sponsored by Lion Mill Winery. $5 members, $10 non-members Book online or pay cash at the door For more details please visit the KSP website www. kspwriterscentre.com or phone the office 08 9294 1872.

Katharine Susannah Prichard ca. 1904, from Child of the Hurricane

KSP OPEN DAY SHANNON COYLE

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n the Perth hills from the 1920s up until the 60s, the home of Australian novelist Katharine Susannah Prichard was famous for its social gatherings.

According to her son, ‘Writers visiting Western Australian usually made a point of calling on Katharine at Greenmount’. The beautiful bush block hosted tea parties on the verandah and played jazz on the gramophone in the evenings.

On Sunday 7 May, we invite you to continue this tradition of socialising at 11 Old York Road by attending the free KSP Writers’ Centre annual Open Day. Activities on the day include guided heritage tours, sausage sizzle, KSP market stalls, poetry and prose performances, and plenty of information to pick up about the Centre’s many services and upcoming events for both writers and readers.

Katharine’s work studio will be open for viewing and, of course, the KSP Café will be open offering free cups of tea and coffee to compliment the delicious gourmet goods at our Charity Bake Sale.

As the volunteers at KSP prepare the property for this highly anticipated event – tidying rooms, sweeping leaves, shifting furniture, dusting shelves – they are reminded of Katharine herself, doing the same thing before family came to visit.

According to her biography, Wild Weeds and Wildflowers, Katharine admitted ‘it wouldn’t seem like home if every room wasn’t oozing with books and papers’. It is with pride and remembrance that the community Centre of today continues to reflect this warm vision.

KSP Writers’ Centre is located at 11 Old York Road, Greenmount, directly adjacent to the Hugo Throssell stone memorial on Great Eastern Highway, with car parking available at the front and rear of the property. Families welcome. Open Day will run from 10.30am – 3.00pm.

For more details please phone the office 08 9294 1872 or visit the KSP website www.kspwriterscentre.com.

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WRITING SOUTH-WEST SHORTS

Life in the south-west of WA in short plays egular readers will recall that in February’s issue we carried an article on the ‘South-West Shorts’ playwriting competition.

The inaugural competition, the brain child of Therese Edmonds and the Western Edge Playwrights group, attracted a goodly number of entries from both Perth and the South-West.

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The best six plays as determined by the judges were fortunate enough to have their plays work-shopped by a professional director and actors and were performed as rehearsed readings in front of a large and appreciative audience at Rivendell Estate.

The judges, all well-known in WA writing and theatre circles, were Robyn McCarron, Margot Edwards and Douglas Sutherland-Bruce.

They determined that the top three plays from the Perth area were: The Untold Story by Norm Flynn (performed by Alex McVey); Busselton Jetty 1969 by James Forte (performed by India Stanley) and First Impressions by Helen Munt (performed by Lynda Hunt and Alex McVey).

James Forte will be familiar to regular readers of the Swan Magazine as our resident film critic, well-known for his insightful and wryly humourous column.

The three top plays from the South West were Here First by Kate Jenkins (performed by Dan Anderson); The Stealthy Story Exrapolator 36

by Sky River (performed by Lynda Hunt) and The Composition of a Friendship by Michiko Parnell (performed by India Stanley and Alex McVey).

Titles and stage directions were read by Liam Gamble.

The six plays were very well-received by the audience seated in the spacious dining hall of the Rivendell Estate.

After all plays had been presented Therese Edmonds announced the Judges Award, which was to James Forte for his charming and thought -provoking Busselton Jetty 1969.

‘Nostalgia is addictive. Extremely addictive.

A new technology enables people to relieve their favourite memories. Just beware of the dark side.’

Judge Robyn McCarron spoke on behalf of the judges, praising the quality of the entries and thanking Western Edge Playwrights for their initiative.

Then came the presentation of the People’s Choice, voted on by the audience during the break.

Here First by Kate Jenkins won the popular acclaim - ‘A very subtle exploration of the fear-driven forces of domination and control which form the foundation of our society, even in the beautiful South West region of ‘civilised’ Australia. Through the musings of a typical FIFO father, we glimpse how modern territorialism, coupled with the pressing concerns of day-to-day survival still prevent most of us from addressing vitally important issues which ultimately affect us all.’

A wonderful afternoon’s entertainment, the culmination of lots of hard work and skill all of which will be repeated next year. T h a n k s to all concerned and congratulations to the winners, both finalists and award winners.

Therese Edmonds, India Stanley and James Forte

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind collection of poems, with each poet compared of such an intriguing approach, not least of

THE ANTHOLOGY EXPERIMENT Glennys Marsdon

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seem to be focusing on writing so far this year, apologies for those not interested, I’ll definitely be talking about something else next month. In the meantime, I thought I’d let you in on a recent somewhat intriguing writing experience.

One of my secret writing dreams has been to be part of an anthology, no idea why as I’ve always been a bit of a lone wolf really. If I ever needed this confirmed, it was brought home to me many years ago one Melbourne Cup Day. The department I was working for at the time decided to rename everyone as a horse in the big race. Oh joy! People beamed on hearing their nom de plumes, well how could they not when labelled ‘front runner’, ‘thoroughbred’ or ‘dead set winner’? Even the work experience girl seemed proud of her ‘young stayer’ tag. Then it or was my turn …

‘Will run her own race’.

Hmm. For a department that regularly lay prostrate at the altar of teamwork, were they trying to tell me something?

Still, could be worse, and hardly surprising really since I’d set up my section of the department as the independent voice of the customer.

Detached from corporate politics, unable to be influenced, a little oasis of Switzerland amid a ruthless corporate jungle. So why years later was I secretly hankering to be part of an anthology?

Surely the art of writing, the mere practice of purging ones’ deepest thoughts onto paper, is the most solitary, self-regulating of activities.

According to the definition, ‘anthology’ comes from the Greek word anthologia, meaning a collection of flowers, and was first penned in the 17th century when The Garland contained a

to a flower. Nowadays they have broadened into collections of short stories, poems or plays compiled by one person.

As a relatively unknown author, I’m all too aware of the road ahead strewn with exhausted disenfranchised, writers. Sure, my favoured solo approach has availed a modicum of success, but what if I branched out and took a chance on a collective approach? What then?

As luck would have it this momentary mind shift coincided with a call out from local publisher Serenity Press, who were holding a competition with an intriguing premise.

There was the usual statement of the genre (this time it was romance), word limit, and deadline. The pitch outlined the setting (Serendipity Bridal Boutique a vintage-styled salon in W.A. country town, Eagle Point) and two of the characters (Kyle a gay designer and an assistant named Vanessa). The main character Kate, the owner of the bridal store, would be written by the people running the competition.

Entrants were tasked with writing a story featuring either Kyle, Vanessa, or a new character. Having never written romance I concluded that even though I liked the premise, it wasn’t for me. But the next day a character named Susannah Cassidy came a knocking, as they do, demanding to be heard.

Looking back at my files the first draft was submitted in May 2016 and the contract announcing my inclusion amongst the ten stories, arrived with equal parts joy and shock in August.

Nearly a year on and the book A Bouquet of Love, is about to take its place in the world. The first proof copy graced the shelves of the London Book Fair, surely a good omen.

So, what have I learnt so far from this venture into collaboration?

First up a lot can be said for stepping out of your genre. I know I would never have dared submit a piece of romance to a publisher without this prompt.

Second, it was fascinating to be on the inside

which was the use of social media. Entrants were invited into a closed Facebook group where we could ask questions as they arose … what colour is the assistant’s hair, do the dressing rooms have curtains or doors?

Moreover, the experience provided some surprising benefits beyond the actual desire to see my scribbles published.

The Facebook page introduced me to a glorious group of writers who continue to motivate and support each other. I feel incredibly privileged to be included and can’t wait to read their entries, especially the one about the cupcake wielding assassins.

Surprisingly the contacts made through this group also resulted in two speaking gigs where I met even more wonderful writers.

The editing process was another eye-opener. I take my hat off to Monique Mulligan who edited the ten stories while also writing the main character.

The fact that she and her business partner Karen McDermott ran a Writers Retreat in a castle in Northern Ireland, and set up a stall at the London Book Fair during this time, is simply mindboggling.

Overall it was a terrific experience that I would highly recommend.

Collaboration has clearly come a long way from all those university group assignments where one person did all the work, although Monique might have something to say about that.

It will be interesting to watch how the marketing results pan out given that this too will be shared across all involved. If you’re interested in knowing the outcome please drop me a line.

A massive thank you to everyone at Serenity Press for the opportunity, to my fellow writers on the Facebook group for your friendship and encouragement, but most of all to Susannah Cassidy for taking me down this path, one I sincerely hope to do again soon.

A Bouquet of Love launches May 18th. For more information go to the Serenity Press website: serenitypress.org If you’d like to pre-order a copy you can click on this link: serenitypress.org/_p/ prd1/4617712241/product/a-bouquet-of-lovepre-order.

DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and or issues canvassed. Synhawk Publications Pty Ltd does not accept any liability for any statements or any opinion, or for any errors or omissions contained herein.

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38

COMMUNITY NORTHAM MOTORSPORTS SHANE CASSIDY

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n the first weekend in April one hundred and thirteen classic and vintage sports and racing cars headed to the Historic Town of Northam for the annual Northam Flying 50 car race.

The 2017 Northam Motorsports Festival had drivers compete in the 780 meter Hillclimb up Mount Ommanney just outside Northam town site and a Motorkhana in the Minson Avenue car park on Saturday.

The main event of the Northam Motorsports Festival was Sunday’s Miter 10 Northan Flying 50 car race where the classic, vintage and historic cars are organized into five groups: Sports Cars 1935 to 1982, Pre 1960 Sports and Race cars, Pre 1984 Production cars and the ever popular Historic Touring Cars.

The Iconic Flying 50 is run on the 1.36 kilometers of closed public roads in the heart of Northams CBD and the event is conducted under regularity rules rather than an outright race.

A regularity is a type of motorsport that allows the competitor to compete with limited speed restrictions to suit their own driving ability and skill level, making it competition motorsports rather than racing.

The Northam Motorsports Festival had free spectator entry and included childrens’ entertainment, art exhibition, historic photography display, markets and a static car display on the lawn area on Bernard Park.

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COMMUNITY MACHINE KNITTERS PAT LIDDLE

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s a member of the Eastern Districts Machine Knitting Group here are my thoughts of hand versus machine knitting.

Having been a lover of hand knitting from an early age I used to sit and knit when I should have been doing homework. Though it is true that you never stop learning or are too old to learn, what I enjoy now is learning about various crafts with machine knitting being a favourite pastime.

One thing I have learned is that it is far more enjoyable than house work. The homework business has well and truly left me but the knitting has not and I hope never will.

I first became machine knitting minded when my friend’s daughter was expecting triplets and I was ambitious enough to knit three baby shawls.

Since then I still have a love of both crafts.

Machine knitting is quicker for sure but I would hate to list the number of times that people have told me that it is ‘cheating’.

For sure it is not.

Some wonderful items can be made on the machine that nobody in their right mind would attempt by hand.

Hand knitting is an enjoyable, but mainly a solitary, process which of course you certainly derive pleasure from, and which I still love but if you are lucky, as I was, to join a machine knitting

group the friendship that has grown from this is truly amazing.

Our group was started over thirty years ago by two ladies - Liz James and Pat Kendall. Both very talented ladies with a deep love of all crafts, hand knitting, machine knitting, crocheting, tatting etc. and are only too pleased to assist new members.

Some of our ladies have been members from almost day one and some of the others are fairly new to the craft and new members are more than welcome. This means we have people of different levels in our group and the more experienced are always to help others.

We are a group of about eighteen members and are always looking to welcome new friends to our group.

If I have managed to convince you to have a look at how machine knitting works, please come to one of our regular meetings. There you will see Concluded from page 6 ... hand knitting and machine knitting as well as a The list is massive with an investment of friendly atmosphere and community. over $6.33b into improvements for the Trucking For further information please ring Liz on Industry and 100’s of small local road upgrades. 9572 7074, Pat 9309 3260 or the other Pat on A world class new hospital for Midland, Midland 9295 2793.

Curtin University Campus and development of the Midland Railway Workshops.

New schools across the region include Governor Stirling, Maida Vale Primary school, new primary and secondary schools in Ellenbrook, Byford etc. We also saw many local sporting clubs and community group facilities upgraded.

My personal favourite was the upgrade to the Northern Redbacks Women’s Soccer Club in Balga.

Raising the profile of the Swan Valley and Hills region to be recognised as a major tourism attraction and destination for Perth was another major achievement.

I have enjoyed working with many of the local operators to create connections and relationships within the tourism industry to grow the Valley and the Hills to their full potential.

I can however let you know that you haven't seen the last of me! I have too much I still want to achieve for our region and a passion to grow the community’s confidence in our political system.

Until next time…..

40

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sir: So around forty or so federal MPs and Senators have formed a Parliamentary ‘Australian head of state’ group. Why is such a big fuss being made about a group of politicians?

Well, of course we know that the majority of politicians across the Parliament support a republic. We also know that a majority of politicians are totally out of touch with the thinking of their electorates.

We are also told that in 1999 there was not enough information available for the people to understand. But we had eight years and more of debate on constitutional change.

In 1993 Paul Keating established a Republic Advisory Committee, chaired by Malcolm Turnbull and in 1998 John Howard held a constitutional convention which voted to put the ARM/Turnbull model to a referendum vote in 1999.

To say that there was insufficient debate at the time and even thereafter over the past eighteen years is arrant nonsense.

For republicans to say that we are already a republic is incorrect. We are a constitutional monarchy with a system that works whereas the majority of republics in the world have systems that do not work.

In fact, there is no former colony of the British Empire which removed the Crown and became a republic and which kept the freedoms of the people intact.

Res-publica from which the word republic evolved is a Latin phrase which means, in essence, 'public affair'. That Australia’s constitutional monarchy is of the people and is reliant upon the people does not make Australia a republic.

In fact republics grew from the embryonic system developed in England of Parliamentary democracy which led to our system of constitutional monarchy.

The basis of our Australian system is that the people elect politicians to govern but the monarch, through the Governor-General, oversees the governance of the country to ensure that the tenets of the Constitution are maintained and to act as a conduit to express the will of the people to ministers concerned. Once you put a politician in place of the monarch and Governor-General, then the authority implicit in the supervisory role becomes somewhat redundant and the Prime Minister then becomes all-powerful. (No wonder so many politicians seem to want a republic.)

Our Australian system of constitutional monarchy is not beholden to any other entity other than the nation or the individual. The Queen is a part of our Constitution not the other way around. This is why Australia’s constitutional monarchy is the best system. This is why the people will always vote to retain it.

Philip Benwell Australian Monarchist League

COMMUNITY LILI MAE’S DREAM

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ili-Mae is thirteen years old and attends Katharine Mantle Performing Arts Academy on a full time basis with a dream of becoming a Ballerina.

She studies at the School of Isolated and Distance Education. She is very talented and

Lili-Mae has received an singular honour for that I cant afford to just send her. an Australian of her age. She been invited to “She has been told she has what it takes to attend the English National Ballet School Summer become a professional ballerina and I don’t want Program. to be the one that holds her back.

This is a once in a life time opportunity for “Please help my daughter. She so deserves Lili-Mae. this opportunity. We would be so thankful for any Unfortunately, Lili-Mae’s family cannot afford donation.” to take up this wonderful opportunity for her. So her dad, Robert Newton, has started a The family are fundraising and selling household GoFundMe account to help with tuition fees and items to try to fund this trip. aeroplane fares.

Her mother says: Any support she recieves will be a blessing. It “We have saved all our money to send her would help her towards achieving her dream . The to New Zealand for a important competition but would be so grateful for any support given.

ABOUT THE ENGLISH NATIONAL have not got the funds for her to go to England. If you can spare a few dollars to help Lili-Mae “I told Lili-Mae that we cant afford it and achieve her dream, then please go to gofundme.

BALLET SCHOOL she understands but I can see she is crying com/lilimaes-ballet-dream and make a donation he School of English National Ballet is a on the inside. She is so dedicated to Ballet and even just spreading the word through Facebook specialist training centre for aspiring and schoolwork and works so hard it breaks my heart can help. highly talented young ballet dancers aged sixteen to nineteen. They transform talented young dancers into world-class performers over a three year programme validated by Trinity College, London.

The School was founded in 1988 by the English National Ballet to train students for a professional career in dance. Today the School exists as a separate entity but maintains strong links with its parent company, sharing its commitment to excellence and access.

They are a talent-led organisation and each year 300 young dancers audition for one of thirty places in the first year.

Once a young dancer joins, they have an incredibly bright future. Our dancers join the English National Ballet and other prestigious ballet companies worldwide. Currently a third of the dancers at English National Ballet are graduates of the School.

The School is highly respected in the field for our training and pastoral care. We are regarded as an 'exemplary provider' by Trinity College London.

In our most recent inspection Outstanding was achieved in all areas which includes effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal The School of English National Ballet in training development, behaviour and welfare.

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AU .

M O C . e l a d eycideran

UNSAFE PUP

GETTING MATEY WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS

P

hotography is such an essential part of rehoming SAFE’s rescued animals.

We depend hugely on our team of volunteer photographers to capture the spirit of an animal in just a handful of pictures.

Sometimes that’s not such an easy task, especially with shy cats, playful kittens, bouncy puppies and older dogs that need a little bit of extra time to trust a newcomer.

At SAFE we love receiving the photos from our photographers at the end of a day’s shooting and getting the chance to ooh and aah over cute faces and chuckle at the sometimes funny expressions.

Our photographers aim to get four different photos of each animal – a close up of the face looking at the camera, a full body shot and some shots which show off their training skills or love of playing.

Although knowledge of apertures and shutter speeds is important, bucket loads of patience is more necessary!

Matey is one dog whose photos perfectly capture his wonderful personality. Happy eyes, one ear up and one ear down, this one and a half year old is looking for his best mate.

As a red heeler cross he is super clever and has already learned to sit, heel, and walk on a lead right next to his carer’s leg.

Matey likes to hoon around playing with his foster brother but also likes a bit of chill time watching the world go by.

He loves people and cuddles and would suit any type of active household, including children if they’re old enough to be consistent with his training.

Matey is de-sexed, micro-chipped and vaccinated. Could you fill the spot of Matey’s best mate?

Call SAFE Karratha on 08 9185 4634 or visit our website at safe.asn.au to see more of his beautiful photos.

SAFE SAFE is a not for profit organisation that saves re-homeable animals from euthanasia.

We have volunteers working effectively from all over the country performing an array of tasks.

Our overheads are kept small as we rely on our volunteers to care for the animals, take photographs, write profiles, coordinate photographers and profilers, do website content management, write stories for publications, do public relations and administrative work.

Email and internet makes volunteering possible from anywhere.

We are always in need of donations to pay vet bills - every rescue animal has to be desexed, vaccinated and micro-chipped.

Volunteer fundraisers and marketers to help raise these much needed funds. If you’d like to donate, information can be found on: www.safe.asn.au/How_to_help/Donate.html If you’d like to make a difference and join our team of volunteers and foster carers, please email karratha@safe.asn.au or phone us at SAFE Karratha at (08) 9185 4634.

ARE YOU HANDY WITH A CAMERA? Have you thought about volunteering for SAFE as a photographer?

If you’ve got a good camera and know a bit about apertures, good lighting and have lots of patience, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re also a whizz at photo editing or can help organise our shoots please get in touch.

We need photographers in the Perth area as well as across the rest of the state supporting our ten branches.

We’d also love to welcome more foster carers to our network in Perth and across the state. Fostering is a vital role as it provides rehabilitation, training, caring and loving of animals to prepare them for their new lives with permanent owners.

Matey, the Red Heeler Cross (Photograph by Carley Rorke) 43

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