The Bugle 27 February 2016
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
Council endorses a formal poll on merger proposal Kiama councillors have unanimously decided to take the NSW Government’s merger proposal to the people by holding a local referendum on the issue. “The process so far has
Lauris Buckman, Gerringong resident for 51 years, giving a copy of her submission to Gareth Ward MP.
been like something out of an Orwellian novel. We need to introduce an element of democracy,” said Councillor Andrew Sloan, when proposing the motion. “There has been no opportunity for residents of this community to have a say. More than that, the Government had a policy of no forced amalgamations at the last election.” Final approval for the poll is expected to be given soon at a special meeting of Council, once further details of the costs and timing are presented. Less expensive options than the preliminary estimate from the Electoral Commission, if it were to do it, of $120,000 are being investigated. Given the passion on show at the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on 23 February,
Help safeguard the Lloyd Rees Legacy p3
Jazz & Blues coming to town p3
Residents have until 5pm on Sunday 28 February to lodge their submissions using the form online at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au there seems little doubt the expenditure will be approved. Councillor Dennis Seage said while it was a large amount, it represented just $5.21 per resident, and was
well worth spending. “They have forced our hand and we have to do it,” he said. “We need to fight tooth and nail to make sure we keep our independence.” Councillor Gavin McClure
A link with the past closes its doors
Ross and David Simmons
Inside this issue
Saturday 27 of February marks an end of an era for Kiama with the closing of the Simmons family’s hardware store in Terralong Street. The Kiama Supply Co (aka Mitre 10) was founded in 1899, with Ross joining the business in 1975 and brother David in 1980. The brothers sold the extensive property to Kiama Council last year, and have leased it back since then. Council is investigating a number of proposals it has received for future use of the site, including at least one offer to buy it from them. The site is considered pivotal to future planning options.
said while some say the merger is a done deal, that is even more reason to have the poll. “How dare the Government put our community through this?” he said. “They have shown total disregard for our community - what a waste of money, what a waste of time and what a stress to put on the people who live here.” Mayor Brian Petschler said he was concerned about the undemocratic way the process is unfolding. “Whilst I am concerned about the cost, it does seem to me that there is a legitimate right of the people that are going to be most affected by this process, a right that we expect in this country, to have a say in what happens to us. Cont. p4
CMRI organises International Women’s Day event p4
Dementia Friendly initiatives p 6
What’s on? Every Wednesday Kiama Farmers’ Market Kiama Harbour 3-6pm
On weekends Live music at The Sebel, Kiama Leagues Club, The Mecure, Jamberoo Pub and other venues.
27 February Kiama Rugby Sevens Kiama Showgrounds 8.30am start; finals from 5.15pm. $10 entry. Free Summer Movie: Pitch Perfect 2 8pm, Gerry Emery Oval,
Let us know if there’s an event you’re organising. Just email the details to emailthebugle@gmail.com or phone 0412 415 101 Listings are free, and at the editor’s discretion
Rowlings Rd, Gerringong Kiama Makers & Growers Market Black Beach, 9-2pm
Seminar (see p 6)
14 March
11-13 March
Spirituality in the Pub The first speaker for 2016 is Dr Elizabeth Farrelly, Sydney Morning Herald columnist and critic on architecture and public issues. Her topic is Beauty, Sacredness and Change. All welcome. Jamberoo Pub, 7.30pm
Jazz & Blues Festival (see p 3)
28 February
11 March
Jamberoo Village Market 9-2pm
Australian Haydn Ensemble with 4 March Sara Macliver Pics & Flicks (see below) Berry Uniting Church Hall, 7pm. Tickets $50 Gerringong Town Hall, 7.30 for 8pm $10 ($40 conc) from australianhaydn.com.au 5 March First release movie Friends of Kiama Library Talk (see below) at the Library Book in for details, 3pm 10-11 March CMRI International Dementia Awareness Women’s Day (see p 4)
12 March Locals Long Lunch (see below)
14-20 March Mardi Gras Regional Art Prize Exhibition Old Fire Station, Kiama
18 March Illawarriors Fundraiser (see p 6)
20 March
12-13 March
We Like It Hot: Mardi Kiama Woodcraft Group Gras Regional Art Prize Annual Expo After Party (see right) Kiama Bowling Club, 2-10pm, $65, Tickets from eventbrite.com.au
Is your garden ready for Easter? With only 4 weeks until Easter, now is the time to get your autumn garden looking good and freshen up your entrance paths with Burnetts On Barney’s new range of sandstonelook granite. Come and see us 6 days a week at 80 Barney St and let us show you three granite options, as well as other pebble and mulch options to give any garden an instant makeover.
80 Barney St, Kiama t 4233 1322 Open 7.30-4.30 Mon-Fri
7-4 Saturdays
Woodcraft Expo 2016 Final preparations are underway for the Kiama Woodcraft Group’s 2016 Expo. “The Expo is a way of displaying the skills of our members to the community, and also gives the community an insight into what we’re about,” says John Daniel. The range and quality of the work on display is always impressive. There are demonstrations of techniques and items are for sale. The group has been together for well over 20 years and comprises members with a shared interest in a wide variety of woodcrafts. Expo co-ordinator Darren Keen Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7pm, at Design and Technology Block of Kiama High School. Visitors and new members always welcome. Details: 12-13 March, Kiama Masonic Hall Lodge, Collins St. 9-5 Sat and 9-4 Sun. Free entry. Enquiries Darren Keen 0415 155 200
Long Lunch for locals Be inspired Supporters of local food will be interested in Kiama Council partnering with antifood waste campaigner Hidden Harvest and local producers to host a Locals Long Lunch, showcasing local produce, sustainable food practices and reduction of food waste. Three courses, with lots of discussion about how to bring about change. Details: 12 March, 1pm, Gerringong Town Hall. $35 + booking fee tickets from eventbrite.com.au or call Regan on 4232 0416
The March Pics & Flicks, He Named Me Malala, tells the amazing story of Malala Yousafzai. Since being left for dead by the Taliban, Youssafzai has since emerged as a leading campaigner for the rights of children worldwide and in December 2014, became the youngest-ever Noble Peace Prize Laureate. Not to be missed. Details above.
Appreciate the history behind coats of arms In our last issue we reported that Aileen Harland would be giving a talk on Bushrangers to the Friends of Kiama Library, but now she is unable to attend. Ray Thorburn has stepped into the breach, and will be giving a talk on Heraldry - Colours, Charges, Metals and Furs. Ray was one of the founder of the Kiama Family History Centre, and is very knowledgeable on issues of Details: Saturday 5 March, 2.30pm, genealogy and its roots in the hisKiama Library Auditorium. tory of Britain and Ireland. He will $5 members, $8 others. be a most entertaining speaker.
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The Bugle Editor: Cathy Law t 0412 415 101 Sales: Steve Law t 0428 662 499 Ian MacDonald t 0422 736 582
Or email us at emailthebugle@ gmail.com Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, but we are only human.
4 Tingira Cres, Kiama
Jazz & Blues Festival Help safeguard the Lloyd Rees Legacy is coming to town
The program of this year’s Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival brings together a wide range of musical styles under its umbrella, from the traditional jazz of Dr Don’s Double Dose to the modern sounds of Out of Abingdon (above), which promises shades of Bjork, Nina Simone and Grant Green. Then there’s the ‘hot soul, funk and blues’ of Doug Williams & the Mix. Ex-pat American Doug (below) has played on tour with Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, James Brown, Ray Charles, Renee Geyer and Kate Cebrano, so he should really get the Leagues Club jumping. With 80 performances on for free at over 30 venues, and a concert in the park on Sunday, you really need to get yourself a program and start planning your weekend now. Details: 11-13 March, various venues. Look for a program around town or download one from www.kiamajazz.com
Get testing your raft prototype The momentum is building for this year’s revamped Kiss Arts Festival, to be held at Kiama Harbour. By bringing all of the international street performers and activities to the one area, the plan is to create an arts village atmosphere for the whole community and visitors to enjoy. The Festival will begin on the last Saturday evening in April, with a lantern wonderland of music and laughter. While some of the details are still underwraps, with its maritime, sea shanty theme, there just has to be a raft race on the Sunday. The organisers want as many community and sporting groups as possible to vie for the honour of being the inaugural KISS Raft Champions. There will be a fabulous prize and trophy to go with the inner glow. Details: To find out more email contact@kissartsfestival.com.au
SHOP ONLINE for regional and local food Greenbox is a non-profit, regional food coop based in Gerringong, run by a team of passionate volunteers
www.greenbox.org.au Order online every week from 10am Fri to 7pm Mon for collection or delivery Thurs from 2.30 to 6pm
As reported in our last edition, large paintings by Lloyd Rees’ architecture students meant for Kiama High Hall were recently uncovered in a school storeroom. The latest good news is that the paintings have now been restored by local artist Auguste Blackman, under the guidance of his sister, Christabel, one of the world’s
Tourism: the latest Tourism industry participants are bewildered by the sudden departure of Kiama Council’s Tourism and Strategic Marketing Manager, Lisa Evans. “Just a week ago she sent out an enthusiastic email talking about all the things she was working on,” says one insider. “We are all wondering where this leaves us - is it back to Kiama Tourism being in control?” Ms Evans was appointed when Council decided to cut back its funding to Kiama Tourism and take the strategic marketing function in-house. It is believed there were frictions in trying to make this new system work. General Manager Michael Forsyth says that it is a personnel matter and has no bearing on the way Council sees the role. “We said we would look at how the new system is working at the end of two years, and that time is up at the end of this year,” he explains. Current projects will be progressed during the time before then. 3
finest art restorers. She came and advised on best methods of cleaning and varnishing the work. All involved in the project are very pleased with the way the paintings have been brought back to life. The work has proceeded despite the fact that the organisers still have to raise the money they need
to fund the costs of the project. They have applied for a Community Cultural Grant, but that will only cover a portion of the $6000 needed. Details: You can donate via lloydreeslegacy.wordpress.com or contact the organiser on lloydreesfestival2013@gmail.com to arrange a direct donation.
Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-Branch Annual General Meeting The AGM will be held at the Jamberoo RSL Hall commencing at 1pm on Friday 4 March, 2016.
Drivers Wanted A Kiama passenger transport business requires Casual Drivers across all departments. Taxi Drivers, Hire Car Drivers, Casual Bus Drivers and Special Education Drivers are all required. Applicants with a driver’s authority preferred, with immediate start considered, however those that will need to obtain this will also be considered. Applicants must be able to work some weekends and some night shifts as required. Local applicants preferred. Call 0414 377 505 or email kiamatransport@ gmail.com
Young local woman to inspire others
Kiama Coastal Classic mooted for this July
The theme for International Women’s Day is Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality. Given the achievements of Gerringong’s Kimberley Abbott, she is just the person to inspire our community, especially young women, to know it can happen Kimberley Abbott by sharing her experiences, passion and vision . A 25 year old engineer with a B Mechanical Engineering (with Honours) and B Science (Exercise Science) from the University of Wollongong, Kimberley was the University’s Young Alumni Award Winner in 2015. This prestigious award recognised her work as co- founder of Yes WE (Women Engineers) Can! which aims to educate young girls about engineering and inspire them to consider a career in the engineering and science fields. Kim is also the founder of the social business, Roka, based in India and providing women with a source of income through making jewellery from the waste product of the granite quarries around Bangalore. In 2013 Kim was named in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac’s 100 Women of Influence. In 2014 she was a finalist in the NSW Young Woman of the Year Awards and in 2015 she was selected by the Australian Government to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She has also recently founded two new social enterprises: SheBuild and GenBuild. Kim will be the guest speaker at a CMRI Gerringong fundraiser to mark International Women’s Day. She has strong links to the group as her mother, Sharon Abbott, and her grandmother were members. “As an past student of Gerringong Public School and Kiama High School, Kim knows the opportunities available to youth in our community and she will certainly motivate and encourage her audience to make the most of every chance to make a difference in the world, to achieve goals and to make things happen,” says CMRI’s Lorraine Peade.
Plans are afoot to base a running festival in Kiama, with the main event of the day being a 15km run along the coast from Gerringong to Kiama. Elite Energy, which organises a number of triathalons along the NSW coast, plans to market it as the most scenic run in Australia. They are also looking at the idea of holding a triathalon training camp in the area and establishing a Kiama Aquathon as part of a five race season. The Kiama Coastal Classic Running Festival would be held on Sunday 31 July, so there is still time to get into training. Apart from the 15km run,there would also be a 2.5km run and a 10km run. The event has the potential to bring people into the area over the long winter months, and encourage repeat visitation.
Vote on merger “If this is the only way we can do it, so be it. It is important our voice be heard.” The poll will back up the survey done by IRIS that showed 92% of residents opposed the merger. While Council has confidence in the statistical rigor of the survey, they are alert to the tendency of some to dismiss the results as ‘only a survey’. While he voted for the motion, Councillor Warren Steel expressed concern that the action may backfire as people experience merger
Details: Friday 11 March, 7.15 for 7.30pm, followed by supper. Tickets $20/$10 students from Belinda 4234 0224 or 042 134 9505 or belwall@bigpond.net.au
The merged council area
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Sex in the village? The Bugle has been told people suspect a sex worker is operating from a residential address in Jamberoo, close to the school. Council has received a complaint about this prohibited activity, which is the first step in having the business moved on. Advertisements in The Mercury clearly locate the business in Jamberoo, but such cases are notoriously hard to prove, given the private nature of the service on offer.
continued from page 1
fatigue and there is no compulsion to vote. Other councillors believed that, while stressed by the uncertainty and the holes in the process, people want to do all they can to stop the merger happening. “This proposal has galvanised the community like no other,” said Dennis Seage. It is still being clarified when the poll will be held, as residents need to be given 54 days notice before it is conducted, to comply with Local Government Regulations. There are also considerations such as school and public holidays to take into account, meaning the end of April would be the likeliest date at this stage. The Keep Kiama Council Local Committee, which now enjoys the status of an official resident advisory group, is firmly in favour of holding a vote. It is also a strategy that
has been suggested by such divergent anti-amalgamation proponants as Gareth Ward MP, South Coast Labour Council Secretary Arthur Rorris and David Shoebridge, Greens MP and Local Government spokesman, who visited Kiama recently. Council had previously asked the Delegate, Greg Wright, to conduct a poll as part of his investigations into the merger, but has received no response to its request. No other delegate has instigated a poll. In addition, he has indicated he expects to complete his report by the end of March, leaving no time for a poll of residents. We have printed the conclusion of Council’s merger submission, as it appeared on their website on 24 February, on page 8.
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Different ways to make Poidevin and Kearns to pack down with the U/13s Kiama dementia friendly
2016 is a huge year for the Under-13 Junior Illawarriors as they head over for a New Zealand South Island Tour in the April school holidays; defend the NSW Country Championships in May; and prepare for the NSW State Championships in June. Given the expenses involved, they have called in the big guns, Wallaby greats Simon Poidevin and Phil Kearns, to help with their fund raising so all the members can go on tour. The pair will be guest speakers at a cock-
Within 25 years, dementia will be the leading cause of death in Australia. As the baby boomers continue to skew our demographics, it is a sobering prediction that in 2030 550,000 people will be living with dementia, rising to around 950,000 by 2050. There are currently thought to be around 300 people in the Kiama area with dementia, but that is projected to rise to almost 4000 in 2050. In 2014 Kiama Council was asked to join a pilot project with the University of Wollongong to create a dementia-friendly community. A dementia friendly community is a place where people with dementia are supported to live a high quality of life with meaning, purpose and value. Initial research found that while it was a good place for people with dementia to live, a local action plan has been devised to overcome challenges around community understanding, access, transport options and infrastructure. “Our message is that people can live happy and fulfilled lives with dementia,” says John Watkins, CEO of Alzheimers Australia (NSW) and former Deputy Premier of NSW. “But to do this they need to have the support not just of their family but of the wider community.” Mr Watkins was speaking at a Kiama & District Business Chamber seminar to
tail event to raise money for the team. The Junior Illawarriors is a regional junior rugby representative team for the Illawarra district consisting of players from ten rugby clubs - Shoalhaven, Kiama, Avondale, Vikings, Tech, University, Shamrocks, Bowral, Camden and Campbelltown. Details: Saturday 18 March, The Pavilion Kiama, 5.30 for 6pm. $80 for welcome drink, dinner and entertainment. Tickets from illawarriors.eventbrite.com.au or phone 0413 027 939
Figs had to go
Monday Madness Sale 20% off our entire menu on Mondays for a limited time.* Book in to avoid disappointment.
March special: Bliss Package Our very popular Bliss package is a sensory journey with rhythmical dry body brushing, followed by a relaxing massage using warmed drizzled massage oil, a refreshing ultra hydrating facial, plus a complimentary hot stone ritual and an exotic foot bath. A delicious 75 minute treat for the whole body.
Usually $155, our special price $105: save $50 Open 10 am til 5pm Mon, Weds, Fri, Sat and Sun. Open Tues and Thurs by appointment.
Call 4233 2397 or text 0403 707 265 2/5 Railway Pde, Kiama www.jindaleespakiama.com.au info@jindaleespa.com.au and find us on Facebook
The much loved fig trees on the western border of Bonaira Oval are no more. Having provided shelter for players and fans for many years, the six mature weeping figs have contracted a very rare pathogen which causes soft rot. “After consultation with the Royal Botanical Gardens - and as we are unable to verify the trees’ structural integrity - a decision has been made to remove the trees,’’ Council’s Environment and Health Manager Paul Czulowski said. “Council will replant the area with advanced trees of a suitable species.” The same rare pathogen recently caused the removal of a tree in Chapman St.
No craft beer for Kiama The Bugle is sorry to report that Kiama Brewing Co has been unable to find a suitable premises for their brewery and have reluctantly decided to shelve their plans and put their equipment up for sale. Let’s hope another local takes up the mantle.
* not in conjunction with any other offer not valid on public holidays
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The Local Dementia Advisory Group: Ray Loveday, Dennis Frost, Veda Menghetti, Lynda Henderson, Carolyn Smith.
encourage local businesses to be dementia friendly. His organisation is running a pilot program to encourage this, and has produced a Business Toolkit to assist businesses to implement the small changes that will make a large difference to their customers living with dementia. Businesses are encouraged to use the Toolkit to work towards being dementia friendly. There is a process for formal recognition. Kiama Community College is the first local organisation to achieve this status, and Kiama Cabs has indicated it will implement the assessment, processes and training required. Members of the public are also being encouraged to attend a free training program by Alzheimers Australia. The session on the first day focuses on dementia awareness, giving an overview, identifying symptoms, preventative actions and practical communication skills. It is open to anyone.
The session on the second day is designed for people who want to be Dementia Friends so they can help to make their group or organisations dementia friendly. “We hear a lot about people dropping out of community groups once they are diagnosed,” says Melissa Andrews, Council’s Dementia Friendly Communities Project Officer. “We are looking for people to be trained as a Dementia Friend so that they can share their new knowledge and skills within their groups and keep their valued members involved longer.” Details: Dementia education sessions will be held 10 and 11 March, 10-1pm, Kiama Anglican Church. To book, or for more info contact Melissa Andrews on 4232 0444
The Bugle Crossword ACROSS 1 Indian political leader 4 Frozen dome-shaped dessert 8 Man in balaclava on $100 note 10 Footballer or ringer 11 Thespian 13 Scottish male skirt 15 Chemist shop 16 The month in 1966 when decimal currency came in 19 That which we breathe 20 Gas that makes up 78% of our atmosphere 21 Member of armed gang of robbers 22 Old fashioned hat 24 Flue for smoke or gas 25 New transport for Sydney’s George St 26 Unit of energy 27 Scientist and city 35 Rotary wing aircraft 36 Fragment of incombustible material left after wood fire 37 First lady of Jazz 38 Shaky NZ city 39 Dog-like mammal of Africa 41 Australia’s newest big ship 43 To correct written material 44 Strip of level surface where planes land 45 Workplace of a scientist DOWN 2 Substance of cells which protects the white of an egg 3 Breed of Artic sled dog 5 Victa was famous for these 6 Republic of Ireland 7 Where old fig trees are to be cut down 9 Another name for the cox of a surfboat
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Last word on the merger proposal The conclusion of Council’s exhaustive merger submission appears here in full:
of the benchmarks. • Kiama currently receives The merged Council a high quality of reprewill have a significant sentation from its Kiama Council has careongoing asset expendielected representatives, fully considered the ture gap of $14.8 million this will be significantly merger proposal with per year which will not reduced under the proShoalhaven Council. We be addressed as part of posal and it is clear that have consulted our comthe merger. the views of the Kiama munity and we are clearly • There is clearly no community will be sigof the view that the community of interest nificantly diluted under proposed merger will be between the communithe proposed merger a significant disadvantage ties of Kiama and Shoal- • Should the merger proto the residents of Kiama. haven, both are diverse ceed, harmonisation of We have demonstrated and vibrant communities services and the balancthat the basis of the but are clearly different. ing of the current sermerger proposal was based They have different vice levels across the on error and wrong or needs and expectations merged council will take misleading assumptions. from their Council which place. Continuation as We have addressed all will be difficult to proa centre of excellence the heads of consideration vide for by a merger. in aged care would be that are required to be • The proposed merger at risk as a result of the reported on and consider merger. There will also will put at risk the sigthat under each head of nificant historical and be difficulties in managconsideration individually ing service delivery partraditional nature of the and when associated area, highlighted by our ticularly given the variatogether, the Kiama strong and vibrant comtion in current mix of Community will be signifimunity groups. service delivery by the cantly worse off should • Clearly and overwhelmorganisations. the merger proceed. • For the merged Council ingly the residents of In summary Kiama have demonto make the necessary • Kiama is in a considerastrated that they wish efficiency gains it will bly stronger financial to standalone and are clearly need to reduce position meeting all the strongly opposed to the staff numbers. Whilst FFF benchmarks by merger, a significant there are employment 2019/20 whereas the majority of Shoalhaven protections in place for proposed merged Counresidents have opposed a short period of time, cil will only meet three a merger. ultimately there will be
significant staff losses in Kiama. These staff losses will have a flow on effect in the local economy and will also result in additional costs for the new organisation in terms of travel time and lost productivity. • The rural communities will also suffer from the merger as they will risk the unique status in a larger more diverse organisation. • Finally it should be pointed out that, whilst there are maybe some benefits to be achieved from a merger, there is a significant and greater risk that these benefits will not be realised; such risks must be considered when making decisions. If this is the case then the merger will come at a significant cost to the rate payers of both Kiama and Shoalhaven communities. Kiama Council is in a better position to represent the diverse views of its community. It is Fit for the Future and should remain as a standalone council.
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Methold on books An Embarrassment of Riches It is estimated that last year 100,000 books of long form fiction were published. Some of these were crime fiction. Many of them were issued only as e-books and were never publicized or reviewed. They did not disappear without trace: they never really appeared. Only those us who are sufficiently interested in reading the latest in quality crime manage to keep abreast of this torrent of new books. We do this by subscribing to various on-line newsletters. The best of these is probably The Times Crime Club. The reviewer provides details of the new titles she thinks are worth reading. Then there is the CRA – Crime Readers Association newsletter. Always worth reading. There are half a dozen others, but these are probably the best. They are completely free and arrive as emails. There is also a page of crime novel reviews in the monthly print magazine, The Literary Review. This is a truly excellent publication for those of us who are serious readers of non-fiction and the best fiction. This is available by subscription. My most recent discovery – and The Times reviewer positively glowed about her – is Eva Donlan, whose police procedurals are all set in the Hate Crime Unit of Peterborough police station in the UK. Very well written, gripping, and frighteningly authentic, they are about an aspect of life in a multi-cultural society that I pray we never allow to develop here – though tragically there are already worrying signs. Her debut novel is Long Way Home. She’s now written three. All good. She’s on Kindle for a few dollars. I strongly recommend her. She’s one of a kind. A Kiama resident, Ken has been a full-time writer for almost 50 years and is an elder statesman of the publishing world. The Bugle is honoured to have him as an occasional columnist. He is the instigator of a monthly lunch group of local male readers and/or writers of crime which meets on the last Thursday of the month. There are currently a few vacancies. Contact ken@kenmethold.com