www.NationalObserver.com.au
National Observer - April 2015 - Page 1
National
Free each month in the Sydney News, Brisbane Sun and Melbourne Observer
Observer Ph 1800 231 311 Fx 1800 231 312
APRIL 2015
Melbourne
Observer
www.NationalObserver.com.au
FREE ($2.95 at Newsagents)
SALUTE TO STUART
■ Observer columnist Mike McColl Jones has paid a lovingtribute to entertainer Stuart Wagstaff, at a memorial service held at the Theatre Royal, Sydney. Wagstaff, 90, died after a long illness. McColl Jones, a close friend for decades, read a ‘Fax From Heaven’, in the same way that he did at the service for Australian television ‘king’Graham Kennedy. “A couple of weeks before dear Stuart passed away, he was honoured by Variety Australia - he was named as one the 100 ‘Variety Entertainers of The Century’. “He replaced a Mr R. Harris of London. “Variety's Chief Barker Paul Mullaly said: "It was really a good fit as Stuart came in as 102 on the original list.” I sent this information on to Stuart, and received the following reply on the Friday before he left us….. "Dear Mike - Thank you for all that. I would be grateful if you could satisfy my curiosity - Who the F was 101?". “Today is almost 10 years since
Stuart hosted the memorial service for one of his close friends Graham Kennedy. The same day - the 31st. “I was honoured to speak on that occasion as I am honoured to speak here today. “Like Graham, Stuart loved sending and receiving faxes and emails, and this morning, as I'd hoped.. a fax arrived for me from Stuart, from heaven. I'd like to read it to you. “Dear Mike, A great flight up here. I managed to pick up a book at the terminal to pass the time. It's a new one: The sex life of a standup comedian - 50 Shades of Ugly Dave Gray. “As we flew over the harbour I saw Luna Park. I thought … it must be the only thing in Australia that has a bigger mouth than Clive Palmer. “When I arrived I was met by Graham. Already he's got me a gig ….I start next week on Blankety Blanks. Graham took me to the ‘Cloud Club’ and introduced me to a lot of interesting people. Johnny Meillon is still behind the bar. He was serv-
ing drinks to Desmond Tutu and Vivian Leigh. I had to leave before he told me about the actress and the bishop. “I bumped into a recent arrival, Malcolm Fraser. He told me he was really embarrassed when he arrived at the Pearly Gates ... he'd left his pants behind. “I was introduced to Sir Walter Raleigh - and I thanked him for inventing tobacco. “By the way, tell Russell Crowe I met Noah. He said he thought Russell played him very well. Noah whispered to me "The weather bureau can't get it bloody right up here either!" “I had a drink with Lawrence Oliver. He's currently playing in Richard III. I didn't have the heart to tell him I used to call him that! “I met Adam ….you'll never guess what he does up here? He runs the local Apple store. “Graham introduced me to God. I said he could call me Stuart. “I thanked God for the beautiful house he'd given me. Sandstone with a white picket fence. It even has it's name in gold lettering …’The Waggery’.
“He's provided me with my own gardener. Benson is his name ... he's going to trim my Hedges. “Do you know something … I'm starting to become a believer. My diary is filling up very well. I start in Fair Lady next week …I'm replacing Rex Harrison. “I'll bet Kamahl is there at the Theatre Royal ... he really loves a funeral. I reckon the only one he's missed in recent times was Bin Laden's. “Anyway, God told me to pass on a message to Kamahl: "Kamahl, you're going to live for a very long time !" God is errified he might come up here and want to sing with the choir. Dear Stuart ... much love from me, my family who adored you, former players and members of the Hawthorn Football club ... and so many Australians who were delighted by your loveliness and wicked sense of humour. “PS: If anyone would like to contact me, write c/o Sydney University, Anatomy Department. Shelf 37. Jar 463.”
Chance to visit Gallipoli David Ellis reports on a last-minute travel opportunity to the battlefields
Details of 2015 packages on Page 3
www. darwinsbarrabase.com.au The National Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, Vic. for the publisher, Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by Ash Long. Copyright © 2015, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN) 096 680 063).
■ SeaDream Yacht Club has a five-night sailing from Athens to Istanbul in May aboard the world’s most highly rated boutique motor-vessel, Sea Dream I at a neverbefore (and most likely never-again) price that starts from just US$2104 per person twin-share price. It includes two of the most popular Greek Islands, Mykonos and Patmos, Kusadasi for a visit to spectacularly ancient Ephesus or Kusadasi’s magnificent Grand Bazaar, and Kepez for the opportunity to visit Gallipoli and the ANZAC battlefields and cemeteries during this 100th ANZAC anniversary year. Originally planned for a private company that’s had to reluctantly cancel for corporate reasons, this just-now available sailing includes accommodation in an ocean view stateroom, wines with lunch and dinner, open bars with select premium brands, gratuities, use of power and sail water-sports where locally permitted, mountain bikes for shore explorations, a golf simulator, and all port charges and taxes. The five-star mega motor-cruiser SeaDream I will sail this unique fibe-nights on May 16 for a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew – ideal for anyone visiting Europe at that time to enjoy SeaDream’s “world’s best boutique experience” at an unheard-of price. Details from travel agents or www.seadream.com - David Ellis
Adelaide Hills Ambler ............... Page 29 Alexandria Bed & Breakfast ...... Page 23 Amble-At-Hahndorf .................. Page 28 Amy’s House ............................. Page 26 Auldlington ................................ Page 19 A voca Mot el .............................. PPage age 3 9 Motel Bairnsdale Motel ....................... Page 44 Beach Huts Middleton .............. Page 33 The Billi Resort ......................... Page 16 Boat House Villas ...................... Page 42 Boule age 7 Boulevv ar ardd TToo wers ....................... PPage Burra Motor Inn ......................... Page 27 Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort .. Page 31 Chocolate Gannets ................... Page 40 Coral Cove Apartments .............. Page 2 Darwin’s Barra Base .................... Page 3 Devonshire House ..................... Page 34 Emu Point Motel & Apts. ........... Page 24 Executive Hideaway Motel ...... Page 41 Fitzroy Island Resort ................ Page 32 Freycinet Havem ........................ Page 13 Golden Embers Apts and B&B .. Page 25 Guichen Bay Motel .................... Page 38 Ikon Hotel ................................... Page 14 Ivy On Glenelg ............................ Page 11 Kirra Surf Apartments ................ Page 5 Lak endour ee Lakee W Wendour endouree Luxury Apartments .............. Page 43 Linger Longer Cottages ............ Page 36 Nirvana By The Sea .................... Page 6 Otago Cottage ........................... Page 15 Port Lincoln Foreshore Apartments ............................ Page 35 Portside Links, King Island ........ Page 18 Quarantine Bay Beach Cottages ..................... Page 8 Ramada Hotel Hope Harbour .... Page 9 Robetown Motor Inn and Apartments ..................... Page 37 Ross Motel & Caravan Park ...... Page 22 Sails On Port Sorell ................... Page 20 Scamander Beach Resort ......... Page 21 Smugglers Rest ......................... Page 17 Snowy Mountains Alpine Cottages ................... Page 12 Swaggers Motor Inn ................... Page 4 Vineyard Motel ......................... Page 10 Windana Cottages ..................... Page 30