Melbourne Observer. May 30, 2018

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VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

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● Tina Arena will play the role of Eva Perón in Evita at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne from December 5. Her theatrical work includes Cabaret, Nine, Dynamite and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

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Showbiz News

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It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Elephant Man at Lilydale Athenaeum Observer In This Edition

Cheryl Threadgold - Local Theatre Kevin Trask - That’s Entertainment Matt Bissett-Johnson - Cartoonist Ted Ryan - Observer Racing Len Baker - Sulky Snippets James Sherlock - Movies, DVDs Aaron Rourke - Movie Reviews Rob Foenander - Country Musdic Gavin Wood - West Hollywood David Ellis - Travel John Rozentals - Wine Local Theatre Country Music Top 10 Lists Mega X-Word

● Michael Fenemore and Blake Stringer in The Elephant Man at Lilydale.

Photo: Alexandra Carter

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Around Victoria

Road rage arrest

Big World, Up Close

● Mojo Juju ■ In its second year, Big World, Up Close ralia today to reconcile and acknowledge the promises to be revolutionary in content and diversity within our own multi-cultural environment. approach.

These three performance pieces are being Three international works are have been sourced for this year’s Melbourne season and offered from July to September for short they are performance pieces that are political seasons at the Arts Centre of Melbourne.

They have been deliberately selected to in outlook and dynamic in style.

Taha by Palestinian writer-performer Amer challenge staid notions of political conservaHiehel is a one man-show that relates the story tism and bring into focus questions of justice of poet Taha Muhammed Ali and his experi- and inequality.

Moreover, they demonstrate the power of ence of the Palestinian exile. The struggle for recognition and belonging continue today in a theatre and drama to ignite and promote debate on controversial issues allowing for a landscape fraught with turmoil.

The Fall is a collaborative piece performed greater depth of understanding.

Each addresses a separate political conby an ensemble of South African students who were involved in the revolutionary movement cern and each is told in its own unique way to bring down the Cecil Rhodes statue at the illustrating a diversity of voice and opinion.

As theatre and as a form of awareness, these University of Cape Town.

The very heart of colonialism and the Euro- shows should not be missed.

Taha – July 10-14 – State Theatre centric vision of white South Africa were beMoJo JuJu: Native Tongue – Aug 8-11. ing challenged.

The third work is Mojo JuJu: Native Fairfax Studio The Fall – Aug. 28-Sep. 2 – Fairfax TheTongue, an indigenous Australian-Filipino whose songs and stories of identity bring in to atre - David McLean sharp focus the challenges still faced in Aus-

■ The Athenaeum Theatre Lilydale presents The Elephant Man until June 9 at the Athenaeum Theatre in Lilydale.

Written by Bernard Pomerance and directed

by Chris Shaw, this is the true story of an orphan named John Merrick, who was so physically deformed that he became known as the “Elephant Man.” Despite his hideous deformities, Merrick was an incredibly sweet, sensitive and intelligent human being, forced to display himself as a “sideshow freak” in travelling shows.

He is found, and befriended, by a brilliant surgeon, who gives him a home in a London hospital for the remaining few years of his life.

There he becomes the toast of Victorian London’s high society, but his thirst for normality brings about his eventual demise.

A thoroughly moving and thoughtful play, which addresses the simple issue of what it means to be human.

Performance Details: Until June 9 Times: 8.15pm, pre-show sherries at 7.45pm (evening shows); 2.15pm, pre-show sherries at 1.45pm on June 3, 9.

Venue: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale.

Tickets: Adults $26, Concession $24 Bookings: 9735 1777 or online at: http:// s a 2 . s e a t a d v i s o r. c o m / s a b o / s e r v l e t s / EventSearch?presenter=AULILYDALEATCI Tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits served at interval time.

At the end of the show meet the cast and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or a soft drink accompanied by savoury nibbles.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ Detectives have charged a man in relation to a road rage incident in Tullamarine on Saturday.

It is alleged two women aged in their 60s were travelling along Tullamarine Freeway about 1.10pm when a truck began side swiping them.

Both vehicles turned into Blackwells Rd in Wildwood and the truck driver approached the women with a hammer and a stick, damaging the vehicle and pushing one of the women down.

The 27-year-old Craigieburn man was arrested and has been charged with multiple offences including conduct endangering life, threats to kill and assault with a weapon.

Threats to kill

■ Mernda Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation team detectives are appealing for public assistance following an assault of a young girl in Mill Park in March.

It is believed a girl was walking west along the bike path in Border Drive when she walked past a man who then began to follow her.

The victim, a 17-year-old girl, upon reaching the parklands was grabbed by the man from behind, covering her mouth and telling her to be quiet.

Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Periodic clouds. 9°-15° Thurs. Partly cloudy. 4°-13° Fri. Mostly sunny. 4°-15° Sat. Partly cloudy. 7°-15° Sun. Partly cloudy. 8°-14°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE T OP 5 O THER TOP OTHER POSSIBLE SPONSORS FOR AFL GROUNDS. 5. Ford Motor Company electric cars for Kardinia Park "Sparky Pussy Arena".

4. Alka Seltzer to sponsor Windy Hill.

3. Skippy Corn flakes Oval for the Kangaroos.

2. Land Rover and CUB for Melbourne - Slopes and Slops Park.

1. Fremantle to be sponsored by Hickory Bras Dockers and Knockers Arena.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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■ In Tea with the Dames, Roger Michell, English film stage and television director (Cousin Rachel and Notting Hill), has gathered together four outstanding dames of English drama to present this documentary.

It is a celebration of the lives, careers and friendships of Dames Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

The four women meet twice a year. This time they allowed the occasion to be filmed at Joan Plowright’s charming country cottage and which she shared with her husband Laurence Olivier until his death.

There are stories of the fear which each actress experienced prior to their stage performances and of their nervousness in the presence of Laurence Olivier.

They spoke of the problems each generation of actors has finding a naturalistic style performing Shakespeare in order to make their mark.

This non-scripted documentary is marked by Smith’s deadpan acerbic wit, Dench’s body shaking fits of laughter, Atkins’ considered, straight talking and Plowright’s frankness.

When asked about what advice they’d give to the younger self, Plowright, who is now blind, would advise yoga and mindfulness practice, Atkins’ advice was to listen more while Dench surprised with the declaration that she fell in love too easily.

Their stories are supported by footage of the dames’ investitures, old and more current day performances and family life.

Among topics discussed were their thespian marriages, patronising ageism, adjustments to working in film after stage work and a jesting jealousy of being overlooked in later life as Judi Dench swoops up all the Hollywood roles.

This film is an enjoyable testament to the four dames’ honest, enduring and no-nonsense friendship buoyed by laughter, gossip and reminiscing over a glass of bubbly.

Dates: Widely released in the Palace, Classic, Nova and other Melbourne cinemas from June 7.

Duration: 83 minutes Rating: M Coarse language - Review by Sherryn Danaher

Importance of Being Earnest

■ Bernd Faveere’s direction of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, encapsulates all the witticisms, farcical incidents, broad puns and trivial comedy that one would expect of Wilde’s most performed and popular timeless work, first performed in London on Valentine’s Day 1895.

Many a community theatre would like to reach the heights of this production by the Monash Uni Student Theatre which with the talented cast performed with great exuberance and confidence.

To enable this a simple and functional in the round set, designed by William Yates and built

by Yates and Jason Lehane, provided ample scope for movement and the changing from lo-

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21- April 20) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.45.5.

A period in which you should use tact in all your dealings with people, as saying the wrong thing could cause all sorts of problems. Keep out of arguments with family members.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: green Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6.7.3.4.

Lotto Numbers: 3.12.23.24.35.44.

If you have done the right thing in the past now is the time when the rewards will come in. also a period of good news from faraway, and some travel plans could be in the agenda.

● Maggie Smith, Dames Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright and Judi Dench in Tea with the Dames. cation to location. With Scene 1 in a city flat, in Half Moon Street London, we then travelled to a Manor House garden in Woolton for Scene 2 and later inside the Manor House for Scene 3.

All the scenes changes were well choreographed end executed by costumed servants.

The story, while well-known revolves around the subterfuges of John (Jack) Worthing, owner of a country estate played by Earl Marrows who invents a fictitious brother named Earnest, and his city friend Algernon Moncrieff played by Alfred Kouris who likewise in similar vein invents a friend who he calls Bunbury.

The two friends fall in love respectively with Gwendolen Fairfax played by Laura Aldous and Cecily Cardew played by Gretel Sharp.

While they both expect to be marrying an Earnest, no nuptials could be agreed to unless by pompous Lady Bracknell played by Emily Vitiello. Combining well Marrows (Jack) was pretentious and at times overplayed while Kouris (Algernon) was steady and articulate in delivery as well as making short work of the many plates of muffins.

Accolades go to both Aldous (Gwendolen) and Sharp (Cecily) with their interplay, varying from sweetness to self-importance, particularly with their poses and haughty facial expressions.

All staging aspects, management, lighting, props, costumes and hair finishing reflected well the time and place of Wilde’s work. A refreshing production of an iconic play.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Refugee Photo

■ The churches of St Brigid's Mordialloc and St Louis de Montforts Aspendale are holding a Refugee Photo Exhibition with photos taken by international award-winning photographers including some Pulitzer Prize winning photos.

St Brigid's Primary School Hall Enter from Barkly St. Mordialloc - Peter Kemp

Independently Owned and Operated

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.3.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.23.23.34.43.44.

It would be a good idea to talk over your plans with loved ones to avoid any problems later on. Things should work out very well during this period and many new ideas should work out successfully.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 6.7.23.34.41.33.

You could find yourself in a situation mostly your own making that could bring too many offers. You might need to talk yourself out of it with skill. Some travel could come unexpectedly.

LEO: (July 23- August 22) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.35.28.6.

Very successful period for career matters and any new venture try not to take too much notice of a jealous person around you. Someone will change their opinion about you.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.35.7.

Communication is the word this period will work out well if you make sure your lines of communication are clear. There could be some changes made in your working environment.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.24.37.45.9.

Not a good time to mix personal affairs with business matters there could be some big gains if you can juggle your cards right with people in high places. Some luck is also in.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.6.7.

Lotto Numbers: 5.7.23.34.33.44.

Entertaining at home should be very successful and enjoyable many advances could be made by friendly gestures. Also a lucky period for starting something new with a new partner.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.4.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.34.42.11.

It would be a wise move to check all fine print in your papers before signing anything. There is a sign of strong growth in financial matters and some support from people that matter.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8.3.5.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.34.45.22.

Not a good period for long term money matters at the moment. Wait till later date before deciding what road to take also it would be a good idea to ask an expert for advice.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.25.34.44.

You might have to do some fast talking to get yourself out of a problem. Not the time to listen to gossip make sure you know the facts before deciding on anything.

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PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.4.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.24.34.35.

There should be enough time to get your work done without mixing it with your private life. You could be talked into something you will later regret. Your loved one should be helping you a lot.

● Gretel Sharp (Cecily) and Laura Aldous (Gwendoline) in The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: Jaimi Houston.

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Melbourne Arts Ellida

■ On the freezing opening night, the proverbial cockles were warmed by the friendly greeting as we took our seats.

Swathes of shimmering fabric and masses of flowers decorated the La Mama Courthouse stage, and the cast – clad in 19th century costumes, were seated decorously on various tiers.

A wandering Troubadour (Ballested) serenaded us on piano accordion until the drama began.

Henrik Ibsen said “The sea has power over moods, has its own willpower. The sea can hypnotise”. (June 5, 1888).

Indeed, we first meet Ellida with dripping wet hair, fresh from her swim, expressing disappointment with the fjords – “brackish, enclosed” – and a desire for the open sea.

The sea – representing freedom, and the choices women must make, are the themes of this play.

Ellida must choose between remaining in her marriage to Dr Wangel and leaving him for a sailor (The Stranger),who she loved years ago and who has sworn to return.

Her step-daughter Bolette deliberates over marriage and travel to Arnholm, her old tutor, or remaining single.

Younger sister Hilde is asked by the idealistic young sculptor, Hans Lyngstrand, to wait for him until he achieves success.

Ellida and Bolette struggle against perceived oppression, yet acquiesce swiftly – and compromise - when the illusion of freedom –ungraciously provided by the men – is granted.

Wangel and Arnholm are “winners” yet we know, and they must sense, that it is an uneasy victory. The Director, Laurence Strangio successfully presented a “hyperawareness of the limitations of choice”.

Unfortunately the program didn’t provide the performers’ characters, but all were portrayed sensitively, capturing the essence of the narrative.

Annie Thorold’s Ellida was splendidly still, yet palpably tense and the dialogue between her and the Stranger in Norwegian, by turns urgent and tender was particularly poignant.

Ballested’s music echoed the drama beautifully throughout Ellida. Finally, the cast joins Ellida in a haunting song, gradually leaving only Ellida in the spotlight. A most effective conclusion to an engrossing drama.

- Review by Juliet Charles

Geelong Gallery Talking Art - 2018 Geelong contemporary art prize.

Join Geelong Contemporary for an exclusive preview od the 2018 Geelong contemporary art prize.

Rebecca Coates (Director - Shepparton art Museum) Justin Paton (Head Curator International Art - Art Gallery of NSW) and Lisa Sullivan ( Senior Curator - Geelong Gallery) Exhibition opening Thursday June 7.

Geelong Gallery 55 Little Malop St, Geelong - Peter Kemp

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 11 Melbourne

Observer

Bring It On musical

● Emily Thompson (Skylar), Nadia Komazec (Campbell), Elandrah Feo (Danielle), and Samantha Bruzzese (Nautica) in Bring It On the Musical.

■ Bring It On the Musical is extending its sea- Cheerleading Championships. son due to popular demand from June 7-23 at Through this, the challenges and unexpected the Athenaeum Theatre. bonds formed through extreme competition are Producer David Venn is astounded by the explored. Campbell, played by Nadia Komazec response: (Legally Blonde, Matilda), is cheer-royalty at "We thought Bring It On the Musical would Truman High School and captain of the squad. be popular, particularly with those who grew up But, an unexpected redistricting forces her to with the 2000 hit movie. spend her final year at the neighbouring Jack“But the response has been incredible, more son High School. than we could have ever predicted. The buzz Campbell befriends Jackson’s dance crew it's creating is really exciting.” girls and their headstrong and hardworking leader The show features an original story by Tony Danielle, played by triple-threat newcomer Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music Elandrah Feo. and lyrics by Tony Award winning composer, Together, they form a powerhouse squad for Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In the the ultimate competition, going head to head with Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony Award her old squad at the National Championships. winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal) Making up the remaining principal roles is and lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green Karla Tonkich as Eva (Grease, Legally Blonde, (High Fidelity).

We Will Rock You), Hollie James as Kyla (Rocky The Australian production is directed by Horror Show, My Fair Lady), Emily Thompmulti-Green Room Award nominee Alister son as Skylar, Connor Sweeney as Steven Smith (Pacific Overtures, Urinetown! The Mu- (Muriel's Wedding), Nicola Bowman as Bridget, sical, The Drowsy Chaperone), with musical di- Ashley Roussety as Cameron (Spring Awakenrection from Daniele Buatti (A Fine Romance, ing), Marty Alix as La Cieniga, Samantha Godspell).

Bruzzese as Nautica (The Bodyguard, In The “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be directing Heights), Thomas McGuane as Randall (Jerthis brand new production,” says Alister. sey Boys) and Tarik Frimpong as Twig (Mary “The breathtaking acrobatic feats of human athleticism, combined with comedy from the Poppins Returns).

The ensemble includes William Brougham, mind behind Avenue Q and the music and lyrics of the genius that is Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phoenix Mendoza, Dan Ham, Braide Mullane, makes it a truly exciting new musical theatre Jayden Wall, Celina Yuen, Luca Dinardo, Ben Scarmozzino, Teagan Nowicki and David experience.

Under the guidance of Cheerleading Coach Shirianni.

In 2016, cheerleading beat 14 other sports to Natalie Commons, who has represented Australia at the International Cheer Union and be awarded provisional recognition by the InIASF/USASF Cheer and Dance World Cham- ternational Olympic Committee, and is depionships, Bring It On the Musical boasts a scribed as one of the fastest growing sports in cast selected from over 500 professional danc- Australia.

Performance Details: June 7-23 ers, singers and cheerleaders and promises to Venue: The Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins be an exhilarating display of physical strength St., Melbourne and agility.

Bookings: bringitonthemusical.com.au The story follows two squads with one mis- Cheryl Threadgold sion: to claim the title at the National

Zelman Orchestra at Hawthorn

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Showbiz News

Boroondara Eisteddfod Piano Concerto with Zelman Symphony.

The renowned Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra will accompany three of Melbourne's most talented burgeoning pianists in one of the most respected Eisteddfod competitions in the state; the Boroondara Eisteddfod.

Each year more than 20 young pianists vie for the chance to play with full orchestral accompaniment to take out this highly coveted accolade, the Boroondara Eisteddfod Piano Concerto Award.

Sunday June 17 at 2pm Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn.

- Peter Kemp

Radio scholarship

■ University student Kamin Gock has been announced as the winner of the Brian White Scholarship awarded by Commercial Radio Australia.

What’s On Le Sacre

● Alexandra Cramer and Easa Min-Swe in Le Sacré.

Photo: Aaron Walker ■ In the first collaboration of its kind in Australian performance history, the National Institute of Circus Arts and the Australian Ballet School present an innovative work combining ballet and circus, Le Sacré from June 14 – 23 at the NICA National Circus Centre, Prahran.

Featuring 18 second-year circus performers from NICA and 26 level seven ballet students from the Australian Ballet School, Le Sacré is an account of dynamism, risk, supreme athleticism and sublime technical physicality.

This is a tale of superstition and sacrifice, inspired by the narrative of Nijinsky and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring (1913).

The performance integrates contemporary choreographic explorations using balletic and diverse dance language with a myriad of circus acts including skipping ropes, Chinese pole, roué Cyr, tissu, hula hoops, group acrobatics and tightwire.

Bringing together these two art forms are NICA’s Movement and Performance CoOrdinators, Zebastian Hunter and Meredith Kitchen, with the ABS’Artistic Teacher and resident choreographer, Simon Dow. “Le Sacré draws inspiration from an old dramatic tale reimagined in contemporary glory with references from modern life drawn from electronic dance culture, fashion parades, beauty pageants and talent shows.” said Co-Director Zebastian Hunter.

The focus of this collaboration is giving these young artists exposure to new ways of imagining their various artistic disciplines.

Le Sacré reflects the brave concept of combining two art forms in ways never before explored.

NICA is Australia’s centre of excellence for training in contemporary circus arts, offering Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts.

Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting careers locally and internationally, including work with Cirque du Soleil, Circa, Circus Oz and more.

The Australian Ballet School is the national centre for elite vocational classical dance and the school of the Australian Ballet.

The School’s eight level program aims to produce graduates of the highest calibre who are capable of integrating effortlessly into the Australian Ballet and top professional dance companies in Australia and around the world.

The Australian Ballet School aims to develop well-balanced human beings, with a strong ethical sense, who are well fed in body, mind and spirit.

Event Details: Season: June 14 - 23 (preview June 13) Time: 7.30pm nightly + matinee 2pm, 23 June.

Venue: NICA National Circus Centre, 3959 Green St, Prahran Duration: 90 mins Tickets: Adult $30, Concession (including children U16) $22, Family (2 adults & 2 children) $90, Family (2 adults & 3 children) $110, Group (min. 10 people) $24pp, Preview: Jun 13 (7.30pm) — All tickets $15 Bookings: www.nica.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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63 The Circle.

ALTONA WEST. Altona West Newsagency. 12 Harrington Sq. ANGLESEA. Anglesea News and Lotto. 89 Great Ocean Rd. APOLLO BAY. Hansons Newsagency. 135 Great Ocean Rd. ARMADALE. Highdale Newsagency. 969 High St. ASCOT VALE. Ascot Vale Newsagency. 1/ 208 Union Rd. ASHBURTON. Ashburton Newsagency.

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606 Balcombe Rd. BLACKBURN. Blackburn Newsagency.

116 South Pde. BLACKBURN SOUTH. Blackburn South Newsagency. 118 Canterbury Rd BORONIA. Boronia Village Newsagency.

Shop 22A, 163 Boronia Rd. BOX HILL. Newsline Newsagency. Shop 70, Centro.

BOX HILL. Whitehorse News and Lotto.

Shop SP037 Centro.

BOX HILL NORTH. Kerrimuir Newsagency. 515 Middleborough Rd. BOX HILL SOUTH. Box Hill South Newsagency. 870 Canterbury Rd BRIAR HILL. Briar Hill Newsagency. 111 Mountain View Rd.

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BRIGHT. Bright Newsagency. 28 Ireland St. BRIGHTON. Middle Brighton Newsagency. 75-77 Church St. BRIGHTON NORTH. North Brighton Authorised Newsagency. 324 Bay St. BULLEEN. Thompsons Road Newsagency.

123A Thompsons Rd. BUNDOORA. Bundoora Centre Newsagency. Shop 3, 39 Plenty Rd. BURNLEY. Burnley Newsagency. 375 Burnley St. BURWOOD EAST. East Burwood Newsagency. 16 Burwood Hwy. CAMBERWELL. Burwood Newsagency.

1394 Toorak Rd. CAMBERWELL. Camberwell Centre Newsagency. 628 Burke Rd. CAMBERWELL. Camberwell Market Newsagency. 513 Riversdale Rd. CAMBERWELL. Through Road Newsagency. 18 Through Rd. CANTERBURY. Canterbury Newsagency.

104 Maling Rd. CARLTON. Lygon Authorised Newsagency. 260 Lygon St CARLTON NORTH. Rathdowne Newsagency. 410 Rathdowne St. CARRUM. Carrum Newsagency. 514 Station St. CASTLEMAINE. Castlemaine Newsagency. Shop 1, 45 Mostyn St. CAULFIELD EAST. Caulfield Newsagency. 14 Derby Rd. CAULFIELD NORTH. Junction Newsagency. 71 Hawthorn Rd. CHADSTONE. Supanews Chadstone. Shop 261, Chadstone Shopping Centre.

CHARLTON. Charlton Newsagency. 69 High St. CHELSEA. Chelsea Newsagency. 403 Nepean Hwy. CHELTENHAM. Cheltenham Newsagency. 332 Charman Rd. CLAYTON. Clayton Newsagency. 345 Clayton Rd. CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Newsagency.

Queens Pde. COBURG. Coburg Newsagency. 481-483 Sydney Rd. COLAC. Blanes Newsagency. 164 Murray St. COWES. Cowes Newsagency. 44-46 Thompson Ave. CRAIGIEBURN. The Lucky Charm.

Craigieburn Central. 340 Craigieburn Rd CRANBOURNE. Cranbourne Newsagency. 105 High St. CROYDON. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy. CROYDON. Croydon Newsagency. 166 Main St. CROYDON NORTH. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd. CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Newsagency. 7 The Mall.

DANDENONG. Lonsdale Newsagency.

216 Sunnyside Ave. DAYLESFORD. Daylesford Newsagency.

45 Vincent St. DELACOMBE. Ballarat Authorised Newsagency. 1 Laidlaw Drive.

DENILIQUIN. Deniliquin Newsagency and Bookstore. 14 Napier St. DIAMOND CREEK. Diamond Creek Newsagency. 62A Hurstbridge Rd. DINGLEY. Dingley Newsagency. Shop 2, Dingley Village.

DOVETON. Doveton News & Lotto. 37 Autumn Place.

DROMANA. Dromana Newsagency. 177 Point Nepean Hwy. DROUIN. MVH News. 93 Princes Way. DRYSDALE. Drysdale Newsagency. 14 High St. EAGLEMONT. Eaglemont Lucky Lotto News and Post. 60 Silverdale Rd. EDITHVALE. Edithvale Newsagency. 253 Nepean Hwy. ELSTERNWICK. Elsternwick News & Lotto. 444 Glenhuntly Rd. ELTHAM. Eltham Newsagency and Toyworld. Shop 2, 963 Main Rd. EMERALD. Emerald Newsagency. Main St. ESSENDON. Essendon Newsagency. 15a Rose St. ESSENDON. Roundabout Newsagency. 85 Fletcher St. ESSENDON NORTH. North Essendon Newsagency. 1085 Mt Alexander Rd. FAIRFIELD. Fairfield Newsagency. 99 Station St. FAWKNER. Fawkner Newsagency. 54 Bonwick St. FAWKNER NORTH. Moomba Park Newsagency. 89 Anderson Rd. FITZROY. Fitzroy Newsaagency. Cnr Brunswick and Johnston Sts. FOREST HILL. Brentford Square Newsagency. 29-31 Brentford Square.

FOREST HILL. Forest Hill Newsagency.

Shop 215, Forest Hill Chase.

GARDENVALE. Gardenvale Newsagency.

168 Martin St. GEELONG.. Geelong Newsagency and Lotto. 140 Moorabool St. GEELONG WEST. Murphy's Newsagency.

198 Pakington St.

GISBORNE. Gisborne Newsagency. Shop 20, Village Shopping Centre.

GLENFERRIE. Glenferrie Newsagency.

660 Glenferrie Rd GLEN WAVERLEY. Kingsway Newsagency. Shop 4, 39 Kingsway.

GLEN WAVERLEY. Syndal Newsagency.

238 Blackburn Rd. GLEN WAVERLEY. The Glen Newsagency. Shop 2, 065 The Glen Shopping Centre.

GLENROY. Glenroy Newsagency. 773 Pascoe Vale Rd. GRANTVILLE. Grantville Newsagency.

1509 Bass Hwy. GREENSBOROUGH. Plaza News. Shop 4/5, Greensborough Plaza.

GREYTHORN. Greythorn Newsagency.

272 Doncaster Rd. HADFIELD. Hadfield Newsagency. 120 West St HAMPTON. Hampton Newsagency. 345347 Hampton St. HAMPTON EAST. Hampton East Newsagency. 412 Bluff Rd. HAMPTON PARK. Hampton Park Newsagency. Shop 3, Shopping Centre HAWTHORN. Glenferrie South Newsagency. 546 Glenferried Rd HAWTHORN. Hawthorn News & Lotto. 89 Burwood Rd. HAWTHORN EAST. Auburn Newsagency.

119 Auburn Rd. HAWTHORN EAST. Auburn South Newsagency. 289 Auburn Rd. HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Heights Newsagency. 35 Southern Rd. HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Newsagency.

124 Burgundy St. HEIDELBERG WEST. The Mall Newsagency. Shop 18 The Mall.

HOLMESGLEN. Holmesglen Newsagency. 637 Warrigal Rd. HUNTINGDALE. Huntingdale Newsagency. 290 Huntingdale Rd. INDENTED HEADS. Intended Heads Newsagency. 13 The Esplanade.

KEILOR. Keilor Newsagency. 700 Old Calder Hwy. KEW. Cotham Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd. KEW. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St. KEW NORTH. North Kew Newsagency. 93 Willsmere St. KINGSVILLE. Kingsville Newsagency.

339 Somerville Rd. KNOX CITY. Knox City Newsagency, Wantirna South.

KNOXFIELD. Knoxfield Newsagency.

1597 Ferntree Gully Rd. KOOYONG. Kooyong Newsagency. 483 Glenferrie Rd. KYABRAM. Kyabram Newsagency. 117 Allan St. KYNETON. Collins Newsagency. 95 Mollison St. LANGWARRIN SOUTH. Langwarrin South Newsagency. 1/143-149 Warrandyte Rd LARA. Lara Newsagency. 44 The Centreway.

LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St. LOWER PLENTY. Lower Plenty Newsagency. 95 Main Rd. MALVERN. Lucky Malvern Lotto. 167 Glenferrie Rd. MALVERN. Malvern Newsagency. 114 Glenferrie Rd. MALVERN. Malvern Village Newsagency.

1352 Malvern Rd. MALVERN EAST. Central Park Newsagency. 393 Wattletree Rd. MALVERN EAST NEWSAGENCY. Waverley Road Newsagency. 336 Waverley Rd. McKINNON. McKinnon Newsagency. 163 McKinnon Rd MELBOURNE. Domain Newsagency.

Shop 6, 401 St Kilda Rd. MELBOURNE. Flinders Street Newsagency. 65 Flinders St. MELTON. Newsxpress Melton.

MENTONE. Mentone Newsagency. 24 Como Pde. MERLYNSTON. Merlynston Newsagency.

17 Merlyn St. MIDDLE PARK. Middle Park Newsagency. 16 Armstrong St. MILDURA. Klemm's Mildura Newsagency.

53 Langtree Mall.

MILDURA. Mildura Newsagency and Lotto. 71 Langtree Ave. MILL PARK. Mill Park Newsagency. 4 Stables Shopping Centre.

MITCHAM. Mitcham Newsagency. 503 Whitehorse Rd. MITCHAM NORTH. Mitcham North Newsagency. 228 Mitcham Rd MOOROOPNA. Mooroopna Newsagency.

84 McLennan St. MORDIALLOC. Warren Village Newsagency. 87 Warren Rd. MORNINGTON. Mornington Newsagency. 97 Main St. MORWELL. Morwell Newsagency. 176 Commercial Rd. MOUNT ELIZA. Mount Eliza Newsagency.

102 Mount Eliza Way.

MOUNT GAMBIER. Posters Newsagency.

79 Commercial St East.

MOUNT MARTHA. Mount Martha Newsagency. 2 Lochiel Ave. MOUNT WAVERLEY. Pinewood Newsagency. Shop 59, Centreway Shopping Centre.

MOUNTAIN GATE. Mountain Gate Newsagency. Shop 9B, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre.

MULGRAVE. Northvale Newsagency. 901 Springvale Rd. MULGRAVE. Waverley Gardens Newsagency. Shop 44, Waverley Gardens.

MURRUMBEENA. Murrumbeena Newsagency. 456 Neerim Rd. NARRE WARREN. Narre Warren Newsagency. Shop 1, Narre Warren.

NEWBOROUGH. Newborough Newsagency. 30 Rutherglen St. NEWMARKET. Newmarket Newsagency.

292 Racecourse Rd NOBLE PARK. Noble Park Newsagency.

422 Douglas St. NORTHCOTE. Newsplaza Newsagency, Northcote Plaza.

NORTHCOTE. Northcote Newsagency.

335 High St. NORTH MELBOURNE. Ledermans Newsagency. 234-244 Macauley Rd. NUNAWADING. Mountainview Newsagency. 293A Springfield Rd. PARKDALE. Parkdale Newsagency. 238 Como Pde. West.

PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Coonans Hill Newsagency. 67 Coonans Rd. PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Paper N Post.

372-380 Bell St. PRESTON. Preston N’agency. 377 High St. PRESTON. Preston Town Hall Newsagency. 247-249 Murray Rd. PRINCES HILL. Princes Hill Newsagency.

607 Lygon St RESERVOIR. Broadway Newsagency.

279 Broadway.

RICHMOND. Swan St Newsagency. 108 Swan St. RICHMOND. Vernons Newsagency. 308A Bridge Rd. RINGWOOD EAST. Ringwood East Newsagency. 52 Railway Ave. RINGWOOD NORTH. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd. ROBINVALE. Robinvale Newsagency. 67 Perrin St. ROSANNA. Rosanna Newsagency. 135 Lower Plenty Rd. ROSEBUD. Rosebud Newsagency. 1083 Point Nepean Rd. RYE. Rye Newsagency. 2371 Pt Nepean Rd. SALE. Sale Newsagency. 310 Raymond St. SANDRINGHAM. Sandringham Newsagency. Shop 5, 18-34 Station St. SCORESBY. Scoresby Newsagency. 14 Darryl St. SEAFORD. Seaford Newsagency. 124 Nepean Hwy. SEBASTOPOL. Sebastopol Newsagency.

Shop 3, 'Safeway Complex'.

SHEPPARTON. Goulburn Valley Newsagency. 314 Wyndham St. SHEPPARTON. Lovell Newsagency. 246 Wyndham St. SOMERVILLE. Somerville Newsagency.

Shop 24, Plaza, Eramosa Rd. SOUTH MELBOURNE. Clarendon Newsagency. 9 Thistlewaite St. SPRINGVALE. Springvale Newsagency.

321 Springvale Rd. STRATHFIELDSAYE. Strathfieldsaye News and Lotto. Shop 5, 939 Wellington St. TARWIN LOWER. Tarwin Lower Newsagency. 45 River Drive.

TATURA. Tatura N’agency. 138 Hogan St. TEMPLESTOWE. Macedon News and Lotto.

THORNBURY. Normanby News and Lotto. 25 Macedon Rd TOORADIN. Tooradin Newsagency. 92 South Gippsland Hwy. TOORAK. Toorak Village Newsagency.

479 Toorak Rd. TORQUAY. Torquay Newsagency. 20 Gilbert St. TRARALGON. Seymour Street Newsagency. 83 Seymour St. TRARALGON. Traralgon News and Lotto.

51-53 Franklin St. TULLAMARINE. Tullamarine Newsagency. 2/191 Melrose Dr. VERMONT. Vermont Authorised Newsagency. 600 Canterbury Rd. VERMONT SOUTH. Vermont South Newsagency. Shop 14, 495 Burwood Hwy. WANTIRNA SOUTH. Wantirna South Newsagency. 223 Stud Rd. WARRAGUL. Warragul Newsagency. 43 Victoria St. WARRNAMBOOL. Reinheimers Newsagency. 145 Koroit St. WATSONIA. Watsonia Newsagency.

Watsonia Rd. WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers Hill Newsagency.

WODONGA. Mahon's Newsagency. 168 High St. YARRAVILLE. Yarraville Newsagency. 59 Anderson St.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 13

Observer Magazine

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Stars flock to West Hollywood ■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Out and About

Alan Johnson’s Basic Instinct

■ West Hollywood is home to many actors and Sharon Stone and Fay Dunaway are just a couple of notables.

West Hollywood is central to everything Los Angeles has to offer. WeHo is 30 minutes to the Valley, to downtown and to the beaches.

Central to everything is the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on Santa Monica Boulevard. So many different and diverse shops, restaurants and tourist attractions all in walking distance from the Ramada.

Seen at one of the many retail shops out front of the Ramada was Sharon Stone, an American actress, producer, and former fashion model.

After modelling in television commercials and print advertisements, she made her film debut as an extra in Woody Allen's dramedy Stardust Memories (1980).

Her first speaking part was in Wes Craven's horror film Deadly Blessing (1981), and throughout the 1980s, Stone went on to appear in films such as Irreconcilable Differences (1984), King Solomon's Mines (1985), Cold Steel (1987), Above The Law (1988). She found mainstream prominence with her part in Paul Verhoeven's action film Total Recall (1990).

Stone became a sex symbol and rose to international recognition when she starred as Catherine Tramell in another Verhoeven film, the erotic thriller Basic Instinct (1992), for which she earned her first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama.

She received further critical acclaim with her performance in Martin Scorsese's crime drama Casino (1995), garnering the Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Grand-daughter for Clint

Dylan set to tour Aust.

■ Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman) is an American singer songwriter, author, and painter who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades.

Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became a reluctant "voice of a generation" with songs such as Blowin' in the Wind and The Times They Are aChangin' that became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war movement.

In 1965, he controversially abandoned his early fan-base in the American folk music revival, recording a six-minute single, Like a Rolling Stone, which enlarged the scope of popular music.

Dylan's lyrics incorporate a wide range of political, social, philosophical, and literary influences. Bob has residences all over America but the one that he spends most time in is his compound in Malibu.

NFL bans kneeling

● West Hollywood resident Sharon Stone with the Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson.

Celine, Queen of Vegas

Cheyenne star dies

■ Celine Dion is back in action. Two months after undergoing ear surgery, the Canadian singer returned to a standing ovation in Las Vegas.

"You know it's been a while since we've done a show, I had a little health issue," Dion quipped to a packed house. " But I have to tell you, I'm extremely happy to be back. The stage is kind of my home away from home and I have to admit I can barely stand on my feet tonight as I am a little bit nervous."

■ In the United States, approximately 7 per cent of households are millionaires.

■ A 2010 study argues that millionaires (those in the top 1 per cent of earners) pay approximately 40 per cent of all taxes.

■ Only 20 per cent of millionaires inherited their wealth. The other 80 per cent earned their cash on their own.

■ The preferred car of millionaires is a Ford. Cadillacs are second and Lincolns are third. Many millionaires avoid highpriced cars in favor of a more economical set of wheels because cars are investments with little return.

■ Only 20 per cent of millionaires are retirees. Around 80 per cent still go to work.

■ Just 17 per cenmt of millionaires or their spouses attended a private elementary or high school. However, 55 per cent of millionaires' children have attended/are attending private schools.

■ It often surprises people that millionaires go bankrupt, too.

■ The average millionaire goes bankrupt at least 3.5 times.

■ Many millionaires think that the ideal occupations for their kids are accountants or attorneys. Tax advisors and estate planning experts are also in the top of the list.

■ Most modern American millionaires today (about 80 per cent) are first-generation millionaires. Usually the fortune they build will dissipate by the second or third generation.

Mixed Martial Arts ■ ESPN is doubling down on UFC, the mixed martial arts league the Disney-owned sports behemoth secured its first TV rights deal in April.

Sources familiar with negotiations say ESPN has struck a deal for a second portion to the package currently held by Fox Sports that will bring the total cost in the neighbourhood of $300 million per year for five years, totaling $1.5 billion.

The new deals, which cover a total of 30 fights per year, kick in early 2019.

■ Congratulations are in order for Clint Eastwood's actress daughter Francesca Eastwood. The 24-year-old is pregnant with her first child, and debuted her baby bump on the red carpet of the Environmental Media Awards last week.

Later in the evening, Francesca stood next to her mother, the actress Frances Fisher, onstage and proudly cradled her bump.

Millionaires in the US

■ The National Football League will no longer allow players to kneel on the field during the National Anthem, according to a series of updated guidelines released by the league. " All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and Anthem," reads the first bullet point.

"A club will be fined by the league if its personnel are on the field and so not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem."

■ Clint Walker, a former merchant seaman and real-life deputy sheriff who roamed the West as a towering, solitary figure on Cheyenne, the first hour-long western on television, died in Grass Valley, Calif.

He was 90. His daughter, Valerie Walker, who said the cause was congestive heart failure, confirmed his death, at a hospital.

Mr Walker lived in Grass Valley, about 60 miles northeast of Sacramento, California.

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Meghan’s funny family ■ At least he didn't bring it to the royal wedding. Meghan Markle's nephew, a legal cannabis farmer in Oregon, narrowly avoided being arrested by London police after he turned up to a London club with a blade.

Tyler Dooley, 25, allegedly told door staff that he brought the four-inch knife to London in self-defence because he had heard Donald Trump cautioning that London was a dangerous city.

Dooley voluntarily surrendered the knife at the door, but, when told by locals that cops would be called and he would be arrested, he ran off.

Dooley was one of several members of Meghan's family who arrived in London despite having no official invite to the wedding.

www.gavinwood.us

Broadway star passes ■ Patricia Morison, who conquered Broadway in the hit musicals Kiss Me, Kate and The King and I after finding limited success in Hollywood, died at her home in West Hollywood. S he was 103. Her friend John Bowab, a director and producer, who said she had been in hospice care, confirmed her death.

Come and visit us

■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

The 3AK Story: Part 1

Good Guys and Godbotherers ■ Did you have a ‘Beautiful Music’ experience with radio station 3AK in its first 70 years?

Were you a ‘Wrinkly’? Did you phone the ‘Desperate Line’? Or perhaps one of the 3AK incarnations owes you money.

3AK has been so many different things to different people. It has been Melbourne’s overnight radio station; a comforter during World War II; a Gospel thumper; pop music broadcaster; a crazy bi-lingual radio experiment; and an ‘alternative’ talknews station.

In 2018, it is home to SEN 1116, the Sporst Entertainment Network helmed by Craig Hutchison.

To me, 3AK is a mixture of memories involving childhood entertainment, teenage music, adult talk, business opportunity and someone else’s badly-handled commercial I was born on October 19, 1956 – just 22 days after radio man Geoff Corke fronted Melbourne’s first experimental television transmission from the kitchen of GTV-9’s transmitter at Mount Dandenong.

As a youngster I was enthralled with Melbourne’s media. At 61 I still am.

Our family’s bakelite valve-radio was mostly tuned into the Sunday morning 3DB news broadcast preceded by Dick Cranbourne’s program; 3UZ’s Newsbeat; and whichever station had the rights to broadcast the Saturday afternoon VFL match with my Dad’s beloved Richmond football team.

Summer holidays often had the family listening to the AK ‘Good Guys’ at popular Victorian beach venues.

As a five-year-old youngster, I was excited as a bus load of us were transported to Channel 9’s studios in Bendigo St, Richmond, to see an edition of The Tarax Show go to air on television.

We were marched past the new 3AK studios inside the GTV-9 building. We each returned home with our ‘show-bags’, all now official badgewearing members of the Tarax Club, and all receiving a personalised ‘Gerry Gee’ birthday card by mail when it was our special day.

Top Of The Dial And I remember being transfixed at the Royal Showgrounds, when live transmissions of 3AK programs were put to air from a small ‘outside broadcast’ booth. I watched endlessly as Gary Nicholls (or was it his brother Mike?) spin the next record on the AK turntable, sign the advertising paperwork, and read the weather reports.

In those days, it was common place for suburbs to be listed at random in the station’s weather forecasts – ’16 in the City, 14 in Greensborough, 12 in Richmond’ – and I noted how ‘dee-jay’ Nicholls crossed those districts he had mentioned from a typed A-Z list.

Early each year, Channel 9 would hold a Telethon fund-raiser for the Yooralla School.

In the 1960s, I was a young volunteer collector, which involved a visit on Telethon day to the studios.

Corporate security was nothing like it is in 2018, and I recall innocently wandering the GTV-AK corridors alone, and again watching open-mouthed into the 3AK studios as disc jockey Grantley Dee backannounced a record, also giving the exact time-call from his braille

● Promotional material for radio station 3AK in its Good Guys era. watch.

Every Thursday, ing 3AK story. The Fusion Media traordinary mixture of Italian and Melburnians would await delivery collapse was of great interest in it- English programs… not to mention of the Listener In-TV newspaper to self; the station’s much-vaunted chal- station owner Vernon Margetts’s read the latest of what was happen- lenge to the reigning ABC and 3AW Gospel Sessions in the middle of the breakfast program. ing at Melbourne’s local TV and ra- ‘talk’ champions also fascinated.

Little wonder that it briefly earned I respected the broadcast profesdio studios.

3AK’s sudden marketing cam- sionalism, in grandly different ways, the industry nickname of ‘Radio Tipaign of the early 1970s – ‘Where of its past-and-present hosts such as tanic’.

Through all this, 3AK endured 70 No Wrinklys Fly’ – hit me with ap- Derryn Hinch, John Blackman and Doug Aiton. I am a true fan of the years on air continuously on air. AK peal as a teenager.

Its full-page ads in rock-n-roll talent of its former great stars includ- survived a Depression, a World War, newspapers such as Go Set were ing Bert Newton, Graham Kennedy political and world upheavals.

In its latter times, 3AK had to surplastered, briefly, on the bedroom and others.

I also enjoy true competition vive the wholesale loss of audience walls of my peers.

We would telephone 42-0209 – amongst media, which can only and the collapse of its own business 3AK’s ‘Desperate Line’, or ‘The make radio stations all better servants platform.

In the early 2000s, 3AK was unFriendly Line’ – to have ‘cheerios’ of their public. And, of course, we all dergoing something of a re-birth with sent to ourselves or ridicule our love the underdog.

3AK’s life is a story worth the tell- new owners, led by media strategists school teachers.

Kevin Campbell and Jeff Chatfield.

By then we were listening on the ing.

3AK had an on-air line-up includ3AK celebrated its 70th annivernewly-introduced battery-powered ing Derryn Hinch and Doug Aiton, sary on November 29, 2001. . transistor radio receivers. who have each in the past led their Introduction Beautiful Music “Next to football, there is prob- time-slots (elsewhere) in the Then, just as suddenly, 3AK told me not to listen any more. It dropped ably no industry in Victoria which Melbourne radio market.

To this was added TV-radio man the rock music, and adopted a ‘Beau- commands a more frequent focus of tiful Music’ format that was instead public and media attention than the Greg Evans, former Victorian Chief targeted at my father and his age machinations of the radio industry.” Magistrate Nick Papas, radio veteran Columnist Robert Parsons was Gavin Wood and personalities such group.

It lost me, but the station won a hauntingly correct when he ex- as Yvonne Lawrence, to challenge whole new group of commercially pressed these thoughts in 1989, in the the dominant talk stations 3AW and worthwhile listeners. It was a ratings radio column of Melbourne’s Sun- ABC 774 (3LO).

Breaking News: and business winner for more than a day Observer newspaper.

The Voice Of The Night Parsons could not possibly have decade led by Vern Stone.

Terrorists stopped the world on By the late 1970s and early 1980s, foretold that long-established I was working in media, with senior Melbourne radio station 3AK would September 11, 2001, when they media management positions of my soon witness yet another five new crashed jets into the World Trade owners over the next decade or so. Centre and the Pentagon. This own.

3AK would also see a messy bastardry murdered thousands of citiProfessionally, I viewed a whole range of episodes in 3AK’s life: its multi-million dollar financial col- zens, and paralysed millions more.

The ghastly deeds commenced at failed national CBC experiment; the lapse, an almost-botched change of even-worse Italian-English pro- broadcasting frequency, and disas- 8.45am New York Time when American Flight 11 from Boston crashed gramming; a series of different own- trous listener ratings.

3AK has always been different. into the North Tower of the World ers; and a roller-coaster of business In its first broadcasts 70 years ago, Trade Centre. failures.

In Melbourne, Australia, comIn mid-1999, I sought and won a 3AK sent out its signal when all other senior management position at 3AK. Melbourne radio stations were off mentator Doug Aiton was broadcasting his night-time program on local I had experienced my own set of busi- air.

The station became the city’s radio station 3AK. Local time was ness successes-failures, so the job was extremely important to me in ‘Voice Of The Night’ for 22 years, 10.45pm.

Within minutes, Aiton was reportmy own re-building, as well as that later converting to 24-hour broadcasting, linking with Melbourne’s ing details of the horrible breaking of 3AK. Most people – me included – were best-watched TV channel, topping news.

Soon, at 11.03pm Melbourne unaware of the real severity of 3AK’s the ratings, then floundering under business and financial problems un- an ill-conceived national program- time, a second Boeing 767 hit the South Tower in Manhattan. The der the stewardship of Fusion Me- ming idea. death toll that followed, as the tow‘Radio Titanic’ dia. 3AK’s leaders Mal Garvin and “3AK has had beautiful music, ers collapse exceeded some 3000 Michael Cleary failed to keep the agreement over which we had rock n roll music, heavy metal mu- people.

At 3AK, Aiton undertook an enorsic and no music,” noted Age reporter shaken hands. mous real-time news coverage. He So, for a number of reasons, my Melissa Fyfe.

For a time, it was even headquar- called on his experience as a former manager’s job did not go ahead … so now the subject of 3AK and me tered in a caravan … then later at the reporter for The Age and The Times rear of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria (London). He was soon joined on became personal! air by Derryn Hinch, the man In the years around 1999-2002, Market.

Then it ignored its traditional En- dubbed locally as ‘The Human Headas a media commentator with Media Flash, I reported on the continu- glish-speaking listeners with an ex- line’.

By 1am, Hinch was skilfully painting a picture of Manhattan to shellshocked Melbourne listeners. He stayed on air for a marathon 11 hours, with an extraordinary coverage of the attack.

His decade-long experience as a outstanding New York journalist offerred the best word-pictures available of a world catastrophe.

A large audience stayed up all night to hear the 3AK coverage. A few older listeners recall that 70 years earlier, 3AK was then just embarking as Melbourne’s ‘Voice Of The Night’.

“Twelve months ago some amusement was expressed at the extraordinary schedules of station 3AK, Balwyn, Melbourne,” reported the Listener-In in 1932.

“As almost everyone knows now, these are from 11.30pm to 2am, and from 5am to 7am, with extra hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

“But the once musing innovation, with the effluxion of time has converted itself to something of a necessity to thousands of listeners.

“Unique in Australia, 3AK provides music suitable for supper parties and late dances, and speeds the early morning worker with a song in its heart. These are services for which many are grateful.”

So summed up the first year of radio station 3AK, by a Listener In writer, reviewing the operations of the unique new identity in Melbourne’s night-time commercial radio world.

There had been precious little media fanfare for the opening of Melbourne’s newest radio station.

The Sun News-Pictorial announced in a two-paragraph snippet that the official opening on Sunday, November 29, 1931, would be conducted by the Postmaster-General, Mr Green.

As it turned out, the ‘Akron station’ was opened at 12.30pm by the Mayor of Camberwell, Cr McCamish, “in the unavoidable absence of the Postmaster-General”.

3AK launched itself to the 1500 kilocycle band, on 200 metres, on a quiet Sunday.

The station’s first broadcast came from a bedroom at the home of founder George Frederick Thomas Palmer at 8 Yerrin St, Balwyn, E8 – then on the outskirts of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

George Palmer was father to Clive Palmer, a businessman-politician who made his own headlines in the 21st Century.

- Ash Long

1932 programs

■ Monday-Friday. 11.30pm12.30am, Late supper music.

12.30am to 2.00am: dance music interspersed with vocal and novelty numbers. 5.00am-7.00am Early breakfast session. Bright recorded music and re-broadcasts of foreign ‘short-wave’ stations provided atmospheric conditions are favourable. (Monday, September 19, 1932).

■ Saturday. 5.00am-7.00am Early breakfast session. Bright recorded music and re-broadcasts of foreign ‘short-wave’ stations provided atmospheric conditions are favourable. 1.00pm-2.00pm, Luncheon music and theatre news.

11.30pm-3.00am, Program of popular dance numbers. (Saturday, September 17, 1932).

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 15

Jim Long’s Story: Part 1

Signing on for duty in WWII ■ Just prior to his untimely death in August 1987, Jim Long penned his memoirs of his overseas War service in the Middle East in World War II. The 33,700-word story sees an Australian working-class shoe store worker from Bendigo, volunteer for overseas military service. ★ Recalled. I joined the Army at the beginning of May 1941. This was just after the disastrous campaign in Greece, and it appeared to me it was a signal for many to enlist at this time.

I was 19 with a birthday coming up the following month.

To the “Thirty Niners”, those who had joined up in 1939, we were the “Deep Thinkers”.

Firstly I joined the AMF (Australian Military Forces) and became a “Choco” (Chocolate Soldier), as my parents refused to give their consent fore me to join the 2nd AIF (Australian Imperial Force).

My mother had been a civilian nurse during the 1914-18 conflict and toward the end and afterwards was Matron of a Private Hospital (her own) in a country town.

Here she treated and nursed exservicemen for their wounds and affects of gassing, mostly without recompense, according to my father.

The appalling injuries she saw no doubt influenced her in not giving parental consent, but this was to change some three months later.

Upon enlistment at Royal Park we were questioned in relation to our qualifications, etc., and the branch of the army for which we had a preference.

● Left: Jim Long, VX60817. Right: A ‘Spirit of Salts’ rail motor.

Hat, Khaki, Fur, that was stiff as Sorry fellas, but then you’d reply This was where civilian cooks became army drivers and civilian driv- a board and sat squarely on my skull, “Thats OK – Mate”.

Trousers and Tunic that smelt to high My job in the office was chasing ers army cooks.

My spare time interest was in re- heaven of pest control treatment, and up MV (Motor Vehicle) spare parts pairing cars and a moor bike with Boots so stiff that I walked most un- from local suppliers such as Ford, Motor Spares, Machins, my preference for the branch of ser- naturally.

They were nice people on the Brooklands, Keep Bros & Wood, vice as the Armoured Division.

Not being in the AIF I could not tram, they did not say anything or etc, and raising Purchase Orders.

Being around motor vehicles nenominate 9th Division Cavalry Regi- exchange understanding glances.

We did some elementary foot drill cessitated an Army driver’s licence ment as the unit I most wanted to have joined, and in any case not be- at Royal Park and then I was posted in order to drive same.

Each class required a separate ing A1 I had little hope in any case. to 3rd Military District Workshops test, that is, motor cycles, sedans and A bit like the person who said “I’d at Broadmeadows.

With winter coming on it was a utilities, tonners, carriers and tanks. give my right arm to be cold hole – the wind starts at Broadie The licences were hard to obtain ambidexterous”.

During the first two days at Royal and doesn’t stop as it does another and certain practices had to be observed such as when bringing a 5 ton Park I was issued with my uniform, lap.

My first job was in the Paint Shop truck to a stop it was necessary to go and proceeded home on leave on the under Staff Sergeant O’Flaherty down through the gears in losing mosecond night. who was a big bloke – enormous in mentum.

Many argued it was cheaper to fact in the eyes of a raw recruit.

29 Acheron Avenue, replace brake linings than repair He presented me with the biggest Reservoir – 3073 bass broom I’ve ever seen – Six feet gearboxes.

3rd. December 1986.

We worked as a rule a 5½ day (1.83 m) across I’d reckon – and strict Major John Tilbrook, instructions to keep the spray paint week, but often received Saturday Corps Historian, R.A.A.O.C., afternoon duty as duty drivers or inbooths spotlessly clean.

Directorate of Supply – Army, As fast as dust and over spray structing officers in being able to ride Department of Defence, descended so this enormous bass a motorcycle.

Campbell Park Offices, Here we took great delight in putbroom plied back and forth, in an CANBERRA. A.C.T. 2600. ting them through their paces on a unwinnable war.

Dear Major, After awhile I was promoted or wet grassy circuit.

If I had known that my letters home to my folks some 45 years ago Broadmeadows being reasonably would re-surface in 1986/87, then no doubt I would have taken greater demoted to body preparation, that is close to the city seems to ensure we rubbing down with abrasive paper care with my grammar, etc. I was at that time no literary giant, as you will had plenty of Camp Concerts from those parts of a vehicle to be spray perceive, and I don’t think I’ve gained any ground since then. civilian groups. painted.

A letter home was just that; what the heck if you ended a sentence with We enjoyed them very much and This took me out into the vehicle a preposition, started a new paragraph commencing with “And” or the appreciated all their efforts. I think park where there were all types of letter “A”. It’s strange looking back at that time for we were taught to the most enjoyment came from joinWorld War I vehicles in open stormake paragraphs as long as we could using semi-colons and commas ing in the songs or a sing-song segage – hard tyred vehicles, Laffleys, effectually. You will have ample evidence of this. ment.

A pretty girl however, never Thornycrofts, Macks, Fire Engines, My wonderful Mother, thoughtfully, and thankfully, kept all of my letmissed the wolf whistles and cheers.

Road Sweepers, etc., which were of ters received from here and overseas, and this has greatly helped in I recall one Saturday afternoon providing a source of information. It was not possible, on the other hand, immense interest to me. when I was detailed as a Duty Driver.

A clerical vacancy in purchasing to keep letters received.

Someone had designed a steel appeared on the notice board, and In drawing upon my memories, racking of the old brain, there is at having been to night time courses at ramp with a level steel section at the times absolute frustration in trying to picture a face for a name, or reBusiness College in Accountancy end for under chassis service and remember a name for a face. Of course there are many blank patches; pairs of vehicles. uncertainty, and no doubt inaccuracies in that I have endeavoured to and Typing, I decided to apply.

The level section was about 5 feet I think I may have been the only recall. In a very broad sense, it was considered prudent, not to recall 9 inches (1.75m) above the ground applicant because I got the job. quite a few things that did happen.

My boss was Sgt (Keith ?) allowing a mechanic to walk under One little credit will be sufficient, thanks. Please feel free to use Reeves, possibly a Permanent Mili- or beneath the vehicle. something like “a member of the unit recalled” etc. Also, feel free please There were no side guards on the tary Forces member. to correct any grammar, tense, or errors, that you will no doubt find. ramps (such as on car transporters He was a terrific fellow with infiWhen I started this exercise I quickly ran into trouble, not only a nite patience, and I owe thanks to today) or on the level end. I was intypewriter that can’t spell was to hand, but it stuttered as well. structed by Major Watkins (our CO) I mentioned initially to you, that I would prepare the information so him for giving me a start in Work- to take a 5 ton truck up the servicing shop Administration that spanned my that my family can pass it down the line in the time to come. Although, this Army years and later on in Industry. ramp – well I got it on the ramp OK, of course, means you will be wading through a lot of information that will In 1941 we lustily sang “My eyes at a 30°angle looking upwards at the be irrelevant, it may also help you in obtaining a climate of the times, are dim I cannot see, I have not sky, no guides left or right – I faltered conditions, food, mail, censor, etc., which I hope will be helpful. brought my specs with me”, in 1986 – the good Major beckoned me to We referred to the barracks in Beirut as Franchet D’Esperey, howthis may still apply but to which may reverse which I glady did to level ever, on checking an Encyclopaedia, I see the French General conbe added “My memory is dim”. ground. cerned spelt his name as Franchet d’Esperey.

The next driver had the help of Names without faces, and faces My son who has carried out the photocopying, advises that any photo’s without names. What blokes left and right giving signals a shame. you wish to produce can be copied from your copy. In the event of any Blokes that were really great friends and eventually made the level grad. difficulty in this regard, please advise and I will forward the originals to and mates have passed into memory If this was Mark 1 then it would have you. oblivion due to the effluxion of time been Mark XX before it was safe.

- Jim Long Hugh Gunther was probably one and human frailty.

of the most popular Workshops Officers in the Corps. I believe it was at Broadmeadows that I first met him as a Lieutenant. Private or Colonel he treated everybody with respect, and this endeared him to all.

Our RSM was Sarmajor Wells.

A waxed moustouche and fine military bearing made him an impressive figure on parade. About this time he was featured in one of the Melbourne dailies.

To get back to camp after weekend leave it was necessary to get the electric train to Coburg and then catch the rail-motor to Campbellfield siding. The rail-motor was dubbed The Spirit of Salts.

It was a matter of jumping off as quickly as possible and sprinting for half-a-mile (800 m) up hill along Camp Road to be on parade by 0800 hrs.

Toward the end of July 1941 there was a call for certain personnel to volunteer for overseas service on a draft soon to sail. I applied for a clerical position. This was an express job.

Within a few days Capt. Chambers of 2/4thArmy Field Workshops interviewed the applicants at Broadmeadows, and I was fortunate in being selected, and now armed with my parents’ consent, was discharged from the AMF on 5AUG41 and enlistment was effected next day in the 2nd AIF. What an express job this turned out to be. The 2/4th AFW were at Puckapunyal (having moved there from Bendigo) and were on notice to move overseas, destination unknown.

The official war history, Australia in the War of 1939-45, Series 1 (Army) Volume IV, The Japanese Thrust, page 60 erroneously states that 2/4 AFW aboard the Queen Mary sailed for Singapore 4FEB41.

We were attached to 2/4 AFW, although my records show I was posted to 2/4 AFW. Anyway there were some several hundred tradesmen, from all states, under the banner of AAOC Reinforcements attached to 2/4th AFW. It was a busy period, with parade ground training, and also for me work in the 2/4 AFW Orderly Room and the Reinforcements Orderly Room under Sgt Ray Lazenby.

I also helped in the packing of 2/ 4th equipment under Sgt. Alf Hedger.

Alf was a first war veteran, and I believe had been in the Middle East and had returned to Australia with POW’s.

Here he was fronting up for his second trip. I later served with Alf at 2/4th Aust. Base Workshops.

So that no one could be accused of being idle we knitted camouflage nets in between times.

We had several Lines of Communication (L. of C.) Officers to shepherd us to where ever we may be going; our Company Sergeant Major was WOII Murphy.

Each morning the Coombe Bros put us through P.T. (Physical Training exercises). Thank goodness they were of the understanding kind in our early rookie days.

The 2/4th AFW had a Pipe Band, and each morning at reveille marched through the tin huts (actually galvanised iron) awakening not only the slumberers, but the dead as well mine-tinkit. If you have not heard a Pipe Band in a Tin Hut, then believe me you’ve heard nothing, but nothing, yet.

To be continued next issue

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Observer Magazine

■ Davy Crockett became a craze that swept the world in 1955. Children wanted to be like Davy Crockett and wear a coon skin cap.

I remember seeing the Walt Disney feature film Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier (which was a composite of three Disneyland television episodes) at the Esquire Theatre in Bourke Stand I thought Fess Parker and his offsider played by Buddy Ebsen were pretty cool.

Fess Elisha Parker Jr. was born at Fort Worth, Texas. in 1924 and grew up on a farm.

During the war years he served in the US Marine Corps. Fess graduated from university and moved to California to study drama.

He had minor roles in many films before being cast as Davy Crockett. Fess Parker was the first person to record the song The Ballad of Davy Crockett.

Unfortunately, by the time Walt Disney had organised his new record company to release it, there were already 16 versions of the song in the hit parades.

Bill Hayes and Tennessee Ernie Ford had the most popular recordings.

In the late 1950s Fess Parker starred in films such as Old Yeller and A light in the Forest.

He married Marcella Rinehart in 1960 and they had two children.

In 1964 Fess was cast in the television series Daniel Boone. He was worried about how the public would feel about him playing another

Whatever Happened To ...

Fess Parker

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

character acter, after being firmly established as Davy Crockett, but the show became a huge hit and ran for five years.

It was a very happy time and over the years Fess kept in touch with the other cast members.

Most Thursday evenings, Ed Ames, who played Mingo the Indian and was a member of the singing group The Ames Brothers, used to join Fess for a sing-along at the Parker's house.

In 1985 Fess visited Australia representing President Ronald Reagan at the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. Fess Parker became a very successful businessman after a marvellous career in films and television.

In the seventies he went into real estate and

● Fess Parker

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other business ventures. In 1989 Fess and his family opened The Fess Parker Family Winery and Vineyards at Los Olivos, California and owned two hotels in the Santa Barbara area.

I had the pleasure of talking to Fess Parker in a radio interview and I found him to be absolutely charming. There were some good ties with Australia. He told me that his daughter met her husband in Sydney whilst touring the Australian vineyards. His family winery modeled some of their products on the Australian Shiraz. Fess was a very good friend of the famous wine expert, the late Len Evans. Over the years Fess and his wife Marcella gave generous financial support to the local arts in Santa Barbara. I asked if there were any actors amongst his 11 grandchildren - he laughed and replied "I think they all are, unofficially!"

Sadly, Fess Parker passed away in 2010 of natural causes at the age of 84.

His family, friends and fans were devastated - he was dearly loved.

Great memories with Fess Parker, who we remember best as Davy Crockett - King of the wild frontier.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AW The Time Tunnel - on Remember When Sundays at 9.10pm And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon

Talking about Tolly the Tabby ■ When English surrealist artist Richard Saunders used the wonders of Photoshop to recreate his beloved pet cat Tolly in topiary-like form in settings amid famous British lakesides, grand-houses, gardens and beaches, he was blown away with just how many people who saw those pictures took them to be real fair-dinkum works of topiary art.

“I’ve actually been somewhat bemused,” he says today, seven years after creating his first topiary image of Tolly.

“Because I did them for fun rather than any commercial purpose, and it’s been fascinating to see a simple idea metamorphosis into something of a now internet phenomenon.”

Such a phenomenon in fact that some of the images have been viewed up to 3.5 million times, and he’s been inundated with requests to create with Photoshop other peoples’ pets in topiary form set in their own or famous public gardens.

“But I have to say No,” he says, adding “I only do ones of Tolly who sadly passed away in 2016, and they’re to his memory.”

Each image can take up to three days to create on Photoshop as a topiary image of Tolly, a Russian Blue, and set in a vast range of well-known and identifiable locations.

And when countless viewers write or phone Richard asking where they can actually see his topiaries of Tolly, he says he has to explain to them, too, that they are not real topiaries and have been created on Photoshop, adding “and I explain all that because I would rather be known for my art, than my deception.”

To view Richard Saunders’ works of Tolly look up www.thetopiary cat.co.uk

Ice cream licked

■ We’ve recently got to wondering: will Australians ever put the third Sunday of July into their diaries – like in America, where the day’s been celebrated as National Ice Cream Day for over 30 years.

And it was by presidential decree, in 1984 ice-cream lovin’ President Ronald Reagan proclaiming July as National Ice Cream month, and it’s

OK. With John O’Keefe Beyonce put a value on it

● So life-like has Richard Saunders created images of his pet cat Tolly in topiary form using Photoshop, that many people have refused to believe that this image is not real.

20.8 litres per person, and Aussies third at 18 litres per head.

Which should be good enough reason for us all to put the third Sunday of July into our diaries for our own personal Ice Cream Day if industry or government won’t do anything about it to make it official.

And incidentally, as far back as 340BC Alexander the Great’s chefs mixed him snow, ice, honey and nectar as a summer cooler, Marco Polo in the late 13th century took home to Italy a Chinese recipe similar to what we now know as sherbert and which eventually evolved into Italian icecream, while in England “cream ice” was served to Charles I in the 17th century.

America’s first ice-cream was recorded in 1744 in a letter written by with David Ellis Maryland Governor, William Bladen, third Sunday as National Ice Cream while accounts show George WashDay. ington spent a whopping $200 on iceYet bizarrely, despite their size and cream during the steamy summer of their presidential decree Americans 1790, strawberry-infused ice-cream are not the world’s biggest consumers was served in The White House in per capita of ice cream… would you 1813 … and the first commercial icebelieve that title goers to tiny New Zealand where the locals lick up 28.4 creams hit America’s streets in the midlitres per person of the stuff annually… 1800s.

- David Ellis with the Americans in second place at

Struth

■ The streets are littered with stories of how showbiz identities have blown their fortunes. On the flip side there are those who are clever and know how to make their money make money.

One good example is Beyonce who purchased a disused church but in reasonable knick. Beyonce paid $ 850,000 for the church located in close proximinity to where her sister lives.

I'm a thinking an apartment block could be in the offing. Closer to home the Seekers group keep their investments in their home town.

Bruce Woodley was a member of a syndicate that sold an Elsternwick commercial building and the sale price exceeded expectations by over a $1 million. Nice one Bruce.

Emily is on the way yp

■ Rising up very smartly through the media ranks is Emily Power. Her day job is editor of the very well read Domain real estate glossy.

Of a Saturday she shares The Hour of Power with Darren James on 3AW, discussing buying and selling homes.

And in what little time she has left Emily has found time to author a self help book explaining hints on how to save for your first home. Well worth a read with lots of practical hints.

Sydney scene imploding

■ It's not worth spending any further ink to comment that the radio scene in the Harbour City resembles civil war. Egos at t10 paces and writs flying like frisbies. Even Alan Jones is in strife and may cost him big time.

Update for Wooz

■ If you intend booking to see the new season of The Wizard of Oz then be prepared for something different. Five new songs have been added as the producers have decided the original show needed an update and Melbourne was to be the launching pad .

Nice gesture

■ Matthew Newton first met Simon Gleeson as students at Xavier College.

Come time to enter the big wide world they both elected to continue with acting, but Simon was slow in filling out the necessary forms.

Matt took control of the situation, completed the forms, paid the fees and Simon was on his way to studying to be an actor at the highest level – thanks to Matthew Newton. And now Simon Gleeson is the headline act in the current production of Oklahoma.

- John O’Keefe

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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May's Sale Item is a ready-to-hang Limited Edition Art Print of Melbourne in 1882.

This is a stunning Melbourne aerial view showing the historical development of the 1880's era. It is a beautiful reminder of our wonderful past and development.

Santorini on Mudjimba Beachfront accommodation on the Sunshine Coast 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION IN MUDJIMBA, SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND This four star resort offers you the opportunity to get away from it all. You can do as much or as little as your heart desires. Come and experience Mudjimba, the way the beach used to be.

Just 5 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport, Santorini Resort on Mudjimba Beach is a favourite for families, sporting groups and romantic escapes. The Mudjimba surf patrolled beach is on your doorstep and the parkland opposite comes complete with barbecues, shaded picnic areas and children’s playground. The beach captures the very essence of what makes the Sunshine Coast so special; with golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see.

In keeping with its prime beachside location, Santorini on Mudjimba will meet all your expectations for a holi-

day to remember. The apartments are spacious and well appointed.

Santorini’s onsite facilities include a resort style swimming pool, half court tennis and a large BBQ & entertainment area. The resort is a non-smoking facility.

Come and experience this unique and convenient location on the Sunshine Coast’s pristine coastline.

Mention this advert or visit our website for special direct booking discounts. www.santorinitw.com

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FREE DELIVERY Melbourne Metro and Peninsula

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Homemaker

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 23

Best Places

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Port Melbourne

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Antiques and Collectables

JACK’S ANTIQUES Open 7 Days

After 30 years of trading in Sandringham we have moved to a new showroom, jam packed with interesting quality items, and constantly changing items including lots of antiques and modern furniture, bronze, clocks, vases, displays, French, leadlight, lots of colourful art, etc.

We always buy anything of quality.

368 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham Ring Jack on 9583 7099, 0419 303 861

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Observer Classic Books

Hard Times - by Charles Dickens Such things were said on many sides. Finally, one strong voice called out, ‘Is the man heer? If the man’s heer, Slackbridge, let’s hear the man himseln, ‘stead o’ yo.’ Which was received with a round of applause.

Slackbridge, the orator, looked about him with a withering smile; and, holding out his right hand at arm’s length (as the manner of all Slackbridges is), to still the thundering sea, waited until there was a profound silence.

‘Oh, my friends and fellow-men!’ said Slackbridge then, shaking his head with violent scorn, ‘I do not wonder that you, the prostrate sons of labour, are incredulous of the existence of such a man. But he who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage existed, and Judas Iscariot existed, and Castlereagh existed, and this man exists!’

Here, a brief press and confusion near the stage, ended in the man himself standing at the orator’s side before the concourse. He was pale and a little moved in the face — his lips especially showed it; but he stood quiet, with his left hand at his chin, waiting to be heard. There was a chairman to regulate the proceedings, and this functionary now took the case into his own hands.

‘My friends,’ said he, ‘by virtue o’ my office as your president, I askes o’ our friend Slackbridge, who may be a little over hetter in this business, to take his seat, whiles this man Stephen Blackpool is heern. You all know this man Stephen Blackpool. You know him awlung o’ his misfort’ns, and his good name.’

With that, the chairman shook him frankly by the hand, and sat down again. Slackbridge likewise sat down, wiping his hot forehead — always from left to right, and never the reverse way.

‘My friends,’ Stephen began, in the midst of a dead calm; ‘I ha’ hed what’s been spok’n o’me, and ’tis lickly that I shan’t mend it. But I’d liefer you’d hearn the truth concernin myseln, fro my lips than fro onny other man’s, though I never cud’n speak afore so monny, wi’out bein moydert and muddled.’

Slackbridge shook his head as if he would shake it off, in his bitterness.

‘I’m th’ one single Hand in Bounderby’s mill, o’ a’ the men theer, as don’t coom in wi’ th’ proposed reg’lations. I canna coom in wi’ ’em. My friends, I doubt their doin’ yo onny good. Licker they’ll do yo hurt.’

Slackbridge laughed, folded his arms, and frowned sarcastically.

‘But ‘t an’t sommuch for that as I stands out. If that were aw, I’d coom in wi’ th’ rest. But I ha’ my reasons — mine, yo see — for being hindered; not on’y now, but awlus — awlus — life long!’

Slackbridge jumped up and stood beside him, gnashing and tearing. ‘Oh, my friends, what but this did I tell you? Oh, my fellow-countrymen, what warning but this did I give you? And how shows this recreant conduct in a man on whom unequal laws are known to have fallen heavy?

Oh, you Englishmen, I ask you how does this subornation show in one of yourselves, who is thus consenting to his own undoing and to yours, and to your children’s and your children’s children’s?’

There was some applause, and some crying of Shame upon the man; but the greater part of the audience were quiet. They looked at Stephen’s worn face, rendered more pathetic by the homely emotions it evinced; and, in the kindness of their nature, they were more sorry than indignant. ‘’Tis this Delegate’s trade for t’ speak,’ said Stephen, ‘an’ he’s paid for ‘t, an’ he knows his work. Let him keep to ‘t. Let him give no heed to what I ha had’n to bear. That’s not for him.

That’s not for nobbody but me.’

There was a propriety, not to say a dignity in these words, that made the hearers yet more quiet and attentive. The same strong voice called out, ‘Slackbridge, let the man be heern, and howd thee tongue!’ Then the place was wonderfully still.

‘My brothers,’ said Stephen, whose low voice was distinctly heard, ‘and my fellow-workmen — for that yo are to me, though not, as I knows on, to this delegate here — I ha but a word to sen, and I could sen nommore if I was to speak

Charles Dickens till Strike o’ day. I know weel, aw what’s afore me. I know weel that yo aw resolve to ha nommore ado wi’ a man who is not wi’ yo in this matther. I know weel that if I was a lyin parisht i’ th’ road, yo’d feel it right to pass me by, as a forrenner and stranger. What I ha getn, I mun mak th’ best on.’

‘Stephen Blackpool,’ said the chairman, rising, ‘think on ‘t agen. Think on ‘t once agen, lad, afore thou’rt shunned by aw owd friends.’

There was an universal murmur to the same effect, though no man articulated a word. Every eye was fixed on Stephen’s face. To repent of his determination, would be to take a load from all their minds. He looked around him, and knew that it was so. Not a grain of anger with them was in his heart; he knew them, far below their surface weaknesses and misconceptions, as no one but their fellow-labourer could.

‘I ha thowt on ‘t, above a bit, sir. I simply canna coom in. I mun go th’ way as lays afore me. I mun tak my leave o’ aw heer.’

He made a sort of reverence to them by holding up his arms, and stood for the moment in that attitude; not speaking until they slowly dropped at his sides.

‘Monny’s the pleasant word as soom heer has spok’n wi’ me; monny’s the face I see heer, as I first seen when I were yoong and lighter heart’n than now. I ha’ never had no fratch afore, sin ever I were born, wi’ any o’ my like; Gonnows I ha’ none now that’s o’ my makin’. Yo’ll ca’ me traitor and that — yo I mean t’say,’ addressing Slackbridge, ‘but ’tis easier to ca’ than mak’ out. So let be.’

He had moved away a pace or two to come down from the platform, when he remembered something he had not said, and returned again.

‘Haply,’ he said, turning his furrowed face slowly about, that he might as it were individually address the whole audience, those both near and distant; ‘haply, when this question has been tak’n up and discoosed, there’ll be a threat to turn out if I’m let to work among yo. I hope I shall die ere ever such a time cooms, and I shall work solitary among yo unless it cooms — truly, I mun do ‘t, my friends; not to brave yo, but to live. I ha nobbut work to live by; and wheerever can I go, I who ha worked sin I were no heighth at aw, in Coketown heer? I mak’ no complaints o’ bein turned to the wa’, o’ bein outcasten and overlooken fro this time forrard, but hope I shall be let to work. If there is any right for me at aw, my friends, I think ’tis that.’

Not a word was spoken. Not a sound was audible in the building, but the slight rustle of men moving a little apart, all along the centre of the room, to open a means of passing out, to the man with whom they had all bound themselves to renounce companionship. Looking at no one, and going his way with a lowly steadiness upon him that asserted nothing and sought nothing, Old Stephen, with all his troubles on his head, left the scene.

Then Slackbridge, who had kept his oratorical arm extended during the going out, as if he were repressing with infinite solicitude and by a wonderful moral power the vehement passions of the multitude, applied himself to raising their spirits. Had not the Roman Brutus, oh, my British countrymen, condemned his son to death; and had not the Spartan mothers, oh my soon to be victorious friends, driven their flying children on the points of their enemies’ swords?

Then was it not the sacred duty of the men of Coketown, with forefathers before them, an admiring world in company with them, and a pos-

terity to come after them, to hurl out traitors from the tents they had pitched in a sacred and a Godlike cause? The winds of heaven answered Yes; and bore Yes, east, west, north, and south. And consequently three cheers for the United Aggregate Tribunal!

Slackbridge acted as fugleman, and gave the time. The multitude of doubtful faces (a little conscience-stricken) brightened at the sound, and took it up. Private feeling must yield to the common cause. Hurrah! The roof yet vibrated with the cheering, when the assembly dispersed.

Thus easily did Stephen Blackpool fall into the loneliest of lives, the life of solitude among a familiar crowd. The stranger in the land who looks into ten thousand faces for some answering look and never finds it, is in cheering society as compared with him who passes ten averted faces daily, that were once the countenances of friends. Such experience was to be Stephen’s now, in every waking moment of his life; at his work, on his way to it and from it, at his door, at his window, everywhere. By general consent, they even avoided that side of the street on which he habitually walked; and left it, of all the working men, to him only.

He had been for many years, a quiet silent man, associating but little with other men, and used to companionship with his own thoughts. He had never known before the strength of the want in his heart for the frequent recognition of a nod, a look, a word; or the immense amount of relief that had been poured into it by drops through such small means. It was even harder than he could have believed possible, to separate in his own conscience his abandonment by all his fellows from a baseless sense of shame and disgrace.

The first four days of his endurance were days so long and heavy, that he began to be appalled by the prospect before him. Not only did he see no Rachael all the time, but he avoided every chance of seeing her; for, although he knew that the prohibition did not yet formally extend to the women working in the factories, he found that some of them with whom he was acquainted were changed to him, and he feared to try others, and dreaded that Rachael might be even singled out from the rest if she were seen in his company. So, he had been quite alone during the four days, and had spoken to no one, when, as he was leaving his work at night, a young man of a very light complexion accosted him in the street.

‘Your name’s Blackpool, ain’t it?’ said the young man.

Stephen coloured to find himself with his hat in his hand, in his gratitude for being spoken to, or in the suddenness of it, or both. He made a feint of adjusting the lining, and said, ‘Yes.’ ‘You are the Hand they have sent to Coventry, I mean?’ said Bitzer, the very light young man in question.

Stephen answered ‘Yes,’ again.

‘I supposed so, from their all appearing to keep away from you. Mr. Bounderby wants to speak to you. You know his house, don’t you?’

Stephen said ‘Yes,’ again.

‘Then go straight up there, will you?’ said Bitzer.

‘You’re expected, and have only to tell the servant it’s you. I belong to the Bank; so, if you go straight up without me (I was sent to fetch you), you’ll save me a walk.’

Stephen, whose way had been in the contrary direction, turned about, and betook himself as in duty bound, to the red brick castle of the giant Bounderby.

Chapter V— Men and Masters ‘WELL, Stephen,’ said Bounderby, in his windy manner, ‘what’s this I hear? What have these pests of the earth been doing to you? Come in, and speak up.’

It was into the drawing-room that he was thus bidden. A tea-table was set out; and Mr. Bounderby’s young wife, and her brother, and a great gentleman from London, were present.

To whom Stephen made his obeisance, closing the door and standing near it, with his hat in his hand.

‘This is the man I was telling you about, Harthouse,’ said Mr. Bounderby. The gentleman he addressed, who was talking to Mrs.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 29

Observer Classic Books From Page 28 Mrs. Bounderby on the sofa, got up, saying in an indolent way, ‘Oh really?’ and dawdled to the hearthrug where Mr. Bounderby stood.

‘Now,’said Bounderby, ‘speak up!’

After the four days he had passed, this address fell rudely and discordantly on Stephen’s ear.

Besides being a rough handling of his wounded mind, it seemed to assume that he really was the self-interested deserter he had been called.

‘What were it, sir,’ said Stephen, ‘as yo were pleased to want wi’ me?’

‘Why, I have told you,’ returned Bounderby.

‘Speak up like a man, since you are a man, and tell us about yourself and this Combination.’

‘Wi’ yor pardon, sir,’ said Stephen Blackpool, ‘I ha’ nowt to sen about it.’

Mr. Bounderby, who was always more or less like a Wind, finding something in his way here, began to blow at it directly.

‘Now, look here, Harthouse,’ said he, ‘here’s a specimen of ’em. When this man was here once before, I warned this man against the mischievous strangers who are always about — and who ought to be hanged wherever they are found — and I told this man that he was going in the wrong direction. Now, would you believe it, that although they have put this mark upon him, he is such a slave to them still, that he’s afraid to open his lips about them?’

‘I sed as I had nowt to sen, sir; not as I was fearfo’ o’ openin’ my lips.’

‘You said! Ah! I know what you said; more than that, I know what you mean, you see. Not always the same thing, by the Lord Harry! Quite different things. You had better tell us at once, that that fellow Slackbridge is not in the town, stirring up the people to mutiny; and that he is not a regular qualified leader of the people: that is, a most confounded scoundrel. You had better tell us so at once; you can’t deceive me. You want to tell us so. Why don’t you?’

‘I’m as sooary as yo, sir, when the people’s leaders is bad,’ said Stephen, shaking his head. ‘They taks such as offers. Haply ’tis na’ the sma’est o’ their misfortuns when they can get no better.’

The wind began to get boisterous.

‘Now, you’ll think this pretty well, Harthouse,’ said Mr. Bounderby. ‘You’ll think this tolerably strong. You’ll say, upon my soul this is a tidy specimen of what my friends have to deal with; but this is nothing, sir! You shall hear me ask this man a question. Pray, Mr. Blackpool’ — wind springing up very fast — ‘may I take the liberty of asking you how it happens that you refused to be in this Combination?’

‘How ‘t happens?’

‘Ah!’ said Mr. Bounderby, with his thumbs in the arms of his coat, and jerking his head and shutting his eyes in confidence with the opposite wall: ‘how it happens.’

‘I’d leefer not coom to ‘t, sir; but sin you put th’ question — an’ not want’n t’ be ill-manner’n — I’ll answer. I ha passed a promess.’

‘Not to me, you know,’said Bounderby. (Gusty weather with deceitful calms. One now prevailing.)

‘O no, sir. Not to yo.’

‘As for me, any consideration for me has had just nothing at all to do with it,’ said Bounderby, still in confidence with the wall. ‘If only Josiah Bounderby of Coketown had been in question, you would have joined and made no bones about it?’

‘Why yes, sir. ’Tis true.’

‘Though he knows,’ said Mr. Bounderby, now blowing a gale, ‘that there are a set of rascals and rebels whom transportation is too good for!

Now, Mr. Harthouse, you have been knocking about in the world some time. Did you ever meet with anything like that man out of this blessed country?’ And Mr. Bounderby pointed him out for inspection, with an angry finger.

‘Nay, ma’am,’ said Stephen Blackpool, staunchly protesting against the words that had been used, and instinctively addressing himself to Louisa, after glancing at her face. ‘Not rebels, nor yet rascals. Nowt o’ th’ kind, ma’am, nowt o’ th’ kind. They’ve not doon me a kindness, ma’am, as I know and feel. But there’s not a dozen men amoong ’em, ma’am — a dozen?

Not six — but what believes as he has doon his duty by the rest and by himseln. God forbid as I, that ha’ known, and had’n experience o’ these men aw my life — I, that ha’ ett’n an’ droonken wi’ ’em, an’ seet’n wi’ ’em, and toil’n wi’ ’em, and lov’n ’em, should fail fur to stan by ’em wi’ the truth, let ’em ha’ doon to me what they may!’

He spoke with the rugged earnestness of his place and character — deepened perhaps by a

proud consciousness that he was faithful to his class under all their mistrust; but he fully remembered where he was, and did not even raise his voice.

‘No, ma’am, no. They’re true to one another, faithfo’ to one another, ‘fectionate to one another, e’en to death. Be poor amoong ’em, be sick amoong ’em, grieve amoong ’em for onny o’ th’ monny causes that carries grief to the poor man’s door, an’ they’ll be tender wi’ yo, gentle wi’ yo, comfortable wi’ yo, Chrisen wi’ yo. Be sure o’ that, ma’am. They’d be riven to bits, ere ever they’d be different.’

‘In short,’ said Mr. Bounderby, ‘it’s because they are so full of virtues that they have turned you adrift. Go through with it while you are about it.

Out with it.’

‘How ’tis, ma’am,’ resumed Stephen, appearing still to find his natural refuge in Louisa’s face, ‘that what is best in us fok, seems to turn us most to trouble an’ misfort’n an’ mistake, I dunno. But ’tis so. I know ’tis, as I know the heavens is over me ahint the smoke. We’re patient too, an’ wants in general to do right. An’ I canna think the fawt is aw wi’ us.’

‘Now, my friend,’ said Mr. Bounderby, whom he could not have exasperated more, quite unconscious of it though he was, than by seeming to appeal to any one else, ‘if you will favour me with your attention for half a minute, I should like to have a word or two with you. You said just now, that you had nothing to tell us about this business. You are quite sure of that before we go any further.’

‘Sir, I am sure on ‘t.’

‘Here’s a gentleman from London present,’ Mr. Bounderby made a backhanded point at Mr. James Harthouse with his thumb, ‘a Parliament gentleman. I should like him to hear a short bit of dialogue between you and me, instead of taking the substance of it — for I know precious well, beforehand, what it will be; nobody knows better than I do, take notice! — instead of receiving it on trust from my mouth.’

Stephen bent his head to the gentleman from London, and showed a rather more troubled mind than usual. He turned his eyes involuntarily to his former refuge, but at a look from that quarter (expressive though instantaneous) he settled them on Mr. Bounderby’s face.

‘Now, what do you complain of?’ asked Mr. Bounderby.

‘I ha’ not coom here, sir,’ Stephen reminded him, ‘to complain. I coom for that I were sent for.’

‘What,’ repeated Mr. Bounderby, folding his arms, ‘do you people, in a general way, complain of?’

Stephen looked at him with some little irresolution for a moment, and then seemed to make up his mind.

‘Sir, I were never good at showin o ‘t, though I ha had’n my share in feeling o ‘t. ‘Deed we are in a muddle, sir. Look round town — so rich as ’tis — and see the numbers o’ people as has been broughten into bein heer, fur to weave, an’ to card, an’ to piece out a livin’, aw the same one way, somehows, ‘twixt their cradles and their graves. Look how we live, an’ wheer we live, an’ in what numbers, an’ by what chances, and wi’ what sameness; and look how the mills is awlus a goin, and how they never works us no nigher to ony dis’ant object — ceptin awlus, Death. Look how you considers of us, and writes of us, and talks of us, and goes up wi’ yor deputations to Secretaries o’ State ‘bout us, and how yo are awlus right, and how we are awlus wrong, and never had’n no reason in us sin ever we were born. Look how this ha growen an’ growen, sir, bigger an’ bigger, broader an’ broader, harder an’ harder, fro year to year, fro generation unto generation. Who can look on ‘t, sir, and fairly tell a man ’tis not a muddle?’

‘Of course,’ said Mr. Bounderby. ‘Now perhaps you’ll let the gentleman know, how you would set this muddle (as you’re so fond of calling it) to rights.’

‘I donno, sir. I canna be expecten to ‘t. ’Tis not me as should be looken to for that, sir. ’Tis them as is put ower me, and ower aw the rest of us.

What do they tak upon themseln, sir, if not to do’t?’

‘I’ll tell you something towards it, at any rate,’ returned Mr. Bounderby. ‘We will make an example of half a dozen Slackbridges. We’ll indict the blackguards for felony, and get ’em shipped off to penal settlements.’

Stephen gravely shook his head.

‘Don’t tell me we won’t, man,’ said Mr. Bounderby, by this time blowing a hurricane,

because we will, I tell you!’

‘Sir,’ returned Stephen, with the quiet confidence of absolute certainty, ‘if yo was t’ tak a hundred Slackbridges — aw as there is, and aw the number ten times towd — an’ was t’ sew ’em up in separate sacks, an’ sink ’em in the deepest ocean as were made ere ever dry land coom to be, yo’d leave the muddle just wheer ’tis.

Mischeevous strangers!’ said Stephen, with an anxious smile; ‘when ha we not heern, I am sure, sin ever we can call to mind, o’ th’ mischeevous strangers! ’Tis not by them the trouble’s made, sir. ’Tis not wi’ them ‘t commences. I ha no favour for ’em — I ha no reason to favour ’em — but ’tis hopeless and useless to dream o’ takin them fro their trade, ‘stead o’ takin their trade fro them! Aw that’s now about me in this room were heer afore I coom, an’ will be heer when I am gone. Put that clock aboard a ship an’ pack it off to Norfolk Island, an’ the time will go on just the same. So ’tis wi’ Slackbridge every bit.’

Reverting for a moment to his former refuge, he observed a cautionary movement of her eyes towards the door. Stepping back, he put his hand upon the lock. But he had not spoken out of his own will and desire; and he felt it in his heart a noble return for his late injurious treatment to be faithful to the last to those who had repudiated him. He stayed to finish what was in his mind.

‘Sir, I canna, wi’ my little learning an’ my common way, tell the genelman what will better aw this — though some working men o’ this town could, above my powers — but I can tell him what I know will never do ‘t. The strong hand will never do ‘t. Vict’ry and triumph will never do ‘t. Agreeing fur to mak one side unnat’rally awlus and for ever right, and toother side unnat’rally awlus and for ever wrong, will never, never do ‘t. Nor yet lettin alone will never do ‘t.

Let thousands upon thousands alone, aw leading the like lives and aw faw’en into the like muddle, and they will be as one, and yo will be as anoother, wi’ a black unpassable world betwixt yo, just as long or short a time as sich-like misery can last. Not drawin nigh to fok, wi’ kindness and patience an’ cheery ways, that so draws nigh to one another in their monny troubles, and so cherishes one another in their distresses wi’ what they need themseln — like, I humbly believe, as no people the genelman ha seen in aw his travels can beat — will never do ‘t till th’ Sun turns t’ ice. Most o’ aw, rating ’em as so much Power, and reg’latin ’em as if they was figures in a soom, or machines: wi’out loves and likens, wi’out memories and inclinations, wi’out souls to weary and souls to hope — when aw goes quiet, draggin on wi’ ’em as if they’d nowt o’ th’ kind, and when aw goes onquiet, reproachin ’em for their want o’ sitch humanly feelins in their dealins wi’ yo — this will never do ‘t, sir, till God’s work is onmade.’

Stephen stood with the open door in his hand, waiting to know if anything more were expected of him.

‘Just stop a moment,’ said Mr. Bounderby, excessively red in the face. ‘I told you, the last time you were here with a grievance, that you had better turn about and come out of that. And I also told you, if you remember, that I was up to the gold spoon look-out.’

‘I were not up to ‘t myseln, sir; I do assure yo.’

‘Now it’s clear to me,’ said Mr. Bounderby, ‘that you are one of those chaps who have always got a grievance. And you go about, sowing it and raising crops. That’s the business of your life, my friend.’

Stephen shook his head, mutely protesting that indeed he had other business to do for his life.

‘You are such a waspish, raspish, ill-conditioned chap, you see,’ said Mr. Bounderby, ‘that even your own Union, the men who know you best, will have nothing to do with you. I never thought those fellows could be right in anything; but I tell you what! I so far go along with them for a novelty, that I’ll have nothing to do with you either.’

Stephen raised his eyes quickly to his face.

‘You can finish off what you’re at,’ said Mr. Bounderby, with a meaning nod, ‘and then go elsewhere.’

‘Sir, yo know weel,’ said Stephen expressively, ‘that if I canna get work wi’ yo, I canna get it elsewheer.’

The reply was, ‘What I know, I know; and what you know, you know. I have no more to say about it.’

Stephen glanced at Louisa again, but her eyes were raised to his no more; therefore, with a sigh, and saying, barely above his breath, ‘Heaven help us aw in this world!’ he departed.

Chapter VI— Fading Away IT was falling dark when Stephen came out of Mr. Bounderby’s house. The shadows of night had gathered so fast, that he did not look about him when he closed the door, but plodded straight along the street. Nothing was further from his thoughts than the curious old woman he had encountered on his previous visit to the same house, when he heard a step behind him that he knew, and turning, saw her in Rachael’s company.

He saw Rachael first, as he had heard her only.

‘Ah, Rachael, my dear! Missus, thou wi’ her!’

‘Well, and now you are surprised to be sure, and with reason I must say,’ the old woman returned.

‘Here I am again, you see.’

‘But how wi’ Rachael?’ said Stephen, falling into their step, walking between them, and looking from the one to the other.

‘Why, I come to be with this good lass pretty much as I came to be with you,’ said the old woman, cheerfully, taking the reply upon herself. ‘My visiting time is later this year than usual, for I have been rather troubled with shortness of breath, and so put it off till the weather was fine and warm. For the same reason I don’t make all my journey in one day, but divide it into two days, and get a bed to-night at the Travellers’ Coffee House down by the railroad (a nice clean house), and go back Parliamentary, at six in the morning. Well, but what has this to do with this good lass, says you? I’m going to tell you. I have heard of Mr. Bounderby being married. I read it in the paper, where it looked grand — oh, it looked fine!’ the old woman dwelt on it with strange enthusiasm: ‘and I want to see his wife.

I have never seen her yet. Now, if you’ll believe me, she hasn’t come out of that house since noon to-day. So not to give her up too easily, I was waiting about, a little last bit more, when I passed close to this good lass two or three times; and her face being so friendly I spoke to her, and she spoke to me. There!’ said the old woman to Stephen, ‘you can make all the rest out for yourself now, a deal shorter than I can, I dare say!’

Once again, Stephen had to conquer an instinctive propensity to dislike this old woman, though her manner was as honest and simple as a manner possibly could be. With a gentleness that was as natural to him as he knew it to be to Rachael, he pursued the subject that interested her in her old age.

‘Well, missus,’ said he, ‘I ha seen the lady, and she were young and hansom. Wi’ fine dark thinkin eyes, and a still way, Rachael, as I ha never seen the like on.’

‘Young and handsome. Yes!’ cried the old woman, quite delighted. ‘As bonny as a rose!

And what a happy wife!’

‘Aye, missus, I suppose she be,’ said Stephen.

But with a doubtful glance at Rachael.

‘Suppose she be? She must be. She’s your master’s wife,’ returned the old woman.

Stephen nodded assent. ‘Though as to master,’ said he, glancing again at Rachael, ‘not master onny more. That’s aw enden ‘twixt him and me.’

‘Have you left his work, Stephen?’ asked Rachael, anxiously and quickly.

‘Why, Rachael,’ he replied, ‘whether I ha lef’n his work, or whether his work ha lef’n me, cooms t’ th’ same. His work and me are parted. ’Tis as weel so — better, I were thinkin when yo coom up wi’ me. It would ha brought’n trouble upon trouble if I had stayed theer. Haply ’tis a kindness to monny that I go; haply ’tis a kindness to myseln; anyways it mun be done. I mun turn my face fro Coketown fur th’ time, and seek a fort’n, dear, by beginnin fresh.’

‘Where will you go, Stephen?’

‘I donno t’night,’ said he, lifting off his hat, and smoothing his thin hair with the flat of his hand.

‘But I’m not goin t’night, Rachael, nor yet t’morrow. ‘Tan’t easy overmuch t’know wheer t’ turn, but a good heart will coom to me.’

Herein, too, the sense of even thinking unselfishly aided him. Before he had so much as closed Mr. Bounderby’s door, he had reflected that at least his being obliged to go away was good for her, as it would save her from the chance of being brought into question for not withdrawing from him. Though it would cost him a hard pang to leave her, and though he could think of no similar place in which his condemnation would not pursue him, perhaps it was almost a relief to be forced away from the endurance of the last four days, even to unknown difficulties and distresses.

To Be Continued Next Issue

Page 30 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 35

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Observer Crossword Solution No 1 GYMKHANA BUS Y BODY AUCK L AND T UMB L E E U RA I NS N M MRS A N O Y O E L K I SO L A T N A T UR I SM C I V I LWA R N E PO T I SM E H S TOGA E L UN F ED W A A J AR S E I CHAMB ER L HARR RA SHE S S MARK I NG M I ME T RE A E HENNA L L T E S T Y E SME L T ER E C L OS E T A RE L I ED N OB T A I O L L I T ANY B US E L E S S R R I CHER C ENNOB L E R CHE ER X M TOK YO R D I T HE I C E I L Y A V AR I CE E V U D E B A C K S D OWN O A S I S C G E D D I E S U B S I D I I N T ER I M T ROT L M R E R E R GUNS ME AN I NGS P E S E T A I A SCH I SM BUMP SO U W S A S U O GNA T S R N E S R N SO L OMON T H R OW I N G E T H E R E A L T A I L O I I OT A A E A G J S R E YRE N U E E DEDUCE S RENA L S A L S A CHAN T ROT A T T M MER I T C L AH O MA E N T RA Y S V PHOB I A E S I E V E I MB U E NO T R E R WH A L O E I R A N M E D E N A S I T U E EMMA S A S T RA L W EM I R AGE L E S S T HA I O L A T E D W I S A AC E B G G I R R R OU T DO B K ORNA T E L Y GRA Z I ERS R RA B MOA T S N L ACED S L R P E E G A UP S E T E I L A T ERA L GYN T L MA YD T AGGED N K I W I I R HA I R O S A Y S N N I CE G J AMB E I MMU N E N ON S E T P R E E N U RG E D T RWA N E M RAGED U L E I R OUR A WE E D Y R ADOP T ED OMEGA RUGB Y R A B B I ROUS I I Y I E E NOV A N C M R R MA I M Z N E XC I T I NG ENSNARED MOC K E NA I ROB I T A I GO I NG C D L A L P E G D R S P I ND L E S ERNE S T N V B Y L I NE S T E ERA N E R URE A RUDD I ER NODS I A C I ARSON I S T S F L ARE O S OGRE S MUCKRA K O K M U U N B E L G I AN H I O E L EMB A LMS R GA V E L A O Z A I RE K MENAC A Y E L A P S E I E S S ENCE N S T E F AN B I ND I ANA E S P L A SH R ADV EN T R NEGA T C N SMAR T A P OBOE S I O A S S E S M ME AGRE W HE L I P AD D HE A V I ER W TOA S I R DRE AM D S ME AD C A E N O MA Z E ME D I A T OR MONGO L I A B E A U T I E S MA T CH B L DD T G V E I DER C E OP S U L O R L EOT ARDS SHOR T E S T E AD I E S M I SHE ARD

RS O ED A I S G NS O RS E S E F F F U RS E ED V ER N S T O I D A A Y R DA E NG E RY S GE R E S V ED R ED S T S E OX E NS

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Observer Victorian Sport

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 37

Melbourne

Lang’s driving treble at Swan Hill ■ Ace Bacchus Marsh based reinsman Gavin Lang has been one of the state's top drivers for many years and showed his qualities by snaring a training double and a driving treble at Swan Hill on Sunday May 20.

The first to arrive was 4Y0 Rocknroll Hanover-Indigo Breeze gelding Sirletic in the first heat of the second round of the time honoured Mitavite Northern Region Championship for C1 & C2 class over 2240 metres.

An unextended winner of the first round heats at Mildura a week earlier, Sirletic a prohibitive $1.10 favourite, led throughout from the pole to record an unextended 20.5 metre margin in advance of Mildura hope Misterfreeze which trailed, with S-A visitor Friends 2.3 metres back in third place after racing exposed.

The mile rate 1-57.8. Both Misterfreeze and Friends locked wheels on straightening and had they not disengaged, the result could have been different. ★ Eight year old Modern Art-Jemalong Lady gelding Yerrington Bob returning from an unsuccessful campaign in NSW returned home to land the 2240 metre Kohnke's Own Pace for C3 to C5 class to give Lang the middle leg.

Trained at Merrigum by Brett Bunfield, Yerrington Bob starting from gate two on the second line settled mid-field in the running line and was suited by the slick tempo of the race as both Pental Power and the favourite Manganello applied pressure to the leader Mana Master (gate two).

Easing three wide in the final circuit, Yerrington Bob finished full of running to prevail by 4.6 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.4 from Manassa Sky which followed the winner all of the way, with Manganello weakening to be 2.9 metres back in third place. ★ American Ideal-Jazzee Valentine gelding Alpha Charlie brought up the treble when successful in the 2nd Heat of The Ray & Grace Hepworth Memorial 3Y0 Pace over 2240 metres.

In a great training feat, Alpha Charlie was having his first outing since August last year and after momentarily settling one/one from gate four, crossed to lead .

Dictating terms to perfection, Alpha Charlie was too strong over the concluding stages for Bullys Delight three wide home turn after extricating away from the markers mid-race to be three back in the moving line at the bell, going down by four metres.

Bruised Ego ran on late from mid-field on the markers to be third 8.4 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.6.

Assumed control

■ Most reliable 5Y0 Framework-Riegle Anne mare Scottish Sardius has a liking for Swan Hill (her last victory being here in February), taking the Andrew Peace Wines Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2240 metres in a mile rate of 2-04.6.

Bred by Melbourne's Rod and Anne Pollock and raced by them in partnership with Inglewood's Peter and Jenny Sanderson, Scottish Sardius trained and driven by Peter began with a wing on every foot from 30 metres to go forward a assume control.

With Peter seemingly extremely confident all the way, Scottish Sardius held a slender margin all the way up the running to prevail by a neck from Star Gazing along the sprint lane after trailing, with track specialist Jaden Gil (one/ one - three wide last lap) third 2.2 metres away.

It was Scottish Sardius' 5th success in 77 outings which include 29 placings.

Untouched margin

■ Stawell owner/trainer Owen Martin combined with Bendigo's Chris Svanosio to land the Support Your Local Pace for C6 or better class over 1750 metres at Swan Hill with speedy front running 8Y0 Dream Away-Jilliby Jasmine mare Hellovaway.

Leading easily from the pole with no chal-

Harness Racing

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker lengers, Hellovaway coasted at the head of affairs, kicking away at the straight entrance to record a untouched 1.6 metre margin in a slick 1-54.5 from Jedi Mind (one/one last lap) and Des Hilton's Itmademyday who led up the outside division from the bell, finishing 3.4 metres in arrears of the runner up.

Didn’t get there

■ Hamilton was the venue for Monday trots on May 21 and Terang part-owner/trainer Robert Arundell's very smart 4Y0 Mr Feelgood-Miss Holmes gelding Big Gun Johnny was successful in the Taylor Motors Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2160 metres.

Driven by Chris Svanosio, Big Gun Johnny (gate 4) was trapped wide running into the first turn as polemarker The Jet Player momentarily held the lead. Taking over shortly after, Big Gun Johnny first up since April 5, defied all challengers to score by a head from Soho Angel (one/one) which joined the winner on the home turn but couldn't quite get there, with Morvah running on late from the rear to finish third 4.5 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.7.

Greeted judge

■ Glencoe (Mt Gambier) border hoppers Barry and Jayson Finnis have a wonderful record on Victoria's Western District tracks, adding another winner to their tally when 4Y0 Village Jolt-Jet Lane mare Shania Black greeted the judge in the Matthews Petroleum Pace for C1 class over 1660 metres at Hamilton.

Driven by Jayson, Shania Black led throughout from the pole, just lasting to score by a head over Juliustigres along the sprint lane after trailing in a rate of 1-58. Sheluvsme was third a neck away after racing in the open.

All at sea

■ Cranbourne raced on Tuesday May 22 and the night belonged to Greg Sugars who drover three winners on the eight event card including two for wife Jess Tubbs.

First starter Larajay Macray, a daughter of Sportswriter and Wya Mya Macray making her a half sister to Free For Aller Tee Cee Bee Macray (Ponder), snared the SBG Accountants and Business Advisors 2Y0 Pace over 1609 metres. Raced by breeder Ian Kitchin in partnership with trainer Jess Tubbs, Larajay Macray couldn't muster from the pole settling on the back of the leader Elsa Belle (gate two).

Using the sprint lane on turning, Larajay Macray dashed away looking likely to score in easy fashion, however due to newness, she seemed to be all at sea resulting her winning by only 2 metres on the wire in a rate of 2-01.3.

Itzamajor Surprise (one/one) was third a neck away.

As a lovely gesture, Jess' late father Alan was honoured as the winner carried his colours.

Passionate harness supporter Paul Dobson's recently purchased 4Y0 Crazed-Iphigenia gelding Hellbound raced by him and a host of others including mother Helen, led throughout to land the 2080 metre T0 & T1 class Yabby Dam Rac-

ing Trotters Mobile. Always cruising, Hellbound hit the wire 6.8 metres in advance of The Spanyan (three back the markers) and Redason which trailed the winner. The mile rate a pedestrian 2-09.2.

Sugars' other winner was One Tuff Nut in the Blue Hills Rise Pace for C0 & C1 class over 2080 metres. A 4Y0 gelded son of Cams Fool and Coppers Nark trained locally by Max Cavey, One Tuff Nut came from last to be outside the pacemaker Young Janie on the final bend, outstaying her to score by a half neck in 2-02.2, with Temporal Join (one/two) 14.5 metres back in third place.

Used sprint lane

Sulky Snippets This Week

■ Wednesday, Melton/Bendigo, Thursday Maryborough/Cranbourne, Friday - Mildura/ Kilmore, Saturday - Melton, Sunday Cobram, Monday - Charlton, Tuesday Geelong.

■ Veteran Meltonian Mario Azzopardi combined with Burrumbeet concessional reinsman James Herbertson to land the C2 class Mark ■ Captain Bronzie, Go Go Jolt, Gurry & Associates Pace for C2 class over 2080 Itmademyday, Soho Angel, Friends, Fly metres at Cranbourne with 6Y0 Always A VirCheval, Be Not Afraid, Regardless, Dark gin-Cobbity Crystal gelding Cobbity Cove. Given Secret, Jerichos Trumpet, Maori Queen, A a sweet trip from gate four trailing the poleline Jewel In The Crown, Loveisamyth. leader Willbe Doc, Cobbity Cove utilised the sprint lane to prevail by 4.3 metres over the front runner, with the almost unbackable favourite Ghadastar ($1.20) a disappointing third 2.1 metres away after racing in the open from the ■ Kilmore raced on Thursday and ex-Kiwi bell. The mile rate 1-59.1.

4Y0 American Ideal-Tuapeka Pocket gelding Pocket Thedeal put an end to plenty of quaddie punters when he was successful in The Bendigo Club Pace C5 & C6 class over 1690 metres in a ■ At Shepparton on Wednesday, popular Huntly rate of 1-57.7. part-owner/trainer Barry Quigley's much imTrained at Strathfieldsaye by Glenn Douproved 6Y0 Art Major-Janoela Star gelding Sixty glas, Pocket Thedeal at Supertab odds of 22.30 was a strong victor of the C4 & C5 class DPR flashed home from three back the markers along Insurance Pace over 2190 metres. the sprint lane to gain the day by 1.6 metres Staring outside the front line, Sixty was sent over the leader Hezatoff and Lucky Lombo who forward by Mark Pitt to settled outside the bold was most disappointing after trailing the pacefront runner Alepe De Huez. maker, finishing 2.8 metres behind that fellow.

Despite the tough passage, Sixty strode past the leader on the final bend and held a margin to the wire, recording a 4.4 metre margin in 1-58.1 from Kotare Mahdi which followed him through- ■ Lara trainer Dean Braun's recent New out, with Alepe De Huez a nose away in third Zealand import Duplicated, a gelded son of place.

Somebeachsomewhere and Twice As Great made it two from two onAustralian soil when victorious in the $15,000 Colin and Heather Holloway Classic for Three Year Olds over ■ Riddell trainer Nicole Molander provided a 1609 metres at Ballarat on Friday. winner at Shepparton after Kiwi bred Majestic Driven by Shepparton based Nathan Jack, Son-Hanover The Gold 3Y0 gelding More Shades Duplicated dictated terms to suit from the pole, Of Gold scored in the T0 class Equine After running out an easy winner from Tam Major care Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres. With which trailed and Braeview Bondi (three wide Gavin Lang in the sulky, More Shades Of Gold last lap from last). The margins 4 metres by 2.7 began swiftly from gate five to lead, with Lang metres in a mile rate of 1-58.4. electing to take a trail on the long odds-on favourite Jerichos Trumpet first up since last December which moved around him running into ■ New Zealand's biggest feature race meetthe first turn.

Enjoying a sweet passage, More Shades Of ing for Two, Three and Four year olds will be Gold finished hard along the sprint lane to regis- held at Cambridge in the Waikato District next ter a 2.1 metre margin over Jerichos Trumpet Saturday. With six Australians to do battle on who will improve on the outing, with Red Rustler the day, it is well worth having a look on Sky 38.6 metres away in third place following a one/ Channel throughout the morning and afternoon.

- Len Baker one trip. The mile rate 2-03.2.

Horses to follow

End to quaddie

Strong victory

Dictated terms

Finished hard

Off to New Zealand

Review of Viewer Access Satellite Television Service announced ■ The Minister for Regional Communications, Senator Bridget McKenzie, has announced a review of the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service.

The VAST service currently delivers freeto-air television to approximately 30,000 travelling Australians, such as grey nomads, and around 200,000 households mainly in regional and remote Australia that do not have access to terrestrial television services.

“In today’s rapidly changing communications environment, it is timely to reviewVAST’s performance and hear from industry and the community on whether VAST is still the best option to deliver television services to people in areas that don’t receive reliable free-to-air TV services,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The VAST service has been operating since 2010, as part of the national switchover

to digital television which has benefited so many Australians.

“As part of the review, we are seeking feedback from stakeholders on the VAST service and I encourage everyone with an interest to have their say on the delivery of television services in regional and remote Australia,” Minister McKenzie said.

The Department of Communications and the Arts is undertaking the review and has released an issues paper and terms of reference for the review. Submissions are due by 5pm on Friday, June 22..

The review is expected to be finalised by August.

The issues paper and information on how to make a submission is available at: www.communications.gov.au/vastreview - Contributed

Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 39

Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Killingworth Hill Whisky Bar 36 Killingworth Hill Rd, Killingworth (Yea) Open 11am-8pm Friday-Sunday Bookings for private functions at other times

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 41

Holiday Apatyments in Cairns, Tropical North Qld

Argosy On The Beach Our one and two bedroom apartments are truly relaxing.

Spacious open plan living areas with floor to ceiling glass open onto huge private balconies overlooking the beach while taking in the cool sea breezes.

All feature a queen size bed in the master bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite bathroom and two single beds in the second bedroom. Each apartment has two bathrooms, one with a full sized bath and every bedroom open directly onto rear balconies which over look rainforest and where the birdlife and free roaming kangaroos are simply a delight with all visitors.

Kitchens are fully self contained with everything you need to make the most of your holiday including, naturally a dishwasher, full oven and cook top, microwave and fridge/ freezer. These spacious apartments have a separate laundry with dryer and ironing facilities and are fully air-conditioned.

For entertainment, there are large flat screen TV's, CD music systems and each apartment has direct phone/internet access. For your convenience the apartments have lift access to all floors including wheel chair access to the complex. Premium linen is standard, with extra rollaway beds available upon request.

We have the facility to lock off rooms for one bedroom bookings and these share one bathroom only. The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments accommodate up to a maximum of 5 persons per apartment, they are serviced weekly or by arrangement.

Apartment Features Beachfront accommodation; 16 x 1 & 2 bedroom fully self contained apartments Large private balconies with absolute beachfront views Outdoor patio dining furniture and sun lounges Full air conditioning throughout with ceiling fans Master bedroom with queen bed, TV, walk in robe, ensuite and rear balcony Second bedroom with two single beds, large robe and rear balcony Second bathroom with shower and full sized bath TV, DVD and CD music systems FOXTEL TV Fully equipped kitchens with microwave, dishwasher, oven and refrigerator/freezer Coffee Plunger Separate laundry with washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities Hair Dryers STD/ISD direct dial telephones Wireless internet Premium linen including complimentary beach towels Apartments serviced weekly or by arrangement at your request 2:00pm check-in and 10:00am check-out Lifts to all floors

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Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Best Places

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 43

Best Places

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Best Places

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 45

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Maeburn Cottages 33 Mairburn Rd, Metung VIC 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2736 www.maeburncottages.com.au

Relax and unwind at Maeburn’s luxury lakeside Cottages, set in an acre of established parklike gardens and positioned for privacy with ample adjacent parking and a ramp for easy access.

For that quintessential family holiday in Metung you can’t go past Maeburn Cottages! The ideal getaway for couples, families, friends and large groups of up to 20.

Cottage 1 The Queen Suite (front part of the main house) Main bedroom has a queen bed.

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Every cottage has a dining and living area.

Cottages 2, 3 and 4 have a dining and living area with an 81cm LCD TV, DVD player and reverse cycle air-conditioning. Kitchens are equipped with stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.

Cottages 2, 3 and 4 have a washing machine, clothes line and dryer. Linen and towels for hire or BYO. Blankets and pillows are provided. New wooden deck with pergola and outdoor furniture.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 47

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Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 49 e urn lbo Me

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3

Observer Showbiz

Theatre: Patti LuPone returns to Melb. .............. Page 51 Arts: Peter Kemp’s latest news ....................................... Page 50 Country Music: Rob’s final column, for a while ......... Page 50 Jim and Aar on: Top 10 lists, lots of movies ....................... P age 5522 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local shows and auditions ................... Page 53 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD

SCHOOL OF ROCK Marie Antoinette

● Elisa Armstrong. Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Heartstring Theatre presents Marie Antoinette from July 5 -15 at the Northcote Town Hall.

Written by David Adjmi and directed by Rachel Baring, Marie Antoinette the Queen of France is really only concerned with her macarons and lapdogs, but when the people who have raised her up are suddenly the first to bring her down she is forced to deal with what lies beyond the façade.

Historical events become shockingly relevant as Marie finds herself the centre of a revolution. F rom the light and breezy banter at the palace to the surging chants of “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité!” in the streets, Marie Antoinette holds a mirror up to our contemporary society that might just be entertaining itself to death.

“Whilst there are obvious parallels between Marie and contemporary women in politics, she's also very similar to the It-girls of today,” adds Heartstring Theatre AD and Actor Elisa Armstrong.

“If Marie were alive now she’d have 10 million Instagram followers and we'd be addicted to her every move.

“She was a teenage girl who had to give up her entire sense of self and move countries for an arranged marriage.

“Her misuse by the French as a scapegoat for their troubled times has made me incredibly sympathetic towards her.

“As a company that focuses on the representation of women, what strikes me most about David Adjmi's play is his revelation of Marie as an actual person.

“Whilst he doesn't paint her as a saint, there's a delicacy to his writing and a deep empathy that depicts a far more interesting portrait than those found in history books.”

Formed in 2016 Heartstring Theatre is a Melbournebased theatre company that launched with a Green Room Award nominated all female season of Shakespeare's Coriolanus.

“They endeavour to create dynamic, thought-provoking theatre, interpreting both classical and new work. The company also strive to address the shortage of great and interesting roles for women by producing plays where at least half of the roles are female.”

Performed by: ElisaArmstrong, Jessica Tanner, Eleanor Howlett, Heath Ivey-Law, Gabriel Partington.

Performance Details: July 5 – 15 Venue: Northcote Town Hall, 189 High st., Northcote Bookings: www.weareheartstring.com or 9481 9500 Tickets: $33 Full, $28 Concession, $25 Preview - Cheryl Threadgold

● London cast of School of Rock ■ The coveted role of Dewey and an amazing cast of 36 chil“I’ve never had such a good time as I have had with School dren have been announced for the Australian premiere ofAn- of Rock and I know it’s going to be fantastic in Australia too.” drew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway and West End smash hit rock School of Rock producers, GWB Entertainment, said: “Afmusical, School of Rock – playing at Her Majesty’s, Melbourne ter an exhilarating auditions process reviewing more than 1000 from October 31. submissions from children all over Australia, we are thrilled to Sydney-based actor, composer and musical theatre performer have discovered a sensational line-up of 36 guitar shredding, Brent Hill will play wannabe rock star Dewey Finn. drum thumping, bass slapping and keyboard playing prodigies.

With an impressive lineup of musical theatre credits includ“Along with the international creative team, we were blown ing multiple awards and nominations for his starring roles in away by the talent displayed, which has taken the standard Little Shop of Horrors, Once and Rock of Ages, along with nu- musical theatre adage of triple threat (singer, dancer, actors) to merous appearances in The Production Company shows, Hill ‘quadruple threats’ – singer, dancers, actor, musicians. was recently seen alongside Hugo Weaving in The Resistible “We’re also delighted that one of Australia’s great musical Rise for Arturo Ui at Sydney Theatre Company and in Eddie theatre talents Brent Hill will be leading our company as Dewey Perfect’s Vivid White at Melbourne Theatre Company.

Finn.”

Hill will be joined on stage each night by talented group of 36 Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows young Australian performers, aged nine to 13 years of age, who Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a were cast after a nationwide search. few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestiBen Swissa, 12, from Rose Bay NSW, Jayden Tatasciore, 9, gious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students from Landsdale WA, Zane Blumeris, 11, from Mooroolbark into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

Vic. – playing Zach, Kempton Maloney (Wind in the Willows), Featuring 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and 9, from Newtown Vic., Bailey Landeg, 11, from Riverside TAS, all the original songs from the movie, this high-octane smash Ethan Stephenson, 12 from Nunawading Vic. – playing Freddy, delivers face-melting guitar riffs and touching romance in Caleb Elbourne, 11, from Ferntree Gully Vic., Orlando equally awesome doses.

Schwerdt (Carmen, Matilda), 12, from Sandhurst Vic., Heath Previews from Wednesday, October 31, Her Majesty’s TheJelovic (Parsifal and Turandot, The Secret River), 13, from atre, Melbourne Cherrybrook NSW – playing Lawrence, Samantha Zhang, 10, Tickets from $69.90. Subject to availability. $69.90 is refrom Menai NSW, Remy Grunden, 10, from Oakleigh South stricted view seating on all performances. An additional transVic., Tiana Mirra (Matilda, Strictly Ballroom), 13, from Park action fee of $6.60/order applies to all online bookings.

Orchards Vic. – playing Katie, Ava McInnes, 10, from Geelong schoolofrockmusical.com.au Vic., Stephanie Kipnis (Matilda), 10, from Mount Waverley - Cheryl Threadgold Vic, Yvette Pugat, 10, from Clyde North VIC – playing Summer.

Bella-Mia Bortolin, 11 from Heidelberg Heights Vic., Chihana Perera (Matilda), 12 from Hartness Vic., Riley Thomas, 10 from Taylors Hill Vic. – playing Tomika, Annie Jones (Sound of Music), 10, from Glenroy VIC, Kayla Muir (Sound ■ Danielle O’Malley is following her 2017 sell-out season of Music), 10, from Warrandyte Vic., Riya Mandrawa, 10, of You’re My World – The Cilla Black Story, with a tribute to from Hawthorn East VIC – playing Marcy. Ashlyn Norman, 11 another icon of 60’s pop - Miss Nancy Sinatra. from Port Melbourne Vic., Ava Rose Houben-Carter, 10 from With swinging hits like Something Stupid, Lightning’s Pakenham Vic., Rachel Kipnis (Sound of Music, Les Girl, Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), Summer Wine Misérables), 13 from Mount Waverley – playing Shonelle, Lucia and These Boots are Made for Walkin’, plus a little gossip Schwerdt (The Wind in the Willows), 10 from Sandhurst VIC, about dating Elvis and taking Ol’ Blue Eyes to parent/teacher Maya Corbett, 10 from Edithvale Vic., Ruby Moore (Sound of night - this one is guaranteed to be a perfect night out for Music), 11 fromArmadale VIC – playing Sophie, Hudson Sharp 60s music fans and footwear-fetishists alike.

(Matilda, Dream Lover), 12 from Balwyn North Vic. Written and performed by Danielle O'Malley, Jeremy Amon Prete (Dream Lover, Carmen), 12 from Warranwood Stanford and Mark Jones. Directed by Jeremy Stanford.

Vic., Lenny Thomas (Priscilla), 11 from Bonbeach Vic. – playMusical direction by Mark Jones with a line-up of piano, ing Billy, Aston Droomer (The Bodyguard, The King And I), 10 bass/guitar, and percussion. from Templestowe, Oscar Mulcahy (Dream Lover, Kinky Boots), 11 from North Melbourne Vic., Elijah Slavinskis (Kinky Boots, Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Priscilla), 9 from Ashburton Vic. – playing Mason, Gabriel Prahran Ingram (The Bodyguard, Kinky Boots), 11 from North Carlton Time: 6.30pm Vic. Zac El-Alo, 10 from Coburg North Vic.; Lachlan Young Dates: June 23 - 24 (three performances) (Dream Lover, Kinky Boots), 12 from Glen Iris Vic. – playing Duration: 60 minutes approx.

James.

Bookings: http://www.melbournecabaret.com/nancyOf the Australian child cast, Andrew Lloyd Webber said: sinatra-you-only-live-twice “I’ve just seen all of the audition tapes for School of Rock in Prices: $38 full price, $34 concession-card holders, $34 Australia and I know we’ve got a really great cast. We’ve got for groups of six or more people, $29 for Festival Friends great kids in a show that is all about how music can empower - Cheryl Threadgold children.

Nancy Sinatra

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz

Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac Country Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au

Bull sisters

■ Vika and Linda Bull will take the stage every Sunday in July, commencing July 1 at St Kilda's Memo Music Hall Fans of the Australian music sisters will be treated to four Sundays of gorgeous harmonies, new material from a forth coming album plus some old favourites.

The duo isassuring its audiences of something different each week.Tickets and enquiries at the Memo.Good Friday Appeal.

Support Act

■ Australian music charity Support Act raised a staggering $200.000 during an afternoon of fundraising.

The Sydney.event was held on May 16 and included donations from some industry well knowns such as Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins, Reg Mombassa and Michael Gudinski. Plus, a year's supply of Levis was also on offer and much more.

Also on the day. prolific singer-songwriter and First Nations activist Archie Roach received the Support Act award for excellence in the community Support Act aims to assist the lives of so many music workers in crisis.

Ami’s new album ■ The Quilt is the new release from folk singer Ami Williamson.

Packed with the storytelling that Ami is known for, The Quilt reflects Ami's life as a mother, friend, supporter of women and daughter of a famous father (John) and helps to paint a picture of what she values most in life says her media release.

- Rob Foenander

Festival of Lieder ■ Some 24 singers and pianists from across the world have been invited to participate in the inaugural Melbourne International Festival of Lieder and Art Song (MIFLAS), July 7-13 at Melba Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Parkville.

One of the world’s leading accompanists, and Schubert and Lieder authority, Dr Graham Johnson, and internationally renowned baritone Dr Stephen Varcoe are the festival’s special guest artists.

Focus for the Festival is the songs of Franz Schubert and Gustav Mahler and on art song in English.

Some 63 applications were received from established professional and aspiring pre-professional singers and pianists.

The selection panel chose eight pianists and 16 singers to participate – with one from Germany, one from the UK and one from Singapore, as well as two from New South Wales, one from Queensland, one from Tasmania, four from Western Australia and 14 from Victoria.

“As the only festival of its kind in Australia, we have been delighted by the high calibre of applications here at home and from across the globe,” says Artistic Director, Patricia Price.

“Moving the Festival from WA to Victoria was risky,” continues Price, “but the enthusiasm and depth of applications have paid heed to that concern. I’m confident that we will grow and build upon this.”

The Festival includes: In Conversation with Dr Graham Johnson and Dr Stephen Varcoe, followed by Welcome Drinks, Saturday July 7, 3–6.00pm Dr Graham Johnson and Stephen Varcoe: two of the greatest names in the history of art song performance on the international stage.

This is your opportunity to find out more about the men behind the names. What drew them to this art form? What keeps their passion alive?

And what do they believe is the future of art song, not just in Australia, but world-wide?

Masterclass series with Dr Graham Johnson. Sunday July 8, 10am–1pm; Monday July 9, 2.30pm–5.30pm; Tuesday July 10, 10am–1pm; and Wednesday July 11, 2.30pm–5.30pm Recognised as one of the world’s leading vocal accompanists, Graham Johnson has worked alongside a veritable who’s who of distinguished singers. He has been a mentor and coach to many pre-professional singers and pianists in his role as Senior Professor of Accompaniment at the Guildhall School of Music, and as a guest artist at the Vancouver International Song Institute and Songfest Los Angeles.

Masterclass series with Stephen Varcoe.

Sunday July 8, 2.30pm–5.30pm; Monday July 9, 10am–1pm; Tuesday, July 10, 2.30pm– 5.30pm and Thursda July 12, 10am–1pm.

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday Thursday May 31 May 30 ■ Cartoon voice man Mel Blanc was born in 1908.

He died aged 81 in 1989. He was the voice of Bugs Bunny.

Band leader Benny Goodman was born in 1909. He died aged 77 in 1986.

Stage singer Jill Perryman was born in Melbourne in 1933

■ US actor-director Clint Eastwood was born in San Francisco in 1930 (88).

Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel was born in 1955 (63).

Former politician Justin Madden is 57.

Entertainer and dancer Todd McKenney was born in Perth in 1965 (53). He will soon star as Frank-NFurter.

Jazz Festival

Melbourne Arts Stephen Varcoe is known around the world for his work in concerts and recordings. He has appeared with many leading orchestras in the UK, Europe, Japan and North America.

Stephen is also known for his recitals of poetry and song in a wide range of themes and styles. He completed a PhD at the University of York in 2009, and he writes and lectures on various aspects of singing, especially English song. He teaches at the Royal College of Music.

MIFLAS Showcase, Thursday July 12, 7.30pm–9.30pm After a week of inspiring masterclasses in art song performance with international stars of the talented young participants of the Festival will have the opportunity to strut their stuff on the stage of Melba Hall. This will be an inspiring evening of beautiful words and music.

MIFLAS Gala Concert, Friday July 13, 7.30–9.30pm The MIFLAS Gala Concert represents the culmination of a week of masterclasses. A select group of Melbourne International Festival of Lieder and Art Song participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the concert platform. Graham Johnson will host the concert, guiding the audience on a journey through the story of art song. Stephen Varcoe will also join the proceedings, leading the way for these aspiring young artists of the future.

All masterclasses and concerts, featuring Dr Johnson, DrVarcoe and MIFLAS participants, will be open to the public.

Dates: July 7 – 13. Venue: Melba Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Parkville.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Benalla Art Gallery Little Artists - A creative program for the very young.

Benalla Art Gallery's LittleArtists program is developed specifically for the pre-school children. They use games, storytelling and creating/making activities to encourage young children along with their parents and carers, to have fun while learning about art.

Sessions are free and are scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month (through to November). Capacity is limited, and bookings are essential. Bookings: contact Meredith Paez, Education and Public Programs on 5760 2619.

Benalla Art Gallery. Bridge St, Benalla - Peter Kemp

● Harry James ■ The 2018 Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns for its 21st year from June 1 - 10, demonstrating that jazz can happen anywhere, from the lawns of State Library Victoria to the city’s iconic clubs and venues.

This 10-day celebration of jazz in all its forms will offer 100 events featuring more than 400 Australian, international and emerging artists, taking place in 26 venues across Melbourne ranging from the world-class Hamer Hall to intimate jazz clubs, plus vibrant café gigs in Melbourne’s west and free festival community events.

Illustrating the ongoing importance of jazz as the common ground which brings together a multitude of styles and influences, the 2018 program offers a diversity of experiences and showcases many outstanding Australian artists, with new projects from leading local artists.

Experience the world’s best jazz artists right here in Melbourne and immerse yourself in a stunning program which offers something for everyone.

Harry James Angus will be seen on Tuesday, June 5 at 9.30pm at the Jazzlab. Harry’s new live project, Struggle With Glory continues to cross musical boundaries, transporting the classic Greco-Roman myths into a surreal world of old-time jazz and gospel music.

Harry will lead a band with piano, double bass, drums, horns and a gospel choir.

Doors to this event will open 30 minutes prior to the advertised start time.

Tickets: $49 full/ $43 Concession Bookings and further details: www.melbournejazz.com - Cheryl Threadgold Melbourne

Observer

Friday June 1

Saturday June 2

■ Actress Marilyn Monroe was born in 1926. She died aged 36 in 1962.

American actor Andy Griffith was born in 1926.

US singer and actor Pat Boone was born 84 years ago.

Actor Morgan Freeman was born in Memphis in 1937 (81).

■ Johnny Weissmuller, US actor (Tarzan) and Olympic swimmer, was born in 1904. He died aged 79 in 1983.

Actress Sally Kellerman, of MASH the movie fame, is 81.

US pianist Marvin Hamlisch is 70.

Jerry Mathers, actor known as ‘The Beaver’, is 70 (1948).

Sunday June 3 ■ English comic actor Patrick Cargill was born in 1918. He died aged 77 in 1996.

Actor Tony Curtis was born in 1925. He died aged 85 in 2010.

Rock singer Suzi Quatro is 68 (1950).

Singer Dan Hill was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1954. He is 64 today.

Monday June 4

■ US actor Dennis Weaver, of Gunsmoke, was born in 1924. He died aged 81 in 2006.

US Tex-Mex singer Freddy Fender was born in 1937. He died aged 69 in 2006.

Rob E G (Robert Porter), Australian musician was born 76 years ago.

Actress Angelique Jolie is 43 (1975).

Tuesday June 5 ■ US actor Bill Hayes (Days Of Our Lives) was born in 1926.

Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton was born in 1944 (74).

Actress Joanna Lockwod was born on this day.

Musician Kenny G is 62 (1956).

Aussie actress Toni Pearon is 46.

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 51

Observer Showbiz

TV, Radio, Theatre

Rowan Thambar

● Rowan Thambar.

■ Rowan Thambar’s stand-up show at the Butterfly Club was 60 minutes of impressive comedy.

While his age features predominantly on advertising material, and in the title of his show, it still came as a shock, when well into his routine he reminded us just how old he was - 23.

He has a confidence and established a genuine rapport with the audience, of someone well beyond his years, and likely standup experience.

He is quite a talented pianist and songwriter and opens the show with a selfdeprecating number highlighting some comical alternative activities the audience could be doing instead of watching him.

His stand-up was relaxed and natural even though at times he seemed a little uncertain about what was coming next. Perhaps that was deliberate.

A proud Sri Lankan, with a broad Aussie accent, his material centred around his (short) life experiences. He’s that young he can remember things as a six-year-old.

His well-to-do upbringing (he learned to drive in an Audi) provides the basis for some contentious and outrageous comparisons.

He is able to poke fun at growing up with brown skin, hair loss (his own) and being a typical millennial - sharing his outrage and incredible fatigue at having to work full-time for a brief stint.

His stand-up was broken up with clever and amusing musical interludes. Highlights included Alternative Facts and Musical Memes, and his “sexy song” was reminiscent of Flight of the Conchord’s brilliant Business Time.

He’s already performed internationally and was nominated for “Best Comedy” at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe Festival. I expect we’ll see a lot more of this funny Newcastle kid.

- Review by Beth Klein

Deeper, Darker, Brighter ■ Conveying the wonder of science through art, Pamela Bain and Carolyn Lewens explore the universe with Swinburne University's Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, resulting in an odyssey of aesthetic and sensory experiences.

The exhibition offers an immersive and stimulating space wherein fresh awareness of the cosmos and science is mediated via aesthetic and conceptual means.

Exhibition closes Sunday July 1.

Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Rd. Hawthorn - Peter Kemp

Brave World

■ The feminista supernovas of Retro Futurismus return to fortyfivedownstairs from June 21-July 8 to premiere a new hyper-real show, Brave World, that aim to fillet the future and conjure grand visions from obsolete technologies.

Retro Futurismus features Anni and Maude Davey, Anna Lumb, Teresa Blake and their very special guests who will take variety to a neohigh, combining incendiary circus, demented dance, post-human posturing and prophetical idiocy.

Brave World is a meditation on the present and what it might have become – reality is dissected and dismembered, while lies are spun to reveal truth.

The Davey sisters explain: “Brave World promulgates anti-fascist fictions. We are fed a myth of human improvement – an assumption that humans can be genetically engineered towards perfection, with its Hitlerian thinking about humanity, race, ability and consciousness.”

Through individual and unique abilities, Brave World creates alternative realities where bodies are wonderfully imperfect and exist in a world more intricate and complex than can be expressed in two dimensions.

Retro Futurismus is an act of resistance and renewal, pioneering new vaudeville that is responsive to current political events and philo● Anni and Maude Davey in sophical ideas.

Brave World – Retro Futurismus.

Since 2015, the collective has performed in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin and Location: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Western Australia.

Lane, Melbourne Season: June 21–July 8 Tickets: $30 – $48 Times: 7.30pm Wed.-Sat., 5pm Sun. Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or Duration: 120 minutes (including interval) 9662 9966

After Dark at Town Hall Gallery After Dark Enjoy a taste of something different and join your friends on Friday night for Town Hall GalleryAfter Dark.

On select evenings in 2018 the doors of the Town Hall Gallery will open after dark for you to enjoy music, the Arts Bar and special afterhours access to the best quality art in the eastern region.

Pairing fantastic local live music with exquisite exhibitions in the Town Hall Gallery and Community Project Wall, these Friday

night events provide a feast for the senses and a new way to experience art at Hawthorn Arts Centre.

The exhibition curators, and artists will be at hand to answer any questions.

Entry is free and gains access to the Town Hall Gallery and Community Project Wall exhibition spaces, live music, the Arts Bar and The Emporium where you can purchase unique hand- crafted gifts.

Friday June 15, 6pm - 8pm. Friday October 5. 6pm - 8pm.

- Peter Kemp

Patti LuPone returns ■ The last time I saw Patti LuPone in Melbourne was in a show with Mandy Patinkin and it was a great theatrical experience.

Patti is returning to Melbourne for her show Don't Monkey with Broadway at Hamer Hall on Saturday, June 30, for one show only.

Patti LuPone is a Broadway legend, she has been nominated for a Tony award seven times and has won two.

Patti has won the Olivier Award and many other awards over the years.

Patti LuPone has starred in many stage musicals and created the roles of Fantine in Les Misérables, and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

When Jennifer Murphy had to withdraw from Evita in 1981 Patti LuPone flew to Sydney to take over the role.

Patti has been to Australia four times and loves our country.

She has just finished starring in Warpaint on Broadway - a musical based on the life of Helena Rubenstein who set up her first beauty salon in Elizabeth St, Melbourne.

Patti LuPone will be will be my special interview guest during That's Entertainment on 96.5 Inner FM, at 12 Noon on Sunday (June 3).

Tickets for Don't Monkey with Broadway can be booked via Ticketmaster.

- Kevin Trask

● Patti DuPone

Kim Myhr

● Kim Myhr ■ One of the world’s most distinctive guitarists, Norwegian experimental musician Kim Myhr arrives at The Substation for two vastly different concert experiences - a solo performance of his 12 string master musicianship and a collaboration with the Australian Art Orchestra - as part of the 2018 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

With his style described as somewhere between American folk strumming and 60s avant-garde orchestral soundmass, Kim Myhr is a master of the 12-string guitar.

His sound is equally seductive and intriguing with long form drones, slow melodic arcs and moments of psychedelic intensity that draw on rock music, minimalism and jazz to create a personal musical expression.

“Twelve-string guitar is tuned in a very different way to normal guitar tuning,” said Myhr.

“That creates radically different possibilities of sound and that process is very exciting to me.

“Not necessarily with a goal to create something entirely new, like a novelty, but arriving at places from a new angle,” said Myhr.

On Friday, June 8, these feats are on intimate display in Three Solos.

Three musicians who have each re-defined their instrument Kim Myhr, Peter Knight and Tony Buck hold the spotlight in back to back solos.

Myhr presents solo works for the 12-string guitar, The Necks' iconic drummer Tony Buck will play drums and guitar whilst Australian Art OrchestraArtistic Director and trumpeter Peter Knight premieres a new work for processed trumpet.

In his second outing, Myhr takes to the stage with the Australian Art Orchestra, performing the premiere of a work he created especially for the shape-shifting 10-piece orchestra.

Two violinists, two drummers, bass, hammered dulcimer, electronics, bass clarinet, Revox reel-to-reel tape machine and Myhr’s 12-string electric guitar make up the unusual sonic union.

Award winning young bass clarinet virtuoso, Aviva Endean, incendiary violinist Erkki Veltheim, Tony Buck and Peter Knight are amongst the musician line-up.

Event Details Three Solos Kim Myhr, Tony Buck and Peter Knight on Friday, June 8 at 8pm Venue: The Substation, 1 Market St., Newport Cost: $30 or $45 if both Myhr performances at the same time ★ Untitled for Guitar and Orchestra Kim Myhr withAAO and Tony Buck Date and Time: Saturday, June 9at 8pm Duration: 60 mins Cost: $30 or $45 if both Myhr performances booked at the same time Venue: The Substation, 1 Market Street Newport Bookings: www.thesubstation.org.au or 391 1110.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: THE SHAPE OF WATER: Genre: Adventure/Drama/Fantasy.

Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones.

Year: 2017.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 123 Minutes .

Stars: **** Verdict: Set in Baltimore in 1962 at the height of the cold-war,, the plot follows a lonely mute janitor at a high-security government laboratory who befriends a captured amphibian creature being held in captivity and the two form a special bond.

A new movie by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro always comes with high level of anticipation, and the director of the masterful 2006 Oscar winning fable "Pan's Labyrinth," here with "The Shape of Water" doesn't disappoint, as he has created a meticulously crafted, beautifully sensual and undeniably bewitching adult fairy tale of love, loneliness, loss and acceptance.

Starring Sally Hawkins as the mute janitor Elisa and Doug Jones as the Amphibian Creature, the outstanding cast also includes Michael Shannon as U.S. (Security Head) Colonel Strickland, Richard Jenkins her next door neighbour, Giles, Octavia Spencer as friend and coworker, Zelda, and Michael Stuhlbarg as the sympathetic scientistdouble agent, and they are all at the top of their game.

However, it is the extraordinary performance by Sally Hawkins as the mute janitor Elisa, and Doug Jones as the Amphibian Creature, under the intensely sensitive direction of Guillermo del Toro, and the metamorphosis of the relationship that casts it's ultimately haunting and heart-breaking spell.

Production design, period detail, set design, art direction, costume design, lighting, editing, pacing, breathtaking cinematography by Dan Lausten and music score by Alexandre Desplat are all exemplary!

Nominated for 13 Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture, Best Director, Production Design and Music Score, "The Shape of Water" is thrilling, touching, brutal, lyrical, poignant, quirky, unique and thought provoking, it touches, tingles and stimulates all the senses, and in doing so, has a heart and soul not only deeply embedded in the culture of the day, as well as today, but also a beautifully textured valentine to cinema itself.

FILM: BREATHE: Genre: Biography/Drama/Romance.

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Clare Foy, Hugh Bonneville, Tom Hollander.

Year: 2017.

Rating: M Length: 118 Minutes.

Stars: ***½ Verdict: The story of Robin Cavendish, who is struck down by polio at the age of 28, and is confined to a hospital bed and given only a few months to live, however, with the help of his devoted wife Diana, her twin brothers and the groundbreaking ideas of a close family friend and inventor, they escape the hospital and seek out an extraordinary life together - raising their young son and devoting their lives to helping other polio patients.

First time director Andy Serkis has created a beautifully personal and heartfelt experience filled with humour, drama, warmth, compassion, tragedy and inspiration.

Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge, Silence) and Claire Foy (The Crown), give dedicated and compelling performances as Robin and Diana Cavendish, the two ordinary people thrust into a heart-breaking and life-changing situation, as do the wonderfully quirky Tom Hollander as her twin brothers, and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) as close friend and inventor, Teddy Hall, who would invent the mobile wheelchair for the severely disabled, and along the way they would blend much humour throughout.

Beautifully filmed by regular Oliver Stone cinematographer, Robert Richardson (The Aviator, Hugo), this is one from the heart by all concerned, as their son, Jonathon Cavendish, would grow up to become a film producer, and this is his poignant and loving tribute to them. He also produced Bridget Jones's Diary.

FILM: THE COMMUTER: Genre: Action/Crime/Drama.

Cast: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Sam Neill, Elizabeth McGovern.

Year: 2018.

Rating: M. Length: 104 Minutes .

Stars: ** Verdict: A businessman is caught up in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute home.

Wildly over-the-top and implausible "B-Movie" good-guy, bad-guy sub-Hitchcockian popcorn action-thriller with an aging everyday man come hero has been told in similar potboilers a multitude of times before, only better.

Unlike the enjoyable Liam Neeson action vehicles "Taken" (2008) and "Non-Stop" (2014), he ambles through the motions of this incoherent and illogical plot here with the conviction, confusion and passion of a man who'd boarded a train and realized he not only had the wrong ticket, he was heading in the wrong direction.

Sadly short on much needed humour, and intelligence for that matter, the impressive supporting cast all do well under the circumstances, as our hero tries to solves a puzzle that unleashes a 'superman' by the film's end from our every-day train commuter.

Reflective of other crowd-pleasers as "Money Train" (1995), Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) and "Unstoppable" (2010), among others, the CGI driven action set pieces are admittedly quite exciting, however, you will need to suspend all belief and reality to fully enjoy this all too formulaic cliché ridden off-the-rails thriller that has 'guilty pleasure' stamped all over it ... only worthy as a late night addition to a Drive-In double feature.

Rourke’s Reviews My Friend Dahmer

■ (M). 106 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas May 31.

Anchored by an extraordinary central performance, and crafted in a way that doesn't exploit or sensationalise its subject matter, My Friend Dahmer manages to stand out from the seemingly never-ending stream of serial killer movies.

The film is set during Dahmer's last year of high school in the late 70's, and his gradual change from being morbidly obsessed with dead animals, to wanting to take that next step and hurt a human being.

During this time, he inadvertently becomes friends with fellow student John Beckderf (Alex Wolff).

Writer/director Marc Meyers isn't interested in gory details or serial killer cliches, instead he intelligently generates a growingly inevitable sense of dread, as we see a young outcast slowly open up to the darkness growing within him.

Those wanting overt horror and cheap thrills will be sorely disappointed.

RATING - ****

Gonjiam : Haunted Asylum

■ (M). 94 minutes. Opens at Cinema Nova May 31.

Though the formula employed is nothing new, this Blair Witch-style mockumentary is surprisingly good fun, maintaining a convincing atmosphere while delivering a couple of well-executed scares.

The story centres on a small group of young men and women who travel to a long-closed mental asylum, referred to as one of the seven freakiest places in the world to visit.

Fitted with multiple cameras, the group enter the creepy place, and proceed to get more than they bargained for.

Co-writer/director Jeong Bumsik (Epitaph) skilfully manages to raise proceedings above the familiar, and an unknown cast are all likeable, making the horror that follows tense and impactful.

RATING - ***½

Solo: A Star Wars Story

■ (M). 130 minutes. Now showing in cinemas everywhere, including IMAX and 3D. Charting the early years of renowned space smuggler Han Solo, this big budget extravaganza unfortunately fails to excite and involve, deciding instead to fly a safe, predictable course.

Alden Ehrenreich tries hard, but can't project the same kind of screen presence Harrison Ford did in the original trilogy, so it's hard to become interested in his story.

Faring better is Donald Glover, who steals the film as Lando Calrissian, while his droid partner, L3-37, offers up some major laughs.

Talented actors such as Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton and

Paul Bettany never really get a chance to shine.

Director Ron Howard manages to turn a wild ride into something bland and routine.

RATING - **½

Gringo ■ (MA). 111 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas May 31.

A comedy/thriller set south of the US border, Gringo proves to be a lifeless, derivative affair.

David Oyelowo (Selma) plays Harold Soyinka, whose life is turned upside down when he discovers his bosses Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Elaine (Charlize Theron) are selling their cashstrapped pharmaceutical company to a business rival.

Things take a turn for the worse when he travels to the company's lab in Mexico, where he becomes involved with drug cartels, assassins, and mercenaries.

There is nothing here you haven't seen before, but director Nash Edgerton takes forever to tell such a predictable story, telegraphing every twist long before they appear. Oyelowo does what he can with the sub-standard material.

RATING - **

Gauguin ■ (M). 101 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas May 31.

Well photographed but completely empty look at a specific period in the renowned painter's life, when he travelled to Tahiti in an attempt to re-energise his artistic spirit.

While there, he experiences a series of highs and lows. Vincent Cassel gives a physically convincing performance as Gauguin, but there is practically no insight into his obsessive, destructive behaviour, and darker elements of his life are glossed over.

Tuhei Adams offers a natural performance as Tehura, but like every character, and even the Tahitian culture the artist immerses himself in, is never adequately developed or explored, resulting in an unsatisfying viewing experience.

RATING - **

LBJ

■ (M). 91 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas May 31.

Yet another recent film that deals with a specific moment in US history (Selma andAll The Way being the others), LBJ is easily the weakest, despite valiant work from Woody Harrelson as President Lyndon Johnson. Seeking to appease all political parties while trying to pass the late John F. Kennedy's civil rights bill into law, Johnson soon discovers that Washington has become a political minefield. Joey Hartstone's screenplay feels too compact, lacking scope and impact, while Rob Reiner's direction is woefully uninspired, turning the whole enterprise into a by-the-numbers TV movie. A sappy music score doesn't help, and the strong supporting cast are largely wasted.

RATING - ** - Aaron Rourke

Top 10 Lists MAY 27 to JUNE 2:

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. DEADPOOL 2.

2. AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. 3. LIFE OF THE PARTY. 4. BREATH. 5. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. 6. I FEEL PRETTY. 7. TULLY. 8. A QUIET PLACE. 9. HOW LONG WILL I LOVE YOU TANGREN. 10. PETER RABBIT. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: \MAY 24: DUCK DUCK GOOSE, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, THE BOOKSHOP. MAY 31: GAUGUIN, GRINGO, I KILL GIANTS, JUST BETWEEN US, LBJ, REDOUBTABLE. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. MOLLY'S GAME [Biography/Crime/ Drama/Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner].

2. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI [Drama/Frances McDormand].

3. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN [Music/ Biography/Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron].

4. THE SHAPE OF WATER [Sci-Fi/Fantasy/ Adventure/Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon].

5. 15:17 TO PARIS [History/Drama/ Thriller/Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler].

6. STRONGER [Biography/Drama/Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Clancy Brown].

7. THE COMMUTER [Action/Thiller/Liam Neeson, Patrick Wilson].

8. I, TONYA [Drama/Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson].

9. DEN OF THIEVES [Action/Crime/ Drama/Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber].

Also: MOM AND DAD, PHANTOM THREAD, BREATHE, DEEP BLUE SEA 2, MAZE RUNNER: The Death Cure, FIFTY SHADES FREED, INSIDIOUS: The Last Key, PITCH PERFECT 3, ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD, THE POST. NEW HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK: BLACK PANTHER [Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi/ Chadwick Boseman, Martin Freeman].

BLACK PANTHER 3D + Blu-Ray [Action/ Adventure/Sci-Fi/Chadwick Boseman, Martin Freeman].

BLACK PANTHER 4K + Blu Ray [Action/ Adventure/Sci-Fi/Chadwick Boseman, Martin Freeman].

REX [Drama/War/Biography/Kate Mara, Bradley Whitford, Tom Felton].

BEAST OD BURDEN [Crime/Thriller/Daniel Radcliffe, Pablo Schreiber, Grace Gummer].

BRAVEN [Action/Drama/Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang].

THE EXCEPTION [Drama/War/Romance/ Christopher Plummer, Lily James, Jai Courtney].

DVD AND/OR BLU-RAY NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES HIGHLIGHTS: None Listed for This Week.

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: IRON FIST: Season 1.

SLEEPY HOLLOW: Season 4.

- James Sherlock

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 53

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team NIGHT, MOTHER ■ The Basin Theatre Group presents Night, Mother until June 9 at The Basin Theatre.

Written by Marsha Norman and directed

by Barry O’Neill, Night, Mother, is set in the living room/kitchen of a small house on a remote country road, which is shared by Thelma Cates and her daughter Jessie.

Now in her mid-thirties, Jessie's life has been stale and unrewarding. As the play begins Jessie calmly tells her mother that she intends to kill herself that night with her father's service revolver.

At first Thelma refuses to take her seriously but as Jessie quietly goes about tidying the house and preparing for her death, Thelma realises the depth of her daughter's despair.

Becoming increasingly desperate and helpless, Thelma uses every tactic and trick she can think of to change Jessie's profound decision.

Emotions ebb and flow as mother and daughter exchange past grievances, struggles and misunderstandings, while time trickles down relentlessly to the play's climax.

Performance Season: Until June 9 Venue: The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin.

Bookings: 1300 784 668 or www.thebasin theatre.org.au

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MAGIC ■ The inspiration for A Brief History of Magic comes from Caitlin Yolland and Rob Lloyd’s love of comedy and their intense passion for Harry Potter and all things wizardry.

Known now as the Wizard Actors they recently co-starred in Completely Improvised Potter.

So delving into the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world they have scripted a history of magic spanning as far back as Egyptian times.

In a fast moving, energetic and physical performance, with audience interaction we captured magic over the centuries with characters and events that even the most committed Potter devotees may not have known.

The audience on arrival were captured as students in class to learn from the Wizard Actors of key characters of Wizardry such as the Hogwarts, Muggles, Dumbledore to the house-elves and the ill-fated Dobby.

There were many many more magical creatures brought into the history that to record all would be exhaustive. All were relevant to the history of magic from Egyptian times, the 1300’s, 1600’s, 1700’s to late last century.

Be prepared to hear of the Chamber of Secrets, the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Sword of Gryffindorand particularly the Wizards’ wand.

Wands that are more loyal, or more flighty or more impatient.

Wizard Actor Rob Lloyd, rightly quotes “No matter what background, religion, orientation or gender identification … there is a place for you”, with magic and wizardry.

Anyone who appreciates and has a thirst for more of the History of Magic must look to being a ‘student at one of their future classes’ be it a performance.

Go to: www.roblloyd.com.au - Graeme McCoubrie

OUR HONORARY REVIEWERS TEAM ■ The Melbourne Observer has a team of honorary reviewers, who attend shows in their own time.

Headed by Cheryl Threadgold, team members include: Juliet Charles, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher, Greg Every, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Graeme McCoubrie, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page and Elizabeth Semmel. We value their honorary work.

Play It Again, Sam ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG) presents Play It Again, Sam until June 2 at 8pm at the Strathmore Community Theatre.

Woody Allen’s endearing comedy is in the best of hands under Lee Cook’s first-class direction.

Set in New York in 1969, the action takes place in movie critic Allan Felix’s apartment.

Allan’s wife Nancy has left and he seeks solace in the fantasy world of movies, particularly Casablanca and the traits of his screen idol, Humphrey Bogart.

Jolted from his make-believe dream world by some disastrous real-life blind dates, Allan then faces the potentially catastrophic situation of falling in love with Linda, wife of his best friend Dick.

Cook has assembled strong actors to portray Allen’s characters, headed by Darby Turnbull, who is well-cast as Allan.

Turnbull’s depiction of Allan in his two worlds is most believable; there were just a few slurred words in Act One on opening night. A subtle but important message is conveyed of the importance of being ourselves.

Kate Manicom presents a charming, confident performance as sweet, caring Linda, while the role of her husband Dick gives George

Alexander great opportunity to showcase the impressive strength and diversity of his acting skills. Peter Prenga in trench-coat and hat has nailed Bogart’s character, physicality and gravelly voice.

Some terrific versatility is demonstrated by Kadey McIntosh as Nancy, Sharon and a Woman, and delightful Megan Kappelhoff in various women’s roles. McIntosh in particular is a dynamic performer who commands the stage.

Cook has also designed the atmospheric set, constructed by Tony Leatch. A beautiful surreal, hazy effect is achieved each time the centre-back curtains part to reveal Bogart standing in lamp-light.

The show’s high production values also include an excellent selection of 1960s era-authentic costumes sourced by the cast, and John Campbell and Lee Cook’s lighting design.

Play It Again, Sam is a most enjoyable theatre experience, acted well, and with artistically intelligent direction. Congratulations to STAG. Performance Details: Until June 2 Venue: Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore Tickets: $20/$15 Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org

Latest shows, auditions SHOWS

SHOWS

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Forget Me Not (by Tom Holloway) Until June 2 at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Annie Blood.

Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Play It Again Sam (by Woody Allen) Until June 3 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Lee Cook.

Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org ■ MLOC Productions: Spring Awakening Until June 2 at Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director/Choreographer: Angela Phillips; Musical Director; Malcom Huddle.

Bookings; www.mloc.org.au.

■ SLAMS Musical Theatre: Sounds of Swing Until June 2 at 8pm at The Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater.

Director: Robert Valk; Musical Director/Co-Director: Marcus Fleming; Choreographer: Katrina Katz. Bookings: slams.mtc@Live.com.au or 0412 605 182 ■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Mystery of Irma Vep June 1,2,7,8, 9 at 8.00pm, June 3 at 5.00pm at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Div Collins. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre. com.au ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Night, Mother (by Marsha Norman) Until June 9 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Barry O'Neill. Bookings: 1300 784 668 or www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: The Elephant Man (by Bernard Pomerance) Until June 9 at 39 - 41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Chris Shaw.

Bookings: 9735 1777.

■ Peridot Theatre: 84 Charing Cross Road (adapted by James Roose Evans from the book

by Helen Hanff) June 8 - 13 at 8pm, Matinees June 10 at 2.15 and June 19 at 4pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Horrie Leek.

Bookings: www.peridot.com.au ■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Doubt (by John Patrick Shanley) June 1 - 16 at Cnr. Yarra St. and Mitchell Ave., Warrandyte. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: www.trybooking.com ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Morning Sacrifice (by Dymphna Cusack) June 15 - 30 at 29A Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Loretta Bishop.

Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: The Old People are Revolting (by Devon Williamson) June 22 - 30 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Emma Barber. Bookings: 1300 650 209,\ ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Season's Greetings (by Alan Ayckburn) June 22 - July 7 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers rd., Parkdale. Director: Martin Gibbs. Bookings: www.mordialloctheatre.com

AUDITIONS

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Chicago Vocal Auditions June 4 and 6 from 7.30pm, Dance Auditions June 10 3.30pm - 5pm, Callbacks from 6pm. Director: Craig Maloney; Musical Director: Peter Verhagen; Choreographer: Renee Maloney. For further information email auditions@phoenixtheatrecompany.org ■ Essendon Theatre Company: An Unseasonable Fall of Snow,(by Gary Henderson) June 5 at 7.30pm, June 10 at 2pm at the Bradshaw Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon (enter via Buckley St.). Audition bookings: divcollins@gmail.com ■ MLOC Productions: The Boy From Oz June 12, 14, 15 (singing and acting), June 17 (dancing). Mentone and Mordialloc area. Director/ Choreographer: Rhylee Nowell; Musical Director: Matthew Hadgraft. For audition bookings visit www.mloc.org.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Gulls (by Robert Hewett) May 27, 29 at 7.00pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Zina Carman. Enquiries: zinacarman@hotmail.com or 0408 001 667.

■ SLAMS Heathers the Musical June 12, 14 7.30-10.30pm, June 17 10am-12nn at St Luke's Primary School, 25 Stokes rd., Wantirna. CoDirectors: Merryn Degnan and Julia Roper; Musical Director: Ryland Sack; Choreographer: Guada Banez. Audition bookings: slams.mtc@live.com.au ■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Vere (by John Doyle) June 10 at 4pm and June 12 at 8pm at the Mechanics' Institute Hall, Yarra St., Warrandyte.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Pack of Lies (Hugh Whitmore) June 24 at 2pm and June 26 at 7.30pm at the Guide Hall, Glebe Ave., Cheltenham (off Charman Rd.). Director: Cheryl Ballantine Richards. Enquiries: 0412 133 071.

MELBOURNE ARTS ■ The German-Australian Opera Grant is unique in being a true gateway to a career for a young professional Australian opera singer.

Opera is a global profession and, despite the wealth of talent and fine opera calibre of opera life in Australia, it is a fact that the possibility of a full-time income from opera singing is only available to a few in this country.

On a global scale, Australian singers are always prized for their good education, professional, no-fuss approach, collegiality and adaptability.

Notwithstanding, for many the path is hard, unless they study in Europe. It involves considerable investment in hotels, travel, waiting in line to audition for an agent, being ready to audition for a theatre even months; later, and then hope it will end in a contract.

The German-Australian Opera Grant is the only program which takes a singer from their Australian career straight to Europe, with a wholistic national audition process guiding them through and a generous financial support package to smooth their way while they establish themselves.

Not only that, but they receiver a year's contract as a young professional soloist at the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden.

Not a young artist's program like in other venues, but a soloist contract with solo roles, quite often major roles. And a salary not a stipend.

All this is made possible through GAOG's partnership with that opera house.

It all started in 2003, when Hans Henkell, a well-known entity in Wiesbaden, teamed up with Dr David Kram, who had been a regular guest conductor there, and initiated the agreement whereby Wiesbaden covers one third of the artist's salary, with fundraising conducted by More Than Opera providing the rest.

More Than Opera is a not-for-profit company of which GAOG is a pivotal component.

To date, 16 singers, selected nationally, have been through the GAOG scheme in Wiesbaden and most have gone on to careers in Europe and returned to contribute to theAustralian operatic culture.

The Wiesbaden opera house ranks high amongst the impressive array in Germany and performs the great repertoire, including major works of Wagner, Verdi, Puccini and Mozart, many world premieres, and also lighter entertainment such as operettas and musicals.

Its artists are top-ranking and the GAOG awardees also participate in the Wiesbaden International May Festival, bringing them to the stage alongside international companies and the cream of world opera singers.

Because of this long-standing partnership, Wiesbaden hosts a little conclave of Australian singers, thus new awardees are assured of a support group both in Wiesbaden and from the GAOG team back home.

■ Design for Life: Grant and Mary Featherston. This exhibition explores the career of Grant Featherston, arguably Australia's most significant modernist designer, and his partnership with Mary Featherston, who is renowned for her design for children.

Beginning with the question of what stimulated a country boy to become a designer in the late 1930s, it charts Featherston's rise to celebrity status in the 1950s and how his work captured the imagination of ordinary Australians in their quest to be modern. Tracing his explorations of new materials and technologies and production of innovative furniture throughout the 1960s and 70s, the exhibition and accompanying publication of highlight the holistic nature of his practice, which included interiors, exhibitions, photography, glass, sculpture and promotional design.

Exhibition: June 30 - October 7.

Heide Museum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au y y g

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 1 Across

Across

Down

1. Pony competition 6. Meddler 11. Large NZ city 15. Drinking glasses 20. Moose 21. Drizzles 22. Married title 23. Nudism 24. Armed conflict within nation (5,3) 25. Family favouritism 27. Segregated 28. Roman robe 29. Hungry 31. Slightly open 32. Skin eruptions 36. Staining 37. Room 38. Painter of The Queen's latest portrait, Rolf ...

41. Length unit 44. Hair dye 45. Touchy 48. Metal extraction plant 49. Cupboard 52. Banked (on) 56. Gets 57. Form of prayer 58. Futile 61. More affluent 62. Bring honour to 63. Gladden, ... up 64. Japan's capital 65. Shillyshallies 66. Greed 67. Withdraws from position (5,4) 71. Fertile desert spot 73. TV personality, ... McGuire 75. Aid financially 80. Pistols 82. Intervening time 83. Jog 85. Definitions 86. Old Spanish money unit 88. Split in church 90. Slays (5,3) 91. Biting insects 93. Wise biblical king 94. Tossing 95. Fragile & airy 96. Suit-makers 97. Jot 99. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ...

100. Concludes 104. Of kidneys 105. Taco sauce 106. Sing monotonously 107. Revolved 111. Deserve 113. Fah, soh, ...

114. Inflatable vest, ... west 115. Serving platters 117. Irrational fear 118. Kitchen strainer 121. Saturate (with colour) 122. The Hunchback Of ... Dame 125. Harpoon hunter 126. Formerly Persia 127. Garden of Creation 129. In place, in ...

131. Actress, ... Thompson 132. Stellar 135. Kuwaiti ruler 136. Eternal 139. Siamese 140. Up-to-date 144. Physicist, ... Newton

145. Excel 146. Castle water barriers 147. Elaborately 148. Cattle-farmers 149. Mad (dog) 150. Tied (shoes) 152. Surprise victory 154. Labelled 157. Chinese gooseberry, ... fruit 158. Of the side 162. Grieg opera, Peer ...

163. SOS 166. Wig material 167. Speaks 169. Kind 171. Door frame post 172. Resistant to disease 173. Start (of ailment) 175. Primp 176. Encouraged 179. Tutsi country 180. Ranted 182. Hawaiian garland 183. Belonging to us 184. Spindly 186. Took in (child) 189. Last Greek letter 190. Wallabies or Springboks sport 191. Synagogue scholar 192. Stimulating 196. Disable 197. Canadian province, ... Scotia 198. Kenya's capital 199. Exhilarating 201. Caught 202. Ridicule 203. Departing 204. Fibre-spinning rods 205. Writer, ... Hemingway 208. Journalist's credit (2-4) 210. Cheap ship fare 211. Fertiliser ingredient 212. Redder 213. Bobs head 215. Firebugs 219. Signalling flame 221. Cruel men 223. Searches out scandal 227. From Brussels 228. Mummifies (corpse) 230. Judge's hammer 231. Democratic Republic of Congo 232. Threatened 233. Slip by 234. Gist 238. Tennis ace, ... Edberg 239. Indianapolis state 240. Splatter 243. Arrival 246. Annulled 247. Dressy 250. Woodwind instruments 251. Fools 253. Paltry 256. Helicopter's landing place 257. More hefty 258. Grills 262. Labyrinth 263. Reverie 266. Honey liquor 268. Peacemaker 269. Central Asian republic 270. Lovely women 271. Miniature toy, ... car 272. Banned pesticide (1,1,1) 273. Downy duck 274. Naval exercises 275. Makes stable 276. Perceived wrongly 277. Aerobics outfits 278. Abbreviates

1. Doomed person 2. Legends 3. Equine 4. Cosy home 5. Nearly 7. A few 8. Persecutes 9. Checkers game 10. Thread 11. Henry VIII's ... Boleyn 12. Second-hand vehicles (4,4) 13. Smart aleck (4-3) 14. Friendly 15. Tests 16. Former Soviet region (1,1,1,1) 17. Lightweight timber 18. Go in 19. Mixer drinks 24. Appeared 26. Trading centre 30. Last-minute 33. Pungent cleaning fluid 34. Small hill 35. Sniffed 38. Cross-breeds 39. Made contact with 40. Takes no notice of 42. Canadian lake 43. Bringing up 46. Stud (with jewels) 47. Conformed, ... the line 49. Hurricane 50. Follows orders 51. Europe/Asia 53. Regards highly 54. Riled 55. Aussie sheep herders 59. Very demanding 60. Settle overseas 67. Bewildered 68. Moved on hands & knees 69. Of earthquakes 70. Run (event) 72. Aplomb 74. Travelling worker 76. Gusty 77. Leave impression 78. Smooth over (4,3) 79. Gushed 81. Brash newcomers 84. Egg dish 87. Dried with cloth 89. Moon shape 91. Grinding (teeth) 92. British royal court, ... Palace (2,5'1) 98. Worldwide 101. Group value system 102. Shade of brown 103. Sends via Internet 108. Alleged assassin, Lee Harvey ...

109. Stop! (nautical) 110. Odds or ...

112. Emerging again from sleep 116. Protective shielding (6,5) 119. Act of dunking 120. Say 123. Canoe with attached float 124. Set out differently 128. Enthusiastically 130. From Tel Aviv 132. Allow inside 133. Banjo sound 134. Gangway 137. Cleopatra's land

Down 138. Famous Swiss mountain 141. Main artery 142. Flowed away 143. Yesterday, ..., tomorrow 151. Cling (to) 153. Early fetus 155. Directed 156. Surly person 159. Hoping (to) 160. Vitality 161. Irritating 164. 365-day periods 165. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ...

168. Legendary Atlantic continent 170. Money 173. Car distance clock 174. Mideast waterway (4,5) 177. Raincoat fabric 178. Gradually diminished 181. Devotees 185. Thrilling 186. Loss of memory 187. Beginnings 188. Trampled 193. Obscure 194. Sports injury remedy (3,4) 195. Hot springs 200. Venetian boats 201. Conceive of 206. Havens 207. Increases threefold 208. Sun-tanned 209. Most inquisitive 211. Coup organiser 214. Cigarette users 216. Affair of the heart 217. Giving green light to 218. Huge 220. Blacksmith's block 222. German wine, ... Riesling 224. Most avid 225. US cotton state 226. Giant Himalayan peak 229. Criticise harshly 232. Lion's neck hair 235. Poorer quality 236. Wear down 237. Soft goat wool 241. Fence planks 242. Authorise 244. Bridge over gorge 245. Louder 248. Trophies 249. Those ones 251. Weaponry 252. Bogs 253. Office circulars 254. Grand Slam winner, ... Agassi 255. Writer, ... Dahl 259. Happen 260. Prized fur 261. Genders 262. Method 264. Sudden attack 265. Son of Adam & Eve 267. Sprint Solution - Page 30

Solution on Page 36

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 55

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Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Wine Column Pyrenees region

Open Stradbroke Handicap

■ A number of our top sprinters will contest the popular Stradbroke Handicap on June 9 over 1350 metres if the nominations are to go by.

The James Cummings-trained Osborne Bulls is racing in great heart at the moment and is the early favorite around the $7 mark.

From his only nine starts he has won seven with a second and a third, Osborne Bulls, a four year-old beautifully bred by leading sire Street Cry, the Sire of Winx, out of Jerezana, from Lohnro, so the breeding is impeccable.

At his last start at the time of going to press was a big win in the Nathans Handicap over 1400 metres at Randwick, proving the 1350 metre will have no worries for him.

Another of the Cummings runners, Impending, is a good galloper; four of his 15 starts have been in top company with seven minor placings.

He was impressive in winning the Victory Stakes at Doomben, a Group Two event, winning in good style, and is going to be hard to beat in this.

The Matthew Dunn trained galloper, Care To Think, is a good galloper on his day, but failed to flatter back on May 12, when he finished well back behind, the good mare, English, in the Doomben 10,000, over 1200 metres.

Prior to that he had finished a good second behind top New Zealander, Crack Me Up, over 1300 metres only beaten a half-length.

From his 13 starts he has won six with four seconds, so he has plenty of ability.

It would pay to forget that run.

In Her Time is one that will be putting in the big ones, having raced in top company since she started, having won a Group One in the Galaxy and two Group Two races and is one of the best mares racing in Australia.

From her 20 starts she has won eight with five minor placings.

An interesting runner is the three-year old filly, Champagne Cuddles, tackling the older horses.

In the care of leading Sydney trainer, Bjorn Baker, she has loads of talent, having won three of her eight starts with five minor placings, but it is a big ask for a three-year old, especially a filly in open company and top company.

On the same line of betting, is the good sprinter, Le Romain, with top Sydney trainer, Kris Lees.

The five-year-old has an imposing record having won six of his 24 starts with eleven minor placings always in top company.

In the All Aged Stakes back in early May, he ran a great second to the good three-year old, Trapeze Artist, and is tough.

He will be in the firing line for a long time.

The Anthony Freedman-trained galloper, Santa Ana Lane, is a good sprinter and got under the punters guard when he rocketed home along the inside to win the rich Goodwood Handicap, after a superb ride by Ben Melham.

In my recent column I said that he had to be a chance on his previous top run.

On that occasion he was beaten by one of the fastest horses going around in, Sprightly Lass, over 1100 metres flashing home to be beaten by just over a length.

After Santa Ana Lane's win in the Goodwood, the Freedman camp brought him back to their stables at Pinecliff stables at Mount Eliza for a freshen up and he looks a treat.

The Freedman camp will also run their other good sprinter, Mr.Sneaky, in the Stradbroke after a good third in the BRC Sprint at Doomben Regarding Santa Ana Lane, the stable's only concern is the tricky track at Doomben, compared to Morphettville where he won the Goodwood.

The beaten favorite in the Goodwood, Vega Magic had excuses as his rider, Damien Oliver, had trouble getting the gelding across in the 20 horse field after drawing out wide in 15.

That was his first up run since suffering a laceration at the Hayes-Dabernig stables at Euroa.

He is much better than that, don't dismiss him.

● Santa Ana Lane takes out the Sir Rupert Stakes at Caulfield. Racing Photos had no luck in the big field either, and the former Peaceful State, the three-year old, galloper Western Australian mare is one of the best on from the strong Darren Weir stables is one with her day, don't leave her out. good ability as shown by coming from well back for wins at his last two starts in Adelaide.

He was outstanding in winning the Adelaide Guineas like his previous outing coming from near last.

I feel he is looking for more ground.

However when you see the name D.Weir alongside him in the racebook, you have got give a chance, but he will be giving them a big start, that is my biggest worry.

It's a tough race you are on your own; I am squibbing it, too hard for mine.

Ted Ryan

Birthday Bash

■ The Victorian Racing Media Association along with a number of racegoers will pay tribute to the former Truth's Racing Editor, Ron Taylor, to celebrate his 90th birthday at the Emerald Hill Hotel next Monday (June 4).

Ron was the Racing Editor for the Truth newspaper for many years.

I had the pleasure of working with Ron, when we appeared on the Channel 10 telecasts from 1981 through until 2000.

The team in those days was headed up the Sports Editor of Channel 10 and 3KZ, the late Phil Gibbs; the late Peter Lovitt from The Australian; Graham Kelly; the late Des Spain from then 3UZ; and top lady racing expert, Vivienne Smith.

We covered all meetings, not only the Melbourne Cup Carnival, but Cups like Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.

After retiring, Ron, a regular member of the VRMA, is always at the track, he was a great friend of former racecaller, the late Frank O'Brien and his wife the late, Marie O'Brien.

The day should be a ripper with many a tale told by Ron, a fit 90, who just about walks everywhere to keep himself up to the mark.

● Looking south across the Blue Pyrenees Estate vineyards to the foot of the Pyrenees mountains.

■ It's a huge call to make. In a state as rich in grapegrowing resources as Victoria - with regions such as the Yarra Valley, Heathcote, Geelong and the Grampians - Andrew Koerner, chief winemaker for Blue Pyrenees Estate, reckons that the central region of the Pyrenees is the pick of the state's regions for cabernet sauvignon, arguably the king of redgrape varieties.

"There is no doubt that the Pyrenees' growing-season weather pattern of warm days and cool nights lends itself to long, slow and even ripening of cabernet sauvignon grapes," he says.

"This ripening season often culminates in warm, dry March weather to finish off this ripening process, producing intensity of flavour without compromising elegance and subtlety."

I can only nod in agreement, but add that several other Victorian regions would claim the same, so the proof has to be in the drinking.

Last week I reviewed the superlative BPE 2012 Richardson Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This was certainly one of the best cabernets I have had the pleasure to taste, but at about $120 it should be outstanding.

So what about something thatAverage Joe can afford. How does something like the standard BPE 2015 Cabernet reviewed this week stand up?

Very well indeed, though I'm still a bit reticent about recognising Koerner's claim, at least until presented by the indisputable results of a major multi-region Victorian tasteoff.

Looks like Jean-Claude Mas, the former racing-car driver and now highly successful French Languedoc producer who cheekily launched the Arrogant Frog label quite a few years ago, has engendered some antipodean competition in the form of the Curious Kiwi label, based in Marlborough.

Most of the wines are about $10 a bottle and available though Liquorland. I tried the chardonnay recently and it's a pretty decent drop for the money.

WINE REVIEWS The Natural Wine Co 2017 Organic Rose ($18): Made from sangiovese, an increasingly popular variety for rosé, grown in the Canowindra region, where Jason O'Dea has been practising organic viticulture for many years. A dry, refreshing and flavoursome style produced only from free-run juice and fined with 'vegan-friendly' agents.

The Natural Wine Co 2017 Organic Shiraz ($18):A bold, juicy red produced again from fruit grown near Canowindra. Brief maturation in French and American oak has added a touch of complexity.

Preservatives have been avoided, attesting to quite remarkable and skilful winemaking in achieving such brightness and clarity of appearance and flavour.

WINE OF THE WEEK Blue Pyrenees Estate 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ($26): A very handy red from a drier-than-usual season in the Pyrenees district of central Victoria. Lots of cassis and blackberries in the flavour, plus refined and restrained French oak. Palate shows good balance of fruit, oak, tannin and acidity. I think the jury remains out on whether this is from Victoria's top cabernet region, though the Pyrenees is obviously right up there.

- John Rozentals

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 57

Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Fern Wright Dressage & General Coaching Offering quality education for horses and riders from International Dressage rider Fern Wright.

Fern has trained and competed horses from Preliminary to Grand Prix Dressage with multiple State and National wins. Now based in Healesville and offering a wide range of services in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Services include: • Dressage and general coaching from beginning onwards • Short and long term training for horses and ponies • Breaking-in • Foal and young horse handling and training • Breeders of quality welsh and warmblood perfomance horses and ponies A great opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most decorated Young Dressage Riders

Ph: 0457 047 251

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 59

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 61

Deck-Doc

Local company chosen as best in the world

For many years Deck-Doc has been supplying retailers throughout Australia with their premium range of timber and decking oils.

For the past three years, Deck-Doc has been predominantly selling their products online to service the whole of Australia as well as international customers.

Deck-Doc was recently chosen over other companies to supply their oils to an international company and is in the process of sealing an agency agreement for exclusive distribution and selling rights in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Deck-Doc timber oil is environmentally friendly and the business has been manufacturing unique, lanolin-based timber oil in Geelong for 15 years.

The formula was developed by Robert Hylands to preserve the natural oils and tannins in the timber.

The timbers oils and tannins determine the colour of the timber.

If the tannins dry out, the timber will lose its own natural colour.

The formula is made up of many different plant oils, waxes and lanolin and designed to stay soft and pliable when absorbed into the surface layers of the timber, therefore will not solidify and form a hard membrane of the surface.

It will move with the timber during all weather conditions preventing water absorption and drying out of the tannins.

Mr Hylands first developed the timber oil when he noticed there was nothing on the market that preserved the timber and protected the timber’s natural colour.

Before his time at Deck-Doc, he gained experience when he owned a factory making hand carved, handpainted wooden decoy ducks for duck hunters.

The timber used for the ducks had to maintain its natural colour and stay on the water without absorbing moisture.

After extensive research, he found lanolin (wool grease) gave excellent water repellency as well as UV protection.

Mr Hylands developed lanolin-based timber protection oil and found the water-repellent protection and preservative way far superior and says lanolin is “Nature’s natural UV protection”.

Lanolin comes from the wool of sheep and is extracted from the fleece.

It is a substance that waterproofs, insulates, and protects sheep from the cold, wind, rain and harmful CV sun rays.

Deck-Doc uses the best merino wool to extract lanolin.

Throughout history ancient mariners such as the Vikings used lanolin to protect, waterproof and preserve the wooden boards on their ships.

Many of the ships were away from their home bases for many years and their ships were subjected to wild storms at sea.

They survived thanks to the protection of Lanolin.

Deck-Doc invites all to visit their showroom in Moolap for free advice in a number of important issues concerning timber care.

There is a large selection of timber types that have been exposed to severe weather conditions, enabling people to understand the importance of choosing a suitable timber type. for the right application.

Also know what happens to the different types of decking stains and coatings, how they weather, and the maintenance required.

The friendly staff have useful hints for anyone preparing to build a new deck.

Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Page 63

Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Learning to Ride

Balance Bikes from Ivanhoe Cycles Balance Bikes (also called training bikes) are pedalless bikes designed to provide fun and exercise and to teach the basic skills of steering, balance and co-ordination.

They are suited to a child from 2 to 5 years of age.

The child simply sits astride the balance bike and "walks" while steering with the handlebars.

It effectively allows them to learn balance without having to learn to pedal at the same time. It cuts the learning "gradient" down. They are also called pre bikes or first bikes.

Balance bikes are becoming increasingly popular, as it is so much easier to learn to ride. Learning to ride can be achieved at their own pace. A less confident child can “walk� it around for as long as they like, then

when ready, they can gradually lift their feet and scoot along until they are ready to simply push off and just roll along.

More confident kids will be flying around with huge smiles in no time at all.

Because they have a sturdy aluminium or steel frame and well constructed wheels they are virtually trouble free, and can be passed down from child to child.

BYK E250L PURPLE $219

GIANT PRE BIKE - RED $199

Mongoose Lilgoose WNR Girls Balance Bike 12 Inch $179

Byk E250L Purple - Girls 14inch Balance Bike

12 inch boys balance bike that is a perfect gradient for learning to ride a real bike

The low stand-over height makes it very easy to get on and off the bike,

LIL ZOOMER BALANCE BIKE - GREEN $99

BYK E200L $189

Little Zoomer Balance Bike in any colour. A fun way to teach balance and coordination! Suitable 2-4 years.

Byk E200L. Balance Bikes make it so much easier for your child to learn to ride.

MONGOOSE LILGOOSE WNR BOYS BALANCE BIKE 12 INCH $179 The Mongoose Lilgoose Balance bike is not only one of the cutest designs we've seen on a training bike.