Nepeannews 07november2013

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Thursday, 7 November 2013

ISSUE 112

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Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

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Around the bend

By Kerrie Martin

COUNCILLOR Tricia Hitchen is on a mission.

She is concerned about the bend located near the corner of Castlereagh Road and Church Lane at Cranebrook.

While there are unbroken yellow lines a little further up, they do not extend to the bend.

“What happens is, because there are no unbroken lines, cars tend to take the bend using parts of the wrong side of the Going around the bend with concern: Cr Hitchen with road,” Cr Hitchen said. “It is Bart Bassett MP, Stella Tsaporopoulos and Michelle Sloan quite dangerous.”

Cr Hitchen has raised the matter with the said he supports the concerns raised by Cr Hitchen Engineering Services department at Penrith and has urged the RMS to consider extending the Council, but the response was that tree removal double unbroken lines to incorporate the bend. and the addition of lines wasn’t warranted.

“I have heard from Cr Hitchen and some However, Castlereagh Local Store owner, Stella local constituents about the bend, which has very Tsaporopoulos said she had a very shaken up poor overtaking visability,” Mr Bassett said. driver delivering goods recently, who’d had a “I have driven the road myself and I agree frightening near-miss incident where his truck that the double unbroken lines should be was forced off the road. Castlereagh Road extended to cover the bend section. resident Michelle Sloane added that there is “I have written to the RMS outlining the quite a problem with people trying to overtake benefit of reducing driver frustration and on the bend. improving safety on this road.”

Cr Hitchen will continue to raise the issue.

State member for Londonderry, Bart Bassett

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4 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Photographer: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Martin 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Raylene Vidler 0478 151 648 Annette Thain 0425 073 331 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Kieren Tilly 0406 533 569 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

by Kerrie Martin BY the time you’re reading this I will be sitting somewhere in Kuta, Bali hopefully with a cocktail in my hand served by Ketut - sorry to gloat!

While Bali represents the sun, the beach, the cocktails by the pool and the bargain bartering, there is also an element of danger that can’t be ignored.

Silly life-changing decisions have been made by some Aussies - ensuring their holiday in Bali turns into a lifelong stay - in Kerobokan Gaol. But I have no doubt there are many innocent and naive people in there also.

The harsh reality is that the world we live in consists of some incredibly evil souls who will do anything and sacrifice anybody to make a buck. Combine that evilness with a lucrative drug trade and you’d be a fool not to be on high alert for those who wont think twice about ruining your life for their gain.

And its not just in places like Bali that you have to be aware.

I wanted to take this opportunity to warn anybody who didn’t catch the story last week of the senior Aussie couple who “won” a holiday to Canada complete with luggage. The couple, in their 60’s and 70’s had their holiday but smelled a rat and alerted customs, only to find they had been used as drug mules and $7 mil worth of methamphetamines was hidden in their luggage prize.

Scammers, con artists and drug smugglers will do absolutely anything for their own financial gain and have zero conscience about the consequences for the innocent people they use. Please be alert. Your life could depend on it. kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Register now MEMBER for Penrith, Stuart Ayres said that people had an additional 21 days to get online and register their pools without penalty after Local Government Minister Don Page asked councils not to impose fines on people who have not registered their pools.

The extension – to November 19 – comes after some people encountered delays on the pools registry as over 40,000 pool owners successfully registered their pools in a 24-hour period before the deadline officially expired.

“I urge people to take advantage of this extension and register their pools, especially as the weather heats up and the swimming season gets under way,’’ Mr Ayres “Giving people more time to register does not mean letting them off the hook when it comes to pool safety. Pool owners have a responsibility to make sure that their pool is safe at all times.

“With your help, we can together make NSW pool safe,” Mr Ayres.

Mr Page reminded pool owners that although

the deadline passed at midnight on October 29, the register remains open to register existing and new pools and said that people can – and should - still register their pools.

“The Division of Local Government, which administers the pools registry, has informed me that there have been technical problems with the register because of the large number of people attempting to register their pools at the last minute,’’ Mr Page said.

“This exercise was never about fines but always about safety, so I’m sure people will agree that issuing penalty notices would not be appropriate under the current circumstances.

“I am sympathetic to people who have been frustrated by recent delays on the site and I urge pool owners to be patient and to keep trying, bearing in mind they now have an additional three weeks without being fined to register their pools.”

Register now on www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au

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Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

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Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

Cheque mates

Toys galore!

By Greg Martin

By Kerrie Martin

THE Blue Mountains Mayor’s Relief Fund received a substantial boost last Friday when Ian Cubitt’s Classic Home Improvements dug deep to contribute to improve the lot of those affected by the recent bushfires.

The firm’s principal, Ian Cubitt, presented a cheque to Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill.

Cr Greenhill was to the forefront in the media, doing a terrific job keeping his residents abreast of what was happening in regards to the bushfires in their particular area.

The cheque presentation was conducted in front of a small gathering at the Springwood Disaster Centre.

The funds were raised through both company and staff donations.

Ian has called on other local businesses to follow suit and support the people who have supported their businesses in past years.

“Our company feels it is imperative that we assist the people of the mountains, many who have been our clients, and we would like to assist them in rebuilding their lives and their homes.” Ian said.

Great Cause: Ian Cubitt, Mayor Mark Greenhill and Cr Mick Fell. Photo: Kieren Tilly

Ian Cubitt’s Classic Home Improvements has been a business in the Greater West for over 20 years.

Many of the staff are local residents so Ian and his crew didn’t hesitate in getting behind such a worthy cause and supporting the people of the Blue Mountains.

CHILDREN who have lost everything in the recent bushfires will receive some toys to play with courtesy of the generous local residents and businesses who joined forces for Bin A Toy last Sunday.

Bin A Toy was started by local resident and motorcyle enthusiast, Phil Vassallo - who was deeply moved by the plight of children who returned to their homes to find nothing more than a pile of ashes.

Support was sought from various local businesses including McDonald’s Penrith Leagues, EZI Bins, PC Signs, the Ross Hutchison Foundation and Nepean News.

Mr Vassallo said that he just couldn’t sit back and do nothing, he had to get in and do what he could.

Local residents came out in force to donate toys for distribution to those kids in need.

A big thank you to a big-hearted man - Phil Vassallo - for getting the ball rolling and organising the event that will make such a difference to our local kids who haven’t faired well from the bushfires.

Bin A Toy: Kesha Atkins, Phil Vassallo organiser and Trent Atkins. Photo: Kieren Tilly

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Horsepower at Fernhill Picnics

By Greg Martin

HORSEPOWER will certainly be to the fore at the inaugural Carlton Mid Picnic Race Day at picturesque Fernhill Estate on Saturday.

There’ll be horsepower-plenty out on the new racetrack where thoroughbreds will sport silks in six races on the action-packed card.

But there will also be abundant horsepower inside the track where around 20 members of NSW Corvettes Unlimited Car Club will have a static display of their machines.

Racegoers will be able to run their eyes over what gives a horse its power in the saddling enclosure and also get as peak at the horsepower under the bonnets of the Corvettes.

The convoy of corvettes will parade onto the track before the gallops meeting and then be stabled inside the course for all to admire throughout the rest of the day.

The Corvettes will be led on the parade by Gary and Jacqui Cartwright in their magnificent snow-white replica of a 1930’s SSK Mercedes Series-4 Excalibur Roadster.

Is that a ring-in?

“No way,” laughs Gary.

“What you can see is a replica of an Excalibur but everything you can’t see is all Corvette.”

But there’s much more to the Fernhill Picnics than horsepower.

James Reyne, one of the most recognised singer/songwriters in Australia will perform in a free concert following the running of the last local race.

He was the front-man of legendary rock band Australian Crawl, member of “super group” Company of Strangers as well as having forged a highly successful solo career.

His highly decorated discography includes the Australian Crawl hit singles Downhearted, Reckless, Boys Light Up and Beautiful People, as well as solo hits Hammerhead, Motor’s Too Fast and Way Out West (with James Blundell).

Carlton Mid Picnic Race Day coincides with the Emirates Stakes Day meeting at Flemington and Saturday racing at Royal Randwick.

The meeting will feature the $25,000 Carlton Mid Fernhill Cup, racegoers will be treated to live entertainment, a giant food fare, free children’s activities, betting facilities

plus the races called live by 2GB’s Ray Hadley.

Parking is available at the venue for $20 or at Penrith Paceway for $5 which includes a connecting shuttle service. A free shuttle bus service will also operate between Penrith Railway Station and Fernhill Estate.

Cosmopolitan magazine’s Nicole Adolphe and Far Antoinette Koulas will be leading a team of ‘fashion spotters’ at Fernhill.

Their mission? To find the best

dressed racegoers.

If you’re one of the 10 ladies or gentlemen chosen in the Fashion Spotting Competition, you’ll take home a $200 Bendon lingerie gift voucher.

But for one lucky racegoer, the stakes will be higher. The person judged to display the most suitable country race day fashion will receive two corporate tickets to Bon Jovi at ANZ Stadium in December.

For details visit www. fernhillpicnics.com.au

Gary and Jacqui Cartwright get in a bit of practice aboard their superb Excalibur roadster prior to Saturday’s big race day at Fernhill Estate.

Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

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Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

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REMEMBRANCE DAY

By Annette Thain

NINETY-FIVE years ago the guns fell silent on the Western Front after four years of continuous warfare.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we pause to remember those who died in the Great War, together with those Australians who fought and died in all conflicts since that time.

The symbol of Remembrance Day is the Red Poppy, or Flanders’ Poppy after the poem ‘Flanders’ Field’ by Canadian Colonel John McCrae.

The poem describes the poppies that marked the graves of the soldiers.

The poppy was a solemn reminder for the soldiers who returned from the Western Front, it was the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium.

Soldier’s folklore attributed the bright red colour of the poppy to the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.

The RSL sells millions of red cloth poppies each year with proceeds going to welfare work.

As you read this article, over 3,300 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed in active duty to protect Australia and its national interests.

COUNCILLOR

JOHN THAIN “Lest we forget on Remembrance Day the 11th of the 11th 2013”

John Thain: 0411 427 812 • jthain@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Lest We Forget: Lance Corporal Luke Gavin from St Clair was killed in action in Afghanistan

They are part of ten Operations in the following localities: the Middle East, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, Egypt, Solomon Islands, Iraq, South Sudan and Australian Border Protection.

When we pause to remember the dead, remember also the living, and keep them in our prayers until they are safely home again.

St Marys RSL Sub-branch will be holding a Remembrance Day Service on Monday, 11 November at 10.30, at the Gun Memorial. Penrith RSL will be holding a service at 10.45, at Memory Park.

ON REMEMBRANCE DAY WE PAUSE TO REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICE OF THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY, AS WELL AS THOSE CURRENTLY DOING SO. LEST WE FORGET.

Councillor Prue Car Ph: 0450 659 811 prue.car@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

CITY OF PENRITH RSL SUB-BRANCH (Original Charter Issued 1920)

95th Remembrance Day

MONDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2013 10.40AM MEMORY PARK WOODRIFF STREET, PENRITH NSW

A cordial invitation is extended to the people of Penrith to join with us in remembering those who lost their lives in war.

Tribute laying by individuals and organisations is welcomed.

9 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

11 NOVEMBER 2013

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local news

Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

The girl with a heart of gold

By Kerrie Martin

AT just eight years of age, Glenmore Park resident Brooke Jones has a compassion for other people and their struggles that extends well beyond her tender years.

After recently accompanying her Dad, Garry, on a delivery run to the Nepean Cancer Care Centre, Brooke was struck with sadness over the plight of the patients that she observed.

“I need to do something to help,” Brooke declared. “They just look so sad.”

Brooke set her mind on holding a fundraising car rally to assist patients at the centre with an initial goal of raising $300.

Residents and businesses in Penrith were quick to support Brooke in her quest and after a lot of planning, 38 cars took part in Brooke’s rally that began at her school - Surveyors Creek Public School in Glenmore Park.

The participating cars had to follow directions to a secret destination, which was at the Weir Reserve.

Last Friday Brooke met with Cancer Care Centre staff to present

Photo: Kieren Tilly

them with a cheque for $7,209.75.

Presenting the cheque to Dr Taper, a haematologist at the Centre who has previously treated Brooke’s mother, a cancer survivor, the funds will go towards the purchase of patient comfort and care items. In raising the money, Brooke has far exceeded the $300 goal she set herself when she began planning the car rally.

The schoolgirl’s mother, Amanda is currently in remission after being

extremely unwell while pregnant with Brooke and later being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

“I’m one of the lucky ones who got through it,” Amanda said.

“We are so, so proud of Brooke and what she has done. She was so excited every time somebody made a donation and was thrilled to see the balance going up and up. She called people personally to thank them for the donation.

“She is taking it all in her stride, I don’t think she realises the enormity of what she has done. To think of an idea like that to help others at seven years old and exceed that goal just as she turned eight years old is a wonderful thing.”

If you’d like to contribute to the idea of one of our youngest fundraising campaigners, you can join Brookes Car Rally on facebook for information on how to donate.

Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

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12 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

THE G SPOT

IS it just me or does there appear to be an increase in armed robberies, hold ups and shootings?

Now I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I have been very blessed (not) to have worked in many a club and pub over the past 25 years in security and I lurve to observe the human creature in its most natural habitat - the club!

The thing that I find the most hilarious (well not hilarious - let’s just say hypocritical) is that the hotel manager is usually the first to scream “Why Me?”Almost like a love song gone wrong.

Now who am I, I am just a mere security officer that had the wonderful job of clearing the drunks out (who all love me). On closing time the bar staff are winding down and chucking wet rags at each other, the manager is in the office because he has been there

all day dealing with the crap and needs to update Facebook. The safe door is wide open because that’s where the night takings are going, the registers are being counted (usually at the bar) and the beer-filled mats are being hosed down out the back car park or loading dock with the fire door chocked open with an empty keg. The band is packing up and have chocked open the main glass doors to pack their cars.

Oh and don’t forget camera 16 has been playing up for a while and that just happens to be over the safe area, but that’s on the to-do list, gotta go to the board or the manager has been busy buying meat raffles, right? Dear dear dear folks – I’ve seen it time and time again and I just shake my head.

I seriously reckon they should place a neon sign on the main highway and say “get it while it’s hot” because all the crap I have just said above has

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

just given the baddies a good chance to hold up your premises!

Okay, so what can we do to stop our mates at Work Cover asking for a free lunch at your joint for the next 15 weeks while they investigate the ‘why ya didn’t do it and how ya coulda stopped’ it scenario?

Batten down the hatchets captains, because your closes should be tighter than a fishes bum (sorry but love that saying). Controlled access points, security, security, security and secured doors and staff escorted from club to car. Control is the answer my friends, if the baddies see control and the fact that their hold-up attempt may be hindered or observed, they will move onto the next place. It is as simple as that! They try the element of surprise, always be one step ahead of them!

Let’s just pretend that you’re in a horror movie and that the blob is going

to get in the access points, that’s how you should treat your club or pub on closing time; shut the doors, lock the doors. Also recommended is a decent security service, if your security officer is on his mobile or chatting up the staff it’s time for a change kids security have a really important role of checking toilets, securing doors and controlling access points whilst the club is placed in locked down. A security dude chatting up the last single lady in the club is not the look you need - wouldn’t happen on my watch or in my company - period!

So there you have it kids, control, security, close the access points and be tighter than a fishes bum, which I might add I have never seen or experienced.

(Tick).

PS. Please be aware that no fish were injured during the writing of this column.

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14 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

THE Peter Kurczewski story is yet another “feel good” tale out of

Peter Kurczewski couldn’t be happier with his lot in life. Photo Kieren tilly

the Nepean.

Starts own business, operating out of the spare bedroom in PK’s modest home in St Marys.

There was never, ever much sleeping going on in that boudoir!

Now, don’t get the wrong idea Peter was doing plenty of, well, you know what!

His overwhelming passion at the time was to turn his fledgling, oneman operation, P&C Engraving, into a successful business.

Peter wasn’t down the back of the queue when a capacity to do the hard yakka was being divvied out.

Willingness to put in long hours, his business acumen and pride in his work has, 27 years down the track, rewarded Peter with one of the most successful signage and engraving businesses in western Sydney.

PC Signage Group, incorporating P&C Engraving and Penrith City Signs, now operates out of tasteful premises in York Road, Penrith, and boasts a host of state-of-the-art

equipment - three times it has been a winner in the Penrith Small Business Awards.

Peter, 62, is the managing director, his youngest son, Andrew, 32, is the manager and the company also employs three full-time and two part-time staff.

“Andrew did his apprenticeship with me and has developed into my right-hand man – he is terrific at networking and it is wonderful having him working alongside me,” Peter said.

PC Signage has developed a large and faithful client base over more than a quarter of a century, one of those being the giant Panthers group with which Peter has recently signed a new two-year contract to provide the club with his expert services.

Peter is “chuffed” to have secured the contract, not only because of the financial aspect but because he has been an ardent supporter of the Panthers since they entered elite rugby league in 1967.

“I’ve always followed the Panthers as a fan and was delighted that a couple of years after starting the business I was able to get on-board as a small business sponsor in the late

80’s,” Peter said.

“Last year we were gold sponsors and next season we will have our own corporate box at Centrebet Stadium – can’t wait for the footy season to kick-off!”

Always appreciative of what locals have done for him in supporting his business, Peter is not backward in being forwarding in lending a helping hand when required.

“As well as doing our bit to put a good football team on the field, we also sponsor and support a range of groups including local schools, the Leukaemia Foundation, Time4Kids, Penrith Police Citizens Youth Club, Penrith Cricket Club and Nepean Tennis Club,” Peter said.

“I was born and raised in this community and will be forever grateful that it was so.

“Penrith still has that country town feel about it and as such, people tend to look out for their neighbours.

“My five adult children still live here with my nine grandchildren there’s soon to be a 10th – it is just a great place to live and raise a family.”

Peter was educated at Regentville Primary and Nepean High schools before leaving “at 16 years and

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10 months” to join the Royal Australian Air Force where he began an apprenticeship as an aircraft electrician at Wagga Wagga.

One of his fellow apprentices was league legend, Tommy Raudonikis with whom he played alongside in RAAF footy tournaments.

After serving his apprenticeship, Peter was stationed at Richmond and later Williamtown before returning to civvie life in November, 1973.

“My second job after leaving the air force gave me a big headstart when I eventually started P&C signage,” Peter said.

“I got a job as a field rep in Bosch’s automotive division but after a year I moved on to Klippon which produced electrical interphase terminations for power stations, road traffic signals and the railway.

“I started as a sales rep but eventually was promoted to NSW and later Victorian sales manager.

“Anyway, the job enabled me to establish contacts with a wide range of people, many of whom became clients when I went out on my own.”

Besides the Panthers and his work, Peter has two other abiding passions – fishing and motorcycle riding.

He has been a member of the Panthers Fishing Club for 45 years, serving as treasurer for 15 years and president for another 15 years – a life member, he is currently the club’s patron.

“I used to paddock bash on a small motor bike many years ago but in 2006 I bought a 850cc Suzuki Boulevard Cruiser and joined the Ulysses Motorcycle Club.

“I love it. I now ride a 1800cc Honda Gold Wing and it takes me on day and week-long bike rides with like-minded people – it is a real buzz,” Peter said.

However Peter had a real buzz more recently when he and 13 other Ulysses members joined 40 other riders from the four corners of the globe in riding the famed Route 66 highway from Chicago to Los Angeles.

“The ride was over 1400km and it took us 14 days – riding and sightseeing during the day and relaxing in a comfortable motel at night – it was truly a memorable experience,” he said.

“Like most kids of my generation I was really into the old TV westerns such as Rawhide, Cheyenne, Bonanza

Easy rider! Peter Kurczewski speeds along Route 66 during his recent trek along the famous US highway.

and Gunsmoke so it was great visiting places like St Louis, Tulsa, Amarillo, Santa Fe and Oklahoma City where those television cowboys got into duels and brawls.

“Another highlight was sitting on my bike on the edge of the Grand Canyon – no wonder they call it ‘grand’ because it is an awe-inspiring sight.”

But, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, for Peter Kurczewski, “there’s no

place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”

Peter Kurczewski was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Stuart Mathie.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at greg@nepeannews.com.au

FURNITURE / BEDDING / HOMEWARES / OUTDOOR

Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

- PETER KURCZEWSKI

15

16 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

Step back in time

JOKES

EVENTS

1492 - The Ensisheim meteorite, the oldest meteorite with a known date of impact, strikes the earth around noon in a wheat field outside the village of Ensisheim, Alsace, France.

1665 - The London Gazette, the oldest surviving journal, is first published.

1908 - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are reportedly killed in San Vicente, Bolivia.

1929 - In New York City, the Museum of Modern Art opens to the public.

1931 - The Chinese Soviet Republic is proclaimed on the anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution.

1944 - Franklin D. Roosevelt elected for a record fourth term as President of the United States of America.

SINCE the 1980s, having branched away from stand-up comedy, Steve Martin has become a successful actor, as well as an author, playwright, pianist and banjo player. It was announced in September that the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences would award Martin an honorary Oscar at the Academy‛s 5th Annual Governors Awards in November, 2013.

1.

“I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, natural, wholesome things that money can buy.”

2.

“I believe you should place a woman on a pedestal - high enough so you can look up her dress.”

3.

“First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me.”

4.

“I like a woman with a head on her shoulders. I hate necks.”

5.

“I gave my cat a bath the other day. . .they love it. He sat there, he enjoyed it, if was fun for me. The fur would stick to my tongue, but other than that. . .”

6.

“Boy, those French: They have a different word for everything!”

DEATHS

7.

“Comedy is the art of making people laugh without making them puke.”

1959 - Victor McLaglen, English-American boxer and actor (b. 1883).

1962 - Eleanor Roosevelt, American politician, 34th First Lady of the United States (b. 1884).

1978 - Gene Tunney, American boxer (b. 1897).

1980 - Steve McQueen, American actor (b. 1930).

2011 - Joe Frazier, American boxer (b. 1944)

8.

“I believe Ronald Reagan can make this country what it once was. . . a large Arctic region covered with ice.”

9.

“It was so sweet backstage, you should have seen it: The Teamsters were helping Michael Moore into the trunk.”

BIRTHS 1728 1867 1879 1918 1926 1942 1942

- James Cook, English navy officer, explorer, and cartographer (d. 1779).

- Marie Curie, Polish chemist and physicist, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1934).

- Leon Trotsky, Russian theorist and politician, founded the Red Army (d. 1940).

- Billy Graham, American evangelist.

- Joan Sutherland, Australian soprano (d. 2010).

- Johnny Rivers, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer - Jean Shrimpton, English model and actress.

‘Simple Dreams’ COUNTRY MUSIC LindaCONCERT Ronstadt Tribute

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10

10. “A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.”

Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

3

Vets coming together

18 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 4733 3456

SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

By Dr. Tony Karolis

AS so many of you already know, the fires that tore through the Mountains last week have caused a great deal of harm and anxiety to both wildlife and local pets.

All the hospitals in the Penrith and Blue Mountains area have worked together to provide the best possible care for the affected animals possible.

Our Mountains hospital at 74 Murphy Street Blaxland worked with the RSPCA to help evacuate uninjured animals from the fire, while our 24-hour emergency service at Nepean Animal Hospital managed injured patients. We are still managing burns victims, some of whom will be in hospital for many days.

Of course, while that was occurring we were still dealing with our normal caseload of injured and sick patients.

One patient in particular Anais, the Bull Terrier has spent over 2 weeks in our hospital after getting a bone stuck in her throat, just over her heart. It required 2 major surgeries to remove the bone and clear up the ensuing pleurisy that developed.

Both Anais’s parents have spent hours by her side as she battled with her condition. Thankfully, their dedication along with the hard work of the 24-hour veterinary team helped her recover.

We have also had a lot of puppies born over the last couple of weeks.

Some pups were born naturally with a little patience and guidance from our vets, and some through caesarian. One poor mum had 13 healthy puppies removed during her caesarian. Now she just needs to look after them!!

Possum and dr kate during fires

Mummy dachshund giving birth at nepean animal hospital

Many people who breed dogs have discovered the benefit of having a vet and nurse on site 24 hours a day at Nepean Animal Hospital. They are able to bring their beautiful whelping girls in at any time day or night without the need to call in a half asleep vet to perform major surgery.

Many lives have been saved because of the new 24-hour service and the support of the surrounding Veterinary Hospitals has meant that the animals of the Nepean area and Blue Mountains are receiving an increasingly high level of veterinary care.

Thank you to all the generous people who offered to help in any way during the fires and thank you to the surrounding Veterinary Hospitals for trusting Nepean Animal Hospital to care for your irreplaceable patients and clients overnight.

It is often during the times that communities face their greatest threats that they also show their greatest strength. Well done to everyone for showing such solidarity and remember that for many families this journey is just beginning so do not forget to keep on looking for ways to help those in need.

WOW Penrith turns orange

NSW SES volunteers have spent around 400,000 hours helping their communities in times of storms, floods and other emergencies and Penrith residents are being encouraged to wear orange to recognise this massive effort.

With the help of NRMA Insurance, the NSW SES will be celebrating Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) on 13 November where schools, businesses, buildings and landmarks will go orange to support SES volunteers across Australia.

During storms, floods, rescues, and other natural disasters, the volunteers of the NSW SES are always there to come to the aid of the community in the worst of conditions.

WOW Day is a day of recognition and appreciation of the 40,000 SES volunteers across the country.

It focusses on encouraging the community to express their gratitude to SES volunteers in a highly visible way - by wearing the colour orange.

NSW SES Penrith Controller Scott Lynch said “WOW Day is an opportune time to show support for local volunteers.”

“This is a day when the constant and dedicated work NSW SES volunteers do for the community, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, is recognised in a public way,” Mr Lynch said.

“Seeing people wearing orange and decorating their workplaces and communities is a great way to support our volunteers who are in the NSW SES purely to help out someone when times are tough,” he/she said.

“Underneath their orange helmet in a howling storm you’ll always find a smile and good cheer,” he added.

NRMA Insurance Community and Alliances Manager, Megan Lupton said NSW SES volunteers are invaluable in helping NSW recover from severe weather.

“We have seen close up the devastation severe weather can bring.

This year NRMA Insurance worked alongside the NSW SES to help communities get back on their feet.

We are proud to work with the NSW SES and wish to say a huge thank you to the volunteers for their role in our communities,” said Ms Lupton.

Last year NSW SES volunteers contributed 397,438 hours to help the people of NSW. Not only did they assist people during storms and floods, but attended to 717 road crashes, provided support to NSW Police Force on 338 missing persons searches and responded to 423 tasks for remote and rural medical assistance through the NSW SES Community First Responder Units.

The NSW SES has 10,000

volunteers across the state that come from all walks of life. Volunteers range in age from 16 up to 80 and are involved in activities as diverse as flood rescue, tarping roofs, clearing

fallen trees, community education, operational logistics and planning, communications, and much more.

To find out how to become a NSW SES volunteer call 1800 201 000.

Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

3

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local news

Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I WOULD like to commend the Nepean News team for your coverage of the bush fire disaster. It really brought home the reality of what those poor people went through. Although the fires were a tragic event, I will be holding on to my copy of this edition as a keepsake due to the outstanding coverage your publication gave it.

Dale Broderick ****************************** THANK you to everyone who donated toys on Bin A Toy day last Sunday.

The day could never have been such a success without the help of the great sponsors - McDonald’s Penrith leagues, EZI Bins, Nepean News, Ross Hutchison, Greg Allchin, Cr Greg Davies, Aquaclear Werrington and PC Signage. Thank you Sydney, I’m sure everyone touched by the tragedy of the past few weeks will be most appreciative of everyone’s efforts. The Red Cross, Salvos, and the likes aren’t going to believe what’s coming their way.

Phil Vassallo ****************************** YOU wonderful people have absolutely HUGE hearts.

The recent fires in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and

neighbouring regions have left many people without homes but not without hope courtesy of the magnificent deeds of our communities.

The collective efforts of the State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Service teams minimised the loss of property and ensured there was no loss of human life, with their can do attitude reflective of the community spirit we wear proudly as a badge of honour.

My parliamentary colleagues Louise Markus and Senator Marise Payne were front and centre when it mattered most who together with her Blue Mountains State colleague Roza Sage made sure the people of the Mountains had a shoulder to lean on.

The efforts of Don Feltis and the team at Panthers who accommodated over 760 fire fighters from right across Australia to assist our local RFS was outstanding. Despite the long hours and tough conditions, the Firies were in high spirits when I visited them last week with many commenting Panthers had become a home away from home.

I also commend those local businesses who have made and continue to make an important contribution.

Storage King Penrith and Penrith Storm Chasing are just two organisations which collected donations of furniture and everyday necessities to supply to families as they arrived at evacuation and temporary accommodation centres.

Local real estate agent, Jim Aitken and Partners will be working with the NRMA to source suitable rental properties to support families who

WE would like to pass on our gratitude for the excellent work of the staff at Nepean Animal Hospital. Dr Tony Karolis and his team have far exceeded our expectations in the ongoing care of our Bull Terrier, Anais.

Late one night about two weeks ago we had to take Anais into the Animal Hospital as she was being sick and heaving up her food and water.

We didn’t know what was wrong with her and suspected she may have been poisoned. She was treated for this and returned home but the next morning she was still very ill. She was taken back in and they had to put her on a drip as she was very dehydrated due to not being able to keep anything down. The vets at the Animal Hospital located a piece of bone that was stuck in her throat. She underwent surgery to remove the bone. The surgery took a number of hours and the bone was successfully removed thanks to the skill and expertise of the vets. Anais had a large cut down her side and remained in their care for a few days being fed through a tube while heavily medicated. She was returned into our care however over the weekend her condition deteriorated. She was taken back to the Animal Hospital once again.

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Unfortunately Anais had contracted an infection as a result of the bone that was stuck in her throat, possibly due to the size of it and it had caused pressure on her lungs. Fluid had built up around her lungs and she was struggling to breathe. The fluid was drained and she was placed onto strong pain relief.

The vets indicated that she would have to go back into surgery again or the inevitable would happen. It took three veterinary surgeons several hours to remove dead tissue from her lungs and drain the fluid from her chest. After enduring 2 major surgeries in 8 days, Anais has pulled through and is on her way to making a full recovery.

The kind staff at the Animal Hospital keep us updated each day on how she is going and allow us to visit her there each day. We are incredibly grateful for the team of vets and nurses who dedicated their time and effort on getting Anais better. The service they provide is second to none and I highly recommend them to anyone with sick or ill pets. Whether you have a dog, cat or bird you can be assured peace of mind your pet is receiving the best care available. We cannot thank them enough for saving Anais. We wanted to write to Nepean News as we believe Nepean Animal Hospital deserve the recognition. Thank you Dr Tony Karolis, Dr Lee, Dr Erin and Kayla.

We know there are more of you and we apologise for not knowing all of your names.

Regards, Aaron and Crystal ****************************** Send your letters to our Editor: nepeannews@aol.com

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tragically lost their homes.

I congratulate everyone who has lent a hand and consider myself very fortunate to be proud to be a part of such a hardworking and compassionate community.

Fiona Scott MP Federal Member for Lindsay

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4732 2195

14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au

www.vicsmaxitransport.com.au

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

CROSSWORD

22 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

ACROSS 1 Wealth (7) 5 Put on clothes (7) 9 Pernicious (9) 10 What fish breathe with (5) 11 Inner spirit (7) 12 Dawn (7) 13 Crystal (9) 15 Secure or fasten (5) 17 Loose temporary stitches (5) 19 Space for movement (9) 22 Unsinkable ship (7) 25 Inate skills (7) 26 Pulsate (5) 27 Cover with zinc (9) 28 Courage (7) 29 Dragged the bottom of a harbor (7)

DOWN 1 Not succeeding (7) 2 Repeat payments to performers (9) 3 Take one’s clothes off (7) 4 Soften and moisturize skin (9) 5 Writing tables (5) 6 Causing the improvement in offspring (7) 7 Ragout (5) 8 Tropical starchy tuberous root (7) 14 Beset with controversy or conflict (9) 16 Existing in abundance (9) 17 Basin (7) 18 Give a title to someone (7) 20 Government financial assistance (7) 21 Give false information (7) 23 Latin for “Earth” (5) 24 Clever (5)

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David Leighton Blyton

REMEMBRANCE (or Armistice) Day on November 11th has come around for another year and therefore it seems fitting that another soldier from our area is honoured in this History Page. His name was Lance Corporal - David Leighton Blyton who enlisted at Liverpool NSW in July, 1915 at the age of 31 into the 19th Battalion Australian Imperial Force. His age was unusual and considered old at that time, but it didn’t stop him from enlisting and being accepted. He was born in December, 1884 at Dalgety (Cooma) to parents Thomas & Mary Ann Blyton (Nee Caldwell-Seanes) who later moved to Thomas Street in Granville from Eastern Creek. David worked as a labourer before the war. He embarked at Sydney on the “H.M.A.T. “Runic” in August, 1915 and arrived on Gallipoli in September. In October he was admitted to the 5th Field Ambulance Hospital on Gallipoli and was discharged after 11 days. David is transferred to the 18th Battalion, 2nd Division in October. He was on Gallipoli until the evacuation back to Egypt. The Division then sailed from Egypt and disembarked at Marseillaise, France in March, 1916.

Snow was falling heavily and in April the No. 1 ANZAC Corps was informed that the 2nd Division were required to take over the line south-east of Armentieres that had been held by the 34th Division. On the 12th April, 1916 - 34,003 men & 7,545 animals that belonged to the 1st ANZAC Mounted Regiment Corps were allotted to the 2nd Army British Expeditionary Forces. Troops were marched daily along roads to toughen them up and there was a rifle range at Morbecque where practice was carried out and they were marched through trenches filled with chlorine gas to test out their gas helmets. Experiments were also carried out on how to handle liquid fire attacks. Officers & NCOs’ were also picked to attend schools for trench mortar work, sniping, bombing & other training.

Lectures were given on preventing frost bite. On the 19th June, 1916 he was admitted to the 18th General Hospital Camiers with gun shot wounds to the hands chest and transferred on the “H.S. Stad Antwerpen” from Calais to the 4th Northern General Hospital in Lincoln, England on the 24th June, 1916. He was discharged from the hospital on the 3rd July, 1916 and after 9 days he was transferred to the Harefield hospital. On the 12th July, 1916 he was transferred from Harefield hospital to the Military Convalescent Hospital at Epsom. On the 18th August, 1916 he was released from hospital and proceeded to join the No. 1 Composite Depot at Pelham Downs.

Classed as “A” (fit for general service) he proceeded overseas on the 24th November, 1916 from Folkstone on the “S.S. Onward” to France with the 5th Training Battalion. In February, 1917 he was promoted to Lance-Corporal in the field in France and on the same

day he was admitted to the hospital suffering from gun shot wounds to the hand, back and legs.

He died on the 14th February, 1917 at the age of 33 years at the 45th Casualty Clearing Station in France. He was buried at Dernancourt cemetery

by Rev. R J Penistan. Field ambulances used this Communal Cemetery for Commonwealth burials from September 1915 to August 1916, and again during the German advance of March 1918. It contains 127 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. David’s personal effects came home via the “Wiltshire” on the 18th August, 1917 to his mother, Mary who was the beneficiary according to David’s Will drawn up in France in 1916.

Mary was still living at Eastern Creek at that time. David’s personal possessions included an Identity disc, Metal ring, Scissors, Metal Mirror, Letters, Cards, Photos, 2 Wallets, 2 Brushes, Wristlet watch (damaged), Mirror (damaged) and Handkerchief. Another package came on the “Euripidies” on the 8th January, 1918 with the following items:- a Bible, Pipe, Fountain Pen, Metal Match Box, Buttons, 2 Metal rings, Metal Brooch, 3 Badges, 2 Hotel Souvenirs, Safety Razor, Razor Strop, Razor Blades, Tin Box and a Souvenir Medallion. Precious items for a mother to keep reminding her of a loving son lost. In 1917 a memorial service was held at his parent’s residence at Eastern Creek. Mary was the second wife of Charles Blyton, David’s father. They were married in Cooma in 1880. Mary was born in Scotland in 1849 and died at Granville in 1925 at the age of 76 years. She is buried in Rookwood Cemetery. David had an older sister, Louisa (Theresa) Blyton who was born in Cooma in 1882. She married Percy John Green at St Marys in 1908. She died in 1914 at St Leonards at the age of 32 years. David’s service records gives us a personal glimpse of the man who enlisted as being almost 5” 11” tall, his weight being 154 lbs, his complexion was described as “fresh” with grey eyes and dark hair. He held a Commonwealth Bank Account and a Life insurance with the “Australian T & G Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd”. I would say a much “grounded” man. A request that on the 11th of November at 11 o’clock, stop to remember David and all those who sacrificed and died and all those who are still fighting and dying so that we remain free. To all those loved ones young and old – may god bless you all and keep you safe. We do not glorify war but we do remember. LEST WE FORGET. The photo of David is one of many who graced the two Honour Boards of the St Mary Magdalene Church of England Church and now on permanent display at the St Marys Historical Society headquarters.

Source: WW1 Service Records & Family information Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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23 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

nepean history

24

real estate

Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

First National Real Estate’s Golden West Growth FIRST National Real Estate has announced the expansion of its Sydney western suburbs network with the addition of a new office in Claremont Meadows.

Former co-director of First National Glenmore Park, Colleen Prestedge says the arrival of First National in Claremont Meadows will bring a specific focus on real estate services that the suburb has been waiting for.

“Claremont Meadows’ population now exceeds 4,000 and, as with many of the Greater West’s suburbs, residents are seeking services closer to home. That applies as much to real estate services as it does to general services like supermarkets, bottle shops, chemists and the like” says Ms Prestedge.

Having taken over Property Plus, an existing estate agency based within the Claremont Meadows Shopping Centre, Ms Prestedge will rebrand the agency and commence trading as First National Claremont Meadows from early November.

First National Real Estate is confidently growing its Western Sydney network and already has well-established operations stretching from Castle Hill to Penrith, taking in Dural, Kellyville, Glenmore Park, Mount Druitt and Plumpton.

First National chief executive, Ray Ellis says Colleen Prestedge’s

30 years of experience spans local and Commonwealth Government property sectors as well as residential real estate and land sales in the Glenmore Park area.

“Colleen has an exceptional track record, both as a local business owner and estate agent. Our network is delighted to have the opportunity to expand into Claremont Meadows, with full confidence in her abilities to deliver on the network’s promise – We put you first”.

Ms Prestedge will be announcing a number of technological developments in the coming months, once First National Claremont Meadows opens its doors.

“Real estate today requires a significant grasp of technology and First National Claremont Meadows will lead the field in its adoption of customer management systems, Quality Assurance and communications systems” says Ms Prestedge.

“Without effective communication, opportunities can be lost, but First National Claremont Meadows will implement cutting edge strategies that assure customers are kept up to date with news of new listings that are relevant to them only.

Target marketing is king, whether you are buying, selling or renting.”

“We will offer our clients a range of benchmark services and technology

while maintaining and growing our local expertise and knowledge,” says Ms Prestedge.

“We’ll be bringing discipline and new focus to Claremont Meadows, Werrington, Cambridge Park, St Marys and St Clair.”

A key aim of First National Real Estate is that members are recognised as among the best real estate agents in strategic areas. The network also

prides itself on web and technology based marketing strategies that expedite the sale process and facilitate superior customer service.

For more information: Contact First National Claremont Meadows principal, Colleen Prestedge on 0419 650 947, email colleen@ fnclaremontmeadows.com.au

Real estate demand is hot With Steve Beard

Select Mortgage Broker

OVER the last few months, the media has been buzzing with stories about the escalating house prices in Sydney and most capital cities. Prices rose 1.1% across all the capitals last month alone.

These historically low home loan interest rates are continuing to increase people’s confidence in borrowing to purchase homes to live in or investment properties to rent out.

The great news is that if you want to sell a property or you want to downsize, now is a great time to get a high price for your current property.

Market demand has not been this strong since 2008 or before. That is because there are a lot more buyers than sellers so the sellers (or vendors) are in the driving seat now for the first time in over 5 years, especially locally.

Also, you will get great returns if you have an investment property to rent out as there are more people looking to rent than properties available.

Sadly though, this problem has got a lot worse in the Penrith and the Lower Mountains area due to the tragic loss of 200 local homes in the recent bush fires. All of these families need somewhere to live all of a sudden. On average only 60 per cent of people insure their homes so those who did have insurance will get a new home over the next 12 months.

But they still need a place to live until their new homes are ready to be occupied.

So rental demand is a lot higher now as we have another 200 families needing somewhere to live on top of the usual demand for rental properties.

There was a report from a local real estate agent saying that a land lord wanted to take advantage of the bush fires and increase the rent above the

Do you have time to compare over 30 lenders?

normal market price. Personally, I don’t know how you could sleep at night by taking advantage of other people’s horrific circumstances.

By the way, everyone needs to have their main assets of their home, life, income and health insured.

Don’t let statistics catch you out as the consequences of no or underinsurance are usually very dramatic and life changing to you and your family.

“How long do you think this strong demand will stay in place,” I here you ask? In my opinion, experience tells me that these low home interest rates will remain for the most of next year which will keep the demand strong. The main thing that will affect demand going forward is the fear of unemployment.

If people fear that they may lose their income or even part of their income from less overtime etc, then confidence always reduces which will flow onto reduced demand.

They have been regular stories of companies looking to downsize around the country and so far not too many in Sydney, but media stories of retrenchments and business failures and any material increase in the unemployment rates always have an impact.

Also, we now know that the Coalition is running the Federal Parliament which has also probably contributed positively to the general confidence of some businesses and consumers. Let’s hope that the federal public servants who are retrenched don’t affect the demand to purchase or the demand to rent too much!

Maybe a good time to think about selling your investment property in Canberra perhaps!

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au

Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

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Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

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Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

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Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

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Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

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Veteran Golf at Glenmore VETERAN golfers at Glenmore Heritage Valley joined the WSVGA(Western Sydney Veteran Golfers’ Association) as a new member club from the start of 2012.

With an initial group of 42 players, this has since grown to around the 60 mark.

The mission is to foster Veterans golf in the Western Sydney region through a calendar of events hosted by member clubs and endorsed by the WSVGA. The aim is to encourage golf to be played in a spirit of keen competition and good fellowship with a strong emphasis on social interchange.

Following a very successful first year, Glenmore Veteran members requested increasing the playing dates from twice a month to a weekly competition. This was done early part of 2013 and has proved to be very encouraging with the size of field continuing to increase.

In addition to home games, eight Inter-Club events have been held so far this year. All of the events have been very successful, promoting

friendships and a healthy environment for all.

In addition to the prizes awarded on the day of the competition, all of the clubs play for both the coveted Inter-club Trophy and player of the year awards for best male and female player. Glenmore Veterans have successfully defended their 2012 Inter-club Trophy wining the trophy again for 2013 season.

Elaine Lovatt from Glenmore Vets won the award for player of the year in the female division with Jean Kenyon of Glenmore coming a close second.

Unfortunately Glenmore was not able to win player of the year for the men, however the Vets have 4 players in the top 10 which is a solid foundation to build from for next year.

If you are interested in Veterans golf, why don’t you come and talk to a friendly staff at Glenmore pro shop?

Upcoming events for the remainder of the year are as follows; Weekly Tuesday events, Melbourne cup day event, Foursomes competition November 19th & 26th, Christmas competition December 17th.

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29 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

G

on the mark

MG

30 Nepean News 7 November 2013 Issue 112

WITH MARK GEYER

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH MY “MEAGS” I WAS sitting back this past weekend thinking about a personal milestone that my wife Meagan and I had accomplished - 20 years together as a married couple.

In a day and age where divorce and separation rates are through the roof, I felt a sense of fulfilment and pride that it really was love at first sight with Meags.

It was back in 1986 and I was 18.

A bunch of mates and I were at Penrith Park watching some junior trials when I saw this lovely girl and asked one of my mates if he knew who she was.

He didn’t know. I had to find out.

Twenty minutes later I was informed that she was Greg Alexander’s sister, Meagan.

Yep it was the Panthers’ best ever player, “Brandy” Alexander’s sister.

He was already a star first grader back then and I was plying my trade in the under 23’s.

By the end of the trial game we were watching I decided I had to at least say something to her. But it never eventuated. I think we may

have locked eyes once but I thought I’d blown it by being a tad shy.

Fast forward a couple of weeks to our presentation night at Penrith and my heart skipped a beat when I saw her stroll into the room with Greg and their mum, plus her two other brothers, Peter and Ben. Ben, I later discovered had been playing in the trial game we had been watching.

This time I wasn’t going to let slip the opportunity to chat to her. With a couple of cold ales under the belt and a mighty big trophy for a year to remember, I made that scary walk across the room.

We spoke for ages and hit it off instantly. Now some 26 years later I realise that those early days of courting Meagan were some of the best of my life.

Her family were a lot like mine so it turned out, and I remember the first night I stayed over, waking up on the lounge with Ben staring at me with a huge smile on his face.

I know I’m being self-indulgent

here but if it wasn’t for that night 26 years ago when I met my wife and the mother of our five kids, I honestly don’t know where I’d be now.

I love my wife more than anything, and I consider myself the luckiest man in the world because of it.

Her mum, Leonie, and the rest of the Alexander clan are as much my family as my very own are.

But I will finish with a quick tale of Brandy’s ‘uncertainty’ at the time about whether Meags should be going out with me.

I met Meagan in October, 1986, the Australian Kangaroos, of which Brandy was a member, were leaving for their tour of England and France a couple of weeks after.

A month had past and things were still going well for Meags and me when she decided to write Brandy a letter to tell him of our relationship.

In the letter Meagan explained to her brother that she was seeing someone. That he was a footballer and he played in Penrith’s under 23’s

team.

A month later, a couple of weeks before Christmas, his return envelope arrived.

“That’s great news Meags, you sound happy,” he wrote.

“I know a few of the 23’s players and they all seem like good blokes, a couple of them are a bit crazy, especially a kid called Mark Geyer but on the whole a decent bunch of blokes “So which player have you been seeing?”

She never wrote back to tell him she was seeing the ‘crazy one’ but he did get a bit of a shock when I tagged along with the rest of the fam to welcome him home from the successful tour.

Brandy is like a brother to me, if not closer, and we have been through lots together.

But the best thing he has ever given me is his blessing to take out his sister.

Something I have never taken for granted.

Young Panthers cap a successful year

By Noel Rowsell

FINISHING a tournament in eighth position is not your usual headline story but when you are the smallest team in the tournament and the tournament includes the top 24 teams in Australia, that result takes on a whole new significance.

Penrith’s Under 14 representative boys team had previously finished as the No1 team in Sydney in the Metropolitan Championships, then as runners-up in the State Championships, before heading north to Darwin to compete in the Australian Under 14 Club titles.

The young Panthers started the championships in a rush, defeating Southern Peninsula Sharks 52-42, the South Adelaide Panthers 65-36, the Cairns Marlins 64-54 and the Bulleen Boomers 52-39, although the most telling result was the hard-fought 2924 loss to the NSW Champions, the Illawarra Hawks.

That one loss would ultimately guide the Panthers fortunes for the remainder of the tournament, with the youngsters drawn against the eventual gold medal winners, Dandenong Rangers, in the quarter finals.

The powerhouse Victorian team recorded a powerful 74-38 win over the Panthers, sending the local youngsters down to the fifth-eighth qualification games.

A 56-40 loss to the Gold Coast Waves, who would eventually finish in fifth position, sent the Panthers into the playoff for seventh and eighth positions.

Fate refused to smile on the Panthers final game, with the youngsters falling 38-35 to the Hawthorn Magic to wind up in overall in eighth position.

Head coach Curtis Sardi was delighted with the performances of his charges throughout the tournament.

“We were the smallest team in the Top 12 but we managed to beat the team which finished fourth (Cairns Marlins) and only lost to the team which came third (Illawarra Hawks) by five points,” Curtis said.

“We had a great year, finishing first in Sydney, second in NSW and third in the entire country.”

“It’s the best finish ever by a Penrith team at the Under 14 Nationals and I’m very proud of the group!”

“It would great to say a big ‘thank you’ to The McDonalds Carton Group

Penrith under 14 Men’s head coach, Curtis Sardi, addresses his young team during a time-out. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Penrith for sponsoring our team with $2,000, Ample Air conditioning with $500 and Soulsports for making all of our gear at a discounted price and for their continued support to Penrith Basketball.”

The Penrith under 14 women also competed at the National U14 Club Championships, finishing in 14th position overall but winning the Bronze Medal in the second-tier Shield Division.

Bintu Salawu was the stand-out performer for the Panthers, finishing the tournament with an average 14.4 points per game.

The full Penrith team was: Alannah Mackenzie, Binta Salawu, Ella Berryman, Grace Kuypers, Isabella Richardson, Natalie Achampong, Olivia Schneider, Sarah Creanor, T’Keyah Smith, Tiana Watts, assistant coach Rod Miskle and head coach Leonie Moore.

Ask Box Head Box Head is a vital part of the Storage King Penrith team and apparently knows everything. Did you know Box Head can juggle 67 things at once and was the inventer the super computer. If you have an interesting question for Box Head? Simply email him at penrith@storagking.com.au and look out for it in the next issue of Nepean News.

QUESTION: Now Box Head, what is the best way to box up my house hold goods?

- Daisy ANSWER: Hi Daisy, can I say that is a pretty name. A more important questions I ask you is, did you know that Box Head is single? For realz.

Now, the best way to box your items is with the quality Storage King boxes. Book boxes are great for books, (so I’ve been told). And tea chest boxes which are great for tea chests (or just tea). And you can always get them at your favourite local Storage King store.

Now Daisy, did you know that Italian food is one of the most popular restaurants for a first date and women are most attracted to men who wear blue on the date. Just saying.

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Thursday, 7 November 2013

Santa is taking your Christmas orders NOW!!!!

Framing in Penrith since 1987

Unit 4, 116 Batt St, Penrith

sport

HARPO’S MARKS ME and the trouble ‘n’ strife went down to the rub-a-dub-dub to down a couple of Bella Lagunas of Dr Resch’s with a few China Plates and their two-wheelers.

After my Wally Grout, I had to have a hit ‘n’ miss, returned to eat my Nellie Bligh with dead horse after which the missus and I hit the frog and toad and headed home.

Which in a roundabout way brings me to an anecdote I will share with you about the remarkable Edgar Britt who celebrated his 100th birthday last week.

Edgar is one of the most beloved and respected people in the history of thoroughbred racing worldwide.

The centurion was one of the greatest jockeys to ever throw his leg over a gee-gee.

In an illustrious riding career (1930-59) Edgar won a swag of topclass races in Australia, England, France, the US and India.

He rode successfully against many of the greatest riders the world

has ever seen – Sir Gordon Richards, Scobie Breasley, Billy Cook, Darby Munro and Lester Piggott.

Edgar kicked home his first winner, Gypsy King, at Sydney’s Canterbury track in January 1930 – filling the pigskin at just 31kg (4st 13lb).

The hoop was also successful at his final appearance in the saddle in 1959 at the English track, Lincoln.

Altogether he had 10,000 or so rides and was first to greet the judge in 2000 races – a remarkable strike rate.

In 2004, Edgar was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to horse racing as a jockey, commentator and journalist and later the same year was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Back to that anecdote!

In the late 70’s I was working for the Daily Mirror and Edgar, an articulate and thoughtful man, was contributing articles to the Sunday Telegraph.

I was covering the races at Randwick one Saturday afternoon and after interviewing the connections following a race – Jack Denham was the trainer so- you can guess it wasn’t much of an interview - I headed for one of the telephone cubicles in Press Room 2 to ring through the story to the Sunday Mirror copytaker.

After hanging up, I swung open the cubicle door, grabbed a newspaper off a nearby table and announced to all and sundry that I was off for an “Edgar Britt”.

I then glanced over to the corner of the press room and there sat the man himself.

“Aaah, sorry Edgar,” I said.

Edgar just smiled, slowly shook his head and said, “Harpo”.

HIGH MARKS: Happy birthday Edgar Britt.

LOW MARKS: Knowing I’ll never get within coo-ee of that milestone. Still, let’s punt high and follow through!

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