First in the Field
Written for my 50th birthday by Bruce Sharp member of Rotary Club of Rockdale , Sydney ; artist , photographer and gymnast in 1956 Olympics Melbourne.
January 2004
We’re gathered today in this opulent place
As friends of a fair maiden blessed with brains, talent and grace
It’s such a short while since the world saw her entry
Who can believe that it’s been half a century
But the time has flown by and we sit here impressed
At what she has achieved, one could never have guessed
She hails from Newcastle, a wonderful town
And known as the birthplace of people of renown
She came to the big smoke and there made her mark
Among pupils and teachers and pollies that bark
She resides in St George where there once was a racetrack
She’s writing a history to bring it all back
Throughout every school day with each wonderful girl
She teaches them skills to get on in the world
She joined Rockdale Rotary as its first female resident
It’s not very long before she’s the President
And she’s in Local Government, the debates and the fights
She’ll stand up for her principles and defend women’s rights
For she can handle the heavies, their innuendos and dirt
They know what they are up against when they mix with this skirt
Capricorn is her star sign, the sign of the goat
The sign of ambition and winning the vote
The sign of tradition of serving her town
Of wooing the media and winning renown
As it says in the Leader “It’s Field’s passionate push
For more female pollies … we’ll get swamped in the rush
Whatever she’s into, she’s sure out to win
But with so many great projects she spreads herself thin
Though she’s quiet spoken and serious, it’s more than a rumour
That under the façade there’s a great sense of humour
She likes a good yarn, stories and jokes
If she wasn’t so busy she’d have lots more blokes
And then there’d be trouble for jockey, pollie or cop
Though she’d start at the bottom, she’d end up on top
She’s better off with King Charles, the girl and the boy
They’ll always be faithful and bring her much joy
She calls them her babies, it’s love to distraction
If she doesn’t get rabies she’ll be drowned in affection
Into history and art, she likes opera and ballet
Or off to the vineyards in the lush Hunter valley
To her Mum and her Dad she’s shown lifetime devotion
In their sunset they’ve received her love like an ocean
True to her friends she’s got ‘em all organised
She’s generous and kind, much more than they have realised
In today’s summer outfit she’s looking quite nifty
Who could ever believe that she’s today turning fifty
So it gives us a reason to celebrate with one voice
A toast to Queen Anne, all her subjects rejoice.
