PO Box 391
Kogarah 2217
Sydney
Web sites: annefield.net.au and annefieldauthor.com
Facebook Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah
November 25 2019
Christmas Newsletter 2019
Dear relatives and friends,
Another year has flown by all too quickly and the Festive Season is upon us. I hope that you have had a fulfilling and healthy year.
This year I have arranged my annual newsletter into subject areas.
My year was taken up with the extensive planning of a long overdue overseas trip for late September, Moorefield Racecourse matters , F6 freeway meetings ,varied social activities, exercises classes as well as swimming and walking Harry , my devoted Cavalier. I sometimes work on my writing late at night and are accompanied by Harry’s dulcet tones of snoring- deep snores or gentle snores .I have travelled far during 2019 and met many interesting people in the course of my travels.
Travel 2019
“Travelling it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller “ lbn Battuta
In late February 2019, I went to Wollongong for a few days. Harry had some teeth out at Rhonda’s vet, so I took the opportunity to catch up with a few people: Mark Norman, Library Manager when I was at Kogarah Council and is now Manager at Wollongong City Council Library ; Nerry Stark Val Everingham and her husband, Brian ,parents of former students in the 1980’s. Nerry , Val , Brian and I lunched in Berry, and had a great time talking – for some time I must confess. A friend joined me in enjoying the scenic South Coast.
In late July 2019, I visited Goulburn for a few days as a trial run for the cold weather in Scotland in October. A friend again joined me as we enjoyed a day at Goulburn Races, a visit to Crookwell and Laggan, an alpaca farm and eating out at some lovely cafes and the local Clubs.
I flew out of Sydney on a Cathay Pacific flight on September 29 2019 bound for Hong Kong for a few days, then to Amsterdam on October 4 2019 and onto Glasgow with KLM on October 9 2019 to visit relatives. And on October 14 2019 , I joined a Collette 8 day tour of the Scottish Highlands. I can now cross the Isle of Skye and the Orkneys off my bucket list! I have visited Scotland on a few occasions since 1975, but I had never had the opportunity to comprehensively see the Highlands. The Scottish scenery was superb as were the hotels, the food and the hospitality.
The story of my adventure is on annefield.net.au –in the blog. Some photos are included at the end of the article.
It was a delight to visit cities such as Amsterdam and Edinburgh,who value their wonderful buildings. I would love to return to the Orkneys (59 degrees North) in summer when there are 19 hours of sunlight- a unique geographic and historic part of Scotland.
Piper 
Bridge of Carr at Carrbridge 
Border Collies at Leault Farm Kingcraig near Aviemore 
Dunrobin Castle near Golpsie 
Skara Brae in the Orkneys 
Anne and Joy on the ferry from the Orkneys to the mainland
Moorefield Racecourse 2019
Writing a book involves much more than producing your book –guest talks, keeping up to date with people who have made a contribution to your publication, writing articles on Moorefield for my two websites, and my Moorefield Racecourse Facebook site. And maintaining contact with Katya , my publisher, is very important. In 2020, Katya will be able to set up my book as an e book.
On January 23 2019, Bob, my amazing 80 year old video producer and I launched our 2 hour Moorefield Racecourse video at a champagne afternoon tea at Greengate, St Patricks Green In Kogarah. Greengate overlooks the former racecourse and is next to St Patricks Church; it was an appropriate place to have a soft launch for my video. It was an honour to work with Bob, who is excellent with the camera. And a special thanks to St Patricks Green, for providing the lovely afternoon tea and venue in which to hold the launch.
Former Moorefield Racecourse jockeys attended: Ray Selkrig, Cliff Clare, and Ted Mills. Ted and Ray both rode in the first race at the last Moorefield Race Meeting, July 14 1951! Anne Munsie (Norm) and Colleen Rincheval ( John) the widows of jockeys associated with Moorefield attended ,as well as many other guests. John also rode in Ceylon in 1952.
Sadly, I learned in early February of Warwick Mead’s passing in Coffs Harbour. Warwick had been a great help with Bob Mead’s photos and newspaper articles on Bob’s racing career. On February 14, 2019 Alf Leslie passed away, aged almost 97. Alf had been a wonderful help, over many years, by facilitating contact for me with Kogarah Golf Club, as well as providing me with photos of the demolition by Kogarah Golf Club of the Tote Building from Moorefield. Tributes to both Warwick and Alf were posted to my Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah Facebook site.
On March 16 2019, Bob and I were invited to the St George Historical Society monthly meeting where we showed Part One of the Moorefield video. At the end of March, I arranged for Jim Griffiths, Moorefield’s oldest jockey alive at 90 (to my knowledge) to receive a copy of my video. On March 31 2019 Russell Town, who was an interview subject, received his video from me at his Miranda Nursing Home. On April 2 2019, I delivered a copy of my video to Racing NSW and caught up for lunch in the City with Ted Mills, former jockey to give him his video.
On April 3 2019, I received an email from Gopi Selvaratnam, horse trainer in Dubai. This was to be the beginning of many emails with valuable information on Australian jockeys who rode for his grandfather and father in Ceylon, India and Pakistan. Gopi’s Aunt married Australian jockey,Ted Fordyce. Gopi put me in contact with his brother Dhruba.
My article on annefield.net.au “Australian Jockeys Riding in India , Ceylon and Pakistan “ continues to be read widely. Occasionally, I receive feedback from family members who were aware of a jockey riding overseas, or who might be looking for information. This feedback is appreciated as this part of our racing history is scant with details.
Bob and I, attended Heritage at Australian Turf Club for a tour on April 4 2019. I presented a copy of my video to Heritage. On April 9 2019, Bayside Council received two videos, which are for general loan. Pat Craney interviewed me on Community Radio on April 16 2019- the interview topic was my Moorefield video.
Georges River Council hosted the official launch in Kogarah Library, of my Moorefield video on April 27 2019 to acknowledge Heritage Month in Kogarah. I provided videos to Council for each of their local libraries. In early May, I sent a copy of my video to Sandra Swinton, Ted Swinton’s widow in Port Macquarie. Sandra was to watch it with Neil Snodgrass, who is almost 100 and was a former groundsman at Moorefield Racecourse. Ted was a Moorefield jockey, who also rode in Ceylon.
On May 10 2019, Bob and I attended the 25th National Trust Heritage Awards Luncheon at Doltone House , Pyrmont. I had entered my video into the awards. It was lovely to see a couple of my former students from the mid 1980’s and the early 1990’s, who had also submitted entries- Vivian Sioutas , her sister Marietta Sioutas and Kate Lenertz.
On June 8 2019, I was delighted to receive Dhruba Selvaratnam’s book ”A Racing Family From Ceylon “. It makes for a fascinating read and covers Australian jockeys, who rode for the family in Ceylon, India and in Pakistan. Dhruba has retired as a horse trainer in Dubai; however his brother, Gopi currently trains in Dubai. Gopi’s son is currently in England learning to be a horse trainer –this will then be 4 generations of horse trainers; an amazing racing achievement for this family.
I presented James Cook Boys Technology High School with their video, on July 14 2019, at the before school assembly.
August 6 2019, I addressed the John the Bosco Friendship Group in Engadine; August 14 2019, I was the guest speaker for Oatley Probus; August 21 2019 I presented my Moorefield book to Georges River Council Library for public loan, and on August 23 2019, a video was given to the State Library in Macquarie Street , Sydney.
Bill Wade’s daughter, Sue and I met on September 6 2019 in Kogarah. Bill, a well -known Newcastle jockey, who is now 90, had ridden for the Selvaratnam family in Ceylon in the 1950’s. Sue brought with her some personal correspondence between Gopi and Dhruba’s grandfather and her father – amazing racing history.
September 11 2019, I addressed the Sans Souci Garden Club for one hour on two topics – Moorefield Racecourse and my Message in Bottle story.(subject of my You Tube: Anne’s Adventure) I dedicated my talk to the late Russell Town, who passed away on September 10 2019, aged almost 89. Russell had checked my research during the mid to late 1990’s, and we chatted on the phone in later years. A tribute to Russell was also posted to my Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah Facebook site.
At the conclusion of my Sans Souci Garden Club talk, a lady gave me 2 aerial maps of Moorefield and a Deposited Plan map of the Estate. Her son, who is a surveyor and a former student of James Cook Boys Technology High School, has always had an interest in local history. I thanked her very much for the maps.
On September 11 2019, Michael Raffaele, grandson of Jack Raffaele, contacted me by email, to tell me that his grandfather rode for the Selvaratnam family in Ceylon. There is a photo of Jack in Dhruba’s book.
On October 1 2019, whilst in Amsterdam, I met with Topsy, a 90 year old Australian lady.Topsy found me on my website in approximately March 2016, and we have emailed each other since April 2016. Her father’s sister was married to Maurice McCarten, former Moorefield jockey and later a significant trainer. I met Cecelia McCarten, Maurice’s daughter in the late 1990’s.
Topsy left Sydney by sea in 1956, married a Dutchman and settled in The Netherlands. It was wonderful to have had the opportunity to meet on October 5 2019, with Topsy and her daughter, Petronella in my Amsterdam hotel.
And on Melbourne Cup day, November 5 2019 I was guest speaker at Hurstville Probus, staying on to enjoy their Melbourne Cup luncheon at Penhurst RSL. A great day as I also backed Prince of Arran, second place getter in the 159th Melbourne Cup.
Thanks to Leesha for her ongoing work on my Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah Facebook site, and to Graham Caves for providing information on jockeys and other racing matters throughout the year.
The Races 2019
My busy year has restricted my race day visits. However, each race day visit to the track is enjoyable and fun.
April 13 Randwick with Lillian -Winx farewell day ; May 25 Randwick with Dorothy ; July 22 Goulburn ; August 24 Randwick with Kathryn and Sophie ; October 1 Chinese National Day meeting at ShaTin in Hong Kong.
I first visited Sha Tin in June 2013. This time, I went on a horse racing tour and was joined by 8 Victorians – 6 were horse owners, and one gentleman worked currently for Kilmore Racing Club. We enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch in the International Visitors Room. And before race 5, four of us ladies went to the covered mounting yard to watch the horses parade. We were leaning against the fence; Australian jockey, Zac Purton said hello to me (made my day) as he and his mount went by. We photographed various parts of the course, such as the winning post and the huge screen. Of course we had a number of bets during the day, and lots of laughs and good conversation.
A number of Australian jockeys ride in Hong Kong, and there are a number of Australians who train here. The punter is king in Hong Kong and without them the industry would not survive.
F6 Freeway matters, Council and Community
Residents and the Moorefield Estate F6 Committee have continued to present their detailed submissions on the F6 Freeway to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. I continued to draft newsletters on the F6 Freeway, which are then sent to update the residents on our email list.
January 8 2019, a site meeting took place on the Estate with Department of Planning Officers and Dr Arthur White, a local resident and wetland expert was also in attendance; July 29 2019 the Committee met with Department of Planning Officers in the City. I produced aerial photos of Moorefield Racecourse to highlight where Patmore Swamp is actually located!
March 23 2019, NSW State election day, Bob and I were immersed in the wetlands filming first on the Bicentennial Park side, and then on the Civic Avenue, Kogarah side. An impressive video on the Rockdale Wetlands resulted from our hard work. It has been posted to You Tube and has been shared around to other sites. It shows the beauty of our wonderful wetlands.
On June 15 2017, Dr Gary Darby and I photographed the houses in the streets around St George Girls High School , Kogarah , as the area was to be rezoned for 11- 12 storeys of high rise. By early April 2019, demolition of 15 houses on the southern side of Regent Street was underway- construction by Level 33 started in early November 2019. The character of Kogarah is to sadly change forever.
August 2 2019, I attended the Georges River Council Mayoral Ball, which is always a glamorous occasion. The ball was a fundraiser this year for the Salvation Army.
September 7 2019, I attended the Ron Rathbone History Award for Bayside Council at Rockdale Library. The awards started in 2006, and bring a wealth of historical information to Council. Maxine Gray, then Shaw, former school canteen lady at St George Girls, entered this year’s award. September 17 2019, I attended the morning Strategic Planning Consultation at Bayside Council .
I have kept up to date with local Council news by attending dinners with Liz, and beach walks then afternoon coffee or lunch with Kathryn. Both ladies are former Councillor colleagues of mine.
Social Outings in 2019
Age does not weary Lillian – she and I kept up a consistent social pace during the year to a diversity of interesting venues.
January 11 lunch at Rosas in the stunning Strand Arcade, Sydney with Lynette, a heritage consultant , joining us; January 23 launch of my video at St Patricks Green in Kogarah ; February 17 Guild Theatre Rockdale; April 13 Winx Farewell Day at Royal Randwick ; April 21 lunch at Mosman Rowers; May 12 Thelma and Louse Café Neutral Bay Wharf; July 27 Dutch Shop Smithfield; August 7 The Torrents performed at the Drama Theatre Sydney Opera House; August 13 day trip to Berrima Alpaca House (Harry came too) ; August 30 Scottish Lunch at Mosman Council ;September 8 Sydney Male Choir at the Sydney Town Hall; September 27 lunch at the Old Vienna Coffee Lounge in the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney with Maria joining us; November 5 Melbourne Cup day luncheon at Penshurst RSL.
I caught up with a few former teaching colleagues throughout the year. Mrs Beryl Hatton and Mr Ken Jagelman attended my video launch on January 23, 2019. I also lunched with Jenny and Patricia. During the year, I bumped into a number of former students.
On May 19 2019 , two former St George Girls walked past me, as I was sitting with a friend outside my favourite Sans Souci café , Café Bella Dee–they walked back again, stood in front of me , and looked at me and said ‘Miss Field!” Joy (a recently appointed Griffith Magistrate) and Freda were Year 12 in 1986. I lunched with Jessica on August 10 and Valerie in Admiralty, Hong Kong on September 30.
A few special dinners have taken place –January 24 2019 at Omeros on the Beach at Ramsgate to acknowledge the completion of my Moorefield video. Lots of hard work and many hours of time went into this Moorefield video – a labour of love. On September 12 2019, 90 year old Patricia (a former St Georgian) and I had lunch in Kogarah. On November 13 2019, Bob and I dined at Chez Pascale Restaurant in Sans Souci, so Bob could hear about my overseas holiday adventures. Monsieu Chef also entertained us …
The Get Fit Regime 2019
Ijoined a local weekly exercise class in early May 2019. The teacher had taught at Kogarah High for some time and knew me! The class is most beneficial in helping my creaky joints, which I have now achieved as a result of age .. UGH
I continue to swim and enjoy it. Swimming is very therapeutic for the spine and the mind – it keeps me focused. And Harry gets walked, which is good exercise for me.
Next Year
I must complete my children’s book. This year, a friend became quite ill in late April, and was hospitalised until July 4 2019. I spent time with hospital visits, and as a result my children’s book was sidelined.
I will catch up with my school friend, Anne in Perth and we will travel to Monkey Mia to see the wonderful dolphins. I was last in Monkey Mia with Harold in 2004, to celebrate my birthday (no 40)–such wonderful memories of a stunning coastline and a great holiday.
My next visit to Scotland will be via Dubai so that I can meet Gopi. Emirates fly to Dubai and then direct to Glasgow. I need to return to Glasgow to undertake research on my Grannie’s story. I may stay in student accommodation at the University of Glasgow, when it is in recess.
Next year, in early November, the American election will be held and I have always wanted to see a US election. I became friends on my Scottish tour with 4 ladies and one gentleman from Mansfield in Ohio. We exchanged addresses, with an invitation to visit each other in our respective countries.
Quotable Quotes in 2019 There were a number , I have only chosen three.
March 22 Kogarah
I was on my way to the City and was walking across the road from St George Private Hospital , Kogarah towards the station. A lady came running along side me: “Miss Field, it is Lisa “
We chatted for a while, and she reminded me that she was 1989 HSC year. Lisa then said to me “you are not a spring chicken any longer!” She then said “however, you are still looking good. “ I had a good laugh to myself on the way to the City.
September 11 Ramsgate Senior Citizens Centre.
At the end of my one hour talk, an elderly lady leaned forward and said to me “Can I have what you have ?” “What is that I asked ?” “Your memory, you have a wonderful memory . You can stand up there and then talk on for so long –you remember so much. “ The elderly lady went on to say “that as you get older your memory fades.”
October 25 Leaving Mercure Hotel near Schiphol Airport for Schiphol Airport Amsterdam ( an abridged comment)
“Only you ? ‘ enquired the driver , Francesco. “Yes “only me. “Where are you off to?” the driver asked . “Hong Kong for a few days, and then home to Sydney. “
“You are brave travelling alone. “I replied that “ I have done it since 1974, so I am used to it. We Australians are hardy people. “
We chatted about a range of things on the 15 minute journey to the Airport.
The driver then returned to his initial comments “European women travel with husbands, partners or female friends. So, no husband.” “ No, my gentleman friend died of cancer in 2011.” The driver then said “so you must be single and available.”
By this time, we had reached the Airport, and I needed a trolley to put my luggage onto for the long walk to Cathay Pacific check-in. Francesco turned around to me and said “I will see you on your next visit to Amsterdam.”
I wish you a Merry Xmas and a happy, healthy and safe 2020.
Best wishes,
Anne
Merry Christmas!
