PO BOX 391 Kogarah 2217
Sydney
annefield.net.au and annefieldauthor.com
Facebook : Moorefield Racecourse
December 22 2020
Dear Relatives and Friends,
A difficult and uncertain year is almost at an end. We all know someone who has lost their job, or someone who has been working from home, or students learning from home, or an elderly person who has been socially isolated .
Politically, in Australia there have been many issues throughout the year and i mention only a few. A Senate Enquiry was launched into the Rio Tinto’s destruction at Juukan Gorge .Greg McIntyre SC (Eddie Mabo’s barrister in Mabo v Queensland) set out what is needed for a new effective Federal Heritage Act that will ensure that destruction ,like what happened at Juukun Gorge , never happens again.
It is clear that reform in the aged care sector is well overdue. Climate change has been high on the political agenda . I recently watched a zoom meeting in which Tim Flannery and Hon Malcolm Turnbull along with Carla McGrath were engaged in a candid discussion on Australia’s climate future. The Senate has launched an enquiry into media concentration, scrutinising why the Murdoch press has so much influence in this nation. And the ABC has continued to come under attack .
On October 22 2020 I also watched, by zoom , the Nancy Hillier Memorial Lecture on Botany Bay . Nancy Hillier was a tireless campaigner on behalf of the people and places in the Botany Bay area of Sydney. This annual lecture acknowledges Nancy’s legacy, by providing a forum to discuss major social and economic issues from the perspectives of campaigners, activists, community members and researchers.
Speakers included John Carr, Senior lecturer with Environment and Society Group at UNSW; Ian Tyrrell , Emeritus Professor and Environmental Historian; Sharon Cullis Georges River Environmental Alliance and PHD graduate ; Emma Golledge Director Kingsford Legal Centre and a former student of St George Girls High School ; James Weirick Professor and Director of the Urban Development and Design Program UNSW ; Anne Maree Kreller postgraduate student and expert on planning for sea level rise in Botany Bay area and Suhelen Egan Associate Professor UNSW School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Centre of Marine Science and Innovation.
I have divided my annual newsletter into categories , which makes it easier to read .
HOUSE PAINTING
I chose this year to not work on my childrens book, and to instead paint. I repainted my bedroom and had wonderful help from a friend with my front verandah, and help as well with my outdoor area . The high sections were also completed by a friend, who could reach the heights! My bedroom now has 3 walls which are a vibrant pink, and one wall which is a vibrant grey; much better than the faded peach colour.
Almost all of my venetian blinds bit the dust to be replaced by plantation shutters in early June. Painting was an excellent activity to do during the lockdown and i enjoyed giving a new look to a couple of rooms. I became well acquainted with Bunnings! And my painting clothes ended up being very colourful –i felt like Pro Hart.
HARRY’s PASSING ON SEPTEMBER 30 2020
My beautiful Cavalier , Harry had begun to be ill earlier this year . His heart was weakening, he had a bad cough and he had continuing diarrhoea for many months. We paid many visits to the vet in the last months of his life . It was a very stressful and sad time.
I will cherish my memories of Harry and the connection to Harold, who also passed on September 30 2011, aged 71 . Harry was named after Prince Harry and Harold and was 12 years old . He joins Pepper, Raine , William , Angus McTavish , Marietta , James , and Lizzie in rainbow heaven. Each dog has been unique. From Raine being Miss Prim and Proper, William the ladies man, James a perfect gentleman , Lizzie Miss Personality Plus, Angus with his stately walk and long ears, Marietta a gentle soul. They have all been loved and treated well.
THREE ROAD TRIPS IN NSW.
How great it was to be able to get out again onto the open road . On September 1 2020, my girlfriend Maria and l left For Karuah . The next day we arrived in Port Macquarie at lunch time to meet with Brian Peacock , a former Councillor colleague from Rockdale Council .Brian drove Maria and I to the Koala Hospital , where I saw Lismore Rose , whose adoption was given to me as a Xmas present last year. I have renewed her adoption for 2021.
Maria and I, did a number of tourist activities in Port Macquarie, and dined out with Brian and Volli, his wife. On leaving Port Macquarie, we drove down through Laurieton enjoying the wonderful coastal scenery. We returned to Karuah for a night, and then made our way to Newcastle for a few hours before returning to Sydney. A great few days away.
November 9-15 2020, Lillian and I went on a road trip to Mudgee . We had a busy trip visiting three wineries, Mudgee Honey , Gulgong, the oldest house in Mudgee as we had met the manager, eating out …. I caught up with a heritage architect friend, Peter who has lived in Dubbo for 6 years. Peter drove to Mudgee to meet with Lillian and myself. Peter and I worked together on the Griffith House Campaign,St George Hospital Campus 2012-2013.
On the road to Gulgong I saw the sign to Dunedoo.Hugh Bowman , Winx’s jockey comes from here . The sign did not wink at me this time – on the next visit to Mudgee we will visit the Dunedoo silo with the painting of Winx, Hugh Bowman and Chris Waller on it.
I caught up with a former St George Girls teaching colleague, Helena who now teaches in Mudgee, runs Riverlea Cottage, Mudgee and assists her husband in their hotel , Kellys Pub . On the return journey to Sydney, Lillian and I caught up with Jo Ryan , a former St George Girls English teacher in the early 1980’s . We had afternoon tea at BLACKGOLD Motel in Wallerawang. Jo has lived in Bathurst for many years and is back teaching at Bathurst High. We had a wonderful motel room and the meal that night in the restaurant was superb . Breakfast the next morning was equally good. A highly recommended place to stay.
The next day we travelled to Wentworth Falls to the Conservation Hut for lunch. After lunch, we returned to Sydney.
On November 23-26 2020, Lillian and I drove to Karuah, which I find to be a good place to stay en-route from Sydney when travelling north. I had a rug to deliver to Tea Gardens to a lady, who had learned to hook when she lived in North Carolina USA.. I have had this rug kit for many years, and I finally found someone who could hook it ! We dropped the rug kit off in Tea Gardens and drove to Stroud for the day, where we admired some of the convict built buildings.We had lunch at the Stroud pub, and a wonderful afternoon tea at a local café- Crepe Myrtle Tea and Coffee Rooms.
The following day we drove across to Port Stephens, and decided to give Nelsons Bay a miss, as it was too busy. Shoal Bay was as lovely as ever. We were told that accommodation is heavily booked in the area on weekends for the next 6 months. After a cold drink in the Country Club, Shoal Bay we travelled to Corlette , Salamander and Anna Bay before returning to Karuah . The next day we travelled to Newcastle and I gave Lillian a tour of the highlights of Newcastle. In the afternoon, after lunch in Lambton at Wests, we drove to my old house. My former neighbour, whom i had not seen for 49 years, came out to ask if we were lost!
Three wonderful and varied road trips in 2020…… Next year, i would like to at least do a road trip to the Snowy Mountains, which i have not visited for possibly 40 years. i have found a place in Cooma, Avonside Alpine Farm, which has Highland Cows, coos as the Scots call them. I met some coos in the Scottish Highlands in mid -October 2019 and they are some unique animal . I have to also return to Tea Gardens to collect my rug.
The NRMA and travel supplements in Sunday papers have been useful for road trip ideas in NSW during the time that our borders have been closed. There are some great things to do whilst travelling NSW.
The Mudgee trip was originally to be late March 2020. My trip from Perth to Monkey Mia in June 2020 with a Newcastle school friend was cancelled, and the trip to the 2020 Melbourne Cup was also cancelled due to Covid . Airline and accommodation credits will be used in 2021 hopefully with a trip to Tasmania’s East Coast.
GUEST TALKS
I was able to do my February 5 2020 talk on Moorefield Racecourse to the Botany Bay Family History Society at Gymea Tradies Club. In mid -March strict Covid restrictions came into place.
Alas, my April 8 2020 talk to Sans Souci Garden Club on my 2019 Scottish Holiday and Scottish Gardens was cancelled . April 17 2020 my talk to Lugarno Probus on my Message in a Bottle Story was cancelled and May 23 2020 St George Historical Society talk on my Moorefield Racecourse video was also cancelled. June 1 2020 I was to talk to Kurranulla Probus at Cronulla on Moorefield Racecourse and August 4 2020 to John Bosco Friendship Group at Engadine on my Message in a Bottle. Both talks were also cancelled.
Hopefully, I will meet up again with these groups in 2021. Of course, this depends on what happens with Covid. We are in unchartered territory with this virus.
MOOREFIELD RACECOURSE, KOGARAH
Leesha has continued to post articles to my Facebook site on Moorefield Racecourse . I have obtained some more information on Australian jockeys riding in India and Ceylon and need to update my article on annefield.net.au.
In mid-April 2020, 4 You Tubes on Moorefield Racecourse were posted to annefield.net.au. One is on locational features of the course ; another an interview with Cliff Clare , former jockey ; another with Dawn Bulfin, who rode track work under the radar and later became a horse trainer , and then the late Russell Town , a former local resident with an impressive memory.
In mid-August 2020 , a racing historian, Siraj from Hyderabad in India made contact . Siraj is also a well -known polo player in India. We exchange interesting horse racing information. When travel resumes, I am likely to fly to Sri Lanka to catch up with Gopi, and then fly on to Hyderabad.
I submitted Kogarah Railway Station to Georges River Council in late March 2020 as a Historic Marker . Patrons came to the Racecourse by train, as did the horses for many years. The horse platform was located in front of Angliss Meat, which has long since been a tile business .Council came back to me and said they would accept my nomination, which would now be the Steam Tram Terminus. The steam tram brought people to the Racecourse from the Sans Souci Peninsula. The plaque is still to be installed.
On October10 2020, I caught up with Mark Vickery , who had grown up in Marshall Street, Kogarah . Mark wants to use a CAD programme to represent Marshall Street of the past.
John Marshall, who is related to the late jockey, Billy Lappin, contacted me in November – we plan to meet in early 2021. I had received a message from Michael Littlejohn in May, but when i emailed him, it bounced back. Billy’s sister was Del Littlejohn, whom i met many years ago. My Moorefield Racecourse book is dedicated to Billy Lappin.
RACES
Eileen and I attended Randwick Races on February 29 . When visiting the horses in the stables,we noted that one horse had a pony as company . The pony had the most unruly hair . I could not resist stating that “ the pony had Boris Johnson hair! “
My next race meeting on August 1 2020 as at Randwick , which operated under strict Covid rules . I attended with a member of St George Historical Society ,who is also a ATC member . We attended the Friday night meeting at Canterbury on December 11 2020.
Melbourne Cup Day, Lillian and I had High Tea at the Tea Rooms in the Queen Victoria Building in the City . Then, we went to her home to watch the race on TV . It was sad that there was no crowd present and hence no atmosphere . However, we must be grateful that the racing industry has continued during CovId and kept thousands of people employed.
COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
On March 5, I attended International Womens Day at Marana Hall , Hurstville -it was good to catch up with some familiar faces. On March 11, I attended the Noel Seiffert Presentation at the Ramsgate Senior Citizens Centre. It was great to see Brian Peacock from Port Macquarie in attendance.
I entered the Seniors Writing Competition. A maximum of 1000 words on the topic “Resilience” was required by the closing date of March 31 2020.
I mailed,on May 25 , my submission on the Bayside Council LEP to Bayside Council. I have offered to assist Council in 2021, in developing a social history record for the Moorefield Estate in respect of the development of the housing subdivision, in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.
On June 18, I had lunch with Stacey Tyron a 1984 HSC student from St George Girls. Stacey has established a business in Belgrave Street Kogarah, which assists seniors into Retirement Villages and Nursing Homes. She has sought my advice on issues relevant to Seniors in the local area.
On December 2, I completed a video interview with Kogarah Community Services – an Intergenerational Programme for 16 and 17 year olds to be launched in 2021.
I am now writing a submission to Georges River Council on their proposal to take part of Bayside Council. The submission is due December 23 2020.
SOCIAL OUTINGS
Restaurant and café visits included Marks in Oatley, Chez Pascale in Sans Souci , Old Vienna Coffee Shop in the QV Building with Connie a former St George Girls HSC student in 1980 , Ramsgate RSL Bistro and Zen Restaurant, The Clubhouse formerly Kogarah RSL , Como Hotel , St George Motor Boat Club , Kiss the Barista in Sans Souci , Moorefield Bowling Club, Waterhouse Gardens in Caringbah, Blackfish Café in Como and Pinos.
It was good to catch up at lunch with some former teaching colleagues from Social Science, Careers , School Counsellor and Languages during this chaotic year.
Eileen and I, attended a concert on February 15 at Ramsgate RSL and Singing in the Rain at the Rockdale Town Hall on March 14. Covid restrictions meant that these activities were then curtailed for many months .
On December 6, Lillian and i saw the Australian movie , Rams. I visited the area in which the movie was based in March 2017 ,when holidaying in Western Australia.
EXERCISE AND MY TEDDY …………
The pool closed on March 23 and reopened in mid- September . i missed my swimming . Exercise class in Bexley was cancelled on March 18.
Judy, our exercise teacher , began classes again at Sylvania Athletic Track . Then we progressed to a Sylvania Church Hall for some time . We have finally settled in a Church Hall in Bexley and ae are a jolly group who like to keep fit.
The Lorna Janes still get a good work out at exercise class.
It is my latest arrival , Teddy who is giving me the BIGGEST WORKOUT . He is a solid boy, who walks fast . Teddy must have me in training for the 100m and 200m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics!( I was a good 100m and 200m sprinter when at school ).Teddy will soon have me with my well -honed leg muscles again. It is a joy to walk with my beautiful Cavalier , who is 3.5 years old .
DEATHS
Sadly, Cliff passed away in his Nursing Home at Clemton Park on January 17. I presented the Eulogy on January 24 at his funeral , and his ashes were interred on July 17 at Macquarie Cemetery. i visited Cliff in his Nursing Home over many years and we chatted about so many things –his travels particulary on cruises , his family and his work . Sometimes we would go for coffee and cake at the nearby shops, and then visit Coles to shop.
Jack Mundey, whom I knew over many years through heritage circles, died on May 10 ,aged 90 .I have donated to a Memorial Foundation in his name, which Historic Houses Trust will manage. Jim Searle,architect and playwright died on May 19 . I have known Jim since late 1991, when i attended the Guild Theatre plays in my Councillor capacity. Jim was heavily involved in this Rockdale theatre ; sometimes he directed plays. We worked together on my 2001 Constitutional Convention, which was staged in the School of Arts in Kogarah in August 2001. i will always miss Jim’s wonderful hand drawn Xmas cards, which always contained a political message or two .
George Moore, a former Rockdale Council Councillor colleague of mine passed away in late May , aged well into his 90’s. George and i shared commonality over the Bardwell Park Golf Club issue at Council .
Norah Bowron, St George Girls hard -working teachers aid from 1972 to 2014 passed away on November 5 in Adelaide, aged almost 76 . A memorial service was held on December 14 at a Sylvania Church. Maxine Shaw, the school’s former canteen manager passed away in mid- November, aged 84. Both ladies made a huge contribution to St George Girls High School. I arrived at St George Girls in 1977 and left in 2011 ,so i knew these ladies well . Over many years , Maxine and i were in touch in relation to family history work.
And Sean Connery passed on November 1 aged 90. A wonderful James Bond and a Scotsman at that. As a lover of top class football, i was saddened to hear of Maradonna’s passing on November 27 2020.
MY WEBITES
I have continued to have good views around the world of my two websites. I am up to 130 countries where my sites have been viewed. I received some wonderful comments about my writing during the pandemic- i am delighted that some people have bookmarked my sites. I also received countless emails on one website in relation to updating it, and also on selling various products.
Comments During 2020
February 21 in the lift en route to visit my City accountant’s office
“Busy day at work today” the 40 plus years gentleman in the lift said . ‘No, I am retired “. I replied. “You look familiar,”he said. i replied that “ I was a teacher and Local Government Councillor for 17 years in the St George area. Now i am working on writing books.”
Two tradesmen were also in the lift . As the gentleman got out of the lift on maybe Level 6,he said to me ‘you can write a book on me.“ I attempted to get out of the lift at Level 8 , but did need Level 9 . “I was distracted “ i said to the two tradesmen. I am sure that they knowingly smiled to each other after I had left the lift!
November 12 Di Lusso Winery, Mudgee .
After lunch at the winery, Lillian casually asked the waiter what he would suggest we do in Mudgee for the afternoon He turned around to Lillian and I and said “I am working this afternoon”. Lillian and i looked at each other and laughed.
Enjoy the Festive Season as best you can , and most of all, stay healthy during 2021 .
Best wishes
Anne
