Another year has almost passed by. Whilst I have done considerable travel this year, I have had to continue to deal with feet issues. My surgeon said i could go overseas in March, but i was not to walk too far, or climb stairs. I followed this advice and have soldiered on, but have concluded that my problems maybe added to by some arthritis issues. This includes an arthritic injection in September and October, to which i developed allergic reactions when the needle actually kicked in almost 2 months later.
THANKS
A special thanks to Pawarisa and Peter for all of their help at the beginning of the, when i was still recovering from my November 22 2023 foot surgery.
TRAVEL
Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore
On Sunday March 10 2024, I flew Qantas to Hong Kong, and stayed at Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees in Kowloon. I found, when i attempted to check in, that someone had not entered my booking into the computer system! An interesting scenario followed in the hotel foyer for the next 4o minutes, until someone retrieved my booking from paper work in the rear office. i reminded hotel reception that “i have travelled extensively around the world, and this has NEVER happened to me before. And my travel agent is most thorough with my hotel bookings.”
This was my 4th visit to Hong Kong (2008, 2013, and 2019) and i try to do different things on each visit. I had a lovely new suit made in my favourite colour –red; i asked the tailor, VJ for pockets for my betting slips! VJ gave me a wry smile. I visited The Peak, my first visit since 2008; had a reflexology massage; and did limited shopping. Next visit, i will visit the new Museums; add in a visit to the Races and a visit to Macau. I always find plenty to do in Hong Kong. I have a transport card. Oyster Card, which i used for bus travel to minimise walking long distances. I bring it home with me, and top it up on my next visit. I chose to avoid the shopping malls, as there were no areas to sit and rest weary feet.
I boarded Queen Mary after 2pm on Thursday, March 14 2024. What a gracious and stunning ocean liner she is . She looked stunning berthed at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which previously was the site of the Kai Tak Airport Runway. Kai Tak was opened in 2013. I enjoyed my inside cabin, 6233 for 9 nights, as we were sailing from Hong Kong via Vietnam to Singapore.
We were in port in Vietnam, March 16 2024, March 18 2024 and March 20 2024. On March 16, we were in port at Chan May for Hoi An, 76 kms away for a full day excursion. Da Nang, known from the Vietnam War, is not far away. We visited the historic city of Hoi An where i saw many beautiful scarves and fabrics. On March 18,i did a half day tour to Na Trang a coastal resort city in Southern Vietnam . And on March 18, we berthed at Phy My, pronounced Foo Me, for a day trip to Ho Chi Minh City, usually 1.5 hours away. However, traffic was heavy so it took us 2 hours. The Vietnamese prefer to still call Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, a legacy from the Vietnamese war.
I enjoyed Vietnam. Their craft work was stunning-furniture, jewellery, scarves, fabric, jewellery, pottery and cane furniture. The Vietnamese people were lovely. They disliked the French colonists, and regarded the Vietnam War as “America’s War.“ I saw the building, where a defining moment of the fall of Saigon was captured on April 29 1975, by a Dutch photographer–the desperate evacuees clambering up to a US helicopter on the Pittman apartments- home to the CIA.
We arrived in Singapore on March 22 20024, and disembarked in a smooth operation on the morning of March 23 2024. I loved my time on board Queen Mary. The spa pool and massages were wonderful. The entertainment and guest talks were of a high standard. And the meals were wonderful. One night, a man and his friend sat down next to me at dinner (in a very large dining room). The man, who sat next to me lived in Oatley, and was friends with a member of the Lydham Hall Committee i serve on. Six degrees of separation on the high sea.
I caught a taxi to Hotel Miramar, a lovely hotel in Havelock Road, where i was staying for a few nights .The taxi driver asked me “if i had come off the Queen ? “Another taxi driver, a few days later, asked me if i was travelling alone. He kept asking questions, to which i politely replied, but then told him that “i was returning home to Sydney that night.” I have no idea what the next question might have been!
Singapore was very clean, organised and people were friendly. The Botanic Gardens were stunning and i enjoyed the National Museum of Singapore. i found the display on the fall of Singapore in February 1942 to be very moving . Whilst i missed some very well -known attractions, i figured that i would catch them on my next visit to Singapore. I returned to Sydney on March 28, 2024.
The full story of my trip is on annefield.net.au –in the blog and travel category, as are all my other trips.
Central Coast
April 11 to 15 2024, Maria and i travelled to the Central Coast .We stayed at the Shelley Beach Holiday Park in a 2 storey cabin. We visited The Entrance, Norah Head Lighthouse, Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana, Mc Masters Beach and Erina Square.
We broke down on the last day on the hills of Terrigal, as my clutch died after 13 years. Maria and i had to return to Sydney in a tow truck! Fortunately, i had upgraded my NRMA Road Service cover due to my extensive country driving, so the tow truck fee was covered. We had a chatty trip back to Hurstville, where i had the mechanics lined up to wait for my car. What is travel without a few mishaps?
Celtic Festival in Glen Innes.
On May 1 2024, I was meant to be catching the morning XPT train to Wauchope, to then connect with the bus to Port Macquarie .The train was delayed due to flooding in northern NSW, so i finally left Sydney at 3pm on the Brisbane XPT. I arrived at my motel in Port Macquarie at some time after 10pm! Fortunately, i had an interesting lady sitting next to me from Macksville on the train. We chatted about our overseas travels, so the time passed by quickly. Her most interesting story was her time in Afghanistan, when the Russians were there from 1978 to 1980.
My tour with Port Coaches was to start the next morning, May 2 2024 at 9am, at the Bus Terminal in Port Macquarie. We headed off to Armidale, via Tingha to visit the Wing Hing Long Museum and late afternoon to Saumarez Homestead in Armidale. We would be based for 3 nights in a wonderful motel in Armidale. The next day, May 3 2024 we travelled to Inverell, where i caught up with my long standing friend of 60 years, Bonnie over lunch. In the afternoon, we visited the excellent transport museum. A must visit.
The next day ,Saturday, May 4 the tour travelled to Glen Innes to the Celtic Festival .it was a wonderful day, which started with the parade through town, and then to the Standing Stones, the area used for competitions and stalls . This Festival is a credit to the organising Committee.
It rained mid –afternoon, and the driver could not get the bus started .What is travel without a few mishaps! That night, i was the after dinner speaker on my Message in a Bottle subject.
Day 4, May 5 2024, we were travelling back to Port Macquarie, via Dorrigo. We had the opportunity to meet Rodney the Rooster, the star of Dorrigo, who wanders the streets of Dorrigo. And then we had lunch at The Rainforest Centre in Dorrigo. Port Macquarie accommodation was almost fully booked out due to the National Marathon /triathlon, so i ended up with a room in the art deco, Port Macquarie Hotel.
The next morning, i caught up with Brian and Volli Peacock for early lunch. Brian and i served together on Rockdale Council from 1991 to 1999. Brian drove me to Wauchope Station to catch the afternoon train to Sydney. The train stopped at Maitland and we had to get a bus to Sydney!
Goulburn and Gundagai
On July the 8th 2024, Maria and I set off for Goulburn and stayed in a lovely motel near the Big Merino. We paid Crookwell a, and called into Lindner Socks. Dinner was in the motel restaurant in Goulburn. We had a look around Goulburn the next morning, before heading off to Gundagai to use up 2 nights accommodation in a motel. We enjoyed coffee on a few occasions at the wonderful art deco Café Niagara in Gundagai.
We had dinner one night at the Gundagai District Services Club, and the following night in the Pub, where i had the most wonderful cutlets and rhubarb pie. On Wednesday, we drove out to Junee to the chocolate factory, and then visited the Railway Museum.
Thursday morning, July 12th was very foggy. On our way out of Gundagai, we checked out the Dog on the Tucker Box. We then drove back to Goulburn for afternoon tea at the Paragon Café, and then on to Sydney. I dropped Maria home to Chatswood.
Another successful road trip completed.
Yass, Gundagai and Goulburn
Maria and I set off for, on Monday October 1 2024, where we stayed in an Airbnb. This trip was to be an advance special birthday present for Maria. Dinner was at the Yass Services Club, which is in the process of extending.
The next day, October2 2024 we travelled to Gundagai to use up accommodation bookings. We stayed in a cabin in the caravan park. Dinner that night was in the pub. i again had cutlets, but sadly had to decline the rhubarb pie, as i could not eat any more.
We had a hilarious conversation with a sheep farmer in the restaurant in the pub. His wife said that” he did not come into town often, as he misses his sheep.” I cheekily asked “if he has names for his sheep?” His friend, who was sitting on the same table said emphatically that “he had 1800 head of sheep.” We all had a laugh at this. But yes, he did have a few pet sheep with names.
We had driven to Junee on October 2 2024, to have a look at the colourful canola fields. Before Junee, we were met with a farmer moving a big flock of sheep across the road. This was quite an exciting scene for us as city dwellers. As we could not move, we wound the windows down to take photos. We drove on to Coolamon, where there is a cheese factory, before we returned to Gundagai.
On October 3 2024, Maria and I travelled to Goulburn, where we again stayed in an Airbnb. This property was part of Goulburn’s heritage in Cartwright Place. In 1835, the land had been granted to Mr Robert Miller by the Crown. Reverend Robert Cartwright, who served the Goulburn area for 46 years, soon purchased the land. The land was sold in 1861 to William Adams, who used his carpentry skills to build the impressive Claremont Manor and the little Coach House at the bottom of the garden. The Coach House was first known as the The Stone Jug Inn; one could imagine the colourful characters of the day having an ale and telling stories.
In 2013, the Coach House and a small parcel of land were sub-divided. The Coach House was restored and now reflects more than 160 years of history in Goulburn. Maria and i were delighted to share a small part of Goulburn’s heritage, and would be delighted to stay again.
We explored Goulburn and found the wonderful Roses Café, the exquisite Craft Centre, The Art Gallery, and the Vietnam Exhibition at the War Memorial on the Hill. There are many wonderful cafes in Goulburn. Goulburn is a great place to visit for a long weekend.
In the afternoon of October 4 2024, we drove back to Sydney. i dropped Maria at Sydenham Station so that she could catch the Metro to Chatswood.
Another busy road trip completed.
New Zealand: Christchurch, Oamaru and Dunedin
I was last in New Zealand for the 1990 Commonwealth Games, so my recent visit was long overdue. I had flown into Christchurch then with a raging gale over the Alps. The jumbo buffeted from the turbulence and finally landing at Christchurch Airport at mid -night . I can never forget that flight.
This time, there were no dramas. I arrived on a full Qantas 737 plane late Sunday afternoon, October 27 2024. My accommodation was in the vicinity of Christchurch Cathedral. I did a tour of Christchurch, loved the International Antarctic Centre, enjoyed punting on the River Avon, and my tram ride around town.
I caught the InterCity Link bus to Oamaru to stay with relatives, Jocelyn and Lex for 3 nights. We visited the stunning Larnach Castle in Dunedin, and the Settlers Museum, a well -curated Museum.
Oamaru’s heritage building were unique and valued by film crews, and housed many skilled craft based people. I bought a small penguin in Oamaru stone with the reminder “do not paint it.”
I returned to Christchurch on a very chilly Saturday evening, as my flight was leaving late Sunday afternoon, November 3 2024. Again, a full flight, which highlights the strong cross Tasman travel.
RACING MATTERS
My birthday, no 70 was celebrated in the Guineas Restaurant at Canterbury Racecourse. Ken, Phillip and I had a fun night and celebrated with a birthday cake. My birthday present to myself was my trip in March on Queen Mary.
Cliff Clare passed away on March 19, 2024. He was the oldest Moorefield jockey alive along with Jack Waterhouse. I attended Cliff’s funeral at The Lakes Golf Club Tuesday April 2nd, 2024. Jack Waterhouse was in attendance, along with many others racing identities.
May 7 2024, i finally collected the book from Usher Horse Stud, India on its history at a Couriers Office in an industrial complex in Botany. It was labelled abandon on bright orange tape. I was lucky to locate it. A thankyou to Siraj for arranging this publication to be sent.
Mary and I attended Randwick Races on June 8 2024, and enjoyed our afternoon in the Skyline Room. And on August 24 2024, Eileen and I enjoyed an afternoon in the Skyline Room, Randwick Racecourse.
On July 19 2024, Ted Mills, a former Moorefield jockey turned 90.
On September 20 2024, Ken and i caught a 915am train to Newcastle as we were attending The Newcastle Gold Cup Meeting at Newcastle Racecourse. i had the opportunity to wear my new Hong Kong suit.; Ken dithered in relation to his shirt and tie choice. We enjoyed the long day, made more pleasant with a lovely luncheon in the Restaurant. We arrived back in Sydney about 9pm. Next year, we are doing the Caulfield Cup; Ken has never been, and my last visit was in 2007.
Tuesday, November5, 2024 Mary and i again attended a Cup Luncheon at Ramsgate RSL.
In mid – November2024, I had contact with a lady whose father, Fred Allsopp worked at Moorefield Racecourse mucking out stalls in the 1930’s. I hope to have a zoom chat to Fred in January 2025. And Nicole Lee, a former St Georgian, 1980 to 1985 contacted me to say that she had material on her father’s time as a jockey. Her father was Jimmy Hickey, and i had mentioned him in my article on Australian Jockeys Riding in India, Ceylon and Pakistan.
December 20 2024 Night racing at Canterbury with dinner in the Guineas Restaurant.
And Katya, my Moorefield book publisher moved into new accessible premises with parking in Marrickville in October.
And the big conversation throughout the year has been the proposed sale of Rosehill Racecourse. Max Presnell, former turf editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and i, had an interesting chat about this proposed sale one Saturday afternoon at Randwick .I am strongly opposed to this sale. We talked of other courses, including Moorefield, which have been lost down through the years . Max calls me Mrs Moorefield- i have earned that title.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Lunches, dinners or coffee with Steve, Marianthe, Peter, Jenny and former members of staff, Jeanette, Kathryn, Eileen, Tricia, Pawarisa and Bob all happened. I called in to see Rhonda, my former Cavalier King Charles dog minder for 20 years, near Shellharbour on November 25 2024. I had to drop off a few presents for her from Singapore.
June 15 2024 I attended Joanne’s 60th birthday at The Oaks, Neutral Bay. I met Joanne many years ago through a former student of mine from 1980, and we stayed friends. Both became lawyers. I had an interesting conversation with a criminal barrister from Samuel Griffiths Chamber, who was in attendance at Joanne’s birthday celebrations.
June 23 2024 Pirates of Penzance at Rockdale Opera Company was excellent.
June 26 2024 Eileen and i visited the Maritime Museum
July 25 2024 I attended a small bus tour of Port Botany with the Maritime Museum.
August 25 2024 Clare and i attended the100 year’s celebration of Red Cross at Gardens on Forest. Five former St Georgians were present on the occasion; four of us were photographed together, and i caught up with Sonia Fenton, the owner of Gardens on Forest. The Cavalcade of History and Fashion presented wonderful Edwardian costumes.
Clare and i dressed up for the occasion. I wore a late Victorian /early Edwardian dress, which had to have its waistline altered to fit me! I had last worn it on August 27, 2002 at a function at Parliament House, Sydney.
November 29 2024 Eileen and I attended Cats with friends at Rockdale Town Hall .An excellent production.
LYDHAM HALL LYDHAM AVENUE ROCKDALE SYDNEY
Lydham Hall finally reopened on February 4 2024 after having been shut for 4 years- a new roof, Covid and lengthy negotiations with Council. Bob and Laurel turned up in costume, as did a former St Georgian from 2000, Kristi Holmes. Their front page photo in the Leader was wonderful.
The March 3 2024 open day- the St George Brass Band played.
June 12 2024 Diana , Michael and i attended a course at History House Macquarie St Sydney.
The opening on the first Sunday of the month, 10am to 4pm has continued to be well supported. Afternoon tea with scones on the back verandah has been very popular with visitors.
The Christmas in July Fundraiser for Lydham Hall was held at Bexley RSL on July 23 2024, and was well supported. Pamela Griffiths OAM had kindly donated a wonderful painting of a scene from the South Coast, to help us raise funds.
December 7 2024 I attended the St Peters Cooks River Heritage Forum at Sutherland Historical Society’s Museum in Sylvania.
And next year, Lydham Hall will go bigger and better with events. Do come to visit.
GUEST TALKS
February 20 2024 i spoke on Moorefield Racecourse to the First Fleeeters Association in Lugarno
May 4 2024 After dinner speaker to our tour group at Armidale Motel –Message in a Bottle
October 11 2024 Lugarno Probus Message in a Bottle
DEATHS
Dr Peter Orlovitch April 17 2024 a long time judge in the Ron Rathbone Local History Award. I attended Peter’s funeral along with Robert to represent St George Historical Society.
July 5 2024 Judith Whelan a former St Georgian, Year 12 1978 and journalist of many years , funeral service was held at the Great Hall Sydney University . One of the 1980 girls attended, as she knew Judith from the ABC in her position as then Senior Counsel for the ABC. She kindly mailed me an order of service.
July 30 2024 Eula Guthrie funeral. Eula was years ahead of her time within the Education Department .
November 29 2024 My neighbour, Zelda of almost 33 years died suddenly.
MY KOALA
Roto Jaz, my sponsored Koala at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital died in July 2024. I then supported Balmoral Mini, but she has been released into the wild. I have moved on to Lion Leo, who has blue eyes, and according to the staff is absolutely gorgeous.
COUNCIL
I presented the Noel Seiffert Award on February 14 2024 at Ramsgate Senior Citizens to Mary de Bono. Mary is a tower of strength to the Centre. Brian Peacock was a surprise visitor, as he was in Sydney from Port Macquarie.
September 14 2024 Council elections. I ran as a number 2 on Andrew Tsounis Independent ticket in Third Ward. It was always going to be hard to win this time around in a larger field of candidates. And, we had to initially contend with an avalanche of unauthorised candidate signage on Ausgrid poles, and the usual keyboard warriors from one particular Facebook site. I had posted a factual post, and in return was subjected to a vicious personal attack online by posters on September 6 2024. I am deciding my legal options here.
In October 2024, residents on the Moorefield Estate learned by chance of a planned DA for a Coptic Church at a most inappropriate location 57 to 61 President Avenue, Kogarah. Residents contacted me, as they knew that I knew what to do. They could not reach out to Bayside Council Third Ward Councillors, as two were newly elected from September 14 Council elections, and one had moved from Second Ward to Third Ward , and was not on top of Third Ward issues. One failed to turn up to our public meeting, as she told me in her apology email that “she could not spare the time.” Not a good look or a new Councillor.
We quickly formed an informal Committee and met to discuss the issues. i was able to convince Council to widen their area for the letters of notification to residents. Therefore the date for submissions to Council was extended to November 21 2024.
On November 10, 2024 the Committee held a public meeting to inform the residents, and to allow them to voice their concerns. Letter box drops were undertaken of the whole Estate, as not all of the residents were notified by Council about the proposal. The public meeting was well supported by residents, and those who could not attend, asked neighbours about the meeting. Residents have voiced their objections in their many submissions to Council. The matter will be decided in 2025 by an Independent Planning Panel.
TEDDY
My paw mate, Teddy continued his life of luxury, adventure and socialising. Sadly, there were no road trips for him this year. He had a number of doggy holidays however whilst i was away travelling. Sarah, his groomer loves grooming him and he comes back looking beautiful – washed, toe nails cut, hair trimmed etc. He always loves a visit to a dog friendly café, as he knows that he will get some pats, and is happy to people watch.
And we love our rambling walks around the Estate. I get to chat sometimes to the residents and Teddy patiently waits until our conversation is finished.
However his kleptomaniac behaviour will never change- glasses, paper, sports pants all go walkabout.
Best wishes for the Festive Season
Anne
