Grain growers busy
The grain growers in the district would be busy after the very timely rain event last weekend. All we need now is some genuine follow up. Most of Vic and SA had good rains but NSW missed out. I’m told that there is a bit of negativity from a few of the long range experts about in season rain for this season at least. Let’s hope they are wrong.
Footy trip
I managed to go to the footy at the MCG again this weekend, this time it was Essendon and Richmond. The crew this time consisted of former natives Andrew “Clown” Newall, his lovely wife Sue, David “Towser” Newall, John “Fruity” Nisbet and my Yarrawonga mate Dwain “Daryl” Duxson. It was an entertaining evening and that was enhanced when another former native Hayden “Howard” McLennan arrived for the “after party”.
No changes
After spending some time on the Gold Coast Howard has made the move back to Victoria and will call Melbourne home. Well I have to say in all that time he was away he hasn’t changed one bit. He is still up to plenty of mischief and muddling things up!!!!!
Entanglement turn 50
I’m told that Chris “Entanglement” Webb turned 50, apparently the local consumer enjoyed a couple of quiet ones over the weekend. That’s certainly been 50 entertaining years.
Funny story
I heard a very funny story over the weekend but it was just too rude to tell. Sorry about that, I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it.
The Royal
I haven’t had too many reports coming from the Royal but I have heard that the course is starting to look really good and with the famous legacy day coming up (June 14) club leaders are smiling.
Shiiiidddt
I spoke to entertainer Andy “Shiiiiddddt” Healy over the weekend and he hasn’t lost any of his funny traits even though he has been quite crook lately. He spent a few days in the Geelong hospital after a turn but has recovered OK. “A blokes a bloody rabbit” he said.
Story
I was just wondering if John “Jack” Cameron has started writing his story yet. Best seller I recon.
That’s all folks
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Boy was that nice
Every local farmers dream was met over the weekend with some very timely rain. Crops and pastures will get a huge boost, I’d say it’s worth drinking too. Cheers.
Going going gone
It’s every pig farmers nightmare. Yes Marnoo West oinker Gary “Bacon” Baker took a tumble into the sludge pit, I’m told he took a very long bath that day.
Pest A Side
The pest from the West Mark “Pest” Raggatt has taken a tumble and injured his leg, details are scratchy but I’m told he’s on the injured list for some time. There must be something going on out West with young Tom “Wally” Walter also sustaining an injury. Walter was injured playing footy but I haven’t heard about the injury to Raggatt, we can only imagine what happened.
Signs
Someone from Glendemar has been out an about littering the country side with MPM signs, when I asked my fellow Yarrawonga resident and Glendemar director Dwain “Daryl” Duxson, he offered a politician type reply. He said “I know nothing”
The Major hits the Wall
St Arnaud Landmark guru agent Damian “Major” Drum hit his lovely girlfriend Melissa Wall with the ultimate question last weekend and guess what, she said yes. The pending marriage will be Majors first.
Young Nisbet
I attended the MCG to watch my favourite Mathew “Richo” Richardson play against Geelong on Saturday and he didn’t disappoint, but alas, the Cats showed their class with an easy win. I attended with former Marnoo shopkeeper John “Fruity” Nisbet and he had a special interest in a Richmond newcomer. Trent “young Nisbet” Cotchin is a cousin to the Nisbet clan and had a ripper first game kicking 2 goals and one with his very first kick. He certainly moves a bit better than any Nisbet I’ve seen.
How yu going Maaaaate
I was passing through Corowa today when I thought I would head on round to the taxi rank, well there he was in all his glory doing it tough reading the Herald Sun. Yes it was Graeme “Old Maaaaaate” McNolty. I managed a 3 minute conversation before a customer came along, we only briefly talked about his bid for the pub, of to which he replied “Where did that one come from”.
Lids pulls rabbit out of hat
SLF favourite Armand “lids” Duxson pulled a rabbit out of the hat at the Royal a couple of weekends ago, he fired an 86 off his 21 handicap to blitz the field. When questioned he said “I pulled that one out of my a&$#”
Mrs Hines x 2
Reading the Stawell rag the other day I came across a story and photo about the hard working Marlene “Marls” Hines who was presented a gift from Parents and Friends President Belinda Hines. One two many Hineses Mr reporter.
The story thus far
Speaking of Hineses, Marnoo East Grazier Ken “Author” Hines is writing his memoirs, I will be interesting to see what he has to say. I’m also wondering what the title is going to be. Reserve my copy please Hinesy.
Jack could do that
SLF favourite John “Jack” Cameron could also write a book, his would be comedy based with plenty of one liners. Some of the chapters could be: Why I love Paul Keating, The muddy runs again, Carting water and cutting burr, That’s my corner, You only need to swing it that far, There’s nothing wrong with wheel barrows, It always rains at Wallaloo. Now that would be a great read.
That’s all folks
Every local farmers dream was met over the weekend with some very timely rain. Crops and pastures will get a huge boost, I’d say it’s worth drinking too. Cheers.
Going going gone
It’s every pig farmers nightmare. Yes Marnoo West oinker Gary “Bacon” Baker took a tumble into the sludge pit, I’m told he took a very long bath that day.
Pest A Side
The pest from the West Mark “Pest” Raggatt has taken a tumble and injured his leg, details are scratchy but I’m told he’s on the injured list for some time. There must be something going on out West with young Tom “Wally” Walter also sustaining an injury. Walter was injured playing footy but I haven’t heard about the injury to Raggatt, we can only imagine what happened.
Signs
Someone from Glendemar has been out an about littering the country side with MPM signs, when I asked my fellow Yarrawonga resident and Glendemar director Dwain “Daryl” Duxson, he offered a politician type reply. He said “I know nothing”
The Major hits the Wall
St Arnaud Landmark guru agent Damian “Major” Drum hit his lovely girlfriend Melissa Wall with the ultimate question last weekend and guess what, she said yes. The pending marriage will be Majors first.
Young Nisbet
I attended the MCG to watch my favourite Mathew “Richo” Richardson play against Geelong on Saturday and he didn’t disappoint, but alas, the Cats showed their class with an easy win. I attended with former Marnoo shopkeeper John “Fruity” Nisbet and he had a special interest in a Richmond newcomer. Trent “young Nisbet” Cotchin is a cousin to the Nisbet clan and had a ripper first game kicking 2 goals and one with his very first kick. He certainly moves a bit better than any Nisbet I’ve seen.
How yu going Maaaaate
I was passing through Corowa today when I thought I would head on round to the taxi rank, well there he was in all his glory doing it tough reading the Herald Sun. Yes it was Graeme “Old Maaaaaate” McNolty. I managed a 3 minute conversation before a customer came along, we only briefly talked about his bid for the pub, of to which he replied “Where did that one come from”.
Lids pulls rabbit out of hat
SLF favourite Armand “lids” Duxson pulled a rabbit out of the hat at the Royal a couple of weekends ago, he fired an 86 off his 21 handicap to blitz the field. When questioned he said “I pulled that one out of my a&$#”
Mrs Hines x 2
Reading the Stawell rag the other day I came across a story and photo about the hard working Marlene “Marls” Hines who was presented a gift from Parents and Friends President Belinda Hines. One two many Hineses Mr reporter.
The story thus far
Speaking of Hineses, Marnoo East Grazier Ken “Author” Hines is writing his memoirs, I will be interesting to see what he has to say. I’m also wondering what the title is going to be. Reserve my copy please Hinesy.
Jack could do that
SLF favourite John “Jack” Cameron could also write a book, his would be comedy based with plenty of one liners. Some of the chapters could be: Why I love Paul Keating, The muddy runs again, Carting water and cutting burr, That’s my corner, You only need to swing it that far, There’s nothing wrong with wheel barrows, It always rains at Wallaloo. Now that would be a great read.
That’s all folks
Monday, May 12, 2008
Another week
Another week passes us by and now more than ever our farmers are looking skywards for the essential break. Let’s hope something happens this weekend as we defiantly need it.
Rumour rife
The rumour is that our old mate Graeme “Old Maaaaaaate” McNolty is looking to return to the district. My source might be on yippy beans but the rumour is he has put an offer in for the pub. I’m pretty sure its all news to current publican Leigh “Blue Can” Foster but it’s a funny game and you never know what’s going to happen next.
An ideal weekend in Marnoo
An ideal weekend in Marnoo is to go to the pub on a Friday night and have a few beers with the natives and catch up on the gossip. Then next morning it’s up and get the Saturday papers at the shop and then across the road to the cafe for coffee and the big breakfast (highly recommended as a hangover cure). After reading all the papers then it’s off to the Royal for a round and a few more beers on the boards under the brand new outdoor entertainment area. After all that I’m sure most would be reined in for Sunday with the family. Jeez those women have all the fun.
Front and centre
You would think that Glendemar boss Ben “Glendemar” Duxson and his sidekick Dave “Harley” Smith were seeking out media attention. Last week they featuring on several pages in the Stock and Land and this follows another story several weeks before. I’m told that after the late afternoon photo shoot leading National Rural Press journo Marius Cumming enjoyed several stubbies and didn’t get back to his Dunkeld abode until quite late.
Downsized
Wallaloo East land baron Norm “Guru” Duxson was complaining that his suit jacket had shrunk since the wedding of daughter number two, Tanya only a month or two ago. Well keen observers indicated to the Guru that it was more likely that something else had expanded.
Those were the days
Former Marnoo and Minyip superboot Derek “Buddy” Cameron was reminiscing when he slotted one through from the boundary line in front of a huge gathering at the MCG the other weekend. Experts around the fire bucket indicated that it probably wasn’t as good as the one he slotted on the left to win the 1987 premiership for Marnoo. That famous and well remembered kick has stretched out many metres over the years. It’s amazing what happens after a few beers.
Loitering on the corner with evil intent
Loiterers Rueben “Rostron” Cheeseman and Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson were debating over the price of Ayre Peninsular country whilst working for leading Machinery salesman Nigel “Winebar” Slee at the field days this year. Well then, low and behold along came a landholder for that area and confirmed that land sells for $4000 per acre over that way. As the South Australian moved on he asked the price of that roller they had in stock, “$40000” replied Rueben, “shit that’s expensive” said the Croweater as he tuned his back and headed to the next stand. Not finished yet Rueben yelled out “well sell 10 acres then……”
That’s all for this week.
Another week passes us by and now more than ever our farmers are looking skywards for the essential break. Let’s hope something happens this weekend as we defiantly need it.
Rumour rife
The rumour is that our old mate Graeme “Old Maaaaaaate” McNolty is looking to return to the district. My source might be on yippy beans but the rumour is he has put an offer in for the pub. I’m pretty sure its all news to current publican Leigh “Blue Can” Foster but it’s a funny game and you never know what’s going to happen next.
An ideal weekend in Marnoo
An ideal weekend in Marnoo is to go to the pub on a Friday night and have a few beers with the natives and catch up on the gossip. Then next morning it’s up and get the Saturday papers at the shop and then across the road to the cafe for coffee and the big breakfast (highly recommended as a hangover cure). After reading all the papers then it’s off to the Royal for a round and a few more beers on the boards under the brand new outdoor entertainment area. After all that I’m sure most would be reined in for Sunday with the family. Jeez those women have all the fun.
Front and centre
You would think that Glendemar boss Ben “Glendemar” Duxson and his sidekick Dave “Harley” Smith were seeking out media attention. Last week they featuring on several pages in the Stock and Land and this follows another story several weeks before. I’m told that after the late afternoon photo shoot leading National Rural Press journo Marius Cumming enjoyed several stubbies and didn’t get back to his Dunkeld abode until quite late.
Downsized
Wallaloo East land baron Norm “Guru” Duxson was complaining that his suit jacket had shrunk since the wedding of daughter number two, Tanya only a month or two ago. Well keen observers indicated to the Guru that it was more likely that something else had expanded.
Those were the days
Former Marnoo and Minyip superboot Derek “Buddy” Cameron was reminiscing when he slotted one through from the boundary line in front of a huge gathering at the MCG the other weekend. Experts around the fire bucket indicated that it probably wasn’t as good as the one he slotted on the left to win the 1987 premiership for Marnoo. That famous and well remembered kick has stretched out many metres over the years. It’s amazing what happens after a few beers.
Loitering on the corner with evil intent
Loiterers Rueben “Rostron” Cheeseman and Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson were debating over the price of Ayre Peninsular country whilst working for leading Machinery salesman Nigel “Winebar” Slee at the field days this year. Well then, low and behold along came a landholder for that area and confirmed that land sells for $4000 per acre over that way. As the South Australian moved on he asked the price of that roller they had in stock, “$40000” replied Rueben, “shit that’s expensive” said the Croweater as he tuned his back and headed to the next stand. Not finished yet Rueben yelled out “well sell 10 acres then……”
That’s all for this week.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Tribute
Hello and welcome to another week of the SLF, this edition is tainted with stories of the late but great Ged “Father” Ryan, Father who was a famous local and a great friend to many in the district, especially the MCC. You need characters in small communities like the Marnoo and district, luckily for us there a quite a few in this area and we’re even seeing a few emerge. Characters are people who do things in their own unique way and aren’t scared of political correctness or people talking about them. Father was a character and sometimes rubbed a few up the wrong way, but he had a huge heart and was a proud Marnooian.
Big Crowd
Many Marnoo and district people attended the funeral at Dimboola and a huge crowd was in attendance, I was talking to one bloke and he said “I bet you the crowd’s bigger than what there are going to get at the Melbourne Freo game. Just on the statistics alone there wasn’t much difference.
Back to the MCG
It was also heartening to see so many people in attendance at the MCG. The fire buckets where lit, the fridges where stocked and the BBQ was fired up in what was a traditional Marnoo gathering. So many times during the winter back when the footy team was going this scenario was spelt out every Tuesday and Thursday night.
Stubbie Club
I’m pretty sure it was Ged who initiated the stubby club, it was well before they started selling grog at the MCG and the lads down in the forward pocket at the creek end used to get quite vocal by the last quarter in the seniors.
Greatest ever wicket keeper?
You can argue the point, but Father would be right up there as Marnoo’s greatest ever wicket keepers. He hardly ever dropped a catch and he prided himself on the lack of byes. If a bye was conceded then you new not to speak to him for at least 10 overs. He used to love Gary “Larry” Cameron’s inswinging curlers, when one took off down the leg side (some say many did) and Father couldn’t reach it and the umpire just happened to stretch his arms out, then you could guarantee a huge stare from the bloke with the gloves on. One stare was for the umpire and the other was for the bowler.
Sloppy fielding
Marnoo’s fielding back in those days wasn’t of great standard and a lot of return balls missed the mark. This used to make Father irate and when it got late in the day and close to beer-o-clock and the throwing was even more wayward, it wasn’t surprising to see the gloves get thrown on the ground and the words “F*%# this” splurt from his mouth.
Over the stumps
No wonder he was such good mates with John “Noisy” Nisbet, Noisy the fine leg specialist had the knack of landing the ball straight over the stumps time after time. I can still hear Ged yelling in a sarcastic tone “Good one Johnny, that’s how you F*&#in do it fellas”
The Batsman
Ged could concentrate for ages behind the stumps but couldn’t quite do the same at the batting crease, don’t get me wrong he was a very solid opener for Marnoo and got us of to a flying start many a time. He had a very good technique and could play all the shots. He had some very famous opening partners over the years, him and Mick “I said to Mick” Healy used to kid themselves all night that they were the greatest ever opening partnership for Marnoo. Then Rohan “Big Bird” Aitken came along and Ged loved (not) batting with him, It can be said that Rohan wasn’t the best runner between the wickets and he ran the delighted Gerard out on a couple of occasion. I think the captain of the time split up the partnership to save the relationship. Then there was Ewan “E” Lett’s who had an equally turbulent opening partnership with Father. It was all good fun though and provided plenty of fodder for the after game festivities.
Washout
Cricketers loved a washout. A washout is where you know that morning that it’s going to rain, you don the whites and tell the wife that “I have to be there just incase the sun comes out” fully knowing that you hardly ever go back on. How to fill in the rest of the afternoon is the hardest question. Ged loved a washout.
Greatest ever game player
Now this is no mean feat but I have it on unofficial authority that Ged may have been Marnoo Football Clubs greatest ever game player.
Coaching stint
Ged had a stint coaching the seconds and one such day one of his players Alfie Hudson must have tried to dodge around one too many opposition players. He incurred the quarter time grilling from the coach who said in a rather loud voice “Who the f#*& you think you are Alfie Kevin F*&%in Bartlett”.
Lookout
I think there are only four white posts between the pub and Ged’s backyard but on night he managed to take out three of them!!!
So you don’t like Collingwood
On one of the footy trips Ged and all the lads went to watch Melbourne and Collingwood, everyone paid the $23 to get in but when Ged heard the Collingwood supporters bellowing, he immediately said “I can’t put up with these Pricks” and walked out.
Bernie and Leon
I caught up with his mum and dad at the funeral and they don’t look a day different to when they left Marnoo, I don’t know how long it has been but it was good to catch up with them. They were very proud of Ged. The world has lost one of it’s likable characters. RIP Father.
Hello and welcome to another week of the SLF, this edition is tainted with stories of the late but great Ged “Father” Ryan, Father who was a famous local and a great friend to many in the district, especially the MCC. You need characters in small communities like the Marnoo and district, luckily for us there a quite a few in this area and we’re even seeing a few emerge. Characters are people who do things in their own unique way and aren’t scared of political correctness or people talking about them. Father was a character and sometimes rubbed a few up the wrong way, but he had a huge heart and was a proud Marnooian.
Big Crowd
Many Marnoo and district people attended the funeral at Dimboola and a huge crowd was in attendance, I was talking to one bloke and he said “I bet you the crowd’s bigger than what there are going to get at the Melbourne Freo game. Just on the statistics alone there wasn’t much difference.
Back to the MCG
It was also heartening to see so many people in attendance at the MCG. The fire buckets where lit, the fridges where stocked and the BBQ was fired up in what was a traditional Marnoo gathering. So many times during the winter back when the footy team was going this scenario was spelt out every Tuesday and Thursday night.
Stubbie Club
I’m pretty sure it was Ged who initiated the stubby club, it was well before they started selling grog at the MCG and the lads down in the forward pocket at the creek end used to get quite vocal by the last quarter in the seniors.
Greatest ever wicket keeper?
You can argue the point, but Father would be right up there as Marnoo’s greatest ever wicket keepers. He hardly ever dropped a catch and he prided himself on the lack of byes. If a bye was conceded then you new not to speak to him for at least 10 overs. He used to love Gary “Larry” Cameron’s inswinging curlers, when one took off down the leg side (some say many did) and Father couldn’t reach it and the umpire just happened to stretch his arms out, then you could guarantee a huge stare from the bloke with the gloves on. One stare was for the umpire and the other was for the bowler.
Sloppy fielding
Marnoo’s fielding back in those days wasn’t of great standard and a lot of return balls missed the mark. This used to make Father irate and when it got late in the day and close to beer-o-clock and the throwing was even more wayward, it wasn’t surprising to see the gloves get thrown on the ground and the words “F*%# this” splurt from his mouth.
Over the stumps
No wonder he was such good mates with John “Noisy” Nisbet, Noisy the fine leg specialist had the knack of landing the ball straight over the stumps time after time. I can still hear Ged yelling in a sarcastic tone “Good one Johnny, that’s how you F*&#in do it fellas”
The Batsman
Ged could concentrate for ages behind the stumps but couldn’t quite do the same at the batting crease, don’t get me wrong he was a very solid opener for Marnoo and got us of to a flying start many a time. He had a very good technique and could play all the shots. He had some very famous opening partners over the years, him and Mick “I said to Mick” Healy used to kid themselves all night that they were the greatest ever opening partnership for Marnoo. Then Rohan “Big Bird” Aitken came along and Ged loved (not) batting with him, It can be said that Rohan wasn’t the best runner between the wickets and he ran the delighted Gerard out on a couple of occasion. I think the captain of the time split up the partnership to save the relationship. Then there was Ewan “E” Lett’s who had an equally turbulent opening partnership with Father. It was all good fun though and provided plenty of fodder for the after game festivities.
Washout
Cricketers loved a washout. A washout is where you know that morning that it’s going to rain, you don the whites and tell the wife that “I have to be there just incase the sun comes out” fully knowing that you hardly ever go back on. How to fill in the rest of the afternoon is the hardest question. Ged loved a washout.
Greatest ever game player
Now this is no mean feat but I have it on unofficial authority that Ged may have been Marnoo Football Clubs greatest ever game player.
Coaching stint
Ged had a stint coaching the seconds and one such day one of his players Alfie Hudson must have tried to dodge around one too many opposition players. He incurred the quarter time grilling from the coach who said in a rather loud voice “Who the f#*& you think you are Alfie Kevin F*&%in Bartlett”.
Lookout
I think there are only four white posts between the pub and Ged’s backyard but on night he managed to take out three of them!!!
So you don’t like Collingwood
On one of the footy trips Ged and all the lads went to watch Melbourne and Collingwood, everyone paid the $23 to get in but when Ged heard the Collingwood supporters bellowing, he immediately said “I can’t put up with these Pricks” and walked out.
Bernie and Leon
I caught up with his mum and dad at the funeral and they don’t look a day different to when they left Marnoo, I don’t know how long it has been but it was good to catch up with them. They were very proud of Ged. The world has lost one of it’s likable characters. RIP Father.
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