Live from Murray’s bar at the Vic Hotel
Welcome again
Another week has just flown by and yes I have taken up residence at the Vic Hotel, let me tell you with the price of Hotel rooms it’s only a short term stay. There was a bit of action over the last week, so here we go.
Murray’s Bar
We have named the bar at the Vic, Murray’s Bar after famous Callawadda resident Murray “MGM” McGregor who uses it as his Melbourne base from time to time. It’s a famous bar and was once considered the bar where rural folk gather, somewhere where you didn’t look out of place in the Moleskins and tweed.
A gathering of sorts
A group of natives and former natives gathered at 11:30 thinking that Murray’s bar would be open, they soon found out it wasn’t when former native John “Fruity” Nisbet belted his nose on the door thinking it would fly open.
Big day out
The new Mayor Gary “Larry” Cameron, leading truckie Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy, Fruity, Armand “Herbie” Duxson, his lovely girlfriend Marcie, her sister, local funnyman Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson, Dwain “Daryl” Duxson and myself all attended the Carlton vs Richmond game at the MCG. It was a battle of wits as Larry and Boof following Carlton and Daryl, Herbie and myself following the Tigers. There was plenty of niggle all day and unfortunately for us Carlton took the honours.
Richo Richo man
My man Richo man had a fairly dirty day at the office but one bit of what we call “Richo magic” was worth entry fee alone. After chasing the ball along the boundary line and in hot pursuit from a Carlton opponent and another coming towards him, the big fella decided to do a reverse dribble toward goal. Sensational and bought the sea of Yellow and Black to their feet.
Young Nisbet
Fruity was in top form and was reasonably vocal event though the Bulldog where 3000km away in Darwin. He was however claiming his young cousin Trent “Young Nisbet” Cotchin who once again put in a blinding game. Its obvious now that he is by far the best Nisbet I have seen and by a long way.
After footy drinks
Once Larry had finished singing the Carlton song it was then back to Murray’s bar where we were joined by more natives and former natives. Hayden “How Hard” McLennan along with Joy “Jump for” Nisbet, Paula “Nearly 40” Duxson, Raleigh “ Nearly 9” Duxson, Peter “Punter” Jenkins and Carmel “Be quiet John” Jenkins joined in the festivities. I’m told that the younger members of the crew drew stumps early the next morning.
That would make a dad proud
Now this is a beauty and I guess you have to know these two blokes to really get the belly laugh it deserves. Father and son due Wally and Terry Brear are a couple of local characters up this way and it all happened last summer when Wally took his grandson Buzz to a one dayer at the MCG. Buzz and Wally where leaving the MCG and heading through the back streets of East Melbourne when young Buzz spotted uncle Terry, “Pop isn’t that Terry at the roundabout”, “Your right Buzz” Wally said. Now Terry also happened to also be in Melbourne and was representing the Yarrawonga and district cricket Association at country week. Now it’s a tradition to get on the sauce on the way down and apparently the boys didn’t disappoint. Well this time Terry well and truly over catered (he has been known to do that once or twice) and had his thumb out looking for a lift. The situation is that Wally is a pretty casual bloke, so he helped Terry (who was absolutely loaded and half asleep) into his cruiser and headed toward the team hotel. Well then Terry piped up from his power nap and said “where yu headed mate” Wally laughing under his breath said “Yarrawonga”, Terry then piped in and said “Yer mate I’m from Yarrawonga as well”. It wasn’t until later in the week that Wally relayed the story to Terry that he didn’t even know his own father. On the way young Buzz said “Gee pop Terry was drunk”
Golfing Guru
I’m told that young Callawadda native Sam “Slammin” Reading has and eagle twice on the par 5 at Glenorchy (Commonly known as Ally McBeal to some). Now you wouldn’t see that to often.
That will do
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to another week of the SLF. If last week was a big news week then this week is the opposite, let’s see how we go.
Sizzling golf
I’m told that there was some red hot golf played at the Royal over the weekend in the second round of the championships. Players must have shrugged off the hangovers from Legacy Day as many scores just above par were recorded, it all augers well for a gripping end to the championships.
Carlton supporter take stock
After talking finals the week before Carlton and their supporters came back to earth with a thud after going down to the less fancied Essendon. Local Carlton men Gary “Larry” Cameron and Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy will be hoping they bounce back against my team Richmond this Saturday.
Goff and Joyce
It was good to see Goff and Joyce Letts out at Legacy day the other weekend. If I remember correctly the first ever story in the SLF was about Goff when he crashed the golf cart at Warracknabeal all those years ago.
Pest on the mend
I’m told that hop-along-Cassidy Mark “Pest from the West” Raggatt has ditched the crutches and is back to some form of normality.
No Mechanic in town
It has also come to my attention that Brian “What zat” Adams has moved on to Hamilton. That is not good as it leaves the district without a mechanic, perhaps we will have to recruit one of those Rupanyup mechanics which seem to be in oversupply.
The lake is going dry
Up here in sunny Yarrawonga something strange is happening, Lake Mulwala is rapidly going dry, many dead stumps and logs are starting to appear and all boating has all but stopped. Apparently they are draining it to kill the weed that has developed over the last couple of years and then they intend to refill it. Refill it with what I ask
Rainfall down
My figures are telling me that we have only had around 115mm for the year around the Marnoo district whilst at the same time Stawell has had just over 200mm. The Marnoo figure would have to be about half that of this time last year and my calculations are telling me that it has to get mighty wet if we are going to get annual rainfall for the year.
That’s all for this week.
Welcome to another week of the SLF. If last week was a big news week then this week is the opposite, let’s see how we go.
Sizzling golf
I’m told that there was some red hot golf played at the Royal over the weekend in the second round of the championships. Players must have shrugged off the hangovers from Legacy Day as many scores just above par were recorded, it all augers well for a gripping end to the championships.
Carlton supporter take stock
After talking finals the week before Carlton and their supporters came back to earth with a thud after going down to the less fancied Essendon. Local Carlton men Gary “Larry” Cameron and Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy will be hoping they bounce back against my team Richmond this Saturday.
Goff and Joyce
It was good to see Goff and Joyce Letts out at Legacy day the other weekend. If I remember correctly the first ever story in the SLF was about Goff when he crashed the golf cart at Warracknabeal all those years ago.
Pest on the mend
I’m told that hop-along-Cassidy Mark “Pest from the West” Raggatt has ditched the crutches and is back to some form of normality.
No Mechanic in town
It has also come to my attention that Brian “What zat” Adams has moved on to Hamilton. That is not good as it leaves the district without a mechanic, perhaps we will have to recruit one of those Rupanyup mechanics which seem to be in oversupply.
The lake is going dry
Up here in sunny Yarrawonga something strange is happening, Lake Mulwala is rapidly going dry, many dead stumps and logs are starting to appear and all boating has all but stopped. Apparently they are draining it to kill the weed that has developed over the last couple of years and then they intend to refill it. Refill it with what I ask
Rainfall down
My figures are telling me that we have only had around 115mm for the year around the Marnoo district whilst at the same time Stawell has had just over 200mm. The Marnoo figure would have to be about half that of this time last year and my calculations are telling me that it has to get mighty wet if we are going to get annual rainfall for the year.
That’s all for this week.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A big week
I was around all of last week and boy does it all happen around here. Here’s just a snippet of what happened.
Legacy Day Huge
Legacy day at the Royal was huge this year with a full field of 84 players graced the greenery. I can’t even remember who won.
Gold, Silver and Bronze
John “Be My” Guest was Buddy Franklin like form and took the Golden Belt for the evening. He was however closely followed by his Bundy drinking mate Bruce “Boof” Hendy. You could have thrown a blanket over the candidates for bronze but we have awarded it to Stawell resident Alan “Bond” Jamieson.
Overnight stay
Alan “Bond” Jamieson who was introduced to Legacy Day by in house comedian Stewart “Smacka” Macpherson had a novel idea in bringing his caravan to stay in. I believe it is a first but I have heard of others staying the night in the clubhouse. One Marnoo West resident used to fancy the odd overnight stay under one of the clubhouse tables.
IOU
Big Armand “Herbie” Duxson must have had a big weekend the weekend before as his IOU bill left in the fridge at the Royal was $54.
The late Peter Knights
Members of the Peter “Numbers” Knights team where left to hit off last as he made his usual late arrival. He makes up for it thought by leaving late at night.
Take me home
Living legend Norm “Guru” Duxson over catered after a big round with Chris “Entanglement” Webb, so much so that he saddled up beside “Guru Margie” and said “Can you take me home”
The case of the missing chicken
Chicken was on the menu for the stayers, it was funny all these chickens done up in foil and marinated in some exotic Ramsay type dressing suddenly appeared, they where then put on the fire and cooked to perfection by the in house chefs. I’m told there is a little bit of controversy surrounding a couple of these chickens, all I know is that they tasted pretty good.
A long week
Quote of the week has to go to farming philosopher Jock “ Irons” McGregor, he said “It’s been a long week in farming” referring to, how things looked pretty grim at the start of the week and how they changed by the end with a bit of rain.
No Spring
If you spend enough time with John “Jack” Cameron you can usually get some fresh quotes and this week he didn’t let us down. A group of farmers where talking about the importance of getting a good spring this year. Jack piped up and said “the only spring I’ve had in the last five years is the one coming up through the seat of the ute”
Not me
A fellow farmer was quizzing “Entanglement” about the sowing misses in the Thunderdome paddock just North of Marnoo, “Wasn’t me, the boss did that” was Entanglement quick reply.
That’s my car
Herbies better half Marcia “VB” McIntyre was sitting in Lygon St enjoying a coffee with some friends when she noticed her car driving past. Yes some thief thought he might take it for a spin.
A mighty feat
Young gun shearer Jimmy “Handpiece” Anderson did 210 mature ewes the other day at Glendemar and they knocked off 15 minutes early. Fellow gun shearer Pete “Downtube” Newall said “taught him all he knows”
Blokes a rabbit
It was good to see former native Andy “Blokes a rabbit” Healy in the boozer on Friday night. He did tell the group of onlookers that ( you have to think how Andy talks when reading this quote) “this bloody heart attack business not good, Doctor told me fruit, bloody veges and plenty of bloody walking, bloke looks like a dickhead on the treadmill thingo, lucky he didn’t mention the grog”. It was vintage stuff.
Mayor roles change
Its official Gary “Larry” Cameron is the new mayor, the baton has been handed over by Ex Mayor Derek “Mayor” Cameron, however the ex mayor will always be known as “The Mayor”. Now I’m confused.
I was around all of last week and boy does it all happen around here. Here’s just a snippet of what happened.
Legacy Day Huge
Legacy day at the Royal was huge this year with a full field of 84 players graced the greenery. I can’t even remember who won.
Gold, Silver and Bronze
John “Be My” Guest was Buddy Franklin like form and took the Golden Belt for the evening. He was however closely followed by his Bundy drinking mate Bruce “Boof” Hendy. You could have thrown a blanket over the candidates for bronze but we have awarded it to Stawell resident Alan “Bond” Jamieson.
Overnight stay
Alan “Bond” Jamieson who was introduced to Legacy Day by in house comedian Stewart “Smacka” Macpherson had a novel idea in bringing his caravan to stay in. I believe it is a first but I have heard of others staying the night in the clubhouse. One Marnoo West resident used to fancy the odd overnight stay under one of the clubhouse tables.
IOU
Big Armand “Herbie” Duxson must have had a big weekend the weekend before as his IOU bill left in the fridge at the Royal was $54.
The late Peter Knights
Members of the Peter “Numbers” Knights team where left to hit off last as he made his usual late arrival. He makes up for it thought by leaving late at night.
Take me home
Living legend Norm “Guru” Duxson over catered after a big round with Chris “Entanglement” Webb, so much so that he saddled up beside “Guru Margie” and said “Can you take me home”
The case of the missing chicken
Chicken was on the menu for the stayers, it was funny all these chickens done up in foil and marinated in some exotic Ramsay type dressing suddenly appeared, they where then put on the fire and cooked to perfection by the in house chefs. I’m told there is a little bit of controversy surrounding a couple of these chickens, all I know is that they tasted pretty good.
A long week
Quote of the week has to go to farming philosopher Jock “ Irons” McGregor, he said “It’s been a long week in farming” referring to, how things looked pretty grim at the start of the week and how they changed by the end with a bit of rain.
No Spring
If you spend enough time with John “Jack” Cameron you can usually get some fresh quotes and this week he didn’t let us down. A group of farmers where talking about the importance of getting a good spring this year. Jack piped up and said “the only spring I’ve had in the last five years is the one coming up through the seat of the ute”
Not me
A fellow farmer was quizzing “Entanglement” about the sowing misses in the Thunderdome paddock just North of Marnoo, “Wasn’t me, the boss did that” was Entanglement quick reply.
That’s my car
Herbies better half Marcia “VB” McIntyre was sitting in Lygon St enjoying a coffee with some friends when she noticed her car driving past. Yes some thief thought he might take it for a spin.
A mighty feat
Young gun shearer Jimmy “Handpiece” Anderson did 210 mature ewes the other day at Glendemar and they knocked off 15 minutes early. Fellow gun shearer Pete “Downtube” Newall said “taught him all he knows”
Blokes a rabbit
It was good to see former native Andy “Blokes a rabbit” Healy in the boozer on Friday night. He did tell the group of onlookers that ( you have to think how Andy talks when reading this quote) “this bloody heart attack business not good, Doctor told me fruit, bloody veges and plenty of bloody walking, bloke looks like a dickhead on the treadmill thingo, lucky he didn’t mention the grog”. It was vintage stuff.
Mayor roles change
Its official Gary “Larry” Cameron is the new mayor, the baton has been handed over by Ex Mayor Derek “Mayor” Cameron, however the ex mayor will always be known as “The Mayor”. Now I’m confused.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Yes another week flies by
Welcome one and all to another week of the SLF, not a big week for news but we will see what we can dig up.
We can only hope
At the time of writing the forecast was for two decent fronts to grace our presence, so by the time this wonderful publication goes to print I expect lots of puddles on the roads. I have to say that I opened my big gob last week tipping 2 inches of rain to a less enthusiastic Yarrawonga grazier. I did quote I would help him crutch his sheep if it didn’t happen, or so I was told, it was late and I had had my share for that day. Things you do (or say).
Very quiet
I had a call from Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson the other day and sadly he has nothing to report, nothing of any consequence only that he has finished all his sowing and his new auto steer worked to perfection. So much so that he managed to get all the papers read whilst he was sowing his oats.
Fuel up
With fuel prices set to go to $1.70/$1.80 mark it really is starting to hit the hip pocket. We may have to seriously look at ways to reduce our thirst for fuel. Farmers are of course one of the most vulnerable and spare a thought for the old grey nomad pulling the Jayco.
Ride the bike
I was in Melbourne the other day and noticed a lot more bikes and scooters being ridden, people are obviously doing this in the wake of higher fuel prices but what can we do on the farm to reduce our exposure. Some of things that have being suggested are: Riding the motorbike, Riding the pushbike, carpooling to town, buying Auto steer for the tractor, converting to gas etc etc. Doesn’t sound like much fun to me!
Rich or beautiful
The late Bruce Maconachie used to say “I wish I was born rich instead of beautiful” well those 4 blokes certainly handed in their beauty for a 4 way share in 58 million. Now what would you do with 58 million?
A legacy
Legacy day at Wallaloo is now an institution and the expectations are high again this year. I am looking forward to the event myself as it provides plenty of fodder for next weeks column. So I am warning everyone to not behave themselves as I will have note pad an pen poised from the time I drive into the gate.
The fire
It’s all about fun and it doesn’t get any better than hanging around a fire, drinking a couple of frothies and talking to the other unfortunates who have just completed the 18 hole walk. Make sure you come along it’s a great day (and night) out.
Until next week
Welcome one and all to another week of the SLF, not a big week for news but we will see what we can dig up.
We can only hope
At the time of writing the forecast was for two decent fronts to grace our presence, so by the time this wonderful publication goes to print I expect lots of puddles on the roads. I have to say that I opened my big gob last week tipping 2 inches of rain to a less enthusiastic Yarrawonga grazier. I did quote I would help him crutch his sheep if it didn’t happen, or so I was told, it was late and I had had my share for that day. Things you do (or say).
Very quiet
I had a call from Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson the other day and sadly he has nothing to report, nothing of any consequence only that he has finished all his sowing and his new auto steer worked to perfection. So much so that he managed to get all the papers read whilst he was sowing his oats.
Fuel up
With fuel prices set to go to $1.70/$1.80 mark it really is starting to hit the hip pocket. We may have to seriously look at ways to reduce our thirst for fuel. Farmers are of course one of the most vulnerable and spare a thought for the old grey nomad pulling the Jayco.
Ride the bike
I was in Melbourne the other day and noticed a lot more bikes and scooters being ridden, people are obviously doing this in the wake of higher fuel prices but what can we do on the farm to reduce our exposure. Some of things that have being suggested are: Riding the motorbike, Riding the pushbike, carpooling to town, buying Auto steer for the tractor, converting to gas etc etc. Doesn’t sound like much fun to me!
Rich or beautiful
The late Bruce Maconachie used to say “I wish I was born rich instead of beautiful” well those 4 blokes certainly handed in their beauty for a 4 way share in 58 million. Now what would you do with 58 million?
A legacy
Legacy day at Wallaloo is now an institution and the expectations are high again this year. I am looking forward to the event myself as it provides plenty of fodder for next weeks column. So I am warning everyone to not behave themselves as I will have note pad an pen poised from the time I drive into the gate.
The fire
It’s all about fun and it doesn’t get any better than hanging around a fire, drinking a couple of frothies and talking to the other unfortunates who have just completed the 18 hole walk. Make sure you come along it’s a great day (and night) out.
Until next week
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Another week
Another week just flies by. How quickly does it happen? Either I’m getting older or having plenty of fun. What do you guys recon?
Back to the old way
With fuel prices going though the roof and everyday cost following the same track are we going to have to change the way we live? We will have to go back to a more simple life without all the bells and whistles. It is certainly the message that I am hearing on the street.
The service station
Is the Marnoo pub the new fuel station? Well according to Greg Newall it is, apparently he tried to extract some cash from the hotels ATM using his fuel card and guess what it didn’t work!!!!
Not long now
One of the highlight events on the golfing calendar, Legacy day is about to dawn upon us. There are plenty of stories to come out of the event over the years but this little one might jog a few memories. Local fruiterer John “Noisy” Nesbit was a bit worried at the clean up the next morning that he may of dropped the F word in front of the ladies a couple of time ( It was more than a couple let me tell you) and that if the SLF was around then, he would be headlines. Rod “3/8 Rod” Reading alleviated all his fears when he told him that Dwain “Daryl” Duxson had ditched his ute into the creek only 400 metres outside the golf club gateway.
Where he belongs
I see where former Bulldog Chris Grant kicked a few goals for Daylesford on the weekend, I always thought that was about his level!!!
Gassed
The Royals GAS team didn’t come out on top last weekend at Moor Park, it was won again by Murtoa. Ben “Glendemar” Duxson took out the B Grade individual prized with an impressive 63 net. They tell me the bloke who had his card chucked out duly shouted (a long held tradition) all Royal participants.
That’s all from me.
Another week just flies by. How quickly does it happen? Either I’m getting older or having plenty of fun. What do you guys recon?
Back to the old way
With fuel prices going though the roof and everyday cost following the same track are we going to have to change the way we live? We will have to go back to a more simple life without all the bells and whistles. It is certainly the message that I am hearing on the street.
The service station
Is the Marnoo pub the new fuel station? Well according to Greg Newall it is, apparently he tried to extract some cash from the hotels ATM using his fuel card and guess what it didn’t work!!!!
Not long now
One of the highlight events on the golfing calendar, Legacy day is about to dawn upon us. There are plenty of stories to come out of the event over the years but this little one might jog a few memories. Local fruiterer John “Noisy” Nesbit was a bit worried at the clean up the next morning that he may of dropped the F word in front of the ladies a couple of time ( It was more than a couple let me tell you) and that if the SLF was around then, he would be headlines. Rod “3/8 Rod” Reading alleviated all his fears when he told him that Dwain “Daryl” Duxson had ditched his ute into the creek only 400 metres outside the golf club gateway.
Where he belongs
I see where former Bulldog Chris Grant kicked a few goals for Daylesford on the weekend, I always thought that was about his level!!!
Gassed
The Royals GAS team didn’t come out on top last weekend at Moor Park, it was won again by Murtoa. Ben “Glendemar” Duxson took out the B Grade individual prized with an impressive 63 net. They tell me the bloke who had his card chucked out duly shouted (a long held tradition) all Royal participants.
That’s all from me.
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