Welcome again
I just so happened to make it back to the village over the weekend and it was great that it actually rained. It was so nice and so timely. It won’t take long to soak in and then we will be looking for the next rain event. Let’s hope it’s very soon.
Farmer in form
I had a little bit of a “sit in” on Saturday in the corner shop with leading Farmer Brian “Farmer” Healy, who incidentally now has land to the North, South, East and West of Marnoo. He tells me that the country to the North is the area that’s struggling. He defiantly can’t say the same out East as his barley down Dawes Bridge Road (next to Mr & Mrs Hines) is a beauty.
Can’t fool Old Blue Can
Whilst attending the Saturday afternoon sit in with the Farmer I learnt one thing, our friendly barman is switched on when it comes to identify coins. You see the farmer never intended to “sit in” (like myself) but it started raining and he got excited. He only bought $10 with him but had a heap of change in his ute and kept going back and digging deeper each time. So much so that he fronted up to a shout with a couple of washers instead of dollar coins. It didn’t get past “Bluey” though.
Rueben on centre stage
Fresh from his entertaining WA trip Rostron Guru Rueben “Rostron” Cheesman has taken the limelight in the rural papers with his new GM canola out there beyond the Kanya hills (My old place of residence). I and others believe he is turning himself into another Andrew Weideman. Agri politics beckons!!!!
Councillor Larry’s
I was told by a wise owl over the weekend to name current Mayor Gary “Larry” Cameron “Councillor Larry”. Why you ask? Well in that famous family we have “The Mayor” and “The Senator” so it just has a good feel to it, so Councillor Larry it is.
Councillor Larry promises plenty but delivers nothing
Now don’t jump to conclusions, he is doing a great job in his new post as Mayor, I’m talking more about what he gave this little black duck earlier last week. You see he rang from Adelaide asking if I had enough room in this little column for all the stories he was going to pass on. Naturally I said yes plenty of room, I just keep writing, there is now end to this column. He said “right then I will tell all when I see you Friday night in the pub”, fast forward to Friday night and I saddle up beside The Councillor and ask him (with pen ready) what he had that was going to fill this column. Well it was more like Councillor Shultz than Councillor Cameron, I got the “I know notzing”. I think when he rang he was in a much more excited state (no not South Australia) and after giving it some thought over a couple of days he decided against it. I would like to know what took his fancy in Adelaide?
Fair weather golfers
Famous golfing duo Rod “3/8” Reading and his sidekick Christopher “Entanglement” Webb took golf watching to a new level at the Royal last weekend. They abandon their match due to the wet conditions but decided to go around with Ben “Glendemar” Duxson and Anthony “Hank” Erwin who were playing their compulsory knockout in the rain. So they diligently packed the esky, jumped in the ute and listened to the footy whilst watching the golf. Now that’s a great day out in my book.
End of message
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Welcome to another week
Yes another week has passed us by as winter draws to a close. Some rain would be nice, I took a trip from Yarra to Wagga, Young, Cowra, Wellington, Forbes, West Wyalong, Narrandera and back to Yarra. What I saw everywhere were fantastic crops that are very desperate for a drink and will need rain in the next 2 weeks. Pastures in most places are very low.
Royal in prime condition
The Wimmera’s best sand scrape course was in peak condition for the annual Studall Cup last Sunday. I’m told that perennial veteran performer Janice “Boof’s mother” Hendy and Graeme “Grey skies above” Ellen took the spoils home. I’m also told that Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson was also at the peak of his powers.
RIP Tigers
Once again my Tigers finished 9th, which is much higher than most expected this season, but I would have to say we are looking much better that we have personal wise since the early 80’s. 28 bloody years since the great KB Bartlett held his arms aloft after slotting through one of seven when we beat the Magpies in 1980. I’m an optimist, so bring on next year.
Yarra in the finals, just
My team Yarra have struggled a bit in the last half of the year and finished the year in 4th place, they are about an even money chance to get through the elimination final this week. They have had a season that hasn’t lived up to expectations with 5 ex AFL in the team.
That’s about all for this week
End of message
Yes another week has passed us by as winter draws to a close. Some rain would be nice, I took a trip from Yarra to Wagga, Young, Cowra, Wellington, Forbes, West Wyalong, Narrandera and back to Yarra. What I saw everywhere were fantastic crops that are very desperate for a drink and will need rain in the next 2 weeks. Pastures in most places are very low.
Royal in prime condition
The Wimmera’s best sand scrape course was in peak condition for the annual Studall Cup last Sunday. I’m told that perennial veteran performer Janice “Boof’s mother” Hendy and Graeme “Grey skies above” Ellen took the spoils home. I’m also told that Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson was also at the peak of his powers.
RIP Tigers
Once again my Tigers finished 9th, which is much higher than most expected this season, but I would have to say we are looking much better that we have personal wise since the early 80’s. 28 bloody years since the great KB Bartlett held his arms aloft after slotting through one of seven when we beat the Magpies in 1980. I’m an optimist, so bring on next year.
Yarra in the finals, just
My team Yarra have struggled a bit in the last half of the year and finished the year in 4th place, they are about an even money chance to get through the elimination final this week. They have had a season that hasn’t lived up to expectations with 5 ex AFL in the team.
That’s about all for this week
End of message
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Welcome to another week
Hello and welcome to another week of the SLF. I was back in the village last week and boy do things look good, but as we know the spring is the business end of the season and that’s what will make or break us.
She isn’t over until the fat lady sings
Man of wisdom and SLF favourite John “Jack” Cameron is a realist, so much so that he has reminded me once again “that this dry period isn’t over until all the rivers, creeks (Muddy especially) and dams are full and really when you think about it he’s exactly right. We may be basking in the glory of rich green paddocks of crop or pasture but in a normal Marnoo season the paddocks are wet and you usually can’t driver around. Bring on the big spring rains.
You always see someone you know....
It doesn’t matter where you go you always seem to come across someone you know and sometimes you may come across someone in an uncompromising position. Well this little black duck was travelling down Kings Way the other day at peak hour when he spotted a familiar person with a longish pony tail, he was armed with funny looking container and a funnel leading into his fuel tank. Yes this poor unfortunate had run out of petrol in his car on one of the busiest streets in Melbourne in peak hour. I would have pulled over to help him but I had no way of turning around, so I gave him a call and he said that his Ford Falcon was saying 40km to go before empty. Can you guess who it was? Yes your right, John “Be My” Guest.
Kenny comes to town
I’m told on good authority that we have our very own “Kenny” in town, you know the portable toilet bloke. Apparently the Navy Blues Supporters group, is investigating buying some mobile dunny’s and Marnoo West hop-along-cassidy Mark “Pest” Raggatt is in charge of the deal, apparently the process has taken all the twists and turns of the real movie itself!!!
Malcolm Fraser
We have our own Kenny and we also have our own Malcolm Fraser, apparently one of our leading identities has been dropping his pants in the pub. Don’t worry though it was all above board (only males in attendance and the main prize was well and truly covered), this person was only showing the difference between his good and bad leg (not his middle one).
Marnoo wins Premiership
Marnoo has clinched the pool premiership and my guest reporter Gary “Larry” Cameron takes up the story. (Readers please be warned that this story was done late at night in the Marnoo Hotel). This is Larry’s report:
It’s with great pleasure to report that Marnoo has won another premiership albeit “pool” but its Marnoo and well worth printing. We were well lead by our sometime sleepy publican Leigh “Give me a sugar fix” Foster. We travelled to Minyip and played the Donald upstarts “Rebels” and were looking down the barrel being 3 down after 3 games but we rebounded and won the next 5 games straight to clinch the victory. A big thanks to the Marnoo team represented by Leigh, Herbie, Muzza, Perky, Andrew, Larry, Robbie Mac, Rachel and Farmer. Leigh won the player of the year.
Trip to WA
I was talking to NewAg CEO Andrew “Clown” Newall and he confirmed all the shenanigans that went on, he also confirmed that Brain “Farmer” Healy took out the prize for the week. He is also concerned that they probably learnt more in the local pubs they visited along the way but somehow forgot it all by the next morning.
What’s going on
Man about town and SLF favourite Bruce “Fevola” Hendy made it back from Darwin in one piece, but it’s not Darwin but another state capital he is most interested in lately. That’s about all I know at this stage, but stay tuned for more.
End of message
Hello and welcome to another week of the SLF. I was back in the village last week and boy do things look good, but as we know the spring is the business end of the season and that’s what will make or break us.
She isn’t over until the fat lady sings
Man of wisdom and SLF favourite John “Jack” Cameron is a realist, so much so that he has reminded me once again “that this dry period isn’t over until all the rivers, creeks (Muddy especially) and dams are full and really when you think about it he’s exactly right. We may be basking in the glory of rich green paddocks of crop or pasture but in a normal Marnoo season the paddocks are wet and you usually can’t driver around. Bring on the big spring rains.
You always see someone you know....
It doesn’t matter where you go you always seem to come across someone you know and sometimes you may come across someone in an uncompromising position. Well this little black duck was travelling down Kings Way the other day at peak hour when he spotted a familiar person with a longish pony tail, he was armed with funny looking container and a funnel leading into his fuel tank. Yes this poor unfortunate had run out of petrol in his car on one of the busiest streets in Melbourne in peak hour. I would have pulled over to help him but I had no way of turning around, so I gave him a call and he said that his Ford Falcon was saying 40km to go before empty. Can you guess who it was? Yes your right, John “Be My” Guest.
Kenny comes to town
I’m told on good authority that we have our very own “Kenny” in town, you know the portable toilet bloke. Apparently the Navy Blues Supporters group, is investigating buying some mobile dunny’s and Marnoo West hop-along-cassidy Mark “Pest” Raggatt is in charge of the deal, apparently the process has taken all the twists and turns of the real movie itself!!!
Malcolm Fraser
We have our own Kenny and we also have our own Malcolm Fraser, apparently one of our leading identities has been dropping his pants in the pub. Don’t worry though it was all above board (only males in attendance and the main prize was well and truly covered), this person was only showing the difference between his good and bad leg (not his middle one).
Marnoo wins Premiership
Marnoo has clinched the pool premiership and my guest reporter Gary “Larry” Cameron takes up the story. (Readers please be warned that this story was done late at night in the Marnoo Hotel). This is Larry’s report:
It’s with great pleasure to report that Marnoo has won another premiership albeit “pool” but its Marnoo and well worth printing. We were well lead by our sometime sleepy publican Leigh “Give me a sugar fix” Foster. We travelled to Minyip and played the Donald upstarts “Rebels” and were looking down the barrel being 3 down after 3 games but we rebounded and won the next 5 games straight to clinch the victory. A big thanks to the Marnoo team represented by Leigh, Herbie, Muzza, Perky, Andrew, Larry, Robbie Mac, Rachel and Farmer. Leigh won the player of the year.
Trip to WA
I was talking to NewAg CEO Andrew “Clown” Newall and he confirmed all the shenanigans that went on, he also confirmed that Brain “Farmer” Healy took out the prize for the week. He is also concerned that they probably learnt more in the local pubs they visited along the way but somehow forgot it all by the next morning.
What’s going on
Man about town and SLF favourite Bruce “Fevola” Hendy made it back from Darwin in one piece, but it’s not Darwin but another state capital he is most interested in lately. That’s about all I know at this stage, but stay tuned for more.
End of message
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Last week
Sorry about last week but time just ran out and I was away at Sheepvention supplementing my paltry journalistic wage. One thing is when you go to Sheepvention you catch up with a few cougars that you haven’t seen for ages, so that was fun. Anyway I have been away from the front line for a while now, so I am not really up with it but we will see how we go.
Boof doing fine in the tropics
Whilst at Sheepvention I caught up at length with my old Footballing mate Paul “Tall Paul from Stawell” Hendy who was keeping me up to date with the ins and outs of Bruce “Boofheads” Hendy’s trip to the Darwin Cup. When I say ins and outs I don’t mean that literally but I’m told that the reports that are coming back via the pigeon are that he’s having a great time and adapting well to the Darwin culture.
Early season footy trip
Word has just come across my desk that some, in the group of No Tillers, who were ably let by group captain Andrew “Clown” Newall (Newag) treated the 6 day junket in WA like a footy trip. Top of the culprit list was none other than Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson, his side kick Rueben “Rostron” Cheesman and leading No Tiller himself, Brian “Farmer” Healy (apologies to anyone I missed out). I’m told that Farmer won the prize for the week.
That’s why we drink....
To all those consumers out there here is a story that will warm the cockles of your heart or should I say, cool you body after a hot and sweaty day in the paddock. Whilst in WA on the No Till tour they visited a farm where the bloke had worked out that he needed to cut the straw to some specific level in order to work out how much stubble he needed to save and how much he needed to mulch. Very scientific and mathematical, so one of the crew asked how he works it out and his reply was “I just cut it off a beer can height”. Farmer Healy got a good giggle out of that and replied to the crowd “that’s why we drink”.
Tricky in WA
The lads found out the hard way that a pot over there is a pint and they seemed to make the mistake every time they walked into the bar. I’m told it fast tracked the inevitable result!!
I bit less of Wally
I caught up with part time Marnoo resident Wally “Goodooga” O’Connor last week and the big fella looks dangerously fit after shedding 20 kg lately. He tells me he is aiming to lose a bit more still.
Wino warming his seat
Marnoo’s new prized recruit and leading Machinery salesman Nigel “Winebar” Slee is warming his seat at the local establishment for when he moves in later next month. But you don’t have to worry about Wino because he’s very responsible when it comes to alcohol and knows when to stop. Credit must go to Juuuuune and Noel for bringing him up in such a fashion.
To use a Don “Fergy” Murphy statement, “end of message”.
Sorry about last week but time just ran out and I was away at Sheepvention supplementing my paltry journalistic wage. One thing is when you go to Sheepvention you catch up with a few cougars that you haven’t seen for ages, so that was fun. Anyway I have been away from the front line for a while now, so I am not really up with it but we will see how we go.
Boof doing fine in the tropics
Whilst at Sheepvention I caught up at length with my old Footballing mate Paul “Tall Paul from Stawell” Hendy who was keeping me up to date with the ins and outs of Bruce “Boofheads” Hendy’s trip to the Darwin Cup. When I say ins and outs I don’t mean that literally but I’m told that the reports that are coming back via the pigeon are that he’s having a great time and adapting well to the Darwin culture.
Early season footy trip
Word has just come across my desk that some, in the group of No Tillers, who were ably let by group captain Andrew “Clown” Newall (Newag) treated the 6 day junket in WA like a footy trip. Top of the culprit list was none other than Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson, his side kick Rueben “Rostron” Cheesman and leading No Tiller himself, Brian “Farmer” Healy (apologies to anyone I missed out). I’m told that Farmer won the prize for the week.
That’s why we drink....
To all those consumers out there here is a story that will warm the cockles of your heart or should I say, cool you body after a hot and sweaty day in the paddock. Whilst in WA on the No Till tour they visited a farm where the bloke had worked out that he needed to cut the straw to some specific level in order to work out how much stubble he needed to save and how much he needed to mulch. Very scientific and mathematical, so one of the crew asked how he works it out and his reply was “I just cut it off a beer can height”. Farmer Healy got a good giggle out of that and replied to the crowd “that’s why we drink”.
Tricky in WA
The lads found out the hard way that a pot over there is a pint and they seemed to make the mistake every time they walked into the bar. I’m told it fast tracked the inevitable result!!
I bit less of Wally
I caught up with part time Marnoo resident Wally “Goodooga” O’Connor last week and the big fella looks dangerously fit after shedding 20 kg lately. He tells me he is aiming to lose a bit more still.
Wino warming his seat
Marnoo’s new prized recruit and leading Machinery salesman Nigel “Winebar” Slee is warming his seat at the local establishment for when he moves in later next month. But you don’t have to worry about Wino because he’s very responsible when it comes to alcohol and knows when to stop. Credit must go to Juuuuune and Noel for bringing him up in such a fashion.
To use a Don “Fergy” Murphy statement, “end of message”.
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