Hello Again

Welcome to another edition of the SLF. I wasn’t a big news week this week as I didn’t have anything come across my desk. I made a brief visit to the area during last week but it was just a fleeting visit, arriving in the dark and leaving in the dark. We will see how we go……

 

Tigers break the drought

My team the Richmond Tigers broke the duck this week and I am taking full credit for the win. Why? You see on Saturday I made sure when the game started I went for a drive and didn’t listen to the game, I turned on the radio when I though it was ½ time and whamo, they were up by 5 or 6 goals in a bog heap. I thought even for the hapless Tigers that would be enough and I then journeyed on home and watched the rest on Fox. The voodoo may have lifted….

 

Still on the Roy’s

Former native Kevin “Bloody” Court has found a unique way to keep up with the score of his beloved Fitzroy. For those who don’t know Fitzroy now play in the VAFA and Kev is an avid follower. The problem is that Kev lives in BrisVegas (Brisbane) and couldn’t find a way to keep up with the scores each Saturday. That was until Saturday when he found someone on Twitter who was at the game updating the score through his Twitter site each 10 minutes. Heaven for Kevin!!!

 

iPad mania

Apple converts like myself are in a twist over the new iPad. The latest in Apples gadgetry hit the market last Friday and it’s essential for us Apple folk to get the quadrella. What is he on about you ask? Well most Apple freaks will have the iPhone, the Macbook laptop, the iPod and now the iPad . Myself, I now have 3 legs of the Quadrella only missing out on the iPod as I’m not really a music listener. I will say it’s brilliant and I looking to use it at work and also to help cut my over-the-top weekly newspaper spend.

 

Where the bloody hell are you

Geez it’s been a while since I have written a story about Armand “Herbie” Duxson or Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson. The duo used to fill about half of this publication but have been noticeably absent for some time now. I can only really put it down to the changes in their lives, you see Smacka has got pretty serous with the lovely Nerelle and she resides in Melbourne. So as you could imagine he spends a lot of time down there now out of the prying eyes of my spies. As for Herbie the lovely Marcia has given up her job in Bendigo and moved into Linden with the big fella. Bendigo is the real loser out of that move as the weekend economy has halved since Marcia made the big move and I’m told that all the jobs are now getting done at Linden. Luck Gary “Larry” Cameron is still around to entertain the native with his shenanigans.

 

Missed by that much

The rain certainly bypassed the Marnoo district over the last could of weeks which has seen many areas in SA, Vic, Tas, NSW and Qld receiving up to 4 inches in the old. Fair dinkum Marnoo has really been in a rain shadow, much to the frustration of the district farmers. One can only hope that next time it’s our turn.

 

That’s all folks

Hello Again

Another week has just passed us by and the weather is the most concerning thing on the minds of our district farmers. As I write there is some rain around so here’s hoping for a minimum of at least one inch.

 

G’day maaaaaate

Former Marnoo publican Graeme “Old Maaaaaaate” McNolty phoned during last week wanting to know what was going on around the district. He mentioned that he is looking to go back into another pub having sold his share in the taxi round. I said “what would you want to go back into another pub for”. “Dunno maaaaaate, probably to old for it now but we have to do something maaaaaate” he said. He also mentioned to say hello to all, as he said he misses the place “the people are terrific maaaaaate” he said. At the end of the conversation I said “seeya maaaaate” and he said “righto maaaaate”

 

Tour de Riverina

The Yarrawonga Mulwala Cricket Club had its annual cricket trip the weekend just gone and boy was it huge. I think there are well over 100 people involved in the club but we could only muster 7 for the trip, however it’s all about quality no quantity. We spent the fist night in Jerilderie and then on the Saturday weaved our way to Deni via the Conargo and Pretty Pines pubs. Nothing controversial happened as the crew were mainly made up of mid 30 aged blokes who like drinking beer. Cam “The soak” Scott and Marcus “H” Hargreaves were both in top form but were pipped by Justin “Jughead” O’Brien who was in outstanding touch especially on the Saturday and the Sunday.

 

78 and counting

As we snaked our way home on the Sunday we called in at the North Tuppal Woolshed which is a 78 stand shed that fair dinkum would have to hold over 10,000 woollies. There was a big working bee on there as they are having a re-enactment of the famous canvas “shearing the rams” on June the 5th. The 78 stand are going to be filled with 78 blade shearers in what should be an amazing site. Talking to a few of the Natives they tell me they are expecting over 5000 people to turn up. North Tuppal is about 20km west of Tocumwal.

 

20/20 golf

The Royal has started their version of 20/02 golf, punters turn up on Thursday arvo and play 3 holes and then retreat to the deck for a bbq and beers. Apparently they had 24 turn up on Thursday night. Most were well behaved!!! I think it’s on again this week.

 

That’s all from me

Hello again

Welcome to another week. I haven’t been back to the village for a while but I have heard through my sources that a rain wouldn’t go astray. It’s not panic stations yet as there is plenty of moisture underneath I’m told. It’s the same situation everywhere with farmers all over the county looking skywards. There is a nice cloud event in the North West of the country that is dumping large totals up that way. Let’s hope we get a piece of that!!!

 

Party of the decade

Leading agronomist Andrew “Clown” Newall is having his 30^th birthday in June. I’m describing it as the party of the decade as there will plenty of luminaries present. I can’t believe that clown is now 30 as I remember when as a 15 year old kid he and veteran number 11 John “Noisy” Nisbet led Marnoo to victory against Charlton at Charlton. That day he batted like a genius belting the then strong Charlton attack to all parts. I think they put on about 60 for the last wicket but over the years that has blown out considerably, last I heard it was out over a hundred and I’m sure the story will get taller again.

 

Stopping all stations

Local historian Kev “Bloody” Court has come across some old train footage featuring the Bolangum line back in 1964. If you are interested in viewing this priceless footage go to facebook site (Square Leg). It’s amazing to see all the landmarks and how they looked back then. A couple of things I noticed were, the old hall at Marnoo, a view down Marnoo’s main street with a single lane bitumen road, the single lane Wimmera Hwy and many more things. Also there are some people in the video, they maybe natives? Get on and have a look

 

Feedback

I have had some more feedback on the pub situation and it’s all positive. I guess there is nothing that can really happen at this point in time but it’s out there and something that will need to be addressed at some point in the not-to-distant-future.

 

The Richmond Mozz

Call me superstitious but I got up in the early hours of  Monday morning to watch the Aussies do battle with England in the World Cup 20/20. I’m now calling it “the Richmond mozz” because as soon as I turned on the tv the Aussies lost 3 quick wickets and they then struggled to reach a competitive score. It’s all because I barrack for the Tiges and that bad karma is now being transferred to other things I follow. If I hadn’t of turned the tele on Watson and Warner might have been 0/100 off 10. Anyway the Tiges are getting closer to a win and I am tipping they will upset someone this season.

 

That’s all for this week

Another week

Welcome to another week of the SLF. Well what an interesting week I had last week as I attended the Warrnambool Jumps Carnival which coincided with Sandy “The Know All” McGregor’s 40^th birthday celebrations. And celebrations there were………..

 

Amazing Carnival

Before I get on with specifics, I just want to point out what an amazing carnival Warrnambool now is. I think it’s been about 15 years since I last went and boy has it got big since then. The Thursday is like a mini Melbourne Cup with tents, bars and people everywhere, all dressed up and out for a good time. It must inject mega $$$$$$ into the Warrnambool economy.

 

Hell Bent

It was certainly “The Know All’s” carnival as he had three runners for the three days and all of them won, including two of the big feature races. His near million dollar veteran Some Are Bent won on the first day and he then backed in up in the feature race but unfortunately he fell, no damage done. His other jumping sensation Black And Bent (much younger brother to Some are Bent) won Wednesday’s feature Hurdle and then he had another winner on the Thursday.

 

Best seat in the house

One of my esteemed colleagues on the trip certainly got a view that he will remember for a long time. This individual was walking home from the Whalers Inn to his unit when he got a complete eyeful of a couple going hammer and tong in the unit next door, blinds fully open. He relayed the story onto us the next day and was a bit scratchy as to whom it was, but the next morning confirmed all when a prominent North Melbourne footballing figure emerged from the unit. That’s about as far as I want to take it…….

 

The Beckster don’t play on a rainy day

I caught up with my old Footballing teammate Tony “The Beckster” Beck who now runs a Financial Planning Business out of Adelaide. Talking to the old champ bought back something that I will never forget. You see the Beckster was in his last year back when Stawell were still the Redlegs. Becky was still an amazing player but was taking the training and commitment side of thing a little easier in his twilight year. He announced at the start of the year that “the beckster don’t play on a rainy day”. Yer yer we said but one day it rained on the Saturday morning and we got to the ground and there was no sign of T Beck. When quizzed, he said, I told you boys “the Beckster don’t play on a rainy day”. “Righto then” we said.

 

Banyena Cup

About 40 turned up to the Greek Festivities on Saturday night and all that attended said it was fantastic. No sure about the shenanigans that went on, hopefully that will come out in the wash this week.

 

Multi Function polis

I haven’t had to many responses in regards to the Hotel issue I bought up a couple of weeks ago, but you probably have to expect that. But it’s still an issue that won’t go away. The people that have responded have pointed to the fact that the town is probably ready for an all-in-one facility that has a pub, a shop, a post office and fuel. Not sure how this can happen but it makes economic sense and would be a thriving business for someone (and would emply people). This seems to be the logic medium term solution. Keep your thinking caps on…..

 

Comment from a former Publican

This came across my desk on the weekend form former Publican Amanda Lory.

 

I totally agree with you regarding the Marnoo Pub.  It is unfortunate that it seems to be going down hill. 

 

I have such fond memories of my time there and I thought I may share some of those memories with you all.  When we first took over I did not realise the significance of a country pub. However, it did not take me long!!!   To the non-drinkers it is a shame they hardly ever venture past the front doors because if they did they would soon realise what was therein.

It is the "'hub" of a small town.  People just call in sometimes for a little support, to talk about the weather, politics, their cropping, wanting someone to give them a hand etc etc.  To the non-drinkers they would not realise this.  It would be such a pity to see this disappear from Marnoo.  How many of the regulars would call into the Milk Bar etc to pick up the 'odd thing' before coming to the pub.  It was a meeting place to discuss all sorts of ideas and sometimes just a place for some to "let off a bit of steam" making it mostly a lot of fun but most of all it was the camaraderie amongst the patrons. 

 

To those who have never ventured in - they should realise that some of the nicest patrons were those who did not drink "the dreaded drop'.   I have such memories of Graeme Barratt, the perfect gentleman who only drank his specially ordered diet lemon!

 

The Marnoo Pub is very special place and it would be a lovely thought that perhaps the Marnoo Community could all pull together and keep it going.  It would not be that hard really- just support the pub you have - perhaps buy your slabs there instead of going to the slightly cheaper option at Safeways etc.  The only difference in the price is cartage and cooling- but most people are narrow minded enough not to give this side of things a thought.

 

I will always remember my time at Marnoo as being memorable to say the least!  We did love being there as we have always thought of the immediate area as 'home'.  I still regard myself as a 'local' and always will.

 

Good luck and best wishes

From the desk….

Welcome to another edition of the Square Leg Files. Well what a beautiful week of weather, lovely still days, crisp mornings and blazing Autumn sun.  But now it’s time to rain again to keep the wonderful start to the season going.  As I sit at my desk writing this piece early on Monday morning I’m am told that rain is on the way for Tuesday. Lets hope so….

 

Three day party

I’m off to the “Bool” this week for a couple of days R & R.  It’s race carnival week and regular attendee and former Callawadda native Sandy “The Know All” McGregor is celebrating his 40^th birthday. All I know is that the party is going for 3 days. Wish us luck.

 

Banyena Cup

This weekend the Banyena Cup is being held at the “Royal” and I’m told that it is going to be a huge event. Last year was a cracker according to those that went and this year is expected to be bigger and better. Connections are inviting people down for the wine tasting and Souvlaki’s on the deck of the “Whitehouse”. So don’t worry about cooking at home this Saturday night, let Marnoo’s Masterchef equivalents Ben “Glendemar” Duxson and Gary “Larry” Cameron tantalise those taste buds.

 

Banyena Cup it is

The Banyena Cup is one of the “Royals” signature events and the club is looking for a big Banyena turnout this year. So if you live out there on the plains make sure you either get there for the golf or better still the after entertainment.

 

Italian or Greek

I’m not sure if I even reported this last year but there was a bit of confusion at last years Banyena Cup. The night was labelled a Greek night in the promotional flyers but someone bought the wrong flag along. Yep you guessed it, they bought an Italian flag, oh well by the sounds of it the Italians are travelling slightly better than the Greeks these days and it didn’t make one ounce of difference to the tasted of those mouth watering Souvlaki’s.

 

Do we need a plan???

I had responses from two concerned natives last week, which was encouraging. However it wasn’t overwhelming. I was reminded of a couple of cases where communities have been successful in keeping local amenities going which are absolutely essential to a small community like Marnoo.

 

One was the Navarre Community taking over or starting up their shop/store, which was virtual non-existent before the locals intervened. Now from what I can gather it’s a thriving community asset that all local use.

 

Another incident was the Rupanyup Football Club taking over their Pub. I’m not sure how successful that has been but its still open.

These are just a couple of examples of communities getting together to save or revitalise community assets. Please let’s hear what you guys have to say……

 

Below is a transcript of what was written last week.

 

We need a plan!!

I once again had the pleasure of downing a pot or 20 at the Marnoo Pub last week, it’s a place that I and many locals and non locals have enjoyed visiting on many occasions over the years. My concern is that the joint is falling down. Now you would have to agree the pub is, whether your a drinker or not, the epicentre of the community. The issue I see is not necessarily immediate (perhaps it is) but one I think all the community needs to be thinking about. Think of it this way the current publican Leigh “Blue Can” Foster is going to get sick of it one day and want to sell. But my issue is, who is going to buy it in its current state? The joint has moved dramatically over the years and is now in a state of disrepair. I know and sympathise with “Blue Can” because he wouldn’t get his money back if he invested in a fix up. But as I said one day he is going to want to leave and with no buyer there is no choice but to shut the joint down. Then maybe to get a little in return “Blue Can” might just sell the licence (which he is entitled to do).

 

No pub in Marnoo would be a dramatic loss to the community and its identity. I just feel that this situation could arise in the not to distant future and if it did come to fruition all natives would be in shock.

 

I haven’t got an answer but I think as a community we should be getting together for a think tank on this issue and also we need to be working with the current proprietor to make sure the Marnoo Pub has a future. I know I’m an ex native but I and many other ex natives would be willing to help out the current natives to plan for the ongoing future of the famed Marnoo Pub.

 

I want to point out that I am not blaming anyone for the current situation, it’s something that has been slowly getting worse over many years.

 

Please if you agree or disagree, have any ideas or want to start something you can email me through my Yarrawonga mate Dwain “Daryl” Duxson @ dwain@glendemar.com.au or snail mail to Square Leg, PO Box 409, Yarrawonga, Vic 3730 or text or call on 0427 011900           

 

What do you recon? Looking forward to your feedback?