NEWS DESK
Burglar makes a run for it POLICE are appealing for public help in finding a burglar who was disturbed at a Frankston country club last month. The incident happened at the Syke Rd club just before midnight on 30 May. Police believe the burglar gained entry by scaling a three-metre high wall and then walking through a courtyard. A security guard on a routine patrol disturbed him going through drawers in a staffroom. After a short confrontation with the guard, the burglar ran from the club, scaled a wall, and ran off towards Frankston North. Police have released a face image of the burglar in the hope that someone may recognise him. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic. com.au
Burglary plea FRANKSTON police are investigating a burglary and theft from a house in St Johns Wood, Skye, 3pm, Sunday
7 June. Three occupants in a red Ford Laser, previously stolen from Wantirna South, were seen leaving the driveway. Jewellery and other household electrical items were stolen but their value is not known at this stage. Detective Acting Sergeant Mark Garrett, of Frankston CIU, said a witness saw a man running from the house to the car carrying a TV. He attempted to block the car in the street but it was driven around him and sped off. The offenders are described as two men and a woman, aged 16-18. One man was wearing a khaki jacket with the RVCA logo – a well-known skaters’ brand – on the back. The driver is described as 16-18, with scruffy blond hair, and possibly with acne. The third occupant is believed to be a female. The car was later found burnt out in Lancaster Av, Narre Warren. Police are appealing for witnesses or information to help identify the offenders.
Officer injured A POLICE officer was injured after intercepting the driver of an alleged stolen vehicle in Cranbourne on Saturday afternoon (20 June). Police pulled over the car with four occupants just before 3pm. As the police officer was walking towards the vehicle the driver attempted to drive around the police vehicle, striking the officer and pinning him between the two vehicles. He was taken to hospital with severe leg bruising. Three youths, aged 16 from Narre Warren, Carrum Downs and Dandenong, and a fourth youth, 14 from Carrum Downs, have been remanded in custody to appear at a children’s court. They have been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, serious assault police, burglary and theft.
Author sees a plot on every page Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au AFTER a busy life running hotels, writing for country newspapers, running a farm – and even selling real estate – Frankston author Marjorie Darling Ward has a plethora of topics to write about. Now, after a “career change” into retirement – and aged 93 – she’s earning plaudits as a published author. The role is giving her a great deal of enjoyment, as well as fostering a well-founded sense of achievement. With a new book: Twenty-Six Sheilas on a Bus and Murder Most Foul completed, the writer and member of the Frankston Writers’ Block says the craft keeps her mind active and alert, as well as giving her contact with fellow writers. Ms Ward cut her teeth as a journalist on country Riverina weekly papers, covering council rounds and local news, and had her own column: Women’s View, which saw issues from a female perspective. “Country people like real local news,” she said, “such as when that pothole in the road is going to get fixed.” She wrote an equestrian column in the Herald and Weekly Times as well as fiction, non-fiction, poetry and stage plays here and New Zealand, as well as for other newspapers and magazines, and featured on ABC Radio National. She’s been a contributing author to Anthology Fiction 88 – selected by writer Frank Moorhouse – and is a multi-winner of national short story awards.
On the same page: Author’s background and previous jobs offer a world of themes for her books. Picture: Gary Sissons
Her other published books include Cast a Pebble in the Ocean, Things You Can’t Leave Behind and Singing the Country. Her newspaper background has given Ms Ward dozens of book themes. “You’ve only got to open the newspaper and there are about 20 plots in every edition,” she quipped. Twenty-Six Sheilas on a Bus and Murder Most Foul – really a novella – is the first time she has dabbled in murder. “But it’s not your usual murder,” she quipped, recommending readers “should not take it too seri-
ously”. The long-term project took her 10 years and “it was a thrill getting to the last word”. In a twist, the book will be translated into Braille for the blind in China, with a portion of the sales money donated there. Writers’ Block president Fran Zervaas described Ms Ward as a “treasure and an inspiration to all of us”. The book launch will be held at Cube 37, Davey St, Frankston, 12.30pm, Saturday 27 June. Light refreshments will be available.
•
•
OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE
•
AT SHADES WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF YOUR HOME
03 5975 9366
ZO580382
PAGE 6
Frankston Times 22 June 2015
Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington
www.shadesofaustralia.net.au