Golf’s no handicap to centenarian
In brief
Updated service REDEVELOPMENT works are now under way at Seaford Community Centre, corner Station and Broughton streets, to provide an updated, modern facility with full service library, free Wi-Fi and computers, better customer service, improved meeting room and updated toilets. See frankston.vic. gov.au
Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au PLAYING golf has “kept me alive”, says Mt Eliza enthusiast Ralph Godfrey, who is about to celebrate his 100th birthday. He likes nothing better than spending time each week on the course – sometimes playing three rounds with his mates at Frankston Golf Club in Golf Links Rd. “I always look forward to playing golf,” Mr Godfrey said. “I like meeting people and I’ve found that hitting a little white ball around the course for two and a half hours makes me forget any problems.” After losing his wife in 2008 he maintains he would not be alive today if it were not for his love of the game and the deep friendships he has with club members. A member since 1982, Mr Godfrey has won two club Eclectic competitions and, when a mere 90, was good enough to win the John Robinson Trophy. This came on top of a hole-in-one he scored while playing at Seabrook Golf Club, Wynyard, Tasmania, in 1956. The old soldier, a lieutenant in the Second 21st Battalion, better known as Gulf Force, was a prisoner of war for four years after the Japanese overran the island of Ambon in World War II. Mr Godfrey believes he may be one of three surviving members of the battalion of 1031 men, of who hundreds were executed by the enemy. The memories of those dangerous days and his strength of commitment run deep and have led Mr Godfrey and the other survivors to return to Ambon to help the islanders, providing generators, electrical and hospital equipment and water pumps. This goes some way to adequately thanking them for their “behind the lines” assistance in helping the AIF soldiers imprisoned on their island. But the terrors of those fateful days are long
Market on move THE weekly Wells St Farmers Market will have a temporary home until Thursday 3 September. From Thursday 20 August it will relocate to the Young St east car park to allow for the continued upgrade of Wells St. All-day parking will be unaffected and available via the south entrance.
Book week A CHILDREN’S Book Week event will be held 11.30am, Wednesday 26 August, Carrum Downs Library. “Books light up our world!” is the theme of this year’s free event. Children are invited to come along to the library for a special performance by Carp Productions. This free event is suitable for those aged up to five. Details: 9784 1020 or library.frankston. vic.gov.au/whats_on
Game of his life: Ralph Godfrey relaxes at Frankston Golf Club after wet weather delayed his round on Tuesday. Picture: Gary Sissons
gone for this convivial sportsman. He is looking forward to enjoying his 100th birthday lunch with golfing friends on Tuesday 13 October, as well as the company of his family and especially his daughter, Penny, who is coming from South Africa for the occasion.
Toe-tapping tunes
“The event is in support of his great achievement in attaining 100 years of age and also surviving the inhumane treatment he suffered during his wartime imprisonment,” long-time friend and playing partner Alan Glover said.
LIVE Music Sunday, 1.30pm, Sunday 30 August, Frankston Library. Come along to the Frankston Library for a free performance of bluegrass, Celtic, country and contemporary tunes. Circular Junction duo combines vocal harmonies, guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. Their music ranges from soothing tunes to some toe tapping fiddle and banjo. Details: Cal 9784 1020 or library. frankston.vic.gov.au/whats_on
Night bust catches poachers TWO men will be charged on summons after they were allegedly caught taking abalone at Portsea on Friday 7 August. Their haul was over the catch limit and in the closed season. Fisheries officers patrolling the ocean beach at London Bridge intercepted the men just before midnight. A 42-year-old man from Cranbourne will be charged on summons with taking 49 abalone during the closed season, at night and with taking undersized abalone. He and another man are also expected to be charged on summons for allegedly obstructing fisheries officers in their duties, which carries a maximum penalty of $18,000, 12 months’ jail or both. Fisheries Victoria education and enforcement director Ian Parks said the abalone season was permanently
closed in central Victorian waters, except for nominated open days during the year. Abalone can only be taken between sunrise and sunset. “Abalone poaching threatens the sustainability of the fishery and opportunities for future generations of fishers,” Mr Parks said. “This is a good reminder that strict restrictions are in place to protect our resources and ensure they are shared among all users.” He said shellfish can only be taken in more than two metres of water to protect the intertidal zone. On open days, the daily bag limit is five abalone a person, of which no more than two can be greenlip. For details go to vic.gov.au/fisheries or the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.
Anywhere, anytime FRANKSTON Anywhere Festival is at various locations until 6 September. See performances where you least expect them. In its second year, the Anywhere Festival offers 100 comedy, music and drama performances in the nooks and crannies of Frankston. Details: anywherefest.com
Writing workshops
Prized: A licence is required to fish for abalone such as the legally caught haul, above.
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24 August 2015
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