Magazine seniors week

2014 SENIORS WEEK August 16th - 22nd

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A Life Well Lived and Much More to Come… Timeless When the theme for Seniors Week 2014 was announced as ‘A Life Well Lived and Much More to Come…Timeless’, we at the Pomona & District Community House had no idea how to present it to our local Seniors...so we decided to ask them what it meant to them.

The following pages contain a collection of pieces, written and illustrated, that address this theme in a wonderful variety of ways.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed - your works evoke the amazing lives you have lived and we are in no doubt that there is indeed ‘much more to come’.

We also thank, COTA and the Queensland Government for the financial support that made this venture possible.

Kathryn Shewring, Community Engagement Coordinator

The Pomona Writers Group When asked what the theme of Seniors Week means to them, the members of the Pomona Writer’s Group wholeheartedly took up the challenge. We begin our magazine with a collection of works from this vibrant and dedicated group.

But first, Noel Bird, the group’s facilitator, outlines a brief history of the group.

From Left to Right: Noel Bird, Jan Kelly, Pat Ritter, Les Shipp, Karen McLeod, David Price and Karen Gosling. Absent from photo: Gizelle Lovasz, Jon Neilsen, Sue Bagust, Rose Winstanley, Pam Strohfeldt and Rae Boulter.

In 2006 Judith Smoothy of Cooran was invited to start a group at Pomona & District Community House for those who wanted to express themselves as writers – whether in the form of prose, poetry, whimsy, fiction or autobiography. The group flourished, continuing under the guidance of Jim Popple, until his sad loss in 2013.

We continued with the help and encouragement of Victoria Bartley and later with Noel Bird, the current facilitator, meeting each Tuesday from 9.30 to 11.30 am in the Lawson Shed at Pomona Community House.

break, we have a spontaneous 5 minute snap session, no time for preparation or editing, off the top of our heads – which keeps our brains buzzing.

We are a diverse bunch, from many different backgrounds but with a shared love of the written – and spoken – word. Every week we are given a theme for the following week, about one typed page, which we then read out for each others enjoyment. After tea-

Does this sound like you? If you’re from 8 to 80+, love writing and discussion and want to share your valuable life experience with us, come along any time – or call Noel first on 5485 3029 if you feel a bit shy.

To quote David, one of our keen participants: We’re not astronauts; our heads aren’t in the clouds.

Our writing is for ourselves and we’re pleased to belong to our writing group of similarly minded people, though each of us is an individual. We write, we laugh, we talk, and we inspire each other.

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They met every Friday for forty years or more in the bar of the local pub. They were served by the same barman week after week, month after month, year after year. Each man sat on the same stool in the same position at the bar and ordered the same drinks. They told their life stories over and over, embellishing their tales whenever there was a newbie in town, until noone in the audience could distinguish bullshit from truth. The barman would hand-wash and rinse out each glass ...none of this flat beer from glasses not properly washed in the dishwasher.

At first, they met after work at the milk factory for their Friday Happy Hour, then home to their families. After the onset of retirement, they would appear at the pub any time from 10am to 2pm.

Whenever someone was away on holidays, one or other of them would receive a postcard from the absentee, gloating about what a great time he was having with his wife, partner or family. Even within the written word the truth was not sacrosanct and none of them could distinguish truth from fiction, such yarnspinners they were. Gradually, with the loss of their partners, the men would stay on for lunch together. For some, these friends were their only family.

Absent Friends

Then came the sudden absences, signified by the empty stool, the empty glass on the bar. One of them might have knowledge of what had happened to their friend and they would organise to visit him at home or hospital, sneaking in a beer or two to their stricken mate, an esky in the car if their visit was prolonged, and helping out the spouse or family whenever they could.

For the last three years however, many of their group had passed their use-by date of three score years and ten, and absences became suddenly permanent.

Old Bill, at eighty-eight, gave a sigh. He was feeling quite tired after his brisk walk from home two blocks away (well he thought it was brisk).

He’d fed the poddy calves on the block along the back fence, weeded the veggie patch, half heartedly did his housework for his daughter to inspect when she checked up on him.

He waited. The old barman put out the stools and glasses in the same places and served old Bill his beer. They toasted each of the empty stools and quietly recounted their favourite stories about their absent friends. At 2pm, old Bill got up from his stool without a murmur. He shuffled out the door as the barman hand-washed and rinsed out his glass.

And then there was one.

Jan Kelly Copyright Reserved Š

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Memories for the Future Thoughts rush to mind, so many stories Where to start Precious moments, childhood pranks, teenage shenanigans, adult dramas Who owns the memories, are they mine or are they communal, real, planted or stolen.

Sunlight, through trees Or a fence She sees the girl alone on a verandah, playing; pencils, books scattered She is wearing a plastic Beatles wig, a memory or maybe an image she saw in a photo.

A smell sits in the air, something cooking Yep that’s it It transports her back, the blue and white plate, hot and steaming, she salivates She remembers the taste, it’s softness on her tongue, mash never tasted so good.

Photo albums, torn and tatty Is that us Suede, felt, velour, turtle necks, flares, its all there Smiles, then raucous laughter, what a time we had, show me that one again.

The bowl sits brimming on the bench, yummy snacks await Fingers twitch It is bright, garish, ‘70s kitsch, it echoes many parties and happy times Still treasured, it transcends heirloom, a symbol of all that was good.

Events and deaths are retold and replayed Over and over What’s achieved by rehashing past sadness, nothing changes, emptiness remains Dates, times; does pain ease, does detail bring acceptance, perhaps power and control.

Walking in a supermarket What’s that song Oh no, is it, yes it is, it’s the one that was played at the funeral, the same version Need to move, need to get out before tears flow.

We are smug and comfortable in today and its busyness Another job done But wait, here it comes with a jolt, a song, a memento, a meal, a saying, A blast from the past, it derails, chills the aches of joy and sorrow, fragility, regret, guilt.

So many chapters, happy and sad, lessons learnt, some forgotten This isn’t unique We all have our stories to tell, our stories unite us, our past shapes us, scars us Choose carefully, shed, sift, don’t drag deadwood, create, search, discover, renew.

Karen Gosling Copyright Reserved © 2014 4

The Big Wide World washed away and they were calling for paid volunteer fettlers to repair the line. I was to be a railway fettler for the next four years having been transferred to Tamworth.

Having grown up on an isolated farm in the Blue Mountains I always had a curiosity about the big wide world. At sixteen years of age I started work on a sheep station in western New South Wales where I worked for the next seven years. It was a lonely life but I made the best of it playing sport at the weekend and going to dances when I could get a lift. No young man at this time had his own transport. I was an avid reader of the magazine, The National Geographic which fuelled my curiosity about the big wide world out there.

After the seven years on the station I decided that dreaming about the big world wasn’t going to get me anywhere so by the age of twenty-three and having saved up the princely sum of 1100 pounds I booked a return ticket to England.

In Tamworth we bought a three hundred acre property where we started up an equestrian centre which we operated very successfully for the next thirty-seven years. We had a great life during this time with my wife winning championships all over New South Wales. Our four children blossomed here also getting on with their lives while I secured a position with Telecom for the next twenty-one years.

My wife busy with her competitions, I entered the world of musicals and over the years I performed in seventeen musicals as well as plays and singing in concerts. We both joined an art course at Tafe and have been painting ever since. I volunteered for eight hours a week as a telephone councillor and fifteen years as a councillor trainer as well.

This prompted me to learn more so I enrolled in a graduate diploma in management and human relations externally and in 1980 I received my diploma.

What an experience that was for a farm boy on the six weeks trip from Sydney to Southampton and then the twelve months traveling around Europe. In the twelve months I visited twentytwo countries, staying at youth hostels. In Salzburg Austria I met two Irish girls in June and

by October one of the girls and I were engaged.

For the last two months of my stay I worked at Harrods department store and early in January my Irish girl and I were married and on a ship bound for Australia.

When I retired from Telecom aged sixty-two I joined my wife in competing in dressage events which I competed in for the next ten years.

Eventually we decided it was time to really retire so we sold the equestrian centre and ended up in a delightful village called Pomona where we bought a house in town. We became very involved in an art group here where we continued to paint and to my delight I found a writers group at the community centre which I attend each week. It is a very inspiring group and through their encouragement I have had my autobiography published in 2014.I am happy that our life has been well lived and now in our autumn years with the wonderful people around us I am sure there will be many more exciting times to come.

Back in Australia I quickly started work at Coles until I secured a position on a cattle stud in central New South Wales. On that property I don’t know how my new wife from Ireland managed with the temperature at 110°F and not a tree in sight.

My employment improved over time until I became the manager of a 1100 acre property and my wife started up a school bus run. It wasn’t all plain sailing as we lost an infant son and a house fire took everything we owned and then a mighty flood came, all in the one year. By that time I had had enough of working on the land. It was a new direction for me as the whole world seemed to be covered in water. The railway line had been

Les Ship Copyright Reserved ©July 2014

Department of Communities 5

The Dreamer Who was that woman talking – oh, this year’s president of the CWA. What’s she saying?

Marg surveyed the room complacently. The church was packed solid, standing room only at the back, hot and still, with dust motes shimmering in the solid multi-coloured light below the windows. Her earliest childhood memories in this church was watching how sunlight thickened and shimmered into rainbows as it crossed through stained glass; it was like a doorway into another world if you could only take that first step.

“A life well lived. Years of service. Greatly missed” What she means is the CWA has lost another willing horse. Marg used to serve on so many committees herself, when she was younger, all to help some good cause in the community. Hector would tease her about her good-deed crafts and cake stalls, and not being able to say no and mean it, but still he was always there waiting with a grin and a ready joke to pick her up when she was ready to leave.

This was an excellent turn out, even for a week day. You could count on the Bouviers to turn up en masse, to celebrate or to cry, whichever was appropriate at the time. Hector always said that the Bouviers were the genuine article you could trust; real country people who always knocked with their elbows when they visited, because their hands were full carrying a home-made cake or a casserole. Marg thought this was almost as good a crowd as the one who had come to help her farewell her Hector, so many years ago. So many years, yet it was as though he was here beside her today. She could almost smell him: tobacco and sweat and engine oil, but it was mostly tobacco she remembered, probably because tobacco smelled sweeter than sweat and engine oil.

Oh dear, she is daydreaming again. Hector was right; she is off with the pixies far too often.

Although she’s always been a dreamer, she is definitely getting worse as she gets older. What’s happening now in the real world? The CWA eulogist has been replaced by a man. Who is it?

She can’t see clearly from here. It is true that your eyes do grow misty with age. Oh it’s him, but how he’s aged. Today he looks just like his dad. What is he saying?

“A dearly missed sister, a lifetime of memories” Not recent memories though, she knows for a fact they’d drifted into keeping in touch by sending each other the latest e-joke, fooling themselves that they still talked to each other like nearly everyone else in this new electronic world. If it wasn’t for Facebook most people wouldn’t even be able to catch up with the latest crop of new babies in the family.

She laughed silently to herself. If Hector was here, he’d be telling her to stop daydreaming and to pay attention if she didn’t want to miss what was happening in the real world. She must be imagining the faint smell of tobacco. Nobody smoked, these days. The smell in the packed church was modern, of deodorants and perfumes and ironing spray, competing with the fragrance of massed flowers. The flowers for this funeral are beautiful; it would be a shame to daydream and miss this occasion. Wreaths from the family are on the coffin, but there are more wreaths stacked in a neat march along the sides, and even down into the body of the church. It is impressive to see so many tributes, even though Marg always wondered just when and why our society decided that to cut live flowers to arrange in stiff circles was the right thing to do to honour a death.

Surely there must be some reason for it, although Hector said that people often did things for no reason, just because everyone else did, like taking grapes to visit a friend in hospital. It takes an effort to drag her attention back to the present; it’s almost as though Hector is here with her.

What was that smell? It certainly can’t be tobacco. Not these days, today’s smokers are a dying breed, huddled outside buildings like criminals, sneaking a smoke. She could almost hear Hector chuckling at her joke. She could also imagine just what Hector would have said, if anyone had tried to make him go outside to smoke. Not like the old days, when you had ashtrays for smokers in your home, even if you didn’t smoke yourself. She herself had a beautiful big cut glass ashtray packed away somewhere; a wedding gift from the days when it was good manners as a hostess to provide ashtrays for smokers; but now – she must only be remembering that familiar, loved smell of tobacco. Oh, dear! They’d changed speakers again while she was dreaming; now it is the new 6

minister who doesn’t have anything real to say about a parishioner he has only met twice. What’s he saying?

“Mrs. Simpson … loved by this community … sadly missed” Mrs. Simpson? He doesn’t even know the deceased well enough to use her first name? He is only a young man and he does try hard, but Hector would have cracked some pun by now about the new minister being really trying, or maybe resuscitated one of his old “ready to abdicate a throne for a Mrs. Simpson” jokes. Nobody seems to laugh much these days; certainly not as much as she and Hector used to. That smell is stronger now, of tobacco and engine grease and Hector. But that’s impossible; she must be imagining the smell of tobacco, just because she is thinking so much about Hector. Dear Hector, how she misses him, especially at times like this, when they could hold a whole laughing silent conversation in just one quick glance.

Bugger. She is daydreaming again, she’d better catch up; the coffin is already leaving the church with a crocodile of mourners filing past her. Where did she put her handbag: she must hurry or she will miss her lift, but moving towards the funeral procession is like wading through deep water, going against the flow. Hector always said to go with the flow, it’s easier. It’s certainly much easier to stay here, to turn and smile a warm greeting to the one waiting there for her on the bridge of multi-coloured light streaming through the stained glass window in their own private world of rainbows, like he’d always waited for her, waiting with smiling eyes and a joke to take her home: “I thought I had better come to pick you up, love, or else or you’d daydream off and miss your own funeral.”

Sue Bagust Copyright Reserved ©

A Life Well-Lived - the Pomona Writers Group We’re not astronauts; our heads aren’t in the clouds; though we occasionally clash with ideas. Our writing is for ourselves and we’re pleased to belong to our writing group of similar minded people.

We’re neither Shakespeare nor Catherine Cookson. We write, we laugh, we talk and we inspire each other.

Each of us is an individual; none of us is the same type of writer.

We belong to this group, this little group, and the group is us.

We write and when our stories sometime miss the ‘spot’, who cares because we are the friends of those words which make us glad we can do it at all!

David Price Copyright Reserved © 2014

A life well-lived, and much more to come...timeless We mortals, no-one knows why we be, How does a speck take in the whole?

But we know that we be, sense life’s very presence as our deepest truth, which tempers understanding and guides our course.

Part of the web, part of the breathing whole, our filaments of life are born, flicker and give place to a new life again and again.

A web of light and shadows, waves and eddies, endlessly changing.

To twinkle well within the web, then is life well-lived, well-loved, well shone, and passes on so much more and ever more.

Timeless A local writer who wishes to remain anonymous.

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Don’t Give In

Pen and Paper

When the wings of disaster settle on you When dark clouds darken your sky of blue A forbidden chill creeps around your heart Then away flies happiness and heartache starts.

He was just a little boy…

Pen and paper...His favourite Toy… His feet were bare...no shoes to wear…

Never a thought of his life unfair…

Loved the joy of simple things…

A wish...of magic...tomorrow brings…

He wrote of beauty...the ones that care…

Of people that don’t give a Damn...what others wear.

No Judgement did he ever make…

Nothing from his world to take seeing things through child’s eyes…

The innocence that knows not lies.

Although he was a little Boy… Poetry he did enjoy…

He talked to trees...He sang with Birds…

Told of His love of Rhyming words…

When I grow up I’ll be a Poet!

He was already...yet did not know it…

While the passionate say...Beauty is a thing of might and Dread…

Like the tempest shakes the Earth beneath us…

And the sky Ahead…

Graceful Music fills my head…

Still I am just a little lad...And thinks me poetry ain’t Half Bad! Karen McLeod Copyright Reserved ©

Don’t give in my friend keep on going Hold on my friend keep on rowing Bad times are here but good times are near Hold on my friend have no fear.

When the wings of love crumble and die When all hope is gone and you need to cry Around the bend if you seek you shall find A heart full of love and peace of mind When the wings of misery take you on a trip When the drugs you swallow have you in their grip Try to remember a tender prayer Challenge your fear God is always there When the wings of the dove flutter on high When your eyes sparkle like a starry sky When your smile turns darkened skies to blue New wings of love will be blooming too.

Pam Strohfeldt Copyright Reserved ©

Those were the days During my teens I had penfriends from many parts of the world, like India, Netherlands, France, England for example. Most though came from Germany. The German ones were my favourites, they were so nice and always had something of interest. What won my heart were the hedgehog family, the ‘Meckis’. All this brings back some happy and sad memories. Once on this subject I could go on forever.

Also a passion was autograph collecting. My prized one is Elvis Presley, and I have been asked many times how can I prove it. “Well”, I say, “Prove it’s not!” To me the case is closed. I thought I had lost my book as it had been gone almost a year. Think how I felt when it came back!

Pam Strohfeldt Copyright Reserved ©

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Who Am You?

Unqualified Success

Something about her, something I knew, Who did I notice in me, was it you?

A reflection of difference, though my daydreaming I caught, Or...was it sameness...or some strength to be taught?

The attraction was bright, a visional sight, A positive energy, a determined soul fight.

So why did I notice, so different in case, Someone I’d avoid, in case they put me in place?

The pace was set as time moved on, The more I avoided, the brighter she shone.

In sharing...hard listening...the truth flowed free; Now I could see the same, yet the contrast in me!

The honesty stole all the awkwardness I felt And my preconceived vision soon started to melt.

You probably don’t know who I’m talking about.

But crystal-clear vision, leaves me in no doubtThat she might have removed a few of you out That’s just a trick to make it hard to work out!

Keep shining your energy, without effort you’ll win!

I’m sensing your strength.

Where I end, you begin.

Karen McLeod Copyright Reserved ©

Some people study so Hard to Succeed...

While others Don’t have the Drive or the Need...

There’s many A thing I know I could Do...

But Study and Theory I don’t have a clue...

No Little Letters in front of my name...

Doing my work well, will equal the same...

My grandad would say, “Now what will you Be?” When you’re Grown and Busy with no time for me.

Well I’m about seven now...Grandad can’t Walk...

But he has a Wheelchair...I push and I talk...

I think I’ll fix clocks!! And look after you!!

The smell of ventolin...I smell through the air!!!

I pick up the comb and Do grandad’s hair...

He Seriously says...How he won’t be here long...

I Don’t understand...so I sing him a song...

Grandad got sick...some sort of flu!!.

And my mum was unhappy...I think that she Knew...

Yet he still Showed me love with a wink of his eye!

While Time waits for No-one...and grandad did die.

Ten years went by, and a boy I did have...

So I named by new Baby Son after my...

English grandad!!

Karen McLeod Copyright Reserved ©

Mecki was developed as the star of a German „Puppentrickfilm‟, a sort of stopaction movie in the 1940's. He became more popular after WWII when he and his wife Micki, and children Macki and Mucki became mascots for the German magazine HÖR ZU. They were put on postcards and made into toys by the Steiff company, and new ones are still popular today (at very high prices.)

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Local Treasures When the opportunity came to ask seniors in our local community what „A Life Well Lived and Much More to Come...Timeless‟ meant to them, the Pomona Community House decided to dig out some of our local known and unknown treasures to ask them a little about their lives and how this theme applies to them. Alison Napier, took pad and pen in hand and discovered some great stories and wonderful people whether they be precious stones, hidden gems or sparkling jewels!

Piet Sanders Piet Sanders takes as his personal mantra the Pomona slogan – life is not a race.

At a time when the world is focussed increasingly on the plight of refugees, Piet recalls his own arrival in Australia, in 1957 from the Netherlands together with his family, as immigrants. Since then, he has brought a genteel demeanour to all that he does, including as a former volunteer at Community House and now involved in the Cooran Acoustic nights.

Pinbarren, where he has his own home. The commune practises sustainability by growing their own food, sharing cars and even sharing expenses for the six adults and six children living there.

Piet says the commune way of life is the best way to live but the members need to be compatible. Asked about conflict he replies that it arises occasionally, but members know how to deal with it.

Piet’s interests are alternative health, both of mind and body. He believes diet is extremely important.

While he was a vegetarian for about 40 years, he now eats more protein in the form of chicken, butter and cheese. He stays fit. Locals may have seen him riding a push-bike along PomonaKin Kin Road.

Piet says he sees failure as a success – he has never been awarded a certificate, which he is pleased about because a certificate defines who he is. Without an excessive obsession with occupations and money, he can decide who he is from day to day.

Currently, he is learning to Now aged 66, Piet was play the cello – mainly for born in Holland. After his own enjoyment and for Piet Sanders - music teacher for many years at the arriving in Brisbane in the that of his friends. He has a Pomona & District Community House.

1950s, his family was housed great love of classical music initially at a migrant hostel at Wacol, before Bach is his favourite composer. moving to Goodna in Brisbane’s west. Piet worked Piet sees the future of the area as growing more for Centrelink until 1998. After he left Centrelink towards the way he lives; in small sustainable he wandered the East coast busking – playing the communities. His dreams are of a caring flute. He finally settled at Cooran. community and to be cared for.

These days, Piet lives a commune lifestyle at 10

Elsie McKinley While Eric’s work took him deep in the mountain Elsie has been a Pomona resident for over 10 years working camps, Elsie become the director of the now. She loves this pretty town and enjoys scooting local preschool. around on her red ‘mobility machine’.

Through teaching Elsie also goes on regular bus trips, goes to chat generations of young groups, Care and Share, RSL lunches and to Legacy. learners, Elsie made She says the fun and laughter, shared joys and even lifelong friendships and the sorrows help keep her connected and maintain became a legend herself. friendships. Elsie keeps young at heart with trips to Everyone knew the kind the river, the lakes and the sea, not to mention lady, ‘Mrs McKinley’. visits with her great grand-children and the Elsie still misses the occasional crossword. Elsie has been a great fabulous autumn colours supporter of the ‘Pomona Pixies’ and loves to help and the majestic Snowy decorate the town with her knitting and crochet. mountains, but not the Elsie and her sister May grew up in the Riverina long and freezing area of NSW. They were quite privileged as their Elsie McKinley, 92 years young. winters! father was a school teacher who owned an Now, at 92 years young, Elsie lives contentedly in Overland, then later a Whippet automobile in which they overtook their neighbours horse drawn her own house with daughter Valerie living in carts and sulkies at the blistering speed of 20 mph! attached premises. She enjoys regular visits from her loving family, the fellowship of her Uniting In the early sixties, Elsie with her husband Eric and Church friends and the blessings of a life well-lived. family moved to a construction town in the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme.

Judy Topper Judy Topper has a name synonymous with Pomona and the King of the Mountain race.

Many know the Federal school teacher as the widow of Stan Topper, who was also a teacher much respected in the area. She loves working with kids and thinks they all have such great potential in a world that is constantly changing.

Judy, 62, was born at Wynnum, a bay-side suburb of Brisbane, but she has lived at Pomona for approximately 40 years. With Stan being a school principal, the couple moved around quite a lot and were on their way to Brisbane when they stopped in Pomona and bought land. The house they built is where Judy lives now.

computers at one time. While technology has made a difference to how children learn, Judy believes in the timeless staples

Judy Topper, teacher for over 40 years.

of numeracy, literacy and good manners. Judy sees primary school teaching as teaching the whole child whereas high school She has been teaching at Federal teaching teaches a subject.

School for 14 years, where up to The happiest times in her life half her class can be working on Judy says are too many to 11

mention. However she really loved the years when her children were young and still believed everything she said. She will be able to re-live those times soon, as she has an 11 and half month old grandson who lives next door.

Judy enjoys living at Pomona.

She says it still has the small country town feel, but the coast and town are easily accessible.

Judy says it is a good place to raise a family, something her son is noticing too.

Asked about how she sees the future of Pomona Judy was extremely positive and optimistic.

Judy doesn’t have any huge dreams for her future, she simply wishes for a happy and healthy family. She is extremely content with her life, enjoys meeting friends and has no plans for retirement at this stage.

Peter Young and Fred Ayres

sweet potato, English potatoes and forage crops to feed the stock.

Best mates Peter Young and Fred Ayers, otherwise known as Heckle and Jeckle, live at Cooran.

After Peter’s father died in 1956, his mother struggled on her own, but was determined to see that her sons received an education. Peter was the only one to go to high school. At lower school (primary) Peter

Many people who live and walk around Cooran have passed and met Fred and Peter walking in the early hours. Rain (except floods), hail, shine and even fog (Fred is not keen on fog), they walk approximately six kilometres and have been doing so for the past 15 years. Peter and Fred say that either the years are catching up on them or the hills are getting steeper!

Almost 23 years ago, Fred and Audrey founded the Cooran Garden Club. It still operates today.

Peter’s parents lived on Coles Creek Road, where they farmed dairy cows, pigs, fowl and other animals. As no mechanisation existed in those days, cows were milked by hand – the kids turned the separator to separate the milk from the cream. His father used horses to plough the land to grow corn, pumpkins,

These days Peter enjoys playing indoor bowls and gardening. He is a member of the Cooran Garden Club founded by his long time friend Fred.

Asked what they find to talk about after 15 years (anyone who has seen them would know they appear to be talking non-stop), Peter and Fred said they solve the problems of the world. In their world punishments for crime would be much harsher – the jails would be overflowing, hard criminals would be put to work breaking rocks. They feel we need politicians who are concerned more with the betterment of Australia and its people than feathering their own nests then retiring on ridiculous pensions while finding other employment.

Peter was born in 1947 in Gympie Hospital, the youngest of four boys, and has lived in the Cooran area most of his life. You may know Peter as an avid indoor bowls player at the Pomona Hall.

Fred Ayres was born in Victoria and went to school in Melbourne. He moved to Cooran in 1961 where he lives with his wife, Audrey. Fred and Audrey celebrated the 65th wedding anniversary at Easter 2014. Joined by friends and family, some came from Western Australia and northern Queensland to celebrate.

win a scholarship to Teachers’ College. He began teaching at Pomona and was later transferred regularly around southern Queensland – as far west as Windorah. In 1982 he ended up in Cooroy, and retired in 2002.

Best mates Peter Young and Fred Ayers, otherwise known as Heckle and Jeckle have been walking together for over 15 years.

recalls the school had just two teachers – one taught year 1–4 while the principal taught 5–8.

At times there were 70 pupils per room. ‘Project clubs’ were part of the curriculum, where meeting procedures and agricultural activities were taught. During Peter’s eight years of schooling, he participated in pineapple growing, milk testing and school garden. The types of clubs depended on the skills of the principal.

Peter was fortunate enough to 12

Peter feels that life used to be much more carefree and uncomplicated. However, he enjoys life, and especially travelling. Since retirement he has travelled extensively around Australia, also to Norfolk Island and New Zealand. He dreams of continuing to travel.

Fred enjoys retirement but would have liked to tour Australia by caravan when he was a bit younger. He dreams of continuing good health and caring for Audrey.

Margaret and Doug Bettens Best known for his time as a Noosa Shire councillor and instigator of Pomona Community House, Doug Bettens remains an active community campaigner. Doug and his wife, Margaret, are both 69.

Margaret was born in Charleville and then lived in Brisbane. Doug grew up in Brisbane.

In relation to education and school, Margaret says she has witnessed the change from slates to blackboards, and now to computers. Computers were a great benefit, as they allowed students to communicate globally, she said. Doug says learning methods have changed to be more information-based, rather than by rote. He is not certain whether this change is for the better. The information highway is changing so rapidly beyond the capability of students to understand, rendering the information learnt irrelevant in the future. He feels education is simply how to learn.

The most enjoyable part of Margaret’s life has been meeting Doug, becoming a nurse and caring for her patients, plus moving to their house in Cooran, and also visiting India. Doug says the best part was meeting Margaret and getting married, being a Noosa councillor for more than 12 years – and discovering what God is.

Marg and Doug Bettens

Both Marg and Doug say that the best part of their lives now is being together, Margaret calls it ‘journeying through life with Doug’. Doug adds enjoying the environment where they live and being part of the community of Cooran and Pomona.

Margaret thinks the future is looking great as long as people continue to appreciate the beauty of Cooran, Noosa Shire and Australia. Doug says that because of the efforts of past councils, the place they call home, Cooran, is a great place to live and work and can only get better. The same applies to Noosa Shire he adds. He hopes the Noosa Shire can be an example to the rest of Australia.

Asked about dreams unfulfilled, Margaret replies ‘to remain healthy and enjoy the beautiful environment’. For Doug, it is to ‘continue to work on the environment on the property and to continue to be involved with community projects in their local community’. Right now, that is to get a Men’s Shed for Pomona. On that front, the prospects appear bright.

Wendy Catlin never farmed before, but they managed to grow and raise all their own food organically, in the days before organic produce became mainstream.

At 71, Wendy Catlin’s hippie days are far behind her, but the ‘flower power’ philosophy of the 1960s have an enduring influence on her life, which these days involves a harmonious relationship with nature at her home beside Lake Macdonald.

Wendy reminisces about the wonderful lifestyle in a very special place – on a ridge above the Pacific Ocean in Northern California.

Wendy is the coordinator of the Old Pomona Railway Station Gallery and is responsible for the introduction of ‘Art in the Paddock’, as well as being a very accomplished artist herself.

Born in America, Wendy went to school in California and Missouri. She notes the enormous changes over time, in schooling and most other areas. She herself has changed with the times and views positively the future of Pomona as a very trendy place with all the wonderful shops and creativity.

Other happy times were racing motor-cross – she says her children were Wendy Catlin, Coordina- raised on Castrol! Also – tor the Old Pomona Rail- sailing the globe with her way Station Gallery current partner of 25 years was quite an adventure and accomplishment.

She believes strongly in a simple, self-sufficient life. In the late 1960’s, when her children were small, Wendy had a farm. She and her partner had 13

Sandy Ford

said when parents didn’t quite understand some of the homeSandy Ford, aged 71, has been a work they would learn from the volunteer at the Old Pomona child, and then they could help Railway Station Gallery for many and grow with their child. years.

The happy times Sandy rememSandy grew up and went to bers were with her husband and school at Katoomba in the Blue sons canoeing along the Nepean Mountains, NSW. She and her River to picnic spots. She recalls sister visited Cooroy in 1988 and two places in particular – Glenliked the area so much they brook Creek and a gorgeous spot sought somewhere to rent. Later called Ben’s Basin. she lived for several years at Kin Sandy is a little concerned about Kin with her two sons. As they the future of Cooroy as there grew older the family started to seems to be some youth probfeel Kin Kin was too far away from where their social life was, lems. She doesn’t see anything bad for Pomona and its future. so they moved to Pomona.

She says it is a lovely town that Asked what she believes is differ- has grown a lot since she first ent now from her schooling, moved here. She can remember Sandy replies that there appears galloping her horse up Pioneer to be less discipline now, both at Road when there were only a few school and in the home. She also houses, riding on horseback to feels parents don’t seem to be in- Cooroy and swimming in the clay volved so much with their chilpits at the top of Ponderosa dren’s homework. In relation to Drive, Cooroy. her own sons’ school years, she

Sandy is very content with her life but does dream of being able to travel abroad again, mainly to England, France and Italy.

Sandy Ford, volunteer, Old Pomona Railway Station Gallery

Karen Alderton Karen Alderton is an exemplar of the Noosa Hinterland spirit of volunteerism. Many will remember her as the manager of Pomona’s ANZ bank and past volunteer at the Noosa Museum and the Show Society. She now dedicates her time to the Majestic Theatre.

Karen, aged 56, was born at Murwillumbah NSW, grew up in Cooroy then moved to Federal, but has lived the past 12 years at Pomona. She went to school at Cooroy Primary and then Noosa District High School. Karen has three children and one granddaughter, Matilda.

The main difference Karen sees in schooling, compared to when she was at school, is technology; although she thinks that discipline has changed too. When she was at school the cane was still being used although she was never naughty enough to feel its sting. At primary school she remembers she and two friends were smacked on the hands with a ruler over a misdemeanour she no longer recalls.

Karen thinks the happiest times of her life were the years at Federal. Her family lived in a small block house on acreage, there were no shops not so many cars. They had cows, horses and bred greyhounds.

Karen still has two as pets.

Although really a country girl at heart, Karen says she likes Pomona’s slow pace and the accessibility to the beach and the city.

As for the future, she would like to see Cooran grow – not too big, but along with Pomona – to foster the special characteristics of the hinterland. She believes Noosa Shire is wonderful.

Personally, Karen’s dream for the future is to be ‘healthy, wealthy and wise’.

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Michael Kelly

the broad sweep of environmental health responsibilities at Katherine. Michael worked Michael Kelly, aged 73, volunteers at the Old with water, sewerage and much more, including Pomona Railway Station Art Gallery, the Majestic mosquito control and quarantine. In fact one day Theatre and was involved, together with other a Malaysian F1.11 jet fighter needed to refuel and volunteers, in building and planting ‘Station landed on his patch so Michael was involved with Place’, between the Noosa Landcare offices and the quarantine of the pilot and crew. His job the art gallery. He helped plant and now cares for involved a lot of travel all over the Territory, the palm trees behind the Majestic Theatre. including working with the Flying Doctor Service Michael was born in Perth, WA, and attended and teaching Aboriginal Communities about hygiene. catholic schools for both Michael and his wife, Ellen, his primary and secondary feel that the 10 years they education. He thinks that spent in the Northern schools were a lot stricter Territory were the happiest of then, which suited him. times, due mainly to their Comparing schools now, jobs, travel and lifestyle, and he says much more their friends. Michael and technology is used Ellen also spent six years in nowadays. Living behind the USA, from where Ellen the Pomona Campus of hails. As Michael approached Noosa District High retirement age they began School, he sees many students passing and searching for an interesting doesn’t think there is any place to settle. A long time friend who lives in Noosa more lack of respect for suggested they look at this seniors than when he was area. The couple found they at school. were most attracted to After Michael left school Pomona. he worked in many Michael most enjoys the different occupations, company of family and including as a jackeroo on friends, the beautiful a sheep station on Dirk environment he lives in, being Hartog Island, off the WA able to do what he wants coast. He also worked as Michael Kelly, volunteer, Old Pomona Railway when he wants to do it, and a clerk and storeman for a Station Gallery and the Majestic Theatre. community work. Reading non building supply company.

-fiction and ‘learning something new every day’ Working during the day Michael went to are among his other enjoyments.

Technical College in the evening and gained Michael’s personal aspiration is to live a long, qualifications in environmental health, which is enjoyable and healthy life. He dreams of an area where he was engaged for the rest of his experiencing more travel, especially to Far North working life.

Queensland and the Pacific region.

His duties involved working with local government in and around Perth, and also on the WA goldfields. In the 1960’s he moved to Cairns where he worked with Cairns City Council at the beginning of the tourist boom there. Often he was seconded to assist Commonwealth Government quarantine officers processing overseas passengers arriving by jumbo jets on the newly-built Cairns runway. In 1974 he moved to the Northern Territory and was responsible for 15

Stephen Hilditch

would be outside playing some sort of sport during breaks and at Many will know Stephen Hilditch lunch time; not texting or playing (aka ‘Mr Pomona’) from his real computer games, as is the case estate career or from the with children today.

Anglican Church at Pomona, Stephen’s desire to be active in where he is warden. sport paid off when, at the age of Born in the United Kingdom 65 16 or 17, he was selected to play years ago, Stephen came to for a SA schoolboy rugby team Australia 52 years ago as a ‘£10 that travelled to NSW to play.

Pom’. His family settled in South The happiest times in Stephen’s Australia, where he attended life were the birth of his children Elizabeth High School, north of – two girls and one boy, not so Adelaide. The family moved to much as babies but interacting the Noosa hinterland for the with them from about three years climate and lived on acreage in of age onwards.

Cooroy. Stephen moved to He has enjoyed the many projects Cooran for five years, but has with which he has been involved lived at Pomona for the past 17. with in the community but says Stephen says that when he was at he really prefers to take a back school there was a lot more seat and just help, not organise. respect for teachers. There was a Stephen says Pomona is growing certain amount of mystery about gently and nicely and has a great them, he explains. During his future. He appreciates the school days Stephen played a lot interest that Noosa Council takes of sport. He and his friends in promoting a sense of

community. He loves the town and hopes it continues to be a healthy thriving community.

Likewise his view of his adopted country. Stephen thinks Australia can have a very positive future and is still the best country in the world. Asked about his dreams, Stephen would like to spend more time in his shed and complete his Diploma of Celebrancy course.

„Mister Pomona‟, Stephen Hilditch.

Phil Moran Phil Moran, Natural Resource Manager at Noosa & District Landcare is 55 years of age and moved to his 33 acre (17 hectare) property in Cooran 15 years ago after selling a business in Brisbane where he grew up.

He attended Brisbane Grammar School where he says he wasn’t a good student – he admits to being a rabid sportsman- much preferring to be outside on the rugby field than Phil Moran, passionate about studying in a classthe environment and Landcare room. Despite this he did quite well at school. Asked about how he feels school is different now compared to when he was at school he replied that apart from the obvious use of technology student’s studies are much more intense now. His studying involved the use of the library and he still likes the feel of books but does use the internet extensively in his work. Whilst he

sees technology as a great tool for students they can become easily distracted by things like Facebook, Twitter and mobile phones etc.

Phil says the happiest time of his life is probably his current family situation, living in an area he loves and the work he is doing now. His work carries a great deal of responsibility and is extremely busy but he finds it rewarding contributing to the value of life in this area. He is a great believer in the “Land for Wildlife” concept which empowers local landowners.

Asked about how he sees the future of Cooran, Noosa Shire and Australia in general, he thinks the Noosa Shire is a very special place and the people living here really respect the environment. He believes the outlook for the new Noosa Council is good. Cooran he says is a lovely community which is not growing too fast but does have some concerns about the economy in Australia. Phil’s dreams for the future are to be able to spend more time with his 22 year old son who now lives in Brisbane and to have more time with his family and on his property. In the future he would like to return to Asia where he travelled some years ago.

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And More Writers...

The Wonderful Ladies Club

Poor, but blessed in the old days

As a young girl, I had dreams of travel. Marriage and a family, put that dream on hold.

We met and we married a long time ago, We worked long hours when wages were low No TV, no wireless, no bath, times were hard, Just a cold tap and a walk in the yard No holiday abroad, no carpets on the floors We had coal on the fire, and we didn’t lock doors.

Our children arrived, no pill in those days And we brought them up without any state aid They were safe going out to play in the park Any old folk could go for a walk in the dark.

No valium, no drugs and no LSD We cured most of our ills with a good cup of tea.

No vandals, no muggings, there was nothing to rob.

We felt we were rich with a couple of bob.

People were happy in those far off days, Kinder and caring in so many ways Milk man and paper boy would whistle and sing.

At night at the pictures was our one mad fling.

We all got our share of troubles and strife, We just had to face it – that’s the pattern of life.

Now I’m alone and look back thru the years!

I don’t think of the bad times, trouble and tears.

I remember the blessing, our home and our love And that we shared them together, I thank God above.

But there comes a time when it is indeed, time to take the opportunities that arise. Was I scared about venturing into the world alone in my senior years ? No I wasn't. And over the past years I have ventured into countries I only dreamed about.

Zimbabwe, when it was safe, my first trip alone and as an independent traveller. Kenya, when it also was safe. The world is getting smaller, and the safe countries less and less. I missed out on Libya and Syria, and now to go to the countries bordering the Black Sea are at risk.

If your health is good and that is important, you too can join The Wonderful Ladies Club.

I can recall overhearing someone saying behind my back. "What she's done takes guts" .

But that is not necessarily true. One has to believe in oneself.

Over the years, my journeys have altered. What I really like to do now, is to join a smallish group, maybe for a study tour, and add on some independent travel either before or after the tour.

Last year, I went on a literary tour of France and after the tour, I went on my own to London, Berlin and Warsaw, for a few days at each place.

"How do you decide where to go ?" I was asked recently. I see an opportunity and take it.

As I write this story, I am in Helsinki airport waiting to go to Italy! In the past, I have tried to keep my luggage at about 11 kilo, and I can manage that, but for this trip I bought a new case, because I was told four wheels are better than two. Well that may be so, but the new case is bigger and I sit here hoping that I can manage to get from the airport in Venice to transfer to a train to Verona.

But it is no good telling myself it will be too hard, I've been told that I belong to the Wonderful Ladies Club, and Wonderful Ladies can do anything.

So go forward, have a life well lived. Take opportunities as they arise.

Antoinette O’Connor Copyright Reserved © 17

Author – Unknown.

Jealous Time Against the mourning years and the buds waiting to open the white roses blow and watch with those corner eyes.

Possessive like a lover, enemy in your own land, like time you cannot age.

And still I dream of eternal things like the return of moon and tide.

Patricia Earl Copyright Reserved ©

From our Mixed Media Workshop...

Catherine Rodgers -

Jan Kelly - Depicting the journey from a safe, secure world through the sudden death of my husband and subsequently facing a new life on my own.

I‟ve realised that my memories are no longer as painful and that I can now look towards the future, knowing he is still with me.

Nurturing/Creating Pain/Doubt Stuck/Broken

Karen McLeod - „The Shaping of Me…‟

Gizelle Lovasz - A work in progress honouring my two wonderful daughters.

Les Shipp - „Confusion Perfection‟ - having just finished writing my book, my mind is wizzing around with what to do next. Whatever the project is, I see it taking me well into the future however long that might be.

Piet Sanders - From protest and struggle to acceptance of what just is! Music is my connection to the ALL is ONE.

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Les Shipp - This is the story of when all went wrong and we decided to change our life from working as a property manager to owning our own property and starting up an equestrian centre.. We created a new future for ourselves and have never looked back.

Debi Tayler - The World may be in turmoil but the Arts and Music will for ever shine through.

Noel Bird - „A stroll down memory lane”

Kay Wright - From a strong and loving family I was able to live a happy and positive life and overcome hardship along the way. I have a great love and appreciation of nature.

Haylee McLeod - our honorary Senior for the day!

Lorraine Bird - In loving memory of my father.

„Best Mates for Ever‟

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And from our artists and photographers...

Photographer - Jan Wise These photos were taken during my visit to UK in May 2014 in a village in the Cotswolds, UK called Bourton-On-The Water.

I was sitting at a quaint little riverside restaurant along the River Windrush when I noticed this bench nearby which was never empty. It was a gloriously, hot day with many people walking along the river's edge, out and about enjoying the warm weather.

This particular bench seemed to have an endless stream of either one person, a couple, friends or even strangers, sharing a seat and a jolly chat. I was fascinated how everyone who sat on the bench was mesmerised by the flowing river, the ducks and the tranquillity of the surroundings.

I could have sat there forever.

Artist - Kerry Douglas A life well lived and much more to come...timeless

Artist - Jan Kelly - „The Turning Point‟ “What if...why now?...Why not?...Who cares?

A crisis, a cross-road, an opportunity. The eleventh hour, a dilemma, a stepping stone...going on alone...the memories...not now...the loneliness...I can‟t go on...not on my own. His voice...you must...you will.

What if?...Yes now! Why not!

Artist - Les Shipp

Artist - Kay Wright “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving inside you, a joy” - Rumi

The old cottage was painted with brush strokes and reminds me of the very first house we lived in when we first married. I have a soft spot for the old wreck. The second painting is a very different method. It is a method I learned from another Pomona artist last year and it is painted with scrunched up newspaper only and the trees are done with a piece of cardboard. I didn't believe it could be done either until I tried it. The scene is of the Pomona forest near our house. I get a lot of joy out of my paintings.

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