6 August 14, 2007 Byron Shire Echo
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Local News
A day to honour Fairlie Fairlie Ruth Kordick (nee Andrew) touched the hearts and lives of so many people in her time in the Byron area from the mid 70s until her premature death on July 25 this year at the Gold Coast Hospital. She loved people, and had wise words even at a young age that helped shape the thinking of many of the young kids around Byron in the early days. In the early 70s Fairlie and her then husband Derek ran the ice cream and pinball parlour called Sweet Thing at the top end of Jonson Street and corner of Bay Lane. This is where she met so many of the young grommets like Ben King and started a long association with many of the surfers and locals of Byron Bay. Joined by her sister Faith, the girls started a gym and fitness centre on the corner of Old Bangalow Road in what used to be the cement factory, and is now the Blues Festival office. Their business became very successful over the years and Fairlie also added classes in kickboxing, karate and women’s self defence. The gym moved to a new venue next door to the services club and remained the hub of the fitness regime for
the town. Fairlie had become a black belt early in the piece, but her determination and discipline led her through to becoming the first Australian women’s kick boxing champion as well. Her growing recognition worldwide in this sport led to her being asked to star as the wicked blonde villain in two martial arts movies in Hong Kong, a role she really enjoyed. Fairlie loved to party and never hesitated to join in with any fun venture like the fashion parades of the 70s and 80s that were a great source of public entertainment and fundraising for local charities. Having trained as a nursing sister when she first left school, other hearts were touched by her kindness and care when she worked at both Bangalow and Byron Hospitals and then for Home Care over the years. Her optimism and sense of humour were delightfully
refreshing to all of the patients in her care, and this was particularly an area of her life for which she is most loved and respected by many locals. Fairlie was also heavily involved with the inception and early days with Bay FM, a job that became a passion and inspired many to follow on. The hugeness of Fairlie’s life even astounded the nurses in the hospital in their brief association with her as she passed away, her humour and beauty was appreciated by all right to the end. A day of tribute for this wonderful lady will be held on Friday August 17. The family of Fairlie invites close friends of Fairlie to join them in a dawn memorial to be held at the end of Broken Head Beach Track overlooking Cocked Hat Rocks. There will be a paddle out at 10am from the beach followed by a BYO everything BBQ. All are welcome to join the family. A wake will be held in the evening from 5pm sharp at Byron Bay Bowling Club for family and friends to join with their memories of a very special person who has been and always will be a legend of Byron Bay.
Try your hand at table tennis After three years absence from the Shire, competitive table tennis has returned. Catering for both social and competitive levels, the new Mullumbimby table tennis club meets each week for a fun and friendly tournament. The club is supported and competitions organised by longtime competitors and members of the Far North Coast Table Tennis A s s o c i a t i o n , We r n e r Borkhardt, Chris Strybos and Mark Smith. Amateurs and experienced players alike are encouraged to join in as competition is run on handicap, giving everyone a fair go at winning. Coaching and technical advice is available to all levels from the beginners to the seasoned players. Werner, who is a current state veteran champion and international competitor, is available for advice on all aspects of the game. Table tennis enthusiasts are asked to meet at the Mullumbimby tennis clubhouse at the recreation grounds each Thursday at 6.30pm. Bats and balls are provided or you can bring your own blade. If you are intimidated
Chris Strybos and Werner Borkhardt show their form on a Mullumbimby tennis clubhouse table. Photo Lou Beaumont
by the talent on display you can always spectate from the lounge or pluck up some Dutch courage with the aid of the
licensed kiosk. Improve your game with the local club – call Chris Strybos for more information on 6684 1468.
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Computer training classes will soon open to the public