WORLD EVENTS in August

August 1 – International Child Free Day. This day was set up to celebrate those people who chose not to have children. This is akin to having crocodile free day to celebrate those people who chose not to have a crocodile as a pet. Every day is child free day for those couples who chose not to have children. What about a child-free day for the many people who have to put up with their whining off-spring day after bl*#*y day. Here’s an idea. How about parents foist their ungrateful children onto these childless people for a day so that they can actually have a child-free day, then this day would make a little more sense.

August 3 – International Forgiveness Day. This is a time for personal reflection, restored relationships, and inner healing. However, why wait for a random day on the calendar imposed by strangers? True forgiveness can only come when you take control of your own life.

August 4 – International Beer Day. This day is always held on the first Friday in August. It’s a day to celebrate with old friends and meet new friends by drinking beer together. So, bottoms up! Salut! Prost! Slainte! Skaal! Cin cin! Oogy wawa!

August 5 – International Owl Awareness Day. Did you know that it takes two owls to make a 'tu-wit tu-woo' sound? The 'twit' sound is thought to be a contact call and 'twoo' the answering territorial call of the male. See, now you’re more aware.

August 6 – Wiggle Your Toes Day. You may be unaware of this important fact, but your toes are crying out for a bit of freedom. Having to spend all day cramped up in a pair of shoes can be quite restrictive for your toes, so on this particular day, give them the opportunity to run free and wiggle them around for all to see.

August 8 – Universal Infinity Day. Held on the 8th day of the 8th month of each year to celebrate and promote Philosophy and Philosophizing for the ordinary person. If you want to be part of it then explain the following saying to a friend, “I think, therefore I am”.

August 9 – International Book Lovers Day. Who doesn’t enjoy a good book? Okay, lots of people but let’s just ignore them as they are obviously philistines. If you’re intelligent, creative, imaginative, cultured and clearly a superior intellect, then you know the value of losing yourself in a good book, so I need say no more on the subject. Enjoy!

August 10 – International Biodiesel Day. I know you’ve been hanging out for this day so that you can celebrate the use of vegetable oil-based diesel fuel which is better for the environment than normal diesel or petrol based fuels. Unfortunately, this fuel cannot be used in normal diesel engines and is not available in any regular service stations. Apart from these very minor issues, it’s a great idea.

August 11 – Middle Child Day – It’s about time, and I’m not biased in any way, shape or form, to give some well-deserved recognition to the long neglected middle child in the family. The birth of the first child is always a special occasion and it’s a proven scientific fact that this child is always spoilt rotten. The birth of the middle child is rather ho-hum, nothing to see here folks, we’ve done all of this before. Then of course, we have the final child, the baby of the family who is once again spoilt rotten. Is it any wonder that middle children grow up to be fiercely independent and invariably go on to become either world leaders or serial-killers?

August 13 – International Left-hander’s Day. Are you a left-hander? Then this is the chance to tell your family and friends how proud you are of being left-handed and also raise awareness of the everyday issues that lefties apparently face in a world apparently designed for right-handers. Oh diddums, such trauma! Next, we’ll be having tennis racquets and hammers for left handers. What about right-hander’s day I say, or even back-handers day for that matter?

August 15 – World Relaxation Day. In a world full of stress, pressure, and bad news, it’s important to occasionally stop and smell the roses. Compared to every other time in history, mankind has never had it so good. So, make a list of all the things that you’re stressing about then circle the things that you have absolutely no control over e.g. global warming, Covid-19, Collingwood, Russian invasion of Ukraine, and promise yourself to ignore these whenever they appear on the news. Then for everything else on your list that you can do something about, get off your backside and do it! Remember, true happiness comes from solving your problems.

August 16 – International Vanilla Custard Day. Vanilla custard has been around since the Middle Ages and was traditionally used as a pie filling. A very simple custard tart was a popular dessert during that period. Today, custard is an important component in many dessert recipes including éclairs, trifle, and of course, vanilla slices. Once more I urge our bakeries to promote this very important day by offering half-price vanilla slices.

August 17 – Black Cat Appreciation Day. Not more cats? I tell you, they’ve taken over the world. Strangely, many people still believe the myth that black cats bring bad luck, and some people even have deep-seated phobias about it (ailurophobia). However, it’s only bad luck if you happen to trip over one and fall in front of a bus or down the stairs. Animal shelters report that black cats are the least likely felines to be adopted, hence the need for Black Cat Appreciation Day. We need to start a movement like ‘Black Cats Matter’.

August 22 – Southern Hemisphere Hoodie-Hoo Day. “Whatie-what?”

I can hear you saying. Okay, listen up, this is important. This is the day to go outside at midday and yell, "Hoodie-Hoo," three times, to chase away winter and to get ready for spring. I think all our local teachers should encourage their students to participate in this activity.

August 26 – Go Topless Day. This day has been organised to promote gender equality and encourages women to go topless in public, as men are able to do. I’m sure this was dreamed up in the Northern Hemisphere where it’s still nice and warm. Although I believe that we should be encouraging this type of equality, it would probably be too dangerous to celebrate the day in Australia at this time of the year as you could put somebody’s eye out. Perhaps we should leave it for summer.

August 27 – International Bat Night. This is a night to celebrate bats and to learn about the way bats live and their needs. If you study the sky at dusk, you should see a multitude of bats flying south from Cussen Park. Actually, bats that are resting are called a colony and when they’re in flight they are called a cloud.

August 29 – International Individual Rights Day. This is not to be confused with ‘I’m Entitled to Everything I Want Day’ which exists in the minds of many confused people. First proposed by John Locke, our basic human rights include life, liberty, property, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. It didn’t include the freedom to live off the taxes of other people because I’m too lazy to get out of bed and get a job and would much rather watch daytime television.

- John Kriesfeld

Tatura Museum Musings

A welcome email received from the State Library Victoria informing us that the Digitising of the 1895 – 1903 Tatura Guardian was now complete and available for the whole world to view on TROVE. The project was made possible with the receipt of a $16,000 government grant in 2019 but COVID caused some delays. It is particularly gratifying to have this time period digitised as the only copies of these papers are held by the State Library and are too fragile to be handled.

We are featuring a display of the recently conserved Sergeant Snow White scroll from the 8th Employment Company Theatre productions. Also check out the refurbished ‘Rosella’ and ‘Reilly Flour Mill’ displays. The Tatura Museum has now standardised opening hours to 1pm – 3pm every day, closed only on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

George Ferguson Tatura Museum

Ladies Who Lunch Discover A New Health And Wellbeing Experience

A new event in support of Women’s Health will be held in Shepparton on Sunday October 29th - ‘Ladies Who Lunch’.

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the well-loved Pink Ribbon Brunch will be reimagined as Ladies Who Lunch - a day of celebration with engaging speakers, giftbags, raffles and much more.

All money raised will be donated locally to the GV Health Foundation to support local women going through cancer treatment.

In addition, all tickets for the Ladies Who Lunch event will include entry to the annual Greater Shepparton City Council (GSSC) Health & Wellbeing Event which will be held on the same day and in the same location at Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre. In its third year, the Health & Wellbeing Event offers attendees a place to connect with health services, wellness businesses, professionals, and local people to support physical, mental and spiritual health.

Now is the time to ‘Save the Date’ for this new health and wellbeing experience – October 29th. Director GV Health Foundation and Engagement, Claire Ewart-Kennedy said: “The GV Health Foundation is proud to partner with the GSCC to deliver a day of celebration at the inaugural Ladies Who Lunch event and the Health & Wellbeing Event. The GV Health Foundation has been working in the background to identify opportunities to highlight the need for enhanced cancer services in GV region. We are the only region without an Integrated Cancer Centre and we are committed to providing the best possible cancer services we can access. This event will aim to raise $50k for dedicated oncology services for women and any money raised above $50k will go directly to a new Integrated Cancer Centre. We are about raising money in our community, with our community, for our community.”

“Spread the word and gather your girlfriends, sisters and mums. Start the day by exploring the Health & Wellbeing Event, engage with professional services, specialised talks and workshops, then head into the Ladies Who Lunch event, listen to guest speakers and celebrate with the people who matter most to you – all whilst raising funds for the GV Health Foundation. As we move through different life stages and health challenges, we need to listen to our bodies and respond. The Health & Wellbeing event is an opportunity to hear from the best and brightest in our region,” Greater Shepparton Partnerships and Marketing Coordinator Liz Connick said.

“We aim to increase the many and varied support services on offer here in Greater Shepparton. In the last two years many new and innovative professional services in the health and wellbeing sector have opened and we are spoilt for choice.”

“This is a day to come together with likeminded people for feel-good activities, level up your physical, mental and spiritual health – and go home ready to live a more fulfilled life.” Liz Connick said.

If you would like to participate or support this event, email gvhealthfoundation@gvhealth. org.au

To keep up to date on news and ticket sales, keep an eye out for the Ladies Who Lunch Event on Facebook and Instagram.

More information can also be found by following the GV Health Foundation and the Health & Wellbeing Event on social media. For more information about this media release, please contact:

Claire Ewart- Kennedy – 0409 828 586 claire.ewart-kennedy@gvhealth.org.au

Director GV Health Foundation and Engagement

Liz Connick - 0402 269 699 Liz.Connick@shepparton.vic.gov.au

Greater Shepparton Partnerships and Marketing Coordinator, Greater Shepparton City Council

Recipes

Noodle Fritters

Here's a really simple and quick recipe when one doesn't feel like cooking.

Ingredients:

85g packet of 2 Minute Noodles

110g canned Corn Kernels (drained)

2 Spring Onions (chopped)

2 tbs Coriander (chopped)

2 tbs Vegetable Oil

2 Eggs

Method:

Proprietor

Cook the noodles. Whisk the eggs with oil. Mix all ingredients together. Form into patties and fry until golden on both sides.

- Janice Dreyer

Recipes

POLLY’S MELT AND MIX FRUIT CAKE

1½ kg Mixed Fruit with real cherries

1 Granny Smith Apple

1 cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed

½ cup of Sherry

1 tabspn Honey or Golden Syrup

250 grm Butter

4 Eggs

1½ cups Plain Flour

½ cup of S.R. Flour

1 teaspoon mixed spice

Sift these last three ingredients together 3 times.

Place mixed fruit in a large bowl, cut cherries to smaller pieces, add peeled and coarsely grated apple, golden syrup or honey, and sugar. Mix Well. Pour over sherry. Leave overnight. Add melted butter, beaten eggs, sifted flours, and spice. Mix thoroughly. Place in a deep prepared 23cm tin lined with brown paper.Bake in a slow oven 3 hours (test to see how it is going) Remove from oven when cooked and brush with extra 2 tabspn sherry while warm. Cover with foil until cold. Remove cake from tin, leaving the lining paper intact. Refrigerate in plastic food wrap for at least 6 months.

Generations Op Shop Gives Donation To Tatura Fire Brigade

Generations Op Shop continues its longstanding contribution back into the Tatura community with a recent financial donation of $2000 to Tatura Fire Brigade. Secretary Bill Stockdale accepted the financial gift on behalf of the Tatura Fire Brigade, which was presented by Generations Op Shop Manager Jacqui Hall. This donation will go towards the many improvements and items of equipment required at the local station. Bill said, “we are hoping to build a covered outdoor area for outside rest and recreation of our members, and we need a small shed to house our mower for outside grounds maintenance.” The Tatura Fire Brigade was very grateful for the contribution and was thankful for the longstanding support from Generations Op Shop.

“When you donate or shop at Generations Op Shop you are really supporting your local community to make it a better place for everyone. We care about Tatura and want to continue to invest into making it such a great town to live,” said Jacqui Hall. More donations are needed over the winter months which can be dropped off instore at 119 Hogan Street Tatura. Alternatively pick up of donations can be arranged by contacting the store on 5824 3059 or completing the online pickup request form on their website. generations.org.au/community-care.

Generations Op Shop is a ministry of Generations Church.

Ancient History

525 BC - The Lost Army of Cambyses: After Cambyses conquered Egypt, he sent an army of 50,000 men to the Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert to persuade the Oracle of Amum to recognise his rule. However, the men never reached their destination, being overwhelmed, according to Herodotus, by a sandstorm. Exactly 2525 years later, geologists from Helwan University, prospecting for petroleum, found themselves among sand dunes littered with fragments of textiles and weapons, and the bleached bones of men who may have once belonged to the Lost Army of Cambyses.

456 BC - Tortoise Slays Playwright: The Greek dramatist Aeschylus died when an eagle dropped a tortoise on his bald head.

434 BC – The Divine Nature of Heavenly Bodies: The Greek philosopher Anaxagorus was exiled from Athens for denying the divine nature of heavenly bodies. He asserted that the sun was a great disc of blazing metal larger than the Peloponnese, which is a geographic region in Southern Greece. He also asserted that the planets were lumps of rock torn from the Earth and set on fire by the rapidity of their rotation.

390 BC – Geese Save Rome: The sacred geese on the Capitoline Hill in Rome saved the city by making such a noise as the besieging Gauls attempted a covert night attack that the guards were roused and repelled the invaders.

346 BC – If: Having conquered much of the rest of Greece, Philip II of Macedon sent a message to the Spartans: “You are advised to submit without further delay, for if I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people and raze your city.” They sent a one-word reply: “If”. Their boldness paid off as Philip left them alone.

334 BC – Outwitting Alexander: Alexander the Great crossed the Dardanelles to begin his conquest of the Persian Empire. He was accompanied by one of his favourites, the rhetorician (the ancient equivalent of a spindoctor or propaganda specialist) Anaximenes. Anxious to save his native city of Lampascus from destruction, Annaximenes asked for an audience with Alexander. Anticipating his request, Alexander swore an oath that he would deny Anaximenes’ request. The cunning Anaximenes, on being granted his audience, said to Alexander, “My Lord, I have only come to beg you to destroy Lampascus.” Alexander had no other choice but to honour his oath and spare the city.