Footy and Fetes

A Word From Watto - September 12

The AFL Grand Final live at Preston Beach Community Centre on the big screen attracted some 58 women, men and children, predominantly made up from locals and a big turn out from guests staying at Footprints. Our small community centre struggled to cope but it was great to see the establishment of an instant creche over in one corner which contained and entertained some 8 small children. A big thank you is extended to all the helpers who made this event a great success. A special mention goes to Clint and Gwennie from the general store for their help and support. If I name the rest of our helpers for sure and certain I will leave someone out, then it will be damage control.

 

 

Kiddie Corner

  

On the AFL game day we witnessed end to end hard tough football in which Sydney Swans eventually took the flag, but there were no sooks, every player put in the hard yards which made it one of the most memorable classic games of Australian rules.

 

Bev and Jeff Ireland put together an AFL Grand Final football tipping contest in which Nick Kirkbridge and Jo Clark, both guests of Footprints, were winners and how is this, they kindly donated the money back to Progress contributing to our community’s future fund raising needs – well done guys.



The guest presenter was Jaxon Crabb, former AFL player for West Coast and Port Adelaide.  Jaxon played 188 games for WAFL club Claremont and won the Sandover Medal in 2005

Footy regulars and locals stuck to their seats during the half time break 

 

Putting a new twist on 'kicking the can around" or trick photography?

 

The next day was the Preston Beach Spring Cup which saw a good turnout of keen golfers hitting off, followed by the Spring Cup Fete. Progress took part in the fete where the girls did well selling books. So in conjunction with the AFL game day and the book sales it generated some good fund raising for Progress. In closing, Larraine had a touch of luck by winning the Golf Club raffle.  Like most others we have always supported these types of fund raising raffles as an investment, but it’s the first time Laurie has ever won such a large well presented raffle.

Book Stall volunteers, Larraine, Marion, Gina and Jan

 

Winners and grinner's

 

Don’t forget this month’s Oktoberfest, 3pm Saturday October 20^th 2012; remember dress up for the occasion, BYO drinks, with food for sale on the day.

Regards

John Watson

President Preston Beach

Progress Association

 

Oktoberfest

Hi Members

It's Oktoberfest time - mark your calendars!

Once again the Preston Beach Progress Assoc., with the support of Shire of Waroona Sea to Scarp Summer Events and Alcoa present OKTOBERFEST.

PRESTON BEACH COMMUNITY CENTRE

 14 Panorama Drive. Preston Beach

 

 

If you need accommodation, check the website for Preston Beach Holiday Homes.

 

THE COSTUME



 

Dressing up is not compulsory but it's part of the fun.  If you want to join in here are some ideas;

 

For the ladies - The Dirndl - a traditional costume worn in Bavaria consisting of a blouse, usually white with short puffed sleeves trimmed with lace, a fitted bodice and skirt.  The dirndl skirt is a knee length full gathered skirt in a heavy fabric such as velvet or wool in a dark colour but it could be any skirt of any colour or length.  Raid your local Op Shop or run one up out of some cheap fabric.  The third part is the Mieder or bodice.  You know the one!  Often black and either laced or buttoned down the front.  Make one out of felt and trim with braid.  Spotlight and Textile Traders have heaps to choose from.  Alternatively you could cinch the skirt and blouse at the waist with an extra wide belt.  Finally, if you want the "Beer Maiden" look don an apron and some plaits.  The dirndl can be dressed up for a "Noble" effect or worn as a peasant style.

 

An very simple way to achieve the Dirndl look is to get a stretchy (lycra) scooped neck singlet top (Big W sell them for $5) and put it over the top of a white blouse. Pull it down to resemble a low cut vest then stitch on some ribbon to form a criss-cross pattern below the bust line (as if the front were laced up), then put a skirt and apron over the top. Tie a scarf around your head to complete the look.

 

Guys here's your lot!  The Lederhosen - Short pants with braces.  Any length you like in any fabric.  Once again the Op Shop is a great place to start.  Lederhosen are traditionally suede so look for a fabric that mimics suede, such as brushed denim or corduroy, but it doesn't really matter.  It's the basic look of an Alpine lad you're after.  If you can't find suitable shorts, buy a pair of  long pants (Op Shop) and cut them off at the knee.  Wear a white shirt and long socks to finish off your costume.  You'll need an Edelweiss hat too, or something similar.  Look at the pic at the top of the flyer as a reference. A 'pork pie' hat with a feather it will do the trick.

 

These are just a couple of ideas for your Oktoberfest outfit and we can't wait to see what else you can come up with. 

 

Here is a reference link to a Classic German Cultural site for some authentic outfits.

 

Have fun!!

Judy Carroll

 



A Word from Watto - Christmas in July

Christmas in July (by John Watson)

On Saturday July 21^st 2012, through some hard work between T and Fred, about 46 community members and friends travelled by Bus to the Lone Barn Restraint situated high upon the first scarp in the Waroona Hills. This location portrays beautiful scenic views of farm lands heading from the scarp back towards Preston Beach coast line. Couldn’t have picked a better “one perfect day”, for this Christmas luncheon. Food, service, company and meeting new faces was eventful, plus washing down the gourmet dinner with a selection of red and white wines, beer, and champagne was the go. This is just a quick snap shot of the Day and Night for the Preston Beach Blog. Sorry for the not being timely but everyone was away.

 

Time just seemed to go so quickly, and then our veggie bus arrived to take us safely back to

Preston Beach Community Hall – Guess what happened then????

Yes you got it, Rhythm & Blues guitar; a drummer with make shift drums, drinks, songs, PJ girls, net ball girls from footprints and a team of party stayers - Hic hic. “Remember Alcohol Doesn’t Cause Hangovers, Waking Up Does”. Octoberfest 3pm Saturday October 20^th 2012. BYO drinks, Live Entertainment, a Kids Gig, Sauerkraut, German Sausage, Gravy and Bread Rolls for purchase on the day. More information next Beach Blog.

John Watson

President Preston Beach

Progress Association

 

Photo's by Denis King

July 31^st 2012

A Winter Word From Watto

It's such a beautiful day here at Preston Beach today... blue sky, warm sunshine, light breeze... why would you want to be anywhere else? 

Because it's such a beautiful day I'm going to be quick!  John has given me another "Word From Watto" to post along with some photo's then I'm off to make a coffee and join Lew outside in the subshine for a spot of gardening.  Cheers, Judy

'A WORD FROM WATTO"

 

What the????

We were smashed for a surprise six on Sunday afternoon, June 10th 2012, when a serious turbulent storm hit us at Preston Beach. Like other communities in the surrounding Peel areas, the metropolitan and Southwest - we weren’t the only ones to feel the full brunt of Mother Nature at its best.

A typical street scene following the storms

In the aftermath it was clear Preston Beach received loads of tree, fence and building damage. Because this storm damage was far and wide, all emergency services were stretched to the max. What I was extremely impressed with was the willingness of a band of local helpers to assist others in need. We were probably the lucky ones in the area to retain our power supply because we are normally the first to lose it. The worst damage inflicted was on a house in Surf Street when extremely strong winds ripped through the middle section of the roof. The debris from the roof landed some 30 metres away and could have caused serious damage to other houses nearby. The band of willing helpers converged on the scene and strapped down the building rubble using rope and star pickets. Then the attention was focused onto the remaining roof area. The power to the house was shut down and rendered safe by our local sparky Fred Evely, which allowed us to safely strap down what was left of the existing roof so no more damage could be instilled... Some of us felt a bit like “Dads Army”, but we were very appreciative to both our younger team members, Steven and Ryan Orel. Mate the wind was so strong someone in Lake Clifton saw a chook lay the same egg ten (10) times.

Photos’ Courtesy of Denis King

Preston Beach Entry Statement

Preston Beach recently had the placement of “Welcome to Present Beach” Entry Statement set up on the right hand side as you enter Mitchell Road from the causeway. Many thanks must go to the Shire of Waroona for the entry statement project, as the signage displays community pride and ownership. Fred Evely and I have had two onsite appraisals of both the entry statement area and current walk trail for a proposed upgrade. As a community we must forge strategic partnership with the Shire of Waroona and the Department of Environment Conservation (DEC), for a projected walk trail upgrade connecting same to our entry statement area. We will be committed to an “In kind” hands on approach to this project in the planning, development, grant applications that are available, maintaining and caretaking the trail upgrades. This proposed project will provide physical dimensions by showcasing active environmental education to local and transitory community, habitat restoration, eradication/control of evasive species, with tuart/native species restorations and enhancement. It means Preston Beach Progress, FRAGYLE, Golf Club and Footprints Resort management all supporting the concept and working in unison to make the project happen.

Coakes Consulting Clifton Beach Wind Farm Community Consultation

Cape Bouvard Energy Pty Ltd (CBE) will have Coakes Community Consulting personnel hold a local community consultation at Preston Beach Community Resources Centre both Friday July 20th 2012 from 1pm to 6 pm and Saturday July 21st 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm. The session is designed to give our local community a better understanding on the proposed Wind Farm and renewable energy development in the area. It is to also invite comments and understanding concerns about potential issues and impacts associated with the development.

“Whoosh there goes the Preston Beach Sky Diving Club”.

(footnote:  Please check before you make a special trip to attend any of these meetings as news has just come to hand that the proposal may have been withdrawn)

Water Tank Maintenance Works or is it “Beam me up Scotty or ET Phone Home”

The Water Corp are carrying out maintenance works at the Preston Beach main water supply tank from June 18th to July 6th 2012. So the Preston Beach town scheme will operate on temporary storage tanks and pumping arrangements while the works are undertaken.

When some of our locals woke the other morning and looked upon the temporary replacement tank in Lakeside Terrace, they thought the “Mother Ship” had landed.

John Watson

President Preston Beach

Progress Association

June 30th 2012

A Word from Watto - May 2012

At 1000 hours Wednesday April 25th 2012, some 56 women, men and children attended our Preston Beach ANZAC Memorial Service held at our community centre’s ANZAC memorial Wall. This service gave our community an important opportunity to pay tribute and respect to those Australians and New Zealanders who fought and died in many fields of action around the world so that others could live in freedom. To me ANZAC Day is a day to join my fellow Aussies, of all race, colour and creed in remembering and giving thanks to the men and women for the sacrifices they made. After the formalities we enjoyed morning tea, biscuits, later a BBQ and a few throffies. I would like to thank all those involved with the formulation of our program, this year’s venue setup, service formalities, morning tea, and sausage sizzle – truly a great community team effort.

Preston Beach Proposed Bench Chair Locations for Public Viewing

The Shire of Waroona has been very supportive to our community and provided an allocation of bench chairs to showcase some of the tranquillity Preston Beach exposes. At this stage during our recent general meeting it was moved to table four (4) suggested preferential sites to the Shire which have no invasion of residential privacy. Suggested sites are as follows:-

• A - End of Panorama Drive approx 20 metres north of last power pole north/east view of old farm and lake area;

• B - The Point or Spit at end of walk trail from Mitchell Road heading north. Good 260 degrees view of bird life during late autumn, winter and spring. Has small sign with arrow pointing east "Observe – Conserve". DEC approval would be needed;

• C - End of Hillview Court, excellent view of north/eastern area, of golf course, lake and hills;

• D - Heading west along Mitchell Road half way between shop and beach just as the road slowly descends on left hand side - good Ocean views.

Click on the image to see full size

It’s Curtains for the Old Curtains at the Hall

New roll-up blinds have now been purchased and fitted to replace our old un-serviceable curtains at our community Hall. This was moved and has now come to fruition with Bob the blind-man doing a great professional job.

The Four Wheel Drive that Had a Dive They say a picture tells a thousand words, well this one does when it depicts just how rough the ocean high tide can be at Preston Beach when it erodes the beach embankment. Over the past several months the Rangers and other local beach goers have witnessed extreme high tides reaching the sand dunes, cutting sections of the beach out leaving large voids between the dunes and beach area. Extreme caution should be taken when driving along the beach when these conditions are encountered. Caution, common sense, slower speed and appropriate selection of beach track is the go. Look to the right of the photograph and you can see the preferential track to take - the unsuspecting driver of this vehicle didn’t. Most importantly no one was injured in this incident. Remember "local solutions for local problems, if you’re not part of the solution then you’re part of the problem"
Angry Anderson.

John Watson
President Preston Beach
Progress Association

Please Don't Rubbish Preston Beach

It's not a full year since we trudged the verges of Preston Beach Road and intersections of the Old Coast Road but we still managed to collect a truck load of rubbish.

The variety of cast away items never ceases to amaze us.  Everything from mattresses, to disposable nappies (Eewwk).  Vast quantities of drink containers in all shapes and forms as you might expect, but surprisingly volunteers picked up a heavy duty, well made wrought iron table frame and two matching chairs!  Who throws this kind of stuff away?

But I get ahead of myself; A cross section of the community gathered at the hall last Sunday, bringing together representatives of all organisations in Preston Beach.  The golf club had put in a several hours on Saturday due to prior golfing commitments on Sunday.

The weather was threatening and didn't disappoint, but our dedicated volunteers shrugged it off, getting on with the job of clearing away the unsightly litter despoiling the entrance to town.  Which beggars the question, what ever happened to respect for your surroundings?  Who are these people who think so little of a national park, the local fauna and our beautiful little town that they happily toss anything and everything out the window of the car?  Are they illiterate, uneducated, despots or merely ignorant and arrogant?  Perhaps a mix of all the above? 

The most disturbing find for me were two containers that had held kiddies drinks.  There they were on the roadside almost side by side, indicating they had been tossed together from a moving vehicle.  I found this particularly disturbing because it was either thrown by an adult in the presence of children or thrown by children with the consent of adults!  I shake my head...

Every year I ask the question, why don't we in WA impose the same deposit impost on all drink manufactures as they do in South Australia?  We know it works.

Let's not put up with it.  You can and you should report a litter bug or persons who dump illegally.  Here's how to go about reporting them; http://www.kabc.wa.gov.au/litter-reporting.html

I'll get off my soapbox now. 

Our band of workers set off in private vehicles, armed with sturdy gloves, fluoro jackets, mechanical grabbers (not sure what they are actually called but they work a treat) and dozens of orange rubbish bags which they dutifully stuffed with rubbish over several hours.

In a well coordinated effort, the Rangers came behind to collect the rubbish from the roadside and deposit it back at the hall for later collection and disposal by the Shire of Waroona.

All of this was rewarded with a sausage sizzle, a few stubbies and a glass or two of wine back at home base.  Well deserved I'm sure you will agree.

A bedraggled, damp and cold group stuck it out in the shelter of the hall to devour the offerings.  A few headed home for a hot shower and a set of dry duds before the footy game started, which was played on the big screen.  Great to see everyone enjoy themselves after their hard work.