An Overdue Word From Watto

Well it has been a long time between drinks (for some that is) however there has been a lot happening behind the scenes. Firstly we must tender our apologies. As Larraine and I will be up in Exmouth caravanning having a break from the cold weather as well as other members of the Executive having some family matters to deal with, we will have to defer our next Progress meeting from Saturday August 3^rd 2013, to Saturday September 21st 2013 at 1000 hours at our Community Centre. I know that you will understand this predicament, along with most of other grey nomads being up north or away elsewhere on holiday. Marion will send out a reminder email when getting closer to this new meeting date. 

Our community along with the Shire of Waroona have been very busy with the Coastal Revegetation  Planting from the Beach, Preston Beach Entry Statement along the walk

Trail and the temporary fenced off holding area between the 5^th fairway and lake. Special mention must go to Denis King for his time and effort in coordinating this project, members of Progress and members of the Preston Beach Golf Club for their support and work ethics.

The 'mulching crew'.  Hard work deserves a reward!

 

We recently witnessed the opening of the new Preston Beach Fire Station which had a large gathering of locals, and fire brigade personnel from near and far. Progress where handed the keys to the old fire shed and we have already put it to good use with our recent Christmas in July event – Photographs of this event and the opening of the new fire station will be forthcoming in our next Blog addition.

This year’s ANZAC Day held on April the 25^th, 2013 at our Preston Beach Community Centre, ANZAC Memorial Wall was very well attended by some 65 local and transient Community members. This day is an important opportunity for us to pay tribute to those Australians and New Zealanders who experienced war, fought and died in many fields of actions around the world, so that others could live in freedom. This year’s ANZAC key note presentation was a true family contribution called “The Lost Diggers” and was presented by Vice President Judy Carroll, her daughter Ange Bassett-Scarfe and Ange’s son Isaac.

I have invited Judy to write a summative story on The Lost Diggers, which you will find to be very interesting.

It was a very opportune time to be invited to give the ANZAC Day key note address and a great privilege to share our story with so many people. 

A little more than two years ago a story aired on the Sunday program on channel seven called The Lost Diggers.  It was a defining moment for our family as we would soon discover the 'cover boy', the young digger they had dubbed 'The Handsome Digger" was soon to be identified as my grandfather Jim Holland.  I say it was opportune because the book The Lost Diggers was released earlier this year giving me a great platform for an address.

Jim Holland had served with the 28th Battalion, 7th Machine Gun Corp in Gallipoli, France and Belgium. With the help of War Historian Peter Burness of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, we were able to trace Jim's movements to the little town of Vignacourt in France where a photographer named Louis Thuillier had set up a makeshift studio in his barnyard and was busy capturing amazing images of Aussie diggers, taking time off from the front line on glass plates.  At the end of the war these plates were stored in trunks and placed in the attic of the barn where they were to remain undiscovered until investigative journalist Ross Coulthard, following a hunch, uncovered them in late 2010.

It is believed that amongst the thousands of glass plate negatives are the last images of hundreds of diggers who marched from Vignacourt to the battle of the Somme where so many perished.  Young men who were denied the opportunity to leave behind a legacy, never married, never had children and therefore have no descendants who can say 'he was my grandfather,' and I find this the most poignant thing of all.  This is why the book is so important. So that we can now look upon these images and say 'I don't know these men, but they all have a place in history".

It was this sense of finding a place for them that made it appropriate to relate the story of the discovery and the subsequent TV show and publication of the images at the ANZAC Day commemorations as it is about remembering the men and women who fought, suffered, faced daily perils and hardships and in too many cases, died fighting for our right to live in freedom and peace.  What better way to honour those soldiers than a magnificent book of rare photographs. 

My daughter Angelee joined with me to tell the modern part of the story; the story about how my grandfather's image suddenly appeared all over Facebook and how Ross Coulthard had been urged to start the Facebook page The Lost Diggers in the first place by his twelve year old daughter.  He had been searching for a way to share the photographs with as many people as possible in the hope some of the diggers would be identified.  By March 2013 over 100 men had been claimed by families, including our Jim (as my grandson calls him).  The idea exploded and suddenly the whole of Australia were searching through the photographs for loved ones and family members.

The discovery of the photo of Jim came about just a few weeks before my father and his twin sisters' 90th birthday.  Dad had told us he didn't want a fuss so it became a bit awkward when I had to tell him not only was he having a party to celebrate, but the a television crew would be there!  Once he realised the fuss was not so much about him, but about his father he was very humbled and very proud; the TV crew came, and the second part of The Lost Diggers story was revealed to the world.

The best part of the story was to come when Kerry Stokes finalised negotiations to purchase the precious collection of glass plates and bring them to Australia, donating them to the National War Memorial where they are now on exhibit.

Judy Carroll 

 

Isaac reads an original verse copied from the side of a WW1 trench by his great grandfather Jim Holland

Thanks Judy, I think that on the day another touching ANZAC story which was written and presented by 11 year old Nicolas Baxter, the grandson of local resident Gail Alford called “What ANZAC Means To Me”, was very well received and impressed all at our Service, and to me shows that the youth of today are prepared to carry on the true tradition and spirit of ANZAC.

Nicolas Baxter presents "What ANZAC Day means to me"

Nicolas Baxter

John Watson with Peter Eastlake, Vietnam Veteran who recited the Ode

A big thanks must go to Army Cadet Corporal Nicole Bottrill, our guard of honour,  and her mother and father for making the journey to Preston Beach for our ANZAC service.

 

Following the ANZAC Service everyone was invited to a sausage sizzle, tea, coffee and/or something stronger at our Community Centre. Then at 1200 hours (midday) we had our own bayonet charge, after a few drinks we watched the ANZAC AFL Football match of the day on our large screen - but sadly lost the sound. However that didn’t stop us from having a great day as usual. The sound system was fixed by purchasing a new DVD/HD digital set top box. Enjoy the rest of the photographs which depict the day that was - Photographs courtesy of Denis King.

 

Cheers

John Watson APM

President of Preston Beach

Progress Association

 

ANZAC Day Service

Preston Beach Progress Association will once again host an ANZAC Day service on the north lawn of the Community Centre.  Details follow;

Out and About - Judy Carroll

When I moved permanently to Preston Beach, I was often asked "what do you do with yourself all day"?  I never really understood the question, as I've hardly a had a minute to spare since I got here and I'm pretty sure most local folk would say the same thing.  In fact, I don't know how I ever found time to work!

So, in answer to the question, which still gets asked from time to time, this is what we've been up to for the last three days...

Monday and Wednesday begins early with a water aerobics session at Waroona Recreation Centre, I'm a newcomer to this activity and some of the regulars have been going for over a year. The indoor pool is heated, so there's no excuse for not continuing through winter, although I'm told it gets a bit nippy between the change rooms and the water. At the moment there's a regular contingency from Preston Beach of up to ten ladies (men are only absent by choice and are very welcome to join in). Not everyone can make it to every session, but that's okay because there's no role call!

Preston Beach water maidens, Esmae, Pam, Elaine, Jan and Judy

Our water aerobics trainer is Debbie. She is amazing and always inspires us to do better, but never pushes anyone beyond their limits.  Some days there are as many as 25 people in the pool and they come from near and far, including Dwellingup, Harvey and Pinjarra.

If you want to join in for an hour of low impact, calorie burning, fitness building fun, meet us at the hall on Panorama Drive by 7.10am any Monday or Wednesday to join the car pool.  The session starts at 8am and ends at 9am and we are usually back in Preston Beach by 9.45am   Admission to the pool/aerobics session is $6 (concession). 

 

Wednesdays the new Stitch and Bitch group meet at the hall from 10am to noon for coffee, conversation and craft.  This is a newly founded group and we are still working out a format. Attendances have been great and we're all learning new skills and sharing what we know.  You don't need to be a crafter, in fact you need no skills at all, although it would be handy if you could put the kettle on and make a cuppa ;-)

 

 



Craft ladies put $2 into the pot each week to cover the use of power and consumables at the hall and tea and coffee supplies.  It's a great morning out and the group will continue to meet throughout winter.  Whether you're into craft or not, you're very welcome to join in. Bring along your projects, your ideas, your recipes or whatever you have to share with a group of very friendly ladies.  As time goes by we will develop a format which could include visiting artisans, workshops, outings, community projects and more.

Because we are flexible, the normal craft day will not be held on Wednesday 1 May due to a prior booking at the hall for a very informative day of information held by The Southwest Catchment Council - Coastal Rehabilitation Techniques. A workshop presented by Dave Bright (Regen4 Environmental Services), who has over twenty years experience as an environmental consultant with particular expertise in the field of Bushland Management and in particular, coastal dune systems.  The day also includes a field visit to dune rehabilitation areas and community brushing storage area, These visits will look at on ground examples of coastal rehabilitation, including management, techniques and future works.  If you are interested in attending please email chris.gibbs@agric.wa.com.au or phone 9780 6172.  Morning tea and lunch will be provided.  The day commences at 8.30am and ends at approx 3.15pm.  There is no cost.

Continuing on Wednesdays, visiting hairdresser Penny Fagan is keeping the residents of Preston Beach well groomed on a budget.  Penny brings her mobile salon to town every five weeks and has a long list of regulars.  If you are interested in this great service, there is a bookings list kept at the shop.  All you need to do is write your name against the appointment time of your choice (depending what is still available) and turn up for your hair cut on the day.

Penny Fagan, mobile hairdresser and happy customer Elaine Williams



Today is Thursday and we kicked it off with what will be a regular coffee morning hosted by Footprints Cafe.  This is another opportunity for local ladies to gather for a chat and catch up.  The coffee is great and the Cafe offer a different special each month when we meet for coffee.  Today it was fresh scones!  Yummo!

Scones with lashings of jam and fresh cream anyone?
 

The coffee morning is held at 10am on the first Thursday of every month.  This may vary depending on circumstances, such as Western Power switching off the town electricity supply as they did on 4 April!  If you would like to join in this very pleasant morning you can register with Footprints Cafe to receive an email alert by messaging Erin at  - manager@footprintsprestonbeach.com.au

Marita and Jeanette



Christine and Cheryll

 

All this interspersed with walks on the beach, fishing, shopping trips to Harvey, Bunbury, Mandurah or where ever you prefer, golf at various nearby courses and our own 9 hole course, lunch where ever it takes your fancy and more. 

 

Speaking of lunch, I can highly recommend the $12.50 Sunday roast at Waroona Hotel. The chicken salad is more than a mouthful and the sticky date pudding is super delicious!

 

What are the fella's doing I hear you say?  Well, my man has been very busy preparing new garden beds, so with the weather pattern slowly easing into autumn I think it might be a good opportunity to join him in the garden and plant a few winter vegies... when I get a moment to spare ;-)

A Word From Watto - March 2013

General Overview

Hi everyone cancel that “Missing Persons’ Report” I’m back. It has been pretty hectic during the last several months and I didn’t have the time to do the Preston Beach Blog so it’s starting right now. Blast from the past – over the last 12 months Preston Beach Progress Association provided and assisted with some 14 events throughout the year of 2012.

At our Annual General Meeting on February 9^th 2013, it was moved by Progress members to hold our General Meetings every quarter in accordance with our Constitution. It truly eases the work load on both the Treasurer, Danny (MacScrooge) Norton having to compile financial reports every month and Marion our Secretary compiling monthly minutes at the same time.

Your Executive Committee will still be working behind the scenes arranging functions and events with our very dedicated helpers as usual.  All Progress members will be informed either via email or the Blog of forthcoming events and general information sharing. Should something urgent come up, then we can call for a special meeting. If anyone has concerns between these quarterly meetings, they are welcome to email or call a Committee member and it will be put forward for discussion. In the interim the Executive Committee are always in touch with each other having a regular get together - should any “Points of Interest” arise you will all be advised accordingly.

Placement of Viewing Bench Viewing Seats at Preston Beach

Once again a big thanks to the Shire of Waroona for supporting Preston Beach with the recent placement of scenic viewing bench seats located at three areas as ticked on map below. The fourth chair is on hold until the walk trail upgrade has commenced then we can establish an appropriate placement area along the walk trail as a resting bench. So if you are feeling energetic at Preston, go for a walk to your nearest viewing chair and enjoy the picturesque view. “A Helpful Hint” - Take a wine carry bag with one or two bottles of Sparkling wine, several wine glasses and a small Platter, then later enjoy your trip home !!

 

Locations  

·         Northern end of Panorama Drive overlooking  old farm land area and northern section of lake;

·         Top of Hill view Court overlooking Lakeside Terrace area, Golf course, lake and scarp;

·         Off Mitchell Road, between Shop and Beach Car Park on right hand side as you head towards beach, some 10 to 15 metres from footpath north in bush setting, good view of beach and ocean.

 

 

Oktoberfest – Preston Beach

On Saturday October 20^th 2012 saw a large gathering of German/Bavarian theme dressed community members attend our local Oktoberfest. Hearty meals of delicious gourmet German sausages, sauerkraut, coleslaw and tasty bread rolls were on the go. Live entertainment was provided by the “Bavarian Hay Seeds” which saw in the latter part of the everning a Gangnam style Bavarian dance. Prizes’ given out for two best dressed persons. They came from Perth, Serpentine near and far even with a wheelbarrow full of beer and cheer. This event was presented by Preston Beach Progress Association, as a Sea to Scarp Summer Event, proudly sponsored by the Shire of Waroona and Alcoa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melbourne Cup

The first Tuesday in November saw a good gathering at the Preston Beach Community Hall where local community members came from near and far to witness the Melbourne Cup on the Large Screen. The race sweeps were effectively and efficiently organised and run by both Bev and Geoff Ireland. There were winners and grinners plus a few losers, but the main point was everyone enjoyed a great day and dressed up for the occasion. Noel Dew came out on top with a good win, stating it was the best win he has ever had over the many years.

The following are some photo snapshots of the Melborne Cup day, courtesy of Denis King. 

 

 

 Larraine’s message of thanks

On behalf of Larraine we wish to thank you all for your avid support, compassion and condolences’ displayed on the passing of her dear mother, Jeanie Hopcraft. Your support enhanced Larraine’s stamina to enable her to continue on with the funeral arrangements, and the Will and Testament process.

Keep on supporting Progress with your membership and our functions.

Kind regards

John Watson President

Preston Beach Progress Association

March 25^th 2013