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

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