Sort of glad March is over - and it could be because I’m getting older. But then again, it could be because I really wish things could be spread out more. I usually only do WOMADelaide, buy my tickets early, and for for the whole four days with my friend. We stay in town and meet up occasionally for meals, and get to see and experience as many entertainers as possible. This year it was pretty hot, so hot in fact that I didn’t go the last two days. The event area is set up well for heat, but nothing could beat to 40 degree days. The good things was, I saw who I really wanted to see - namely the Bangarra Dance Troupe and Nitin Sawnhey. A couple of the acts I had seen before - Central Australian Women’s Choir, etc - so tried to see new acts. As is always the case, I met a few people and had some great conversations. I always joke that as a family, our superpower is finding connections, and it’s in that we find South Australia really earns it’s big country town status. Next year, I think I’ll try the Fringe.
Paula decided we (the History Room - Mount Pleasant Community Association) should have an entry in the Barossa Vintage Scarecrow competition - to give Clive from the old Police Station a run for his money (Clive won last year). Drawing on the experiences of the early settlers, Paula created Tatty Bogle, representing our Scottish heritage. Unlike the rest of the Barossa, Mount Pleasant was settled predominantly by Scottish and English immigrants. Tatty can be seen at the front of the CWA Garden, and if you can, please vote for her (and Clive!). Just google it and you’ll find a link on the Vintage site.
So, the Show actually did quite well, even though the livestock weren’t represented. Kudos to those who went and supported this great local event.
We have a few things coming up in April - namely Easter at the Market. This year the Market will also join in with the Gather Round Fun - so look out for shenanigans on the 12th, when there will be a ‘Festival of Footy’!
We will also have the Tungkillo Monster Auction on the 13th - not to be missed.
And of course, on the 25th, our RSL will be hosting the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service. Always a solemn event, there will be displays by the local school children, the History Room and the RSL. For those who can’t resist, we’ll have the usual Gunfire Breakfast, and Two Up and Crown and Anchor will be played.
At the end of March, we said farewell to a very popular identity in Barrie Mills. Some of you may not know his name, but I’ll bet you know of him. You may have even stopped for a chat sometime. Barrie could be found at the Bakery (because he loved coffee and cake), he was at the Bowls Club on Thursdays (although he never played bowls), and the Men’s Shed whenever he felt the need (although he never lifted a hammer). Early each month, he would meet up with a group of blokes and enjoy a steak dinner and several glasses of Merlot. We will miss him and his gentle humour and warm personality, and if there is an afterlife, we hope he will be reunited with his lovely wife Marion. Rest in Peace.