Today we introduce a new 26-part series which will focus on boxer Herb Barkle, bantamweight of Queensland from 1926 to 1929. Almanacker David Goodwin has researched Herb’s career from its humble beginnings, through the glory days and on to its sad decline.
Almanac Squash: A Potted Memoir of Squashing Balls
December 19, 2025 by 6 Comments
Allan Barden recalls his introduction to squash and his developing interest in the exploits of the world’s great players including Aussies Geoff Hunt and Heather McKay. And the highlight: a fifteen minute master class with a member of the famous Khan family.
Almanac Rugby Union – The Wallabies in 2025
November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Brian the Ruminator, true to his name, has been reflecting on the (mis)fortunes of the Wallabies in 2025 and asks the pertinent questions about finding a path forward to the 2027 World Cup.
‘The Best of the Best of Wangaratta Tennis…’ by KB Hill
November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
KB Hill concludes his two-part series on the best players to grace the courts of Merriwa Park over the past century. Today he names his Top 10 men and women.
Almanac Horseracing: Dunkeld Cup Day – Saturday, 15 November
November 14, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dandy Andy presents his thoughts and tips for the Western District time honoured Dunkeld Cup running on Saturday 15 November.
Sal’s Preview 2025: Orr Stakes Day Preview – The FIXture is in – and it makes me wild!
November 14, 2025 by Leave a Comment
In his final preview for the year Sal Ciardulli takes us to Caulfield for Orr Stakes Day. Sal also comments on the AFL’s Wildcard Round. [Thank you Sal for the considerable time and effort you have taken throughout the year presenting your racing and footy tips, it has been very much appreciated. – ED]
Almanac Books: Books in my life – A reluctance to read
November 14, 2025 by 14 Comments
Barry Nicholls was invited to speak to The Friends of the State Library of South Australia to talk about influential books in his life. Here is the speech he gave on Tuesday November 4 at the Hetzel Lecture Theatre.
‘A century of stars at Merriwa Park…’ by KB Hill
November 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Anyone for tennis? KB Hill set himself the task of choosing the Top 20 male and female tennis players in the history of Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park. In Part 1 today, KB covers Nos. 20-10.
Sal’s Preview 2025: Champions Day Preview – Going into the Last Quarter: a Stayer’s Test!
November 7, 2025 by Leave a Comment
It’s Champions Day at Flemington on Saturday, with unsettled weather forescast, punters may be wise to considering backing stayers suggests Sal Ciardulli in preview and tips.
Almanac (Irish) Life: My day at Páirc MacUílín, Ballycastle
November 7, 2025 by 20 Comments
Murray Bird recently had a couple of weeks in Ireland. He was so taken and moved by the people, their sport and their music, their friendliness and their likability, that he just had to get his thoughts on the page. This is an Almanac classic. It’s travel, observation and understated commentary. It’s wholehearted participation and engagement. Please, pour yourself a Guinness or a whisky, and immerse yourself in a superb account of a hurling game and what happened along the way in getting there. This is the story of a grand people and their rich history and culture.
Sal’s Preview 2025: Oaks Day Preview – I’ve Got a Good Feeling!
November 5, 2025 by Leave a Comment
It will be another fabulous day of Spring Carnival horseracing with the Oaks Day meeting. Sal Ciardulli presents his thoughts and tips for the meeting.
Almanac Poetry: ‘The Race That Stopped A Nation’ by Patrick Smith
November 4, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Today is the running of one of the world’s greatest horse races, The Melbourne Cup. Patrick Smith recalls in verse the circumstances surrounding Damien Oliver’s win on Media Puzzle in 2002, ‘The Race That Stopped A Nation’.
Sal’s Preview 2025: Derby Day – What will Racing Santa Bring Us?
October 31, 2025 by 3 Comments
It’s Derby Day at Flemington on Saturday and Sal Ciardulli presents his thoughts and tips for the meeting.
Almanac Wrestling: A review of ‘Dark Side of the Ring – Owen Hart’
October 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Callum Quirk looks back at the tragic death of Canadian wrestler Owen Hart.
Almanac memories: Arthur Ashe’s Autograph
October 28, 2025 by 4 Comments
Ian Wilson recalls the time he obtained tennis great Arthur Ashe’s autograph.
Almanac Books: An Extract – ‘Touchstone: Racing, Racing Men and Racehorses’ by RM Griffiths & MG Bird
October 28, 2025 by 1 Comment
Samuel Griffiths witnessed his first Melbourne Cup in 1877 at the tender age of nearly 12 years. His great grandson Richard Griffiths co wrote a rollicking yarn with Murray Bird about Samuel’s life in ‘Touchstone: Racing, Racing Men and Racehorses The life and times of Samuel Griffiths 1865-1937’. The Footy Almanac presents an extract from the book.
RITV Summer Series – Athletics: Gout Gout’s last races for Ipswich Grammar School
October 23, 2025 by 4 Comments
Russel Hansen will tune in to the live stream of tomorrow’s Brisbane GPS track and field championships to watch Gout Gout run for his school, Ipswich Grammar School, for the last time. The occasion will also remind RITV of some of the best years of his life involved in this special sports environment.
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