Growing up with a parent whose life was blighted by wartime service is never easy. Ian Wilson shares his experiences as a child when a particularly traumatic episode was resolved via a most unusual medium.
Almanac Life: The Williamstown Walkers
May 27, 2022 by 16 Comments
Today marks twelve months since Smokie’s mate Netto was taken far too early. But the Williamstown walking group that he started endures.
Almanac Footy: Can the Saints Break the 56-Year Drought?
May 25, 2022 by 4 Comments
Ian Wilson is a Saints tragic! He’s stayed faithful to the Saints for 50 years and awaits the end of their 56-year premiership drought.
Almanac Music (and Poetry): ‘Lacrimosa’ from Mozart’s Requiem
May 20, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Prose and poetry combine in this piece by KD about working as a cinema usher in Melbourne in the mid-1980s – the focus is upon one of his all-time favourite films and pieces of music.
Almanac Memoir: Ouyen Harness Races, 1973
March 27, 2022 by 7 Comments
They’re racing at Ouyen today (Sunday) so we are reprising Kevin Densley’s memoir of the trots:
The smell of burning mallee roots is a fond memory for Kevin Densley of the Ouyen Harness Races many years ago.
Memorial: Olsen Filipaina (includes link to live stream)
February 21, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A service in memory of Olsen ‘Big O’ Filipaina will be held today in Sydney – for those unable to attend, there is a remote option available to pay your respects to a life that inspired many.
Purple Thistle
February 2, 2022 by 7 Comments
Encountering a purple thistle while out rambling took Kate Birrell back through the years to Diggers Rest and memories of her encounter with the Sunbury Rock Music Festival. If she had her time over again…
Maize Gods
February 2, 2022 by 4 Comments
Shane Reid remembers his Year 12 English teacher, Ms Dargie, who wasn’t into footy at all. Nevertheless, it was she who helped young Shane understand the links between footy, society and life via the poetry of Bruce Dawe.
Almanac Memoir: My Most Enjoyable Sports Injury
January 21, 2022 by 4 Comments
Sometimes it ‘hurts so good’, to quote from John Mellencamp’s well-known song. In this Friday’s column, KD travels back in time to an athletics carnival at Geelong Grammar School in the mid-1970s, where he suffered what he describes as his ‘most enjoyable sports injury’.
Return to Country
December 20, 2021 by 7 Comments
Andrew Starkie shares a series of memories and moments, at once relatable and unique, that make him who he is – a country boy at heart.
Almanac Memoir: Rannoch House, Renting, Music and Writing
December 17, 2021 by 9 Comments
This Friday’s post from KD is a multi-dimensional affair, involving an iconic Geelong mansion – Rannoch House – and personal memoir, music, writing and Geelong Football Club history.
Almanac Footy History: Remembering the early days of Geoff Southby and Keith Greig
October 28, 2021 by 54 Comments
David Clerehan was at primary school when Geoff Southby and Keith Greig made their debuts. He remembers those early days, as he reminds us that both celebrate birthdays this week.
Almanac Life: Elizabeth South Shops 1966-1976
October 17, 2021 by 32 Comments
Swish harks back to a simpler time in his childhood ‘hood of Elizabeth South, when there were local shops run by local people. Featuring smokes, double-cut rolls, offal, more smokes, Amscol Footy Colours and the occasional Strepsil. [A must-read for lovers of everyday life anywhere, with many memories of 60s and 70s life – JTH]
Memories of Bob and the Mighty Blues: Tony De Bolfo with John Menzies
September 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Carlton Media’s Tony De Bolfo shares the thoughts of John Menzies, lifelong Carlton supporter and also the nephew of the former Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies. It’s a journey back to a different age.
Almanac Life and Footy: Do it for Frank
July 26, 2021 by 4 Comments
John Gordon shares the poignant life of Frank Temple, from a stint for the Saints’ Thirds cut down by a shoulder injury to a life cut short by the scourge of asbestos, Frank was St Kilda to the core, but family came first.
Almanac Memoir (and Music): The Last Time
July 2, 2021 by Leave a Comment
In this Friday’s piece, KD looks at ‘last times’, both personal and those more broadly historical in nature.
Winning in Wyche – Part 3: Pressure unearths diamonds
June 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment
It’s 1969. Despite some injury woes, Wycheproof-Narraport have put together a handy Under 16 footy team. However, the League seems to have a wealth of talented young players across some very good junior sides. Sean Mortell gives us the next installment of a memorable season up the bush.
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