Almanac Music: Dave Kimber – The beginning of a life in music

Dave Kimber has lead an incredible life in the music industry and has many stories to tell. Over the coming weeks, Dave will share stories about meeting and playing with everyone from Elton John to Sammy Davis Jnr, and many, many more.

Almanac History: The Plaza Theatre, Geelong

Kevin Densley remembers a night at Geelong’s now departed Plaza Theatre, which by the 1970’s had become known as the ‘flea pit’.

Almanac Literary: Lament in 2020

Nicole Kelly discusses some of the background information about her forthcoming book, ‘Lament’ in the lead up to its publication in October.

Almanac Book Review – “Albert ‘Pompey’ Austin: A man between two worlds” by Roy Hay.

Braham Dabscheck has reviewed the recently released biographical work on Albert ‘Pompey’ Austin by Roy Hay.

The Black and White Song and Dance

In light of Fathers’ Day this weekend, we’ve reprised this wonderful writing from Damian Balassone, who takes us on a beautiful familial journey of joining the Collingwood faithful via Abruzzo, Dights Falls and Victoria Park with thanks to his late father, Donato.

Almanac Father’s Day

Some writing by fathers and about fathers.

Almanac History: Captain Bert James, R.A.F. (1895-1918)

Kevin Densley remembers his relative, Captain Bert James RAF whose life was tragically cut short in a flying accident during WW1.

Almanac Footy: People who had a footy career before becoming famous for something else

Kevin Pollard’s Almanac debut has him looking into the notable people who didn’t quite make it to the big time in the VFL/AFL – are there any missing from his list? Were you surprised by some of the names?

Almanac Poetry: There was a brown land called Australia

Dips O’Donnell has been moved to poetry by the plight of Victoria.

Almanac Life: Black Lives Matter

Glen! examines racism in sport, particularly America, and the advent of ‘Black Lives Matter’.

Almanac Poetry: Self-Portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle

An Arnold Bocklin painting – and the progression of the clock – moved Kevin Densley to pen this succinct poem.

Almanac Poetry (in the time of COVID): (Uncle) Bob Cullen

Kieran Dempsey is dreaming of normal life and reveals the things that matter to his subconscious: an uncle, a vist to the pub, an evening session of Test cricket.

Almanac Pub Review: The Exeter, Semaphore

Mickey Randall heads to the Exeter in Semaphore (in Adelaide) and recalls canned peas and canned corn and bachelorhood.

Almanac Music: A Band, Beer, and Pig on a Spit

Kevin Densley remembers back to the late 70s when his band ‘South Side’ played their one and only gig at a local footy club. ‘Honky Tonk Women’ was a highlight.

Almanac Life: Marathon Man

Smokie recalls the elation of the first of his four Melbourne marathons.

Almanac Sponsors: QTRBCK

We thank the crew at QTRBCK who are great supporters of the Almanac, even through these tough economic times. As financial advisers, they run an excellent show. Please take a moment to reacquaint yourselves with them, and then click on the link to have a look at their informative piece on the changing world of investment. [I like the conversational tone – JTH]

Almanac Life: Ashton Agar [may] meet Ivar the Boneless

Welcome to John Agar who, after an email exchange with John Harms, responded to the oft-asked question: ‘Are you related to Ashton?’ He has been looking and has uncovered an intriguing family tree. [Good to have you in the fold John – JTH]

Round 13 – Collingwood v North Melbourne: 30 candles and 30 points

Danielle Hakim worries about life and reaching her 30th birthday in a couple of years time. Her woes are soon forgotten when the footy’s on, Collingwood is playing, and she is cheering on her favourite player, Brayden Maynard.

The Solace of Words

Words from Nicole Kelly to all of the Almanackers and beyond; words for the soul and self too. An especially poignant reflection on something fundamental and irrepressible yet close and personal to so many of us. [I feel privileged to have read them – Ed.]

Almanac Life: A postcard to Life

E. regnans has written this postcard to Life. It’s a patchwork of moments and more moments, thoughts and feelings and observations and descriptions. It rolls and drifts all the way to a reassuring conclusion.