Pestwac (Tony Moffat) returns with more tales from the betting ring in days gone by. ‘Kitch’ had a thing about horses ridden by Roy Higgins.
Almanac Life: ‘The Listeners’ – For My Dad
January 21, 2026 by 1 Comment
John Gordon’s late father was a Perth Scorchers fan. John’s Dad would have loved last night’s win. He poignantly reflects on shared personal moments, and his Dad’s favourite poem ‘The Listeners’.
(A beautiful reflection – Ed)
Almanac Life: When Summer was Different
December 15, 2025 by 15 Comments
Dips O’Donnell’s piece, first published in 2015, captures the essence of a kid’s summer. It is now included in ‘Jolly Nuisance’, an anthology of Dips’s writings.
Almanac Poetry (and Cricket): Wide long on
November 17, 2025 by 1 Comment
John Gordon recalls the changes that mark the passing cricket seasons of a players years – from the full-on investment of youth to a fading presence in the later years until a time beyond the boundary line calls.
Almanac History – The Dismissal: 50 Years On
November 11, 2025 by 18 Comments
Today marks the 50th anniversary of The Dismissal, a watershed moment in Australian political history. Where were you? When did you hear about it? Who were you with? How did you feel? What were your reactions?
Almanac (Retro) Books: A second-hand treasure trove for football fans
October 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
RagingBull loves everything about footy – from the commentators to documentaries, discussions and, probably most of all, books. Here he writes about his ongoing search for ‘vintage’ footy books.
Almanac Life: The amazing tale of the Eagle and Hawk, his dad, his friend the former Giant and Docker, Tenacious Jack, the Archibald artist, my Dad and the Willie Wagtail. (Fathers’ Day – Part II)
April 29, 2025 by 12 Comments
Back in 2018 John Gordon wrote a beautiful account of the West Coast Eagles’ premiership win, a story which then appeared in ‘The Eagles Almanac 2018’. Now, a year after the passing of his father, Ray, John offers new and poignant insights into life, death, traditional beliefs – and willie wagtails.
Almanac Travel: Travel Shorts NYC #6
April 21, 2025 by 2 Comments
With the 6th Edition of his ‘New York City Travel Shorts’, Ian Wilson and Lynda explore the exciting sights and sounds of Broadway, Central Park and The Guggenheim.
Almanac Rugby League: There’s always next year
April 10, 2025 by 7 Comments
They say ‘there’s always next year’, but sometimes there simply isn’t. Mark Courtney’s poignant story recalls his decades-long friendship with his best mate, Greg, and their total commitment to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. (We reprise this wonderfully offering after Mark alluded to it at the recent Almanac rugby league lunch in Sydney – Ed.)
Almanac Life: A Special Kind of Chess Team
February 10, 2025 by 2 Comments
RagingBull recalls a teacher whose interest, dedication and persistence changed a boy’s life.
Almanac Life: An Australia Day Memory
January 25, 2025 by 6 Comments
Michael Sexton recalls an Australia Day citizenship ceremony he attended which speaks so eloquently for itself.
Almanac Cricket: It must all be true, it was in the paper
January 6, 2025 by 1 Comment
Andrew Fraser introduces us to his four musketeers of ACT sports journalism, who all caught up at the SCG recently.
Earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu – How you can help
December 20, 2024 by 1 Comment
A message from editor Jarrod Landells on the impact of the Vanuatu earthquake and how you can lend a hand.
Almanac Life: My Footy Almanac debut
December 6, 2024 by 14 Comments
After living in the UK for the past thirteen years, James Woodroffe and family have decided to move home to Adelaide. James recalls fond memories of his early years in Australia, especially cricket and footy at the Adelaide Oval. [Welcome to the Almanac family James – Eds]
Almanac Cricket: Redders and Roger made me do it
December 1, 2024 by 9 Comments
Ian Redpath died this morning. Recently, new Almanac member Rob Cameron recalled fond memories of his cricket upbringing on the farm at Wurdi Bolac, the Ashes Series of 1978/79, and his true cricketing hero, Ian Redpath. [Welcome to the Almanac Rob! – ED]
Almanac Lunches: Chiefly Unreliable Minutes from a Geelong Yacht Club Luncheon
November 29, 2024 by 18 Comments
The minutes from the Geelong Almanackers Lunch are now available for perusal thanks to secretary Mickey Randall.
How the west was won (by the Almanackers)
November 11, 2024 by 11 Comments
Barry Nicholls was part of a gathering of Sandgropers from the greater Almanackery recently – and they’re planning to make it regular.
Almanac Life: Princess Dies (1997)
October 8, 2024 by 18 Comments
Damian Balassone remembers the announcement of Princess Diana’s death during the footy match he was attending and some of the crowd reaction.
Almanac Fiction: Harry calls a winner
Wayne Peake has written a cracking fictional turf story about Harold Trump renowned race caller until sacked for calling the wrong winner, a bank robbery witnessed by Harold, the apprehension of the bandits at a race meeting, and in a twist, a reward from the man who sacked him.