Footy Almanackers: Coffee with Citrus Bob
One of the wonderful features of the Footy Almanac community is the diverse range and interests of its many members.
For most of us, the friendships developed within the community are formed via the Footy Almanac site, emails, sometimes phone calls, and occasionally at one of our regular lunches. Most do not meet outside our computers.
Citrus Bob Utber is a much revered member of our community, and in recent years I’ve come to know CB quite well through our regular interactions, so it was a delight for me to finally meet Bob in the flesh.
Without hesitation Bob recommended his favourite Mildura cafe, 27 Deacon, to meet for a coffee and a chat, and what an ideal venue it turned out to be. Bob secured a table in a corner away from the crowd in the well patronised cafe where we chatted without undue noise or interruptions.
Bob’s welcoming smile and handshake signified all I’d come to know of him; a friendly, kindly, knowledgable and considerate person. It was a joy to be with him.
We chatted about the successes, or lack of success in my case, of our footy teams, our mutual love of cricket, and touched upon our early sporting careers. Of course family came up, and I was absolutely astounded by the six degrees of separation to discover CB is related to a family my wife is related to in Koo-Wee-Rup. Small world indeed! And the one Brownlow Medal won between our footballer grandsons obviously came up in discussion.
Writing and books were keenly discussed. CB’s work in progress of his life story will be a cracking read and I look forward to reading it once it is published.
Before long the morning had disappeared, where time had gone I don’t know, but I do know I could sit and listen to Citrus Bob discussing his sporting involvement for a long time. He is an enthralling conversationalist. Thank you for sharing your time with me Bob, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
A grand occasion indeed, Col! I see that you have coffee cups in front of you but the shelves that frame the photos suggest that the venue might have even more attractions. I’ll mark this one down for future reference.
Many thanks for the morning Bomber Col. We tried to solve the problems of the world as well but only got as far as Essendon!
Like Col said it is indeed a pleasure to catch up with fellow Almanackers wherever they are domiciled and after so long what a morning we had with time flying and 2 cups of coffee later.
Looking forward to meeting any “Knacker” in Mildura if you head this way. Just give me a call.
Well done Col, you & the missus have had a pleasant time travelling along the Murray.
Mildura is a lovely destination. Can’t say we’ve ever been to 27 Deacon but we can put it on our bucket list for our next travel there.
I imagine you & Citrus Bob would have had a good time chatting/sharing ideas, knowledge.
Safe drive home.
Glen!
Oh, to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation.
Safe travels, Col.
Glen – don’t forget to call me and I will introduce you to the wonderful staff led by captain Ryan and Interchange Rachel.
Smoke – has been recorded for posterity.
Ryan – look out for a sponsorship proposal!