1

Inscribed on a stone tablet in Pakistan are the words "Let others play at other things. The king of games is still the game of kings."

The game this verse refers to is Polo, and on a sunny Saturday in February, it became obvious the king referred to in the inscription is the King of Hearts, as proven by the generosity of the Victorian Polo Club, with its inaugural 'Jeep Ladies Day at the Polo', which supported the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

Werribee Park Mansion was the backdrop to a sea

of pink, including a beautifully pink Jeep Navara, a giant inflated Pink Lady and spectators and players donned in pink.

International and Australian polo players competed in several games of polo, watched by fans who were also entertained by music, entered raffles and sipped champagne.

Polo ponies have the traits of many breeds - the speed of thoroughbreds, the intelligence of Arabians, and the quarter horses manoeuvrability the quarter horse, and a sprinkling of playfulness.

POLO PUTS WERRIBEE PARK IN THE PINK?

by Jenny Bates

Issue 27, May 2015

FIND US ON facebook.com/around.hopperscrossing

page page page

continued page 3

Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!

4 8 11page COMPOSTING AND

STARTING A WORM FARM

CFA AT POINT COOK

page pageWERRIBEE SPORTS AND FITNESS CENTRE

2

Advertising enquiries: Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.com Will 0449 834 359

will@aroundhopperscrossing.com

Louise 0403 191 084

Advertising: aroundsell@gmail.com will@aroundhopperscrossing.com Contributions: editorhoppers@gmail.com

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804 www.aroundhopperscrossing.com

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERLast month I had the pleasure, twice, of seeing a display of ‘Light Painting’, by the Future Creation Workshop, a group of Gen Y young people supported by the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed and Hobsons Bay City council, who together with their Leader, Gordon Lescinsky and his wonderful group of supporters who have developed a range of activities to increase their skills and demonstrate these skills to prospective employers.

It is important to note that school students today all come to employers with having used a lap top at school and have become proficient in the use of computing programs and of course can perform magic with smart phones unlike many of our older Generations who have been bypassed by modern technology. You can have one of these technicians in your office now.

Back to the light show!

The presentation was magnificent; the previous demo I had seen was quiet, not heavy in colour and with a slow moving motion that was very calming in telling its story to the viewer.

Last night the presentation was totally different

demonstrating that control was completely in the hands of the artist and the programmer- It was bursting with colour and rapidly changing.

I’m sure we will see more of these light – paintings and although expensive I’m confident they will progress to a library of downloadable paintings as part of your home entertainment package,

To see a video of the beauty in action visit the website, tcw.org.au and be prepared to be surprised!

0 I’d like to advise those who may not have heard of the passing of a very good friend to those who knew him, Max Kidd, who leaves behind wife Margaret, his family, and the hundreds of us in the west who knew of his good works his happy greeting, and his warm hand. Miss you Max.

Bill McPherson

FROM THE EDITORAnother month ticks by and being ANZAC day yesterday I can't help but think of our past troops and our current troops, that have spent their lives, and continue to put their lives at risk, so that we can have the freedom we now enjoy in Australia.

An excellent book I would recommend you reading is The Great War. I read this some time ago, but it illustrated the terrifying reality that war is. It also highlighted the impact that ego and politics has on the lives of our soldiers.

So many people who have walked into hell and not returned, or even have returned only to live this hell over and over again at home. Thank you for your gift.

The articles have been flowing in, and we have a great collection this month.

Sad news is the passing of one of my friends who many in the community knew, Max Kidd. A teacher, a community spirit, a lovely gentleman. My condolences to to Margaret and family for their loss (our loss) of this wonderful man. His work in the community was far and wide, ranging from politics, to fighting Macular Degeneration on a state wide level. I am now off to say goodbye to Max.

Thank you for your ongoing submissions and support. Spread the word, share the paper around, in hard copy and on social media.

Daniel Allen

3

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESSIN “AROUND HOPPERS CROSSING”

DON’T HESITATE TO

GIVE US A CALL:

Will 0449 834 359 will@aroundhopperscrossing.com

Daniel 0408 659 940 aroundsell@gmail.com

Louise 0403 191 084

This combination makes for an exciting, if not exhausting spectator sport, with eight polo ponies galloping full speed, suddenly stopping and turning while the player endeavours to stay in the saddle while swinging a mallet at a ball.

Luckily, a walk through the mansion and the Victoria State Rose Garden was available for those who found the polo excitement a bit too much.

Polo can be played by any keen horse rider, Samantha, one of the goal umpires on the day, said you don't have to own your horses.

Samantha doesn't, she loves polo so much she travels from Blackrock to a Werribee to learn how to play the sport that is not only for kings.

4

COMPOSTING AND HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT STARTING A WORM FARM?

The Worm Farming & Composting Workshop was held recently at the Eco Living Centre which is part of the Green Living Series Activities run by Wyndham Council.

Bronwyn who is a gardener, community leader and health champion, conducted the workshop for us. This down to earth lady is also an environmentalist and a teacher. Her passion for composting was contagious! Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilisers.

WHY COMPOST?

When you are composting, you are creating rich humus (fertiliser) for your garden. Because you are eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers, you are thus reducing green house gases. It improves your soil porosity as it improves the water holding capacity so you also save water.

According to Hayley of Wyndham Council, about 46% of rubbish found in our garbage bins is made up of compostable materials. These compostable materials include food scraps which are source of methane emissions from our landfills where they rot without air that then forms harmful greenhouse gases. We can reduce the amount of organic waste going to the landfill by composting our kitchen waste thus reducing the methane (the principal component of natural gas, harmful to the environment) which in turn reduces the green house emission impact.

STEPS IN COMPOSTING:

Fill your compost bin with 6 ingredients: (in layers):

1) Brown stuff (carbon) such as autumn leaves, sawdust, shredded paper to supply the micro-organisms with "carbohydrates" they use as foods.

2) Green stuff (nitrogen) - usually fresh and green, such as grass clippings, even weeds!

Coffee grounds, veggie scraps, tealeaves, even rabbit poo!!

3) Oxygen - incorporated into the heap when it is turned. It is important to turn your mixture regularly to get air into your compost heap.

4) Water - your pile should be damp as a wrung out sponge. A lid in your bin will keep moisture in. If it is too dry, the micro-organism will die; the matter will not break down at all.

5) Size - bin should be large at least one cubic metre.

6) Activators - to stimulate micro activity like comfrey, compost, molasses (diluted), liquid worm castings diluted to the colour of weak tea.

Composting according to Bronwyn is about layering - think about a chocolate cake in layers!

The same applies to composting - put carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water, activator and presto you will be able to produce a good compost for your garden.

Ratio should be 1 part nitrogen:3 parts carbon

WORM FARMING

Bronwyn also discussed worm farming. Worm farms can be purchased from the council which comes with instructions and worms. You start with minimum 1000 worms. Worm farms are ideal for people with small backyards or those living in a flat. They are ideal in disposing of food scraps. Place layers of moist newspaper over the top of your worms before placing a lid.

Ideally, you should put a bucket of water every two weeks. Just monitor your worms - keep in a shady place out of direct sunlight in summer and warm in winter.

Maria Pagunsan

Participants attentively listened to Bronwyn's talk on composting & worm farming.

Time to see the actual compost heap!

Time to see the fantastic result of composting!

5

SONS OF THE WEST KICKS OFF FOR 2015A community health program by the Western Bulldogs Football Club has been launched for 2015 last month.

‘Sons of the West’, a program aimed at improving the lives of men both working and living in the western suburbs of Victoria, is in its second year after a very successful first year.

The program has many former Western Bulldogs players supporting it including Doug Hawkins, Scott West, Tony Liberatore and Steve Kretiuk.

Last year, saw the program reach around 1,000 men register at the initial launch and around 150 of the men finished the 12 week program.

Sons of the West program manager Nathan Bibby said while the 2014 program numbers was a terrific achievement, it will be nothing compared to what the program hopes to achieve in 2015.

“We would like to aim a lot higher. We have been trying to get around 2,000 men engaged in the program in some capacity”

“We are well on target with over 1,000 men doing things with our mobile health station with initiatives we’ve put in place this year” Mr Bibby said.

The program targets several areas including healthy eating, psychical activity and mental health.

Sons of the West was derived from an extremely successful program that was developed by the Liverpool Football Club in the United Kingdom.

“It’s been in the making for about two or three years with our senior staff including club President, Peter Gordon, who did a tour and had a few conversations with the Liverpool Football about their program that they are doing in their backyard which was similar to Western Melbourne” Mr Bibby explained.

The Western Bulldogs targeted the Western Suburbs not only because that’s where the club is based but also due to the poor health conditions that some men are living in the west.

Statistics show that 39.9% of males in Victoria are overweight, however this statistic rises to close to 50% in the Hobsons Bay area.

And only 30% of men in the Wyndham area are involved in sport compared to state average of 41%.

To sign up to the Sons of the West program head to http://www.sonsofthewest.org.au/

Mellad Ibrahimi

6

6

ALTONA LIBRARYCELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1965 - 2015

The Altona public library was opened on Saturday 5 June 1965 before a crowd of 500 people.

The library’s architects were Howden and McLean, with the project architect being Bryan Glynne. Built by well known Altona builder, L.C. Noordenne, the library was considered a state of the art facility and

the local press of the day made much of the fact that the library had air conditioning. It cost approximately £71,000 to establish. This comprised £46,717 for the building, £13,370 for the book stock and £4,000 for staff salaries. Operating expenses for the 1965-1966 year was £17,300.

The Children’s Corner was adorned with a mural executed in oils by Mrs. Marjorie Howden (who was the illustrator of the John and Betty series of readers) depicting the early settlers surrounded by the growth of Altona.

Through various renovations, a flood or two, many story times and cultural events, the ascendancy of technology and the launch of the EnviroCentre, the library has now been at the heart of the community for 50 years and to celebrate we are inviting the community to the following events at Altona Library.

Altona: a great place to live, work and playCome along and celebrate all things Altona. Join the Heritage Group to re-visit the ‘60s, ‘70s and beyond, through local stories, nostalgic images and rarely seen footage. Re-discover why Altona is a great place

Altona Library 5 June 1965_Head librarian Laurie James and the hats

7

7

to live, work and play.Thursday 28 May2pm to 3.30pmBookings: via library website or phone 1300 462 542

Birthday Rhyme timeTuesday 2 June, 10.30am to 11am

Birthday Story timeFeaturing the 1965 story Puffer PeteThursday 4 June10.30am to 11am

World Environment Day celebrationsHave you heard the news? World Environment Day is on the same day as the Altona Library 50th birthday! To celebrate we are taking over the library to showcase local environmental groups and activities, Bike n' Blend - Pedal Powered Smoothie bike, Reptile Encounters show, The Connies, Positive Charge energy saving workshop, citrus tree pruning workshop, compost worm farming workshop and much, much, more!Friday 5 June10am to 2pm

Birthday partyBring the family, meet up with friends at the Altona Library birthday party. Featuring multicultural

performances and games, music, craft, face painting, photo booth, book sale, story time at 10.30am and cake cutting and speeches at 12pm.Saturday 6 June10am to 1pm

Friends of Altona Libraries book salesFriday 5 June and Saturday 6 June10am to 1pm

Visit http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au for more of the story or www.historypin.com for more Altona Library and general Altona images.

Opening day 5 June 1965. Excited Altona residents on Queen Street.image Denise Ogilvie

8

8

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED… WYNDHAM CITY IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE - EAGLE STADIUMFormerly known as Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre (WSFC), Eagle Stadium is being transformed into the largest indoor court facility in Melbourne’s west.

When complete, the huge stadium will house 12 courts for a range of sports including netball, basketball, table tennis and badminton.

The state-of-the-art design of the facility will keep it cool in summer and warm in winter without dramatic impact to the environment, and the new café and alfresco dining area will provide the perfect spot to relax after a big game.

Mayor of Wyndham City and portfolio holder for Sport, Leisure and Open Space, Cr Peter Maynard said Wyndham City is thrilled to announce that Stage 1 works on the new facility are nearing completion.

“The doors of the new stadium are set to re-open to

residents and visitors in mid-2015.”

“To suit the significant redevelopments happening within the facility, it was agreed that a new name was needed to reflect the value of this major community asset.”

The name ‘Eagle Stadium’ was selected as the eagle is the pre-eminent bird in heraldry and in combat it was seen as dominating the field.

To the Aboriginal people of the Kulin nation the eagle is also significant, as they believed the world was created by Bunjil who could take the shape of an Eagle.

The Eagle is a beautiful native bird that represents strength, power and skill – a fitting metaphor for the sports and other activities that will take place within the new stadium.

9

9

Community input was sought regarding the name through focus groups, an online survey and face-to-face surveys being conducted at the Werribee Plaza and Point Cook Town Centre over the December/January period.

Eagle Stadium will celebrate its Stage 1 completion mid 2015 with Stage 2 and overall completion of the $47 million redevelopment due mid-2016.

Keep up with the construction progress via www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/eaglestadium

EAGLE STADIUM:

Stage 1 works include:

• 8 new indoor multi sports courts

• 4 external netball courts

• Public amenities

• Café area with internal and external dining area

• Car parking and landscaping areas

Stage 2 works will include:

• Expansion from 6 to 12 indoor courts

• Show court with seating for up to 1,500 spectators

• A state of the art health club

• Expansion of crèche and administration areas

• Four new outdoor netball courts

• Cafe and improved function rooms.

10

10

Night and day can change, the stars can burst, a tornado can hit us, but my passion for birds can never break. When my hands slightly scratch the soft fringes of the feathery birds, I go beyond my imagination.

They were always in me, they are always in me and they will always stay in me. I love them so much; they are everything from the top of my heart to the bottom of my soul.

In my home I have two budgies, two canaries and five chicks. When I am bored I take my book outside and listen to their beautiful chirpings and whistles. These whistles and chirpings cannot be played by any instrument because these are natural sounds which can steal the heart of any human being.

I have a variety of books about birds and my outstandingly esteemed book is ‘The Claremont Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (the most comprehensive one-volume book of identification) by Simpson & Day.’

I love writing about birds as much as I like reading about birds. I have written a few books including ‘mother love.’ It’s about how mothers hold their children's hands a while but their hearts forever. My favourite classification of birds is the canary. I love the canaries so much; their vivid tawny colours are beautiful and their beady eyes are black as ebony.

CONGRATULATIONSThe winner of the first Outstanding Story

Writing Competition is:AHMAD BABAR SAEED

Ahmad is 11years old and began writing in grade 2. He feels that writing is a part of him and is inspired by his father, also a writer. Here is his story:

My Passion Towards Writing About BirdsBy Ahmad Babar Saeed

"My canaries"

11

11

CFA AT POINT COOK Once again, the members of the CFA at Point Cook and the help from our wonderful community and businesses were able to raise $35,075.80 for the Royal Children’s Hospital on Good Friday.

From all of our members of the Point Cook CFA, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated.

12

12

GIVE HAPPY – LIVE HAPPY! NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2015

National Volunteer Week is celebrated in May each year to recognise the volunteering efforts of more than 6 million Australians.

This year, Wyndham City is encouraging all residents to take the time to thank someone who gives their time voluntarily to the Wyndham community. Portfolio holder for Community Wellbeing, Cr Bob Fairclough said volunteers are invaluable to Wyndham and volunteering is a noble and rewarding way to give back.

“National Volunteer Week provides us with a great opportunity to say thanks to the many volunteers who help make the Wyndham community stronger.”

“The experience of helping others provides meaning and a sense of self-worth, so it is fitting that the theme for National Volunteer Week 2015 is ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’,” Cr Fairclough said.

“Just a few hours of volunteer work can make a difference to your happiness and mood – and of

course it will help others in need.”

“Whether it’s one hour of your time or an ongoing commitment, it’s easy to share your skills and interests to ‘give happy and live happy’.”

National Volunteer Week runs from Monday 11th to Sunday 17th May 2015.

Volunteers in Wyndham are invited to the National Volunteer Week Morning Tea to acknowledge their contribution to the community.

Venue: Wyndham Civic Centre

Date: Tuesday 12th May 2015

Time: From 10.00am

Registration is essential as places are limited.

For more information or to register, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering and click on the ‘events’ tab.

13

13

BELLYDANCING SWITCHED ON THE ‘LIFE LIGHT’ FOR COMA PATIENT

In 2001, Nicole Sanderson was a happy and healthy 27 year old enjoying her carefree life to the fullest - as you do in your 20s.

One day her whole life changed.

Nicole was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a rare auto immune disease. She fell into a coma for three weeks with only five per cent chance of survival. She got out only to enter a deep depression, and was told she would never have kids, or go horse-riding again (her biggest passion).

Later that year, Nicole was invited to a bellydance class.

She recalls, “Walking into that class for the very first time I was an uncoordinated, 121kgs, woman with patchy hair. I was unsure, quiet and a reserved woman who felt like I had lost everything womanly about me.”

Fast track 14 years later and Nicole runs Blue Fire Bellydance School in Altona East.

“I want people to experience what I did when I first walked into a class, to pass on this amazing gift of this ancient dance and hopefully like mine did - transform some lives.”

Music, moves and props such as swords and fan veils help students explore the wonderful range of styles that Nicole incorporates into their choreographies - inspired from workshops she attends around the world.

Cherine, a student of two years, explains what she gets out of Bellydancing - “You get to meet so many wonderful women of all shapes, sizes and ages forming a supportive and encouraging sisterhood. With plenty of opportunities to perform and have fun along the way, what's not to love!”

To give bellydancing a go, visit www.bluefirebellydance.com.au and give Nicole a call on 0430 595 702.

Cynthia Marinakos

Nicole and students Nicole Sanderson, Sarah Painter, Mary Saad and Cherine Exadactylos

Phot

o: C

ynth

ia M

arin

akos

14

14

SUSTAINABILITY MESSAGE TREES SPEAK VOLUMES

2000 primary school children participated in a collaborative Art in Public Places exhibition to promote sustainability. Five message trees are currently erected outside the Louis Joel Community Centre complete with leaves decorated by children from five primary schools within Hobsons Bay; Seaholme PS, Williamstown North PS, St Mary’s PS, Altona North PS and Altona PS.

The leaves are individually embellished with artwork, handwritten phrases or both. Each leaf uniquely articulates the point of view of the artist. Some leaves hold rather profound messages, like ‘small acts transform the world,’ whereas others share personal pleas to protect animals, trees, or more specifically, the yellow-bellied pigeon. Several reinforce tried and tested messages to be proactive in our efforts to ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ or ‘save water.’

“It was amazing to read some of the leaves and see the insight that young people have on the world,” said Robert who works at the Community Centre. Essentially, the collective message about how the earth’s future is impacted by the choices, decisions and actions we take today is strong and clear. For the innocent it seems; why wouldn’t you protect

something so precious and integral to the survival of humanity - our planet. Jodi Kenny, a teacher from Altona Primary School, says, “When students from all ages get to contribute to an exhibition, I believe it can only have a positive impact.”

During the launch, a group of grade 2 students participated in activities to further reinforce the importance of recycling. They were given an activity bag made out of newspaper before being shown how to turn a 1.5ltr plastic bottle into a soap dish. Each child then planted a seed in a newspaper pot to take home. Perhaps the dream of one child whose leaf read, “Don’t cut down trees because tree’s roots help to keep the soil together and not blow away,” will eventually come to fruition.

Particularly when some of today’s young green-thumbs have already embraced the responsibility to nurture, water, nourish, and keep their plants alive. “The students loved the activities and we have a student who has used the plants to make a garden outside our classroom,” says Jodi. People are invited to peruse the leaves on the Sustainability Message Trees, which will be exhibited until May 10.

Kyla-Jayne Rajah

15

15

CINDERELLAWith the school holidays there is always an influx of children-friendly movies released at the cinema. These movies are usually broken down into three categories:

Number 1, movies that only children can enjoy, Number 2, movies that

children enjoy and parents can tolerate, and Number 3, movies that are loved in equal measure by children and parents alike.

Cinderella is the latter.

Kenneth Branagh has taken this classic story, which has had more than its fair share of remakes over the years and produced what can only be described as pure, undiluted Disney Magic.

The casting in this film is absolutely spot on. People familiar with Downton Abbey will recognize Lily

James in the role of the kind and beautiful Cinderella. James is perfection at all times and more than holds her own against the likes of Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter.

Blanchett is masterful as the evil stepmother, providing an insight into exactly why she is just so awful to our heroine. Ella’s stepsisters offer much comic relief and Richard Madden, of Game of Thrones fame, is wonderful as Prince Charming.

Bonham Carter makes her big moment as Ella’s fairy godmother count. This one scene is an absolute highlight and is everything that is great about movie magic.

I cried, I laughed and I thoroughly enjoyed every last moment of this film, as did my daughter. Branagh has created an instant classic to add to his growing list of cinematic achievements. If you only see one of the children-friendly films this holiday season, make sure it is Cinderella.

Melissa Longo

Flick Chic Reviews

16

16

SAUNDERS CASE MOTH & SPITFIRESYou may be surprised at my choice of topic, for instead of telling you about a species of plant, I have opted to introduce you to the larvae (grubs or caterpillars) of two insects - the fascinating Saunders Case Moth and the equally fascinating, but often repugnant, Spitfires.The larval stage is a distinct juvenile form many animals

undergo before metamorphosis into adults, insects being excellent examples. The appearance of the larva is, generally, very different from the adult form (e.g. caterpillars and butterflies).Saunders Case Moth (Metura elongatus) can be found throughout the year in Melbourne gardens. While they are not all that common, or indeed obvious; I manage to locate at least one or two in our own garden every year.Adult males have black wings, an orange hairy head, and a black and orange banded abdomen. A female adult does not have wings and remains in her larval case for her entire life. She is white with a brown head and grows to approximately 30mm in length. The larva feeds on a wide range of plants and builds itself a case made of strong silk and decorates it with twigs, leaves, bark or lichen – usually from whatever plant it happens to be feeding on at the time. As, on several occasions, I have found a Saunders Case Moth feeding on Hardenbergia violacea, I guess they must be fond of that native species.The caterpillar’s head emerges through the opening at the top when it is feeding and when it is enlarging its

case. Droppings are expelled through a smaller hole at the bottom of the case. Pupation occurs within the case and the male moth emerges through the lower opening, leaving the empty pupal case protruding.Spitfires, or Sawfly Larvae, are very common insects on Eucalyptus trees. The species in my pen and ink drawing is the Steel-blue Sawfly, Perga dorsalis. They are not true caterpillars, but the larvae of a wasp.After feeding singly at night, the larvae gather into large groups during the day. This clustering behaviour offers some protection from natural enemies especially as, when disturbed, the larvae tap their abdomens up and down and regurgitate from their mouths a disgusting greeny-yellow fluid smelling strongly of eucalyptus oil. This is a very effective deterrent for would-be predators and parasites.Almost every year, in August, at least one of the Eucalyptus melliodora trees in the Basaltica WaterWise Garden has had large swathes of its leafy canopy defoliated. On investigation, we always found the culprits - at least one large cluster of Spitfires. Because they are part of the scheme of things, we did not remove them unless the tree was in danger of being completely defoliated. Helene Wildhelene.wild@optusnet.com.au

17

THIS MONTH IN 1897The below article from 1897 although marred by tragedy, has a certain Steven Bradbury element to it.

Bacchus March Express, Saturday 22nd May 1897.

The Werribee road race for cyclists duly came off on Saturday afternoon. The start from the Haymarket, Melbourne, was witnessed by a large number of cyclists, who had friends engaged. The run was a most trying one, as a head wind had to be encountered all the way.

About 80 riders faced the starter, and everything went well until the Guiding Star hotel was reached. At this point there is a very steep run down the hill, and an abrupt turn at the bridge over the creek, which has at different times caused a fall to more than one cyclist scorching down the gradient.

On the present occasion Sheppard, who was leading, dashed into the stone abutments of the bridge, rendering himself unconscious. Another competitor named Crotty, ran into the fallen man's wheel, and also received injuries but not severe.

A third rider coming along, on seeing what had happened, generously threw away his chances of prize money and acted the part of the good Samaritan by having the sufferers conveyed to the hotel nearby, and then into Footscray, to Dr McCarthy, who saw that Sheppard's case was a hopeless one, and ordered them to take both sufferers into the hospital, where Sheppard died the same evening, without regaining consciousness. Crotty's injuries were also attended to, and no bad results are expected.

The race in the meantime had been going on, Campbell, Kuhle, and Rolfe, keeping pretty well together, until, when near Hopper's gates, Rolfe's tyre punctured, but a friend in need in the shape of a Werribee cyclist was near at hand, and with a "here you are old man" surrendered his machine to Rolfe, and thus gave him the chance of winning the race, which he did by about 40 yards from Campbell; who was 2 wheel's length from Kuhle.

The winner was all out, and considering his age, 50 years, and the head wind, it was a real good performance. Capt Chirnside and Mr Wall were at the winning tape, and the winners, as they came by, were loudly cheered.

One of the local competitors came in sixth, the other did the disappearing trick, but on making enquiries next day it was ascertained that he had arrived home safely

Greg Milne

18

OUTLAWSLegendary outlaw Robin Hood

Used to hide out in Sherwood Forest.By the Sheriff misunderstood,

To help the poor, Rob did his best.

Switzerland’s hero William Tell,Whose aim with a crossbow was sure,

Sent an Austrian tyrant to Hell,And gave his name to an Overture.

The famous pirate Captain Kidd,As a privateer sought glory.

Poor Will was hanged for what he did:An exceedingly sad story.

Renowned highwayman Dick TurpinWas really a nasty piece of work.

The Law ended his life of sinWhen he was hanged by the neck at York.

There’s Jesse James and brother Frank;Cool courage these boys did not lack

When robbing trains and the odd bank.A coward shot Jesse in the back.

Hone Heke of the Shaky Isles,As a rebel kicked a few goals.

Amongst Maoris there were many smilesWhen he chopped down those British flagpoles.

The tale of our own Ned Kelly,His kid brother Dan and their gang,

Has been told in books, films and telly.At Melbourne Gaol brave Ned did hang.

Bonnie and Clyde liked to live fast;For their crimes they had no regrets.They robbed and killed until at lastThey died in a hail of cop bullets.

Dangerous man John DillingerWas not at all afraid to die.

One night this daring gunslingerWas gunned down by the F B I.

What is it about an outlaw,Highwayman, pirate or gangster,

That their names live on in our folklore?A flaw in human character?

By Jack Nystrom, 10.9.14

19

Hoppers Xing kids

Calling on Hoppers Crossing Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to will@aroundpointcook.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

Hi Kids

I love the sound of an impassioned message! So, when I saw the ‘Leaves of Change’ exhibition at the Louis Joel Community Centre, my heart was gladdened. Over and over, I heard the voices of schoolchildren who not only think change is possible, but who believe they can bring it to life. Here’s what some of you little beauties said with both conviction and strength!

“We need to keep our earth clean.”

“Don’t Litter in the ENVIRONMENT.”

“NO POLLUTING THE AIR.”

“Small Acts Transform The World.”

“Reduce, Reuse, RECYCLE.”

“Save EVERY Animal by NOT Littering.”

“PUT YOUR RUBBISH IN THE RIGHT BIN.”

“We Can Grow Lots Of Food.”

“Half flush toilets to SAVE WATER.”

“I’m turning off the lights.”

“Don’t cut down trees because tree’s roots help to keep the soil together…”

You’ve got until 10th May to check out The Sustainability Message Trees, and remember to plant a seed, save water or make a worm farm on Earth Day.

To the clever designer: Is it possible to make the phrases stand out all over the page with font designs? So it looks like a collage with photos and phrases here and there? Just thoughts. I appreciate you may not have time. No captions on photos this time.

Thanks. KJ

20 Please redistribute rather than discard.