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The recent resignation of Wyndham City’s CEO Kerry Thompson signals a new chapter both for her personal and professional life. In spite of her very busy schedule finishing up in the office, we asked Kerry to give us her thoughts regarding her time as the CEO of Wyndham City. Here’s our brief Q&A:

What do you consider as your biggest achievements as CEO of the Wyndham Council?

“There are many achievements that I am proud of which span my 35 years of working in local government. Being appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wyndham City would be one of my most memorable accomplishments as it’s an honour and a privilege to lead an organisation during a period of substantial growth.”

“Over the past five years we have accomplished many things here at Wyndham City, but some of the recent highlights include the opening of AquaPulse and the Encore Events Centre and the Stage 1 completion of Eagle Stadium.”

“There is a lot of hard work and planning that goes on behind the scenes so you always feel a sense of pride when these projects come to fruition.”

What do you think are the current challenges of the Wyndham local government?

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH

OUTGOING WYNDHAM CITY

CEO KERRY THOMPSON

Issue 30, August 2015

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4 8 11page THE WERRIBEE

CRAFT FESTIVALREIMAGINING GALLIPOLI - JOSHUA FUNDER

page page‘SHE’S A BEAUTY!’

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FROM THE EDITORCold is the word that comes to mind when considering the important information of the month just gone….. Very very cold. So cold in fact that on one occasion I could not open my car door, it was frozen shut! Bring on the warmth I say.

This paper needs some support. We have lost two major supporters this last month and need to replace them! If you would like excellent regular exposure and would like to team up with us to produce some wonderful content to share within the local community, please contact me editorpointcook@gmail.com so that we may explore our options.

Our writers are producing some excellent content, so make sure you have a good explore through the paper from cover to cover. If ever you respond to an advertisement, make sure you tell the business where you saw the ad! It is the difference between us keeping or losing advertising. If there are no ads, then there is no paper. Annoying but true.

Have a wonderful August! Chat next month.

Regards

Daniel Allen

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERHelp! Help! We need help!Rupert Murdoch says newspapers are selling fewer and fewer copies as people are turning more and more to the Internet for their news. He would know. American billionaire, Warren Buffet is buying up community newspapers like this one!Here, at the home of your local community newspaper, we could ask you for money for your copy and call it ‘crowd funding‘, but we don’t think that would go down all that well.The help we need won’t cost you a cent, and will take you only a minute of your time.It would be a great help to this paper if you simply got on your computer (getting the kids to do the same on theirs) and request that we send you a copy of this paper by email on the first of each month. It would be free of charge just the same as the present hard copy issue. This time, however, you can forward it, likewise free of charge, to overseas and local friends. If you do this, it is possible that magic could happen. In just a few months we could tell potential sponsors like Coles, Woolies, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Shell and all the companies that only talk through advertising agencies, that we have tens of thousands more readers. This can happen all because you took a few minutes to send us an email simply asking us to send you the paper each month.Imagine all your club or church members getting your message on the first of the month. Imagine if your school

got a message about their happenings, all free. We can do that for you by simply attaching your message to your group, free. All selling on the Internet talks in language like ‘We have a free bonus for you.’ So let us talk in their terms.Your bonus can be ‘The Internet Marketing Guide, - IMG’Prepared for us by Fred Gillen, our Internet Guru and regular writer, this 20 page magazine, in full colour, will be sent to you free, each month, for as long as he writes it and for as long as you want it. It is crammed full of gutsy stuff such as: how to benefit from Facebook and other social media, pages and pages of really good hints you will be proud to send on to others; ways your kids can learn to become internet gurus; ways that can help them get a job; important stuff like how they can get a job, while still at school, running a ‘Facebook’ site for old donkeys like me who own a business but don’t know how to benefit from social media. Each month ‘IMG’ can come to you free. So, please let the magic of the Internet help us all.Email now to Billmcpherson@optusnet.com.auWith: ’ Please send me my local paper by email’ in the subject line

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“Wyndham is currently the fastest growing municipality in Victoria and with that this comes some inherent challenges such as ensuring that we have the infrastructure and services in place to meet the growing needs of our community.”

What do you envision to be Wyndham's direction in the next 5 years?

“Over the next 10-20 years Wyndham will continue to grow and by 2040 its population is expected to double. From Wyndham City’s perspective this will mean that we will see new services, facilities and infrastructure being built in the City.”

What is the next challenge for Kerry Thompson both professionally and personally?

“I have absolutely loved my time as the CEO of Wyndham City but I am looking forward commencing the next phase of my career and life.”

“I am excited about the future and my role as the CEO of the Lost Dogs Home.”

“I knew that I wanted to work for the not-for-profit sector at some stage in my career, so to be able to combine this with my passion for animal welfare was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist. I will still be working closely with the local government sector on animal welfare.”

What is Kerry's message to the people of Wyndham as its outgoing CEO?

“My message for Wyndham as the outgoing CEO is very simple – The City of Wyndham is a wonderful place and will grow and progress and all residents can contribute to making it even better.” (article by Mimi Laurilla) Photo credited to Wyndham City Council

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The Werribee craft festivalThe Werribee craft festival is a big tradition for Wyndham. We are coming up to our 37th year. This year it falls on Saturday Nov 7th and Sunday 8th Nov 2015. We are back to our regular 2-day event from 9am to 4 pm. This year

it will again be held at Wyndham City Civic Centre, 45 Princes Hwy, Werribee. There is free admission and parking, children's activities, our canteen serving delicious food, including Devonshire Teas, and lots more. Dora, Elmo and Chancey the Clown were a great hit last year and I am sure they will come again.

With over 90 stalls from across Victoria, there are many top class, different and interesting crafts being showcased and for sale. We aim to promote craft and its many skills to all out there to enjoy. So come along and join in the fun.

We are a non profit organisation that donates all profits back into the local Wyndham Community including Wyndham Community and Education Centre, and are members of the Wyndham Tourist Association.

Other features this year are that stallholders can pay with Paypal or direct debit also we will have a mobile ATM on site for all to use. Stall applications close 1st September.

Any enquiries please check our website: werribeecraftfestival.tripod.com, ph : 0419351141, facebook page, Po Box 1295 Werribee plaza.

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When the Urban Diner opened at Pacific Werribee, on Thursday 25th of June, I could not have been more excited.

When I moved to Wyndham 30 years ago, the Werribee Plaza was a fairly modest establishment, surrounded by cow paddocks and not much else.

With each new renovation, our little local shopping Centre grew a little larger, as did the population surrounding it. This latest facelift is shaping up to be truly spectacular, if the Urban Diner is anything to go by.

The new food precinct is abuzz with activity – people are packing each new restaurant to the rafters. Schnitz, Grill’d, Dumpling Story and The Sporting Globe are just a few of the places that have taken up residence at the newly dubbed Pacific Werribee.

With The Pancake Parlour set to open for trade before the end of the month, the Plaza of old will be but a distant memory.

Being a massive foodie, I have obviously already given each new place a thorough going over. Where once I would need to go out of town for a decent feed, I am now more than satisfied to eat local.

Combine this with the newly renovated Village Cinemas and a great night out really is just around the corner.

Living in Wyndham for most of my life, I feel a great sense of pride to witness this latest metamorphosis. Wyndham is finally giving its ever-expanding population something to brag about.

Melissa Longo

THE URBAN DINER IS OPEN TO THE PEOPLE

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This article e x p l o r e s a special tradition of the people of Niue, one of the smallest P a c i f i c i s l a n d s a b o u t 350 miles southeast of

Samoa. Although they are an independent nation, they are governed by an infrastructure set up by the New Zealand administration. One of the special events celebrated by the Niuean community is the Hair Cutting Ceremony.

Jordan Kincaid Faavae, 6-years old and a year 2 student at Seabrook Primary School considers himself very blessed and lucky. He had very long hair when he was really young and when he started school here in Australia, his classmates were a little confused if he was a girl or a boy. He had to keep explaining to them about his long hair until it was “time” for his hair cutting ceremony. Then the day came, he was very excited as it was held at the community hall in Altona.

There were so many visitors. All his relatives a r o u n d Melbourne, P e r t h and some who even t r a v e l l e d all the way

from New Zealand arrived to witness the event and celebrate with him. Friends of his parents and grandparents, including grand uncles and aunties were there too. It was a huge party with a lot of food covering Niuean menu and contemporary dishes and of course, presents for him.

Hair cutting tradition is a rite of passage for young boys common in Polynesian culture, where the boy sits on a chair draped with tivaevae or quilts. As his hair is cut, members of the community plaster the boy with money and other gifts. This custom serves to maintain reciprocal ties within the extended family and the community. Guests are invited to cut a prepared section of the boy’s hair. Then after all have done so, the boy’s hair will be trimmed appropriately by a barber onto its final shape (As told by family and as referenced from Wikipedia). Jordan’s gifts of money will be used for his education and for his future, and the other gifts will be enjoyed by him as well. It took a while before Jordan got used to his new look after all this was his very first and official haircut, but is really looking forward to playing outdoors without worrying too much about his hair getting caught by the wind.

Mimi Laurilla

Captions: Image1

Jordan surrounded by his cousins who put money around his necklace

Captions: Image2

Jordan's mum Rosa checks to ensure that Jordan is ready to walk before friends and family at his hair cutting ceremony

Countries and their Culture

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THIS MONTH IN 1928The below movie review was written in 1928, obviously before they invented spoiler alerts. So if you have not yet seen the 1928 movie “Open Range”, stop reading now, so you don’t find out about the cattle stampede in the last reel.

Werribee Shire Banner, Thursday 9th August 1928

STORY AT THE NEW WERRIBEE THEATRE. The hero, the heroine, and the bad man. They're with us again, but in slightly different form. This time, as enacted by Lane Chandler, Betty Bronson and Fred Kohler, they're at the New Werribee Theatre next Wednesday in a new Zane Grey Paramount Western, "Open Range." The hero is a handsome, cocksure cowpuncher, who doesn't give a hoot about anything or anyone until he meets the heroine. And, if you can imagine the "Peter Pan" girl as a daughter of the old west, you'll know that this heroine is not one of the usual stereotyped sisters of love. As for Fred Kohler, if you saw him in "The Rough Riders" or "Underworld," you'll realize that he's one man who never enacts the same characterization twice. The

picture is interesting, too because of the cast. It is the first chance we have had of seeing Lane Chandler, whom Paramount is hailing as its newest discovery. He merits their enthusiasm. Chandler is a big good looking lad who looks like a cowboy and not like an actor in chaps. Then there is Betty Bronson in crinolines. She is the girl who becomes famous overnight as the screen "Peter Pan." This is her first Western, and she easily proves in it that Barrie's whimsical story is not the only type of role for which she is fitted. In "Open Range," Betty performs convincingly as a pretty girl of the frontier. Fred Kohler, known as "the wolf of the screen," is the villain. He is such a "bad un" in "Open Range" that this reviewer had to suppress a feeling of friendliness for a man who could be so altogether sinful. The big punch in the picture comes in the last reel. Indians attack the town of Marco, where lives the heroine, and they are driven out only when the hero stampedes a herd of cattle into the town. It fairly lifts the audience from their seats.

GREG MILNE

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‘She’s a beauty!’

Journalist and contributor to 'The End of the Road', Gideon Haigh quoted Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley at the launch of Australia’s first wholly mass-produced, locally manufactured car, the Holden FX. The vehicle, launched in 1948 is said to be responsible for the increase of car ownership in Australia in fact, by 1958, around 43 percent of car sales in the country were Holdens.

‘It Happened in a Holden’, the book edited by author and screenwriter Paddy O’Reilly and the opening

event at this year's Williamstown Literary Festival was as the book itself suggests, ‘a celebration of Holden and the Australians who drive, ride, love and bicker in it’.

The discussion was particularly fitting as a festival opener given its focus on story-telling. Panelists, Paddy O’Reilly, Anson Cameron, John Romeril and Gideon Haigh were joined by members of the audience revealing many personal, often hilarious, real life stories that speak a passion for the vehicle and celebrate what writing is all about.

Stories like traveling four hundred miles to watch the sunrise from the back of a Holden Ute with four kids, a mattress, pillow and sandwiches and a canopy. Memories that have become town folklore, as author Anson Cameron described the smell of new leather when his father’s friend ‘Lucky Simpson’, brought home Shepparton’s first Statesman DeVille and later filled it with yellow-belly after a midnight fishing trip.

The stories also describe a different time in Australian history when as O'Reilly put it, you did not know if you would get to your destination. Cameron added

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the first hot day of Summer, there'd be cars broken down all over the place.

These days, O'Reilly said, “Cars don't break down but we always replacing kettles and toasters.”

Holdens were robust, as Cameron said, "Holdens are a wonderful fortress - if you're in trouble you can take refuge and hold the buttons down!"

Haigh said Australia's post war prosperity had a lot to do with the car industry - Aussie's stuck with a brand and changed models. These days are more cosmopolitan - car buyers have a choice of about sixty brands. The technology in vehicles has left us disengaged.

So the attraction to older vehicles continues not just for the value of the memories attached to them. At a recent Car Torque event, Mens Shed member Clyde Richie said part of the charm lies with the fact that they are repairable.

"People prefer the older vehicles because they are more basic," he said. "If you see something that's wrong, you can fix it.”

'It Happened in a Holden' may well be the perfect

Father's Day gift that is bound to bring memories alive to the whole family. You'll find a copy at Angus and Robertson or ABC Online Shop.

Words - Petronella BoonenPhotos - Jenny Bates

Photo Captions are the file names: It Happened in a Holden - Editor Paddy OReillyIt Happened in a Holden - Willy Lit Fest Facade could have been another time

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In today’s fast-pace, multitasking world, we’re required to make hundreds of quick decisions every single day. It becomes so overwhelming that it’s sometimes hard to know which of those decisions matter and which require nothing more than just a fleeting thought.Sometimes what we really need is a moment to step back and look at the bigger picture.Ask yourself, would you drive your car without insuring it? Would you risk not insuring your home? The likely answer would be a resounding no. So why then do thousands of Australians go to work every day without insuring perhaps one of their most crucial assets - their income?Did you know?• A 26 year old male whose income is $60,000 per year could earn close to $4,500,000 over their working life.• How much do you rely on your income? 38% of working Australians can live less than one month without their income. This includes exhausting their leave entitlements and personal savings.1How important is YOUR income to your family?• If you were unable to work due to illness or injury, would you have enough money set aside to cover your day-to-day bills and look after your family?

• Even if you think you’d be ‘okay’, how long would things be okay for?

Whilst it’s tempting to think ‘it won’t happen to me’, the reality is that for many Australian families when it does happen they’re without income for over three months. Three months! Is that a risk you’re be willing to take?

So, how does income protection work?

• Generally, income protection policies will cover up to 75% of your income plus superannuation contributions for the period that you are off work due to illness or injury.

• A waiting period of anywhere from 14 days to 2 years may apply.

• Depending on the policy, if you’re unable to return to work you may receive payments from anywhere between two years from making the claim

to until you are 70 years old.

• Whilst the payments made under an income protection policy are assessed as taxable income, the yearly premium payments themselves are tax deductible.

• You can own income protection through your superannuation account.

Speak to the team at Vostro Private Wealth if you’d like a no obligations quote for income protection insurance.

1. Source Zurich Misinsurance whitepaper February 2014

Vostro Private WealthPhone: 03 9867 4345 Website: www.vostroprivate.com.au Email: clientservices@vostroprivate.com.au

Income protection - protecting your biggest asset

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Reimagining Gallipoli - Joshua Funder

The Williamstown Literary Festival of 2015 presented many interesting writers and events, but most suited to this year was Joshua Funder’s session “Reimagining Gallipoli”. Joshua discussed his book “Watson’s Pier” which has been described as a “beautifully told mixture of fact and fiction”, a book Tom Keneally proclaimed was “A remarkable re-creation”, and Air Chief Marshall Sir Angus Houston said was ‘A great story sensitively told and carefully researched”. A 1915 article in the Melbourne Argus shows the emergence of the Anzac spirit, “this race of athletes proceeded to scale the cliffs without responding to the enemies fire”. While the soldiers were recognised for their athleticism and bravery during the landing and battle, the building of Watson’s Pier, with the successful evacuation of tens of thousands of men, cemented the newly born Anzac legend. Joshua’s great-grandfather, Stan Watson, amongst the first ashore, had the role of building a pier, undoubtedly saving the lives of thousands of men. While Joshua admitted it was fear inducing to write this story, he noted that his generation would be the last to have had direct contact with the generation who fought at Gallipoli. He wanted to write this book as one mans experience of Gallipoli, while sharing his

great-grandfathers story. At the launch of Joshua’s book, Major General John Cantwell said it was one of the best books about Gallipoli he had read, but the only one where you get an “emotional gift, you get to experience through Josh’s words - through Watson’s eyes, the way it was for an individual, the emotional delivery is what makes this book stand out”. During the Reimagining Gallipoli session Joshua explained how he was able to create such an emotional impact. When writing about the birth of Watson’s daughter (Joshua’s grandmother) Joshua used his experience at the birth of his own daughter, his emotion as he spoke of this event was apparent, his were not the only slightly damp eyes at the Town Hall. Not having any military experience himself Joshua interviewed WW2 and Afghanistan veterans, as well as Holocaust survivors, but to be able to write this story “I had to put myself in the situation, but then had to detach myself”. It is a brave man who is willing to place himself emotionally in such horrific situations, however, his bravery has produced a book deserving of the praise it has received.

Words and photographs - Jenny Bates

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WHEN ORCHIDS DO MORE THAN JUST DELIGHT YOUR EYES…..

There is a popular saying --“Flowers are like your friends; they bring colour to your world”. I now understand why orchid lovers and other flower aficionados braved the very cold and wet winter weather last Saturday 11th of July to see the Maribyrnong Orchid Show held at the Maribyrnong Community Centre.

This is a yearly event hosted and organised by the Maribyrnong Orchid Society and I checked it out with my mum and hubby.

The orchid displays are so alluring that it makes you feel you are indeed looking at a thing of beauty that lasts forever.

This coincidentally reminds me of John Keats’ “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” The orchid competition is not only about growing the best, healthiest and most beautiful plant or species; it is also about bringing them to life through flower arrangements.

The competition enables both the novice and seasoned

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growers to showcase their horticultural skills. To see that coveted ribbon pinned next to the contestants’ respective displays is an affirmation that they have what it takes to succeed in their field.

There was also a bonsai exhibit, and a “for sale” area where people can buy the orchids and other planting materials at a reasonable cost to get them started straight away. We also got to learn more about succulents from one of the vendors at the exhibit with his mini-lesson on the different types available to collect.

Of course attending the orchid show is not just about enjoying the flowers and taking their photos as a memento of the event. For my mum who is the green thumb of the family, she considers this as an opportunity to appreciate the orchids up close, and moreover to derive pleasure and inspiration seeing that she too can grow them like the experts do. And this is a fantastic way to shop for the flowers of your choice! Curious? If you want to attend the next Orchid Show, the Spring Event will be held on the 12th and 13th of September. Hope to see you there!

Mimi Laurilla

Photo captions

a) bonzai exhibit

b) succulent exhibit

c) orchid display

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MEN’S SHED TO OPEN AGAIN FOR MEN’S BUSINESS

The Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed will open again for men’s business on schedule in early July – but women are welcome too. Hobsons Bay City Council recently contracted for $514,000 of repairs to modernise the Hobsons Bay Workshop in the Truganina Explosives Reserve. While the building is owned by the State Government, Council has ‘Committee of Management’ responsibilities for the facility, and must ensure it is fully compliant with modern building codes. Cherry Lake Ward Councillor Sandra Wilson said that the workshop is a much loved and well-used community building. “The workshop is home to the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, Altona City Theatre Group, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company and the Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society,” said Cr Wilson. The repairs included asbestos removal and updating the building with accessible ramps, toilets, handrails and new doors so that it meets current building regulations. The refurbishment also made the building more functional, pleasant and appealing for the community groups that use it. “It is important to note that Council has ‘Committee of Management’ responsibilities for this building, and I am extremely satisfied that this valued space has been brought up to modern standards and is now fully compliant,” said Cr Wilson. “It is now in good stead for community use for many years to come.” Cherry Lake Ward Councillor Jason Price said that groups like the Men’s Shed and the Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society do great work in our community and it is important that Council makes suitable investments into community buildings that can

house them. “While we take no pleasure in shouldering the repair costs for a building owned by the State Government, we believe the investment is well worth it for the value these groups bring to our community,” said Cr Price. Les Auld, Secretary for the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, said that the revitalised building would help the group further their commitment to men’s health and become more accessible to people with disabilities, which is an important part of their charter. “Council has excelled itself in what it has achieved,” said Mr Auld. The Hobson’s Bay Men’s Shed has more than 300 members who meet weekly to socialise with their mates while manufacturing and repairing items for the community, including woodwork, technology, motoring, scale model making, cooking and photography. There is also a cycling group and a youth group called the Future Generation Workshop. The Men’s Shed is a place where men can socialise, network, make friends and share skills – with the goal of fostering a sense of community and reducing men’s social isolation. A representative from the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company said: “The works will greatly improve the sense of community for members of our theatre group.” Cr Wilson and Cr Price invited all community members to visit the workshop and learn more about the community groups that use it. For more information on use of the building, or information on the groups that use it, please visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call 9932 1000. To join the Men’s Men, drop in to the workshop at any time it is open (see website at http://www.hobsonsnet.com/). Membership is $30 per year.

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Get over Mondayitis! It’s good for your healthFor many of us, getting back to work after a relaxing weekend can seem a grind – especially when it involves making a daily commute in peak-hour traffic! While “Mondayitis” is often joked about, some people genuinely dread the start of a working week. Yet there’s a way to get over Mondayitis, and it’s good for your health.

Beat the elephant-in-the-room

Many workers feel pressured to earn a decent wage so they can put a roof over their head, food on the table and clothes on their back for themselves and their family. Others feel stressed by a demanding workload. When such strain occurs, the depressing elephant-in-the-room question raises its head: “How can I get through all that I need to?” The answer is, that you can, and you will. It’s possible to end the Monday-blues and bring order and peace to your workplace. Here are some tips.

TIPS for Sunday:

- On Sunday night, train yourself to think differently about going to work in the morning.

- Shut out negative thoughts. Refuse to entertain feelings of self-doubt.

- Confidently affirm that you’re able to complete what you need to do, as you need to do it.

- Take charge of your thinking. Daily challenges are not greater that your ability to cope with them.

- Don’t underestimate yourself. “We are all capable of more than we do” - Science and Health ,

Mary Baker Eddy

- Mentally stand firm: you can tackle your workload in an orderly, stress-free manner.

- Go to sleep thinking hope-filled, positive, expectant-of-accomplishing-good, thoughts.

TIPS for Monday:

- On arrival at work, take a moment to settle thought down before beginning.

- Keep your thinking relaxed, at ease. Mentally say ‘no’ to any worrying doubts or fears.

- Focus on one activity at a time. Don’t run ahead in your mind.

- Be confident that you can complete your ‘to do list” without anxiety and stress.

- If you do feel pressured, stop for a moment. Allow a higher, comforting Presence, to calm your fears and guide your thinking throughout the day.

- Affirm that just as a shepherd cares for a little lamb, so divine Love cares for you.

- Let this poem reassure you. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need…he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths...” Psalm 23

-When you get to the end of the day, fill your thinking with gratitude for all you accomplished. Give yourself a mental pat-on-the-back. Go home with the knowledge that you've done WELL.

Health writer Beverly Goldsmith, is a practitioner/teacher of Christian Science healing.

Twitter: @GoldsmithBev Blog: www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com

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Surviving Winter in Westeros….

I have heard it said that there are only two kinds of people in this world – people who read books and people who don’t.

I have always been the first kind of person, and to be honest I do not really understand people that have no desire to lose themselves in a truly good book.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past five years, you will have heard of a little something called Game of Thrones.

This little slice of awesome is a television series, based on books by author George R.R. Martin.

Up until last month’s season five finale, I had not had a lot of drive to get into the books, but that has now well and truly changed.

The tagline of Game of Thrones is ‘Winter is Coming…’ and as you have probably noticed, winter is well and truly here.

On one particularly chilly day, I picked up the first book in the series and I have not stopped reading since.

The saga is set in the fictional land of Westeros, where the battle for the Iron throne is all consuming.

With many noble families pitted against each other in their claim to power, the drama and intrigue is intense.

With more than a hint of fantasy thrown in for good measure, there is no telling where Martin will lead us next.

Each chapter is written entirely from the perspective of one of the many characters that make up the realm, keeping the pacing of the story ticking along beautifully.

Never too wordsy, as fantasy novels have a tendency to be, Martin has managed to build an entire universe, with a history that could fill another set of novels easily.

Whether you are new to the series, or a HBO junkie like me, A Song of Ice and Fire has much to offer.

I am currently re-watching each season in conjunction with each book and it is a truly terrific way to brave the cold of this never-ending winter.

Melissa Longo

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Laugh Out Loud

Now that they are retired, my mother and father were discussing all aspects of their future.

"What will you do if I die before you do?” Dad asked Mom.

After some thought, Mom said that she'd probably look for a house-sharing situation with three other

single or widowed women who might be a little younger than herself, since she is so active for her age.

Then Mom asked Dad, "What will you do if I die first?"

He replied, "Probably the same thing."

*****

As I hurtled through space, one thought kept nagging my mind -

every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.

~ John Glenn

*****

When the white missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said

' Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.

~ Desmond Tutu

*****

America is the only country where a significant

proportion of the population believes that

professional wrestling is real but the moon landing was faked.

~ David Letterman

*****

After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.

~ Italian proverb

*****

Men are like linoleum floors. Lay 'em right and you can walk all over them for thirty years.

~ Betsy Salkind

*****

The only reason they say 'Women and children first' is to test the strength of the lifeboats.

~ Jean Kerr

*****

I've been married to a communist and a fascist, and neither would take out the garbage.

~ Zsa Zsa Gabor

*****

You know you're a redneck if your home has wheels and your car doesn't.

~ Jeff Foxworthy

*****

When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife.

~ Philip of Windsor

*****

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.

~ Emo Philips.

*****

Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself.

~ Harrison Ford

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CSS SHENANDOAH ‘Twas Confederate raider ShenandoahThat sailed into Port Phillip Bay.In our southern clime, it was high summerWhen that sea wolf came seeking prey.

Americans were at war with each other,A civil war in its fourth year:North versus South, and brother ‘gainst brother,Fighting for things they both held dear.

Captain Waddell’s orders were specific;That’s to attack Northern shipping,Including whalers, in the Pacific.The South was copping a whipping.

He could without fear engage in these sportsAs Union warships were elsewhere,Busy blockading Confederacy ports;But his ship was needing repair.

She was hauled up at Williamstown’s slipwayWhere they scraped barnacles and rust.As soon as could be she was on her way,But while here there’d been lots of fuss.

Repaired, resupplied, with fifty more crew,Shenandoah put out to sea.With vigour her mission she did pursue,Writing a page in history.

Shenandoah would have a merry ride,Taking or sinking forty ships.Of a vanquished nation she was the prideDue to work done on “Willie”’s slips.

This re-equip led to controversyThat would cost Great Britain a lot.Her colony had breached neutrality:A combatant Britain was not.

This sea wolf’s war ended in Bering StraitMonths after the South’s surrender.There the Captain learned of his country’s fate:Their dreams had been dashed asunder.

Now they were all in a predicament:The Captain was declared pirate.To Liverpool England was where they went;On the Mersey they’d learn their fate.

To the British the Captain surrendered.He and his crew were all set free.No more of the piracy charge was heardAfter that day on the Mersey.

A successful campaign this ship did wage:For that ‘twas the Brits who would payMillions of dollars for all that damage,Because of the Williamstown stay.

Jack Nystrom, 30.11.2014

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

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20 Please redistribute rather than discard.