Golden Times May/June 2017
May/June edition of Golden TImes
May/June edition of Golden TImes
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Gladys Gallivants<br />
EAST COAST ADVENTURE<br />
“Hi, bring your tucker and come join us,” shouted a friendly<br />
Australian. It was October, the time of carnivals held in each<br />
town on the East Coast. I sat with this friendly bunch on the<br />
pavement while we watched the fantastically decorated floats pass<br />
by. From topical events interpreted, a school gym group and a<br />
Lindy Hop troupe dancing to a live band. “My boys are in the<br />
gym group,” a proud spectator claimed loudly.<br />
In Cairns nightly on the temporary outdoor stage, a youth ballet<br />
or teenage orchestra performed. The standard was amazing<br />
and of course the evening concluded with a wonderful firework<br />
display over the sea.<br />
Conscious of Australia’s paranoia regarding fruit crossing borders,<br />
causing infestation and contamination to their crops, I complied,<br />
eating up the last of my late lunch pack before climbing on the<br />
coach and heading for my next destination.<br />
The bus travelled overnight arriving at 5.00am. As had been<br />
arranged by the previous hostel establishment, the proprietor met<br />
me - in the oldest car I had ever seen. The rusty limo had one red<br />
front mudguard compared to the remainder of dark blue paint<br />
work. The chrome bumper was tied on with rope. The hotel<br />
matched the vehicle.<br />
I was handed the key to No. 21 and rambled through a labyrinth<br />
of corridors. My room, last on the right at the end, having<br />
passed through a communal lounge with drunks sleeping off the<br />
previous evening and the stale air heavy with boozy fumes.<br />
A quick shower, clean clothes donned, decision made -<br />
alternative accommodation an<br />
essential requirement. The local map<br />
showed the tourist bureau in the<br />
centre square. Fortified by coffee and<br />
toasted bun en route, I was outside<br />
the office awaiting opening time.<br />
When I told the clerk where I had a<br />
room she was astounded. “My friend owns the most gorgeous<br />
B&B – newly decorated in florals, lace and ribbons, you will love<br />
it,” she enthused. “I will phone and she can fetch you from here.”<br />
Fifteen minutes later. “Hi, I am Shona, come on home to “Cute<br />
Cottage.”<br />
While enjoying a pleasant stay in Laura Ashley land, I contacted<br />
the local club of my international service organisation.<br />
“Welcome to our monthly meeting, hope you will enjoy your<br />
time in our town. We are happy to offer whatever assistance you<br />
may need in your search for a business,” the President introduced<br />
his speaker. I was once again talking about my club’s projects<br />
in South Africa and exchanging tokens. They were also most<br />
helpful with contacts.<br />
This was a farming area and the membership consisted of burly,<br />
tough men who were dressed in their club colours - pink ! It was<br />
before all clubs allowed women in on equal terms although South<br />
Africa had been amongst the first to embrace the change. So<br />
there I was, soberly attired in my navy power suit, addressing a<br />
sea of pink shirts. Where to next ?<br />
Celebrating 30 years<br />
Hospice Neighbours<br />
When you are living with a life-limiting illness the world doesn't stop<br />
and there are many everyday tasks that still need to be done.<br />
We’re looking for Hospice Neighbour volunteers throughout<br />
Hastings and Rother to provide practical help to those with<br />
life-limiting illnesses, such as shopping, dog walking, light<br />
housework or just dropping in for a cuppa and a chat. This is<br />
a very flexible way of volunteering and gives huge support<br />
to people in their home and their family and friends.<br />
If you would like become a Hospice Neighbour<br />
or would like to use the service, contact us on<br />
01424 445177 or volunteering@stmichaelshospice.com<br />
www.stmichaelshospice.com<br />
stmichaelshospice stmhospice stmichaelshospice<br />
Registered charity number 288462<br />
8<br />
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