Good Weekend letters to the editor: June 17

Saving the Farm

It is exciting and inspiring to read Candida Baker’s account of Rachel Ward’s life from English born to film actress, family with husband Bryan Brown, film-making and depression, and amazing regeneration of herself and the family’s NSW cattle farm [June 10].

After the 2019-20 bushfires, farm manager Mick Green and Ward changed the farm to be “regen” and farming more like nature. This is detailed in her film Rachel’s Farm, which will screen in mid-August. It features environmental activists including Charles Massy and his memorable book Call of the Reed Warbler, which Ward calls her “regen Bible”.

The world’s soil is decreasing in quality and urgently needs better farming such as the regenerative practices of natural, instead of chemical, fertilisers. Let’s hope that Ward’s leadership and film will help with spreading this important message.
Barbara Fraser
Burwood, Vic

Candida Baker’s story about Rachel Ward was an absorbing read. A long way from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Rachel Ward has immersed herself into the world of regenerative farming, and not afraid to get her hands dirty in the process. Along with guidance from farm manager and partner in the regenerative project, Mick Green, Rachel has committed to this new revolutionary way of farming and seeing positive results. One can only hope that this new “breed” of farming spreads like wildfire.
Judith Caine
Donvale, Vic

Rachel Ward’s enthusiasm for life-enhancing regenerative farming is both infectious and hopeful. Thank you to Candida Baker for this wonderful story of hard work, groundedness and connection. Now I can’t wait to watch the Rachel’s Farm documentary.
Amy Hiller
Kew, Vic

Given Sylvester Stallone and his family have a reality show is there any talk of turning Rachel’s Farm into a series?
Jenny Stephenson
Wollongong, NSW

Rise of the Superfakes

While I did enjoy the article “Rise of the Superfakes” [June 10], it’s a shame nothing was mentioned about the conditions these bags are made in and how little the workers are receiving, compared to the on-seller. Surely, that should be a concern before purchase?
David Jeffery
Geelong, Vic

“Rise of the Superfakes” was mind-boggling. However, there is something pleasing about carrying a smart handbag, but not necessarily a designer one. I married in the 1950s aged 21, and over the years my husband enjoyed buying me quality leather handbags. My collection became vast and now, 67 years on, I have given nearly all away, as I prefer a large tote when shopping. I no longer go to events where a smaller smart bag is needed, but I have beautiful memories around bags I have kept, especially the soft brown leather bag my 16-year-old daughter bought me in Florence on a school tour years back. It is just too lovely to part with. A good bag does indeed make you feel more special and as actress Jane Birkin has said, if it’s a copy of a designer bag, it doesn’t matter!
Felicity Rooney
Sale, Vic

Dicey Topics

Drag queens... I love ’em. As a child in pre-war London I watched pantomimes with the “two ugly sisters” (both men in drag). I saw “old Mother Riley” (in drag) and her daughter Kitty (really his wife). I loved Some Like It Hot, and who could forget Danny La Rue and his wit, style and charm! Wake up folks, men have entertained us in drag for centuries!!
Myra Fisher
Brighton East, Vic

Modern Guru

In a recent submission to Modern Guru [May 20], D.L. of Brighton East made reference to “post pandemic”, suggesting that we are somehow in that era. My better half runs the very full and very busy COVID-19 ward at our local hospital. She works 12-hour-days, hits 22,000 steps most shifts and brings admin work home on evenings and weekends. Deaths are still sadly frequent, as recently as today. There’s no “post pandemic” here – how does one respond so such causal suggestions that there is?
DE
Werribee South, Vic

The Moss River towelling bathrobe.

The writer of the best letter to the editor for this issue will win a Moss River towelling bathrobe, woven in Portugal from 100% cotton. RRP$479. The June 10 winner was Joseph Ting of Kelvin Grove, Qld.

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