“When NSW Governor The Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC recognised the new NSW Fire Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM and presented him with his Commissioner’s helmet and the historic Torning Trumpet, she was attired in NSWF+R dress uniform,” notes Allan Gibson of Cherrybrook. “Given the various honorary positions she holds in uniformed organisations, I wondered as to the extent of her wardrobe.”
George Wardell of Stanmore recently read about the growing number of people preferring iced coffee over a conventional serve: “Perhaps not iced, but I can certainly vouch for the coffee being served cooler than it used to be at most stalls my wife and I visit. Sam Twinning’s advice was always to mash your tea while the boiled kettle is still bubbling. When I make coffee at home I follow the same rule - especially in winter. The request at cafes for your order to be served ‘extra hot’ rarely sees an improvement.”
“Apologies Kent Mayo (C8), I stand corrected,” admits Jim O’Brien of Sanctuary Point. “Of course it was ‘Percy’ Milne at Hurstville OC. Where else would Australian 11-year-olds in 1957 learn of the Revolution? ‘Age shall weary me and help me forget’.”
“Given that a Spaghetti Junction already exists (in the UK, and it works) maybe ours deserves to be a new pasta-themed creation,” wonders Kevin Hunt of Kenthurst. “Rozelli carbonara perhaps?” Granny prefers Rozelli Radiatori or, even better, Rozelli Sedani.
“Of course it’s the patriarch who adds a touch of humour to a name,” says Stewart Copper of Maroubra. “Humour and intelligence are related, or is it immaturity? Never mind. When a mate’s wife was about to give birth to a son, surname Carter – his close friend suggested that they call the boy Orson. I mean, that’s gold! See, a woman could never come up with that.”
Sometimes it is a dual conspiracy. Allan Thomas of Lochinvar recalls that “Two very dear friends of mine, John and Joan Case, (sadly Joan is no longer with us), told me they purposely named their son Justin.”
“My sister rang from her hospital bed to tell me that there appeared to be a sudden problem with the cleaner and could I please help,” writes Mary Julian of Glebe. “I found Gerry in the lounge room with a blockage, so I removed the scarf and pressed the start button again. The robotic vacuum continued with my sister directing from afar.”
Column8@smh.com.au
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