“What joy, to have such a tidy end to 2024,” says David George of Pearl Beach. “Monday, it was Pat Cummins’ Test Match masterclass. And on Tuesday, Granny’s recently admonished ‘poetry student’, Richard Stewart (C8), has demonstrated his newfound mastery of the rhyming art - just in time to be heralded as the last word in Column 8 for 2024. I read his verse just as the ‘reeking bins’ were being emptied in percussive rhythm.” Actually, the Pearl Beach parodist has thanked us and hopes “I am now free of your piercing gaze.”
“I wonder if Richard Stewart’s Pearl Beach poetical ponderings while perambulating his pooch, are an example of doggerel?” muses Paul Taylor of Winston Hills.
Pamela Kerr of Moonta Bay (SA), has experienced yet another curious motoring feature (C8): “I learned to drive in a 1948 Riley Pathfinder, with the four-on-the-floor gearstick on the right-hand side between the driver’s seat and the door. But I have to admit that I passed the driving test in an automatic.”
“Centenarians assisting Joan Brown (C8) is appropriate payback for her untiring contributions to communities of the central west, reports Col Begg of Orange. “For many years Joan was a regular volunteer wayfinder, guiding and accompanying visitors to patients’ bedsides in our hospital.”
Don Bain speaks out in defence of Port Macquarians following the grave concerns raised by David Prest (C8): “Sorry to let down the Port Mac motley crew, David, but between a cracking Christmas and a Test match for the ages, I’ve been hard Prest for time and stumped for inspiration.”
“Thank you, Peter Bridgwood for that mathematical wonder of 2025,” gushes Tony Moo of Lane Cove. “So it will be a year of no subtractions (nothing negative) from us for 2025, but additions to our lives and multiplications in squares and cubes; blessings in abundance for all in 2025. Figures don’t lie. Thanks again Peter.”
However, George Manojlovic of Mangerton thinks “2025 is not uniquely remarkable. At the risk of offending my parents, I’m the product of two squares.”
“My three glorious months Down Under are nearly up, and it’s time to say lehitraot, totsiens and see ya later Oz!” declares Harold Silber (C8) of Manly. “I have added a Wallabies shirt to my collection of Man United shirts which I will be proudly wearing in my home town of Netanye. Best wishes to all at C8.” Gaan goed, Aitch.
Column8@smh.com.au
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