Let’s call this a revelation — and here’s why.
Over the last few weeks, several people have requested stories I have written in the past; some of them five years ago.
Of course, our readership changes over that time; although some of you are long-time readers, new names regularly pop up on my phone.
One of the stories suggested was Shepparton’s Centenary, and it’s not ridiculous to think of rewriting a particularly interesting part of our history. (Just before WWII, we had a very big party.)
So, I started to search for the copy, which was difficult because, foolishly, I have everything filed under date of publication.
And I couldn’t even remember the year this had been published.
I have always been a nervous writer, particularly in my early days.
Once something is published, I never read it again because I’m embarrassed by it.
Now, however, I had to open file after file, and found myself almost enjoying the read.
I laughed at my own jokes and cried a little over a Christmas tale.
The stories were okay. And I was surprised.
Then I read the column I had written for this week — and yawned. (Well — almost).
Yes. Sometimes it is necessary to be serious — if I am telling someone’s life story, or a part of our history, or talking with a local businessperson.
But any personality I had in the column, I seem to have lost.
The story you almost got was completely true, but not at all entertaining.
Certainly, there have been worrying times at home, or have I allowed the ‘state of the world’ to affect me?
My middle son called in last night to change some light bulbs, and he was very quiet — for someone who talks a lot.
I asked how things were going and there was a long pause.
Eventually, he said that work was fine, but he found himself totally disillusioned with the world in which we live.
“Nothing”, he said, “works the way it should”.
There was more and I agreed with everything he said. Maybe, the current situation is affecting all of us. (Or perhaps just my family.)
So, I’m asking, please tell me if you are enjoying Town Talk, or if you remember it the way it was, do you prefer that?
Perhaps we should be having a bit more fun.
What do you reckon?
Now to a serious comment
Anzac Day is an important commemoration, for all of us, as we remember the boys who died and the veterans who returned with memories not shared.
When I was a teenager, watching the ANZAC march, I was disgusted with some young men who thought everything was funny.
When I went home, I wrote a poem — but, fortunately for you, I can only remember the beginning.
This autumn day is crisp and clear – and the kids over there need have no fear,
Because boys, like them, fought two wars and won – and were proud to be called Australia’s sons.
And as this day approaches, I am thinking of Ben Roberts-Smith.
I have no idea if this man is guilty of war crimes — but I want to tell you exactly why he won a Victoria Cross.
At the Battle of Tizak (Afghanistan) 2010, he knowingly and willingly exposed his position, to draw fire away from his pinned-down patrol, eventually storming and silencing two enemy machine gun posts — at close range.
The recommendation came from regimental level and was heavily vetted by witness reports.
And to give you a laugh, in case you need one — when I was very young, I thought that Korea was an unoccupied country, where other countries could go to have a war.
I imagined there would be something like this:
Dear Prime Minister, could we meet in Korea, in the spring, with the objective of a short but necessary war.
By the way, I can already ‘see’ Roger’s reply to my request for feedback – “Anything is better than bad poetry”.
May it be easy, my friends
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187
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