Memories shared from overseas

The first, from Japan, gave me some information.

“I recommend watching Four Corners on ABC iview. They have a two-part episode on food labelling.

“It even has our very own Hussein (Rifai), ex CEO of SPC, using a wig and disguise to trick an Italian tomato exporter to divulge slave labour used for tomato harvesting.

“The show exposes a lot of tricks in food labelling.“

One of our regular readers just happened to be in Japan.

I haven’t followed his advice yet — but will, because there’s not much more important than safe food.

I remember being almost blown away when Town Talk received its first email from overseas.

I had thought that a history of Radio Australia would be of interest to us — but was unlikely to interest outsiders.

However, people in Canada wanted to post it on their website and I said “of course” (belatedly thinking that perhaps I should have asked the boss first).

Another email this week was from Linda — a first-time correspondent.

She sent some photos of the Peaches and Cream festival with information some of you might remember.

“This is Russell Hunt who suffered from the ‘chalky bones’ and was unable to walk. Russell was donated the little car by a father who had built it for his own son who had since passed away.

“Russell had permission to drive his little car on the road and was a familiar figure often seen driving it to school. Russ was my next-door neighbour. He has since passed away.

“I always enjoy reading your page and it brings back many memories.”

Apologies

I’m so sorry about last week’s column not being in its usual day. We had a hiccup here — but, as soon as I realised the column was missing, I also realised what could happen (and it did, to a degree).

Some of you, remembering that I’d been unwell, put two and two together and got five; some got 16.

I’m fine, but I love you for caring; being greeted on the phone with “Are you all right?” eventually became funny.

Now please remember this — I am only writing two columns in October.

They will be published on Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 27.

I am well.

However, there are other factors influencing my life — and my work and my family.

I just realised, last week, that you guys don’t represent work to me.

Trying to figure out what you want to read has become a part of who I am these days.

My work is attempting to keep my home functioning as it should.

My husband is blind and deaf; however, we are hopeful that new hearing aids will help if not heal.

In the meantime, I must clearly enunciate every word — shouting where necessary. I must also keep laughing (and that’s vital to his mood).

Also, our elder granddaughter is being married on October 17, in Melbourne. (Yes. I’ll have some photos.)

The Shepp part of the family (I think there are 14) have a huge, rather beautiful house, in which to spend time all together.

That will be three days of fun and there’ll be plenty of help with my man.

If I know the bride, and I do, she’s very much a family girl and might start feeling a bit left out.

Anyway, I have planned two columns for October, which I think/hope you’ll enjoy.

The first on October 13 is to say farewell to a man who has done a great deal for Shepparton; I like him very much and will be sad to see him go.

On October 27, I want to introduce you to a brilliant lady, who, earlier this year, was a part of an Australian arts caravan to Iran.

Remember, you are welcome to call whenever you feel like a chat or have a story suggestion or can’t remember a word.

Take care and may it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Phone: Text or call 0409 317187