Silence shows respect

There is usually a bigger crowd, but with Richmond at the bottom of the ladder, numbers were somewhat reduced.

However, the absolute silence, the respect demonstrated, during the pre-game commemorations, fills me with pride — year after year.

It seems almost impossible, but it happens; not even one young man trying to be funny — no sound at all.

And then there was the national anthem, sung by a young soldier of Asian descent, who had obviously decided that he loved this country enough to fight for it.

There is not too much wrong with our country — or its people.

Now, about your recent responses – thank you

And this will be the end of it.

A column that constantly talks about itself isn’t doing its job.

Firstly, Bob told me to “keep on keeping on”, but he also reminded me of the sheep story (which was in ‘Under the Clock’).

Encrusted with gold - A sheep from a small lot purchased by a butcher at Murchison and killed, had its teeth thickly encrusted with gold. Efforts are being made to locate the country on which the flock grazed. It was 1914.

Okay, when I read it, I thought it was mildly amusing, and was surprised that there was any gold around Murchison.

However, when the first email I received came from Gus Underwood, I did a quick rethink.

Gus, as you know, has decades of experience as a journo, and I have a great deal of respect for his opinion.

So, I called Kay Ball at the Murchison Historical Society, and in a nutshell, she said there were very few sheep around Murch — and even less gold.

However, she gave me a signpost.

Our Murchison isn’t the only place with this name.

Could it have originated in Western Australia or even New Zealand?

It was a long search, but, eventually, I discovered that this snippet was first published in WA and the sheep came from a district called Murchison.

There was considerable documentation about the find; some of it hilarious.

It eventuated that the ‘gold’ came from the content of the soil, in some areas of Murchison, WA. According to the documents I read, it had been published in at least seven Victorian newspapers.

And, more than a century later, I added this one.

Thanks Bob. ‘Under the Clock’ was mentioned several times and I’ve taken note.

However, the majority of callers said they were happy with whatever I choose to write.

And there was this:

Please tell me you are training someone to keep this important part of the paper going.

Now listen here, mate. I’m not as steady on my feet, as I once was; there are definitely no pirouettes or arabesques being rehearsed around here.

And I’m forgetting names and some words. (Oddly, just when I’m speaking, not when I’m writing.)

But, fundamentally, I’m okay — and I have no intention of popping off anywhere soon.

No training is needed anyway.

Town Talk just needs love — for our city, its people, our history and local business.

Interesting phone call

I had a call from a journo at a Sydney television studio (she had come across Town Talk).

There was the possibility of a doco being made, centred around Shepp.

I am not the right person to assist with content here — so, I put her in touch with a lady who could and would help — providing it was in Shepparton’s best interest.

I’ve been told that the project is proceeding, and I’ll give you more info when I can.

King Charles

Given that Trump has said his allies needed to find some courage, it was good to hear the King, when addressing Congress, say that Australia is a country of which he is very proud.

Be nice to yourself, and may it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Phone: Text or call 0409 317187