Well done Hugh, you might not 'have made a 100 in the backyard at Mum's, but with a short cut, a late cut and a run up the hill, you made it on time for your part in Macca's concert at the Fordsdale School of Arts! Driving in the countryside at night on your own is challenging, especially on narrow country roads that all look the same on a pitch black night! A great story and an excellent profile of Macca.
Love your description of the Fordsdale School of Arts building as "like a vintage spaceship'.
Your last two sentences have inspired me to keep writing these Substack articles because it's nice to know some readers have a deep appreciation of what I'm trying to do. In fact, I didn't really know myself until I read your line "good art is shared humanity". That's why I don't stray into political argument -- as my father, Fred, would say: "I leave that to them what enjoys it".
Masterful! Suspense laden! Only very recently did I decide to take the road less travelled from Allora to Brisbane, via Heifer Creek. After an hiatus of many years. Simply for a change from the everyday monotonous highway route via Cunningham's Gap. After crossing said creek half a dozen times on one of Australia's trickiest, winding (there are signs to sound your horn as you approach some of the breakneck corners!) yet very picturesqe mountain cuttings, one drives out into a relative garden of Eden. Suddenly you are in the clear - and what looms on your right? The Fordsdale School of Arts. Like a vintage spaceship! I slowed down out of respect, not realising the harrowing night it had hosted, years back, in this great story. A lovely coincidence to read this. Good art is a shared humanity. This story is testament to it.
Oh you cut this one close, Hugh! I love the memories of Saturday evening dances all around the Scenic Rim: Kerry, Rathdowney, Tamrookum, all lovely old wooden community halls lit dimly with old bulbs and Chinaman’s hat shades. Supper service with all those sweet delights you describe, served on time by the local CWA ladies. Gigantic aluminium teapots full of Bushells tea or coffee….Trifle…corn relish and curried egg sandwiches for supper. Light stayed on till midnight. All our cars parked on the wet grass, people standing around chatting. Bygone era, thanks for capturing the essence!
Hugh this story of yours bought back memories of going to Country Halls. It was a very social occasion. Everyone from the oldest to the youngest seemed to enjoy themselves. I’m sure many a romance was started there.
I remember my Mum particularly enjoyied them. Fortunately for me we didn’t get lost in the bush that would be too scary. I think you were very brave to drive in the dark on country roads that you didn’t know But at least you lived to tell the story.
I burst out laughing when you promised the giant man that you wouldn't hurt him! When I was on hols in England, one gent asked me if you have to be tough to live in the Australian bush. In my complete ignorance of the Australian bush I said of course not. So I obviously gave him the wrong advice. My experience was from watching McLeod's Daughters. I loved how they never had "hat hair" when they took off their stylish Akubras. Even bought a hat advertised by Bridie.
Gee Hughie, you had me laughing out loud at the revelation that Limbo was located at Coffs Harbour! Good call on your part though, asking the audience.
Thanks Craig. You're right because I'm thinking of reading all of my 45 (so far) Substack stories on the site and putting them up as podcasts. Some people do listen to them at the moment and complain about the standard of the readings.
But they are read by an electronic machine! I'd hope to do better.
Well done Hugh, you might not 'have made a 100 in the backyard at Mum's, but with a short cut, a late cut and a run up the hill, you made it on time for your part in Macca's concert at the Fordsdale School of Arts! Driving in the countryside at night on your own is challenging, especially on narrow country roads that all look the same on a pitch black night! A great story and an excellent profile of Macca.
thanks Peter, if Maca eer gets to read it I hope he enjoys it as much as you did!
Hugh
Love your description of the Fordsdale School of Arts building as "like a vintage spaceship'.
Your last two sentences have inspired me to keep writing these Substack articles because it's nice to know some readers have a deep appreciation of what I'm trying to do. In fact, I didn't really know myself until I read your line "good art is shared humanity". That's why I don't stray into political argument -- as my father, Fred, would say: "I leave that to them what enjoys it".
Thanks John.
Masterful! Suspense laden! Only very recently did I decide to take the road less travelled from Allora to Brisbane, via Heifer Creek. After an hiatus of many years. Simply for a change from the everyday monotonous highway route via Cunningham's Gap. After crossing said creek half a dozen times on one of Australia's trickiest, winding (there are signs to sound your horn as you approach some of the breakneck corners!) yet very picturesqe mountain cuttings, one drives out into a relative garden of Eden. Suddenly you are in the clear - and what looms on your right? The Fordsdale School of Arts. Like a vintage spaceship! I slowed down out of respect, not realising the harrowing night it had hosted, years back, in this great story. A lovely coincidence to read this. Good art is a shared humanity. This story is testament to it.
Oh you cut this one close, Hugh! I love the memories of Saturday evening dances all around the Scenic Rim: Kerry, Rathdowney, Tamrookum, all lovely old wooden community halls lit dimly with old bulbs and Chinaman’s hat shades. Supper service with all those sweet delights you describe, served on time by the local CWA ladies. Gigantic aluminium teapots full of Bushells tea or coffee….Trifle…corn relish and curried egg sandwiches for supper. Light stayed on till midnight. All our cars parked on the wet grass, people standing around chatting. Bygone era, thanks for capturing the essence!
You've captured it all beautifully yourself Blake ... what we no longer have.
Hugh this story of yours bought back memories of going to Country Halls. It was a very social occasion. Everyone from the oldest to the youngest seemed to enjoy themselves. I’m sure many a romance was started there.
I remember my Mum particularly enjoyied them. Fortunately for me we didn’t get lost in the bush that would be too scary. I think you were very brave to drive in the dark on country roads that you didn’t know But at least you lived to tell the story.
Your Mother must have been a wonderful woman.
WE COULD IMAGINE ... AT THE END OF HIS SPEECH HUGH WOULD DO A LITTLE SOFT SHOE SHUFFLE ... HE LEARNED THAT AT SCHOOL ...
AND FOLLOWING HUGH SPEAKING MACCA WOULD ANNOUNCE ... GENTLEMEN TAKE YOUR PARTNERS FOR A PROGRESSIVE BARN DANCE ... ...
After the War in the 40s and 50s The country halls were scattered across the rural farming areas of Queensland and every state ...
You've got the general idea of what happened in those Halls Billy -- you must have been around then too!
Hugh
I burst out laughing when you promised the giant man that you wouldn't hurt him! When I was on hols in England, one gent asked me if you have to be tough to live in the Australian bush. In my complete ignorance of the Australian bush I said of course not. So I obviously gave him the wrong advice. My experience was from watching McLeod's Daughters. I loved how they never had "hat hair" when they took off their stylish Akubras. Even bought a hat advertised by Bridie.
I was hoping someone would get that joke!
Hugh
What a terrific story. Kept wondering whether you would make it, so pleased you did
Only by the skin of my teeth Denise. I think I much take on too much as things keep happening to me.Hugh
Gee Hughie, you had me laughing out loud at the revelation that Limbo was located at Coffs Harbour! Good call on your part though, asking the audience.
Yeah, a writer couldn't make that one up Peter.
Hugh
Stone the crows! Another great episode. Wireless serials have survived - as audio-books and podcasts.
Thanks Craig. You're right because I'm thinking of reading all of my 45 (so far) Substack stories on the site and putting them up as podcasts. Some people do listen to them at the moment and complain about the standard of the readings.
But they are read by an electronic machine! I'd hope to do better.
Blimey!
Cripes!