FOR more years than I can remember — dating back to the happy days when The Journal occupied premises at Scott Street — I was privileged to report on the Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s annual show.
I made many lasting friendships among the exhibitors and greatly admired their talents.
Looking through my files, I’ve unearthed a Dandenong Grand National Centenary issue of The Journal dated November 11, 1971, when Alfred John Follett was the society’s president. His parents Walter and Emma Follett (nee Marriott) were the children of early settlers.
Back then, market gardens flourished and our produce was carted to the Victoria Market in Melbourne in horsedrawn wagons.
The centenary show judges travelled in from afar — some from around Victoria, interstate and even from New Zealand.
Highland dancers twirled to the skirl of the pipes, the lasses lined up for a showgirl sash and Dandenong’s A grade brass band blasted out catchy tunes during the Saturday program.
And of course, there was the main attraction, straight out of Old McDonald’s Farm. Horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, cavies (guinea pigs), dogs and cats were, and always have been, the stars of the show.
Although I lived on a farm at Lyndhurst until my father’s death when I was 17 and helped milk dairy cows on the property, many of the cattle breeds listed in The Journal report still elude me. I’m still fairly uninformed about Branguses, Anguses and Brahman cattle breeds!
Footnote: I do also recall how, working at The Journal during this era, every Wednesday there was a queue of people outside our office, stretching from Dickson Lane around the corner in Thomas Street, to Bill the Butcher’s. They waited to spend their five cents for 72 pages of news ‘hot off the press’.
At the book nook
For 15 years a small, cosy group of women from Springvale, Clayton and Dandenong has met at each another’s home for a lively discussion on books by women authors. And there’s more room for other bookworms.
The women’s ages range from their 40s to 70s, and the group, the Springvale Book Club, is co-ordinated through the Council of Adult Education.
The members bring their personal experiences to the fore, connecting their stories to the books’ themes.
It’s not just food for thought. Once a year a club member takes a turn at hosting the readers with homemade cakes and other goodies for supper.
The club has a core membership of six, some of whom have a lifelong link with Springvale.
And all have varied tastes in books: “I love detective books,” says one of the ladies. “Others enjoy books on history, love stories — all incorporate a learning experience.”
For more details, call 9547 2521.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email easteditorial@mmpgroup.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o The Dandenong Journal, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
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