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April 15, 2022 |
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Newsletter for the
Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 23,
Issue 1175
We acknowledge and pay our
respects to the Traditional Custodians of
Pittwater, as well as our indigenous readers
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Contents
Farewell to a Postie: Brian DickesonRoy Baker
 But soon that will be gone, as Brian retires later this month. How will we cope without him? It's a measure of the warmth and familiarity of offshore living that we all know our postie’s name, and many of us feel that we have far more than a business relationship with him. There has been a post office at Church Point since at least 1908, although it used to be located more or less in the middle of what is now Thomas Stephens Reserve, the paved area adjoining the Pasadena. Like today, the post office doubled, and in fact started out as a general store, owned by James Booth, who also owned the boat shed on the site occupied by the current general store. The post office grew along with the onshore and offshore community. But because there has never been a postal delivery service to offshore Pittwater, Church Point post office has always played a special part in the lives of islanders and western foreshore residents. The post office wasn’t always the sophisticated operation it is today. Within living memory, residents who wanted to check their mail simply walked in and gave their name, whereupon whoever was on hand would sift through a pile of alphabetically sorted letters. Brian began at Church Point in 2003, by which time mailboxes had been installed and things were rather more efficient. Brian initially worked with Brian Wright before running the show single-handedly. With the growing popularity of online shopping, the heart of the operation switched from letters to parcels. Prior to 2020 the post office received fewer than 400 parcels a week. But that number doubled as a result of COVID. Today, Brian processes around 750 parcels a week, let alone the many letters and flyers he handles. Brian estimates that around 70% of his business comes from offshore residents.
Brian was more than our post man. He was at times an ad hoc lost property office, a place to leave messages for neighbours and friends, or the guardian of shopping bags while their owners went off to look for somewhere to park. ‘I’ve even been asked to mind children’, says Brian. ‘I’d just say “leave them over there next to the fishing bait”’. Brian, who used to live in Mona Vale but has now moved to Dee Why, says he will miss offshore residents. ‘They are a nice bunch,’ he remarks. Without Brian, posting a letter or receiving a parcel will never be quite the same. But he promises that he will, from time to time, return to the Point. No doubt many of us will once again appreciate his warm, disarming manner, and his readiness to pass the time of day. Thanks, Brian, for looking after all our letters and parcels.
 Island Race: the Results
Last Sunday saw the running
(and walking) of the second annual Scotland Island race,
this time held in memory of Graeme Crayford, keen jogger
and former president of the fire brigade, who died
earlier this year.
Immediately after the race,
prizes were given, followed by breakfast at the Two
Catherines Café. As a result of the event around $300
were raised for the island fire brigade.
Despite a muddy course, a new record was set by race winner Will Blackband (aged 11). Will completed his lap of the island in 12 mins 5 secs, beating last year’s record of 12 mins 13 secs.
The fastest female runner
was Ros Forrest (14 mins, 7 secs), followed by Christine
Cumming.
Penny Wise was fastest
walker, marching around the island in 24 mins 24 secs.
What’s particularly encouraging is that almost everyone who took part last year managed to improve on their time. The biggest improvement was that of George Orr, who went from 16 mins 44 secs down to 15 mins 37 secs. A last minute surprise entry was Lewis, five-year-old grandson of Billy Dwyer. Both competed the run in fine style. Congratulations and thanks go to all runners and walkers. Thanks also go to Andy Derijk for once again volunteering his time, as well as George Orr for baking the tasty prizes, and the various timers and others who helped out. Table TennisScotland Island Recreation CentreMost Saturdays throughout the year2 - 3 pm: Introduction to Table Tennis3 - 5 pm: Table Tennis practice Groups meet most Saturdays
and anyone over 12 is welcome. Sessions are supported by
the Scotland Island Recreation Club.
Play from 2 - 3 pm is
intended primarily for those new to table tennis. The
session from 3 - 5 pm is open to everyone, regardless of
your standard of play.
Sessions do not run every Saturday. If you are interested in taking part then it's best to join the table tennis WhatsApp group to receive up-to-date information on who is playing. If you would like to join the group, please email editor@scotlandisland.org.au. Alternatively, you can just turn up and take your chances. Charity Pizza NightScotland IslandSaturday, 16 April, 5:00 - 7:30 pm |
Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade presents the
great annual Easter egg hunt. Families with children are
invited to Catherine Park to search for cunningly hidden
eggs. 
Our traditional
ANZAC Day service will be held at Thomas Stephens Reserve,
Church Point on Monday, 25 April, commencing 10.45 am.
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Preparation:
● Listen to 'Why don't we talk more about class?' The Minefield, ABC Radio National, available here. (54 mins, 7 secs);
● Read some or all of the Wikipedia entry on Social Class, available here (and as many of the connected entries or readings as strike your fancy);
● Optional extra: 'How America Fractured Into Four Parts' by George Packer, The Atlantic, available here.
● And if you are really keen: 'The Collapse of American Identity' by Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, available here.
Contact Jane Rich (janebalmain@hotmail.com) for more information or to express your interest in participating.
Fire
Shed Dinner
Scotland Island Fire Station
Saturday 30 April, 7:00 - 11:00 pm
To book, click here.
Woody
Point Yacht Club: AGM
Lovett Bay Boat Shed
Saturday 30 April
RSVP and pre-book
tickets: woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com
Book early to avoid disappointment as COVID limits apply.
Book early to avoid disappointment as COVID limits apply.
Fire Brigade: Information and Social Evening
Scotland Island Fire Station
Friday 6 May, 6 - 8 pm
Love
Letters
Scotland Island Community Hall
Saturday 7 May, 5.30 pm
Scotland Island BBQ Café
Catherine Park, Scotland Island
Sunday 8 May, 10 - 12 noon
Missed out on a previous newsletter?
Past newsletters,
beginning May 2000, can be found and read at https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php.
To Contribute
If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, please send an e-mail to the editor (editor@scotlandisland.org.au).Subscription Information
To subscribe or unsubscribe, go to: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/signup.Follow the PON
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The Online Local Contacts Guide
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Pittwater Offshore Photo Gallery
Updated
June 2021
Festival of Making,
April 2021
The
views
expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the
views of the Scotland Island Residents Association
(SIRA), or the Western Pittwater Community
Association (WPCA)
