[box] This incredible image of a rollcloud above Ryot St, Warrnambool, was taken by local photographer extraordinaire Robin Sharrock and has gone global. It was also chosen by the Bureau of Meteorology as its January shot for its 2014 calendar: a competition that attracts thousands of entries. Superb. Robin works freelance and can be contacted at: robinsharrock@hotkey.net.au [/box]
[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #DC943C;”] T [/dropcap]his tiny violin was carved from either ivory or bone or something similar and was made by my late uncle, Ron Goodall, more than 50 years ago.
He lived in the former piano shop at 222 Timor St – featured this week in Places/My Place – and would use pieces of old piano and other materials to make this folk art.
It is in four separate parts, including a miniature scroll top, that have been glued together and finished with four ‘cat gut’ violin strings.
The piece was originally displayed on the end of a toothpick attached to a cork and kept in a glass vial.
I doubt it has played a note, but it is one of my most treasured possessions.
More from Mum’s Drawer…
Foreigner was one of the biggest bands in the 1980s and, even today, you can hear the muzak version of “I wanna know what love is” pumping through the speakers at the supermarket.
But this week’s blue tune was a solo hit for the Foreigner front man, Lou Gramm, who looks a lot like Michael Bolton in this video clip – perhaps they shared the same hairdresser.
Poor old Lou has suffered multiple health problems in recent years, but, at 63, he is still rocking.
[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #8F9F59;”] O [/dropcap]ld-fashioned cooking techniques and recipes are making a comeback, although perhaps without the levels of salt, fat and sugar that were all considered normal before a life sitting in front of computers made it harder to work off such nasties.
This week, Michaelie Clark, from Warrnambool Books, has chosen a gem that explores the history of one such book that was a must for all housewives, and yes, most married women were called housewives.
Ahh, those were the days…not! Over to Michaelie…
[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #8F9F59;”] ‘T [/dropcap]he name of the recently published history of the PWMU Cookbook could not be more appropriate. From Suet to Saffron by Melbourne author Fiona Bligh celebrates the evolution of the book since its first edition was produced by a group of Victorian women in 1904, when offal and raw animal fat were well-loved staples, to the current day, when the menu is infused with multi-cultural cuisine.
As well as giving a good overview of the origins of Australia’s oldest, continuously in-print cookbook and the changes it has undergone to achieve that designation, From Suet to Saffron also provides a snapshot through the ages of our country’s socio-cultural norms and prescribed gender roles.
Amidst advice for ‘invalid cookery’, priceless ‘observations on soup’, recipes for sheep’s head broth and instructions for cleaning ivory are replications of the advertisements that appeared in the book over the last century.
These range from macaroni ads in 1904 which ask ‘Do You Love Your Husband and Children? If so, feed them on Rinoldi’ (with a side serve of house-wifely virtue) to flyers by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria declaring in 1943 that ‘Electric Cooking is Now Every Woman’s Right!’
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the PWMU Cookbook or just want to take a look at Australia’s past from an interesting perspective, From Suet to Saffron is definitely a book you can sink your teeth into.”
[box] Keep up to date with new releases from Warrnambool Books on their Facebook page. [/box]
Catch up on our other Bookmarks …
The Dressmaker still winning fans
Preserving Indigenous stories: Fiona Clarke
James Laidler’s star-studded novel
Matt Porter: the lighter side of teaching
At last, a cookbook you can use!
Ben Sanders: Retro meets whimsy
[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #DDCE8D;”] E [/dropcap]ach week we like to celebrate a quiet hero in South-West Victoria – somebody or something that is making a difference, if only a small one.
This week, we have found Warrnambool’s answer to the Gosford Anglican Church, which has been lighting up Facebook with its witty church board postings that are, often, quite political (you can find them on Facebook here).
While not quite as public as Gosford Uniting Church, the Warrnambool Uniting Church, in Koroit St, has been making its views known about the treatment of asylum seekers who turn to Australia for refuge.
A window display at the front of the church chastises both major political parties for their lack of compassion on an issue that, because of the politics being played, deeply divides Australia.
For what it’s worth, we agree with them.
But there is more to the Warrnambool Uniting Church than making statements – they also act to help those in need, even if it is the need for company.
The church holds a Wednesday lunch for anyone to attend, creating a safe, non-judgmental space for people to gather and talk. It helps.
For these things, the Warrnambool Uniting Church and its leaders – Rev Geoff Barker, Rev Malcolm Frazer and Pastor Marjorie Crothers – are our quiet hero for the week.
[box] Our quiet hero will receive a voucher for coffee and cake from this week’s sponsor, Lozzar’s Lounge Cafe, Kepler St, Warrnambool – thankyou for your support, Lozzar’s.[/box]
Meet some of our other quiet heroes…
Gary Webb – Bidding for the arts
Kylie Thulborn – pushing boundaries
The Drylies and creating art with kids
Susie Alexander fights cancer…and aims for a fun run