Sandy Beach: 2012

Letter to the editor: St George Leader, April 3, 2012

Barmedman News Friday 23rd March, 2012

Another hugely successful visit by the Oatley swimming club to Barmedman last weekend, further cemented the city country connection between the two areas.

We could not help but ask, and it was gratifying to know that the eight young people visiting all knew where cotton and yogurt came from.

Arriving Friday evening, the visitors, unable to play the planned barefoot bowls due to a late shower on the greens, joined with the locals to play darts, many never having played before, but one visitor, joining with a local, took out the evenings competition, much to his delight.

Although Saturday morning was grey, many of the swimmers took to the water to participate in water games and stroke practice before heading down to the oval to contest the City Country “Ashes” cricket match.

Unfortunately for Oatley, the country players, under the captaincy of Jeremiah Bush, again proved to be too strong for the city team.

It was great to have so many of the younger people from both the city and the country participate in this fun game in perfect autumn conditions.

Many thanks to Peter McCabe and Jeremiah for bringing the match together.

Running out of time, the triathlon had to be abandoned, with sincere thanks to Geoff Bush for picking up the canoes, they will definitely be used for the 2013 visit.

Prior to moving to the Bowling Club to join the Business House bowlers for dinner, Andy Taylor, on behalf of the Mineral Pool committee presented a plaque of appreciation to Councillor Liz McGlynn in acknowledgment of the Councils contribution to the Mineral Pool, and to Peter DeMuer representing the Oatley Swimming Club for their very generous gift towards the upgrading of the amenities at the pool.

Many thanks to Ungarie councilor Kerry Keatley for bringing down his PA system, it made a big difference to proceedings.

Joining the Business House bowlers at the club, a delicious dinner was enjoyed by close on a hundred people with the city visitors high in their praise of the meal presented.

A very big thankyou is extended to Isabella, Maddison and Caitlan Smart for setting the tables, Harry Grayland and Ian Moore for their cooking on the barbeque and to everyone who brought along a salad and or a sweet to share, it is very much appreciated.

The dinner provided an ideal venue for further interaction between the country and city visitors.

Although the mosquito’s were still making their presence known on Sunday morning, everyone enjoyed the barbeque breakfast very ably cooked by Athol McCabe, Patricia Wells and Colin Clay.

Before leaving to return to the city, the club presented the community of Barmedman with a book of short stories written by Margaret Lynette Sharp, a member of the Oatley club for thirty years, in appreciation for the generosity of the local community and the friendship extended to them when they visit Barmedman.

The book will be available to borrow from the Arts and Crafts shop for anyone interested in reading it.

Many thanks to Athol McCabe and Phil King for their care of the pool, the grounds and the amenities, they were at their best and made one feel proud to be involved with the pool, those visitors who had not been here before most impressed.

The 2013 visit is already being anticipated, with Oatley aiming to build on the thirty participants that made the trip this year and determined to take away the cricket trophy.

PHOTO ALBUM BY ANNE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER.