We should start this month with the good news. We have had rain and rain and rain!! The last few days of April have made it our wettest April in 7 years! In some places in South Australia we have had more than 100 mls. Had not in fact rained at all in the rest of the month! The drought is not totally broken. We need about 6 months of above average rain for that to be the case. But, it is a start, the farmers are happy as they can now sow with some confidence.

I headed off to Canberra over Easter for the National. My annual pilgramage. Took a friend this year, John is a metal rather than a folk music fan he did find lots to enjoy. The Festival as usual was colourful and exciting. Lots of artists from around Australia and in fact the world the highlight was "The Mammals' from new York State with an almost impeccable folk heritage. One of the group is the grandson of Pete Seeger and one the daughter of Jay Unger. They play a mixture of gospel, bluegrass folk and rock among others. They call it "Alltimey" music. Very vibrant and energetic and very well done as well. The featured state this year was West Australia, so lots from there. I as usual worked in the wine bar and did my bit compering various concerts. Lots and lots of highlights really a great time also to catch up with old friends, and of course make new ones!! Oh and the odd Pale Ale or two was of course consumed.

While this was going on in Canberra back here in South Australia the largest Picnic Race Meeting was taking place in the Adelaide Hills just outside the city. The Great Eastern Steeplechase was on again. Longer than the Grand National and over an uphill downhill course the Eastern is run every Easter Monday. It is a tradition for many to arrive the week before and camp. Some of the campsites look like little villages. A marvellous race meeting spread over the Easter weekend. I have never been but used to get a close up as my sister in law used to live next door to the course. Was quite difficult getting in and out of her place while race was on.

As I write, I am celebrating the 40th anniversary of my arrival in Australia. It has in the main been very good for me (some might say for Scotland also!!) it makes one, pause to wonder what might have been had I not migrated! Certainly I would not be writing this article, would I?

The most important event in Australia in April is of course ANZAC DAY. The 25th Commemorating and remembering the day the Anzacs landed on the shores of Gallipoli. The day starts with 'Dawn' services all across Australia and New Zealand, followed of course by "The March" old diggers and now many younger veterans from recent conflicts march in remembrance of the fallen. It is very pleasing to see more and more Vietnam Veterans march as for many years they felt alienated from this day. Based on what they perceived as less than honourable treatment that they received on their return from serving their country. After all most were National Servicemen. They now march as proudly as any World War 1 digger did. Thank goodness that they are now properly recognised. School holidays are also just over. Lauren-Jane spent a few days at riding camp. during this time. Came home somewhat tired and stiff after two days "in the saddle" but loved every minute of it. It's funny, for someone who is disinclined to tidy her room, she spends a lot of time mucking out stables. No accounting for some things is there? She is back at school and an enquiry about first day back elicited the reply "Well, it was alright!"

On Sunday we were at a friends for a BBq. This in the rain, cooked in the deck and ate inside. Lauren-Jane spent most of the time in the pool. Well it was heated and it was raining. Most of the guests were quite bemused and amused. Was a good day though. Our next door neighbour Linda is in the UK at the moment. Poor woman had to go for her work (sad isn't it?) she is a Geordie and spent time with her mum who is still there and went to Edinburgh to see Tracey my elder daughter. Tracey, of course went there in 1990 for a years working holiday!!! Arrived in Scotland on my Mum's birthday! That was in April also!

We are now in the planning stages for Kim's 50th in June. At this stage the guest list has reached 90-Help!!!! She will have a band (her favourite) and a DJ. Belts will be very tight in our house for a while.

Until next time

Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)