I said last month that September was a month of memories for me. That still stands, but what a month for Australia, four icons of Australian life gone within a few days of each other.

First was Don Chipp the founder of our Democrat party. He was a Liberal Party (Tory) Minister but became dissatisfied with them and formed Democrats back in late 70's. His aim "Keep the Bastards honest". He was quite succesful for a while, got as many as 7seats in upper house, never any in the lower house. Because of our system this gave the party great power. Unfortunately, he retired and in the last few years the party has declined - infighting - personality clashes etc. His legacy is still there tho' and he was accorded a State Funeral. Then came Coln Thiele a marvellous author of mainly childrens books. The most noted of which was "Storm Boy' about a boy and a Pelican in South Australia's Coorong. He was also a greatly admired teacher and lecturer. Steve Irwin was next. I am pretty sure that all has been said about Steve that needs to be said and that I can add little. I am sure many people around the world saw his daughter Bindi speak at his Memorial service.

Finally, one of our most respected and revered touring car drivers was killed in a rally in Western Australia - doing what he loved, Peter Brock was a legend in motor sports here. Winner of the Bathurst Endurance (Oz equivalent of Le Mans more or less) 9 times. He was 61 and had only flown back to OZ a few days before the accident. He had State Funeral also. So not a good month for Australia and our heroes.

It was not a good month sporting wise for Adelaide either. I said last time that we had a complicated system for deciding Aus. Rules Champions. The top 8 play off in a series of "Finals' there are elimination finals, qualifying finals (which if you lose you get second chance!). First and Second finals then 2 Preliminary finals and eventually) usually on last Saturday in Sept) the "Grand Final" played in Melbourne at the MCG. Melbourne is Sporting Capital of OZ and believes it has 'Divine Right' to be involved in this. The league is officially the Australian Football League and in fact we talk of playing AFL rather than football. Melburnians and Victorians think it is the VFL!! For the first time in history the 4 preliminary finalists were from Adelaide, Sydney and the 2 Perth teams. Very little football played in Melbourne this month! Unfortunately, Adelaide lost to West Coast in their Preliminary. The final, which was played on 30 September was between West Coast and Sydney a repeat of last year which Sydney won in a so close thriller. West Coast are favourites this time.

September has also been, for me a month of anticipation. My daughter who lives and works in Edinburgh will be arriving with her partner for a holiday on 3rd of this month. Anticipation in this case will not (as so often is the case) exceed the actuality! We are all looking forward to their arrival. Don't even mind that it will be at 0600 !!!! We'll be there to help with cases and just possibly a bottle or two of my favourite Malt. Not that that is a consideration of course. October therefore will be a busy month. The odd BBQ or 10! as Tracey has been home, oops back to OZ on a few occasions, she still has her own friends here and also, of course, our friends who have met her both here and in Edinburgh. Catching up all round.

We are of course a third of the way thru' spring so weather will be changeable. I am sure that they will cope. They may even get back to Scotland with Tans!!!!
Until next time.........



(article by Eric Ford, Australia)