| The Walk |
| Day 19 |
Washed out for the first time since we left Coolangatta. Overcast, wet and miserable and according to our rules of engagement, NSW Police, we were not permitted to walk. Drove in convoy to Raymond Terrace, off to the shopping centre and a visit to the Centre Manager’s Office. Duly authorized to walk about the centre to raise funds, we did so in a most Naval like manner to be rewarded with many compliments, accolades and tremendous generosity of the locals. Minnie the moocher was in seventh heaven in more ways than one…I’m writing this of course. Nana Torpedo Today we awoke to rain, which had kept me awake during the night. As a consequence to that we were not able to “Walk”. We proceeded to Raymond Terrace and had coffee at the main shopping centre. We then had lunch at the local bowls club where we met Betty, Annette and others who welcomed us all. We were able to collect at the club. The local newspaper contacted me and did an interview with pictures. NBN News will catch up tomorrow or Sunday. The manager of Hamilton Branch CBA and niece Karen will walk in to Newcastle with us along with John Smithies. Hopefully we can walk tomorrow. Craig ‘Feathers the moocher’ Fothergill Engines and I, on a recce to the Bowls Club met a lovely lady, Annette Bahr, who explained to us the lid ‘covers’ over the green and then proceeded to organize the whole club to donate to our cause. Then along came Betty Small, both ladies pictured, who helped us to raise a total of $380. Fortunately, weather such as we experienced today will not prevent us from walking as long as we have a footpath. So come rain, hail or high water (which a gazunder wouldn’t know anything about), we shall walk the streets of Newcastle and Sydney in our wet weather gear. Richard ‘Slug’ Lewin Disappointment in spades about walking, this was however soon overcome by the generosity of Raymond Terrace. Thank you. Love to my wife and family. Barry ‘Engines’ and Cathy Davis No walk today as it was raining. Good luck for us as we drove to R. T., mooched lots of funds at the shopping centre then were surprised by a most exceptional gaggle of older ladies at the bowling club. These people are the true Australian icons….Characters all….A very enjoyable day. Raymond ‘Jock’ Copeland Rainy day……no walkies. Hopped in to the bowls club. We were introduced to a few Scots people, none of whom spoke Doric, so I used English instead. Nice curry ($10) for lunch. Pete and Barb Sellars A terrific day, meeting our two extraordinary local ladies, Betty and Annette, at the local Bowls club. Our ears are still ringing from all the stories. This is what makes this trip worthwhile-people and kids!! We are lucky to have met both on this trip. Bluey (Dale) and Possum After a wet, soggy wakeup call we managed to reverse out of our boggy camp spot, (didn’t want to burn the clutch out). Had a quick sprint into Raymond Terrace – too wet to walk – and charge the battery up again. Had lunch at Raymond Terrace Bowls Club and lots more donations from the locals. Possum received a Bowling Club badge from one of the local ladies, Mrs Betty Small, to add to his hat collection. Then back to the caravan park for another well earned rest. |
