It is said that sandwiches were popularized by John Montagu, 4th earl of Sandwich (1718-1792). Well they were named in his honour, so presumably it’s true. It happened due to the fact that the British peer was addicted to gambling. A French travel book claimed he requested
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Vita-Weat biscuits were introduced in Australia in 1932, by the UK company Peek Frean’s. For many years the factory was located in the Sydney suburb of Ashfield. The factory moved into its striking, art-deco building in 1937. A clock tower (shown in the above photo) was a
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Ironing is not the most romantic of occupations, although remember that old fold song? ‘Dashing away with the smoothing (steaming) iron she stole my heart away.’ The steam iron was born along with baby boomers like myself.. The following is from the Melbourne Argus, on June 30
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Hello, this is your Christmas correspondent, Editor Des. Have you heard of a Santa’s Nice List? Well a lovely lady called Amelia at our village laundromat put one up in her front window. It’s in Wentworth Street at Blackheath. That’s in the Blue Mountains in case you
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Cricket matches, especially Ashes series, do not usually engender goodwill between Australia and England. However, as Christmas approached in 1932, Australia made a remarkable gesture. A giant, Ashes themed cake was sent to London to be distributed to the city’s hospitals and children’s homes . It weighed
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A magnifying glass provided as much enjoyment to children of the Baby Boomer generation (Yes, I’m one) as expensive toys. The following photo was taken at my birthday party in 1957. It’s hard to spot, but the little boy is holding our large magnifying glass to his
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I do realize that Katoomba is a long way from Paris, but we Blue Mountains residents adore croissants as much as anyone else around the world. This sulphur crested cockatoo is no different. But which ones to choose? Well don’t look at me mate, it’s entirely your
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Gardens are places of wonder, especially one like mine that borders the Australian bush. Here in the NSW Blue Mountains a eucalyptus tree was the source of great fun recently, but also a sad tale of pride coming before a fall.
Read more →When WWII began, the Tasmanian government did not consider that air raid shelters and measures such as blackouts would be necessary. However, when Japan bombed Peal Harbour on December 7 1941 and subsequently attacked Darwin, everything changed. ‘Surface shelters in Tasmania should soon be an accomplished fact…….The
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Recently I have been struck by the similarities in building style between our local male bowerbird and my partner Rob, aka Bob the Builder. The pair are simultaneously constructing ‘decks’ here in the Blue Mountains at Blackheath. It’s all about precision, and never settling for second best.
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