The story of HMAT Boonah in WWI should have prepared us better for the challenges of the Covid pandemic. Arthur Thwaites was a chemist’s assistant from Parramatta. He enlisted on October 15 1917 as part of the medical corps, but was not called for overseas service until
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Hello, Desmond Conolly here. I’m off to old Sydney town at last! Yay, lock-down has been such a challenge! Mind you, right from the start I knew the trip would be difficult for someone with an independent spirit comme moi. And wow, was I right! At Medlow
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First trip to Sydney on the train for a very long time. I was a bit nervous, especially re social distancing on the train as I’m immune-suppressed. Only medical checkups for my partner Rob and I had prompted the journey, but it still felt like a little
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Celebrating a significant birthday under lock-down Balloons from the newsagency. Rich chocolate cake from the village grocery store. All his gifts were purchased in Blackheath. Warm, cosy slippers from the newsagency (well he is seventy)
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Splendid isolation at the local duck pond in Blackheath – no tourists to feed the residents so I’m sure their diet has improved. Let’s hope that one day soon we will be free and the kids will be back on the swings. Such a simple joy. I
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Social historians will be investigating and interpreting the pandemic and the phenomenon of self-isolation for years to come. Lock-down has altered our behaviour in so many ways. It has lead to a phenomenon dubbed ‘iso-baking’ (and a scarcity of flour), but also to a huge increase in
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I was involved in a heated debate on a FB community site the other day. It was all rather pointless and a waste of emotional energy. In the midst of the fray I decided enough was enough and commented, ‘Well that’s it for me. I’m off to
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Most visitors to this website are familiar with my associate, Editor Des. His dear friend Milly lives in his shadow somewhat, but today she ventured out with me on my Covid19 walk. The ducks were as content as ever down by Blackheath’s Memorial Park. The playground is
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Wow, did we ever see such clear blue skies? Not that pollution is a problem in Blackheath, well apart from bushfire smoke. The birdlife has been extraordinary over the last couple of weeks. I think I see more varieties during autumn than any other season. Down in
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Sadly, Easter 2020 is a bit different, due to the horrible pandemic. If you are are seriously self-isolating a ‘flat-pack’ egg ordered on-line might be the go. I preferred to buy chocolate rabbits, mini-eggs and blocks of hazelnut chocolate from Blackheath’s Friendly Grocer. Yesterday my husband and
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