Book Launch - Wonthaggi

Up From The Underworld: Coalminers and Community in Wonthaggi 1909-1968

by Andrew Reeves

At different stages of its history the State Coal Mine and its highly unionised workforce represented a national benchmark for the introduction of new mining technologies, for the operation of successful state enterprises and ultimately the exercise of political influence within the coal industry. While Wonthaggi's mineworkers represented only a small fraction of the Miner's Federation's national membership, their role in the union's recovery following the depression of the 1930s proved highly influential. In particular, it was the success of the 1934 Wonthaggi strike that provided the Federation with the blueprint for community mobilisation that was to be used successfully for the following decade.

Professor Stuart Macintyre, University of Melbourne says this about the book:

"Through their union the people of Wonthaggi built up their clubs and societies, their co-operative store, women's auxillary, hospital, theatre, hall and brass band. They fought for better conditions, endured mass unemployment and led the labour movement out of the humiliations of the Depression. Andrew Reeves tells the story of this close-knit occupational community with an intimate knowledge of its rich history."

This interesting and very historic book will be launched by Senator The Honourable Kim Carr on Friday, June 3rd at the State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi, Visitor Centre, Garden Street, at 3pm.

Teddy Bear Competition - May/June 2011

Last year we held the Wild Tea Cosy competition to raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, this year we thought the Teddy Bear would be a wonderful replacement. Look here for the details. The Teddy Bear has a long and interesting history.

The name Teddy Bear came from former USA President Theodore Roosevelt whose nickname was 'Teddy'. During an incident on a bear hunting trip in late 1902 Roosevelt was asked to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree, he refused and demanded the bear be dispatched immeditately to put it out of its misery. A cartoon subsequently appeared in the media with Roosevelt and the bear and this inspired Morris Michtom to create a new toy which he called 'Teddy's bear'. President Roosevelt received a copy of the little bear and gave permission for his name to be used.

At the same time in Germany the Steiff firm, unaware of Michtom's bear, produced a stuffed bear from their own design, they exhibited the toy at the Leipzig Toy Fair in March 1903 and exported 3,000 to the USA.

Seymour Eaton wrote 'The Roosevelt Bears' as a children's education book, composer John Bratton wrote 'The Teddy Bear Two Step' which became 'The Teddy Bear's Picnic'. Some popular mass market bears are Rupert, Sooty, Paddington and of course Winnie-the-Pooh. In the USA and Australia the teddy bear is now used by police, fire and emergency workers for children in emergency situations.

So, the humble teddy bear isn't so humble after all. We think this toy is a good choice for our fund raising competition. We hope you agree.

Book Signing - Ruth Carson

Ruth Carson is a local author who is launching her first book this month and we're very pleased to have her sign copies of that book at the bookshop on Saturday 14th May. There is a flyer attached if you'd like to pass it on to anyone you think might be interested.

Living Books - The Day

Early in the day when everyone was setting up it all looked a bit empty.

Then suddenly there were people everywhere! And the Living Books were now in business....................

This is Pat Hendry - If I Can Help Somebody

Here is Nita Law - The Red Carpet Walk

Marianne Ruff - A Long Journey

Jo MacKenzie - From the Kitchen to the Microphone

Graeme Wheeler - Journey to a Strange Land

Chris Aitken - Kids Can Teach Us Much, We Only Need to Listen

Blair Donaldson - A Split Second And A New Life

Greg Bradshaw - Too Far From Home

Now the gymnasium has many people and they are all listening!

The Living Books all said they had a great day and those who came to 'read' them agreed.

Living Books - 2011

Here are more of the Living Books we will see and hear on Saturday, April 9th at 2pm in the Gymnasium of the South Gippsland Secondary College. We have one more title to add to our list and it will arrive later next week. Enjoy reading the book descriptions, just click on the title.

TOO FAR FROM HOME

THE RED CARPET WALK

IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY

KIDS CAN TEACH US MUCH

A SPLIT SECOND AND A NEW LIFE

Living Books - 2011

These are the first of the Living Books for the Prom Coast SeaChange Festival this year. The Living Book Event is on Saturday, April 9th starting at 2pm. Come and hear these wonderful stories. More will appear on the blog in the next few days. Click on the titles and read the descriptions.

JOURNEY TO A STRANGE LAND

A LONG DARK JOURNEY

FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE MICROPHONE

Meg Viney - The Not So Humble Zucchini

The Not So Humble Zucchini
by Meg Viney

Cooking is a wonderful form of play. This has been so for Meg Viney since she was a child. Born in Melbourne, Meg's parents were keen gardeners - mother did the herb and flower gardens, father did the vegetable garden, which was abundant, they didn't need to buy vegetables. Although Meg's interest in food began at a young age, a course in her early 20s with Mme Vivienne de Stoop sparked her imagination and confidence, teaching her that food is an art-form to be enjoyed.

Meg has written about food for many years, writing books for students and a cooking colum for a local newspaper. However, it was Bill, her soul mate, whose love of food is sophisticated and knows no bounds, who set up the challenge to eat his entire crop of zucchini. Bill walked into the kitchen with buckets of beautiful produce and asked "what are we going to do with this darlsie?" It was Bill who suggested that Meg write this book.

The decision to illustrate the book came about because Meg wanted it to have a relaxed country feel, and Pauline John, a talented artist friend, does exquisite line drawings. Meg asked if Pauline would illustrate the book and she agreed - her work visually expresses Meg's intention for the book.

Meg's overall aim for this cookbook is to encourage readers to have the confidence to use their imagination, to express themselves creatively in the kitchen and to share the feast with friends.