Monday 7 November 2011

November 2011

Two wonderful new additions to Brooklyn in October - the Nicole Ruiz Gallery "Hang" next to the general store, and the lovely Banksia ferry.

Nicole Ruiz has transformed her gallery area into a delightful space with seating inside and also under shade at the back, as coffee and light breakfast, plus cakes etc., are served.  The gallery displays her own art work, other artists' work and recycled paper products, jewellery, ceramics and Shaun Tan cards.  She is commuting from Saratoga each day and has not yet worked out her opening hours, but the gallery is well worth a visit.

Rick Stockley of Marine Cabs has brought the Banksia to Brooklyn.   What a gem!  Built by Woodleys Bros. yard in Berrys Bay in 1952 as a workboat for Cockatoo Island, Cockatoo Island apprentices were involved in its construction, and Rick said at least three of those apprentices live in this area.  The Banksia was originally named Biloela (an Aboriginal word meaning white cockatoo), and its sister ship was the Corella.  It was renamed Banksia in 1965, and refitted in the 70's.  It was operating as a ferry on Brisbane Water from Empire Bay to Woy Woy via Davistown.  I have gleaned all this information from the Banksia web site, but I'm sure Rick knows much more.

On Melbourne Cup Day the girls from River Dreams, and John & Moauli from King Tide Cafe organised a party, which was great fun.  Moauli's dog, Jumbo, won the main sweep!  The cafe is never busy on that day (the pub and club being more suitable for drinking and gambling), so it gave everyone a chance to relax and enjoy.

The Rhumb Race, instigated by Hawkesbury River Yacht Club was held on Saturday.  The start was from Gunyah Point, where the skippers, having consumed a measure of rum, had to row out to their yachts in a dinghy, then sail round Dangar Island.  However, the newcomer to the river has a 27 metre mast, so was not allowed to circle the island because of the power lines, so it went as far as the power lines and back on the West side, and then along the East and North side.  It was beautiful weather, though the wind was probably a bit light for serious sailors.

On Sunday the Dragon Boats had their championships from Deerubbin Reserve.  We've not heard the results but presume the Brooklyn team didn't win, however, we do know they would have given it their best.

The next major event that I know of is Theatre in the Park.  As a newcomer, I know very little of this, other than that many talented people devote many hours and goods voluntarily, for it to happen, and I am looking forward to attending.

Gerd, from  The Edge Art Space, has some very exciting concepts planned for the months ahead.

Trish's bookshop is a great hit and much appreciated by villagers and tourists alike.

The girls at River Dreams have an exciting new collection for summer, including an Australian label of most interesting fabrics and designs, which have been admired and purchased almost as soon as they've been put on display.

Evidently the Hawkesbury and Pittwater are teeming with fish at the moment, so now is a good time to sample them at King Tide Cafe.

In my opinion, we are so blessed to live in this beautiful area, with its magnificent river and Broken Bay, and its diverse population.  We have magnificent views; numerous parks; water taxis; ferries; the riverboat postman; a post office packed to the rafters with almost everything we could want in a PO, and if not, Mustafa and now also, his smiling assistant, Afzhal, offering to order it; galleries; restaurants and cafes; gift and clothing store; general store; bookshop; pub; liquor shop; marinas and hire boats; real estate agent; ambulance; water police; railway and bus; medical centre, and proximity and ease of access to major centres.

As good as it gets, don't you think?