A lighthearted exchange unfolded recently at the picturesque Jamberoo Golf Club, where local resident Dermot Perry of Mount Keira prepared to tee off on the 6th hole. As he readied himself, two riders on horseback passed by, prompting a nostalgic conversation with his friend, Harry. Harry reminisced about a time when horses were common and only the affluent owned cars. “Now,” he quipped, “everyone has a car, and only rich people have horses. Maybe that’s too far back for the C8-ers to confirm?”
The reference to the C8 community, known for its fondness for local quirks and memories, sparked further reflections. Reverend Meri Will from Baulkham Hills reassured readers that the beloved Vegemite glasses, a staple in many Australian households, continue to thrive. “They can still be found in large numbers in church kitchen cupboards and on the shelves of opportunity shops,” she remarked. “I have raised them on many occasions in sacramental celebration.”
At a modest weekender along the South Coast, Stewart Martin of Mangerton shared his family’s tradition of using Vegemite glasses for special occasions. “We call them our Bream Beach crystal,” he added, highlighting the endearing utility of these humble vessels.
In a more whimsical note, fellow Mangerton resident George Manojlovic entertained with an original song list inspired by everyday items. “Whenever I visit my medicine cabinet, I can’t help breaking out in song,” he shared. His playful titles included tracks like “I was 21 when I left Gavascon” and “Oh my darlin’ Claritin,” showcasing the lighthearted spirit of the community.
Graham Johnson from Sutherland introduced yet another curiosity regarding local pronunciations. He noted that Lake Cathie, located near Port Macquarie, is pronounced “Lake Cat-eye” by locals. This prompted a confirmation from Mick Miller of Ettalong Beach, who added that the lake is “just south of Wauchope.”
In a more humorous incident, Peter Farquhar of Coffs Harbour recounted a mishap involving baked beans and an electric frypan. While measuring a kitchen, he discovered two holes in the recently repaired ceiling. The owner revealed that after returning home from the pub, he had put water and a tin of baked beans in the frypan before falling asleep. “The next morning, he bought a new frypan and, once again, fell asleep in front of the TV after repeating the process,” Farquhar explained, illustrating both the charm and the challenges of everyday life.
Readers are encouraged to share their own stories and quirks for future columns. Submissions can be sent to [email protected], and contributors are asked to include their name, suburb, and daytime phone number.
