Book Launch - Local History

Notes of a Journey to the South Eastern District January 1863

by William Milne

edited by Peter Rymill

preface by Michael Milne and foreword by Hon Dr John Bannon AO

A large contingent of people from Penola joined us at the Library for the launch by Stan Thompson of ABC radio of William Milne's book.

intent listeners

Peter Rymill explained how he bought the pencil-written original from a second-hand book dealer's catalogue - along with a copy written in ink - and has spent many years deciphering the diary and working on the references. Peter's extensive footnotes are an important part of the book.

Peter Rymill

                  

Stan Thompson is reading the book in his Scots accent on ABC radio in the mornings, accompanied by sound effects.
Stan set the scene by reading a description of Gambierton, as Mount Gambier was formerly known - no wonder the South Australian government sent Mr. Milne to fix it up and prevent the area from seceding!

Stan Thompson launches book

Sandy Haig buys a book from Diana Wiseman while
Peter signs a copy for Caroline Rymill.

We enjoyed Rymill Wines' sparkling red  'Bees Knees'

donated by Peter Rymill.

Meet the Author - Peter FitzSimons

 Peter FitzSimons took over the Library on Tuesday 30th November 2010. He's an imposing figure - 6 feet 6 inches of ex-Wallaby player topped off with a red bandana and an engaging personality that totally captured his audience. He spoke for an hour on the delights and otherwise of being a writer and hardly drew breath, except for the many times when we were laughing.

Peter FitzSimons

He told us about his previous books which include Nancy Wake, Kakoda and Tobruk - his current release A Simpler Life about his boyhood - his next release Batavia and the one he is currently working on, Douglas Mawson.
Barnie McCusker was the witty MC for the event and sponsor for Peter's stay in Mount Gambier.
Jim Maher thanked Peter for his informative and hilarious talk - and we all hope to see him again sometime.

Collins Books was on hand with copies of everything and did a roaring trade.

book sales

Peter signing books

            Herbert Vineyard kindly sponsored the event
    and added to the interest by supplying wines for tasting.

Patricia Reed and Nora Smibert of FOL serve
Librarian Cathryn Harris and Peter with a glass of shiraz cabernet.











Teddy Bears' Picnic

60 excited Very Young Friends of the Library gathered in the children's cave at the Library for a special free event - they brought their teddies to meet Libeary, hear stories and songs with Danni and Teresa and eat fruit outside on the lawn.

Danni shows the children the teddy bear song

Patricia Reed of FOL with her great-grand-daughter, Madison

Tia brought her teddy and her Daddy

Marion Thompson of FOL offers fresh fruit 

 Fruit and water were kindly supplied by OPAL as a way of promoting healthy eating among pre-schoolers.

Levi loves fruit!

Nora Smibert and Betty Manifold sold 50 Libearys

Amber bought 2 Libearys.

It was a lovely day and everyone had a good time!

Decorating Children's Birthday Cakes with Charmaine Rees

Charmaine decorates cakes professionally
and has many photos of her past successess.

Cupcakes are in fashion - and delicious!

Charmaine showed us how to make them using easy techniques to get a professional-looking effect with butter cream and fondant.

Lee admires her Christmas tree while Marie works on hers...

a spider cupcake!

 

Kristy learns a new technique



Abby works with Charmaine

moulds and cutters and a frangipani

the finished products look good enough to eat.



Thanks Charmaine and good luck with your new business.



Friday FrightNight and Bound by Books

See future FOL events at:
http://folevents.blogspot.com/



Friday FrightNight 29th October 2010

a free event for Young Friends - teens and anyone who enjoys a little bit of spookiness.

Jess Foster as The Mummy, Patricia Reed and Chris Lloyd

From 6 till 8 Young Friends had the Library to themselves with help from Library staff and FOL committee members Chris Lloyd and Patricia Reed. Patricia looked fabulous... dressing the part as Vampire Lady.

There were 45 young people and a good mix of ages.

Jess Foster was a real hit with her Ted Hughes reading which went for about 15 minutes and they were all mesmerised.

Library staff who came were brilliant, especially Cameron.

Shakira won the prize for best costume.

Everyone loved the pizza.

Requests from participants for a repeat event included playing board games - something which doesn't seem to happen much these days with smaller families.

Bound by Books Sunday 31st October 2010

A get-together for members of book groups in Mount Gambier and districts.

This meeting was a panel discussion on 2 books

Solar by Ian McEwan

Animal Farm by George Orwell

adjudicated by Selina Green

Chris Lloyd, Ann Ashworth, Diana Wiseman, Barbara Wardley

Selina Green

32 people attended.

Selena and panel members were excellent - interesting and well informed.

Lucia Pichler has offered to be the 'Jennifer Byrne' at the next Bound by Books and others have volunteered to read the books and be on the next panel.

Marg Kaethner won the raffle which most fittingly was a book entitled Tea at the Library.

Afternoon tea supplied by the Friends was enjoyed by all.

Lots of positive comments at the end and a friendly atmosphere.
One comment was:
"This is the best day I've had since I moved to Mount Gambier - some intellectual stimulation at last!"

Film Premiére - Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts

Future events can be seen at http://folevents.blogspot.com/

Friends of the Library hosted a film evening at the Oatmill Cinema with 150 people attending.

The film stars Julia Roberts and is based on the book Eat Pray Love written by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Just like Julia - before the film we ate delicious pizza which was kindly donated by Valley Lake Pizza.

 Only a few seats were left vacant as the large crowd settled down to a delightful Girls' Night Out.

Some enthusiastic reviews afterwards:

"Best film I've seen in 20 years!"
"I'm coming to see it again!"
"Great pizza - any left-overs?" (No.)

Travel Talk with Gambier Coachlines

See forthcoming events at http://folevents.blogspot.com/

Max and Sue Seebohm of Gambier Coachlines recently hosted a travel talk at the Library with  Jennifer Page of APT talking about European River Cruising.

Gambier Coachlines' frequent travellers and others were interested to hear about 2011's 24 day trip Prague to Amsterdam ending in Paris 12th April to 6th May. Other trips discussed included one in Russia in 2012 on a new boat the AmaKaterina which includes time on the Trans Siberian Railway. All-luxury of course - and Max and Sue take care of all the details.

Denise Hann spoke about her experiences travelling with Gambier Coachlines and how easy it all it, plus what fun going with fellow-Aussies and friends from Mount Gambier.

A delicious afternoon tea was catered by Friends of Library - we are gaining a reputation for our afternoon teas!

Gambier Coachlines has kindly donated a Talking Book to the Library: we will look for one about travel.