Nashos Day: The Collie-Cardiff RSL is organising a Nashos Day today. A young friend asked me what Nashos were, and when I explained, he said he thought it was a great idea, and that young people today could do with that sort of training and discipline. I must admit I was quite surprised to hear him say that, but thinking about it, I realised it was an attitude he had used in his own life and development, to good effect. Young men during the 1950s, 60s and 70s were required to undertake National Service, hence the name Nashos. If you were one, the RSL is inviting you to come along to their premises and look at the memorabilia, have a "yap" about the good times and maybe have an ale or two and a sandwich. The event will run from 3-7pm, and you are welcome to drop in at any time at the RSL on the corner of Lefroy and Throssell Streets. Call 9734 5303 if you need any further info.
Labour Day weekend: How times flies - Labour Day is fast approaching, and the organising committee for this year's carnival are hard at it making sure it will be a weekend to remember. Activities will centre on anything on wheels, with cycling, motor bikes and vintage cars all involved. Thanks to the Museum volunteers, that grand old lady, the Della bus, will be leading the parade and on display afterwards.
Our Community Garden: The community garden group's AGM will be held on March 3 at the library undercroft at 2pm. This is a very vibrant group which has created a wonderful space out of a vacant block just over the hill in Wilson Park.
Art Gallery: Friendships are formed on mutual interests, and the Collie Art Group have put theirs on show at the The Collie Art Gallery. You have until February 23 to see the wonderful talent we have here. The Gallery is open Thursdays to Mondays, 10am to 4pm.
Things to do: If there were ever any thoughts that there is nothing to do in Collie, the Community Expo last Saturday should have dispelled them. Enthusiasm was high as groups exchanged information about their activities and invited people to join them. Congratulations to the Collie Shire and the Chamber of Commerce for organising this event, which hopefully will be repeated annually. It gave the groups the chance to promote themselves and seek new members, and it gave the community the chance to get a lot of information in a short space of time. Full marks to those groups which seized the opportunity, and to those who missed out, be sure to be there next year!
Happy birthday Mr Collie: It is hard to believe that Chris (I'm Chris Collie from Collie) is 70 years old, as his natural verve makes him seem an evergreen. Chris loves his home town, and Collie people love Chris. Chris is very keen on keeping Collie tidy, and has been known to be a one-man clean up team. Happy birthday Chris, and many more.
Mick: It will seem strange to be without local member Mick Murray and his strong voice for Collie. Thanks Mick, for all you have done to help so many people. Hope your replacement is half as good. Out and about: Bingo is on again, Thursday evenings at the Collie Eagles clubrooms, doors open at 6.30pm, eyes down at 7.30pm. Cash prizes, raffles, all welcome. The Family History Society has resumed activities, meeting at the Miners Institute on Tuesdays at 7pm and Wednesdays from 9am. Volunteers are always needed for Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross shop, the Museum, the Railway Station, St Vinnies, the Anglicare Op Shop, the Community Radio Station, the Art Gallery, and the many sporting clubs and school organisations. Check the local community directory for contact numbers.
Ballet at Bunbury: You may like to take advantage of a bus trip to the performance of Sleeping Beauty in Bunbury on March 8 at 2.30pm. Wendy is organising tickets and the bus, and can be contacted at 0427 343 828 or 9734 3827.
Send it in: You can send in items for your not-for-profit organisations and clubs to me at nrg@highway1.com.au or in my letter box at 87 Jones Street, by 5pm Mondays.