the postal and courier services website
in association with
MILL HILL (Postal and Courier Services) VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION
(FORMERLY THE LIFE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP of THE WARRANT OFFICERS’ AND
SERGEANTS’ MESS INGLIS BARRACKS MILL HILL LONDON
FRANK & CAROLYN DOWN UNDER
By Jim Bradshaw
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I set off on my " World Tour of the Far East " on Boxing Day looking forward to getting away from the British winter and hopefully feel the sun on my face for a few weeks. Little did I realise then how fortunate I would-be as the whole of the UK would be gripped in an Arctic freezer while I would have to suffer the ovens of South Australia. After three days roughing it in Hong Kong I arrived in Sydney to be greeted by blue skies, temperature in the thirties to see in 2010. The New Year celebrations and firework display on the harbor front was superb, certainly worth seeing at close quarters. On Sunday 3rd I made the short 90 minute flight from Sydney to Adelaide. I was met at the airport by Frank & Carolyn and immediately transported to one of their local bars on the beach where we had a few " cold ones "followed by an excellent late lunch of deep fried squid and assorted dips. The next day we were setting off for 3 days in the out back to an area called Flinders Ranges some 300 miles north of Adelaide. Flinders Rangesisthe largest mountain range in South Australia. We were accommodated in Wilpena Pound Resort which was a perfect base for exploring the area. In this natural bush setting we encountered kangaroos and emus grazing while wedge tail eagles flew overhead. The site consisted of family bungalows, swimming pool, shop, restaurant and bar. After we had checked in and had some dinner Carolyn retired early so Frank and I headed for the bar, half an hour later we were the only 2 people there apart from the barman who was a Scouser and a Chelsea fan , so you can imagine he got a bit of stick from " you know who!! ", but he got his revenge when he called last orders at 9.15pm, we were up " s- - t creek "because the nearest pub was 65 miles away. The 3 days in the bush was a pleasant experience and on the return journey to Adelaide we went via the Clare Valley one of the most picturesque wine regions in South Australia. We stopped at a couple of vineyards where Carolyn and I sampled many varieties much to Frank's displeasure as he was duty driver that day. Back in Adelaide that weekend the mercury hit 45c. local TV & Radio stations were advising residents not to venture out in the heat but to stay indoors and turn the aircon on full blast, so it was decided that I should be taken " walkabouts " and shown the sights and beaches of South Australia not forgetting the many watering holes along the way . It's true what they say about " Mad dogs and Poms in the Oz sun ! ".By now my stay in Adelaide was coming to an end and on the Monday morning Ibid my farewells as I was heading to Darwin in the Northern Territories fora much needed 3 days in " rehab " before heading back to freezing Bonny Scotland via Singapore. I had a great trip one I will remember for many years to come. New Year in Sydney was memorable. The 8 days I spent in Adelaide as Frank & Carolyn's guest were just ( well, what do you think ??? ) . Once again my sincere thanks for their wonderful hospitality. |
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'In memory of Liam Murphy, 31 January 1993 - 4 March 2007'