Category Archives: Membership

The Southern Yarn August – September 2022

The latest version of The Southern Yarn is ready for you now, Check it out. And here is the editorial to get you started.

As I put this issue together, Folklorama is about to begin its 2-week run here in Winnipeg. Being the first time back, after COVID*, there are only 12 pavilions each week – about half of the usual number. Perhaps a post-COVID strategy on the part of the Folk Arts Council, or just a reality of the times – like our DUCW, members are few and sadly volunteers can no longer muster the oomph to plan and execute such a major undertaking. At least we have fond memories of our glory days. So we try to keep something of our history and culture alive as best we can – not least by this our Yarn. Read on and you will learn of a saint and a sinner, sand and scrabble, as well as more about Vegemite and cricket. Continue reading

Yarn February/March 2022

Welcome to the Southern Yarn for February/March.

Here is the Editorial to get you started:

As explained on our website: “The Down Under Club of Winnipeg (DUCW) has been proudly and enthusiastically operating in Manitoba for almost 70 years. It came into existence in the 1940s when Australian and New Zealand servicemen, who had been training in this area through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, informally gathered as a meeting of mates.”

It is now 70-plus years and, sadly, none of those founding vets are still with us. As time marches on we naturally contemplate how to continue our evolution and remain of relevance in our community. Meanwhile, it’s fitting to be reminded of that extraordinary logistical effort and show of solidarity and cooperation across the Empire that was a necessary response to foreign aggression – see “Getting to know…” p.6.

Driving along rural Manitoba roads in the dead of winter, I don’t expect to view many different birds. Sometimes lucky enough to see an owl atop a hydro (electricity) pole, or a flock of snow buntings. Occasionally a covey of small chicken-like birds is disturbed in its roadside dining and takes off fast and low. After a recent such sighting and still needing a subject for Birds I View, I researched whether they were quail or partridge and determined they must be the latter, but since partridge had their turn a couple of years ago, quail got the nod this time – p.8. All this and so much more bits of news that might have escaped your notice over the past two months. As always, big thanks to Jenny, Brian, Judy, Peter and other readers who contribute and offer feedback; not to mention our sponsors!

Southern Yarn Dec 2021 – Jan 2022

It’s time for the last, AND the first Yarn of the years we are bridging with this issue. Stand by for the Dec-Jan issue of The Southern Yarn in your mailbox in glorious yellow paper and B&W print, or in modern full colour (with live hyperlinks!) via the PDF documents featured as always here on our website

And good luck with getting used to saying and writing the new year 2022. That’s a lot of twos, but it has a nice ring two it, right? 

Yarn Dec 2021 - Jan 2022

The Southern Yarn, Dec 2021 to Jan 2022

And here’s Charlie’s editorial to get you started.

As Peter reports, our recent AGM was fun and multi-national. Not only that, some great ideas emerged and you will see their influence on the content in future issues of The Southern Yarn. As always, we welcome the contributions from members and friends. So, “Thank You” to Jude McCudden for her thoughtful poetic offering (p. 6) and Peter Debenham’s friend, Brian McCann, for his ‘Great Ocean Drive” story (p. 5). Also, Jenny has put together some member related snippets in “Re Member” (p. 3). Again, I thank our regulars and our advertisers!

Meanwhile, as the nursery rhyme advises: “Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat. Please put a penny in the poor man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!” And as this food safety professional advises: Keep it simple, keep it cold or keep it hot, but keep it safe!

Be generous and … Enjoy!
– Charlie