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!