Welcome to the Down Under Club of Winnipeg. We’re a social club based far, far from our original homes and hold regular events for members and guests. We also produce a monthly newsletter about connections in our new community and all things happening down under. Go on, explore our site and consider joining our group. Hooroo, mates!
Charlie Powell and I are happy to confirm that you can now stock up on Vegemite from the Family Foods store in Stonewall.
Thanks to Glenda for letting us know when the Vegemite was back on the shelves.
Judging by the interest from members in getting their hands on a jar, or two, perhaps make a trip to Stonewall in the next little while. Of course, you can always phone the store first – (204) 467-5553 – to make sure they still have some in stock.
We are always on the lookout for – and often asked about – places that stock Vegemite, but other than Stonewall, there are no other places right now that we know of.
According to London Drugs, “We are sorry to inform you that the Kraft Vegemite has been pulled by CFIA, and we are not allowed to sell it in Canada, due to the ingredients listed in the product.”
This has been an ongoing comment for many years, in both Canada and the US, and when I periodically check with both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), I am told there is no problem bringing Vegemite into either country. Earlier this year, CFIA confirmed by email that the product has not in fact been pulled by them or anyone else.
However, the rumour persists, so, I am going to try again to get a definitive answer and will keep you posted when I get a response.
In the meantime, get yourselves – or get someone on your behalf – to Stonewall and stock up while the jars are on the shelves.
Enjoy!
Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP
Kudos to DUCW member Charlie Powell for penning and posting this ode to the Aussie firefighters currently battling the blazes in Australia.
Although some rain has fallen – a gift from Mother Nature on Christmas Day, perhaps? – the fires are not out yet, and the firefighters still need your help.
If you would like to donate, The Guardian has provided a list of the best ways to contribute to the firefighting and recovery effort.
Good on ya, Charlie!
The Aussie Firefighters (to the tune: Lili Marlene)
Here’s to the men and women battling ev’ry blaze
Haven’t slept at home in over 40 days
Can’t think of quitting, can’t turn their backs,
Can’t see an end, and can’t relax –
They are the Firefighters down in Australia.
There’s graziers and farmers and the city folk
Can’t tell the difff’rence peering thru this smoke
They-just-want-to-keep the fires at bay,
and so we pray it’ll rain one day –
They are the Firefighters down in Australia.
And Mates have come to join them from way across the pond
Kiwis and Canadians – they’ve struck up quite a bond
They’ll fight together, beat this thing
While embers sting, we all can sing –
They are the Firefighters down in Australia.
Sunsets look so pretty, don’t they through the haze
But not so very pleasant when breathing it for days
Can’t get no respite, this flamin’ thief!
There’s no relief, so says their Chief.
They are the Firefighters down in Australia.
While you enjoy your beaches and frolic in the surf
Or hit that little golfball and chase it ‘cross the turf
At shopping mall or tennis court
Please spare a thought, don’t leave them short.
They are the Firefighters down in Australia.
All across the country, from Brisbane ‘round to Perth
Never seen the likes of it anywhere on Earth!
Climate change or just a phase – quite the big debate
Please just donate* and help your mate!
They are the Firefighters down in Australia.
Charlie – in Winnipeg – December 21, 2019
The December-January edition of The Southern Yarn bridges the start of a new decade as we enter 2020. We’ve got reports on the not-so-formal dinner, the AGM, the Christmas party, and other club events, Give it a read, and we look forward to seeing you all next year.
And here are some photos from the Christmas party that we could not fit into the Yarn.
Enjoy the photos.
Yarn 2019 – October November
The Yarn is out for October November. Please read it all!
Here is the Editorial, to get you started:
Since we decided to cut back to just every two months for this newsletter, you may have noticed that it is 8 pages now instead of 6. This is good for getting more news and stories to you, the readers. It also means more opportunity for you to send in news, short stories, photos, etc. As editor, I am always grateful for any such contributions! In this edition Jenny Gates shares her experiences from her recent visit back “home” (see “Getting to know”, p. 6). My sister in Brisbane also sent me a “Birds I view” piece which I’ll save until next issue. I already had Grackles written up (p. 8) and you can’t really talk about them in December/January – they’re long-gone! Whereas birds in Australia are pretty much everywhere all the time. Other Club members or family or friends often send me links to news bites that they think will interest others – very thoughtful – thanks. I like searching for interesting historical stuff for “100 years ago…”. In this edition there is one of them, and also a “200 years ago …”. I could have even included a “150 years ago …” since this month is the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth (and almost 70 years since his assassination) – a life that speaks to some of the ignorant intolerance still being preached today. Thanks as always to our advertisers and other regular contributors.
Enjoy, Charlie
