Category Archives: Out and about

It was on this day in 1984 that Australia adopted Advance, Australia fair as its national anthem. Until that day God save the Queen had been the anthem. It must have been strange for people from Britain to travel to the … Continue reading →

It was one of those adventure books that caught the imagination of an eleven or twelve year old boy. The heroes, teenage boys themselves, sought safety and refuge deep in the heart of an English forest. The story never suggested … Continue reading →

Once there was a family tradition of visiting family graves on Good Friday. The day would culminate with tea with Aunt Ella and Uncle Clem at their Pitney farmhouse, the table would be laden with food. Uncle Clem would prompt … Continue reading →

It is the anniversary of the opening of the Eiffel Tower. On time and under budget, the tower opened on 31st March 1889. Its presence once allowed me to eat one of the most contented lunches I ever enjoyed. “Walk … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1987 that Vincent van Gogh’s painting Sunflowers was sold for $39 million. The price paid was treble the previous record price paid for a painting. The price it might reach today is unimaginable. Vincent … Continue reading →