On October 17th 2009, Narrogin turned out in good numbers to vote for councillors and a new Mayor. There were 4 candidates for Mayor including the present Mayor, Sally Higgins who has held that position for 12 years. One of the controversial topics was the development of the Old Golf Course for housing.Sally had supported this and pushed it ahead but there was opposition . Don Ennis had opposed this development and made it plain that if elected he would do his utmost to get the project cancelled . Well the public voted for Don and he his now our new Mayor so it would seem the town is behind him in wanting to stop housing spoiling this beautiful area. Now we wait and see, and wish him all the best for the times ahead.
Narrogin’s Election for Mayor
October 19th, 2009Movie Review: Pride and Prejudice
February 13th, 2006However, my first entry is a film review. I have always loved Jane Austen’s books and films and BBC mini series, so was keen to see the new Pride and Prejudice which was released on 20th October 2005. This version is a much more earthy production when compared with previous more decorous ones.The costumes were very simple, even coarse, and fitted well with the more rustic farm buildings which were used as a backdrop for the action. Seeing Elizabeth Bennet musing her situation while enjoying a gentle swing, was all the more realistic when viewed against the background of a muddy farmyard and muck heap; quite a comparison with the early Greer Garson, Laurence Olivier version where the heroine flounced around in very American crinolines. I loved the scene of the public ball, what a rumbustuous affair, well with no tv in those days I expect folk liked to kick over the traces when they got the chance The private ball later in the film was a more elegant affair with costumes of silk and satin instead of muslin and cotton.
Several of the more ‘over the top’ characters, ie Mr Collins and Lady Cathering de Burgh amd Mrs Bennet, were played brilliantly yet in a much lower key making them less ridiculous and more believable. Judy Dench seemed able to make her character a snob yet we could understand her motives instead seeing her as a stupid cruel old woman.
A lovely film, full of romance, the beauty of the English countryside plays its part as does the elegant Chatsworth House. A more realistic film, I think Jane Austen would have approved.
Toxic waste
December 27th, 2005A small town’s brush with TOXIC WASTE.
Recently, Narrogin, a small town south east of Perth had a close encounter of the TOXIC kind. It seems that unbeknown to the people of the town, the Mayor and her staff had agreed to the importing and dumping of this waste, otherwise known as flock. With BIG BUCKS SIGNS floating before their eyes they could see no further than the end of their noses. Fortunately there were townspeople who could, who questioned why a company would pay to get this waste away from Perth and into our dump which is situated only metres away from housing. A swell of disgust rippled through the town and a council meeting was overwhelmed by townspeople who turned up to protest. The staff then panicked and produced another motion but in their haste worded it to ban ALL waste from out of town. This, however, banned another fee paying company who were importing inocuous waste and paying for the priviledge. So a bungling Mayor , staff and council cut off their noses to spite their faces.[@more@]‘, ‘Toxic waste’, ‘A small town’’s brush with TOXIC WASTERecently, Narrogin, a small town south east of Perth had a close encounter of the TOXIC kind. It seems that unbeknown to the people of the town, the Mayor and her staff had agreed to the importing and dumping of this waste, otherwise known as flock. With BIG BUCKS SIGNS floating before their eyes they could see no further than the end of their noses. Fortunately there were townspeople who could, who questioned why a company would pay to get this waste away from Perth and into our dump which is situated only metres away from housing. A swell of disgust rippled through the town and a council meeting was overwhelmed by townspeople who turned up to protest. The staff then panicked and produced another motion but in their haste worded it to ban ALL waste from out of town. This, however, banned another fee paying company who were importing inocuous waste and paying for the priviledge. So a bungling Mayor , staff and council cut off their noses to spite their faces.
Narrogin and it’s Spring Festival
November 5th, 2005At the end of October, Narrogin holds it’s Spring Festival and over the 10 years or so the weather has always been perfect. This year however, Saturday was pleasant enough but Sunday spoilt itself with wind and rain. One of the features of this event is the Open Gardens and Joan had her garden open. About 132 people walked round on Saturday and left kind comments in the visitors book. This garden unfolds as you explore, various paths lead you past flower beds and ponds.There are lots of large shady trees and plenty of seats to sit and enjoy the vistas. A competition for the children was popular, over 30 filled in with ticks a list of creatures to be found and received a lolly for their trouble.Altogether there were 10 gardens for the public to enjoy and this is now a popular part of the Festival.[@more@]‘, ‘Narrogin and it’’s Spring Festival’, ‘At the end of October, Narrogin holds it’’s Spring Festival and over the 10 years or so the weather has always been perfect. This year however, Saturday was pleasant enough but Sunday spoilt itself with wind and rain. One of the features of this event is the Open Gardens and Joan had her garden open. About 132 people walked round on Saturday and left kind comments in the visitors book. This garden unfolds as you explore, various paths lead you past flower beds and ponds.There are lots of large shady trees and plenty of seats to sit and enjoy the vistas. A competition for the children was popular, over 30 filled in with ticks a list of creatures to be found and received a lolly for their trouble.Altogether there were 10 gardens for the public to enjoy and this is now a popular part of the Festival.
Narrogin versus it’s Town Council again
December 27th, 2005‘Narrogin versus it’’s Town Council again’, ‘Narrogin is again locked in conflict with it’’s Town Council, this time over some land the council wants to build on. For over 30 years, since the land was given to the town for recreational purposes, it has been used like a common , for a multitude of activites. Unfortunately a later council did rezone the land residential so the present day council think that gives them carte blanc to go ahead and build without reference to the feelings in the town. They have ploughed ahead despite the council chamber being full of protesters at both committee and full council meetings.This is the only open space within the town boundary , the council say they need the space for housing but this is not true. There are two housing projects at the moment where the land is being cleared and the plots have not yet been sold. If more space is needed for housing the Shire are quite happy to negotiate with the coucil about releasing suitable land around the boundaries.The equestrian group have spent, I understand 46,000 dollars building jumps which are used at their One Day Event which is beginning to be recognised Nationally and Internationally. They were promised security of tenure but council seems to think they can drop a housing estate into the middle of an Event Course and it won”t be noticed.The Council tried hard to pass this through on the quiet, but the news got out and a protest group has formed which includes many of the local business people and professional people and there is a very active force forming to fight the Town Council’’s decision. As they say,” It is not over until the fat lady sings”’.
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