BALAKLAVA’S famous “boob group” (from left) rear Holly Cowan and Claudia, Lee-anne McCracken and Mason; Sonia Gangell and Ilka;Teearn Fitzpatrick and Ezra; Roshanna Bull and Hamish; Cherie Wilmer and Curtis; Narelle Michael, Lauren Ahwan and Amelia March; Jacqui Behsmann, Connie Reljich and Willliam; Melissa Smith and Elliot. Front: Dianne Whitall and Natalia; Jenny Young and Brianna; Heidi Zerk and Caitlin; Lachlan Bull, Gaynor Tink and Brock; Amanda Lockwood and Josiah; Liam March, Angela Battle with Lexie and Casey; Thomas Reljich and nurse Sally Michael.

Did all mums have a nice Mother’s Day? I did, kick-starting the morning with a hot cup of real tea, brewed in our teapot, and a block of chocolate for brekky – shared, of course, with my five boys – that includes husband, Scott. Then we had a little campfire barbecue, and after months of waiting for the fire ban season to end – not that it’s rained yet, Toby finally got to use his camp-oven to cook some damper. This was then smothered wih jam and cream! All in all, a very relaxing day spent with my family. Isn’t motherhood a joy? But for most, especially first timers, it can be quite daunting. I can remember phoning the CAFHS hotline, often in the middle of the night, and usually more for reassurance than anything else. Now there’s another phone hotline available to mothers, that of the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), phone 1800 686 268. Last week, the ABA, formerly known as Nursing Mothers, celebrated “National Mothering Week-Celebrating Motherhood.” The ABA has been raising awareness of the importance of mothering through its celebrations since 1979. But even though there are plenty of babies and toddlers around SA, some ABA branches are closing down. Luckily the Balaklava branch is booming (must be something in the water) and organiser Narelle Michael is very happy about that. Narelle says “all mothers are very welcome to attend our get-togethers.” “We offer mums support, friendship and understanding, and it’s a great way to meet new people, share experiences and learn from each other,” she said. The group meets on the first Monday of each month at 10am at the Balaklava Uniting Church Hall. The group often has guest speakers, with Dietician Deb Butler speaking at the next gathering on June 4. If you’d like to know more about this group, please contact Narelle on 8863 3060. Barely enough • And where’s the rain? Some farmers have been madly sowing, blowing dust everywhere, especially on those horrid windy days we’ve had lately. Others are waiting patiently for rain. Maybe we could find 100 women who could do a rain dance in the nude, like they did in Nepal? Or not. Maybe we’ll leave that to the men of the district. Apparently Riverton’s Mick Connell, resident rain man Philip Shepherd of Balaklava, Mallala’s Ian Jenkin and Owen’s Andrew Parker are starters. Let me know of any others!

Avon Planning ahead

• Now we don’t want to think about Christmas just yet, but the Avon Christmas Committee is asking you to do just that! The Christmas Festival, which runs from November 20 to December 8, has become so popular, especially with Adelaide groups, most days have already been booked. However the festival committee has advised Tuesdays are not as heavily booked and would encourage local groups to join with groups from other areas, and book a Tuesday. Bookings include a three-course lunch, tour of display, entertainment and afternoon tea. The Festival will only be open to the general public for one day, so keep an eye out for further details. For group bookings phone Jill on 88671 127.

Dublin

• Official opening of the Dublin History Group Research Centre is on Sunday from 1-4pm at the Institute. A monetary donation will include afternoon tea.

• The Senior Citizens group has been busy getting out and about. Next outing is the “Big Cuppa Lunch” at the Port Parham clubrooms on Tuesday, May 22. Bookings to Pat McCann. And don’t you just love bingo nicknames? Can you guess these numbers? Kellys’ eye, quack quack, big fat hen, clickety click and sunset strip. The next Bingo night is on June 7 at the Institute. Eyes down at 7.30pm sharp.

Brinkworth Get in the picture

• Brinkworth History Group would like to add to its already fantastic, but slightly out-dated, collection of farm and agricultural photos.The group has photos up to around 1990, but not many since. Check your albums or computers for more recent photos to add to the collection.

• And seeing it’s Year of the Farmer, the group would also like to acknowledge the work of women on farms. So girls, you need to get on the other side of the camera and let the men start snapping. The Museum is open from 2-4pm on the first Sunday of the month.

Tarlee

• A horse event is on at the town oval this weekend. Maybe there’s a prospective Black Caviar there.

Will McPharlin holding his Wooroora Men's Bowling Association Singles Trophy (left), and in action for Port Wakefield during the 2011/2012 WMBA season.

PORT Wakefield lawn bowler, Willie McPharlin, was crowned champion of the state Champion of Champions Singles tournament, held on Sunday at Marion Bowling Club.
The 25-year-old won his club’s singles championship earlier last season and went on to win the Association and Regional Singles Champion of Champions events, defeating Balaklava’s Peter Thompson on both occasions.
“Peter told me to enter in the state event and I was a bit undecided at first but he ended up convincing me and even entered my name in the competition for me,” McPharlin said.
The state event was in knockout format, attracting star bowlers from across South Australia.
McPharlin said it was an extremely high standard, featuring state representative, Scott Tholburn, who was knocked out of the competition by Grange bowler, Cam Dickinson.
“It was a great competition with a lot of champions from around the state there,” he said.
McPharlin then defeated Dickinson, before accounting for Brighton’s Darren Seigects.
The state win now means McPharlin will be travelling to Queanbeyan in the ACT to take on the nation’s best singles champions in late October.

It will be held on the same weekend as the second pennant game of the season in local bowls.
Bowls SA will contribute $500 towards his flights, while Port Wakefield Bowling Club president, Kerin Phelan, has offered to pay for McPharlin’s accommodation during the competition. McPharlin said any other sponsors willing to help him on his way would be greatly appreciated.
For the coming months, some off-season practice now ensues, despite having little in preparation for the state event.
“I had pretty much stopped playing apart from a few tournaments, so I had done no training at all for that event,” McPharlin laughed.
He won’t be taking any chances ahead of the national event though.
“As long as I bowl well and give myself the best chance, I will be happy to finish where I finish,” McPharlin said.

c2: Mallala’s Zoe May almost intercepts a pass to Kayla Dubsky, Hamley Bridge.

Courtside with Merridy Manuel

It’s no longer a mystery! The ‘Showdown of Showdowns’ revealed who might well be at the top of the ladder come the end of the season. Hummocks trounced the Peckers in a 25 goal victory. Hamley conquered Mallala by 20 goals and Two Wells toppled Virginia by 36. But it’s not over yet! Heavens it’s only round four of 19, we’re not even quarter way. You beauty!
Now, having only played three seasons in between children, I’m slowing learning the history of APNA netball and who’s who. This week I have learnt there is possibly rivalry between Two Wells and Virginia as well as Hummocks and Balaklava. And possibly, there is something between Mallala and Hamley, or is it Long Plains? Interestingly, these teams all played their “rivals” on the weekend. Another two showdowns are rostered for rounds 11 and 18.
Some teams are still recruiting and reshuffling. Virginia A1 coach,  Shelley Williemsen, informs me she has a sister duo that promises to improve her team further. She has had to build up her team and after holding off, asked some netball colleagues from her St Clair netball days to come along.
Turns out, Jamie Healey GD is one of those girls, played her first game on the weekend and got best player! Shelley is hopeful the second half of the season will see Virginia come into their own. The coach was disappointed with the result on the weekend but said the score line didn’t reflect the quality of the game.
Two Wells led from start to finish. Virginia made only one change at WD for the game. Two Wells switched almost the entire team around at half time but continued to extend their lead, their best quarters for the game being the second and last. Two Wells coach, Stacey Gameau gave credit to her defence and goalies, in particular Nicole Darling GS and Karen Penhall GK.
“We are looking forward to the contest next weekend against Balaklava,” she said.
Both teams have the same percentage but Balak has an extra win under the belt.
Over at Port Wakefield, the highly anticipated match between Hummocks and Balaklava didn’t live up to my dreams. The Eagles led from start to finish, pulling away by five or more goals each quarter. Balaklava coach, Tess Pollard complimented the Hummocks girls saying they were a good side right down the court.
“We tried a new line up this week but Hummocks were far too strong.
“However, I believe we can play a lot better.
“Sophie Van Kleef played consistently all game and deserved best player.”
Sam Nicholls, coach and best player for Hummocks, also thought Balaklava hadn’t played to their potential.
“We dictated a lot on the court on Saturday,” Sam commented.
“Everyone played their role and let the outcome take care of itself.”
Hamley coach and best player three weeks in a row, Lee Barnett was pleased with another win but humble about another best player.
She was pleased her girls had started strongly.
“We always have a good last quarter, but this weekend we played netball for all four quarters.”
Hamley dominated from the beginning, intercepting the first Mallala centre pass. They tried a new line up this week swapping Chelsea Modra and Sarah Koch, GA and WA. Hamley won every quarter except the second where Mallala scored the same number of goals.
Mallala coach Katie Kreig said, “I was really proud of my girls with their perseverance and never give up attitude.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t settle into a combination that worked for us on the day.
“It was a good tough fast game and Hamley shoed their team work and connection down the court.”
Hummocks has hit the top of the ladder, with Hamley in hot pursuit. These two sides play each other this weekend – be at Hamley Bridge at 1.45pm for some great courtside action! Could this be a grand final precursor?
This week, I have also learnt what a falcon is. You thought it was a bird, so did I – until I was smacked in the head by the ball during my netball game. Sam Nicholls challenged my embarrassing “falcon” moment to go into my report.
Research revealed Rugby legend Mario Fenech started the ‘falcon’ thing on the footy show. He was nicknamed “The Maltese Falcon”, and introduced “The Golden Falcon” award for accidental head contact with the ball. Funnily, fellow sports writer, Les Pearson, also suffered a falcon blow by a bouncing football this weekend!

n A1: HUMMOCKS GD, Bonnie Nicholls intercepts on Balaklava’s Nadene Wehr.

DUBLIN identity Pat Thompson and Michael Perth read a selection from Ulysses, while listening in are (from left) Linda Seed, of the New Dublin Hotel; Vivien Tonkin, Governor Hindmarsh Hotel; DCM community development officer Lynette Seccafien; film maker Derek Rogers and Brian Tonkin, Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Les Pearson reports

THINGS are due to turn Irish in Dublin next month, when the Adelaide Irish community, in conjunction with the owners of The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Vivien and Brian Tonkin, host Bloomsday celebrations in the town.
Bloomsday is celebrated annually on June 16, commemorating the life of Irish writer, James Joyce, who famously published one of the most acclaimed novels of all time, Ulysses.
The book is known as a recount of the events from just one day, June 16, 1904, in the life of fictional character, Leopold Bloom.
To mark the event, celebrants dress in clothing from the turn of the 19th century and perform readings from the novel and, in some places, re-enact scenes from the story.
On Saturday, June 16, our own Dublin will come alive with readings at the New Dublin hotel, at Dublin Institute and in the streets, using multiple amateur performers.
Event organiser, Michael Perth, said the small town, named after Ireland’s capital, was an ideal location.
“Bloomsday is put on in all the major cities around the world on June 16 and I thought because we have a Dublin, the only Dublin in Australia, we should come here to celebrate,” he said.
“In Adelaide, we always get together and have some readings but this year, we want to expand it and come to Dublin.
“It’s nothing like St Patrick’s Day but some places it can be very academic and they really get into it.
“We want something a little more light-hearted and fun.”
Mr Perth encouraged anyone who wanted to get involved in the celebrations to come along and join in the festivities.
“We’d like the women to dress in those lovely costumes from 1904, with those lovely hats and we’ve got an idea for a prize to be awarded to the best dressed one,” he said.
“Even the men are encouraged to wear waistcoats and other clothing from that period.
With its position on the globe, the Australian celebrations will be held well before the Irish get into it.
So, the event in Dublin, South Australia, will be filmed and beamed across the world.
“The concept is it will be filmed, put on YouTube and we’ll try to get sections of the filming to Ireland in time for the beginning of their celebrations,” Mr Perth said.
“The hope is to get it on the evening news in Ireland.
“Having it in Dublin, Australia, it’s just that little concept we think might get it going.”
Mr Perth, who has a strong Irish heritage, believes Bloomsday is an important celebration of Irish culture and literature.
“I think James Joyce was able paint a character with such strength and it’s a bit revolutionary and opening people’s minds to different concepts of life,” he said. “The book was banned for many years but now, of course, it’s very popular.
A busload of revellers will be heading to Dublin from Adelaide to mark the event, although others are also expected to get on board in coming weeks.
Mr Perth hopes to grow the event in years to come.
“I think once we get this one going, we’ll see how we go with it,” he said. “If it’s successful, I think people will want to come back.
“This is the first one, so it’s all a learning experience at the moment.”
n If anyone has some talents, whether it be in drama or music, and they wish to be part of the celebrations, they are encouraged to contact either Michael on 0417 803 420, or email dubmick@dodo.com

Penwortham had good gathering on Sunday for the official presentation of the framed and signed jerseys at Horrocks Cottage by Tourism SA’s Annunziata Thompson. This was followed by an enjoyable barbecue. Mount Horrocks Historical Society signed up some new members.

PENWORTHAM was officially presented with its awards for being the best-dressed town in Stage One of the Tour Down Under, held in January this year.
The town also took out the bronze award in the overall best-dressed town category.
A good gathering formed on Sunday for the official presentation of framed and signed jerseys at the historical Horrocks Cottage by SA Tourism’s Annunziata Thompson.
Penwortham Tour Down Under co-ordinator, Meredith McInnis, said it was a proud moment for the town.
“I think the awards brought a sense of pride for the community as everyone came together and worked together well to achieve such a great result,” she said.
The framed jersey is signed by South Australian UniSA rider, Rohan Dennis, who was part of a bold breakaway throughout the first stage.
It is on display in Horrocks Cottage, along with the framed certificate, although plans are to eventually shift the award to the Clare Tourism Centre.
A social barbecue followed the presentation, where the Mount Horrocks Historical Society (MHHS) also signed up some new members.
“We’re only a small group of locals looking to keep our local history alive,” MHHS treasurer, David Spackman said.
Mr Spackman added the group will be hosting several events at Horrocks Cottage and in the nearby area throughout South Australian History Month but a bigger event is planned towards the end of the year.
He revealed a re-enactment of the returning of the body of explorer, Robert O’Hara Burke, of Burke and Wills fame, back to Melbourne, will take place in December, passing through Bungaree and Penwortham.
“It should be a great event,” Mr Spackman said.
The MHHS is always looking for more volunteers to get involved, with anyone welcome to join and lend a hand.

WINNING smiles (from left) Marcelle Page, Leah Chidgey, Kathryn Mahony, Di Michael, Philomena Clarke, Jill Sanders, Jenni McBride, Mary Masson and Foodland’s Sonia Mumford, and owners Mike and Megan Smith. – PICTURE: Lisa Redpath.

We’ve heard of the “Lucky Lotto” shops, but what about lucky supermarkets?
We have a contender for that title with Balaklava’s Foodland store.
Since 2004, locals who have shopped at Foodland Balaklava  have won more than$120,000 by entering their dockets in the many competitions run throughout Foodland stores statewide.
“It’s marvellous,” said  Foodland owner Mike Smith.
“Megan (Mike’s wife) and I couldn’t be happier for them. We always encourage our customers to fill in entry forms for any Foodland competitions.”
Most recent winner was Balaklava’s Di Michael, who won $15,000 in shopping vouchers in April.
But Di’s wins don’t stop there. In recent times she has won a washing machine and about $800 in Foodland vouchers. She should buy a lotto ticket!
Balaklava local Mary Masson was the first winner back in June 2004, winning $25,000 cash.
Mary and husband Les spent some of the money on a trip to New Zealand.
Since then, there have been numerous other major winners, including Balaklava Primary School teacher and Auburn resident Leah Chidgey, who won spending money of $10,000, and Balaklava’s Marcelle Page won $20,000.
Hoyleton’s Jill Sanders won $10,000 and treated her family to a holiday and some other home items.
Owen resident Philomena Clarke won a  $20,000 home entertainment package.
Balaklava’s Kathryn Mahony won a travel voucher for $14,000 for an 8-day trip anywhere in the world, plus $6,000 spending money. Kathryn and husband Ray travelled to Europe and had a fantastic time.
And Balaklava’s Jenni McBride has had numerous wins, (although not as big as some) including a $2,000 SA Travel voucher, $1,000 Foodland voucher, an X Box with Band Hero, and some smaller Foodland vouchers. All very handy!
The current competition, celebrating Foodland’s 50th birthday, could see a local win one of four new Toyota Yaris cars. I’ve got my colour picked out already.
The odds appear to be pretty good. And as Mike and Megan said:“You’ve got to be in it to win it.”