Books to enjoy….

Rod The Autobiography by Brenda Gorely

For a little light reading over the holiday I read Rod The Autobiography by, surprise, surprise, Rod Stewart. It was written just how he talks, very down to earth and was a relaxing read.

Being a Cockney born and bred, he often quoted amusing sayings from his past. One that particularly appealed to me was, “If you don’t go to the fair, you can’t win a coconut.” I thought this was so relevant to retirees and  Whittlesea U3A members.  We were all prepared to join a new Group, make new friends and stimulate our brains by learning new activities and skills.

So in future when you feel daunted by technology and new activities you haven’t tried before and are not sure you can master, think of the coconut. Who knows how many you can win?

Brenda Gorely  – Whittlesea U3A bookclub leader

 

Brenda is our Book Discussion Leader who is an avid reader of all genre. Brenda reads and leads the discussion every month when she facilitates the book discussion group of Whittlesea U3A members.

Brenda also is the person who will help you decide what size Whittlesea U3A polo shirt which you can order and pick up at the monthly morning tea at the Epping Memorial Hall corner High Street and Hall Street Epping.

Brenda is ex President of Whittlesea U3A and also been the Leader of the Chair Exercises group.

 

 

 

 

FOAL’S BREAD BY GILLIAN MEARS

 

This absorbing story begins in 1926 on a farm in rural NSW with a harrowing event for the main character, Noah, a young girl of fourteen.  Due to her circumstances she has to make a cold hearted decision which will haunt her for the rest of her life.

Noah has a hard life droving with her father, but she meets Roley Nancarrow on the horse jumping circuit, which they both excel at. They eventually marry and take over his family’s farm.  Noah and Roley have such love and great expectations in the beginning, but are dealt a harsh blow by his lightning strikes and subsequent illness.

Life on a farm at that time is so realistically portrayed. There is very little pleasure to be had, but they do all enjoy the horses and the shows they perform at.  These shows were very important, as they bought the whole community together and gave a little respite from their arduous lives.

As Roley’s illness progresses and his father passes away, more of the workload falls to Noah with drastic repercussions.

Themes of luck, superstition and symbols are very important to them, beginning with Foal’s Bread which is a substance occasionally found in the mouth of a newborn foal and, as such, considered a lucky charm to be hung up in the home.

This is a sad, but compelling story, very descriptive of the landscape and country life and I recommend it to anyone interested in this Country’s history.

You can’t help but feel emotionally connected to the characters.

Brenda Gorely