Thanks from Otford firies + more May letters

Thanks from Otford Rural Fire Brigade

Emergency services have been exceptionally busy these past two years but we do not carry the burden on our own. On behalf of all of the members of Otford Rural Fire Brigade I would like to thank some of the businesses that support us in our efforts to help the community and would encourage people to support them.

Kristy from the OK Posy Co., for supplying us with quality floral arrangements for Remembrance and Anzac Days and other ceremonial occasions.

The Centennial Hotel, for supporting us with the Christmas toy raffle.

We would also like to thank the business that host our red collection tins: Binner’s Fruit Shop, Box Road Hot Bread, Box Road Pharmacy, Centennial Hotel, Coles and Coles Liquorland at Kareela, Gymea Chemist, Helensburgh Butchery, Kirrawee Chemist, Otford Pantry, Shell Helensburgh, Speedway Service Station Miranda, Sylvania Heights Newsagency, Sylvania Heights Pharmacy and the Taren Point Bottle Shop.

The donations collected from the collection tins make a significant contribution to the welfare and wellbeing of our members.

We would also like to thank the Illawarra Flame for allowing us to express our gratitude to the community.

– Matthew Sage

Secretary, Otford Rural Fire Brigade

Re: Dr Rip! March Flame Book

Would you be so kind as to pass on my message to Professor Rob Brander.

That is, Coledale’s southern beach is and always has been called ‘Sharky Beach’ not Sharkey’s. This naming is incorrect.

Sharky Beach is named that and that only.

My name is Les Kennedy of Coledale and I’m a local of some 74 years.

My dad told me it was called ‘Sharky Beach’ after Darcy Lorenz was bitten by a shark in the northern area near the reef on or about 1955.

Anyway, a good monthly book; keep up the good work.

Regards, Les

Editor’s note:

Thanks to Les for raising this. The error was not Dr Rip’s but our own. The Flame’s style guide, based on an old Council spelling, has now been updated.

A Council spokesperson told us: “We know there is a lot of debate among residents about the correct spelling of Sharky/Sharkey and/or Sharkies Beach in Coledale.

“In Wollongong Library’s Local Studies Collection there is research showing that it is known by two names. The unpatrolled beach, is known as Sharky Beach, while the reef at the beach’s northern end is known as Sharkies.

“The signage on site was showing signs of its age and has been updated. The signage for Sharky Beach includes a notification that the beach is not patrolled and that swimming is not advised.’’

Ethics teachers needed

Could you be an ethics teacher for Helensburgh Public School?

We are seeking volunteers, so that we can provide ethics classes for all the families who have requested it for their children. We currently require teachers across all stages. In ethics classes, children learn how to think logically, disagree respectfully and support their arguments with evidence, rather than act according to blind habit or peer pressure.

No experience is necessary – all training is provided by Primary Ethics.  If you are looking for an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our school, please email ethics.helensburgh@gmail.com

– Lorraine Radzyner, Helensburgh

Terrible state of Gymea Glades Park

Just wondering if you would do a story on the terrible state of Gymea Glades Park in Helensburgh. Council never returns call when you ring and it is very unsafe, especially for small kids.

– Cathy Deem, Helensburgh

Over to Council:

A council spokesperson said that they know the playground is ageing and have plans for a “renewal”. “The planned work includes the replacement of the retaining wall and renewal of equipment and surfacing. The replacement of the retaining wall is scheduled to be completed this financial year, and the upgrade of equipment and surfacing is programmed for the 2022/2023 financial year.” Council – which maintains 147 playgrounds from Helensburgh to Yallah – has also battled wet weather. “We have to be cautious, as putting our heavy machinery on to sodden ground can damage the surface. We are monitoring the conditions closely and mow as the grass and grounds dry out,” the spokesperson said.

Re: ‘What if cars were guests?’, April 2022

I read the above article with some dismay.

Like Lena, I grew up on streets where children could play – but that was 50 years ago. On a recent visit to the streets of my childhood, there were cars parked on both sides of the road. Regardless of the speed, it would be impossible for children to play on those streets today.

It’s not so much speed that is inherently dangerous, it’s lack of attention.

At 30kph, a car travels 8 metres in a second. At 40kph the car travels 11m. Personally I would rather someone was looking at the road for those extra 3m than at their speedometer – as a child steps out in front of them.

Having recently driven in London where there are 20mph (32kph) limits, I can’t pretend to tell you how stomach churning and painful it is.

The campaign is not as popular as they would have you believe. The 30please.org removes any negative comments and doesn’t even bother replying to messages.

If you want safer streets put fences along the roadside – but, of course, that costs money.

– Kevan Silver, Helensburgh

Keep up the good work

Love your little book that arrives in our letterbox every so often. I was going to ask if we could get it in bigger print… Old eyes… and I struggle to read some of the great articles. I have just found out that I can read it on line when it arrives so not a drama now. Although, I am sure that there are others out there who also struggle to read the small print. I loved the story about Mr Charlie and also Tony Ryan’s contribution.

Keep up the good work.

– Cheryl Nutt, via email

Thank you from the Moirs

My husband and I have returned to Katoke-Lweru Secondary School* in a remote rural corner of Tanzania. Sid is again the headmaster. Our school is truly a miracle, enabling children from so many villages to receive a quality education. Thank you to all who have donated and collected cans/bottles.
If you would like to also sponsor a student, please contact Lee King, our sponsorship coordinator. 2508, your support and generosity have truly had an amazing impact here. Thank you again.

– Marilyn and Sid Moir (formerly of Helensburgh)

* The Katoke Trust is a Christian organisation; contact Lee (4294 1114, www.katoke.com.au).

Shameful View at Start of Road World Bicycle Championship

Stanwell Park Petroleum Station – over 10 years an eyesore welcoming visitors to the Illawarra.

Won’t we be proud to welcome world bicycle competitors and their followers and the media with this derelict building near the beginning of the Grand Pacific Drive?

– Georgia Phillips, Stanwell Park