Earlier this year we ran a story on former Cootamundra man David McClintock (pictured), who resides in Burma. What a worry for his family over the past week or so with the cyclone (plus tsunami like episode) that devastated Burma.

Late last week David was able to be in touch with family members assuring them that he was safe (though very short of drinking water). David lives in the city of Rangoon which was directly hit by the cyclone; meanwhile in southern Burma the Irrawaddy delta which is a rich rice growing area, it was swept away by a huge wall of water.

David together with five expats, works for TEAR Australia under the banner of World Concern, assisting village projects such as schools, health clinics, libraries and establishing water supplies to villages and as David said then, attempting to make a difference to the life of villagers.

In the short e-mail family and friends received late last week David said “keep thinking of me and others here - we need lots of strength (it’s tiring) and wisdom (it’s complex)”.

HAPPY 40th

So pleased to be saying HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY to the following terrific ladies -

Mardi Corby of Stockinbingal celebrated her birthday on Monday last May 12. Mardi is the wife of James Corby and the daughter of former Coota couple Chris and Wendy Roberts. Hope you had a ‘first class’ day Mardi.

And, popular member of staff at Cootamundra Supa IGA Selina Loiterton celebrates her 40th birthday TODAY. Selina was a Stockinbingal girl prior to her marriage to popular gentleman Paul Loiterton, a member of the Baldwin family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARDI & SELINA.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Mrs Josie Hull, of the Nursing Home, celebrated her birthday on Monday last May 12. Josie is the stepmother of former Cootamundra resident Wayne Hull, now of Batemans Bay.

AND Les Arabin, also of the Nursing Home celebrated his birthday yesterday, May 13.

LET US KNOW

The Biggest Morning Tea is set to be happening during the month of May. To raise money to ‘fight cancer’ these ‘legendary’ Morning Tea’s have become a part of what’s happening in May. The official day is May 22, BUT they can take place any time during this month.

SO, if you or your business is planning to host a Biggest Morning Tea do let us know and we will come along to take photos (and of course enjoy a cup of tea!)

QUEENSLAND VISITORS

What fun it was to catch up with two former Muttama girls! Robyn Connolly and Frances Jones, daughters of the late Stan Last of “Tasma” Muttama and Tilly Last now of Brisbane, were here visiting from Brisbane. They did so enjoy ‘catch up time’ with district family members and friends and report that their mum Tilly (who is now aged 93) is enjoying good health.

HERE FOR MOTHERS DAY

Mrs Ethel Meale, of the Cootamundra Retirement Village, was so thrilled to have her daughter Robin Henze, of Wollongong, here visiting on Mothers Day.

Whilst here Robin took the opportunity to attend The Yarra Trio Chamber Music Evening held at the Arts Centre on Friday evening last, with her sister Lindsay Baber and brother in law Andy. Chatting to Robin after the performance she was just ‘blown away’ by the Trio’s ‘electrifying’ performance.

FRIDAY’S STREET STALL

The Cootamundra Hospital Auxiliary is conducting a Street Stall this Friday morning outside the Westpac Bank. There will be ‘yummy’ goodies on sale BUT the ladies would appreciate donations of any saleable items.

ROCK’N IMAGE

Just thrilled to let everyone know that 128 Parker Street (the former premises of Walsh’s Newsagency) will OPEN this Friday. Under the banner of Rock’n Image, Craig and Molly Forsyth will be ‘at the helm’ of this new business opening in town where anything you need in the ‘music world’ will be available. KEEP TUNED.

GALONG PROCESSION

This Sunday the Galong May Pilgrimage takes place at the Galong Monastery. The Procession starts at 2pm and will finish around 4pm. This May day procession has happened for many, many years and this year it will focus on the Youth, given that the World Youth Day is fast approaching.

If you are interested in going to Galong on Sunday next, a bus will be leaving the Church at about 11.30am and if you wish to travel on the bus do be in touch with the Presbytery or the School Office to book a seat.

A BRILLIANT EVENING

What a brilliant evening The Yarra Trio provided for the patrons ‘lucky enough’ to be present at their chamber music performance last Friday night.

The ladies pictured were here certainly happy with the evening (l to r) - Belinda Scott, Margot Gill, Ros Burge and Judi Morrow

.TALKING MUSIC

Surely the topic of conversation of ‘first class pianist’ Stefan Cassomenos and local lady Ann Jakes was music when they met last Friday at the Yarra Trio evening held at the Art Centre. Stefan, Holly and Chris entertained us with an evening of music to thrill all!