By virtue of my pioneer Scot’s blood from nearby Eugowra, I have always felt compelled to oppose, when I judge things to be wrong. To the contrary, when I experience matters that are worthy and good, I choose freely to support! “Brickbats and bouquets” if you like, although I appreciate these assessments are merely my opinion. Aah, c’est la vie... but the perplexing conundrum for this descendant, is that the McMillan clan crest, features a raised double handed broadsword, whilst the Latin surround translates as: “succour the distressed”, or as I prefer, “help the oppressed”. “Food for thought” therein, which is relevant to my letter and a most convenient exit from windmill tilting. This warrior now espies a neat segway into the sentiment behind the subject headline “Fabulous Foodhall.”

So - I write today, specifically in the positive, with hearty congratulations and thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who greet many of us at the Foodhall every Friday from 9 -11am, I truly look forward to driving into town to shop for grocery staples at keen prices. The hospitality extended to us all by far exceeds the monetary savings. Priceless.

For a mere ten bucks ($10) of spend, we are made feel like millionaires in a truly Christian atmosphere without any overbearing religious dogma. Throw in a free ‘cuppa’ and ‘wicked’ cakes or sandwiches and a splendid environment exists, which encourages chat with others who live here, no matter whether these folk are known to you or not! 

Like the ‘traveller’ in that famous McCubbin painting, you don’t have to be ‘Down on your luck’ to enjoy the spiritual uplift that Friday mornings exude. All are welcome, young or old, fleet of foot or not so nimble, families too, simply marvelous and a huge thankyou with big bouquet to the givers. This be no advertorial but where do ya get it?...Soldiers memorial hall, adjacent to the Anglican Church. Oh yes, remember to bring your shopping bags. Life’s good when you experience this sincere and friendly warmth from fellow citizens in your own town!  Along those harmonious lines and communal sharing, I recently had the sheer joy of the oldies rockin’ along with me in song at the MPS during the HLF, to the cheery grocery refrains of ‘I like aeroplane jelly’ and ‘Happy little vegemites’. They loved it and I’ll never forget it! Don’t think those two Aussie icon items are on the shelves just yet, might have to sheathe the clan ‘Samaritan Sword’ and be super gracious to Joan and her wonderful team. 

My thought for today - ‘Please, thank you, sorry and hope’ have got to be on the shopping list of the most powerful and preferable words in our English language, and they cost nothing.

See you Friday friends,

“BRAVEHEART” –

Bob McMillan