WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Pamela Martin and Jim Stephanis who finally tied the knot after ten years. Pam and Jim regularly return to Grenfell. They were a little hesitant when I asked if I could use their story and after prompting and a few questions this is their story:
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1. Where did you and Jim meet? “We met in 2009 when Jim attended a defensive driving course as part of his employment. It was at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn where I was an instructor. I had him 'captive' in my car for 3 days and we've been together ever since.”
2. When exactly was Jim in Grenfell and what cafe and when did they leave? “Jim was born in June 1958, eldest son of George and Panorea Stephanis owners of the Blue Ocean Fish Shop next to the Allies café and then Georges Milk and Hot Food Bar which later became Munchtime. He was part of the Greek community which has recently been celebrated in Grenfell. He attended school in Grenfell finishing at Henry Lawson High School in 1976 as 'the boy most likely to succeed in life'. He left Grenfell for Sydney after his HSC and went on to have a successful career with Westpac Bank.”
2. Where are your family from? Pam was born in Maitland and lived there for 21 years before moving to Sydney after completing her Teaching Diploma at Newcastle College of Advanced Education. The family still live in the local area.
3. Where were you married? “We were married at the Celebrant's (Victoria Langham of Beautiful Days) home in Raworth. We wanted something very low key and relaxed, so we kept the secret for 5 weeks and then after the ceremony contacted all our family with the good news. Our witnesses, Gladys and Graham Dunning were a couple that Jim had met 15 years ago on a tour he had done to China. As they live quite near to us we have developed a close friendship and often holiday with them.”
4. What are you up to now? “As a child Jim never went on holidays as the shop was worked 364 days a year. After leaving Grenfell he has made up for this by travelling the world extensively. After meeting Pam they have continued to travel with cruising being their favourite form of holidaying. We also have a motorhome and are starting to explore more of Australia but love visiting Grenfell when we can to catch up with friends. Our other passion is lawn bowls and we play regularly at home. Jim likes to keep it social whereas Pam is more committed and recently represented NSW in the National Armed Bowlers Championships.”
5. Where is home? “Jim retired in 2009 and when Pam finished work in 2014 we left Sydney behind and headed to Maitland. We are currently in the process of building a new home in Maitland, downsizing and also making better access for the motorhome.”
6. Anything else re family you may wish to add? “Pam has a son and daughter from her first marriage and two beautiful grandsons who Jim adores. Jim still has his mother in Sydney along with his sister Marianna and his brother Nicholas.”
FAMILY CATCH UP: Margaret and Jeff Watson from Victoria and Elise Stokes and her beautiful children Mercy, Solomon, Avalyn and Isaiah from Arcadia South Victoria were in Grenfell visiting Graham, Marion and Kate Amery. Margaret and Marion are sisters whilst Elise is Graham and Marion’s daughter. The family enjoyed and evening out to dinner at the Railway Hotel on Friday evening.
BOOMERANG BAGS: Have you seen or have you got some of the Borrow and Bring Back Boomerang Bags Grenfell at home. If you have and you are not using them, can you please return them to the hooks at the IGA, Meat Barn and the Tin Cupboard so that they can circulate and be used for what they were intended. Helen Carpenter is seeking volunteers once again to make more boomerang bags. Friends in Grenfell, do you have some spare time and a sewing machine? Easy sewing, straight sewing, all thread and materials provided. Bags are cut out ready to sew. If you are able to assist contact 0428542708.
GOANNAS T20 FUN DAY: Grenfell Lions Club will run their jumping castle and a sausage sizzle plus cold soft drinks at top Lawson Park on Saturday January 19 at the Grenfell Goanna’s T20 Fun Day - A get together game of cricket with the Goannas v the Dinosaurs/Girlannas. Come down and have a laugh or two with your family and friends. Hope to see you there from 12 noon.
COMING EVENTS: January 26: Australia Day Celebrations and Awards Presentations in Taylor Park; Breakfast from 8am. Awards ceremony to commence at 9am. The Australia Day Ambassador is Zoe Naylor. Grenfell Swimming Club Disco Pool Party – Fundraiser from 5 - 8.30pm – admission $5 Barbecue, Lions Jumping Castle and more planned for the evening. Grenfell Country Club Australia day evening rock band Voodoo Shuffle will be playing on the grass from 8 till late.