I grew up in suburban Brisbane in the sixties and early seventies. I was also the youngest of four siblings, the only girl with three older brothers. Apart from being introduced to both great and questionable music, my greatest achievements in middle childhood were learning how to pour beer without a head and watching cricket on the telly. All summer, every summer.
As I aged, my cricketing understanding and enjoyment also developed. I grew very fond of listening to Test cricket on Auntie (the ABC radio). The commentators were usually far superior to those on the TV, their observations thoughtful and their banter entertaining.
There were a few notable exceptions, of course. Richie Benaud, that smooth talking, exceptionally knowledgeable former captain could keep me engrossed for his entire session. Another outstanding and extremely excitable disciple of the game was the marvellous Bill Lawry. another former Australian captain and legendary on-air performer for forty-five years. Along with "Got him!", his most famous utterance would have to have been "It's all happening...!", followed by whichever cricket ground he happened to be broadcasting from.
I have decided that the time has come for some hyper enthusiasm and pride regarding the latest expose from Heavenly Beverley, brought to you by Kate the Beverley Blogger. There is far too much doom and gloom in both the print media (most of which is woeful) and the commercial television stations and their associated online presence (most of which is also woeful in detail, honesty and grammar).
It's time, ladies and gentlemen, to announce very loudly that, once more, Heavenly Beverley is the "Happening Place" in the central wheatbelt. Dare I shout "Still all happening here in Beverley!"
Ease of access from the Big Smoke? Only one hundred and thirty kilometres.
Plenty of fun to entertain the kiddies? Best playground and skate park in the Wheatbelt with shade, BBQs and water.
Food establishments? Two pubs and the bakery. The Red Vault café is temporarily closed due to illness. Thus the East End Gallery is offering tea and coffee for a gold coin donation on Sundays at present. Try getting a coffee in York after three o'clock on a Sunday.
Need to cool off? Great public swimming pool opposite the school with lawn, shade and a kiosk.
Crowds? Never so big that one has to queue for a meal or a coffee which does happen in other towns.
Attractions? Well, Beverley has them in spades.
- Mandy's Art Garden is at the Eastern end of town just past the Freemason's Tavern. An artist for several decades, Mandy produces art pieces for homes and gardens, as well as holding very popular frequent and fabulous workshops.
- The East End Gallery, owned and run by Yours Truly and my beloved partner in crime Michael. Going from strength to strength, we have been running this gig for nearly seven years and now host and support over one hundred artists with our generous Gallery and Giftshop space. We also hold Sundowners several times a year featuring a late afternoon sausage sizzle and LIVE music.
- Nex Dor is an off shoot of Avon Trading and features all items for the garden - furniture, plants, wall hangings, ornamental pieces in a very pleasant and airy establishment.
- Station Gallery, run by Beverley Station Arts, has become an overnight sensation after fifteen years of hard work by a team of dedicated volunteers. Featuring Beverley's famous Artist-in-Residence programme, visitors have the chance to meet and chat with an array of different artists and enjoy the spring to autumn programme at the Platform theatre.
- Reclaimed Emporium, opening this weekend, is a chance to browse through some exquisitely restored furniture, homewares and gifts. Run by Jodi, this is a dream come true for her and she has worked exceptionally hard to launch this enterprise.
- The Inspirational Studio is Sarah's venture into a wonderful world of crystals and windchimes, colourful homewares and books, dietary supplements and relaxing music. Her XO would be mum Jackie, who makes the best Anzac biscuits.
- Marion and her daughter Rebecca run their art, gift and jewellery studio, featuring their own work, while supporting other artists. Bec has just had a lovely little baby daughter Evelyn, who may just be snoozing in her pram when you visit. Just beautiful.
- For those with more bravery than me, Beverley currently has the biggest gliding club in the world (based on kilometres flown). I have been told that a glider flight is just about the most exhilarating experience to enjoy. Summer is a fabulous time to glide with the increase in thermals.
- Beverley also offers a variety of accommodation options - the best caravan park in the Wheatbelt (of course I am not biased) with airconditioned brand new cabins, free forty-eight hour RV and caravan spots next to the river plus the airconditioned Beverley Bed and Breakfast. Both the pubs offer accommodation upstairs and I have been told that the new owners at the Freemason's Tavern will continue the renovation of the rooms.
