A small group of locals gathered to express and represent the views of Lorne in 2001 at Councillor English’s place. Jo Vondra, a larger than life journalist, who had retired to Lorne, headed up this group. Some of these, plus more recent writers and well wishers gathered at QDOS on Sunday November 8th, to celebrate the survival of this little local paper and its continuing job of informing, joining together , supplying a platform for Lorne locals and, dare I say, entertaining them.
Originals from the First Issue NOV1 2001, who were present were Doug Williams (Cricket writer), Julianne Beatty (Secretary), Elizabeth and Hayden Rickey (poems and articles), Harri Muller who offered to take charge of distribution and faithfully does so still), Cynthia Wynhoven (Arts Roundup) and Susan Sutton, self styled Girl Friday, who made an interesting speech about the early group and their aims. Susan was introduced by the present Editor Janet Goud, as Lorne’s ‘Artist in Residence’ as her very popular paintings hang in many Lorne houses. Janet Goud also introduced the new designer/printer Jarrod Witsell who has been very helpful designing the new look of the paper and also the cover for this special 48 page issue with a pull out section of reminiscences.
Among the present regular writers who were present were John Ford, Sports Editor, proof reader, Sue Grant (no longer hiding as Lillian) Mandy Calder(also proof reader) Garry Fenton , Sandra McComb, John Agar (probably the most prolific) and also some new contributors, Ray Sutton, Eva and Bill Youl, Alan Walls, Murray Walding, Chris Cairns, Linton Ferguson, Clementine and Wendy Jarratt. She and Debbie are also invaluable proof readers. Sadly Commodore Keith Miller and Gary Allen were not present. Also the admin staff behind the publication -David Stribling, Peter Spring, and more recently, Alice Van Duren and Keri Cachia have been busy keeping it afloat. Advertisers are very vital to the survival of the paper and the golden star goes to the Lorne Country Club who advertised in the first issues and is still advertising there today.
The very happy afternoon was held at the lovely Qdos Art Gallery, generously shared by owners Graeme Wilkie and the lovely Gillian. There were drinks and tasty finger food, but the best thing was the warm buzzy atmosphere as old friends and comrades in arms (Jo called his Office THE WAR ROOM, and answered his phone with “HITLER’s BUNKER”) met up and exchanged stories and memories. Peter Spring made the toast to the next 300 Issues of the Lorne Independent Newspaper, heading off with style and confidence into the future.
