.

Congratulations,

Finally we are in the Grand Final for the plate this weekend ..where we deserve to be in my opinion. To me it really is a play off for third or fourth in the main competition overall as the promotion of three teams and the wet weather completely stuffed up the points system. The good news is we win a plate if we win on Sunday.

Now … last Sunday’s game – what a great result. Only minutes before the game did we know who was fit enough to run on. The walking wounded and the sick all arriving in all forms of disrepair!

At one stage we only had 14 and looking shaky.

With Eddy still on crutches and Jock in fashionable moon boots, Alex out from a neck injury the day before, ( luckily just bruising), Mitch, Sam and Banjo all limping from bashing each other up the day before (Joey’s v Shore) and Josh climbing out of bed with a virus to help out, I was starting to think this was going to be a tough day in the Oval Office!

However, the boys all agreed that had to ramp up that little extra to overcome the adversity, Campbell took over as skipper, Will Collard stepped into Banjo’s big boots ,Oscar moved to centre Sam Harrison from back row to wing again.. so on we ran into battle.. shaken but not stirred!

As I have stated previously about Burraneer they are a very tough defensive side, I found out on Sunday nine of their boys play rugby league on Saturday, hence their great tackling defence.

We changed tactics and decided to attack down the blind side away from their crash tackling centres or chip over them in open play.

From the kick – off the boys were positive and aggressive, Balmoral Oval was hard and dusty as both sides launched into it. After a few minutes Will Collard cleverly switched play down the blind side and sent Sammy H on a run, as the defence closed he grubbered ahead… the race was on, Ben Reader was on the spot (as always) to gather the ball and race over to score. Locky  P converted from midway from the side line … Mosman up 7-0.

The forwards were right into it, Tommy was crunching them in defence and giving them grief with his usual bullocking runs. Ben Wicket continued his good form in the tight stuff his work rate better every week and making his physical presence felt, as was Hugh and Gus (these two are really hitting there straps as well now) and Josh who was running hot in form and temperature (now about 101*) .. in short the engine room were all running hot. The reason we are winning is our tight five is  dominating and giving us go forward. Well done you boys – another outstanding effort.

Joe was winning some fantastic lineout ball and making his usual thousand (in Ray Warren voice) tackles a game, and Ben Reader was mighty at the breakdown. Joe and Ben shut down Burraneer’s best dominant forward at the breakdown, as discussed prior to the game, this was a huge challenge and they rose to the occasion.

Campbell as usual was dominant all over the paddock and was having a great captains game leading by example, he was rewarded soon after with another try from our chip and chase tactics, which saw Burra reeling and now down 14-0 after the conversion next to the posts.

Burra hit back, and soon scored out wide and it was 14 -5 shortly before half time.

In the backs Oscar was having a whale of a game tackling everything that moved in midfield, Ben was doing likewise and setting up some good backline moves for Remy to chime in and give our winger Sam and Mitch a few good runs.

Locky at 5/8 was having his best game in that position varying play nicely with some kicks ,runs and slick service, but more importantly .. bringing the backs up in a good straight defensive line.

After the break, Josh was having a well earned rest, Locky Miller replaced him with fresh legs and got stuck in straight as he always does, then Banjo and Sam Allen came on to see if they could put in half a game with their crook legs as Mitch and Will (who had a great game for us filling in for Banjo) had a rest.

Both sides set off at a cracking pace again, the game tightened no team was giving an inch, the boys from Burra were not going down without a fight, but nobody messes with the Mosman 13A Whales!!

Banjo turned them around again with his clever kicking, Sam Allen had a great 50m run after a good backline move, we were playing good clever 15 man rugby everyone from Remy at fullback (still in great form) to Gus at hooker involved.

A  terrific penalty goal from Locky P put us ahead 17-5 with some breathing space, but Burra came back again, will they ever quit these guys? NO !!

After 7 straight penalties to Burra (will this Ref ever give us a break!) they scored and converted to trail Mosman 17 -12.

The boys held on to full time and thoroughly deserved their win. They showed great heart and  team spirit.

Oscar put in a great man of the Match performance closely followed by Captain Campbell, Tom the” Horton Express” and every other player deserved a wrap.

So the walking wounded made the grand final on Team Spirit,,Courage,,Neurofen,Voltaren,and lots of bandages.

To say that Jane and I are proud of this team is an understatement, all the injured boys are there every week to cheer their mates on, they play sick and injured for each other.

Remember also, many, I mean many players go their whole Rugby life and never play in a Grand Final or have a chance of winning a medal, so lets enjoy the experience and give it our best shot,win, lose or draw from here all these boys are already winners.

NOW BRING ON COLLAROY…..

Cheers

Coach

23.08.10Stephen Patrick2 Comments »

Our office will be closed from December 24 until January 4 2010. For any parties wanting to contact one of our sales agents to arrange an inspection during the period that we are closed here are the contact phone numbers.
.
Stephen Patrick – 0413 834 848
Richard Simeon – 0411 499 906
Robert Simeon – 0411 856 969
Mark Manners – 0403 032 700
Jacqui Rowland -Smith – 0411 714 442
Marize Bellomo – 0414 972 203
Taylor Fidan – 0423506055
.
We wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year, health and wealth in 2010 and beyond.

11.12.09Stephen PatrickNo Comments »

HISTORY was made in the Grand Hall of the Mosman Art Gallery and Community Centre on Tuesday night, April 28.

Mosman Council passed its controversial paid parking proposal before the largest crowd of outraged denizens attending a Council meeting in living memory.

The meeting had to be moved from Mosman Council Chambers to the Community Centre to accommodate a record-breaking crowd of about 300.

There were more than 60 registered speakers. Most argued strongly against the scheme to cheers, applause and whoops from the crowd.

Mosman resident Brian Wilder said: “Balmoral is a wonderful, rare, exotic jewel … surely one of the best beaches in the world. We don’t want it turned into another Bondi or Manly.”

Steve O’Halloran of Balmoral argued that the scheme was a “revenue-raising” proposal in breach of RTA regulations.

Esther Rd resident Don Mickleborough likened Mosman Council to a dictatorship.

“There was a man in Germany who didn’t listen to his people and he brought the world undone,” he said.

Only one man standing in the back corner dared to vote in favour of the proposal.

And only Tony Larnach-Jones, of Raglan St, Balmoral spoke in favour of the proposal.

Three councillors – Libby Moline and Tom Sherlock from Balmoral ward and Jim Reid from Middle Harbour ward – voted against the paid parking scheme.

Members of the gallery slammed the decision as undemocratic, ill-informed and a “betrayal of the people”.

Cr Denise Wilton said the lampooning response from the crowd was rude and disrespectful.

Mosman Council director of corporate services Max Glyde said the parking meter machines and signs are expected to be rolled out, beginning with Balmoral and The Spit, in July this year.

Source: The Mosman Daily

Follow Me on Twitter

14.05.09Robert Simeon3 Comments »

There are many beautiful foreshore and bushland walks in Mosman. Download maps and brochures here, or pick one up at Mosman Library. http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/library

Balmoral Self Guided Heritage Walk

In November 2005, Mosman Council revised and reprinted the Balmoral Self Guided Heritage Walk brochure that lists items of heritage significance along with a map. With the beach and Harbour on one side, and a vibrant community presence, this walk has become one of the most popular, gaining significance at local, state and national level.

Further information on Balmoral’s significant items and Mosman’s heritage, including historical records and photographs, can be found in Mosman Library’s Local Studies collection.

Curlew Camp Artists’ Walk

The Curlew Camp Artists’ Walk was developed by Mosman Council and Taronga Zoo with financial assistance from the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program and the NSW Heritage Office. The walk is over 1.6 km long and extends from the South Mosman ferry wharf at Musgrave Street and continues along to the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, following the route used by visitors to the Camp during the 1890s.

The site of the Camp is located on the foreshore below Taronga Zoo and contains a viewing platform with interpretative signage which tells the fascinating story of the artists who lived and painted in this idyllic setting, developing a unique style of painting now known as the Australian School of Impressionism. The natural beauty of the area which inspired many well known Australian works of art by prominent artists, including Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts, is still evident today as you follow the route around Mosman’s foreshores.

Nonetheless, it should be noted that the route is partly on road and does include steep sections and stairs. Please refer to the downloadable map below for details of the route:

For any enquiries regarding the Curlew Camp Artists’ Walk please contact Mosman Council.

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach

You can now walk from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach, taking in breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, passing through native bushland and historic military sites that have been closed to the public for more than 100 years.

All walking routes mentioned in this brochure are open during daylight hours. Please take note of individual opening and closing times on gates in the area.

Dogs are not permitted in Sydney Harbour National Park and on some Council reserves. On Harbour Trust lands, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Walkers are asked to clean their shoes before and after walking on bushland tracks in the area to avoid the spread of the root fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi.

This map was produced by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust as a joint project with Mosman Council, Sydney Harbour National Park and the Walking Volunteers, February 2006.

Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge walks

The routes between these two bridges embrace inner and outer harbour views, a cross section of some of Sydney’s most interesting residential streets, as well as a span of history from Aboriginal times, the First Fleet, whaling, Federation and Harbour fortifications. The routes wind over headlands and ridges, skirt many view points and pass through many parks, gardens, rainforest remnants and bushland.

This brochure outlines three main walks from the Harbour Bridge to the Spit Bridge.

At the Spit Bridge, longer distance walkers can join the Harbour to Hawkesbury (Manly to Cowan) Track which then connects with The Great North Walk to Newcastle. For a circle, you would then take The Great North Walk back through the Lane Cove National Park to the Harbour Bridge. You can also continue from the Spit Bridge to Manly as described in the brochure as an example of a one day walk.

This map is an initiative of Walking Sydney Harbour, a partnership project between community walking volunteers, the State Government, Local Government and other relevant authorities.

Sydney Ferries – Harbour Walks

Sydney Ferries have mapped out 16 walks around Sydney Harbour, all easily accessible by ferry.

Three Mosman walks are available:

Mosman Bay Shores

Mosman Bay to Sirius Cove & Athol Bay

Taronga Zoo & Bradleys Head & beyond

Further information

For any enquiries, please contact Community Information at Mosman Library on 9978 4167.

Walking links

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/default.aspx/ParkDiscovery?

For even more information please visit http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/mosman/recreation/walks

Follow Me on Twitter

23.03.09Robert SimeonNo Comments »

Beaches in Mosman maintained by Council

Balmoral Beach & Baths

Edwards Beach

Chinamans Beach

Little Sirius Cove

Clifton Gardens

small area of The Spit Reserve / Pearl Bay

For daily updates on water quality, see the Environment Protection Authority

Beaches in Sydney Harbour National Park – Middle Head

Obelisk Beach

Cobblers Beach

These spots are known for their peace and quiet. Please note that both these beaches are nude bathing areas. – http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/default.aspx/ParkContent/N0039?OpenDocument&ParkKey=N0039&Type=FACILITIES

http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/mosman/recreation/beaches

Follow Me on Twitter

17.03.09Robert Simeon1 Comment »

Parks & ReservesMosman Council manages a variety of parks, reserves and foreshore areas which serve as venues for formal and informal recreation for all age groups in the community.

Map showing parks, bushland, open space, playgrounds and ovals in Mosman

Locations and facilities Balmoral Foreshore Reserve and Beach

Balmoral Park

Bradley Bushland Reserve

Carroll’s Lookout

Chinaman’s Beach

Chowder Head

Clifton Gardens

Clifton Gardens Reserve

Countess Park

Curraghbeena Park

Ellery Park

Harnett Park

Hunter Park

Joel’s Reserve

Lawry Plunkett Reserve

Little Ashton Park

Little Curraghbeena Reserve

Memorial Park

Memory Park

Mosman Park

Parriwi Lighthouse

Parriwi Park

Quakers Foreshore Reserve

Quakers Hat Park

Rawson Park

Reid Park

Rosherville Reserve and Chinaman’s Beach

Sirius Park and Foreshore

Spit West Reserve

Balmoral Foreshore Reserve and Beach
Edwards Bay Road to Balmoral Park, Balmoral

Toilets, shops, island, rotunda, swimming enclosure with sharkproof net, baths, change rooms, swings, fishing, sailing and restaurants. Pay and display parking available at Southern end.

Balmoral Park
South end of the Esplanade, Balmoral

Bicycle track, play equipment, kindergarten, sporting facilities, fitness circuit, recreation and bushland reserve, two playing fields, two synthetic wickets, cricket nets, night lighting on playing fields, carpark, toilets, seating and sailing club. Parking accessible to people with disabilities. Pay and display ticket parking.

Bradley Bushland Reserve
Middle Head Road, Mosman

Nature walkway, wildflower walk and seating. Street parking.

Carroll’s Lookout
Eastern end of Edwards Bay Road, Mosman

Look-out and seat. Street parking.

Chinaman’s Beach
McLean Crescent, Mosman

Children’s playground, bushland reserve, street parking and carpark (pay and display ticket area) large open reserve, toilets, change rooms, beach with no net.

Chowder Head
Morella Road, Mosman

(Sydney Harbour National Park) Remnant bushland, bird watching, spotlighting, foreshore bushwalking track from the Zoo Wharf to Clifton Gardens, views of the city and harbour. Bush regeneration sites.

Clifton Gardens
Adjoining Clifton Garden Reserve, Morella Road, Mosman

Sydney Harbour National Park. Remnant bushland, birdwatching, spotlighting, views of the city and harbour, bushwalking track to Rawson Oval.

Clifton Gardens Reserve
Morella Road, Mosman

Adjoining Sydney Harbour National Park. Toilets, lots of trees, large open area, play equipment, two basketball hoops, change rooms, seating, baths and wharf. Parking available (pay and display ticket area).

Countess Park
Cnr Awaba and Countess Streets, Mosman

Street parking, children’s playground, gently sloping tree studded area with seating.

Curraghbeena Park
Raglan Street, Mosman

Street parking, seating, foreshore bushland reserve and play equipment.

Ellery Park
Western side of Spit Road, Mosman

On-site interpretation works and signage relating to the history of the site and the orginal Spit Bridge, seating, viewing deck.

Harnett Park
Mosman Bay

Carpark, foreshore walk, harbour frontage, rest park and bushland area, rowers’ club and marina.

Hunter Park
The Esplanade, Balmoral

Street parking, play equipment, seating, rest and recreation park, scattered trees and lawn area and Hunter Memorial. Disabled access to toilets on opposite side of The Esplanade.

Joel’s Reserve
13 – 15 Julian Street, Mosman

Street parking, open grassed area, Heritage feature, walking track to foreshore, bushland restoration works. Joel’s Reserve is the site of a major stormwater treatment project that was completed in late 2006.

Lawry Plunkett Reserve
Beaconsfield Road, Mosman

Street parking, play equipment, seating, rest and recreation park with an open grassed area and Natural and Cultural Heritage Walk.

Little Ashton Park
Whiting Beach Road, Mosman

Bushland, gardens and rock art. Free mulch available on Sundays 9am to 3pm. Limited access (no trailers please).

Little Curraghbeena Reserve
Southern end of Musgrave Street, Mosman

Small amenity reserve with grassed area, seating and harbour views. Fish from the seawall.

Memorial Park
Cnr Gouldsbury Street and The Crescent, Mosman

Street parking, seating and a children’s playground. Toilets at Allan Border Oval.

Memory Park
Cowles Road, Mosman

Street parking, playground, seating, basketball hoop, a flat grassed area, handball court, large trees and a rest area.

Mosman Park
The Crescent and Myahgah Road, Mosman

Toilets at Allan Border Oval, memorial gardens, seating and street parking.

Parriwi Lighthouse
Parriwi Road, Mosman

Lighthouse and bushland reserve with seating, lookout with views of Middle Harbour, rest area and street parking.

Parriwi Park
Spit Road, Mosman

Nature and bushland reserve with seating, lookout, bushwalking and street parking.

Quakers Foreshore Reserve
Bay Street, Mosman

Street parking, nature reserve and foreshore reserve.

Quakers Hat Park
Quakers Hat to Pearl Bay, Mosman

Street parking, bushland reserve, Beauty Point Foreshore nature walk that is steep in parts with lookouts, small sheltered beaches. Access from Southern end of Pearl Bay.

Rawson Park
Cross Street, Mosman

Seating, netball courts, toilets and change rooms at Rawson Oval, rest and recreation area, Scottish Cairn, Anderson Memorial, carpark and street parking.

Reid Park
Harnett Avenue, Mosman

Play equipment, sporting facilities, synthetic cricket wickets, Bolivia Bridge, street parking, seating, large open reserve and bushland reserve.

Rosherville Reserve and Chinaman’s Beach
McLean Crescent, Mosman

Children’s playground, bushland reserve, street parking and carpark (pay and display ticket area) large reserve, toilets, change rooms and beach with no net.

Sirius Park and Foreshore
Sirius Cove Road, Mosman

Rest and recreation park with a bushland and foreshore reserve, carpark and street parking, play equipment, fishing, toilets, sailing, change rooms, seating and bushwalking.

Spit West Reserve
The Spit, Mosman

Toilets, public BBQ (patrons must check fire restrictions for the day and bring their own wood), children’s playground, synthetic cricket wicket, Lucinda Federation Memorial, parking (pay and display ticket area) and a large grassed area.

Booking parks & reserves
These reserves, beaches and parks are available on a casual basis. Council bookings are essential for organised events of more than 50 people. See Venues for hire.

Parks and Gardens Policy
A Parks and Gardens Policy has been devised to acknowledge the importance of Parks and Garden reserves and the value placed on them by the community:

Parks and Gardens Policy
The policy will ensure that these areas are maintained in a holistic manner and kept in the best possible condition for current and future generations.

http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/mosman/recreation/parks

Follow Me on Twitter

17.03.09Robert SimeonNo Comments »

The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Red Cross and the Federal Government.

An independent panel made up of community leaders will oversee the appeal Fund’s operation.

Donations are continuing to flow in via the website and phone, and there has also been an overwhelmingly generous response from corporate Australia.

Donations can be made using our secure online donations form or by phoning 1800 811 700.

www.redcross.org.au

Follow Me on Twitter

11.02.09Robert SimeonNo Comments »

Our office will be closed from December 24 until January 5 2009. For any parties wanting to contact one of our sales agents to arrange an inspection during the period that we are closed here are the contact phone numbers.

Stephen Patrick – 0413 834 848

Richard Simeon – 0411 499 906

Robert Simeon – 0411 856 969

Mark Manners – 0403 032 700

Jacqui Rowland -Smith – 0411 714 442

Marize Bellomo – 0414 972 203

Belinda Holmes – 0421 735 150

We wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year, health and wealth in 2009 and beyond.

18.12.08Stephen PatrickNo Comments »