The first story in the column discusses the issue of whether the popular Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club in Manly, Australia is referred to as “the Skiffy” or “the Sailos.” Ian Balmain of Healesville insists that the correct term is “the Sailos” and that “the Skiffy” is only used by those from the other side of the Spit Bridge. This small detail highlights the significance of local slang and regional terminology in defining social spaces and identities.
Father Brian Lucas of Bundanoon provides insight into the use of Latin in the Catholic Church during the 1960s Vatican Council. He explains that Latin was supposed to be the common language for Catholic Bishops in Rome, but diverse accents made communication difficult. This sheds light on the challenges faced by the Church in trying to maintain Latin as a universal language in a global context.
Evan Bailey of Glebe suggests that aged Latin teachers could still have a relevant role in schools by checking the grammatical correctness of Latin mottos and ensuring that staff and students uphold Latin exhortations. This idea of preserving and utilizing knowledge of Latin in contemporary settings speaks to the value of traditional languages and practices in modern education.
The mention of David Synnott, the founding GM of Bankcard, sparks memories for Dave Horsfall of North Gosford and Ted Richards of Batemans Bay. Horsfall recalls Derek Synnott’s distinctive Bankcard sticker on his car window, while Richards reflects on the challenges faced by retailers in checking card numbers against weekly lists and dealing with customers in financial difficulty. These anecdotes highlight the impact of Bankcard on everyday life in Australia during its heyday.
Jack Dikian of Mosman shares an amusing anecdote about an antique shop in Mosman that still has a Bankcard sticker on its window, speculating that the owner may be hesitant to remove it due to sentimental or practical reasons. This humorous observation adds a lighthearted touch to the discussion of outdated relics like Bankcard stickers and their enduring presence in certain spaces.
Finally, Caz Willis of Bowral raises a question about the naming of rivers in Newcastle, specifically why there is a Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK but not a Newcastle on Hunter in Australia. This query prompts reflection on the historical and geographical factors that influence place names and the unique ways in which communities assert their identities through naming conventions. Judy Jones of Thornleigh also contributes a poignant moment of reflection at the Bradley’s Head Naval Memorial, where the name of a sailor, A. Hoy, evokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration for those who served in World War I.
