Chris Jensen's Blog

Chris Encounters Mrs Santa Claus

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:40:58 +0000

Have you been a Good Boy? Mrs Santa Claus with Chris Jensen at Beauaraba Lodge

2009 Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:25:48 +0000

On the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of November some of the greatest bush balladeers in Australia gathered in Pittsworth for the annual Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards (At the end of this article you’ll find a list of all the winners).

The Australian Bush Ballad is a unique piece of music. Like Bush Poetry it tells of the bush and the people of the bush and the struggles and triumphs of every day life in the Australian Bush.
It was great to catch up with old mates again for the weekend and there were really good crowds to enjoy the line up. Keith Jamieson was given a special award for services to the Bush Ballad movement, something that really took him by surprise.
When Ros Scotney and Keith Jamieson got together and started the Gidgee Coal Awards they were of course thinking of the title of one of the best known Bush Ballads “By a Fire of Gidgee Coal” written in 1964 at the Tatts (Tattersall’s) Hotel in Pittsworth by one of the greatest writers of bush ballads Stan Coster.
Another great writer of Bush Ballads, in fact someone who I’ve often referred to as the Bush Balladeers Bush Balladeer, Waverly (Wave) Jackson was given the inaugural “Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Living Legend Award”. And what a treat it was to be on stage with Wave when he accepted. It’s a memory I will long cherish and I’m sure everyone who was there will feel the same.

So the Gidgee Coal Awards are over for another year and I think it’s safe to say Pittsworth can now claim to be one of the great centres of the Australian Bush Ballad Movement.

See you in Pittsworth next year.
Winners:

Female Vocal
Dianne Lindsay – Jackie Howe
Male Vocal
Ernie Constance – Silent Crosses
Group or Duo / Collaboration
Dean Perrett & Diane Lindsay – There’s a Rainbow Round my Memories
Instrumental
Charlie Boyter – Good Morning Australia
New Talent
John Battle – In the Outback of Australia
Album of the Year
Dean Perrett – A Thousand Campfires
Songwriter
Ernie Constance – Milestones
Comedy / Novelty
Debbie Beckett – Ode to Elsie
Encouragement Award
Sharon Smith
Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Living Legend Award
Wave Jackson

Keith Jamieson with John Staunton (creator of the plaque)

IMPRESSIONIST DANNY MCMASTER AT BROXBURN BASH

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 22:20:35 +0000

DANNY MCMASTER is Australia’s very own “International Comedy Impressionist” One of the world’s great comedy impressionists! His mum wanted him to grow up to be somebody. He grew up to be..…everybody!
‘HIS (MC)MASTER’S VOICES’ Alan Jones, AC/DC, Miss Piggy, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Dr. Phil, Tom Jones, Bugs Bunny, Billy Connolly, John Howard, Dennis Waterman, Ian Chappell, Porky Pig, Neil Diamond, Peter Harvey, George W. Bush, Robert Deniro, Barack Obama, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Richie Benaud, Bill Lawrey, Yosemite Sam, Max Walker, Christopher Walken, Bill Cosby, Michael Bolton, Frank Spencer, Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Al Pacino, Daffy Duck, Tweety & Sylvester, Elmer Fudd, Kermit The Frog, The Bee Gees, Fozzie Bear, Foghorn Leghorn, Bill Clinton, Joe Pesci, John Wayne, John Travolta, Walter Brennan, Bruce Willis, Willie Nelson, Tony Greig, Morgan Freeman and…………….….many more.
Brilliant! Fantastic! Amazing! Uncanny! Close your eyes and he sounds exactly like THEM!
An incredible experience to hear:
Bill Cosby explaining cricket… Joe Cocker and Ray Charles dueting… Joe Pesci venting…
Barack Obama’s introduction to the Governator, Arnold…
Morgan Freeman giving an Indian Chief a ‘heads-up’ on victory and defeat…
Dr. Phil’s philosophy… Alan Jones’ ‘Moral Test’ challenge…
Sean Connery seeking a few good men… Billy Connolly’s ode to ‘Lucille’…
The funniest ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ you’ve ever heard…
This show has over 65 voices!
Cartoon Characters, Movie Stars, Politicians, Celebrities and Singing Legends!!!!
WITNESS DANNY MCMASTER AT PITTSWORTH’S BROXBURN BASH SUNDAY 3rd MAY 6:00 PM

Laurie Muggleton

Dianne Lindsay to Perform at Broxburn Bash

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 22:11:43 +0000

When it comes to country music pedigrees, Dianne Lindsay can lay claim to one of the best. She is the daughter of Reg Lindsay and Heather McKean, and niece of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean.

Family commitments resulted in Dianne’s music ambitions being put on the back-burner for several years but with the family now grown, she’s following her dreams. That has involved some extensive interstate travel and attendance at a range of country music festivals. What she delivers is traditional country music with her own special touch. A natural stage presence and talent as a songwriter have helped Dianne build a following.

Her debut CD last year included covers of her father’s Bushland Sweetheart and Beautiful Memories & Beautiful Dreams. Since the release of her debut CD ‘Memories & Dreams’, Dianne has been awarded Female Vocal in the Pittsworth’s Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards and in the NSW Gold Medallion Awards for her rendition of Joy McKean’s ‘Local Mary Magdalene’ along with a host of other nominations.

Her songwriting has been recognized, being named New Songwriter of the Year at this year’s Tamworth TSA Awards as well as Songwriter of the Year in the NSW Gold Medallions.

Underlying everything is a simple desire to enjoy and share her music with her audience as part of Dean Perrett’s Bush Balladeers Concert midday on Sunday 3rd May at “ Pittsworth’s Broxburn Bash.”

Laurie Muggleton

BASH BUCK OFF BOASTS SECOND PITTSWORTH RODEO LEGEND

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:04:07 +0000

Danny Salgado on “Luigi” Pittsworth 1984 (Photo by Daryl Doyle)

DANNY SALGADO’s Rodeo career of “BULLS, BAREBACK and BULLOCKS” spanned 25 years. From his first “Out” in the National Rodeo Association’s (S. E. QLD) Dalby Rodeo in 1970, to his last
“ Go ‘Round ” in 1995 at the Pittsworth’s Leagues Club Rodeo on “The Black Slug,” Danny claims to have had the “ Best Job in the World.”
Danny pursued his career in this unique sport throughout the Australia Rodeo circuit calendars, (He never felt the need to contest overseas) alongside Australian Rodeo Champions of the ilk of Kenny Coleman, Ross Piper, Clem Young, Shane Connolly (Pittsworth) and the McPhee Brothers. All Legends in their own right.
Danny turned Professional in 1975 at Mount Isa’s Kalkadoon Park Rodeo, and went on, (fortunately with no major injuries but a couple of broken bones) to experience career highlights of, riding time on some of the most notorious, unridden bucking bulls in the business. His first N.S. W. Rodeo in Cowra saw him best“Three Aces” At the Brymaroo Rodeo in 1974. Danny was the first cowboy to draw and ride time on “Point Danger” This bull went on to become one of the best bucking bulls in Australian Rodeo history.
Danny drew “Point Danger“ again in 1980 at the Petrie Rodeo. That time the bull squared the deal in “real quick time”.
Meeting and marrying Kathy Carson in 1981, Danny cut back on his rodeo commitments. They lived in Mount Tyson where Danny worked for Janke Brothers.
The Salgados moved to Pittsworth in 1985 where Danny started with Mclean Farms, (he now holds the position of Piggery Operations Manager) and became involved with the local sporting community via the Pittsworth Leagues and Junior Leagues committees. During the 1980’s Danny helped organise several rodeos at this club.
Still participating in rodeo reunions when he gets the opportunity, Danny will share that infamous adrenalin rush with Shane Connolly, (Pittsworth) Graham Heffernan, (Darwin) Lance Anderson, (Melbourne) Mitch Deans, (Gold Coast) Col Wilson, (Adelaide) and Steve Thorn, (Camberden) in Melbourne on Saturday 9th May, where he will compete in the “Legends of Rodeo Challenge” This event will be part of the “P.B.R. Bundaberg Rum Bull Riding Series Final” held at the Rod Laver Arena in support of the“Jane McGrath Foundation”
Danny sends out his personal invitation to Pittsworth residents to join himself and Shane Connolly at “The Bash” Friday 1st May for some great family style fun centred on T. J. Welding’s Mechanical Bull Shoot Out. As with Shane, Danny will be only too pleased to “Meet & Greet” Talk about his experiences in Rodeo and advise potential cowboys of the pros & cons of the bull ride.

SEE YOU AT THE BASH

Laurie Muggleton

Local Bull Riding Legend to Buck Out at the Bash

admin — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:01:56 +0000

Shane Connolly riding in Peco Texas

Shane Connolly, Australian Rodeo Bull Riding Champion in 1982 and 1987, has offered to open T. J. Welding’s “ MECHANICAL BULL SHOOT OUT ” on Friday 1st May at 8:00 pm for “ Pittsworth’s Broxburn Bash.”
This unexpected privilege has been accepted enthusiastically by the festival committee believing the entertainment value of Shane’s offer is priceless.
Shane, who has his saddler’s shop behind the Tattersall’s Hotel, will use this exercise to help him prepare for a trip to Melbourne the following week, Saturday 9th May, where he takes part in the
“ Legends of Rodeo Challenge.” This event will be part of the “ P.B.R. Bundaberg Rum Bull Riding Series Final ” held at the Rod Lava Arena in support of the “ Jane McGrath Foundation.”
Shane will “ COWBOY UP “ with Graham Heffernan, (Darwin) Danny Salgardo, (Pittsworth) Lance Anderson, (Melbourne) Mitch Deans, (Gold Coast) Col Wilson, (Adelaide) and Steve Thorn. (Camberden) Now with an average age of 52 years, these men all held State or National Bull Riding titles during their careers.
Shane began his pursuit of “ The Buckle ” at the Warwick Rodeo in 1975. After a year of developing his craft he returned to Warwick to win the Second Division Bull Ride on “ Stock Contractor,” one of the rankest, rarely ridden, bucking bulls in Australian rodeo history.
It was only two years later at the Canadian Calgary Stampede when Shane came face to face with the age old adage, “ Bull ridings not IF you get hurt, but WHEN.” Attempting to ride “ Little Six,” Bucking Bull of that year, Shane bucked down on his horn. (clashed heads) This took him off the circuit for six months with a broken jaw and several teeth missing.

Shane Connolly on No Captain in San Angelo Texas

However, the addiction of the adrenalin rush, and the eight second ride, had taken hold and Shane’s career saw him compete throughout Australia and the U.S.A. From Warwick to Fort Worth Texas, and Houston back to Mount Isa and Toowoomba. Averaging 110 rodeos per year over 17 years Shane rode time on some of the rankest bulls in the sport. “ Flick Man,” “ Cream Puff,” “ Kiss Me Goodbye,” and “ Ten 80 ” just to name a few.
Shane expounds the highlights of his career were winning Overall Average at the Warwick Australian National Finals in 1980, attempting to ride the infamous “ Chain Saw ” (Australia’s Best Bucking Bull from 1985 to 1991) over eight unsuccessful trips, and through Graham Heffernan, meeting, befriending, travelling with and competing against America’s youngest National Bull Riding Champion, Lane Frost. Readers might have seen the movie “ Eight Seconds ” that told of Lane Frosts extraordinary career and unfortunate loss of his life to the Bull Ride. Shane remembers how Lane Frost would compliment him on his ability to ride either right or left handed. Not a common practise in bull riding.
Coming full circle to retire at the Warwick Rodeo in 1991, Shane has kept up practise sessions to maintain his edge, (keep his hand in) and will be available to offer his expertise to our Bash Bull Ride competitors. Come on out to the Bash and say hello to our very own Rodeo Legend Shane Connolly.

Laurie Muggleton

Pittsworth’s Broxburn Bash Fancy Dress

admin — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:50:41 +0000

Apart from all the regular fun of the festival to be enjoyed by all ages, this year we will bring back the
“ FANCY DRESS ” competition with Junior (under 18 yrs ) and Adult ( over 18 yrs ) sections.
Categories will be: 1. BEST COWBOY/COWGIRL.
2. BEST INDIAN BRAVE/SQUAW.
3. BEST BUSHMAN/BUSHWOMAN.
4. BEST SWAGGIE.
Prizes will be won for: 1. BEST ADULT COSTUME OVERALL. = $200 voucher
2. BEST JUNIOR COSTUME OVERALL. = $100 voucher
3. RUNNER-UP ADULT MALE COSTUME. = $50 voucher
4. RUNNER-UP ADULT FEMALE COSTUME. = $50 voucher
5. RUNNER-UP JUNIOR MALE COSTUME. = $50 voucher
6. RUNNER-UP JUNIOR FEMALE COSTUME. = $50 voucher
With no fee to enter and held on Saturday 2nd May, competitors will be considered during the morning with the winners being announced mid afternoon. Just by having a bit of fun in costume, you could be among the winners of these wonderful gift vouchers from Pittsworth business houses.

Laurie Muggleton

Have a Go

admin — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:24:14 +0000

Got an email from our American correspondent Terry Luxton of Springfield Missouri, if you haven’t caught up with Terry’s story he spent his formative years right here in Pittsworth, his earlier letter below will explain all. As you will read in Terry’s latest letter he’s been having problems caused by the Global Economic Downturn like most of us, so he’s decided to bring his Aussie “get up and go” to bear and has started his own business, I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him the best of luck for the future, now read on:

G,day Friends,
After 5 Months of dealing with unemployment and frustration, driving some of you potty ! I will be Launching my very own Business on Monday the 16th of March. “AUSSIE ROO RENTAL HOME REPAIR”

We have a saying in the old country ‘ HAVE A GO YOU MUG ! ” so I thought the only way to get a job is to give myself one.

You will see my Truck getting around Town from Monday in Springfield and I am pleased to say, I already have interested Clients.

If you are in the media, please don’t call me just yet in regards to advertising, I just don’t have the cash for you , call me in the summer, don’t worry as a former Clear Channel guy I know how important it is to advertise.

The main reason for this letter is to thank all those who have kept the faith in me, I am the first to admit, that when I am unemployed, I can be a little difficult to deal with, so I just wanted you to know that your support and faith in me has been welcomed.

So if you have property or know someone with property, Rental, Flipping a house,or your own home, Fences, decks, Painting,AC,Heat, ext: Just call the number on the attached file. I’ll give you a free quote

Big Thanks to Sarah Carter, Matt and all the Team at SIGNS NOW, they did a great job at a price I could afford.

Cheers

Terry

Terry's Sign

“Aussie Country Town”

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:06:32 +0000

Hi Peter,
It’s a great song isn’t it. The singer is Graham Rodger.
Graham is going to be at the Pittswirth town hall on Saturday the 14th of March for the Bushfire Appeal Concert, I had a yarn with Ros Scotney about it and the Regional Arts Development Fund. I’ll post the interview here on the website shortly.

Singer “Aussie Country Town”

admin — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:23:01 +0000

Hi Chris
We’re just listening to this song and it sounds like Slim Dusty, but my trusty confrere, Ray assures me it’s not. Are you able to tell us?
Thanks

Peter Ross