When my parents moved to Queensland in 1979, a lot of items that had been part of my life went with them.    Yes, maybe they owned them, but I would have liked to be asked if there was anything I may have liked.
 
As the years passed, I looked through my possessions for copies of the photographs my Dad had taken whilst overseas during the 2nd World War.  He had put them into an album, along with photos of my parents when they were younger.   I remember photos of my father’s mother and her home in Bentleigh, photos of my brothers and I as babies, and so on.  I had nothing to show my children of their past and family members.   Grandma Greaves was just a name, without a photo to give her a being.
 
When my parents passed away, these photos were in the hands of my younger brother. I thought “We will never know where they are”, as we do not know where he is.
 
In 2016 I travelled to England to catch up with my second brother, Les, after 40 years, and mentioned that I regretted not having photos of our past.   He did not appear to be interested and I felt that I may have been dwelling on something that was not important after all.
 
Not long after I returned home to Australia and settled back into my lifestyle again, I received 2 CD’s from Les containing many photos of our past life, copies of the photos in the World War 2 Album my Dad had put together, photos of my Mum and Dad when they were married, and photos of other members of the family.   ​

I was so happy to have copies of our past again.  It appears that Dad had sent him a large parcel one day containing books, photos, and 8mm tape and some letters.  
 
What a lovely thought from my brother to seek them out and send them to me. 


Heather Wallace
​August 2024   ​

​When attending one of the monthly Motor Racing Promoters’ meetings it was suggested that, as NASCAR were proposing to run an event at Calder Park, it would be beneficial if a couple of Promoters attend a NASCAR meeting in America.   Fortunately, my Promoter partner was selected and of course I suggested that go with him.   A dream come true.
 
We set off for Phoenix, Arizona, and attended the penultimate round of the 1994 Series.    Mike Raymond, who owned Parramatta Speedway at the time, arranged for us to attend the Corporate Suite at the event.    It was like a dream, meeting people who I had read about, meeting drivers.    We were able to walk through the garage area getting close to the cars, drivers and team trucks.   What we did find was that the NASCAR personnel were not as pretentious as Australia’s leading drivers.    They generously welcomed us into their garages and team trucks, asking us questions about what to expect in Australia.
 
We watched the race from the grandstand where the spotters were located.   The spotters have contact with the drivers and warn them of any incidents that may have occurred, who may be trying to draft a driver making ready to pass him.    When a car retired from the race the spotter left their seat, the spotters’ area gradually getting smaller as the race proceeded.     They also helped each other out, giving information to a rival team to thwart incidents.    I was so lucky to see this side of the sport.  
 
There were 450,000 spectators at this event, yet it only took us half an hour to leave the circuit and get back to our accommodation.  The NASCAR traffic management was excellent. Drivers patiently waited for their time to get onto the main thorough fare, with policemen sitting on their car bonnets, perfectly relaxed, talking to each other and smoking jerky.    So different to what happens in Australia.
 
Following the Arizona event, we went to Las Vegas for the final round.   It was the first time this facility had been used.  It was amazing walking under the circuit to our seats.   There were posters everywhere – thanking sponsors for the toilet seats, the lights around the arena, the flagpole suppliers, the toilet seat providers.  When walking around the facility we noticed a large truck with green painted chaff inside the barrel.    It turned out that the centre of the circuit, made of sand, was covered with the green painted chaff, to look like a grassed area.  
 
Once again, we were treated to NASCAR Hospitality prior to the race.    Whilst dining it was pointed out that Nellis Air Force Base was just down the road.  During the afternoon we watched Jets and Helicopters go through their practice drills and at 4.00pm we were treated to a show of these aircraft returning to the Airforce Base in waves.  Not only was the racing exciting, the air show was also enjoyable.  It was fabulous day.
 
What we learned from our trip was valuable when the NASCAR circus came to Calder Park, an event I was fortunate to work as one of the 10 Technical Commissioners at the Melbourne event.   Another dream come true!
 
 
Heather Wallace
April 2024

I have met many people who have influenced my life, but two stand out in changing my attitude to other people as well as getting to know myself.    They reside in a different country from each other, and I am sure they do not realise how they helped me by my using the ‘tools’ that they suggested.
 
The first person was Charles Wilkins.    I worked with Charles at the then Dandenong College of TAFE.   Firstly, he was Vice Principal, taking on the Principal’s role after the heart attack of the previous incumbent.     I was not in a good place emotionally during this time, but he persevered with me working with him.   One of the first things he said to me was that it is our role to work together, not for me to work for him.   Charles was a hard taskmaster, but he was fair.   I watched the College develop under his leadership, the change in the teaching regime and attitude of the staff.    He worked very effectively to ensure that very inspiring staff took the place of the who left or retired.  As I was a member of the PACT (General/Administration) Staff Committee, I was part of the Interview panel for prospective applicants, both teaching and PACT, learning so much about how to approach people to get the best out of them during this trying time for them.    Charles was very good at setting up meeting rooms, seating people together or apart to get them to participate more at these activities.   If he became aware that there were ‘rumblings’ in the College, he would make sure the people involved did not sit near each other.   He was very much into “Colour co-ordination for Success”.   I knew what type of meeting Charles was hoping for by the colour paper he used for resources, what colour suit he was wearing (with the appropriate matching tie, of course) and his general demeanour at the time.   
 
Charles also gave me the opportunity of developing professionally when he offered me the job of Head of School – Business Studies, which I held for 5 years.   He never gave written references to leaving staff during the 14 years I was at the College, only phone references which were honestly given; however, I received a two page written reference when I left, which I am very proud of.
 
Dr. Sharon Lord was the first three star General to work at the Pentagon and was eventually the Governor of Virginia.  Sharon was responsible for bringing in the first work-for-the-dole scheme in America, her attitude being if people wanted money, they should work for it and gain some pride in themselves personally as well as their work.   This scheme was in place in Virginia for many years, until a change of Government.   Charles knew Sharon and when she came to Australia on a speaking tour, Charles organised for me to attend one of her sessions.   The College then paid for me to attend her only weekend Conference in Sydney, one of ten lucky people.    Sharon was diminutive, very attractive and full of self-confidence, though during the weekend we found out she never started her public life that way.    Sharon showed us that each of us is very important in this world.    We all had skills that we never knew or used.   We all had personalities that we never improved on or were proud of.    She made me feel important and useful for the first time.   She taught me to face up and how to act in situations that I ran away from.   Not let anyone overpower me.    If someone was overbearing, if they were a large, tall person looking down on me, take my shoes off and stand on the nearest table or chair, look down on them and ask them how that feels.    It does work.    I have done it a few times.     
 
It has also come in handy in my personal life.    When having a ‘deep and meaningful’ with my three teenage sons, I used to sit them on the lounge, side by side and I would sit on the arm of the chair, looking down on them.    In response to their concerns or their wants, whatever it was at the time, I would start my discussion with them at the opposite end of their concern/want and with discussion gradually work our way to where I thought they should be – in other word we would meet in the middle – and all would be happy.
 
I feel I was very lucky to have these two people in my life as they both helped open the world to me both personally and professionally.
 
 
Heather Wallace   
February 2024

​2023 is a year I will not forget.     One moment has changed my life, my outlook, my valuing and acceptance of people and my lot in life.   I think it has made me a better person.
 
After 10 years of the inability to do many daily activities in my life and continual pain and on many painkillers, on 29th May my life changed forever.    My Anaphylactic reaction to a drug administered prior to an operation, my heart stopping for 17 minutes until I responded.   My sons were contacted by the hospital to make their way to the Royal Melbourne Hospital urgently.    After CPR and three Defibrillator shocks I did eventually respond and was taken to ICU for two days, where I was monitored constantly.
 
When I awoke in ICU, sitting beside me was a Chaplain of the Uniting Church.    Two of my sons arrived a short time after.   My daughter-in-law had contacted my grandchildren who now live in the Gold Coast and the two of them had flown down on the first available flight to be with me.    Two of my other grandchildren visited me the next day, with my younger son and his wife arriving the night before I was discharged.   I never had needed to see and touch my family so much.
 
Chaplain Julie visited me on a number of occasions during my stay, which I found very comforting.   I opened up about my involvement in the Church growing up and how the Church treated me when I went for them for help whilst I was in a violent marriage.    They didn’t want to know me, let alone help me.    I now attend Church and find it very comforting.   I have also taken advantage of their live streaming of services when I am unable to attend personally.
 
I found I was questioning my priorities in life.   I started really appreciating waking up in the morning, getting pleasure watching the birds, plants and stars.   Seeing them differently, not as objects, just being there, but why they are there, questioning and trying to have a better understanding of life itself.   I am still discovering so much about being alive.
 
I am looking at and now more accepting of other peoples’ actions, the decisions they make, without my making judgement.    It was a shock to realise that I was thinking this way - who am I to judge people?   I am now more accepting of people for who they are.    I have found my interaction with my family is somewhat different, we appreciate each other more, we contact each other regularly and tell each other that we love them and value their being here.   (Unfortunately, though, nothing changed within the family with regarding the relationship between my sons – still there is time).
 
I am more content with my life – I used to think I was, but now I know I am.    I do feel different.    Things that mattered before no longer do.   There are other things to appreciate.
 
I eventually had my operation nine weeks later in August.     This time it was successful.    I am without pain, I am still weak on one side, but I am alive and so looking forward to learning about myself and who I am.    Chaplain Julie was once again by my side during my stay in hospital, which I was grateful for as I was rather frightened at the time.    I did look forward to seeing her again as I have so much to thank her for.
 
Heather Wallace
November 2023

In late September I relived one of the happiest days of my life, but this time through the eyes of number of my family members.     To share their experience on this day was such a joy.
 
On September 30 six members of my family made their way to the MCG for the AFL Grand Final, all of them Collingwood members.  It was their first Grand Final!   All were Gold Pass members for the Club, so they were assured of a seat for the game.   My Granddaughter had flown down from the Gold Coast just to attend the game.
 
In 1966, I too attended a Grand Final, supporting my team who won by a point.   Good old St. Kilda.     I too was a Gold Pass member of the Club, but I had to line up at the Moorabbin Ground during the day and overnight on the Tuesday prior to the match for my seating tickets to the match.     It was a good night with lots of theme-song singing, partaking of food and hot drinks and lots of fun and laughter.
 
In 2023 my family went to the game by train, whilst in 1966 I made my way to the MCG in my little Morris Minor early on Saturday morning.  I lined up at the gates and spent the day watching the Grand Finals of the Under 19’s, then the Reserves before, at 2.15pm, the siren blew for the AFL Senior team to commence the match.    Those days the only entertainment was a full day of football, not like the entertainment that is now provided.
 
It was an exciting game in 1966 and it was an exciting game in 2023.    In the week prior I had asked my family who attended the match to enjoy every minute of the day as they were going to experience an excitement that only winning fans feel, right down to the last siren sound on the day.   I relived my day at the 1966 grand final every minute of this year’s match.
 
In 1966 we won by a point.   When that point was kicked, the siren sounded and for a split second there was complete silence in the stadium, the crowd then realising that St. Kilda had won was followed by this ‘almighty roar’.    I have never experienced anything like this in the years that followed.
 
After the siren this year I was sent video of my son and his family taken when the siren sounded. The smiles and tears brought back memories of how I felt.
 
My family went from venue to venue on the Saturday night to hold onto the joy they felt.   They went home for a short while and then attended the family day at Collingwood, whereas in 1966 I drove to Nepean Highway in East Brighton to Sierakowski’s pub.  The Licensee, the father of Kev Sierakowski, served free drinks for two hours.  Driving on to the Moorabbin Football Ground, I stayed the whole night – meeting the players when they returned to the Clubrooms;  eating and drinking till all hours;   (my car was bogged and I had many helpers getting it out);   sleeping in said car for a couple of hours;  then meeting up with my parents and brothers late on Sunday morning when they arrived for the Club’s Family Day.  I was still wearing the clothes I left home in!
 
I was so pleased I could relive my Grand Final experience 58 years later through my family’s experience.  It was so special.

My granddaughter Brooke, from the Gold Coast,
​with her brother Callum and Roxy.

My son, two grandsons, and daughter-in-law and two
friends ​after the match.

Heather Wallace
​October 2023

​I had planned to retire at 70 years.   For some time, I had been purchasing household items such as sheets and towels, boxing them up to use in later in life.   I purchased additional basic clothing with the same thought in mind, however, did not take into account that I would not stay the same build and they would not fit when I decided to use them.    St. Vinnies was a blessing to donate to at this time.    This was my aim, however fate changed my path; my partner passed away suddenly and, due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to leave my employment of 23½ years owing to an extremely stressful situation.    I left under Workcover and was effectively forced to ‘retire’ at 68.
 
I sat for a while, looking at four walls in a home I had just purchased.  I was lonely, as living at Winton I never came into town very often and had only two friends in the area.    I drifted from one thing to another – took up quilting; took up diamond painting; eventually joined a croquet club; but I was never really happy with myself or my place in life at that time.     Many a day and night were spent in tears – looking at a long, lonely future by myself.   I was quite happy to spend a day behind closed doors, I now realise, feeling sorry for myself.    This went on for 12 months.   
 
Then Workcover gave me an ultimatum – they were cutting my benefits and I could either get a job or retire.     I tried to get a job – too old and really no interest.   I had not done any financial planning for my future.    I had very little superannuation as this was not required many years ago.    I would have to go on the Pension.  How was I going to live, eat and just survive.  My life was once again in a turmoil.
 
I sought help and this time, looking at the two choices I had, ‘I’ made the decision to retire.    Suddenly I understood.     It was my choice now, not forced on me.    I could now sit down and plan for my future.    I had limited income – how could I make it go further and enjoy myself at the same time.    I received some monies on retirement and bought a new car, a reliable vehicle to transport me to places.     I set myself up in my home, this time with retirement in view and to save me on additional expenses in future.   As stated previously, I had boxed items for the future, some of which I could use.
 
With this different attitude to retirement as my choice, I made an extra effort to fill in my time.  I set myself a daily schedule, joined various groups such as U3a, the Age Friendly Reference Group, Garden Club; took more interest in my croquet, joined Committees, and more.    I was starting to live again.  My days were now busy.  I met so many wonderful people from all walks of life, and more importantly, stopped feeling sorry for myself.    After many years of working 7 days a week I could now ‘stop to smell the roses’, not feel guilty if I wished to pass the afternoon away reading a good book, or even taking a nap.    I could have more contact with my children and my grandchildren who were growing up fast. I had missed out on so much.
 
I can now say – Retirement is great, and I highly recommend it!
 
 
Heather Wallace
August 2023

​When I attended my first Grand Prix in Adelaide in 1985, of the 23 scrutineers from Australia to work at this event, I was the only female scrutineer to be selected.   We stayed in a caravan park for the GP weekend, sharing caravans and ensuites.
 
We had a wonderful time being part of our first Grand Prix as well as walking around Adelaide after the event closed for the day.     As is often the case when away from home, there was a lot of chiacking and laughing, lots of fun and memories made.
 
Moving onto the annual Scrutineers Christmas function that year, where all members of the families were in attendance, I worked my way around the group as I had not seen some of the families for a time, not only mixing with my fellow scrutineers but their wives, girlfriends, and children, and of course the new babies, as well.
 
I noticed that when I was on my own and speaking with the wives of fellow AGP mates, suddenly the respective husband would appear and join in the conversations that we were having.
 
This had never happened at previous functions, as I got on well with the families, enjoyed meeting with them and was well accepted by the wives and girlfriends.     The sudden appearance of the scrutineer husband happened several times and I was getting concerned that I had done something to upset the guys.
 
Then the penny dropped!    When we were in Adelaide and we were walking around, guys being guys would make comments regarding any good-looking female that passed by etc.    In those days some of the comments were a little risqué, but it was all in good fun.    I enjoyed their banter but was very careful not to make any comment myself as I learnt very early in my scrutineering days that it was OK for the men to comment, but not for me.   (I made a comment about a well-known blonde female at a major race event saying that she was nicely dressed and looked good, but it was a pity that she didn’t visit the hairdresser during the week and get the dark roots of her hair done – this did not go down well with the guys and I had a quick lesson in when to keep my opinions to myself!!!)
 
Back to the Christmas function.   Once I realised what was going on, one by one I made my way around all the AGP guys and quietly said to them that I hope they understood what happened in Adelaide stayed in Adelaide, not only at the track and our outings at night, but also at the after-event dinner dance which we all attended until well into the early morning following the Grand Prix.    I felt the mood changed with the guys and I was able to enjoy the Scrutineers Christmas function as I am sure the guys were now able to do.
 
I was always treated well by the guys, and they had no concerns with me going to the AGP or other events that we attended.
 
Heather Wallace
July 2023

In the days when life was simpler, friends and neighbours were an important part of life.
 
Many of our neighbours became friends, sharing conversations over the fence, keeping an eye on the children when they were outside playing, providing drinks and biscuits for everyone during this time of play.    When a new neighbour moved in it was the children who made friends first, bringing them home, and gradually the parents would make contact.    Families learnt to rely on each other, swapping excess fruit and vegetables with each other, passing down hand me down clothes, sharing the good times and the bad.  The backdoor was never locked enabling neighbours to accept deliveries of groceries, meat, etc. that in those days were delivered to the home.
 
When school age, the children used to walk to school together, some going to St. Pauls others attending the State School.    There were really no problems where religion was concerned, as our parents told us that when we were out not to discuss politics or religion.    On Sundays, Sunday School and church were attended on a regular basis, each denomination going their separate ways.    Usually, the rest of the day was spent at home with Mum and Dad, as it was considered a day of rest.
 
In those days friendships that were made by our parents when they were growing up were also important to family life.  Some families spent more time with these long-time friends than with their own families.   Our parents attended each other’s weddings over the years, visited new Mums in hospital when the children were born, and these children grew up together, going on holidays, outings to the city, zoos, the beach etc.,    Some friends regularly met for dinner, visiting each other’s homes on Sunday nights.    These nights were looked forward to with fondness and fun.    While the men went outside for a smoke after dinner, the females cleaned up the dishes in readiness for the regular sing song around the piano, a lovely supper and then it was home we go, wrapped in blankets in the back of the car (no heaters those days).   
 
When Television arrived, it was of course very expensive to purchase.   There were usually one or two families in the street who had a TV and it was common for neighbours to spend time together watching shows every so often.    It was warmer than sitting outside shop windows, sitting on deck chairs with a Thermos of hot drink watching the TV.
 
As we grew up our neighbourhood changed.   The children moved into Secondary Schools and did not see each other as often as study and new friendships gradually took over each of our lives.    We attended each other’s weddings and gradually moved away to new suburbs, starting our new families.
 
Our parents and their friends have aged and passed.    Contact with their families has not carried forward in many cases.  The childhood friends who grew up and gradually moved away to new suburbs, starting their own families, are now grandparents.   But we do have many happy memories and appreciate living and growing up when we did.  .
 

Heather Wallace

​My most treasured possession is a Crystal Cabinet which has been in my Dad’s family for many years.   As money was short during the war years, it was given to my Dad and Mum as a wedding present from my Grandmother.

It originally came from Coventry when my Grandmother immigrated and settled in Bentleigh. I remember it being in our family home in Bentleigh.  It was moved to Cowes, Phillip Island when my Dad retired, to Coolum in Queensland when my parents moved there in their later years, was put on a transport truck and arrived back in Victoria at my house when I lived at Winton and is now happily residing in my current home in Benalla.

I remember sitting crosslegged with my two younger brothers in front of it in the dining room in Bentleigh, making faces into the mirror at the rear of the cabinet.   It was the one item in the house in which we were not to open or clean.   

On the top shelf was my parents' Royal Doulton ‘Raby Rose’ 8-piece dinner setting with matching tea set. Mum had purchased it prior to her marriage as part of her Glory Box. ​

When it was used on special occasions we were so careful not to break anything.   Those meal times were anxious times for us as children.    

On the second shelf was the Stuart crystal dessert set, sugar, cream with matching crystal spoon, a crystal cruet set with tiny silver spoons.
 
The lower shelf housed the Terrine set given to Dad following the death of his mother, as well as other nick nacks that had been collected over the years.
 
Following a visit to an antique fair, I rang my Mum and asked if she knew how much her Royal Doulton ‘Raby Rose’ dinnerset was worth as I had priced an identical cup with saucer and plate at $55.00.   Mum told me that my youngest brother had brought a friend of his around who was ‘into antiques’ who gave them $150.00 for the complete setting, adding that he was coming back in a couple of weeks to pick up the Crystal Cabinet for $100.     I was angry at them being taken advantage of and spoke to my Dad, telling him that I would like to have the Crystal Cabinet (I would pay them for it if I had to) when they no longer wanted it.  He agreed that it should be kept in the family.  Mum was not very pleased with me and contacted my other brother, who agreed with my Dad. It was part of our family.
 
Over the years when I visited my parents in Queensland my Dad would suggest that I take a couple of items he said he treasured and had put away for me to bring home.     I kept these items stashed under my bed as I did not have the room to keep them and I was so frightened I would break them.
 
When my Dad was in the early stages of Dementia, he rang me one day and asked if I would be home on a certain date as he was sending me a present.      A large truck arrived and inside was the Crystal Cabinet lovingly wrapped in paper and cardboard, waiting to be unloaded into my home.    I was so excited.
 
I rang my Dad and thanked him for remembering our discussion.  He said that he wanted to make sure that it was sent to me before he forgot about it.
 
When putting the precious items he had given me to bring home over the years into the Cabinet I realised that, apart from the Dinner Set and some of the nik naks, I had many of the items that had resided in the Cabinet when it was in Bentleigh and Coolum.  This brought tears to my eyes and I said a prayer of thanks to my Dad.    The main addition that I have added to the Crystal Cabinet is the set of War Medals my Dad earned in the Second World War.
 
I then sat in front of the Cabinet, crossed my legs and started making faces into the mirror at the back of the Cabinet. It is now home and my sons agree that it will stay in the family in the future.


Heather Wallace
March 2023

"THE MOVE NORTHEAST"

When looking at the heading for today’s “As time goes by….”, I was a bit unsure that I had any ‘Triggers’ in my life - then I heard someone whistle.
 
It reminded me of my Dad, and yes, I do think about him when I hear a whistle.    Dad was a quiet fellow, but he used to whistle when he arrived home from work when wheeling his bicycle down beside the house;  he whistled when he was working in the shed and also when he was nervous – that was a different kind of whistle, usually a made up tune – or it may have been a tune I did not know.
 
He used to whistle “Home sweet home” when he arrived home, and “Whistle while you work” when pottering around the house and in the shed.   I did not know how much I missed him and his whistling, till I travelled to England in 2016, was thrilled to hear my second brother, Les and his son Adam, also whistling like Dad used to.
 
The other thing that triggers my memory is the smell of cigar smoke.   I think of my mother’s father, Grandpa McIntosh when I smell the cigar smoke.    Grandpa and my mother were not the best of friends, and he never played a large part in my life, but I remember sitting with him on the porch whilst he smoked his cigar.    If I was in trouble or upset he used to take me out on the porch of the terraced home that he lived in, light up a cigar and I would sit on his knee and tell him my troubles and how I felt ‘hard done by’ even if I was the cause of the upset.   I remember him quietly talking to me, with the smell of cigar smoke in the background.    Then we would go to the park where he would light up another cigar watching, whilst I played on the equipment, then he would buy me an ice cream on the way home.    I always felt calm and happy by the time we got home.
 
I started to notice when I was growing up and things were difficult at times, I would smell cigar smoke and feel some sense of warmth and comfort.    Sometimes there was nobody else around or smoking a cigar if there were a group of people – there was just the smell of cigar smoke.
 
I have had other ‘Triggers’ in my life over the years, but these I remember fondly, with a sense of calm when the above ‘Triggers’ occur.
 
 
Heather Wallace,
November 2022

Over the years I have had a number of items on my bucket list, some I have achieved, some I will not achieve due to circumstances beyond my control, and a couple yet to be achieved.
 
Once I retired I felt as though I needed to reconnect with my family and one of the things that became important to me was to travel to England to see my brother and his family.    My brother, Les, was gifted with a beautiful Tenor voice, and having sung on Brian and the Juniors for a number of years and then a member of the Young Australians, was invited to study in England for 6 months.   He left for England just after his 21st birthday in 1972, never to return. He travelled, studied and met his wife, Brenda, a beautiful Soprano who he married, had a family and has made his home in England.     In 2016 the need to see him was constantly on my mind.   Together with my oldest son and his family we left Australia and I spent 3 wonderful weeks with him, visiting Coventry Cathedral which was dear to my Dad’s heart, went to 13 Coronation Road, Coventry where my father lived, but could not find the school to see the my father’s name recorded as Dux on the School.   It was a wonderful time catching up on 44 years of being apart.   We also took the opportunity to travel to Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
 
I also had another bucket list item which I was looking forward to.   I was hoping to retire at 70 years and my partner and I were planning to travel to a number of Formula 1 racing circuits in Europe that we had seen on television over the years.   We had already travelled to America to visit the Nascar and Speedway circuits as part of our work at Winton Motor Raceway.   Unfortunately my partner passed away unexpectedly and I was unable to achieve this bucket list item, however when I visited England in 2016 my nephew obtained some tickets to Silverstone, so I did achieve one part of my bucket list.
 
I have had a number of other items that I have achieved over the period of time, owning my own home and being very lucky to live reasonably comfortable in my latter years, something that I feel fortunate in this current world we live in.   I sit in my home, with my two cats and my bird and say to myself, how lucky am I.    
 
One thing I would like to achieve is to go to the Sydney Opera House to see the Australian Symphony Orchestra in concert.     This would be so wonderful to sit in the new theatre and soak up all the wonders that this theatre offers, listening to music by composer’s I enjoy.
 
To enjoy my life fully, one thing that is very important on my bucket list is to receive a long awaited letter from Royal Melbourne Hospital with a date to have my operation at last.  I have been advised that I am now on the waiting list to be operated soon.    Hopefully this will alleviate the pain I feel, but more importantly return full sensation into my hands and then I can return to some of the activities and drive again, things that have made an impact on my life.

 
Heather Wallace
​September 2022

Whilst growing up we belong to many communities – communities at school, the various job communities during our working life and social communities such as scouts/girl guides and sporting clubs, to name a few.    These communities have a lasting impression on our lives.     Even our families are a small community where the values and expected standards of life are expressed and examples set for us by our parents and peers.
 
I too have experienced the benefits and downfalls of living in a community during my lifetime, but have at last settled in a community of senior homeowners at the Haven Leisure Village where I now reside.   I visited the property, liked what I saw and bought my forever home.
 
When I first settled into the Village I must admit it was a complete change to the way I had been living previously.    I had been working seven days a week in a position that consisted of early starts and late nights and was very busy then moving into a home where I was now retired, could sleep in if I wanted to, read a book or garden during the day or just sit and watch TV.  The days were long and I was very lonely.    Then the community at the Village gradually changed my outlook and I started to ‘smell the roses’ and enjoy my contact with my fellow homeowners.
 
After a couple of months’ it became apparent that the homeowners were being ignored by the operators of the facility and were just accepting this as a part of their living in the Village.   It was creating ‘groups’ in the Village which was not healthy for any of us.   We did not know who owned the village, only contact was with the Managers.
 
Following some investigation, a meeting of Homeowners was called and I tabled information about the setting up a of Homeowner’s Committee which two members would liaise with Management and Homeowners for improvements, with the view of bringing everybody together and being involved in our future at the Village.   We also asked to be known as Homeowners and not residents.
 
There have been a number of changes in the ownership of the Village, but we are now owned by a Sydney company, with the two Directors making time to visit the village during the year, making contact with homeowners and the Homeowners Committee, giving us information about the future expansion of the Village as well as asking for our input regarding ideas the homeowners have for the betterment of the village.    This has made such a difference to the attitude of the homeowners who now been made to feel part of the village’s future.
 
A Community garden was established with brought like-minded gardeners together, growing vegetables for themselves and distributing the excess to the homeowners;     Happy hour was another initiative which gave the homeowners an opportunity to get to know each other.    There are so many talented people living in our Village.   Little things like moving the mailboxes to a safer place, creating more ‘green areas’ in the Village, fencing off the Caravan Park from the Village, erecting more signage have all been taken on board by the Directors and are now in place in the village.     A small craft group is in the Village;    a ‘games’ afternoon is held each week.   Homeowners now take an interest in their future at the village.
 
Having Owners who have made themselves available via Email or personal contact, who know us by name and take an interest in our pets and what we do has made such a difference to our community, and we all appreciate what a wonderful Village we live in.
 

Heather Wallace
July 2022

Trees have been a part in my life over many years.   It wasn’t until I was writing on this topic, I have realised that, over the years, trees have been my safe place in life.
 
When I lived at home in my early years, we had several trees in our yard - fruit trees, citrus trees, blackberry and loganberry bushes (not really trees).    Along with the vegetable garden these were very important in providing my family with food throughout the year.
 
The plants in the yard were tended to with great care to ensure that they were loaded with fruit which was used to make jam, bottled fruit, and swapped with the neighbours--not only to have more varieties of fruit, but to help those who were not fortunate enough to have trees in their yards.
 
Over a couple of days the fruit would be picked and washed, and then at night the kitchen table was set up for action.  Dad cut the fruit in half, my youngest brother would remove the stones, Mum used to neatly sliced the fruit, my other brother used to put these slices in the glass bottles, using the end of the wooden spoon to lay them neatly on top of one and other, and when checked that all was OK by Mum, I would pour the syrup into the bottle ready for Dad to put the lids on and seal before putting them in the pot to cook on the stove.  It was a team effort, lots of fun and we used to talk and laugh about our efforts.  It was even nicer to eat the fruit during the year in the desserts and cakes Mum made.   
 
Also, there was nothing nicer than coming home and being greeted by the smell of jam cooking in the large pot on the stove.  What good memories. The safety of my childhood home.
 
As I was the only girl in the street I always joined in with the boys, billy carting down the hill, playing cricket till dusk, riding bikes through the drains and, of course, climbing trees.   
 
We lived near a recreation ground and there was a row of pine trees down one side of the property.  We climbed these trees, going from one to the other, racing to see who could get to the end quicker, sometimes taking our sandwich lunch, sitting and eating them while balancing on a branch. Also, whilst hiding in the tops of trees, thinking no one would see us, we would drop bits of branches and pine cones onto unsuspecting people who were walking along the path under the trees.   What fun!    I would walk under the pine trees if I was walking home alone, either during the day or at night, coming home from work or a night out.  Nobody knew I was there and I felt safe.
 
Trees played a part in my later life.    When my partner was alive we used to stand under a tree on the property where I worked and lived, sometimes during the day watching the birds, cattle in the paddock, cars on the property, but mostly at night, watching the stars move across the night sky, both of us watching the world go by with arms around each other, another safe place for me.     A very special memory.    This is my safe place to be when meditating or thinking of my partner.
 
Yes, I now realise how important trees are in my life.  Thank you
 
 
Heather Wallace
​March 2022

​I have had an interest in cars and racing since I was young, growing up in a street where I was the only girl.  If I did not join the boys in their activities such as climbing trees, paying cricket and football, building and taking part in billy cart races I would have had a very lonely childhood.

I used to go drag racing and on hill climbs with my mates, which fostered an interest in motor racing ever since.  I remember sitting up a tree with my Dad watching the Grand Prix at Albert Park in 1956.

When my marriage broke up, I met up with one of the men who was involved in drag racing years before, who suggested I might like to become a scrutineer in motor sport.  I did not know if I would have the ability to become a scrutineer and was concerned that I would have to leave my three boys with babysitters - I was told to bring them alone as they would be most welcome.

I enjoyed being with people with similar interest and enrolled in the scrutiny school, achieving my CAMS licence to work as a volunteer scrutineer at race meetings, hill climbs, sprints, rallies and off road events.

I was also chosen to work at Bathurst in 1983 which I did for the following 15 years.  I learnt a lot at this event and was fortunate to work in Pitlane during this time.  Two Scrutineers were allocated a team to work with for the weekend and I got a first hand view of team operations at race meetings.  Over the years it was interesting to watch development in the technical area as well as the increased use of computerised equipment for the operation of the vehicles.

I've also had the pleasure of working at Historic meetings, my favourite area of the sport.  To see the engineering skills of mechanics in past eras in the designing of engines and how simple they are compared to today's vehicles.  These vehicles are still running, doing speeds that are higher than they were in the past.  It will be interesting to see how many of the modern vehicles are still running in 75 or 100 years time?  Not only was the motorised side of the vehicle interesting, the construction and configuration of the vehicles really 'blew my mind'.  Vehicles made of canvas and wood, tin and where necessary wired together.

I was fortunate to be picked as one of the 23 Scrutineers to work at the first Adelaide Grand Prix.  Scrutineers were selected from all States in Australia.  I was also the only female to be selected, which was very daunting at the time.  I worked at the Grand Prix for 10 years, by which time their were five female scrutineers working.

My greatest thrill in motorwport is being able to watch young drivers such as Jamie Wincup, Mark Webber, Craig Lowndes, Steven Richards and others grow up in the sport and grow into the leading competitors they are today.

It was through my scrutineering that I Met mick Ronke, who in 1991 offered me a job at Winton, working full time in my hobby of motor racing.


Heather Wallace
June, 2021