January 26: Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.

January 26. For some a day to celebrate the opportunities of living in a free, multicultural societyFor others a chance to reflect on their own citizenship and what it means to be AustralianFor many, January 26 is a day of sadness, mourning and a reminder of colonisation (National Australia Day Council) For the first time …

Remembering Louis Braille

On this day in 1809, Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, just 20 miles from Paris. If it hadn’t been for an accident in his father’s leather and harness shop, when Louis was aged three, the world would probably have never known the name of Louis Braille and we wouldn’t be remembering his legacy as …

William Wilberforce – the Conscience of a Nation

A trade founded in iniquity, and carried on as this was, must be abolished... William Wilberforce Official medallion of the British Anti-Slavery Society (1795): attributed to William Hackwood or Henry Webber; produced by Josiah Wedgewood A number of years ago I went to see the film Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce and the …

The Second Elizabethan Age

Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) This morning we were greeted with the news that our monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, had peacefully passed away in her sleep. It was sobering news, although not that shocking considering her recent ill health.  Quite aptly our day here in Toowoomba had begun a little earlier with reverberating thunder that vibrated …

The Schools’ Patriotic Fund

Image by Bec T - pixabay A few days ago Australians commemorated Anzac Day. It is a time to remember those who have sacrificed their lives and their physical health and mental wellbeing in the pursuit of peace and freedom. There are numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction, that pay tribute to the soldiers and …

The Betrayals and The Glass Bead Game

Never judge a book by its cover, so they say. But we do. For The Betrayals by Bridget Collins, it was the cover that captured my attention. It's hard to go past gold embossing on a dark cover. Especially an embossed gold antique clock surrounded by golden swirls and dark red flowers. It was just …

Historic Toowoomba – the Influence of Ancestry in the Business Sector

A hint about some Toowoomba ancestry One of the pleasures of travelling to new places is the opportunity to dig into some local history and one of the best sources are the historic buildings that have been preserved and sometimes even repurposed. Historic buildings are not just preserved because they look grand and stately but …

Travelling the World Piece by Piece: Day 8 – England and Wrap Up

Cottage, England Today is our final location in our whirlwind tour of the world, travelling by puzzle, and these two sites are a little ambiguous. Labelled simply as “English Cottage,” I am not sure of their exact location, except that they are somewhere in England. Very helpful indeed. It is interesting to reflect on how …

Travelling the World Piece by Piece: Day 7 – Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle It is day seven on our puzzle tour and this is what you call a house with a view. Neuschwanstein Castle must be one of the most popular puzzle castles because you can find so many different versions taken from almost every angle and in every season of the year. It is also …

Travelling the World Piece by Piece: Day 6 – Provence

Provence, France It is Day Six of our World Tour and we are in the beautiful French region of Provence. France is the number one tourist destination in the world with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the French Riviera topping many bucket lists of places to see. I guess it is surprising then that …