Monday, 19 November 2007

Checking on the East Coast

Rita is currently up the East Coast checking out the latest. There seem to be heaps of things coming up on the horizon here too.

I have been privvy to lots of whispered hot hospitality gossip, but won't pass any of it on till it's been confirmed, though I must say it all sounds quite exciting for our coastal inhabitants, and visitors.

Visited Webster Walnuts today. A most interesting and informative visit and the people there so keen and passionate about their area and their product. Currently the walnuts are grown and harvested only at Swansea, and sent to Devonport to be dried etc. They are hoping for the drying process to be moved to Swansea, so that should value-add to the operation at Swansea, and also create some new jobs for locals, especially those who like to work seasonally.

There are many tourists and visitors up the coast. And Swansea has just arranged itself a movie night once per fortnight. They have found money to get the required screen and accroutrements to be able to screen all the latest movies in the local hall - they just have to wait till Village have finished with them, then, presto! Whichever movies they see on the listing of available movies, they like the sound of, they get! They also provide the little extras as well, like popcorn, lollies, fizzy drinks etc. Just like town! They get people rolling up with their own chairs, pillows, cushions, blankets etc. Makes it sound like lots of community fun, doesn't it?

Next thing they might think of is to do it outside, in the summer.

A few big days coming up further up the coast, so I guarantee I'll have much more to tell you about after that.
Posted on by Rita
3 comments

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is this our Gold Coast, Rita...but in a NICER way?
I mean development but hopefully not all that bling and plastic of the Queensland example.
I quite fancy retiring somewhere up the east coast but don't want it to turn into the Miami of Tassie. (All old folk in little retirement villages).
I need space to let the wind blow after a weekend of exotic curries and ales.
Theakstons By The Sea has a ring to it.

Anonymous said...

Love the East coast Rita. I have a block of land on Dolphin sands, hoping to build up there in the next couple of years. Fresh air, sound of crashing waves, mini Cartouches blasting around in the sand and water, friends barbeques.... heaven.

Rita said...

Hey Sir G and Cartouche - I reckon your ideas of living up here down the track should be followed up. It does have a lot to offer and even though the prices really have skyrocketed, it definitely doesn't have the Gold Coast feel to it.

We're way too provincial here in Tassie (so far) for that.

What I like is the laid back attitude shown by the locals. We folk from the city come blustering in, all full of that city attitude of 'hurry, hurry, things to do, places to go, timetables to keep to' etc. Then you are confronted by the laconic, easy attitude of a local, who seems to have all the time in the world to answer your question, and happily does so.

Many might take that attitude as being evidence of a lack of sophistication. I admire it as being evidence of people who haven't caved in.

I envy you both. Sir G, Theakstons by the Sea is looking pretty damned good as a retirement village! Book me in.