The Schulte family today; L to R back row, Diane, Ben, Bill, John, and Maria. Front; Margaret and Bill snr.

The largest number of children in one family to be born at the local 5 bed AIM Hospital. Ben was born in Adelaide as the first born of a family wasn’t allowed to be born at the Hospital in case of complications during delivery. Graham West and Tess Gorostiaga also celebrated their 90th in 2016 while Keith Johns will turn 90 in 2017.

OLD COCKY CALLED “KELLY”Jack Ballinger still has a 59 year old ex-RH pet cocky. Wow!Some men who lived in the “cubes” at RH also had pet cockies. I’m reminded of the one which would hitch a ride on the outside rear vision mirror of the bus going to the mine. Can you imagine it, hanging on with its claws, leaning forward into the breeze, wings slightly outstretched with feathers fluttering and occasionally glancing over at Bill Davis the bus driver as if to screech, “faster Bill, faster”.

PRE-EASTER PREPARATIONSThanks to Tony Hanson, (of A R & M Hanson, Civil Constructions) where, by using his big bob-cat and 15 ton capacity tip truck he fixed up the track out to Radium Hill so that cars and caravans could travel on it without any worries.The ‘mad-mile’ wash-out needed 75 tons or just 5 truck loads of rock and rubble, to fix up using Tony’s truck. If the four “feeble fossils” had used their 11/4 ton capacity trailer and shovels, it would have taken them 60 loads, a ‘helluva’ lot of sweat, four broken backs, 12 days, plus a couple of days to get over it.

The ‘fixed up’ ‘mad-mile’ washout.

The “fossils” also weeded the Cemetery area and watered the trees. Unfortuneately some of the seedlings previously planted had succumbed to the hot and torrid summer conditions. If it wasn’t the hot and torrid conditions, it was the blooming wild goats climbing over the tree guards and eating the juicy green growth. Stopped the goats with steel re-enforcing mesh placed on top of the guards. Goats don’t like being pierced by ¼” mesh ends.

Hardly any rain fell in 2015 with the result that by Feb. 2016, Teasdale Dam had only about a foot of water left in it.

NEW FLAG AND SIGN-ON BOOKOver the years, the wind really blew on some days with the result that the end of our flag became more than a little tattered, “had it” as some would say.

Reminds me of the letter that the C.W.A.secretary Jess O’Donnell wrote to the mine general manager Terry Rodgers in 1955 stating that, ‘members would mend the Mine Flag on their next handicraft day’.

Terry responded ‘may I thank you for the generous offer of your Branch to repair the flag which was damaged by wind when flying from the head frame flag pole. Inspection of the flag however, has shown that it is very badly damaged as well as being covered in grease from the winch ropes, and I regret that it is beyond repair’.

Our new $90 flag flying high above the sign-on visitor book registration and donation container at the School camping ground. REMEMBER, when visiting, sign the visitors book.

EASTER 2016 REUNIONPeople started arriving during the week before Easter. After checking out the Museum, they jouneyed on to Radium Hill to set up their camp on the old School grounds.

What a sight confronted them at the BBQ shed.There it was on the BBQ grill, an old man roo, dead as a doornail. It hadn’t been dead too long as it didn’t stink and wasn’t stiff. It had been a resident of the area for some years but had succumbed to the hot and torrid conditions which prevailed in the previous few weeks. Apparently old roos look for cooler sites in hot weather to camp and will often die there without food or water.

The dead ‘roo’ on the BBQ grill.What to do with it? We already had plenty of yabby bait on hand. After photos were taken we commandeered the camp wheelbarrow, and took the corpse for a ride.

Poor ‘roo’ loaded onto the ‘wheelbarrow hearse’ ready for disposal over the hill.

GOOD FRIDAYVehicles started rolling in thick and fast with the good camping spots eagerly taken up by the early arrivals. From Cairns, Perth and everywhere in between they arrived.After meeting and greeting it was early to bed for many who had travelled large distances just to get there.

SATURDAY amAt 9.30 the heritage tour of the town and mine began. The sixteen historic “Then and Now” interpretive photo sites around the old townsite and mine areas certainly proved that a photo is better than a thousand words to compare/explain “what was” to “what is now”.The UHF’s on channel 30 were certainly busy with the questions and answers flowing between the vehicles making up the convoy.

THE LUXEMBURGS pmGreat expectations in the minds of many as the tag-a-long heads out to the Luxemburgs Goldfield.“Watty” McDonalds grave, the Luxemburg Hotel ruins where Albert Parker married Evelyn Lively in 1916, mine relics, but alas, no gold nuggets. Back at the camp, Colin Peryman used his “Gee-Whiz” gold separator to get the gold from the sands. A poor result. No gold rush eventuated.

The camp “The Wet Canteen Beer Garden” pergola proved to be a popular spot to gather around, sip

a cool drink, and just relax with friends.

The over-crowded existing “Wet . Canteen Beer Garden” pergola.

SATURDAY EVENINGWe were witness to an extraordinary event. It was a gas propelled rocket engine streaking hundreds of feet up into the air, ejecting a parachute and then slowly drifting back down to earth. Kieran McKosker was the brains behind the spectacle. Part of its fuel source was spaghetti. If spaghetti can help propel a rocket, what could it do to those who eat a lot of it?

The spagetti propelled rocket engine.

A device which broke down water into hydrogen and oxygen was then demonstrated by Robert Moore. Unbelievable.If at first you don’t succeed, sky diving is not for you.

GIANT RAFFLEAfter the rocket engine launch it was on with the giant raffle. The tables covered with prizes were a tribute to the many donors who brought a big smile to the faces of the lucky winners. Thank you.

“GHOST TOWN CABARET”Twenty great items made up the varied program.Gaily costumed dancers went real low as they danced to the music and Ian Husband singing, ‘Limbo Rock’ followed by him ‘Singing the Blues’. A great opening number.

L to R; Bob Mansfield, Lois Harvie, June Kakoschke, Margot Binkowski, Rod Lawrence, Pam Barratt, Ann Do, Kevin Egel.I then outlined the history of the “Shittes” family who had escaped from Hitler’s Germany. The “innocent” names of some of the family members (e.g. “Bool”) certainly conjured up swear words in the minds of many.

With Margot singing and Kevin Egel on guitar, “Da Do Ron Ron” was followed by Ian and “Tequila Sunrise”. More songs by Ann Do, Kevin , June and Joyce Drazil followed. Fantastic.Have you ever seen ballet performed on bitumen? Well ballet in the bush on a bitumen

surface performed by “ballerina” Josie Bennetts was superb. As I have previously commented, she is literally “poetry in motion”. An encore by Josie to toe tapping music and Ian Husband singing “Johnny Be Good” drew wild applause. Thank you Josie an Ian, from all of us.

Ian Husband under the “stage” lights surrounded by speakers, “Singing The Blues”.

As a final item, Jim Krecu from “Moonlite Investments” had set up a truly magnificent extravaganza.

When switched on, the LED “wall washing lights” plus the laser and disco lighting was a brilliant spectacle on the walls of the 2,000,000 gal. capacity concrete tank on “Tank Hill”. The changing colours and patterns were mind blowing as a spectacle for the viewing audience from the “camping ground” below. It was just awesome when you consider that the size of the display was about 220ft. long by 25ft. high, (the height of the tank wall = 7.6m). When the golden glow of the full moon lit up the darkened night sky it added to the brilliance of the spectacle.

I’ve been assured that the display for Easter 2017 will be even more spectacular.

The wall washing lights were a great backdrop for the pyrotechnic extravaganza.

SUNDAY SERVICE The Sunday morning Easter Thanks Giving service in the Catholic Church ruins was well attended. Led by Pam Barratt the service is always very moving.

Easter bunny (Margot Binkowski) handed out the “goodies”. She was conspicuous not only from her outfit but also by the number of chocolate hungry followers who accompanied her.

The followers; L to R; Debbie and Karen Kaksochke, Norman Broome, Easter Bunny Margot, Kevin Kakoschke, Raelene Broome and Pam Barratt.

CACTUS GRUBBING Trailer loads of cactus grubbed out by “Cactus” Bob Mansfield, “Nodule” Neil Gobbett and helpers, certainly helped fill some old house sewerage pits. They will be burnt later by Mark Francis.

SUNDAY pmAfter lunch a loaded convoy set off to explore and experience the Maldorky wildlife wonderland.Kangaroos, emus and dozens of wild goats made way for the convoy, spearing its way through the bulldust to Lake Maldigo.

SUNDAY eve.A quick bite to eat and it was a rush to take up the choicest spots to hear a medley of songs from Joyce Drazil before the new “drive-in flicks” started. Thanks to Kerry Pinch we have a new screen and projector and to the four “feeble fossils”, a screen mounting structure.

Kerry alongside the new picture screen

Before the evening’s entertain- ment started Bob Mansfield told how he was enjoying his fried chops and vegies on Saturday night at his camp when he was disturbed by a noise coming from behind him. Looking over his shoulder, there it was, a blooming big wild cat licking out his frying pan. It wasn’t the case of “pussy, pussy, come here”, but rather, “scat cat” or words “#*^*” to that affect. Twenty-five wild cats have been exterminated“Last cab to Darwin” was a brilliant movie to screen on such an occasion. At different times many in the audience would yell out, “ I’ve been there”.

Relaxing at the new “Drive-in” pictures while gathered around the campfire.

At about 11pm Kay Tulloch realised that she had left her camera on a rock out at the Maldorkys. Tony Averay offered to take her out there again and they found the camera in the dark. Lucky?

EASTER MONDAYAfter near perfect weather, it changed on Monday, drizzly rain.It was a scramble for many to pack up and leave in case the track out became too wet. Hasty goodbyes were exchanged and they were gone. For those remaining where could they gather without getting wet? The “wet canteen” pergola was only covered with sarlon cloth.

THE PIONEER CEMETERYDuring Easter, Colin Peryman had mounted a plaque on the tree at his brother Jeff’s grave site at the Cemetery. Jeff was the first boy born in the AIM Hospital in 1953. It was 10 years since Jeff had passed away aged 53 in 2006. Cheryl Brosnan (n Carss) was the first baby born in the new AIM Hospital in 1953. Sadly Cheryl passed away in 2016 aged 63.What a coincidence?

The Peryman graves in the Cemetery. Note the mob of wild goats running up the hill on the RH side of the photo.

NOVEMBER WORKING BEE In November ’16, three “feeble fossils” fixed the pergola shelter dilemma. They went up to Radium Hill to do a number of jobs.They extended the pergola frame to accommodate sixteen foot long poly-carbonate sheeting donated by Wolf Fellegger.

Rod Lawrence and Barry Kakoschke, (two “feeble fossils”), relaxing with a can of cool beer after a hard day’s yakka covering the pergola. For safety reasons, FIRES ARE BANNED underneath it.

At the Cemetery the kangaroos had jumped the 4ft. high fence and ate off the tree shoots. We thought that we had fixed the problem in May by adding a wire 18ins. above the top barb. We thought that if they tried to jump the fence the new wire (which they couldn’t see), would act like a sling and hurl them backwards faster than a “Quantas flying kangaroo jet” taking off. We were wrong. Five lots of “roo nuggets” were discovered inside the Western boundary fence and some young tree shoots chewed off. Thank goodness the roo eventually escaped after tangling the extra wire onto the existing top barb. We reckon that we have now fixed the fence so that they can’t get in? Time will tell.

A view of the Cemetery after a working bee clean-up in November. Possibly the best looking Cemetery in the North East.

We have interred the ashes/ mounted plaques/headstones for 36 folk since 2001 in our Cemetery.

Four excavated graves are still available in the Cemetery for those folk who may wish to be buried there at a future date.

STORMY EIGHT DAYSDuring our time there in November we experienced three days when the temp. was over 40°C., another day of raging dust, a day of drizzly rain and a good day thank goodness. We needed the good day for fixing the sheet covering on the pergola.

A TORNADO AT RADIUM HILL?Sometime in the previous couple of weeks a mini tornado tore through the Cemetery and sections of the townsite. A big gum on First street was bowled over near where Goodes used to live. The tornado also bowled some trees over onto the fence at the Cemetery. “Chainsaw” Rod Lawrence had them cut into firewood in no time flat.

OBITUARIESRegretfully a number of our friends have passed away since our last newsletter including;Brown, Lee in FranceBrosnan, Cheryl Kyogle NSWConley, Thelma Moonah Tas.Del Testa, Emilio St. Coombs ScotlandEhlich, Bruno Hawkesbury NSWFirmani, Tony Chicago USAGoode, “Tony” Adelaide SAHanlon, Richard Rosebery Tas.Jordan, Hans Chidlow WAKruger, Heike Cairns Qld.Kruger, Peter Cairns Qld.Lucas, Ruth Forrest Vic.McGovern, John Mandura WAMcIntosh, Kathleen Wagaman NTPeryman, Robert Adelaide SAScholten, Nicholas Whyalla SASciarrotta, Francesco Adelaide SASmith, Brian Adelaide SAVenema, Jan Renmark SAWilson, Maralyn Warnambool VicTo their families we offer our deepest sympathy and condolences for their loss.

THE UNITED CHURCH 60 yearsThe Church was built by the Radium Hill Inter-Church Association and was opened on Saturday, the 10th August, 1957. Funds were raised by bug evenings, fetes, dances, worshipper’s offerings and donations. The moneys raised together with what was collected on the day of it's opening was enough to pay back the £600 loaned by the Inter-Church group and the £2,900 to meet the total cost of building the Church, i.e. £3,500. The final church service at the United Church was held on

Sunday 10th. December 1961. Kevin Kakoschke and June Thomson were the first to be married at the Church in 1957, sixty (60) years ago.

SWIMMING POOL 60 years On Wednesday 23rd. of January 1957 the new swimming pool was officially opened (by Sir Lyell McEwin, Minister of Mines) with a swimming carnival where Margot Valenti (now Binkowski our treasurer) won the female breast stroke race. The pool measured 100 feet long by 30 feet wide and twelve feet deep at the diving tower end. The pool proved to be much more enjoyable than having to go out to Gall’s Well, the Maldorky’s (Maldigo Lake) or the 30,000 gallon Squatters tank on Tank Hill to have a swim let alone having a dive. The high diving tower and springboard was designed by Social Club committee man, Bob Blake. George Milling who was the Chairman of the Social Club and field manager of Associated Diamond Drillers donated surplus drill rods for fabricating the diving tower frame. The fabrication was done by the blacksmith shop foreman Bill Schulte, a committee member of the Social Club.

Beating the heat in the swimming pool

EASTER 2017Once again the program for 2017 is shaping up to be fantastic. Bigger, brighter and better than ever. Remember, first in best dressed for the choicest camping spots. Overseas visitors again?Relax in the shade of the new “Wet Canteen” beer garden, out of the sun and rain. Admire the garden shrubs and ornaments.

Friday evening, gem fossicking. Bring along a black light source to show up the gems at night. Maybe diamonds, sapphires etc. if you’re lucky. Panning for gold, especially for the kids and the not so young?

Bring gold pan, magnifying glass and small clear glass container for the gold and gems.

(Use the 1000 to 1 microscope to inspect the beauty of your gems, gold nugget, and insects?).

Saturday 9.30am heritage tour tag-a-long, town/mine areas.

Saturday 12 noon. Interment of Helmuth (John) Drazil’s ashes. ANZAC remembrance service for Roy Inwood who was awarded the Victoria Cross 100 years ago, during WW1 in 1917.

Saturday 3.00pm. The Diamond Wedding service re-enactment between Kevin Kakoschke and June Thomson at the United Church site where they were married. What, 60 years ago? A golden wedding anniversary will also be celebrated. Whose?

7pm giant raffle. Some terrific prizes.More raffle items needed.

Maybe a rocket engine demo using spaghetti as part of its fuel source?

“GHOST TOWN CABARET”Commencing with the “YMCA” (get your “YMCA” gear on) "Rock-a-Billy" star Ian Husband, June, Margot, Joyce and Ann, the singing larks, Lois and her dancing troupe, Kevin on his guitar, plus your act and a 'helluva' lot more.

Sunday, Sunday Easter service 9am, followed by the unveiling of two historic plaques at the Catholic Convent and School. Roll call of ex-school students or an excuse note must be supplied to ‘let them off the hook’ and excuse them from writing 100 words penalty for not attending.

Cactus extermination adventure (Bring gloves, digger and BBQ tongs).

PM The Maldorkys wildlife experience and rugged beauty adventure tag-a-long.

Evening Be enthralled by the golden voice of our own Joyce Drazil and a sing-a-long. Great flicks Sunday night at the new “Drive-in” movies.

MEMORY JOGGERS

*Please contact June, our secretary if you change your address or hear of any ex-Radium Hill resident who may have passed away.*Fill up with fuel at Yunta or Broken Hill. A fridge is at our campsite for food and drinks, plus a stove, BBQ, toilets, and shower facility.

*Order your iron-on Radium Hill monogram, just $5 ea. which includes postage. More Radium Hill Videos of " The Way We Were" now available for $25ea thanks to Peter Harratt. “O.T.B.H”. Book sales

Write a comment in the guest book section of our web site. View it at

www.radiumhill.org

The Olary Oasis Hotel host is Sam McLeod, 08 8091 1856.

Dianne Highet hosts the Mannahill Hotel 08 8650 5904 and Ryan Esam is mine host at the Cockburn Hotel. Call in, have a chat and a look at some of the artefacts and memorabilia which they have on display.

* You must sign the visitor’s book at our Museum, pick up a track map and information sheet before heading out to Radium Hill (no speeding on the track).

*Pick up your RH site map and heritage trail brochure from the map box at the R.H. bitumen.

*Bring along your UHF set (we communicate on channel 30), prospecting pick, binoculars, bathers, cameras etc. (40 chairs on site).

* You must sign the visitors register, pick up and pin on your name tag, (it helps 'break the ice') at the camp site.

*Rubbish, you bring it in, you take it out. Leave the camp site neat and tidy (it’s appreciated).

*Contact Andy Treloar if you want to stay in the shearer's quarters at Easter.

*If unable to contact June or myself, please leave a message with Margot Binkowski who will pass it on.

If you intend calling into Radium Hill other than at Easter, for permission to enter, you must write or phone both Andy Treloar, Tikalina Stn. via Olary, Ph. 08 8091 1529 and Maurice Francis, Oulnina Stn. via Mannahill, Ph.08 8650 5901.