Boolaroo Bulletin Centenary Issue

Character & Friendship
One afternoon recently I was fortunate to spend time with Albert Wood and his mate Don Whiteman. Don is a writer and promotes Boolaroo effortlessly and is recognised for miles around when he dresses up in his Town Crier outfit and performs. Don is a man who is friendly to all he meets. Don's mate Albert has his own story too. There are so many people who deserve a tribute - the spirit of Boolaroo is within these two mates:

ALBERT WOOD Albert was born in West Maitland and moved to Boolaroo as a young boy, attending Boolaroo School. Albert said, "When I was a young lad I started caddying at Waratah Golf Course when I was 10 years old. I was a caddy in the W.E. Alexander open for Graeme Belle from Cessnock. I was also a caddy for Sidney Cowling when he was Golf Pro at Waratah Golf Club. When I moved to Islington I went over the Merewether to caddy for Graeme Belle in the Ten Thousand Golf Tournament. I learned to play golf at Waratah Golf Club when I was 15 years old. I also caddied for Graeme Belle's father Freddy Belle at Waratah Golf Course. Waratah Golf Course is a beatiful golf course to play on."

Albert played competitive golf and is a Life Member of the Sulphide Hotel's Social Golf Club. Albert also joined Speers Point Scout Troup and was then asked by the Group Scout Master, Edgar Hamonet to join the 1st Speers Point Rover Crew - an association lasting over 22 years.

Albert and Swimming: Albert was a Learn to Swim Instructor teaching young children, adults and even babies as young as 12 months old to swim. Albert coached champion swimmers Allan Buckley ans sister Jill. He worked as a gardener and has also been honoured by Newcastle Police Citizens Youth Club with his prize possession, a blazer, for his contributions and years of service and was awarded with Life Membership. Albert is now 76 and resides in Fifth Street, shops daily in Boolaroo and supports all the raffles - one of Boolaroo's characters!

DON WHITEMAN
Don has had a full life. A shop assistant, factory worker, postman, rigger, labourer, forester, fruit picker, oyster farmer, journalist and Shire Clerk. Don loves children and always says "G'Day" to anybody and everybody. Don played rugby union and rugby league to the age of 51. Don is very active in local issues, Senior Citizens Association, RSL and entertaining crowds at the Boolaroo Family Fair for the past 5 years, and other festivities. He gave over 5 years of his life to war service. Don has great faith in Boolaroo and many can learn from his supportive role in the community to others and the frendliness and warmth that gives a smile to those he connects with. Don writes regular letters to the papers and is published with respect.
Boolaroo Town Crier!