Owen’s Book
Owen Douglas of Broadford has just had a compelling story published. Titled My soul to your soul, it is a well written story of the author’s early life to times as a psychiatric nurse.
Owen’s upbringing journey provided him with unique tools to understand and help the human soul.
Raised by a father battling undiagnosed mental illness, he learned the virtues of stoicism and warmth, transforming his pain into a source of strength.
During his life, he navigated his own path to mental wellness, channelling his experiences into a career as a compassionate psychiatric nurse.
This compelling biography uncovers his inspiring odyssey, showing how his personal battles have shaped his professional choices and fuelled his commitment to helping others find the light within the darkness.
Book Blurb
Owen’s writing style is alive and enlightening that if there is any good that comes from grief, Owen had found it in his written words. From the opening chapter Riches to rags to the finale A ghost from the past,it is at times a hauntingly evocative narrative of a life that has encountered the sunshine and shadow of the passing years. A well-known Broadford family, Owen and Judy and children Melissa, Robert, Richard, and Sarah have all made their impact along life’s journey. All four children have excelled at sport—Melissa (tennis and AFLW), Robert (football and cricket), Richard (AFL and cricket) and Sarah (netball and tennis). Richard played 246 games for Adelaide Crows and was one of their finest players of the past generation. He was also a premiership player and outstanding member of Assumption teams between 2004–2005
This book is highly recommended and available in bookshops and online in late October.
Chris loves cricket
Chris Vecchi has been a great servant of Wallan Cricket Club for two decades. A fine player, leader on and off the field, and an all-round good guy like his good friend Robbie Fowler, also a club legend. Chris is supported by a loving wife and family. Pictured here are Chris with wife Elena and daughters Lara (13), Bianca (10), and Pia (5). Lara is a Year 8 student at ACK and is a keen cricketer like her dad, who also attended Assumption and made a good contribution to the life and times of the college. Chris is currently lining up for Wallan CC in the Gisborne and District Associations Johnstone Shield. Chris and Robbie are stalwarts of the summer game and they and their counterparts are virtually needed across the nation to ensure the great game remains a key part of the summer scene well into the future. Cricket has survived, and often thrived, in this country for more than a century and a half. Thousands of cricketers from cities and bush have given their lives in the two world wars defending freedom and a way of life that is again under threat.
Varia
A young relative, Tegan Matthews (pictured), has just won the Essendon and District women’s football league Rising Star award. Nineteen and eldest of four, Tegan combines her footy with university studies.
“The General”
Residents of Strath Creek and district have embraced their new facility called The General, built on the site of the former store which was burnt down. The splendid modern complex has a cafe, bistro, store, and post office. It is well worth a visit to the village nestled in the ‘valley of a thousand hills’ —an area of superb scenery which is an artist’s delight. At weekends, many folk drive or motorcycle from near and far to sample what The General has to offer. A few kilometres south of The General is the Village Green cricket location, which offers cricketers the chance to practice, and the majestic pavilion and accommodation is available for refreshments and overnight stays. The area is well worth a wait for the magnificent scenery alone.
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Best wishes to all the area cricket clubs, now well into the new season. Kilmore, Broadford, Wallan, Lancefield, Romsey, Pyalong, Tallarook, and Whittlesea are all fine family orientated clubs with senior and junior XI’s. Each club welcomes new players and supporters.
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