THE GREATEST
UK historian Richard Smith has just written a book in which he names the best cricket team of all time.
Three Aussies are included and there is no doubt Bradman, Warne and Gilchrist were true “greats”. Viv Richards, Sir Garfield Sobers and Malcolm Marshall were champions of West Indies “Golden Era”, and their names stand in sharp contrast to the far less talented players in the once mighty cricket nation today. Jack Hobbs and Sidney Barnes are the Englishmen named. Barnes who played around the very early 1900s is rated by many as the greatest fast medium bowler of all time. India’s Gavaskar and Tendulkar were batting genius while Pakistan’s Imran Khan was an all-round super star. In his book Smith has also named the best XI of every decade.
SHANE’S STORY
Kilmore’s Shane Elliott has made the most of his time enjoying success in different occupations. He was head of catering at Assumption for several years where he was highly regarded by all. He then turned to teaching. He worked at Broadford College for a time and loved it. For the past few years, he has been principal of the special school in Seymour where along with a dedicated staff of about 10 he ensures a good education and care for the 80-plus students. Shane spends long hours in his role and describes it as a privilege. He likes getting out of the office to spend recess times playing games with the boys and girls. A Richmond footy “tragic”, Shane is married to Jacqui, a fine lady who currently is part of the ACK catering staff. The couple have two daughters – Courtney, a local hairdresser, and Caitlyn, who lives and works in Eildon, and they are delighted to have recently become grandparents.
BRUCE BURGESS R.I.P
Long-time Broadford resident Bruce Burgess was farewelled by a large crowd at St Mary’s Seymour. Father Eugene Ashkar presided over a requiem mass and delivered a splendid homily. Bruce, a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, is survived by wife Patricia (58 years married) and five daughters Jackie, Paula, Kylie, Gaybrielle, and Dionne and also by four brothers and sisters.
Family members were fully involved in proceedings and the heartfelt eulogies paid warm and loving tributes to a good man. Bruce was a skilled tradesman in life. His wife Pat was an almost legendary “front of house” receptionist for many years at Assumption. She knew all the students, their families and went way beyond the call of duty in assisting with fetes, extra-curricular functions and sporting celebrations. Among former ACK identities present at St Mary’s were Denis Rae, Matt Mew, Ken Tonkin and Colin Ferris.
Bruce on his wedding day could almost have been an early “double” for lion’s champion Jonathan Brown.
