With The Memory Pool celebrating its first birthday today, I have been reflecting on some of the highlights of the past 12 months. The launchWhat a wonderful gathering of family, friends and representatives from NewSouth Publishing and Writing NSW...
I’ve been quiet on Swimming Pool Stories lately because I have been busy writing a book called The Memory Pool: Australian stories of summer, sun and swimming published by NewSouth Publishing.It will be in the book stores from 1 November but you can...
During our hot and humid January, these beautiful ocean pools in Sydney and south to Kiama have kept me cool, calm, revived and inspired. Kiama Rock Pool Kiama Rock Pool Kiama Rock Pool Giles Baths Coogee Giles Baths Coogee Giles Baths Coogee...
We were on Cleveland Street near the Lebanese restaurants – The Prophet and Fatima’s – where I used to dine at in my uni days, when we got the call. “You came third in your age group,” my niece Rosie relayed from her friends, the Moylans.“Really?” I...
Last weekend when I visited the State Library of NSW’s Paintings from the Collection exhibition, I was taken with a painting called The Swimming Enclosure by artist Herbert Badham. It’s thought to be a depiction of the netted swimming area at...
My first day back for the new season at Petersham Pool started with a mid-stroke wave from Hugh, followed by ‘How ya’ been,’ from hardworking lifeguard Grant, travel stories from Peter, a declaration from Michelle, ‘The...
Yellow cap, Wylie’s Baths Coogee, NSW. Blue, black, white caps, Ross Jones Memorial Pool Coogee, NSW. Purple cap, McIver’s Ladies Baths Coogee, NSW. Blue cap, Wylie’s Baths Coogee, NSW. Rainbow cap, Ross Jones Memorial Pool Coogee...
I was about to drive to my local indoor pool this morning but at the last minute I changed my mind. I wanted to swim outdoors and so I headed down the road to Leichhardt Pool where I had the most beautiful swim in the perfect water temperature among...
On the Gold Coast last week to go to the Commonwealth Games, I was 10 again and in seventh heaven spotting pools from our hotel balcony on the 22nd floor. When I cooled off in the Avani pool, the lights reflecting gold across the water, I was 13 and...
Since you closed yesterday for the winter months, I have been thinking about the things I will miss like walking towards you through Petersham Park, past the camphor laurels where the butcher birds sing. The ‘good mornings’ from fellow...