Ronald Beswick Blogspot

 One of the greatest moment of my life happened when I was a 17 year old. It was the night I got my first pay packet when I worked at Bradmill in Kotara. Previously, I was on the Dole and I did some work for people that only paid you in cash. One bloke didn't pay me at all and another took 50 percent of tax from my pay. Years later I learned the bloke that docked me probably never paid tax himself. There were no agreement or union about, so I looked at it as a big lesson.   Although I took advantage of the beach, I really wanted a decent job. I bought a Suzuki TS125 trail bike from Boolaroo and got a learner's permit. Eventually I got my provisional license and then got disqualified after my P plate broke. My name was down at a few places but wanting to go to sea was a priority. In July 1977 Bradmill was my first real employer. My rank was a Bobbin Boy and I was thrilled to have a stable job. I became a member of a trade union for the first time in my life. The Australian...

 This was written a maybe a couple of years ago. I sent it to the ASA competition but it never made it to the shortlist. It's been one of my least favourite lyrical compositions and a bit of an experiment.  Now I’ve written a lot of songs in my time In between my own leisure Creating a melody and using my energy I’ll no longer be a stranger I work hard at my creativity Ideas can flow through an aperture Choosing a key to let my voice be free I’ve never felt like a failure Well it looks like I’ve hit the jackpot now You will all be impressed now Now is the time for me to shine Because my time has arrived now When I grew up there was a piano I then got distracted by the tele There was a beach within my reach On a good day I’d paddle in the sea I was happy and never went without My folks had witnessed poverty I found a stage where I could rage Then I would make myself a coffee Well it looks like I’ve hit the jackpot now You will all be impressed now...

  The Macedon The Macedon was a ship that sailed on the Australian coast for over 20 years. In 1986 Howard Smiths sold the vessel and the crew went elsewhere if they didn't retire. Built in 1957 at Papenburg West Germany she had two sister ships. The Macedon was about 96 metres long and about 13 meters wide. Accommodation was midships and the crew had their own cabin, but the shower was communal. There was a spiral staircase that was responsible for accidents. In the Galley they used was an oil fired stove until a relieving cook blew it up! It had to be replaced by an electric one which made the permanent cooks very happy. Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand chartered the ship after it was commissioned. I believe this was in 1963 but it could have been earlier. The ship carried Potash from Port Adelaide to Glebe Island in Sydney. The ship had no bar, and the crew would make their way to various local watering holes if home wasn't nearby. Glebe I...

  The CFMEU are in the news for the wrong reason again. I’ve not been following what's going on but I know there must be more to the story than what I've been hearing. I was a member of the Textile Workers Union, Federated Liquor and Allied Industries Employees' Union, and the Federated Ironworker’s Association before I entered the Maritime Industry. When I entered the Maritime Industry I joined the Marine Cooks, Bakers and Butchers' Association of Australia. In 1983 we amalgamated with the Seamen's Union of Australia and in 1988 amalgamated with the Federated Marine Stewards' and Pantrymen's Association of Australasia. In 1991 we amalgamated with the Professional Diver's Association and in 1993 we amalgamated with the Waterside Workers' Federation to become the Maritime Union of Australia. Also known as the MUA! In 1999 I resigned from the union and no longer worked for an employer. I had some health issues at the time plus I was involved in a co...

 I changed a few words to make it easier to perform. I could make some more changes. Truckie or Trucker? ON THE WAY TO MULLUMBIMBY Camped by the roadside the hitch hiker fell asleep trying to get a lift to Mullumbimby A truck pulled over it started to rain the driver was drowsy and desperate for coffee He woke the hitch hiker who's name was Norm and he was from Newcastle South With a black T shirt dirty boots Norm the hitch hiker had a big mouth Never know who you'll meet Could be a scruffy or someone neat On the way to Mullumbimby You stop here and stop there Step on a snake so beware On the way to Mullumbimby The trucker hoped to get advice with an addiction he was craving for a flat white He stepped out the truck to say G-day Norm grabbed his bag after a long night He knew a place been on this road before he showed the trucker where to stop The trucker got vibes as he pulled up at the cafe next door to a crop Never know who you'll meet Could...

  NAMBUCCA HEADS IS A PEARL IN THE GROUND Timber Getters arrived with prosperous thoughts Indigenous Folks didn't let them starve Then the Scottish Migrants bought their wisdom Before a highway delivered tourist charm Banana Growers set a trend that's almost gone Now they struggle in a competing market But the oysters look good served natural Thirsty Folks giggle over a casket If Heaven was above I'd rather stay here Nambucca Heads has the atmosphere This place is too good just look around Nambucca Heads is a pearl in the ground The rhythm of waves and the sound of the wind Delivers a magical vibe to feel Overlooking the ocean from the Headland hall Whale watchers claim they can heal Chemistry of joy alarms those on duty Attracting dolphins that cruise the river Where oyster beds decorate the rocky shores making it an easy choice for dinner If Heaven was above I'd rather stay here Nambucca Heads has the atmosphere This place is t...