Townsville Bulletin - Townsville Weekend
AUTHORS EMBRACE LOVE
Two generations of local authors, Rachel Armstrong and Barbara Hannay, are set to bring the romance genre alive at the “Romancing the Page” event.
This unique event, to be held April 18 at Citylibraries Riverway, aims to spotlight local talent and the compelling world of romantic fiction.
Barbara, who has sold more than 12 million novels, has been writing professionally for more than 25 years.
Rachel is known for her popular Shadow Creek series set in the picturesque backdrop of a North Queensland banana farm,
Both authors say they are looking forward to the’ Romancing the Page’ event.
“Romancing the Page is a great opportunity for Townsville readers to connect with local authors and share in their love of books,” Rachel said. “It’s a wonderful reminder that we do have local award-winning and best selling authors, especially when there is so much hype about overseas books.”
Rachel described the Townsville writing community as ‘small but passionate.
“It is so important to celebrate the success of our locals,” she tells NQ Weekend. “I get a lot of inspiration from North Queensland, especially for my Shadow Creek series.
“I love taking these books around the region to connect with readers about the lifestyle and beauty of our rural country.
“But I do feel isolated as a writer up here given the limited opportunities to promote, network, and meet readers, which is what Romance Writers of Australia is trying to help its regional members overcome this year.
“I’m very grateful for their collaboration with Townsville Citylibraries to bring our city this event.”
The Romancing the Page event is not just a celebration of all things romance but also a platform for discussion on various aspects of romantic fiction, from the allure of romance novels to overcoming stereotypes within the genre.
Attendees will get a chance to hear about the journeys of both Rachel and Barbara, what inspires them, and how Romance Writers of Australia has played a role in their writing careers.
This free event, to be held at CityLibraries Riverway between 6pm and 7pm on April 18, promises an intimate dive into the world of romance literature, offering something for longtime fans and new readers alike.
Barbara said she had witnessed massive changes in the publishing industry during the 25 years she had been a professional writer.
“But for me, the basic promise of romance stories remains the same – an intensely emotional story with plenty of sensual tension and an optimistic ending,” she said. “Of course, the settings can be widely varied contemporary city or rural, wartime history, regency, fantasy worlds... so many choices, all popular.”
Besides the April 18 Romancing The Page event, Barbara will give a workshop on April 20 between 10 and 2pm at Citylibraries Riverway on writing romance “the winding path to happy endings”.
“As a former high school English teacher, I still enjoy giving these classes and sharing what I’ve learned,” she said.
“It always helps me to think again about my own writing and I learn something every time as well.”
Romancing the Page is a great opportunity for Townsville readers to connect with local authors and share in their love of books.
Go to whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events
Today’s Cluden Park Family Fun Day will be a sublime blend of horse racing, family friendly activities and kids fashion.
The Family Fun Day promises a world of entertainment suitable for the whole family including jumping castle and inflatable playground, laser skirmish with inflatable obstacles, laughing clowns, pony rides, craft marquee, treasure hunts, photo booths and a Kids’ Fashions on the Field.
Cluden Park committee chairman Geoff Weeks said family race days were held during the school holidays because it gave families an opportunity to come and enjoy the races together, where they otherwise wouldn’t be able to during the week or when weekend children sports were on.
Families were encouraged to take their picnic blankets and camping chairs to enjoy a day of action-packed live racing and the organised activities.
“We’ve prepared a wide array of ageappropriate activities for kids. These amazing experiences will take place in the cool, shady embrace of our Fig Tree Lawns.”
Mr Weeks said Cluden Park hosted four family race days each year and the April 13 event would be the second for 2024.
“It’s a chance to inspire our children to be the next Jamie Kah or James Macdonald, a space for parents to connect and see their children in a playful environment while still enjoying the racing atmosphere.
“We provide an environment for families who play together to stay together.”
Mr Weeks said the feedback from previous family race day events at Cluden Park was extremely positive.
“The kids absolutely love the pony rides, Fashions on the Field and food trucks we have on site,” he said.
“The carnival atmosphere, picnics under the fig tree lawns and cheering on your favourite horse. it’s all here in one venue.”
One of the most popular events at today’s Family Fun Day is the Kids’ Fashions on the Field contest.
Talent duo Jonty Furnell and Jools Munro will Mcee the event and Chelsea Burger (pictured right) and Marnie Davidson will be the fashion judges.
Each entrant in the Kids’ Fashions on the Field will receive a numbered lollipop to display with their outfit.
The categories include: 5 an Under Boys and Girls; 6-10 Years Boys and Girls; and 11-17 Years Boys and Girls.
“Jonty and Jools are two personalities of Townsville that absolutely bring a brightness and vibrancy to our race days,” Mr Weeks said. “They can Mcee our adult fashions on the field
WE PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT FOR FAMILIES WHO PLAY TOGETHER TO STAY TOGETHER
just as effectively as our kids’ fashions on the field.
“Jonty is a former junior fashion winner here at Cluden and when Jools gave Jonty the microphone to talk about how he put his outfit together in 2023, it was evident Jonty had talent. Jonty and Jools are out there having fun like two big kids themselves and are a perfect fit to create a day of fun.”
Mr Weeks said an action packed six race card was also scheduled to take place today.
“It’s the thrill of being at the races, like going to a live football match, or any sporting event, being here live is an experience, heart pumping and action packed.
“Some of the trainers, horses and jockeys have travelled in to race with our locals. The jockeys will be walking around after their race to say hi to the kids and as a whole, it is going to be a great day.”
Although guests cannot BYO food and drinks, race goers are encouraged to bring their own picnic blanket and enjoy the delicious food offerings under the shade of the Fig Tree Lawns
Cluden Park is a cashless venue, so all bars and food stalls operated by Cluden Park will accept card payments only.
Book makers will continue to accept cash.
Cluden Park’s Family Fun Day takes place today, April 13, from 11.30am.
Ages 13 and Over: $10 Tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite or at the gate on the day. Concession Card Holders: Special $5 tickets can be purchased online or at the gate on the day. Children aged 12 & under: Free entry.
De Bortoli Section A5 Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2021
This fine-bodied chardonnay entrances with a bouquet of nectarine, yellow peach and jasmine with a hint of sea spray, brioche and struck match. Lovely bright fruit on the palate – yellow peach and citrus – and savoury, nutty notes with zesty acidity pulsing through. Oak influence is subtle. 96 points from Halliday Wine Companion. 12.7% alc; RRP $55 a bottle. SPECIALS $49.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Chardonnay dozen.
Bleasdale Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2022
From the Halliday Wine Companion’s Winery of the Year comes a beautifully balanced chardonnay, with fruit and oak in precise alignment. White peach and nectarine lead from nose to palate, with lemon and grapefruit melding with vanilla notes. 96 points from James Halliday. 12.5% alc; RRP $35 a bottle.
SPECIALS $32 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Chardonnay dozen.
Dandelion Vineyards Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2021
Creamy, nutty and ripe aromas of citrus, peach, nectarine and honeysuckle. Palate is rich but fresh. Toasty oak, citrus, stone fruit flavours and quince roll to a nutty, textural finish. Red star for exceptional value from Halliday Wine Companion. 12.5% alc; RRP $30 a bottle. SPECIALS $23.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Chardonnay dozen.
Jim Brand Yates Coonawarra Chardonnay 2022
Yellow peach, apricot kernel and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg aromas lead to grapefruit and pineapple on the palate, with hints of roasted cashew and butter. Bright acidity carries the flavours to a long, dry finish. 12.5% alc; RRP $30 a bottle. SPECIALS $25.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Chardonnay dozen.