Talking History with David Gibson

08/11/2017

21/07/2016

Big day today, picking up dodgers for an Opera-themed Dining Experience that I am organising; across to 'the dark side of the Moon' [south of the Brisbane River] and my friends at 4MBS 103.7 Classic FM to pick-up Programme Guides which I deliver with the help of my truly amazing niece E. Then it was time to look at swatches for a potential new display at the Heritage Unit of the Thoroughbred Racing History Association....all before an errand of Mercy caused when a Happy Family Bird flew in front of the car, landing prostrate on Kennedy Terrace at Paddington. It recovered and I released it in bush at Ashgrove (only after it had pooed all over the interior of the Fluence).

Today is National Lamington Day and Maria promises a Soiree a-la-Old Government House when Lord Lamington was Queensland Governor, hence the name. It will be a treat to eat something other than Beetroot (of which she has thousands of recipes).

The other thing I must mention is that ALL bookings for the forthcoming tour to Norfolk Island in November/December close on July 30 and so if you would like to come, the count-down has commenced.

19/07/2016

A sobering day to remember The Battle of Fromelles. LEST WE FORGET.

18/07/2016

It would appear that the long-suffering People of Norfolk Island have yet another Minister following yesterday's reshuffle by PM Turnbull.

More impositions by an Australian Government relentlessly seeking to diminish the identity of a hard-working, patriotic and Christian Community. Talk to the Norfolk Island diaspora scattered around the World if you agree with me when I say to Senator Nash in Canberra, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

17/07/2016

Now the reprisals begin in Turkey following the failed Coup. Pars in the Guardian newspaper make for interesting reading.

A bleak weekend with the highlight being a lovely dinner with the Family where I tried to be my most outrageous. There were several special reasons for the Dinner - not the least being the arrival of the first royalties cheque for the new book. Thank Goodness for red cordial! Awoke to ABC Insiders when Ladies Ruled, but against a horrid new set.

My major task today...to complete booking forms for several major tours taking in Historic Brisbane. I am also hard at work finessing the Menu for the Nibblers Puccini-themed Dinner at, you guessed it, Puccinis at Tarragindi which is set down for October. Hope you are coming.

The website www.talkinghistorywithdavidgibson.com has been refreashed by the clever Greg of Rusty Mango Design. He is the BEST!

The latest edition of HISTORY QUEENSLAND is also now out in the Market Place. Great stories, the A to Z of Queensland History; to say nothing of the easiest Crossword in all times. Do you have a subscription? Visit Boolarong Press to arrange same...just $20.00 per annum for 4 issues!

16/07/2016

There is no stopping me now! Thanks to Oh-so-clever Niece EM, I have been showed how to bring glorious music across to acebook to share. I have just stumbled upon the remarkable Laura Bretan singing from Puccini's Turandot. Just listen to her amazing upper register.

15/07/2016

One day France, the next day Turkey (but perhaps for different reasons) Istanbul; a grand city with its 'take your breath away' architecture and welcoming ferries. Stay safe, People of Turkey.;

15/07/2016

Has the World gone mad! At a time when the World seems out of kilter, one issue piles upon another and then another. France, yet again, and the French People, are under seige!

13/07/2016

Time is running out to join me on the forthcoming Tour to historic Norfolk Island in November/December to coincide with the Island's observance of Thanksgiving Day.

One of a trio of Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this World Heritage Site combines amazing Georgian architecture, extraordinary men and women (the descendants of those who were aboard HMAV BOUNTY at the time of the mutiny) and picture postcard scenery.

We travel in a small group with a deep committment to Talking History with David Gibson's Motto that 'History Rules'. If you would like to join in an experience that will be truly Life-changing, chat to me at [email protected]

13/07/2016

Just back from a very frigid Darling Downs with Delegates & their Partners in Brisbane for the QUOTA International Convention. A happy group with a good sense of humour+a comfy coach+a caring coach captain provided the ideal formula for a great Adventure.

It was billed CUNNINGHAM COUNTRY and highlights included a visit to the 'Mary Poppins' residence in Allora (pic. courtesy travelbelles.com), a scrumptous Roast Pork Luncheon by the fireplace at Rudd's Pub in Nobby (built 1893 and a living museum), a visit to the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Museum, the unique Steele Rudd Installation outside Emu Vale and a viewing - albeit brief because it was freezing - of the late afternoon vista from Picnic Point in Toowoomba.

We even had some gentlemen aboard wearing various blue clothing; oblivious to tonight's State of Origin in Sydney which I expect NSW to win.

Tomorrow, it is off to Bribie Island for Christmas in July...the budgie smugglers are packed, as are the goggles, surfboard and water wings. I have promised the Delegates & Partners some sightings of dugong so fingers crossed! Suspect that I will frighten off the passing whales.

11/07/2016

Resolution: I must proof my Facebook jottings. Dreadful errors recently. Just finishing some new entries for my website www.talkinghistorywithdavidgibson.com. Fingers crossed!

Delegates for Quota's International Conference are in town and I have just finished - and printed - notes and a general Orientation.
A big thank you to Greg P. at Rusty Mango Design in warmer climes, who looks after this site and makes me sound intelligent.

Now if only I can persaude some more folk to join me on Norfolk Island in November, I will be a happy man. Maria is keen to come however as her deportment school is now going 'gang-busters', it may be that I will be traveling solo.

09/07/2016

Just in from a memorable Dinner Party at whih I was a Guest. Marvellous food, great views and spirited conversation...Politics, Gilbert & Sullivan, Susan Boyle and beloved T. S. MAGNUS at my old Alma Mater. I felt privileged to have been invited.

08/07/2016

Fascinating. Given newspaper reports, the saying that a 'week is a long time in Politics' has never been more true. Busy 10 days ahead and so, cold morning notwithstanding, two loads of washing already on the line.

Tomorrow is an important Anniversary - July 10 1911 saw King George V endow Australian Naval Forces with the title Royal Australian Navy and William Rooke Creswell, the 'Father of the RAN' was a onetime Naval Commandant here in Queensland; living at Dutton Park. The portrait reproduced here is from the AWM Collection in Canberra.

Come Monday, Quota delegates will start to arrive in Brisbane for their International Conference. There will be an opportunity to check out S E Queensland with a touring programme and this coming week also sees the next edition of the HISTORY QUEENSLAND magasine released. Boolarong Press is an amazing firm dedicated to the telling of Australian History.

07/07/2016

I never thought a time would come when I would use honourable and politician in the same sentence...until yesterday when NSW Premier shut down the odious greyhound industry. Thank you Mike Baird.

It is disappointing that 24 hours on, we are still waiting Minister Grace here in Queensland to find the same Courage.

06/07/2016

Freezing in Brisbane and yet my wonderful Sister is already up and about. Wandering the House singing the Welsh National Anthem, for whilst I love visiting Lison Portugal with its great seafaring memorials, I love even more the Nation of Wales with its blue skies, Poets, Opera Singers and beloved Holyhead. Well done Wales, beaten by a better side!

05/07/2016

Amidst the distraction of an unresolved Election result, the new ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie has moved to shut down the online Editorial THE DRUM. This decision must be reversed and I do hope that you will visit my Petition at Change.org. Here is a forum for all Australians to debate, inform and clarify and, I suspect, it is just the start of a Campaign to nobble other elements of the ABC, Australia's public broadcaster.

04/07/2016

Just about to settle down in front the the ABC's THE DRUM. Love Politics Oz-style however not even I was prepared for the Dog's Breakfast that has been given to the Australian People.

03/07/2016

Truly a case of the Day after the Night before....furiously tweeting (). I was hoping that, with the election result done & dusted - NOT; the Electorate would have got on with their lives. Some might even feel inclined to join me on the Tour to historic Norfolk Island for Thanksgiving Day in November 2016. I wonder however that this sense of politicial paralysis will persist.

02/07/2016

Time to go to bed (11pm). No Leader has appeared to concede or to confirm. ABC just has Scott Morrison rabbiting on, trying to make the best of what, for the Coalition, is not a good night.

Thrilled that Jamie Biggs has gone in Mayo (for what he did to Norfolk Island as Minister) but sad that Wyatt Roy looks to have been caught up in a vote best described as curious. Cathy McGowan - my heroine - has also been victorious and may indeed be the incoming Speaker.

Have been furiously tweeting () and now - none the wiser - the Sandman awaits. Goodnight!

30/06/2016

Had a date today with Mr. or is it Ms. MRI at a certain Brisbane hospital. Dressed in ill-fitting hospital attire, I squeezed into a device that apparently reveals all...Duff Duff Music in the background, unprepared for noises and all manner of sensations and a desire - I kid you not - that I really did need to go to the Loo right in the middle of the procedure!

After what seemed an eternity the procedure concluded and I paid my money and left. My hopes of being an extra on STAR TRECK have similarly evaporated.

26/06/2016

What is it about Winter? How I hate the Season (even when it is in sunny Queensland). Seldom can you get warm other than by heating the House (and needing a King's Ransom to pay the subsequent electrcity account) or wrapping yourself in layers of jumpers which do nothing for the figure! Roll on October.

20/06/2016

After the deluge of yesterday (driving to the Airport at 6pm was just plain scary), sunshine and a good wind has prompted two loads of washing. Currently working towards the forthcoming tour to Norfolk Island (November) and awaiting the imminent production of the latest edition of HISTORY QUEENSLAND magasine with a couple of pars by Yours Truly..

16/06/2016

Wonder if others are having the same problem. With other commitments on July 2 - ELECTION DAY; yesterday I went in search of a pre-polling centre for the Federal seat of Ryan. These seem as scarce as hen's teeth. Found that Samford State School was the closest, so off I went. Found the School in a peaceful cul-de-sac off a main road about 4.15pm but that was about it! No signage as to where to vote so, alas, I am still to 'do' my duty. Frustrating.

12/06/2016

Happy time spent at New Farm Editions yesterday, with a lot of interest in the Brisbane River Heritage Trails aboard the City Cat booklet then off to Eagle Farm for the end of a glorious day of thoroughbred racing in glorious weather. It now being Sunday, time for a bit of the ABC's INSIDERS then off to Fort Lytton for History Alive!

31/05/2016

31/05/2016

News just in that the historic villa Miegunyah at Bowen Hills is hosting a very special Symposium on Sunday August 28. Titled ''A Woman's Influence in Queensland'', this important gathering brings together significant writers whose work will prompt much discussion. Good Luck!

Early bookings are recommended to Tele. No. 3252 2979.

31/05/2016

Good Friends - 4MBS 103.7 Classic FM - will be featuring classical musical interludes with a decided Queensland feel as June 6 - Queensland Day - draws closer.

Spread the good news that, contrary to popular - and contrived belief - Queensland has a great History seen at any number of levels...reflected in its People, its Buildings, its Stories. A personal favourite of mine is the fact that, of all the States of Australia, Queensland boasts the oldest Coat of Arms.

Good Friend to History in Brisbane is 612's Spencer Howson; yet again, King of Breakfast Radio.

27/05/2016

At the risk of deluging fellow Facebookers with a plethora of pics,a couple of things on the History Stove for June beyond 6 June.

I will be at New Farm on 11 June signing copies of my little 'upside down' book published by Boolarong Press on my idea of Riparian Brisbane from the BCC's sleek City Cat fleet and then the following weekend, historic Fort Lytton at the mouth of the Brisbane River will be buzzing with all manner of historic re-enactments for HISTORY ALIVE. And some people dare to say that Queensland has no History!

27/05/2016

It is just a cooee away from the month of June and, for all Queenslanders; 6 June 1859 is a day of importance for it was on this day that Letters Patent were signed by Queen Victoria in far-off London, proclaiming the new antipodean Colony of Queensland. The first Governor of Queensland was Sir George Ferguson Bowen, his Consort the elegant Countessa Diamantina.

27/05/2016

Planning has now been completed and bookings have now opened for my tour to historic Norfolk Island, traditionally held to coincide with Thanksgiving Day in late November. Extraordinarily generous People, History with a Capital 'H' and picture-postcard scenery.

Interested, drop me an email to [email protected].