The closing days of 2024 brought a flurry of reader responses to the Sydney Morning Herald’s Column 8, a tapestry woven with threads of cricket triumphs, poetic pronouncements, and automotive anecdotes. David George of Pearl Beach lauded the serendipitous timing of both a masterful cricket performance by Pat Cummins and the final Column 8 contribution of the year, a rhyming verse penned by Richard Stewart, a self-proclaimed “poetry student” who, much to George’s amusement, appeared to have finally mastered the art of rhyme. This poetic culmination provided a fitting soundtrack to the rhythmic clang of George’s emptying bins, marking a satisfying end to the year. Stewart, however, expressed relief at his poetic liberation, hoping to escape further scrutiny from the “piercing gaze” of Column 8 readers. This prompted Paul Taylor of Winston Hills to playfully question whether Stewart’s dog-walking inspired verses qualified as “doggerel.”
The automotive theme continued with Pamela Kerr of Moonta Bay reminiscing about her driving experiences. Her initial foray into the world of motoring involved a 1948 Riley Pathfinder, a vehicle distinguished by its four-on-the-floor gearstick, unconventionally placed on the right-hand side. Despite this unique initiation, Kerr ultimately secured her driving license in a more contemporary automatic vehicle. Meanwhile, Col Begg of Orange shared a heartwarming story of community reciprocity, noting how centenarians were now assisting Joan Brown, a long-time volunteer who dedicated herself to guiding visitors through the local hospital, a fitting tribute to her years of service.
The playful banter continued with Don Bain of Port Macquarie responding to David Prest’s earlier expression of concern. Bain attributed his lack of recent contributions to the festive distractions of Christmas and the captivating allure of a memorable Test match, leaving him “hard Prest for time and stumped for inspiration,” a clever pun referencing both Prest’s name and cricketing terminology. On a more mathematical note, Tony Moo of Lane Cove expressed his enthusiasm for the numerical properties of the impending year, 2025, interpreting it as a year of positive additions and multiplicative growth, devoid of subtractions or negativity. This optimistic outlook stemmed from an earlier contribution by Peter Bridgwood, who had highlighted the mathematical significance of the year.
George Manojlovic of Mangerton, however, offered a humorous counterpoint to the numerical marvel of 2025, pointing out that the year’s unique mathematical properties were not entirely unprecedented, playfully alluding to his own birth year as the product of two squared numbers. Finally, Harold Silber of Manly, nearing the end of his three-month Australian sojourn, bid farewell to Column 8 readers, adding a Wallabies shirt to his collection of Manchester United jerseys, a tangible memento of his time Down Under, which he planned to proudly display in his hometown of Netanye. Column 8 extended a reciprocal farewell, wishing him well in his native tongue. The eclectic mix of topics, ranging from cricket and poetry to cars and mathematics, reflected the diverse interests of the readership and the column’s ability to spark conversation and connection.
The final week of 2024 in Column 8 showcased the vibrant exchange of anecdotes, observations, and playful banter that characterized the column. From lighthearted reflections on poetry and the rhythm of bin collections to heartwarming stories of community service and humorous wordplay inspired by cricket, the contributions painted a rich tapestry of human experience. The thread of shared experiences, whether it be the appreciation of a thrilling cricket match or the anticipation of a new year, wove together the diverse voices of the readership, creating a sense of community and shared connection. The column served as a platform for readers to express their thoughts, share their stories, and engage in playful exchanges, culminating in a fitting end to the year.
The diverse array of topics discussed in the final Column 8 of 2024 highlighted the column’s function as a microcosm of everyday life, reflecting the joys, curiosities, and observations that shape individual experiences. From the mundane act of emptying bins to the intellectual pursuit of poetry, the column encompassed the breadth of human experience. The shared appreciation for sporting achievements, the nostalgic recollections of driving experiences, and the playful banter surrounding mathematical concepts all contributed to a sense of collective engagement. The farewell message from a departing visitor added a touch of global connection, further enriching the tapestry of voices that made up the Column 8 community. The final entries of the year served as a testament to the power of shared experiences and the simple joy of human connection.
