National portraits
The 2019 National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition opens at the Collie Art Gallery tomorrow evening and runs until June 9.
Collie is the first stop on the exhibition's tour after it opened in Canberra.
There will be special explanatory tours of the exhibition on Saturday, May 4 at 2.30pm, and Sunday, May 5 at 11am.
Tactile selves
A free workshop will be held in conjunction with the portrait exhibition, from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, May 4.
The workshop will explore how textiles function in some portraits.
Bring a clear photograph of yourself, a drink and a snack to take part.
The workshop, to be run by staff from the National Portrait Gallery, is suitable for children aged 8 to 13, and aged 14 to adults.
Free skin cancer clinic
Collie Lions, with the Lions Cancer Clinic, will hold a free skin cancer check from 9am to 3.30pm on Sunday, May 5.
Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, so it pays us all to have frequent checks in the interest of early detection.
Skin cancers come in a variety of forms, ranging from not very serious to the deadliest form, melanoma.
Most of us either know someone who has had one or more skin cancers, or have had one or more ourselves.
Make an appointment by ringing Terri on 0429 903 372.
Retired miners
Collie's retired miners will hold their next meeting at 2pm on Monday, May 6, in the office at the Miners' Institute.
Markets
The country markets will be held at the Wallsend Ground from 8am to 12 noon on Saturday, May 4.
Browse a variety of stalls, meet friends, enjoy a cuppa and maybe pick up some bargains.
On Sunday, the Goods Shed markets will be in full swing.
These markets also include a variety of stalls, including plants, novelties, clothing and books.
Have morning tea or coffee in the restored railway carriage.
Ladies' night markets
Treat yourself, your mother, your sister-in-law or your friends to a ladies' night markets at the Collie Italian Club on Friday, May 10.
You can support local home-based businesses, have a bite to eat, a glass of wine and shop till you drop.
Anzac Day
It was great to see so many groups, clubs and families at the Anzac Day services.
Seeing the volunteer groups reminded me that the Australian servicemen and women who served in the First and Second World Wars were volunteers.
It was not until the Vietnam War that conscription played a part in recruiting forces, with the birthday ballot for National Service.
Anzac tour group
It was very moving to see Collie's Anzac touring students at the dawn service at Villers Bretonneux.
As a group, they walked to the steps of the monument, formed a semi-circle and stood respectfully while members of their group laid a wreath.
As it was very cold and wet, the students did well to proudly wear their school uniforms. They represented Collie beautifully, and they, their teachers and families have every reason to be proud of them.
More service
A low key local group of volunteers assembled on Monday to honour one of their number.
Justices of the Peace give of their time freely to help keep the justice system operating in places like Collie, with court and signing duties.
The most senior Collie JP, David Henderson, celebrated his 90th birthday with fellow JPs joining him for lunch after his regular signing session at the courthouse.
David estimated he had signed about 3500 documents during his years as a JP.
He took over from the late Ken Hay to officiate at swearing-in ceremonies for elected councillors, including swearing in his son for two terms.
Once they reach the age of 70, JPs can no longer sit in court (something David did for many years), but they can still witness documents.
Send it in
Items for not-for-profit organisations are welcomed for this column.
You can email information to me at nrg@highway1.com.au by 5pm on Mondays, or drop off notes in my mailbox at 87 Jones Street.
Please include a contact name and phone number in case I need to check information.
