From Amazing Grace to “What Was I Singing?”
- Christine Collister
- 11 hours ago
- 5 min read
Blog Post No. 3, March 2026
What a month! March was packed with fun, friends, family and fantastic shows with Michael Fix. Let’s catch you up.
When last we met, dear reader, Michael and I had just done our first two shows of the tour—Woy Woy and Gulgong, both fabulous. After those, we had a two-week gap before the next flurry, so Bob and I decided to take a trip to Victoria.
We took our time, stopping in Wangaratta for a few days, which was delightful. We stayed at a small caravan park and were upgraded from a room to a cabin—perfect. We explored the surrounding area, including a wonderful Middle Eastern café, The Fez in Myrtleford, where we had brunch on the first day. The next couple of days were spent
happily pootling.
We then made our way to Ballarat to stay with our lovely friends, Pam and Alan, stopping at Bendigo Cathedral en route to sing a verse of Amazing Grace—it would be rude not to!
While with Pam and Alan, we met a wonderful woman, Melanie Ball, a travel writer for more than twenty-five years who, although semi-retired, is still an enthusiastic bushwalker. She also makes the most gorgeous Hat Art! She was the guest speaker at Pam’s bushwalking club that evening, and Bob and I were delighted to go along. The whole thing was a joy.
The following day, Pam drove us all over the place, pointing out spots of interest and wonder—forests, rivers, beautiful gold rush buildings, an old red-bricked factory, a garden centre, the Dementia Forest Walk, and a beautiful Begonia exhibition at the Botanic Gardens. A bit of a whirlwind, and a wonderful day.
When we left to wend our way back towards NSW and our next gigs, we headed to a gorgeous national park suggested by Mel and Pam—Koorooya. It was stunning: huge rounded boulders perched at impossible angles, tumbling through tall eucalyptus trees, overlooking a vast sweep of undulating hills. We loved it.
We stayed in Moama, which sits right next to Echuca across the Murray River, for a couple of nights. One very hot day (32°C!), we took a trip on a paddle steamer—built in 1935. Being out on the water was a balm. We stayed a couple of nights in Canberra after that, on yet another caravan park, and joy of joys we were able to catch up with Lisa Richards! She, me and Michael all met in 2015 at Steve Seaton's wonderful Winter Break. She's amazing!
Our next two gigs—Gloucester and Harrington—were both a treat in so many ways. Gloucester was a return visit, held in the Senior Citizens Hall. Originally organised by our dear friends Fran and Jim (who did a fabulous job promoting), the official promoters are now the team who manage the hall, with Charlie as our contact—she’s fab. What a night it was. The community spirit, enthusiasm and joy were off the charts. We’ll be back!
The following afternoon, we played a new venue for us—Harrington Memorial Hall—promoted by the wonderful Margaret and Maurice, who had never done anything like this before. The hall is lovely, filled with light and polished wooden floors. The audience was small but perfectly formed, and made their appreciation very clear. As I like to say, appreciation is always appreciated. We’d love to play there again.
After a couple of nights at a caravan site near the ocean in Manning Point, we stayed with our gorgeous friend Nikki in Lemon Tree Passage. Nikki had asked me to do a solo show at her clinic, Natural Lore, in Newcastle. I was delighted—and excited to perform those songs for the first time in Australia. Two dear friends—one from the UK, one from Oz—came along, which made it even more special. Thank you, Gerri and Lauren! The whole event was a joy, and I hope we can do more next year.
We had a few gorgeous days staying in Woy Woy once again. Our fabulous friends Ina and Michael Fine allowed us to stay at "the cottage" in their magical garden, while they were away for a few days. We took the opportunity to take the ferry from Ettalong to Palm Beach (where Home And Away is filmed). We then took a bus to Dee Why, had brunch with Jo who then drove us back to the ferry at Palm Beach. It was a complete delight!
Wollongong was our next duo gig, at the Illawarra Folk Club. We were supported by our dear friend Desley Taylor, a talented singer-songwriter and gifted painter. She was due to perform with her musical partner, but unfortunately she was unwell, so Desley went solo—and was wonderful. Michael and I weren’t too shabby either! Another gorgeous gig.
Michael flew back to Brisbane after the show, and Bob and I began the trek north for four consecutive shows in Queensland. The drive was long, hot and a bit dusty. We had a couple of nights in Ballina—a new place for us—which was sweet, before heading on to stay with Michael’s friends, Nonie and Tim, who very kindly hosted us.
We arrived the night before our first concert and were treated to a gorgeous Middle Eastern mezze-style dinner, sitting out on the deck overlooking their wild and wonderful garden. It’s one of the many joys of travelling and performing like this—meeting kind, generous people along the way who so often become friends.
Our first show was at Stretton Garden Retirement Village, just ten minutes from where Michael lives. Until recently, his parents lived there, and Bill—Sue’s father—still does. Once again, the enthusiasm and appreciation in the room made for a special night.
Next was Upper Brookfield Hall, a short drive from Nonie and Tim’s. A gorgeous community space, built in 1934, with a lovely atmosphere. It was also the scene of my most ridiculous brain-fade of the tour (so far!). The second half begins with Late in the Evening by Paul Simon. I sang the first line—“The first thing I remember…”—and then… nothing. Completely blank. So I said, “I can’t remember what I’m supposed to remember!” Luckily, the audience found it funny, and once we’d all stopped laughing, I picked it up without a hitch. Another great gig.
Next up was Beachmere Retirement Resort. We played there last year when I was unwell and not singing at my best—though everyone was wonderfully kind. It was such a relief to return feeling well and able to give it my all. This time it was a stonking show, with huge applause and heartfelt appreciation. I felt I’d made amends—and so did they. Phew.
Our final Queensland show was at The Barn, Draper, promoted by Shez Wright, who first hosted Michael and me back in 2016. This afternoon concert took place in a fabulous venue, though sadly it will be the last music event there (apparently the local council isn’t keen on such things!). It was a special one—Nonie and Tim were there, along with my gorgeous friend Steph and her mate Mark. Steph and I speak weekly but only manage a hug about once a year, so that was precious. There were also many friends from Winter Break, where Michael and I first met. The response was incredible—a long, standing ovation. Thank you, Draper!
And that was that.
We drove back to NSW via the highland plateau, through Glen Innes, stopping in Armidale along the way. From there we took Thunderbolts Way, travelling through glorious autumn colours under a bright blue sky. Gorgeous.
We had another couple of nights with Nikki in Lemon Tree Passage, and we’re now happily ensconced at a caravan site near Jo and the girls, enjoying a lovely family Easter gathering.
I hope you are well and thriving, despite the turbulence all around. We must focus on love, and the beauty in nature and in each other. Peace will come if we harbour it within.
Thanks, as always for stopping by. I really do appreciate you!
Until next time, when we will be back top side — stay well, be curious, and keep rising above the turbulence.
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