There was a moment or two of absolute silence, followed by shock, horror and then uproar at such a suggestion.

When order was restored and the idea put to the vote, the outcome resulted in February  8 – a historic day for the club and the community alike.

Attendance number estimates varied between 300 and 400 so imagine our surprise when it was discovered the number was closer to 1000 when one included the junior attendees as well.

People came from far and wide to be part of an absolute cracker of a day that was enjoyed by all.

The day was a huge learning curve for the Lions Club.

Such things as vehicle parking, layout of the venue, additional market stalls and greater variety of entertainment for the kids is already on the agenda for next year.

Yes, again in February 2016.

The date will be decided very soon so watch this space.

The aim of days such as this is to raise funds, which then enables us to assist those who have experienced a setback.

Organisations such as the Jacqui Britton Dunning Memorial Fund and the David Dodd Sporting Scholarship are two recent recipients of Tathra Lions fundraising efforts.

The purpose of the Jacqui Britton Dunning Memorial Fund is tragically known to the majority of the local community.

Donations can be made at St George, BSB 112879, account number 493962750.

The David Dodd Sporting Scholarship requires explanation.

David was president of the Blue Veins Golden Oldies Rugby Club and, prior to his death, was instrumental, along with Rex Kermode, in putting into place a program that would be available to provide assistance for children in local secondary schools who may not be able to attend training, or representative sporting events, because of financial reasons.

Donations can be made to the David Dodd Sporting Scholarship via IMB Bega.

Further information can be obtained from Rex Kermode on 0418 860 469, or rexk@kpacpa.com.au.

Peter Davis

Tathra Lions Club president

Like the rest of my neighbours, and probably all of the new and potential landowners at the Newlyns Estate development, I am horrified that a group of “wealthy developers” are “casually discussing” the destruction of our idyllic lifestyle. 

Quite simply, the development of the existing Frogs Hollow airfield, solely to accommodate a select group of foreign students, would create an unacceptable level of noise pollution within, what is now, a quiet rural, residential area. 

The many families who live in the existing flight path zone, and experience the occasional “buzz” of light aircraft, will be inundated with the non-stop drone of small engine noise on an hourly basis, throughout the day – day after day!

And, while some of those proffering this offensive plan, have used the words “fantastic, massive, impressive and incredible”, I would counter these with “elitist, intrusive, destructive, clamorous and unnecessary”!

We can only hope that our local governing/planning bodies will see that any proposed development of a flight training school at this site would be in complete contradiction of the BVSC  2013 Local Environmental Plan, and dismiss the issue immediately. 

I feel that we, the residents, are surely entitled to some kind of real consideration and, for once, our interests should be protected. 

After all, don’t we live here too?

Finally, it would be good if the Bega District News balanced out its current glossy reporting of the “marvellous proposal”, and investigated the plight of the residents that will be directly/adversely affected! 

An actual visit to the adjoining residential areas, or even a basic Google Maps viewing would show that the concept is flawed from the outset!

Ian Gordon

Wolumla

Last month while surfing at low tide at Tathra I got dumped on my face into the sand.

I was a real mess with skin off from my forehead, nose and lip and blood streaming down my face.

I was assisted up the beach by the lifesavers on duty, Mitch Van Der Meulen and Shayne Rettke.

Mitch hosed sand out of the wounds, cleaned and dressed them and I’m pleased to say that they have all healed up.

A big thank you to these two – and to lifesavers in general.

Robin Gauld

Captain and secretary of the Tathra SLSC 1963

I too am compelled to write in regard to Michelle Taylor’s letter (BDN, 20/2).

Ms Taylor’s comments about the recent fatal accident 500 metres from where she rear-ended a P-plater disgust me.

Why was this woman driving at such a speed with her precious children on board knowing it is an area that she advocates should be 80kmh?

Will a 20kmh reduction teach her better driving skills?

I think not.

People who blame others for their own behaviour in not driving to the conditions and knowing the particular area’s hazards are in need of an urgent wake-up call.

My wish is that her “high level of insurance” stops giving her a false level of security as the premiums rise.

The courts should now enforce an advanced driving course and a visit to a trauma ward.

BC Ross

Moe, Victoria