Kangaroo Island Read online

  When they returned in the mid-afternoon I asked the two sergeants how they liked their ride.

  They said, “We would rather have been further away from the ground”.

  Flying Officer Vic was in high spirits as he had been successful in establishing a post in the small building that used to exist in Dauncey St. It was the main street of Kingscote, between the bakery and Otim’s corner and before the war was used on Saturday afternoons as a betting shop.

  In civil life Vic was a representative for Scotch Whisky importers and it was a fair guess that he had sampled what Kingscote had on its shelves so there was some back slapping and chiacking going on as they prepared to leave.

  The engines of the Avro Anson were started by a crank handle being inserted into the rear of the engine nacelle.

  The crew showed us how to do this and then took their places in the aircraft leaving Vic and I on one side and the Major and Herb on the other to do the cranking.

  The handles were at an awkward height and, like cranking any engine, the revolutions were not smooth so Vic had some difficulty and his cap fell off so he decided to leave it to me.

  Fortunately the motors started easily and with the final farewells Vic climbed on board and we stood and watched until they become airborne.

  After all the exertion and excitement the Major seemed to become somewhat deflated and decided to dismiss the ‘working party’ so Herb and I returned from where we had come with the military secret in our consciousness but no idea of the work we had come to do.

  The Queen’s visit to Australia for the Jubilee in 1956 provided celebrations throughout regional Australia. The MacGillivray district was involved in the Kangaroo island street parade held in Kingscote.

  A float was designed to represent the MacGillivray district. This float still remains hanging in the shearing shed at Stranraer as a reminder of this visit.

  CHAPTER 10 - Stranraer Bed & Breakfast

  Stranraer Bed & Breakfast has been operational since 1996 and over 11,000 people have stayed at Stranraer and enjoyed the Kangaroo island experience. Most have come from America, Italy, Germany and the local Australian market. Stranraer accommodates 4 couples each with their own bathroom and the dining is carried out all together at the southern end of the house. The dining room has a fireplace which provides the ambience for the dining as guests discuss their travels and Kangaroo Island.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  JASON WHEATON

  Author, Speaker, Educator, and Sustainable Farmer

  Jason is a leading specialist in sustainable farming having managed the family mixed production farm (lamb, wool and cropping) on Kangaroo Island for over 10 years.

  Jason works with Australian farmers to assist them in maximising production while at the same time not compromising future production by preventing soil degradation and maintaining plant and animal health.

  Since completing his Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Jason has held numerous roles in the Agricultural Sector in various areas of Australia, focusing on farm production and sustainability.

  Over his lifetime, Jason’s advice has influenced the farming practices of numerous farms and farmers across all manner of climates, farm production systems and sizes in Australia.

  As a lecturer at Marcus Oldham College Jason has guided young farm managers to engage in more sustainable farming practices with the aim of increasing production. In the past he organised and conducted specialised tours taking large groups to China and New Zealand looking at their farming practices.

  Stemming from his passion for sustainability Jason has created and fine-tuned a conservation plan for the family farm overseeing the planting of over 10,000 trees.

  Jason and his family have supported diverse causes including, World Vision, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Kingscote General Hospital, Marcus Oldham Foundation, and Trees For Life.

  Jason is the author of “Kangaroo Island” and is also a contributing author in “Pardon Me I’m Prospering”.

  Today Jason’s passion for speaking and educating people on success, lifestyle, Australian farming and Kangaroo Island is evident by the hundreds of people he has consulted, worked and spoken to.

  Jason is married to Tammy and is the father of three boys Jack, Tom and Archie.