► EVENT ON 22 March;

On this day in 1931 –  Australian National Airlines’ airliner Southern Cloud, which had left Sydney for Melbourne at 8.30 a.m. with 6 passengers and 2 crew, was reported missing.  The aircraft, was one of ten triple-engined aircraft which flew regular services within Australia.
An 18-day search by 20 aircraft failed to reveal its whereabouts.
This remained a mystery until 26 October 1958, when a worker on the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric project accidentally discovered the remains of the aircraft in mountainous terrain, 25 kilometres east of the direct Sydney-Melbourne route.

  ► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1912, Dublin, Ireland:  Henry Wilfrid Brambell alias Wilfred Brambell, film and television actor best known for his role in the television series Steptoe and Son.   He also starred alongside The Beatles in the film A Hard Days Night, playing Paul McCartney’s’s fictitious grandfather.  Died in 1985.

1920, Cologne, Germany:  Werner Klemperer, comedian and actor, best known for his role as Colonel Klink on the television sitcom Hogan’s Heroes.   He was also musically talented, being a violinist and an accomplished concert pianist  Died 2000.

1931, Montreal, Quebec, Canada:  William Shatner,  actor, recording artist, and author famous for his portrayal of Captain James T Kirk of the USS Enterprise, in the television science fiction series Star Trek;  also Star Trek: The Animated Series;  and in seven of the subsequent Star Trek feature films from 1979 to 1994.

1936, Nairobi, Kenya:  Roger Whittaker, singer-songwriter and musician with worldwide record sales of over 55 million.  He is best known for his baritone singing voice and trademark whistling ability.  Died 2023.

1948, Kensington, London, England:   Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of musical theatre who has achieved great popular success, and has been referred to as “the most commercially successful composer in history.”

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1991, Strafford County, New Hampshire, U.S.A.: Donald David Guard, alias Dave Guard,  aged 56.  He was a founding member of the Kingston Trio folk group. 

1996, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.: Billy Williamson, aged 71.  He was a steel guitar player for the group Bill Haley & Saddlemen and its successor, Bill Haley & Comets, from 1949 till 1963.  

Today’s photo: Today’s photo: A mural in the making, Tasmanian Transport Museum, Glenorchy.

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Cat Lion – Stop!	2026	06:06	2/11/2025
Graeme Clarke – Ramblin’ Fever	2026	06:11	13/3/2026
Wendy Maree – Apricot Sky	2026	06:15	–
Roger & Jessica Whittaker – A Perfect Day  BORN 1936, Nairobi, Kenya:  Roger Whittaker, singer-songwriter and musician.  Died 2023		06:21	17/9/2023
Michael Farrell – Country Boy	2025	06:24	5/12/2025
Ray Lani – Every Time That I’m With You	2026	06:29	13/3/2026
Ned Miller – From A Jack To A King	1963	06:28	12/4/2024
Bebo Valdez & His Orchestra – Tu Sabes Bien Que Te Quiero		06:32	21/8/2016
Vintage Vinyl    Bobby Darin – Somewhere Beyond The Sea	1960	06:35	14/5/2023
Ray Lani – What If You Were Mine	2026	06:38	–
Frans Van Den Borg – Swimming Into Deep Water	2026	06:43	–
Diamond Classic – From the L P “The Four Seasons Gold Vault of Hits” Charting on this day 1966 Four Seasons – Silence Is Golden	1966	06:47	3/5/2024
Clabe McGuire – Just One More Time	2026	06:52	1/3/2026
A Love Story True – Written by Gregory Dillon  Recorded by A I, for the current visit to Tasmania of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, of Denmark	2026	06:57	20/3/2026
Lance Friend – My Home Australia	2023	07:06	11/5/2012
COUNTRY ROAD + Chris James – Red Dirt On His Hands	2025	07:11	24/8/2025
+ Terry Bennetts – Slab Hut Gully	2025	07:14	26/12/2025
For A Listener: Anne Murray – Snowbird	1971	07:18	5/4/2024
For A Listener: Eric Bogle – Aussie Barbecue		07:20	9/2/2025
Vintage Vinyl    Kingston Trio – Tom Dooley  DIED 1991, Strafford County, New Hampshire, U.S.A. Donald David Guard, alias Dave Guard, a founding member of the Kingston Trio folk group.  Aged 56.	1958	07:24	7/7/2024
Holly Wild – Fire In The Rain	2025	07:27	12/12/2025
Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra – Friends		07:32	28/10/2022
Ray Malcolm – Together Again	2026	07:36	1/3/2026
Emma Jene  – Alone	2020	07:38	18/9/2020
Diamond Classic – From the L P “Remember Me I’m The One Who Loves You” Charting on this day 1966 Dean Martin – Welcome To My World	1967	07:44	20/8/2023
Boyzone – Words		07:46	29/11/2024
Justin Landers – Be A Little Kinder	2020	07:52	2/10/2020
Joe Maher – The Streets Of London	2020	07:56	11/10/2020
Lance Friend – My Home Australia	2023	08:04	16/2/2025
COMFORT ZONE + Vera Lynn – I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter		08:10	20/3/2026
+ Charlie Landsborough – Always		08:13	11/10/2023
For A Listener: Lionel Rose – Pick Me Up On Your Way Down	1970	08:20	19/10/2025
Vintage Vinyl    Four Aces – Stranger In Paradise	1955	08:27	30/7/2017
Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra – Downtown		08:34	5/8/2016
Diamond Classic – From the L P “Andy Williams’ Newest Hits” Charting on this day 1966 Andy Williams – Almost There	1965	08:38	9/1/2015
Diamond Classic – From the L P “The Lonely Bull” Charting on this day 1966 Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Tijuana Sauerkraut	1966	08:41	31/8/2014
Gene Watson – This Song Is Just For You		08:45	20/3/2026
Michelle Murphy – River Shannon	2026	08:48	13/3/2026
Stan Freberg – Making A Hit Record		08:52	11/3/2022

► EVENTS on 20 MARCH;

On this day in 1980, in the North Sea off the English coast, the Radio Caroline pirate radio ship, Mi Amigo foundered in a gale.  Radio Caroline was formed in 1964 to circumvent the control exercised by record companies of popular music broadcasting, and the monopoly then held by the BBC in radio broadcasting in England.
The station continued to broadcast for many years from a ship moored in international waters, but today it’s broadcasts are primarily via the internet..

1982 – Mansfield, Victoria,  the movie Man From Snowy River,  which was based on the Banjo Paterson  poem of the same name, premiered in Mansfield, where it was filmed.  The cast included prominent Australian actors such as Jack Thompson, Sigrid Thornton and Terence Donovan..

2003 – The United States and three of its allies, England, Australia and Poland began military operations in Iraq, intended to locate and remove weapons of mass destruction allegedly held by the regime of Saddam Hussein.  Ultimately, none were found.

2006 – Near Innisfail, Queensland, Cyclone Larry made landfall, with wind gusts reaching 240 kilometres per hour.   The cyclone destroyed over 80% of Australia’s banana crop and caused damage estimated at over 1½ billion dollars.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1917 – Vera Margaret Welch  alias Vera Lynn, in East Ham, London, England.  She became a singer and actress whose musical recordings and performances were enormously popular during the Second World War. Nicknamed “The Forces’ Sweetheart,” she devoted much time to charities associated with ex-servicemen, disabled children and breast cancer.
In 2000, Vera Lynn was named the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the twentieth century.  The songs most associated with her from the war years are We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover.   She died in 2020, aged 103..

1939 – Donald James Delbridge, alias Johnny Rebb, in Sydney, New South Wales.   He was a country singer turned rock and roll artist of the late 1950s/early 1960s, dubbed by disc jockeys of the time “The Gentleman of Rock and Roll”  He died in 2014.

1957 – David Foster in Devonport, Tasmania  He was the holder of the world woodchopping championship for 21 consecutive years, and is possibly the only athlete anywhere to win over 1,000 titles.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

2011 – Johnny Pearson , in England at the age of 85.  He was a pianist, orchestra leader and founder of the successful 1960s easy-listening group, Sounds Orchestral.  Pearson composed several memorable television theme tunes, including that for the original series of  All Creatures Great And Small. 

2015 – Malcolm Fraser, in Melbourne, Victoria, aged 84.  He was Australia’s 22^nd Prime Minister.

2020 – Kenneth Donald Rogers alias Kenny Rogers, in Sandy Springs, Georgia, U.S.A., aged 81.  He was a country singer song-writer, photographer, record producer, actor and entrepreneur. 

2023 – Terry Norris in Geelong, Victoria, at the age of 92. He was an Australian actor who appeared in many productions, including Bellbird, Cop Shop and The Last of the Australians.  He left his acting career for a 10-year stint in the Victorian Legislative Assembly between 1982 and 1992.

Today’s photo:  The Bay of Fires, in north-east Tasmania.

 Photos – Yours Truly

Today’s Playlist

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Kathy Carver – Bingo Player	2026	09:04	8/3/2026
70s Classic    Air Supply – Bring Out The Magic	1978	09:10	–
Dan Jones – Lovin’ You	2026	09:14	–
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + Anne Murray & Glen Campbell – Medley~I Say A Little Prayer~By The Time I Get To Phoenix		09:20	–
+ Andy Williams – It Had To Be You		09:23	–
A Love Story True – Written by Gregory Dillon  Recorded by A I, for the current visit to Tasmania of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, of Denmark	2026	09:27	–
Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra – In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town		09:33	22/5/2020
Vera Lynn with Tony Osborne & His Orchestra – I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter  Vera Margaret Welch  alias Vera Lynn born this day in 1917 in East Ham, London, England.  Died 2020, aged 103.		09:37	18/6/2023
Johnny Rebb – Hey Sherriff	1959	09:41	28/7/2023
For a Listener Roger Whittaker – The Streets Of London	1971	09:46	30/8/2024
Diamond Classic – From the Album “I Hear A Symphony” Charting on this day 1966 Diana Ross & Supremes – With a Song in My Heart	1966	09:51	22/11/2019
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Houston” Charting on this day 1966 Dean Martin – Down Home	1966	09:53	24/1/2025
Michael Russ – Trumpet Hearts	2026	09:57	15/2/2026
Terry Bennetts – Backing In The Van	2024	10:05	9/11/2025
Nancy Muller – Help Pour Out The Rain	2026	10:10	15/3/2026
Conor Owens – My Arney Home	2026	10:14	6/3/2026
Kenny Rogers – Daytime Friends  Kenny Rogers, died this day in 2020  in Sandy Springs, Georgia, U.S.A., aged 81.	1978	10:19	9/4/2023
Vintage Vinyl   Hollywood Argyles – Alley Oop	1960	10:23	31/12/2023
Chillin’ – Straight Into Your Heart	2026	10:26	8/3/2026
Johnny Pearson Orchestra – Piano Parchment, also known as All Creatures Great and Small Theme, original series. Johnny Pearson, died this day in 2011 in England at the age of 85.		10:32	23/2/2024
Jade Hurley – My Country	2026	10:35	27/2/2026
Rowdy’s Rose – Moved In, In My Mind	2026	10:38	–
70s Classic    ABBA – Dance While The Music Still Goes On	1973	10:43	3/11/2024
Shelly Jones Band – Peas In A Pod	2021	10:47	6/3/2026
Irish Rovers – Black Velvet Band	1971	10:51	1/3/2026
For a Listener Gene Watson – This Song Is Just For You		10:56	–
Erec Gebauer Pizzicato Orchestra – Poppa Piccolino		10:58	3/3/2019
Highway 95 – Bartender	2026	11:05	8/3/2026
Country Road – Old style country songs + Alan Gilmour – The Longest Country Mile		11:11	6/3/2026
+ Slim Dusty – When The Currawongs Come Down		11:14	26/6/2022
For a Listener Margot Eskens – Jonny Komm Wieder Nach Helgoland		11:20	30/4/2021
Vintage Vinyl    Stargazers – Sugarbush	1952	11:27	13/10/2017
Acker Bilk – A Hundred Years From Today		11:32	27/12/2021
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Spanish Eyes” Charting on this day 1966 Al Martino – Spanish Eyes	1966	11:36	12/12/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Fairytale” Charting on this day 1966 Nancy Sinatra – These Boots Are Made For Walking	1966	11:39	17/1/2021
Sharon Whitcroft – My Home Sweet Home	2026	11:44	–
Brian Moon – Should I Be Doing This	2026	11:47	–
Alisha Smith – The Bouldy Bash		11:50	4/10/2024
Ben Gunn – Only In Australia		11:53	27/12/2019

► EVENTS ON 15 March;

On this day in 1926 – The original National Park railway station opened on the Derwent Valley railway.

In 1936, Trains of tanker wagons were used to supply water to severely drought stricken areas of the Derwent Valley and Midlands.  

In 1952,  1870 mm of rain fell in one day in Cilaos, Reunion Island, setting a new world record.

In 1970, Amsterdam, Netherlands, All Kinds of Everything, sung by Dana (music and text by Derry Lindsay and Jackie Smith), won the Eurovision Song Contest 1970 for Ireland. 

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

BORN:  Harry Haag James, alias Harry James, in 1916, Albany, Georgia U.S.A.  He was a Big Band era bandleader, active almost continuously from 1939 till his death in 1983, at the age of 67.

BORN:  Albert Edward Calvert, alias Eddie Calvert, in 1922, Preston, Lancashire, England.  He was a trumpeter, who enjoyed his greatest successes in the 1950s. Calvert had his first British number one instrumental single in 1954, with Oh Mein Papa.  He died in 1978.

BORN:  Alan Bean, in 1932, Wheeler, Texas, U.S.A   He was the fourth man to set foot on the moon and Lunar Module Pilot of the Apollo 12 mission in 1969. He completed two moon walks and assisted crewmates Dick Gordon and Pete Conrad with lunar surface experiments, and with the installation of the first nuclear power generator station on the moon.  He died in 2018.

BORN: John Duttine, in 1949, Barnsley, Yorkshire, England  He is an  actor who has appeared in numerous television productions, including Doc Martin, Taggart, Midsomer Murders,  The Bill, and Dalziel and Pascoe.  He is best known for his role as Sergeant George Miller, in the TV drama series Heartbeat.

Something of a co-incidence noted while this post was being prepared – The track “All Kinds of Everything” was previously played during my programmes in 2013, 2015, 2020, 2024, and this year, 2026 – on 15th March!

Today’s photo: Another view of Federation Peak, in Tasmania’s rugged Wilderness World Heritage Area

Par Avion https://www.facebook.com/paraviontas

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Dean Perrett – Road Train Country	2026	06:06	20/2/2026
Russel Kitchin – Together Alone	2026	06:11	13/3/2026
Alice Benfer – Wildflowers On The Outback	2026	06:15	6/3/2026
Eddie Calvert – Il Silenzio	1965	06:21	10/10/2025
Warren Kearney – Let It Be Me	2026	06:25	13/3/2026
Ray Lani – Every Time That I’m With You	2026	06:29	13/3/2026
101 Strings Orchestra – A Hard Day’s Night		06:34	3/6/2022
Vintage Vinyl    Cathy Carr – First Anniversary	1959	06:38	25/10/2024
Clyde McPhatter – A Lover’s Question	1958	06:41	5/9/2025
For A Listener: Beatles – All You Need Is Love	1968	06:45	15/3/2026
Nancy Muller – Help Pour Out The Rain	2026	06:51	6/3/2026
Diamond Classic – From the L P “Roger Miller’s Golden Hits” Charting on this day 1966 Roger Miller – Do Wacka Do	1964	06:55	10/1/2025
Joy Adams – After All	2026	06:57	13/2/2026
Jason McCahill – It’s Good To See You	2026	07:05	6/3/2026
COUNTRY ROAD + Jason Carruthers – Goats Ahead Upon The Road	2022	07:11	22/3/2024
+ Buddy Williams – The Flying Doctor	1958	07:13	5/5/2024
For A Listener: 19 0 1 – Along The Road To Gundagai		07:19	26/1/2025
Dana – All Kinds of Everything	1970	07:23	15/3/2024
Karl Heinz Kaestel – The Last Waltz		07:27	9/2/2024
Malando & His Tango Orchestra – Noche De Estrellas		07:32	17/9/2017
Vintage Vinyl    Perry Como – Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes	1953	07:36	22/10/2023
Hauntees – All Over Again	2026	07:39	6/3/2026
Diamond Classic – From the L P “People” Charting on this day 1966 Al Martino – My Cherie	1965	07:45	20/2/2026
Caoimhe Murney – Your Health Is Your Wealth	2026	07:47	6/3/2026
Graeme Clarke – Footprints in the Sand at Wallaroo	2018	07:50	13/12/2024
Penny Jayne Black – Black Coffee	2026	07:53	–
Taylor Brothers – Please Let Me Wonder	2026	08:05	6/3/2026
COMFORT ZONE + Michael Crawford – Love Changes Everything		08:10	1/6/2025
+ Foster & Allen – I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen		08:12	28/8/2020
Toni West – If I Didn’t Love Him	1955	08:17	1/3/2026
Vintage Vinyl    Sheb Wooley – The Purple People Eater	1958	08:25	28/6/2024
Herb Alpert – So What’s New		08:27	30/4/2023
Francis Goya – Natacha		08:33	12/2/2024
Diamond Classic – From the L P “Mary Poppins Soundtrack” Charting on this day 1966 Julie Andrews – A Spoonful of Sugar	1965	08:39	8/8/2025
Diamond Classic – From the L P “Moon Over Naples” Charting on this day 1966 Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra – Red Roses for a Blue Lady	1965	08:42	–
For A Listener: Neil Young – Harvest Moon	2026	08:44	5/12/2025
Susanna Colley – Bring Me Home	2024	08:51	13/3/2026

► EVENTS on 13 MARCH;

On this day in 1781 William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus in Bath, England.  The planet had been observed from Earth on numerous occasions over the centuries, but it had been mistaken for a star.

In 1876, in Tasmania, the first through express train ran between Hobart and Evandale Junction.  Previously, as the main line railway was being constructed southward from Evandale Junction and northward from Hobart, passengers had to disembark from one train and board stagecoaches to connect with another train at the opposite railhead.

In 1985, the television soap opera Neighbours began on the Ten Network.  The programme became the longest-running drama in Australian television history, running for 41 seasons and 9,363 episodes from 1985 till 2025.

In 1988,  In Japan, the 53.85-kilometre long Seikan railway tunnel opened between Aomori and Hakodate.  This tunnel, which has a 23.3-kilometre long portion 140 metres beneath the seabed, is both the longest and the deepest operational rail tunnel in the world, although the Channel Tunnel between England and France has a longer undersea portion. 

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

BORN:  Samuel Zarnocay Jr, alias Sammy Kaye, in 1910 in Lakewood, Ohio, U.S.A. He was a bandleader and songwiter of the Big Band era, famed for the tag line “Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye”  He died in 1987.

BORN Ronnie Hazlehurst, in 1928 in Dukinfield, Cheshire, England.  He was an orchestra conductor and composer who has composed theme music to  many television programmes, such as Yes Minister, Are You Being Served, Last of the Summer Wine and To The Manor Born.   Ronnie Hazlehurst died in 2007.

BORN Neil Sedaka, was born on this day in 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A  He was a pop singer, pianist and songwriter whose career spanned more than 50 years.  His biggest hits include Stairway To Heaven, Run Samson Run, Little Devil, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen and Calendar Girl.  He died on 27 February 2026.

Today’s photo: Federation Peak, in Tasmania’s rugged Wilderness World Heritage Area

Par Avion https://www.facebook.com/paraviontas

Today’s Playlist

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Jeff London Project – Washed Up	2026	09:05	27/2/2026
70s Classic    Gene Pitney – Blue Angel	1975	09:10	11/5/2025
Frans Van Den Borg – Swimming Into Deep Water	2026	09:13	–
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + Irish Rovers – Lily The Pink	1969	09:18	25/2/2022
+ Anne Murray – Daydream Believer		09:22	13/2/2026
Warren Kearney – Let It Be Me	2026	09:26	27/2/2026
Johnny Pearson & His Orchestra – First Love		09:32	19/2/2023
Neil Sedaka – Next Door To An Angel	1962	09:36	7/8/2020
Ray Lani – Every Time That I’m With You	2026	09:40	1/3/2026
For a Listener Brenda Lee – Night And Day		09:45	29/11/2024
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Rubber Soul” Charting on this day 1966 Beatles – Nowhere Man	1965	09:48	14/5/2021
Diamond Classic – From the Album “I Hear A Symphony” Charting on this day 1966 Supremes – I Hear A Symphony	1965	09:51	1/2/2026
Joy Adams – Hug	2026	09:55	8/3/2026
Russel Kitchin – Together Alone	2026	10:05	22/2/2026
Bobby Valentine – Two Sides To Every Story	2026	10:11	8/3/2026
Graeme Clarke – Ramblin’ Fever	2017	10:15	11/5/2018
Daniel O’Donnell – Footsteps		10:19	15/12/2024
Vintage Vinyl   Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line	1956	10:24	3/10/2025
Shadows – Dance On	1963	10:28	23/3/2025
Joe Reisman & His Orchestra – Love Walked In		10:32	7/9/2025
For a Listener Pussycat – My Broken Souvenirs		10:36	21/12/2025
ABBA – I Have A Dream	1979	10:40	17/2/2023
Randy C Moore – Forget Me Not	2026	10:46	8/3/2026
70s Classic    Buck Owens & His Buckaroos – Made In Japan	1973	10:49	4/5/2025
Michelle Murphy – River Shannon	2026	10:52	–
Kane Vincent – Tokyo	2026	10:56	8/3/2026
Heartland Roots Band – This Is Now	2026	11:05	7/9/2025
Country Road – Old style country songs + Slim Dusty – Old Riders In The Grandstand		11:10	15/5/2020
+ Ray Kernaghan – Rocking Alone In A Old Rocking Chair		11:13	28/2/2021
For a Listener Tom Curtain & Robyn Martin – When The Rain Comes Down	2023	11:18	31/10/2025
Vintage Vinyl    Harry Grove Trio – Meet Mr Callaghan	1952	11:26	22/4/2016
Johnny Douglas & His Orchestra – Manhattan		11:32	19/12/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Jim Reeves Volume 2” Charting on this day 1966 Jim Reeves – I Guess I’m Crazy	1964	11:36	16/7/2023
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Whipped Cream” Charting on this day 1966 Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Whipped Cream	1965	11:39	4/7/2025
Susanna Colley – Bring Me Home	2026	11:43	–
Behind the Sea – Kiss Kiss Moi	2026	11:47	8/3/2026
Janey & Carla Kirk – A World Of Our Own	2023	11:50	2/3/2025
Andy Stewart – A Scottish Soldier	1961	11:53	10/11/2024

► EVENTS ON 8 March;

On this day in 1925 in Melbourne, Victoria, radio station 3UZ was founded by electrical engineer, O J Nielsen, commenced broadcasting, and became the city’s first commercial station.

In 1948, several RAAF DC 3 aircraft dropped food supplies to the Queensland outback towns of Charters Towers and Winton, which were experiencing a shortage caused by a long running railway strike.  

In 1965  Southern Tasmania’s worst bushfires for 30 years threatened Moogara and Uxbridge in the Derwent Valley, and Osterley and Strickland in the central highlands.  Firefighters from Fingal to the Arve Valley were on alert with an extreme risk of the worst bushfires since “Black Friday” of 1934.

In 1966 The Soviet space probe Venera 3 crashed on the planet Venus and became the first spacecraft to reach another planet’s surface. 

In 1973 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland – The Whiskey Au Go Go nightclubfire occurred at 2.10 a.m. when the building was firebombed.  The loss of 15 lives made this Australia’s worst mass murder until the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.

In 2014  Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, a Boeing 777 carrying 239 people, disappeared over the Indian Ocean, having diverted for unknown reasons during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

► ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

BORN:  Cyd Charisse, in 1922, Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A.  She became an actress and dancer, frequently paired with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.  Her films include Singin’ In The Rain (1952), The Band Wagon (1953) and Silk Stockings (1957).  She died in 2008.

BORN:  Lynn Redgrave, in 1943, Marylebone, London, England.  She was a screen and stage actress whose  films include Tom Jones (1963), and Georgy Girl (1966)  She died in 2010

BORN:  George Michael Dolenz, Jr., alias Micky Dolenz, in 1945, Los Angeles, California U.S.A.  He became an actor, musician, television director and radio personality; best known as a member of the 1960s pop band The Monkees.

BORN:  Margaret Annemarie Battavio alias Little Peggy March, in 1948, Lansdale, Pennsylvania U.S.A.   She became a pop singer primarily remembered for her 1963 million seller I Will Follow Him, which she recorded at the age of 14.  She turns 78 today.

BORN:  Laura Main, in 1981, Aberdeen, Scotland.  She is an actress best known for her role as nurse Shelagh Turner in the BBC drama series Call The Midwife.  She turns 46 today.

DIED:  Billy Eckstine, in 1993, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania U.S.A., aged 78.  He was a ballad singer and bandleader of the swing era.  He also had some minor hits during the 1950s, and continued to record into the 1990s.

DIED:  John Ewart, in 1994, Sydney, New South Wales, aged 66.  He was an actor of stage, radio, television and film, who appeared in hundreds of Australian radio, film and television productions.

DIED:  Adam Faith, alias Terence Nelhams-Wright, in 2003, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, England, aged 62.  He was a teen idol of the early 1960s, singer, actor and financial journalist. 

DIED:  Wendy Hughes, in 2014, Sydney, New South Wales,  aged 61.   She was an award-winning Australian actress of stage and screen, whose career extended over 40 years.

DIED:  George Martin, in 2016, Wiltshire, England,  aged 90.  He was a record producer, arranger, composer, conductor, and audio engineer sometimes referred to as “The Fifth Beatle” due to his extensive involvement in the production of the Beatles’ earlier albums.

Today’s photo: Huonville, just over the mountain range (in the background) from the Derwent Valley.

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Gary Anderson – A Real Good Time	2026	06:05
Highway 95 – Bartender	2026	06:10
Kane Vincent – Tokyo	2026	06:14
Little Peggy March – I Will Follow Him  Little Peggy March, born this day in 1948 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania USA	1963	06:19	8/3/2024
Bobby Valentine & Lauren Elizabeth- Two Sides To Every Story	2026	06:25
Conor Owens – Texas Tornado	2025	06:27	16/5/2025
Acker Bilk – Can’t Smile Without You		06:31	12/11/2021
Vintage Vinyl    Hank Williams – Be Careful Of Stones That You Throw	1952	06:35	9/5/2021
Carrie Talarico – One Perfect Picture	2026	06:38	20/2/2026
For A Listener: Beatles – Ob La Di Ob La Da	1968	06:43	4/3/2022
David Hammerschlag – One Certain Thing	2026	06:47	6/3/2026
Diamond Classic – From the L P “South Of The Border” Charting on this day 1966 Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – South Of The Border	1964	06:52	13/2/2026
Denise Blum – Fahnen auf em Mond	2026	06:54	27/2/2026
Kathy Carver – Bingo Player	2026	07:05	22/2/2026
COUNTRY ROAD + Greg Champion & Anne Fraser – Ororroo Waltz		07:10	6/9/2024
+ Graeme Clarke – Always My Best Friend	2019	07:13	5/1/2025
For A Listener: Byrds – Turn Turn Turn	1965	07:18	19/12/2025
Adam Faith – Someone Else’s Baby  Adam Faith, died this day in 2003 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK, aged 62	1960	07:24	22/9/2023
John Inman – Are You Being Served   John Inman, died this day in 2007 in Paddington, London UK, aged 71		07:26	28/6/2024
Vintage Vinyl    Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra – La Paloma	1958	07:31	4/9/2020
Anastasia Lee & Celesta da Vinci – Swan Song (Tchaikovsky)	2026	07:34	22/2/2026
Victoria Eman – Lieve Hilda, lieve Oma  (Dear Hilda Dear Grandma)	2026	07:37
Diamond Classic – From the L P “People” Charting on this day 1966 Barbra Streisand – People	1964	07:43	13/2/2026
Randy C Moore – Forget Me Not	2026	07:46	20/2/2026
Ashey Cook – The Great Outback		07:51	5/5/2023
John Williamson – Cootamundra Wattle		07:54	27/7/2025
Chillin’ – Straight Into Your Heart	2026	08:05	22/2/2026
For A Listener: Buddy Williams & Ivy Somerfeld – Let’s Grow Old Together		08:11	7/9/2025
COMFORT ZONE + Demis Roussos – My Friend The Wind		08:14	6/10/2024
+ Edward Woodward – Wednesday’s Child		08:18	24/11/2024
Vintage Vinyl    Pat Boone – Ain’t That A Shame	1955	08:30	17/7/2016
Don Costa Orchestra – Baby Elephant Walk		08:35	2/8/2019
Behind the Sea – Kiss Kiss Moi		08:39	27/2/2026
Diamond Classic – From the L P “The Best of Hermans Hermits” Charting on this day 1966 Hermans Hermits – Silhouettes	1965	08:43	13/2/2026
Diamond Classic – From the L P “Help” Charting on this day 1966 Beatles – You’re Going To Lose That Girl	1965	08:45	13/2/2026
Joy Adams – Hug	2026	08:48	27/2/2026
Chase Stevens – As Good As It Gets	2024	08:52	3/1/2025

► EVENTS on 6 MARCH;

On this day in 1917, a train on the Emu Bay Railway in western Tasmania was saved from disaster when it’s alert fireman caught a glimpse through some trees, of unsupported rails spanning the Ring River ahead.  After the train was quickly brought to a halt, it was discovered that the bridge had been washed away by floods.

In 1944, in Sydney, New South Wales, Antonio Agostini was charged with the murder of his wife, bringing an end to the investigation into the “Pyjama Girl” murder of 1934, which had begun after the body of a young woman was found in a culvert near Albury.
Agostini was found guilty of manslaughter, sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, but he was released and deported to Italy in 1948.

In 1958, construction of the first section of Hobart’s Brooker Highway, between Derwent Park Road and Risdon Road, was nearing completion, while earthworks were in progress on the section between Risdon Road and the city, including the Belle Vue Parade overpass.

In 1987 near Zeebrugge, Belgium , the British roll-on roll-off car and passenger ferry MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsized after leaving the port, with the loss of 193 lives.
The bow loading door had been left open, allowing the seawater to flood in.  This was the highest death-count of any peacetime maritime disaster involving a British ship since the sinking of the  RMS Empress of Ireland in 1914.

► ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

BORN:  Frankie Howerd, born Francis Alick Howard in 1917 in York, England.  He was a comedian whose career spanned 60 years.  He died in 1992.

BORN Valentina Tereshkova, in 1937 in Yaroslavi Oblast, Russia.  She became a Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman to enter space.  As she was a honorary member of the Soviet Air Force, she was also the first civilian to enter space.

BORN:  Mary Wilson, in 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. She was a foundation member of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s and 70s, and was the only consistent member of the group in its eighteen-year hit-making tenure. She died in 2021.

BORN Kiki Dee, born Pauline Matthews in 1947 in Little Horton, West Yorkshire, England.  She became a singer-songwriter for more than 40 years, best known for her 1976 duet with Elton John Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 

DIED:  Gottlieb Daimler, in 1900 in Cannstatt, now Stuttgart, in the-then German Empire, aged 65.  He was an engineer and pioneer of the internal combustion engine and automobile development.  In 1885, together with William Maybach, he designed the forerunner of the petrol engine, which was fitted to a two-wheeled vehicle.  This was the first motorcycle.     

DIED:  George Formby, in 1961 in Preston, Lancashire, England aged 57.  He was a singer and comedian, popular star of stage and screen, remembered for playing the banjo ukelele and as a singer of light, comical songs.

DIED:  Nelson Eddy, in 1967 in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A. aged 65.  He was a singer and movie star who appeared in 19 musicals during the 1930s and 40s, as well as on the concert stage, radio, television, and in nightclubs.

Today’s photo:  Cottesloe Beach, Perth, West Australia.  Supplied by regular listener, Karin.

Today’s Playlist

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	PREVIOUS PLAYS	LAST PLAYED
Jason McCahill – It’s Good To See You	2026	09:04	0
70s Classic    Jim Ed Brown – How I Love Them Old Songs	1972	09:13	2	4/5/2025
Shelly Jones Band – Peas In A Pod	2026	09:15	0	1/3/2026
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + Hank Snow – Daisy A Day		09:19	1	1/2/2024
+ Nana Mouskouri – Bridge Over Troubled Water		09:22	1	7/7/2023
David Hammerschlag – One Certain Thing	2026	09:28	1	15/2/2026
Ricardo Santos & His Million Strings – I Lost My Heart In Heidelberg		09:34	0
Supremes – Someday We’ll Be Together	1970	09:38	3	10/3/2023
Elton John & Kiki Dee – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart	1976	09:43	10	16/11/2025
For a Listener Frank Ifield – Please	1964	09:49	7	2/5/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Somewhere There’s A Someone” Charting on this day 1966 Dean Martin – Second Hand Rose	1964	09:52	6	18/5/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “The Beatles 65” Charting on this day 1966 Beatles – Mr Moonlight	1964	09:54	3	24/11/2023
Statler Brothers – Flowers On The Wall	1968	09:58	4	2/1/2026
Taylor Brothers – Please Let Me Wonder	2026	10:05	5	22/2/2026
Marty Howard Chambers – Frown Upside Down		10:10	2	9/8/2024
Conor Owens – My Arney Home	2026	10:14	0
Caoimhe Murney – Your Health Is Your Wealth	2026	10:19	3	22/2/2026
Vintage Vinyl   Billy Eckstine – Taking A Chance On Love	1952	10:24	2	8/3/2015
Cilla Black – Where Is Tomorrow	1964	10:27	1	28/9/2014
Pedro Meslas & His Orchestra – Adios Muchachos		10:31	0
Suzie So Blue – Bend	2026	10:34	0
Willie Nelson – Always		10:39	1	30/3/2025
70s Classic    Carpenters – On Top Of The World	1973	10:42	13	4/5/2025
Alice Benfer – Wildflowers On The Outback	2026	10:46	0
Brendan McMahon – The Rivers Edge	2026	10:49	0
Gregory M Dillon – Your Battery’s Low	2026	10:55	0
Kevin Shegog – Melbourne Airport Tullamarine		10:57	2	9/11/2025
Hauntees – All Over Again	2026	11:05	1	1/3/2026
For a Listener Manuela – Schuld war nur der Bossa Nova		11:10	16	14/12/2025
Country Road – Old style country songs + Alan Gilmour – The Longest Country Mile	2025	11:15	2	29/8/2025
+ Troy Cassar-Daley – This Old Hat		11:18	1	17/11/2019
For a Listener Manuela – Schuld war nur der Bossa Nova (Blame It On The Bossa Nova)		11:25	5	14/7/2023
Vintage Vinyl    Johnnie Ray – Please Mr Sun	1952	11:31	1	27/2/2026
Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra – Crackling Rosie		11:37	4	13/8/2021
Diamond Classic – From the Album “September Of My Years” Charting on this day 1966 Frank Sinatra – It Was A Very Good Year	1965	11:42	1	16/10/2020
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Fairytale” Charting on this day 1966 Donovan – Colours	1965	11:46	5	8/8/2025
Nancy Muller – Help Pour Out The Rain	2026	11:51	0

► EVENTS ON 1 March;

In 1954 Adelaide was rocked by a severe earthquake which caused extensive damage throughout the city. 

In 1957 in Hobart, Tasmania, whilst several hundred people attended an exhibition on fire precautions and viewed a film on bushfires in the Hobart City Hall, a fire broke out in the rear of the hall, which caused several hundred pounds worth of damage..  

In 1964  At least three North Shore schools in Sydney banned Beatle-related clothing, haircuts and records – and banned pupils from singing Beatle songs around the school, and on the way to and from school.  Meanwhile, two butchers assistants donned Beatle wigs for a joke – and increased their employer’s takings substantially.

In 1966 The Soviet space probe Venera 3 crashed on the planet Venus and became the first spacecraft to reach another planet’s surface. 

In 1975 Full-time colour television broadcasting was launched in Australia.  

In 2006  Cosier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland – The remains of comedian Charlie Chaplin were stolen from a local cemetery by two unemployed migrants and held for ransom.  The culprits were apprehended two months later and Chaplin’s body was re-interred, surrounded by reinforced concrete.

► ARRIVALS ON 1 March

BORN:  Alton Glenn Miller alias Glen Miller, in 1904 in Clarinda, Iowa, U.S.A.  He became a jazz musician, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era.  Leading one of the best known “Big Bands,” he was one of the best-selling recording artists from 1939 to 1943.  He is presumed to have died when the plane he was travelling in disappeared over the English Channel in 1944.

BORN:  Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, alias Harry Belafonte,, in 1927 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, U.S.A.   He was a musician, singer, actor, and social activist.  One of the most successful pop singers in history, Belafonte was  dubbed the “King of Calypso” and is perhaps best known for his recording of The Banana Boat Song  .  He died in 2023.

BORN:   James Oswald Little, alias Jimmy Little in 1937, Cummeragunja Mission, New South Wales.  He was an aboriginal musician, actor and teacher (d. 2012)

 Today’s photo: Lake Dulverton, Oatlands, in the Tasmanian midlands.

Photographer: Yours Truly

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	TIME	PREVIOUS PLAYS	LAST PLAYED
Sheila Pope – If Not For You	2026	06:06	4	20/2/2026
Wendy Jewel – Are You Looking At The Same Stars	2026	06:11	3	20/2/2026
Clabe McGuire – Just One More Time	2026	06:14	0
For A Listener: Bee Gees – How Deep Is Your Love	2026	06:19	2	21/2/2025
Glen Miller & His Orchestra with Marion Hutton – The Woodpecker Song	1940	06:25	15	15/2/2024
Harry Belafonte – Banana Boat Song	1957	06:27	13	12/1/2025
Jimmy Little – Royal Telephone	1963	06:31	19	3/11/2024
Brian May & ABC Showband – Theme From Seven Little Australians		06:36	2	7/6/2015
Vintage Vinyl    Lita Rosa – Walking To Missouri	1951	06:38	2	12/9/2025
Ray Conniff Orchestra & Singers – Come Saturday Morning		06:41	1	10/5/2024
Ray Malcolm – Together Again	2026	06:46	1	20/2/2026
Dean Martin – Old Yellow Line	1965	06:49	2	6/2/2026
Craig Sailer Project – Babe	2026	06:52	1	20/2/2026
Hauntees – All Over Again	2026	06:56	0
Kim Copedo – Save A Little Hope for Me	2026	07:05	2	20/2/2026
COUNTRY ROAD + Aishling Rafferty – Two Steppin’ Texas Blue	2023	07:11	1	8/9/2023
+ Gerard Gormley – Two Rooms and a Kitchen	2023	07:14	5	2/6/2024
For A Listener: Jade Hurley – I Love A Rainy Night		07:21	6	27/4/2025
Toni West – If I Didn’t Love Him	2026	07:25	2	15/2/2026
Ray Lani – Every Time That I’m With You	2026	07:29	0
Vintage Vinyl    Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra – Sail Along Silvery Moon	1958	07:34	13	11/2/2024
Tony Christie – Can’t Get The Feeling		07:37	0
Kym Cormack – Never Lie Again	2026	07:41	2	8/2/2026
Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Bittersweet Samba	1965	07:46	2	6/2/2026
Two of a Kind – I Love You To The Moon And Back	2025	07:48	4	25/5/2025
For A Listener: Neil Sedaka – Oh Carol	1958	07:52	2	17/12/2021
For A Listener: Neil Sedaka – Stairway To Heaven	1960	07:54	3	7/8/2020
Kumpu Brothers with Justine Pelmelay – Kumpu	2025	07:58	2	1/8/2025
Beatles – Norwegian Wood	1965	08:05	7	6/2/2026
COMFORT ZONE + Irish Rovers – The Black Velvet Band	1971	08:09	8	14/8/2020
+ Roger Whittaker – Durham Town		08:13	11	13/9/2022
Adrian Payne – If But Or Maybe	2026	08:19	1	6/2/2026
Dan Jones – Lovin’ You	2026	08:27	0
Henry Mancini & His Orchestra – Smoke Gets In Your Eyes		08:32	1	8/4/2022
Soundtrack, The Sound of Music (Peggy Wood, Marnie Nixon, 2 x Uncredited) – Maria		08:37	3	6/2/2026
Matt Monro – Gonna Build a Mountain	1962	08:40	0
Lester Coombs – I’m Fine Thank You		08:45	3	4/9/2016
Vintage Vinyl    Hank Thompson – Detour	1952	08:48	5	5/3/2017
Shelly Jones Band – Peas In A Pod	2021	08:52	0

► EVENTS on 27 February;

In 1951, The New Zealand Government mobilised the Navy, Army and Air Force to move vital freight through wharves in Wellington and Auckland, which had been crippled by a waterside workers’ strike.

In 1955, in Glenorchy, Tasmania, steel framework for a new gymnasium being built at Robert Cosgrove Modern School (now known as Cosgrove High School) collapsed in a mass of twisted metal, when it was blown down by a strong gust of wind an hour after being erected..

In 1964, The Government of Italy asked for international help to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from toppling over.

► ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

BORN:  Elizabeth Taylor, in 1932, Hampstead, London, England – She became an actress famed for her talent, beauty, and many marriages. She is considered one of the greats of Hollywood’s Golden age..  He died in 2011.

BORN:  Bill Hunter, in 1940, Ballarat, Victoria.  He was an actor who appeared in over 60 Australian films, as well as many television series.  He died in 2011.

DIED:  Frankie Lymon,  in 1968, Washington Heights, New York, U.S.A., at the age of 25.  He was a rock and roll and rhythm and blues singer/songwriter, formerly lead singer of the early rock and roll group, The Teenagers, which was comprised of five teenage boys.
Their first hit in 1956, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, was also their biggest, with Lymon taking up an ill-fated solo career the following year.     

DIED:  Spike Milligan, in 2002 in Rye, East Sussex, England, aged 83.  He was an Irish comedian, writer, musician, poet, playwright, soldier and actor, known for his roles in the well known Goon Shows.

DIED:  Hans-Rolf Rippert alias Ivan Rebroff, in 2008 in Frankfurt, Germany, aged 76.  He was a singer famous for singing folk songs, opera, light classics and folk songs from Russia and many other countries. He had an extraordinary vocal range of four and a half octaves, ranging from bass to soprano.

DIED:  Leonard Nimoy, in 2015 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.  Aged 83.    He was an actor, film director, poet, musician, and photographer, famous for his role of Spock in the original Star Trek series between 1966 and 1969, as well as in various film, television and video game sequels.

On June 2, 2015 an asteroid was named 4864 Nimoy in his honour.

Today’s photo, taken near Rhyndaston in Tasmania’s midlands last Saturday (21 February) by Yours Truly.

Today’s Playlist

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	PREVIOUS PLAYS	LAST PLAYED
Bohemian Rogue – Hot Hot Sweaty Summers Night	2026	09:05	4	20/2/2026
70s Classic    Donna Fargo – Funny Face	1973	09:11	5	8/9/2023
Jeff London Project – Washed Up	2026	09:15	0
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + John Rowles – Cheryl Moana Marie	1970	09:19	14	27/1/2023
+ Judy Stone – Gentle On My Mind		09:22	2	15/10/2023
Joy Adams – Hug		09:26	0
Arthur Greenslade & His Orchestra – Stop In The Name Of Love		09:32	2	11/7/2025
Behind the Sea – Kiss Kiss Moi	2026	09:36	0
Warren Kearney – Let It Be Me	2026	09:39	0
For a Listener Searchers – Needles And Pins	1964	09:45	14	6/7/2025
Jason Owen – Thank God I’m A Country Boy	2019	09:48	8	23/1/2026
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Gold Vault of Hits” Charting on this day 1966 Four Seasons – Dawn	1965	09:52	9	22/3/2024
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Andy Williams’ Newest Hits” Charting on this day 1966 Andy Williams – A Fool Never Learns	1963	09:54	14	2/2/2024
Tornados – The Ice Cream Man	1963	09:57	8	11/8/2023
Louise Morrissey – Tipperary So Rare	2026	10:05	2	8/2/2026
Christian Columbier, His Orchestra & Chorus – You’re The One That I Want		10:11	0
Rosemary Squires & Roland Shaw & His Orchestra – Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue		10:13	2	1/6/2025
Vintage Vinyl   Danny & Juniors – At The Hop	1958	10:19	4	5/4/2024
Ivan Rebroff – Schlafe Mein Prinzchen		10:23	1	24/12/2021
Orchestral Sounds – Fool On The Hill		10:27	3	31/1/2025
Billy May & His Orchestra –  The Stripper		10:30	1	13/3/2020
Debz Standen – Living Without You	2026	10:34	2	8/2/2026
Gary R Farmer – South of the Border	2026	10:38	4	22/2/2026
Pussycat – Mississippi		10:43	44	16/11/2025
70s Classic    Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song	1973	10:49	7	4/5/2025
For a Listener Delltones – Tom Dooley		10:55	2	6/4/2025
Mrs Mills – Moonlight and Roses		10:57	1	17/10/2025
Kincade – Dreams Are Ten A Penny	1973	11:05	0
Country Road – Old style country songs + Slim Dusty – Brigalow Bill		11:10	3	27/1/2023
+ Ashley Cook – The Waters of Lake Eyre	2026	11:13	2	8/2/2026
For a Listener Val Doonican – New Dreams For Old		11:18	0
Vintage Vinyl    Johnnie Ray – Please Mr Sun	1952	11:26	0
Perry Botkin Jr & His Orchestra – Happiness Is		11:34	6	22/6/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Remember Me I’m The One Who Loves You” Charting on this day 1966 Dean Martin – Red Roses For A Blue Lady	1965	11:39	0
Diamond Classic – From the Album “The Lonely Bull” Charting on this day 1966 Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Never On Sunday	1965	11:42	0
Jade Hurley – My Country	2026	11:46	4	22/2/2026
Sven Tydeman – I’m Only Yours	2026	11:50	0
Denise Blum – Fahnen auf dem Mond	2026	11:55	0

► EVENTS ON 22 February;

In 1935 Sydney, New South Wales,  Radio station 2UW became the first in Australia to broadcast 24 hours a day.

In 1954 A cyclone caused widespread flooding along 650 km of coastline of New South Wales & Queensland causing the loss of 26 lives and rendering thousands homeless.

In 2006  Tonbridge, Kent, England – The country’s biggest ever cash robbery occurred, in which £53m was stolen from a cash management depot.  Over £19 million was ultimately recovered and 36 arrests were made.  Ten of the ringleaders were given prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life.

In 2011, Christchurch, New Zealand – A major earthquake caused 185 deaths and millions of dollars worth of damage.

► ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES ON 22 February

BORN:  Albert George Cernick, alias Guy Mitchell, in 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.  He became an international recording star of the 1950s who achieved record sales in excess of 44 million, including six, million-selling singles.  His hits include My Heart Cries For You, My Truly Fair, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Singing The Blues and Heartaches By The Number.  He died in 1999.

BORN:  William Oliver Swofford alias Oliver, in 1945 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, U.S.A.   He was famed for his 1969 single Good Morning Starshine, from the rock musical Hair, which sold over a million copies.  He died in 2000.

BORN:   Steve Irwin, in 1962 in Essendon, Victoria.  He became a television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist.  Irwin achieved worldwide fame from the television series The Crocodile Hunter, an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series.  He died in 2006.

BORN:  Rachael Wendy Bartholomew, alias Rachael Leahcar, in 1994 in Adelaide, South Australia.   She is a singer/songwriter whose first album, Shooting Star, debuted at No 5 on the ARIA Chart in 2012.  Rachael Leahcar is an Ambassador for the Royal Society for the Blind, having been born with retinitis pigmentosa and being legally blind.

DIED:  Angela Baddeley, in 1976 in Grayshott, Hampshire, England, aged 71.  She was an actress best remembered for her role as Mrs Bridges in the period television drama Upstairs Downstairs.  Baddeley also had a long and distinguished career on stage which lasted 63 years.

DIED:  James Loden alias Sonny James, in 2016 in Nashville, Tennnessee, U.S.A., aged 87.  He was a country singer and songwriter best known for his 1957 hit, Young Love.  James had 72 country and pop hits from 1953 to 1983.

DIED:  Nanette Fabray, in 2018 in Palos Verdes, California, U.S.A. aged 97.   She was an  actress, comedienne, singer, dancer and advocate for the deaf, who has appeared in numerous movies and television series including Burke’s Law, The Love Boat and Murder She Wrote. 

Today’s photo: The Augustus Pugin-designed Roman Catholic church at Colebrook, in the Tasmanian midlands, as seen from the local railway station, 21 February 2026.

Photographer: Yours Truly

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	TIME	PREVIOUS PLAYS	LAST PLAYED
Russel Kitchin – Together Alone	2026	06:06	0
Gary Anderson – A Real Good Time	2026	06:13	0
Chillin’ – Straight Into Your Heart	2026	06:16	1	13/2/2026
The Charlesys – Live Together	2026	06:20	1	13/2/2026
Taylor Brothers – Please Let Me Wonder	2025	06:24	4	15/2/2026
Inge Augustina – You Needed Me	2023	06:29	1	13/2/2026
Richard Clayderman – Les Petits Animaux De La Foret		06:35	1	30/6/2019
For A Listener: Boney M – Night Flight To Venus		06:39	1	8/3/2024
Vintage Vinyl    Guy Mitchell – My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You	1960	06:45	2	7/2/2014
Oliver – Good Morning Starshine	1968	06:48	14	21/12/2025
Rachael Leahcar – Nights In White Satin	2012	06:53	4	30/6/2024
Shadows – Foot Tapper	1963	06:57	7	2/11/2025
Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Cinco De Mayo	1965	07:06	4	30/1/2026
COUNTRY ROAD + Clayton Saunders – Slim Dusty		07:11	3	13/10/2024
+ Graham Rodger – The Wellshot Hotel	2017	07:14	5	2/6/2024
For A Listener: Ray Conniff & His Orchestra – Strangers In The Night		07:19	2	31/12/2023
Vintage Vinyl    Sonny James – Apache	1961	07:24	5	26/10/2022
Jade Hurley – My Country	2026	07:27	3	20/2/2026
Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra – Afrikaan Beat		07:32	1	12/12/2021
Frankie Laine – High Noon	1960	07:36	6	5/7/2024
Gary R Farmer – South of the Border	2026	07:39	3	13/12/2026
Supremes – Nothing But Heartaches		07:44	2	30/1/2026
M D – He Ain’t Gonna Change	2023	07:47	0
ABBA – Nina Pretty Ballerina		07:52	4	15/10/2023
For A Listener: Roy Orbison – Cry Softly Lonely One		07:55	16	11/1/2026
Tornados – Dragon Fly	1963	07:58	16	23/3/2025
Kathy Carver – Bingo Player	2026	08:05	1	13/2/2026
COMFORT ZONE + Roger Whittaker – Always On My Mind		08:10	0
+ Engelbert Humperdinck – What A Wonderful World		08:14	2	16/1/2015
Caoimhe Murney – Your Health Is Your Wealth	2026	08:20	2	13/2/2026
Anastasia Lee & Celesta da Vinci – 508 Swan Song (Tchaikovsky)	2026	08:27	1	13/2/2026
James Last Orchestra – Vive L’Amour		08:33	4	20/8/2023
Frank Sinatra – When Somebody Loves You		08:37	2	30/1/2026
Anita Winkler – Believe	2023	08:39	5	13/12/2024
Vintage Vinyl    Burl Ives – Goober Peas	1952	08:43	4	23/8/2024
Daniel O’Donnell – Rivers Of Babylon		08:46	0
Human Nature – Stop In The Name Of Love		08:50	1	13/7/2025
Peggie Nora – This Girl Means Business		08:53	6	18/9/2020

► EVENTS on 20 February;

In 1876, in Sydney, New South Wales, the first message was sent on the newly opened submarine telegraph cable between Sydney and Wellington, New Zealand.

In 1913, Australian politician King O’Malley drove in the first survey peg ,to mark commencement of work on the construction of Australia’s future national capital, Canberra.

In 1935, Caroline Mikkelsen of Denmark became the first woman to set foot in Antarctica.  A mountain in Antarctica was named after her.

In 1943, in Uruapan Municipality, Mexico, the Paricutin volcano began to form, from a fissure in a flat cornfield.   The volcano grew quickly, reaching 25 metres in just a week.  By the time it ceased erupting in 1952, it had reached a height of 424 m above the level of the original cornfield.  It has been quiet since then and is regarded as unlikely to ever erupt again..

In 1962, John Glenn, aboard the capsule Friendship 7, became the first American to orbit Earth.  He did three orbits in 4 hours 55 minutes.

In 1965, Space probe Ranger 8 crashed on to the Moon at a speed of about 10,000 kms per hour, after sending over 7,000 photographs of possible landing sites for Apollo programme astronauts.

► ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

BORN:  Sidney Poitier, in 1927,  Miami, Florida U.S.A   He became an actor, film director, author, and diplomat.  His three most successful movies dealt with racial issues;  they were, To Sir With Love, In The Heat Of The Night, and Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.  After April 1997, Poitier became the Bahamas Ambassor in Japan and UNESCO.  He died in 2022.

BORN:  Nancy Wilson, in Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S.A. in 1937.  She was a singer credited with more than 70 albums, and three Grammy Awards.  She died in 2018.

BORN:  Beverly Sainte-Marie alias Buffy Sainte-Marie, in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1941.  She is a Canadian indigenous singer-songwriter, musician, composer, visual artist, pacifist, educator, social activist, and philanthropist.

DIED:  Percy Grainger, in 1961 in White Plains, New York, U.S.A., at the age of 78.  He was an Australian-born composer, pianist and orchestra leader.  

DIED:  Dick York, in 1992 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A. Aged 63.  He was an actor best known for his role as Darrin Stephens in the fantasy television sitcom, Bewitched.

DIED:  Ferruccio Lamborghini, in 1993 in Perugia, Italy, aged 76.  He was an  industrialist who entered the business of tractor manufacturing in 1948, founding Lamborghini Trattori.  In 1963, he created Automobili Lamborghini, maker of famous, luxury sports cars.

DIED:  Sandra Dee, in 2005 in Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A.  Aged 62.    She was an actress and winner of the Golden Globe Award in 1959 as the year’s most promising newcomer.  Sandra Dee appeared in many films including Gidget and A Summer Place in 1959, Tammy Tell Me True in 1961, That Funny Feeling in 1965 and Houston We’ve Got A Problem in 1974.

Today’s Photo – Storm clouds over New Norfolk. [Yours Truly]

Today’s Playlist

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	PREVIOUS PLAYS	LAST PLAYED
Cliff Richard & Phil Everly – She Means Nothing To Me	1983	09:05	2	28/10/2022
70s Classic    Tony Orlando & Dawn – Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree	1973	09:11	17	13/7/2025
Sheila Pope – If Not For You	2026	09:15	2	8/2/2026
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + Robert Goulet – Love Is Blue		09:19	2	2/8/2024
+ Seekers – What Have They Done to the Rain		09:21	6	23/8/2024
Fleetwood Mac – Love In Store		09:25	2	26/10/2025
Beatles – September In The Rain	1962	09:28	1	12/12/2017
Eric Jupp & Accompaniment – I Say A Little Prayer	2026	09:32	0
Carol Markstrom – Trickster Wind	2026	09:36	0
Garry Jones – Eyes Shine Bright	2026	09:40	0
For a Listener Jade Hurley – Do Wah Diddy Diddy		09:44	4	10/8/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Moon Over Naples” Charting on this day 1966 Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra – Moon Over Naples	1965	09:47	12	28/7/2024
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Soundtrack, Mary Poppins” Charting on this day 1966 Soundtrack, Mary Poppins – Chim Chim Cheree	1965	09:50	1	12/8/2017
For a Listener Foster & Allen – Rose Of My Heart		09:54	33	4/1/2026
Ron Grainer Orchestra – Room With A View		09:58	8	8/11/2019
Craig Sailer Project – Babe	2026	10:05	0
Wendy Jewel – Are You Looking At The Same Stars	2026	10:12	2	8/2/2026
Jeff Brown – Pretty Bush Sheila	2019	10:15	5	26/12/2025
Ray Malcolm – Together Again	2026	10:20	0
Vintage Vinyl   Felicia Sanders & Percy Faith Orchestra – The Song From Moulin Rouge	1953	10:24	5	17/1/2020
Patsy Cline – Try Again		10:27	0
Australian National Concert Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade		10:31	6	22/9/2023
Carrie Talarico – One Perfect Picture	2026	10:34	1	8/2/2026
Daniel O’Donnell – Take Good Care Of Her		10:39	0
70s Classic    Judy Collins – Amazing Grace	1971	10:43	8	5/12/2025
Kim Copedo – Save A Little Hope for Me	2026	10:48	1	6/2/2026
Heintje – All Your Truth And All Your Loving		10:51	2	9/10/2016
Randy C Moore – Forget Me Not	2026	10:55	1	13/2/2026
Roger Diehl – Schlager Polka		10:58	2	26/9/2021
Flying Circus – Hayride	1969	11:05	4	21/12/2018
Country Road- Old style country songs + Dean Perrett – Road Train Country	2026	11:09	1	6/2/2026
+ Band Of Mates – Sons Of Australia	2018	11:12	2	21/4/2019
For a Listener Rooftop Singers – Walk Right In	1963	11:19	15	14/9/2025
Vintage Vinyl    Cliff Richard & Drifters – Living Doll	1959	11:26	2	28/2/2020
Melbourne Pops Orchestra – Falling In Love Again		11:32	0
Diamond Classic – From the Album “My Cherie” Charting on this day 1966 Al Martino – My Cherie	1965	11:37	3	1/7/2025
Diamond Classic – From the Album “Golden Hits” Charting on this day 1966 Roger Miller – King Of The Road	1965	11:40	7	2/1/2026
Bohemian Rogue – Hot Hot Sweaty (Summers Night)	2026	11:44	3	15/2/2026
Sabrina Fallon – Eileen Óg		11:47	5	26/12/2025
Allan Caswell & Lindsay Waddington – Always Ride A Train	2026	11:52	6	31/10/2025
Jade Hurley – My Country	2026	11:55	2	15/2/2026