► EVENTS on 29 MAY;

On this day in 1914, Quebec, Canada  – , The ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland collided with the Norwegian collier Storstad  in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and sank in 40 metres of water, with the loss of 1,024 of the 1,477 people aboard..

1937, Queenstown, Tasmania. – The town’s only commercial radio station 7QT, was officially opened.  It now broadcasts in Queenstown, Rosebery and Strahan on the FM band as 7XS.

1953, Nepal – Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first men recorded as reaching the summit of Mt Everest.

1999, The space shuttle Discovery completed the first docking with the International Space Station.   Discovery flew 238 million kilometres over 39 missions, orbited the Earth 5,830 times and spent 365 days in orbit over its 27 year service life.
It is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air And Space Museum in Washington D C.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1914,  Tenzing Norgay, in Khumbu, Nepal, first Sherpa to climb Mt. Everest, and first man recorded as having stood on it’s summit.   He died in 1986.

1945,  Garry Brooker, in Hackney, London, England.    He was a singer, songwriter, pianist and founder of the rock band Procol Harum .  He died in 2022.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1979,  Gladys Louise Smith alias Mary Pickfordin Santa Monica, California, U.S.A. aged 87.  She was an actress, co-founder of the United Artists movie studio, and known as “America’s Sweetheart,” “Little Mary” and “The girl with the curls.”

1984,  John Eric Bartholomew, alias Eric Morcambe in Gloucestershire, England, aged 58.  He was a comedian who together with Ernie Wise formed the award-winning double act Morecambe and Wise, which lasted from 1941 until his death.

Today’s photo:  Art display at the Jane Franklin Museum, upper Lenah Valley, by the by the Art Society of Tasmania Inc.   Exhibits change monthly, and are often for sale. Photo – Yours Truly

Today’s Playlist –

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Jake Coffey – I’m On My Way	2026	09:05	–
70s Classic    Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan – Tennessee Birdwalk	1970	09:10	8/5/2026
Rene Hage – We Welcome You	2026	09:13	5/4/2026
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and/or Songs + Kamahl – Can You Feel The Love Tonight		09:18	1/9/2023
+ Rachael Leahcar – The Rose		09:22	19/3/2017
Johan Faber & Lianne Geurts – Naughty And Nice	2026	09:26	27/12/2024
Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra – The Sunny Side Of Life		09:32	26/4/2015
Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale  Garry Brooker, organist and co-founder, born on this day in 1945 in Hackney, London, England.   He died in 2022.		09:38	22/8/2025
Ray Malcolm – What In The World’s Come Over You	1963	09:42	1/5/2026
For a Listener Paul McNeilly – Australia’s Sunny Soil	1967	09:47	17/5/2026
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Manfred Mann – Pretty Flamingo	1966	09:53	4/4/2021
+ Webb Brothers – Purple Petrol Eater	1966	09:56	11/7/2025
Nancy Su – Every Country Dance	2026	10:05	15/5/2026
Dean Perrett – Phantoms of the Snowy	2026	10:10	–
For a Listener Freddy Quinn –  Sag Mir Wo Die Blumen Sind		10:15	–
Vintage Vinyl   Ted Heath Orchestra – Hot Toddy	1953	10:21	14/6/2024
Kym Cormack – Immediate Attraction	2026	10:24	18/5/2026
Daniel O’Donnell – I Don’t Care		10:27	13/5/2016
Jean Jacques Perrey & Gershon Kingsley – The Little Man From Mars		10:31	19/7/2013
Victoria Eman – Lieve Hilda, lieve Oma  (Dear Hilda Dear Grandma)	2026	10:36	27/3/2026
The Charlesys – I`ve Got Tomorrow	2026	10:40	12/4/2026
For a Listener Owen Blundell – Blue Misty Mountains			–
70s Classic    George Baker Selection – Little Green Bag	1970	10:49	1/6/2025
Archies – Bang Shang A Lang	1968	10:54	2/6/2024
For a Listener Kingston Trio – Tom Dooley	1960	10:57	22/3/2026
Kroggy – Biff, Baff, Banana Bender	2026	11:05	–
Country Road – Old style country songs + Julie Healy – A True Memory	2019	11:11	26/12/2019
+ Kevin Shegog – The Modern Living Scene		11:14	20/8/2021
Maria Rak – Step Into The Sun	2026	11:20	–
Vintage Vinyl    Bobby Pedrick Jr – White Bucks And Saddle Shoes	1958	11:27	3/7/2016
Henry Arland – Petite Fleur		11:33	22/9/2023
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night	1966	11:36	12/12/2025
+ Tony Barber – Some Day	1966	11:40	4/6/2021
Toni West – Your Days Are Numbered	2026	11:43	3/4/2026
Paul Hudnott – Little Old Country Pub	2026	11:46	–
Slim Dusty – Clancy Of The Overflow		11:51	13/6/2014

► EVENTS ON 24 MAY;

On this day in 1930, Darwin, Northern Territory – Aviatrix Amy Johnson landed and became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia.  The 18,000 km flight took 19 days.

1940,  Connecticut, U.S.A. – Igor Sikorsky made the first successful single-rotor helicopter flight.

1958,  Ralphs Bay, Tasmania – ABC Radio 7ZL and 7ZR began broadcasting through new transmitters and a new 198 metre high antenna mast.. 

1966, Off Cape Reinga, New Zealand – New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster for 59 years, twenty-nine seamen perished when the collier Kaitawa broke up and sank in stormy condition.  

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1929,  Brian Wenzel, in Adelaide, South Australia.  He was a actor famous for his role as policeman Sergeant Frank Gilroy in the long running television series A Country Practice.  As the fictitious township of Wandin Valley was located in New South Wales and the character Sergeant Gilroy therefore related to that State’s police force, Brian Wenzel became very popular with the New South Wales police due to this role and was at one time presented with a leather police jacket from former Police Commissioner John Avery.   He died in 2024.

1941,  Robert Allen Zimmerman alias Bob Dylan, in Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A.    He is a singer-songwriter and a major figure in music for five decades.  A number of his songs such as Blowing In The Wind and The Times They Are A’Changing became anthems for civil rights and anti-war movements..

1943,  Gary Burghoff, in Bristol, Connecticut, U.S.A.  He is an actor, best known for his role as Corporal Walter Eugene O’Reilly (Radar) in the MASH television series.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1974,  Duke Ellington, in New York, U.S.A.,  aged 75.  He was composer, pianist, and big band leader for over 50 years..

1991,  Gene Clarkin Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.A., aged 46.  He was a singer and songwriter founding member of the rock band The Byrds. 

1997,  Edward Mulhare, in Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.,aged 74.  He was an Irish actor best known for his starring role as Captain Daniel Gregg in the television series The Ghost And Mrs Muir, and also for his role as Devon Miles in Knight Rider.

Today’s Photo:  The Jane Franklin Hall, in Ancanthe Park, Lenah Valley, Hobart. Built by convict labour in 1842, it is now used as an exhibition venue by the Art Society of Tasmania Inc.

Exhibits change monthly, and are often for sale. (Yours Truly)

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Gareth Jones – Home to Aherlow	2026	06:06	15/5/2026
Jason Carruthers – Get The Country Through	2026	06:11	–
Glenn Jones – Are The Good Old Days Gone Forever	2026	06:14	–
Bob Dylan – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door  Bob Dylan, born on this day in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A.	1974	06:20	27/10/2024
Arucamba  – I Wish You Were Here	2026	06:23	15/5/2026
Lynchburg – La Chica Bella	2022	06:29	24/1/2025
Chamaco Dominguez & His Orchestra – Bahia		06:33	8/9/2023
Vintage Vinyl    Ink Spots – I’d Walk A Country Mile	1955	06:38	9/8/2015
Up-Stairs – I Still Carry You	2026	06:41	–
Liz Clarke and T Jae Christian – The Vanishing Breed	2026	06:46	–
Diamond 45 – From the L P “I HEAR A SYMPHONY” Charting on this day 1966 Mamas & Papas – Monday Monday	1966	06:50	22/5/2026
Diamond 45 – From the L P “I HEAR A SYMPHONY” Charting on this day 1966 Crispian St Peters – The Pied Piper	1966	06:53	22/5/2026
Ol’ 55 – Raindrops		06:57	13/2/2026
Kathy Carver – The Old House	2026	07:05	–
COUNTRY ROAD + Kevin Shegog – Busy Bee		07:11	22/2/2019
+ Alex Hood – Five Miles From Gundagai		07:13	21/4/2023
For A Listener: Kyu Sakamoto – Sukiyaki	1963	07:18	10/11/2023
Vintage Vinyl   Duke Ellington – Primpin’ At The Prom  Duke Ellington died this day in 1974 in New York, U.S.A aged 75.	1952	07:23	29/4/2016
Byrds – Turn Turn Turn  Gene Clark (member of the Byrds) died this day in 1991 in Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.A.,  aged 46.		07:27	8/3/2026
Wally Stott & His Orchestra – Bali Hai		07:33	24/1/2020
Austin Green – We’re Singing Waltzing Matilda	2026	07:37	–
Graeme Clarke – Respect	2019	07:42	22/9/2019
Diamond 45 – From the L P “I HEAR A SYMPHONY” Charting on this day 1966 + Hermans Hermits – Leaning On A Lamp Post	1966	07:46	22/5/2026
Anthony Baxter – Christmas Day At Hanging Rock	2024	07:49	12/1/2025
For A Listener: Cilla Black – Anyone Who Had A Heart	1964	07:52	15/6/2025
Gene McDaniels – Tower of Strength	1961	07:57	12/2/2023
Champs – Tequila		08:06	31/8/2025
Briggs & Stark – Side of the Road	2026	08:10	–
COMFORT ZONE + Rosemary Squires with Lee Roberts & His Orchestra – My Favourite Things		08:14	29/4/2022
+ Adele Leigh with Richard Benson & His Orchestra – Getting To Know You		08:16	16/2/2024
Gene Watson – This Song Is Just For You		08:22	26/4/2026
Tom Katz – I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat	1951	08:29	30/5/2025
Horst Jankowski – When The Girls Go Marching In		08:35	26/8/2016
Ray Lani – We Will Always Be	2026	08:38	–
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Wayne Fontana & Mindbenders – A Groovy Kind of Love	1966	08:42	22/5/2026
Aaron Boultinghouse – Your Memory	2026	08:46	10/4/2026
Tres Chic – On The Wings Of A Nightingale	2026	08:50	1/5/2026
Kirsten Alting – Keep On Movin’	2026	08:53	–

► EVENTS on 22 MAY;

On this day in 1915, Quintinshill, Scotland  – A collision involving five trains became the worst railway disaster in British history, with 227 deaths, and 246 injured, most of whom were Gallipoli-bound soldiers.  The crash was found to have been caused by improper practices by staff in a railway signal box during a shift change.

On this day in 1915, California, U.S.A. – Mt Lassen erupted, devastating nearby areas and spreading volcanic ash up to 300 km. to the east.  It, and Mt St Helens, were the only volcanoes to erupt in continental USA during the 20^th century.

On this day in 1942, Melbourne, Victoria – An American soldier, Pte Edward Leonski ( aged 24) was arrested and charged with the murders of three local women whose bodies were found during the previous three weeks.  He was later convicted, and hanged in Pentridge prison.

1960, The town of Valdivia, Chile was destroyed  by a 9.5 magnitude earthquake, which had an epicentre 160 km from the coast of Chile.  It was the strongest ever recorded, and created tsunamis which struck nations throughout the Pacific, causing thousands of deaths.

1969,  Apollo 10’s manned lunar module flew within 16 km of the moon’s surface before returning to Earth.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1819,  Arthur Conan Doyle, in Edinburgh, Scotland.  He was a physician and writer, famed for his novels about the detective Sherlock Holmes.  His other works include science fiction stories, historical novels, plays, romances, poetry, and non-fiction..   He died in 1930.

1907,  Laurence Olivier, in Surrey, England   He was a actor, director and producer, one of the most famous and revered British actors of the 20th century.  He died in 1989.

1909,  Robert Dies, alias Bob Dyer, in Trousdale County, Tennessee, U.S.A..  He was A vaudeville entertainer, radio personality, radio and television quiz show host best known for the long-running radio, and later, television quiz show, Pick A Box.  He died in 1984

1924,  Charles Aznavour  in Paris, France.  He was French-Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, public activist and diplomat.  Died 2018

1930,  Kenny Ball, in Ilford, Essex, England  He was the lead trumpet player and vocalist with Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen   Died 2013.

Today’s photo:  Sunrise at the TYGA-FM studio in New Norfolk, during last Sunday’s, “Valley Sunrise” programme.  Taken while music was going to air.

Today’s Playlist –

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Rett Russell – Rebel Road	2026	09:05	–
70s Classic    Racey – Some Girls	1979	09:11	5/12/2025
Fiona O’Shea – City Of Gold	2026	09:14	–
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and/or Songs + Anne Murray – Could I Have This Dance		09:19	10/11/2024
+ Percy Faith Orchestra & Chorus – Something		09:23	–
Gary R Farmer – I’m Hanging Around	2026	09:27	8/5/2026
Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra – Black Is Black		09:32	4/3/2022
Charles Aznavour – Yesterday When I Was Young  Charles Aznavour  born his day in 1924 in Paris, France.  Died 2018		09:36	1/10/2021
Kenny Ball & Jazzmen – 55 Days At Peking  Kenny Ball, born this day in 1930 in Ilford, Essex, England  Died 2013	1963	09:40	7/3/2021
Victoria Eman – Love Sunrise		09:46	24/9/2021
For a Listener Dean Martin – In The Chapel In The Moonlight	1967	09:50	27/7/2025
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Wayne Fontana & Mindbenders – A Groovy Kind of Love	1966	09:53	24/3/2023
+ Crispian St Peters – The Pied Piper	1966	09:55	5/4/2024
New Zealand Maori Chorale – Hahi Nei Taru Kino		09:59	30/5/2025
Julie Healy & George Langan – Never More To Part	2026	10:05	17/5/2026
Greg Champion – Les And Buddy	2026	10:10	10/5/2026
For a Listener Jim Reeves – Golden Memories And Silver Tears	1967	10:13	19/5/2024
Vintage Vinyl   Hugo Winterhalter Orchestra – Blue Tango	1952	10:19	15/8/2021
Manhattan Transfer – Chanson D’Amour		10:22	24/11/2024
Dee Reilly – I’m Living in Two Worlds		10:29	–
Mexicans – Spanish Flea		10:33	19/1/2014
Peggy Gilchrist – Waltz With Me My Love	2026	10:36	15/5/2026
The Gordon Farleigh Dill Association – Thinking of You All The Time	2026	10:39	–
70s Classic    Lynne Hamilton – On The Inside	1979	10:44	25/5/2025
For a Listener Johnny Horton – Whispering Pines		10:48	26/10/2025
Sandy Summers – Too Many Sunsets	2026	10:52	–
Col Elliott – See How Things Have Changed	2024	10:55	17/1/2025
Allan Caswell & Lindsay Waddington – Twelve Good Men	2026	11:05	-8/5/2026
Country Road – Old style country songs + Graeme Clarke – Always My Best Friend	2024	11:10	8/3/2026
+ Charley Pride – Things Are Looking Up		11:13	–
Alice Benfer – Saddle Dreaming	2026	11:17	–
Vintage Vinyl    Four Lads – Put A Light In The Window	1957	11:26	12/7/2024
Ricardo Santos & His Million Strings – The Fisher Girl From Bodensee		11:32	1/5/2026
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Mamas & Papas – Monday Monday	1966	11:36	4/6/2021
+ Hermans Hermits – Leaning On A Lamp Post	1966	11:40	26/3/2023
Patsy & Dave with James Blundell – I’m Suddenly Old	2026	11:45	17/5/2026
Geoff Taggart – A Dance For Fools	2026	11:49	2/2/2025
Kathy Carver – My Country My Australia		11:52	2/11/2025

► EVENTS ON 17 MAY;

On this day in 1952, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, flooding swept away a bridge spanning the Apsley River, marooning 130 people in the Coles Bay area.  Fishing boats ferried supplies to the locality from nearby Swansea until a temporary replacement bridge was built.

1957, In Ralphs Bay, Tasmania, the tallest structure of the time in the State, a steel radio mast 200 metres high, was under construction.  The mast was to be used by both Hobart ABC radio stations, 7ZR and 7ZL.

1959, in Bass Strait, off Burnie,  one crewman died and the remaining ten had a five hour row to shore when a 270 tonne freighter vessel, Blythe Star, caught fire and sank.  

1965, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., a 20 year old stowaway was discovered inside a wooden crate, after it had been flown from Melbourne.  The stowaway was a homesick Welsh man who was unable to pay the air fares to return home.  He was charged with illegally entering the U.S.A. and faced deportation – to England..  

1969, The Soviet space probe Venera 6 jettisoned a capsule, which was designed to analyse the atmosphere of the planet Venus  as it descended to the surface. The capsule returned data to Earth, before being crushed by the planet’s extreme atmospheric pressure. 

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1911,  Maureen O’Sullivan,in Boyle, Country Roscommon, Ireland.   She was a actress, considered to be Ireland’s first film star.  She appeared in numerous movies, but is probably best known for her role as Jane in the Johnny Weismuller Tarzan movies.  She died in 1998.

 1936, Dennis Hopper, in Dodge City, Kansas, U.S.A.  He was a actor, film-maker and artist who made his first television appearance in 1954, and appeared in two films, Rebel Without A Cause (1955) and Giant (1956).  Hopper appeared frequently on television in guest roles.  He died in 2010.

1961,  Enya, in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland.   She is a singer, instrumentalist and composer.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1992,  Lawrence Welk,in Boyle, Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.  aged 89.  He was a musician, bandleader and television host.

2012,  Donna Summer, in Boyle, Naples, Florida, U.S.A, aged 63.  She was a singer who became famous during the “disco” era of the seventies.

2013,  Penne Hackforth-Jones, in Melbourne, Victoria,  aged 63.  She was an Australian actress and biographer, who appeared in many Australian productions including Bellbird, Homicide, Division Four, A Country Practice.

2022,  Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou alias Vangelis, in Paris, France, aged 79.  He was a musician and composer of electronic jazz, progressive, ambient and orchestral music, best known for his Academy Award winning score for the film Chariots Of Fire, and scores for the films Blade Runner and 1492: Conquest of Paradise.

Today’s Photo:  A recent view of the Domain gardens, Hobart (Yours Truly)

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Dee Jay Rufus & Jazz Aughton – Never Gonna Give You Up	2026	06:06	8/5/2026
Julie Healy & George Langan – Never More To Part	2026	06:11	8/5/2026
Ray Malcolm – Make Me An Island	2026	06:14	5/12/2025
Enya – Eclipse Enya, born this day in 1961 in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland		06:21	–
Aaron Partridge & Steve Apirana – You Can Call On Him	2025	06:22	9/11/2025
Toni West – Dismissed In A Heartbeat	2025	06:26	2/3/2025
Arthur Greenslade & His Orchestra – Casino Royale		06:31	4/4/2021
Vintage Vinyl    Nat King Cole – Smile	1954	06:36	16/6/2024
Hannah English – That Stage		06:38	–
Lindsay Waddington – Talking to a Drover	2026	06:42	3/5/2026
Charlie Adams – One More Time	2026	06:45	–
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 Kinks – Dedicated Follower Of Fashion	1966	06:49	15/5/2026
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 Petula Clark – A Sign Of The Times	1966	06:52	15/5/2026
Paul McNeilly – Australia’s Sunny Soil		06:56	26/1/2025
Rene Hage – Big Bad Dog	2026	07:05	–
For A Listener: Engelbert Humperdinck – The Last Waltz	1967	07:10	25/10/2020
COUNTRY ROAD + Dean Perrett – Slim’s Guitar	2025	07:16	21/2/2025
+ Slim Dusty – Dinki Di Aussie		07:19	26/2/2021
For A Listener: Billy Walker – Cross The Brazos At Waco		07:24	2/3/2025
Lawrence Welk with Myron Floren – The Blue Skirt Waltz Lawrence Welk died this day in 1992 in Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.  aged 89.		07:28	25/3/2018
Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire	1981	07:34	29/3/2026
Vintage Vinyl   Four Lads – The Girl On Page 44	1958	07:41	26/3/2021
Tres Chic – Arms of Mary	2026	07:44	–
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Jim Reeves – Distant Drums	1966	07:47	15/5/2026
Cara McGillion – One Day At A Time	2026	07:50	8/5/2026
Terry Bennetts and Ginger Cox – Mr Kimberley, Sam Lovell AM	2026	07:54	–
Nancy Muller – Heartbeat	2026	07:58	15/5/2026
Patsy & Dave with James Blundell – I’m Suddenly Old	2026	08:05	10/5/2026
For A Listener: Col Joye – Fools Like Me		08:10	12/4/2026
COMFORT ZONE + Charlie Rich – Behind Closed Doors	1973	08:13	28/9/2025
+ Val Doonican – Scarborough Fair		08:16	–
Gail Barnard – Storms	2025	08:22	17/4/2026
Joe Loss & His Orchestra – Blue Skies		08:32	23/2/2018
Phil Steans – River Of Memories	2026	08:35	1/5/2026
Anne Kirkpatrick – Sailing		08:39	20/6/2025
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Walker Brothers – The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore	1966	08:45	15/5/2026
Seekers – Future Road		08:48	29/1/2023
Camillus Egerton – Adalida	2026	08:53	24/1/2025

► EVENTS on 15 MAY;

On this day in 1956, Adelaide, South Australia  – Sightings of what was thought to be a new model Holden under test were reported in and around the city.  The new model, still under wraps, was thought to be a near-replica of the German-made Opel Kapitan.

1957,  Britain tested its first hydrogen bomb at uninhabited Malden Island in the Pacific Ocean.  The device failed to detonate properly.

1963,  Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S.A.  The final Mercury mission, Mercury-Atlas 9 with astronaut Gordon Cooper aboard, was launched.  Cooper became the first American to spend more than a day in space.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1914,  Norman William Paramor, alias Norrie Paramor, in London, England  He was a record producer, composer, arranger, pianist, band leader and orchestra conductor, known for his work with Cliff Richard & the Shadows and soundtracks for film scores.   He died in 1979.

1937,  Richard Edward Arnold alias Eddy Arnold, in Henderson, Tennessee, U.S.A  He was a country singer who performed for 60 years, selling more than 85 million records from 1943 until his death in 2008.

1937,  Trinidad Lopez III, alias Trini Lopez, in Dallas, Texas U.S.A..  He was singer and guitarist who scored 13 hit singles, including Lemon Tree  (1965), I’m Comin’ Home, Cindy (1966), La Bamba (1966) and Sally Was a Good Old Girl” (1968).  He died in 2020.

1942,  Doug Lowe, in Hobart, Tasmania.  He was 35th Premier of Tasmania

1950,  James Alexander Bacon, alias Jim Bacon, in Melbourne, Victoria  He was the 41st Premier of Tasmania.

1960,  Rhonda Burchmore, in Sydney, New South Wales.  She is a television and stage entertainer who has been performing since the age of two.  became known internationally for her role in the 1982 film The Pirate Movie.  Rhonda Burchmore has continued to appear in numerous stage and television productions.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

2003,  June Carter Cash in Nashville Tennessee, U.S.Aaged 73.  She was a musician, singer and dancer, songwriter, actress, comedian, and author, and second wife of Johnny Cash.  She was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

2009,  Charles “Bud” Tingwell, in Melbourne, Victoria, aged 86.  He was a veteran of Australian film, television, theatre and radio.  He appeared in numerous productions, including Homicide, A Country Practice, The Avengers, All The Rivers Run and Neighbours.

Today’s photo:  The Close, New Norfolk.     Yours Truly

Today’s Playlist –

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Nancy Muller – Heartbeat	2026	09:05	26/4/2026
70s Classic    ABBA – Voulez Vous	1979	09:10	5/12/2025
Nancy Su – Every Country Dance	2026	09:14	3/5/2026
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and/or Songs + Daniel O’Donnell – My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You		09:20	5/8/2018
+ Brenda Lee – As Usual	1963	09:22	–
Peggy Gilchrist – Waltz With Me My Love	2026	09:26	10/5/2026
Eddie Baxter – The Girl From Ipanema		09:32	–
Norrie Paramor & His Orchestra – Theme From Eye Level  Norman William Paramor, alias Norrie Paramor, born this day in 1914 in London, England.  He died in 1979.		09:38	9/9/2018
Trini Lopez – Kansas City  Trinidad Lopez III, alias Trini Lopez,, born on this day in 1937 in Dallas, Texas U.S.A.  He died in 2020	1963	09:41	22/12/2023
For a Listener Cowsills – Rain The Park And Other Things	1967	09:45	18/2/2024
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Kinks – Dedicated Follower Of Fashion	1966	09:48	18/5/2018
+ Petula Clark – A Sign Of The Times	1966	09:52	21/5/2023
Seekers – Keep A Dream In Your Pocket	1989	09:55	28/7/2024
Damian Davis – Donegal Katie	2026	10:05	1/5/2026
Shaza Leigh – Cowgirls Heart	2026	10:10	–
For a Listener Association – Never My Love	1967	10:14	24/3/2023
Johnny Cash & June Carter – Jackson	1967	10:19	23/6/2023
Vintage Vinyl   Stargazers – I See The Moon	1954	10:22	24/11/2013
Paul Bateman & His Orchestra – Don’t Worry Be Happy		10:30	13/7/2025
For a Listener Roy Orbison – California Blue		10:33	6/3/2016
The Charlesys – Believe Me	2026	10:38	15/5/2026
Allan Barron – Misty River	2026	10:42	26/4/2026
70s Classic    Beeb Birtles & Graham Goble – I’m Coming Home	1979	10:48	25/5/2025
Arucamba  – I Wish You Were Here	2026	10:52	–
Edmundo Ros & His Orchestra – La Golondrina Tango		10:57	21/12/2025
Gareth Jones – Home to Aherlow	2026	11:05	–
Country Road – Old style country songs + Buddy Williams – Ridin’ That Old North Queensland Line		11:10	–
+ Alex Hood – Brumby Jack		11:13	–
Ray Jones – Northern Stars	2026	11:17	–
Vintage Vinyl    Sophia Loren – Bing! Bang! Bong!	1959	11:26	8/5/2020
Sandpipers – Cindy Oh Cindy		11:28	26/8/2016
Ronnie Price His Piano & Orchestra – Blue Bayou		11:33	–
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Jim Reeves – Distant Drums	1966	11:37	27/10/2023
+ Walker Brothers – The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore	1966	11:40	–
Brian Mullan – Quittin Time	2026	11:45	–
Go On ‘n Fly – Leavin’ Page Town	2026	11:49	–
Clayton Saunders – Uluru	2026	11:53	26/4/2026

► EVENTS ON 10 MAY;

On this day in 1915  in in London, England – German Zeppelin airships carried out the first aerial bombing raids over the city.

1941,  in Scotland – Nazi officer Rudolf Hess parachuted into Scotland with the aim of negotiating a peace deal between the United Kingdom and Nazi Germany.  He was immediately arrested and was held in British custody until the end of the war, when he was returned to Germany to stand trial in the Nuremburg Trials of major war criminals in 1946.
Throughout his trial, he claimed to be suffering from amnesia, but later admitted this to be a ruse. Hess was convicted of crimes against peace and conspiracy with other German leaders to commit crimes, and was transferred to Spandau Prison in 1947, where he served a life sentence.
Repeated attempts by family members and prominent politicians for his early release were blocked by the Soviet Union.  He died of an apparent suicide in 1987 at the age of 93.

1954 In New York, USA, Bill Haley & His Comets released Rock Around The Clock, the first rock and roll record to reach number one on the Billboard charts. 

1960,  In Hobart, Tasmania – Construction of the Tasman Bridge commenced on the eastern shore of the Derwent River  .  

1969,  In Hobart, Tasmania – The 1969 election resulted in the State’s first hung Parliament, with both the ALP and Liberal Party winning 17 seats. The deadlock was broken when Kevin Lyons of the Centre Party formed a coalition with the Liberals, and became Deputy Premier under Angus Bethune.

 ► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1933,  Barbara Taylor Bradford, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England – She was an author of 40 novels, one of which, A Woman Of Substance, ranks as one of the top-ten bestselling books of all time, having sold over 30 million copies. She died in 2024.

 1946, Donovan Philips Leitch alias Donovan, in Glasgow, Scotland.  He was a singer-songwriter and guitarist.  His most successful records during the 60s included Catch The Wind, Colours and Sunshine Superman.  He died in 1985.

Today’s Photo:  Pioneer Avenue, New Norfolk (Yours Truly)

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Jimmy Buckley – A Mother’s Love	2026	06:06	9/5/2021
Randy C Moore – Forget Me Not	2026	06:11	13/3/2026
Wendy Jewel – Are You Looking At The Same Stars	2026	06:14	12/4/2026
Donovan – Jennifer Juniper  Donovan Philips Leitch alias Donovan, born on this day in 1946 in Glasgow, Scotland.  He died in 1985.	1968	06:18	9/1/2026
Roy Orbison – Walk On	1968	06:21	14/9/2025
No PROMISES – Midnight Rider	2026	06:25	24/4/2026
Heintje – I Remember Mother’s Words		06:29	8/5/2016
Ken Thorne Orchestra – A Day In The Life		06:33	1/9/2017
Vintage Vinyl    Perry Como – Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes	1953	06:36	15/3/2026
Vintage Vinyl    Four Lads – Istanbul Not Constantinople	1953	06:39	17/5/2024
Foster & Allen – A Mother’s Way		06:47	7/11/2015
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 Johnny Cash – One On The Right	1966	06:51	8/5/2026
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 Tornados – Popart Goes Mozart	1966	06:54	8/5/2026
Grady Martin & Slewfoot Five – Days of Wine And Roses		06:57	19/6/2020
Gerry Flanagan & Denise Cunningham – If Teardrops Were Pennies	2026	07:05	–
COUNTRY ROAD + Al Widmeyer – The Next In Line	2025	07:09	–
+ Alice Benfer – Everlasting Cactus	2024	07:13	7/2/2025
For A Listener: Ray Kernaghan – You Can Never Do Wrong In A Mother’s Eyes		07:17	12/5/2019
Bill Haley & His Comets – Rock Around The Clock	1954 1964 1968	07:22	12/4/2026
Isla Grant – Mother		07:25	–
Ralph Dollimore & His Orchestra – The Fool On The Hill		07:31	21/3/2014
For A Listener: Mary Wells – My Guy	1964	07:35	17/5/2024
Vintage Vinyl   Jimmie Rogers – English Country Garden	1958	07:39	17/1/2025
Peggy Gilchrist – Waltz With Me My Love	2026	07:44	3/5/2026
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Spanish Flea	1966	07:48	8/5/2026
Greg Champion – Les And Buddy	2026	07:50	–
Nicole Conring – Heihnachtszauber		07:54	1/2/2026
For A Listener: Foster &Allen – Rose Of My Heart		07:58	20/2/2026
Kevin Sullivan and Stuart Joel Nuggett – Elliott	2026	08:07	–
COMFORT ZONE + Romantic Strings Orchestra & Voices – Sweet Caroline		08:13	28/5/2021
+ Rosemary Squires with Roland Shaw & His Orchestra – You Needed Me		08:16	22/8/2025
19 0 1 – Medals For Mothers		08:21	8/5/2016
Victoria Eman – Slow and Easy	2026	08:27	–
Warren Covington & Paul Weston & His Orchestra – Theme From Valley Of The Dolls		08:35	10/5/2026
Abby Grace – A Mother’s Story		08:39	–
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Lovin’ Spoonful – Daydream	1966	08:43	8/5/2026
Carol Markstrom – Juniper And Sage	2026	08:46	1/5/2026
Patsy & Dave with James Blundell – I’m Suddenly Old	2026	08:50	24/4/2026
Adam Brand – Grandpa’s Piano	2026	08:53	21/2/2025

► EVENTS on 8 MAY;

On this day in 1886, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., pharmacist John Styth Pemberton first sold a carbonated beverage named “Coca Cola” as a patent medicine.

1902,  Saint Pierre, the capital city of the Caribbean island of Martinique, was enveloped and totally destroyed when Mont Pelee erupted and created a pyroclastic flow, a fast-moving cloud of intensely hot gas and rock
Of the population of over 30,000 people, there was only one survivor, a man who had been imprisoned for drunkenness.
A pyroclastic flow can reach temperatures of 1,000C and travel at 700 km/h.

1928,  Glenorchy, Tasmania, a crowd estimated at 10,000 assembled at the Elwick racecourse to witness the arrival of pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler and his wife, by plane from Launceston.

1928,  Cloncurry, Queensland, the first Flying Doctor service commenced.  Today, it is one of the largest aeromedical providers in the world, providing health care to people who do not have ready access to hospitals or doctors, due to immense distances in the Australian Outback. 

1943, Wodonga, Victoria  26 military servicemen were killed when the bus they were travelling in was involved in a level crossing crash.

1968, Hobart, Tasmania, 400 letters arrived at various addresses, after having survived a plane crash at London airport.

1970, London, England,  The Beatles released their 12th and final album, Let It Be.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1913,  Solomon Joel Cohen, alias Sid James, in Johannesburg, South Africa – He was an actor and comedian who appeared in English movies from 1947.  In the 1960s, he was regularly cast in the Carry On comedy films, and starred in the Bless This House sitcom from 1971 till his death, whilst performing on stage, in 1976.

1907,  Kathryn Elizabeth Smith alias Kate Smith, in Greenville, Virginia U.S.A.  She was a singer and recording artist.  Some of her biggest hits were River, Stay ‘Way From My Door (1931), The Woodpecker Song (1940), The White Cliffs of Dover (1941),  and Now Is The Hour (1947)  She died in 1986.

1926,  David Attenborough, in Isleworth, London, England – He is renowned broadcaster and naturalist, famed for his wildlife documentaries.  He turns 100 today.

1940,  Eric Hilliard Nelson alias Ricky Nelson, inTeaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.  He was a singer-songwriter, and actor who had 53 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 charts between 1957 and 1973, including nineteen top-ten hits.  He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame posthumously on January 21, 1987.  He died in 1985.

1940,  Cathryn Antoinette Tennille, inMontgomery, Alabama, U.S.A.  She was one-half of the 70s’ Grammy Award-winning duo, Captain & Tennille.  Their first single, Love Will Keep Us Together, sold over a million copies.

1942,  Jack Blanchard, in Buffalo, New York, U.S.A. He is a guitarist, keyboardist and/vocalist who, with his wife Misty Morgan released fourteen singles between 1969 and 1976, including the 1970 country hit Tennessee Bird Walk.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1994,  George Peppard Jr,, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A, aged  65 – He was an actor who appeared in numerous movies and television productions including Breakfast At Tiffanys, How The West Was Won, Tobruk, The A Team and Night of the Fox.

1999,  Dirk Bogarde, in Chelsea, London, England, aged 78.  He was an actor and writer who appeared in movies such as Doctor In The House, A Tale of Two Cities, Night Flight From Moscow and A Bridge Too Far.  .

2008,  Richard Edward Arnold alias Eddy Arnold inNashville Tennessee, U.S.A., aged  89.   He was a country singer who performed for 60 years, selling more than 85 million records from 1943.

2022,  Dennis Waterman,  in Madrid, Spain, aged 74  He was an actor and singer, best known for his tough-guy roles in television series such as The Sweeney, Minder and New Tricks. 

Today’s photo:  A recent view of Arthur Square, New Norfolk.     [Yours Truly]

Today’s Playlist –

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Dee Jay Rufus & Jazz Aughton – Never Gonna Give You Up	2026	09:05	–
70s Classic    Blondie – Heart of Glass	1979	09:11	7/11/2025
Allan Caswell & Lindsay Waddington – Twelve Good Men	2026	09:14	–
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + Percy Faith Orchestra & Chorus – Leaving On A Jet Plane		09:18	16/1/2026
+ Robert Goulet – I Remember You		09:22	15/6/2025
Adrian Payne – Molly	2026	09:26	17/4/2026
Harry James & His Orchestra – Red Roses For A Blue Lady		09:32	5/7/2024
Vintage Vinyl   Rick Nelson – Hello Mary Lou  Ricky Nelson, born this day in 1940 in Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.  He died in 1985.	1961	09:37	26/12/2021
Captain & Tennille – The Way I Want To Touch You Cathryn Antoinette Tennille, born this day in 1940.  Turns 86 today	1975	09:41	23/2/2018
For a Listener Demis Roussos – Forever and Ever		09:44	24/10/2025
Ran Dels – The Martian Hop	1963	09:50	25/7/2025
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Johnny Cash – One On The Right	1966	09:55	1/2/2019
+ Tornados – Popart Goes Mozart	1966	09:58	17/4/2020
Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan – Tennessee Birdwalk  Jack Blanchard, born this day in 1942 in Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.  Turns 84 today	1970	10:05	1/6/2025
Julie Healy & George Langan – Never More To Part	2026	10:10	–
For a Listener Sarah Brightman – Scarborough Fair		10:14	–
Cara McGillion – One Day At A Time	2026	10:20	–
Vintage Vinyl   Lonnie Donegan – My Old Man’s A Dustman	1960	10:23	19/1/2025
Chucho Zarsoza & His Orchestra – Sombra En Los Medanos		10:30	–
Eddy Arnold – Make The World Go Away  Eddy Arnold died this day in 2008 in Nashville Tennessee, U.S.A., aged  89	1965	10:34	10/11/2014
For a Listener Pussycat – Mississippi	1976	10:37	27/2/2026
Denis Waterman – I Could Be So Good For You  Dennis Waterman, died this day in 2022 in  Madrid, Spain  Aged 74	1979	10:43	24/2/2023
70s Classic    Village People – In The Navy	1979	10:49	25/5/2025
Anthony Snape – Red Dirt Road	2026	10:53	–
Chad Morgan – The Party In The Local Hotel		10:56	26/1/2025
Ricki Starr & All Stars – Shooting Star	1962	10:58	23/11/2014
Joy Adams – If It’s Not Love	2026	11:05	3/5/2026
Country Road – Old style country songs + Caoimhe Murney – Wrong Road Again	2024	11:11	9/5/2025
+ Colin Harney – Dance With Me Annie	2022	11:13	–
Chillin – Maybe Heaven Knows	2026	11:20	–
Vintage Vinyl    Kay Starr – Rock And Roll Waltz	1956	11:27	3/11/2023
Joel Herron & His Orchestra – Look For The Silver Lining		11:33	10/11/2023
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Lovin’ Spoonful – Daydream	1966	11:38	6/10/2023
+ Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass – Spanish Flea	1966	11:40	30/10/2020
Lawson Vallery & Lene Lie – Lying In The Darkness	2026	11:44	–
Gary R Farmer – I’m Hanging Around	2026	11:48	–
Kym Cormack – Immediate Attraction	2026	11:51	–
Gerry & Pacemakers – Pretend	1965	11:55	28/3/2025

► EVENTS ON 3 MAY;

On this day in 1901  in Jacksonville, Florida U.S.A. – The Great Fire of 1901 began in a kitchen, at a mattress factory.  Although the fire was quickly discovered, those who caused it, thought it could be put out with a few buckets of water and did not sound an alarm.  Over the next eight hours, the fire destroyed 146 city blocks, over 2,300 buildings and left almost 10,000 homeless.

1951,  in London, England – The Royal Festival Hall opened with the holding of the Festival of Britain, a national exhibition held by the Government to promote the country’s recovery in the aftermath of World War 2..

1961,  in Hobart, The new model EK Holden cars were released for sale in Tasmania.  These were the first Holdens to feature an optional automatic transmission. 

1966,  in Clovelly, Sydney, New South Wales – A 9 year old boy with a broken collarbone, leapt into his mother’s runaway car as it rolled down a steep hill with his 4 year old sister at the wheel.
He steered the car past 4 parked vehicles, and braked just before it would have crashed into a double decker bus.  

1967,  Hobart – A fire which broke out on the 4^th floor of a building in Argyle St threatened to engulf the entire city block.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1903,  Harry Lillis Crosby alias Bing Crosby, in Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A. -, His singing and acting career extended over 50 years from 1926 until his death in 1977.  Crosby’s unique bass-baritone voice made him a best-selling recording artist, with record sales in the hundreds of millions.

 1919, Pete Seeger, in Manhattan, New York U.S.A.  He was a folk singer who had a string of hits during the early 50s as a member of The Weavers, who were blacklisted during the McCarthy Era.  In the 1960s, he re-emerged as a singer of protest music in support of international disarmament, civil rights, and environmental causes.  He died in 2014.

1921, Joseph Urick, alias Joe Ames, in Malden, Massachusetts USA  He was a member of the Ames Brothers singing quartet ,very popular in the 1950s, with million selling hits such as The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane, You You You, Tammy and Melodie D’Amour.  He died in 2007.

1934,  Francis Stephen Castelluccio alias Frankie Valli, born in Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.- As lead singer of the rock group The Four Seasons, he was well-known for his falsetto voice.  The Four Seasons, hits included Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, and Rag Doll

1950,  Mary Hopkin, in Pontadawe, Wales.  She is best known for her 1968 singles Those Were The Days and Temma Harbour  and was one of the first musicians to sign to The Beatles’ Apple label.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

Wally Schirra, died this day in 2007 in La Jolla, California, U.S.A. Aged 84.   He was one of the original astronauts chosen for Project Mercury, America’s first effort to put humans in space, and became the only person to fly in each of America’s first three space programs (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo).  

2021,  Lloyd Price, died this day in New York, U.S.A. Aged 88.  He was a R&B vocalist known as “Mr. Personality”, after one of his million-selling hits.

Today’s Photo: The Manse, Kempton, in the southern midlands. (Yours Truly)

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Aron Michaels – This Small Town	2026	06:06	10/4/2026
Chase Stevens – As Good As It Gets	2024	06:11	8/3/2026
Jason Carruthers – She’d Taken Her Life	2026	06:15	26/4/2026
Bing Crosby & Bugs Bower Orchestra – Thoroughly Modern Millie  Harry Lillis Crosby alias Bing Crosby was born on this day in 1903 in Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A.  Died 1977.	1968	06:22	3/5/2024
Pete Seeger – Little Boxes  Pete Seeger, born on this day in 1919 in Manhattan, New York U.S.A.  Died 2014	1965	06:24	3/5/2024
Four Seasons – Walk Like A Man  Francis Stephen Castelluccio alias Frankie Valli, born on this day in 1934 in Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.	1963	06:27	3/3/2023
Pete King & His Orchestra – What Have They Done To The Rain		06:33	23/2/2024
For A Listener: John Williamson – Cootamundra Wattle		06:36	8/3/2026
Mary Hopkin – Goodbye	1951	06:41	21/5/2021
Vintage Vinyl    Dean Martin – The Man Who Played The Mandolino	1956	06:43	28/12/2014
John Oakes – Blinded By Your Light	2026	06:47	17/4/2026
Debbie Cameron & Tommy Seebach – I See The Moon	2023	06:54	–
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 Bobby & Laurie – Hitch Hiker		06:57	1/5/2026
Joy Adams – If It’s Not Love	2026	07:05	17/4/2026
COUNTRY ROAD + Trevor Knight – I Love A Sunburnt Country		07:11	23/1/2026
+ Vanessa Delaine – Forever And A Day	2020	07:14	23/8/2024
For A Listener: Alan Jackson – Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’		07:19	13/4/2025
Lloyd Price – Personality   Lloyd Price, died this day in 2021in  New York, U.S.A. Aged 88	1959	07:23	9/3/2025
Dave Varacalli – What You Mean To Me	2026	07:27	19/4/2026
European Show Band – Maria		07:33	–
Vintage Vinyl   Kirby Stone Four – Baubles Bangles and Beads	1958	07:37	7/5/2017
Chillin’ – Little Hands	2026	07:39	17/4/2026
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Seekers – Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen	1966	07:46	1/5/2026
+ Beach Boys – Sloop John B	1966	07:49	1/5/2026
Merle Haggard – The Soldier’s Last Letter		07:53	26/4/2026
Jim Reeves – Beatin’ On The Ding Dong		07:56	2/4/2026
Nancy Su – Every Country Dance	2026	08:05	–
COMFORT ZONE + Mary Duff – Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool		08:10	30/6/2024
+ Ollie Austin – Walking The Floor Over You		08:13	5/7/2024
Chantays – Wayward Nile		08:19	–
Ella Fitzgerald – Happy Talk		08:27	26/11/2023
Ferrante & Teicher – Quiet Village		08:33	8/3/2024
Peggy Gilchrist – Waltz With Me My Love		08:37	24/4/2026
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Dionne Warwick – Message to Michael	1966	08:40	1/5/2026
Roffe Lee Larsson – Don’t Blame Me	2026	08:45	–
Lindsay Waddington – Talking to a Drover	2026	08:49	–
Chillin’ – Straight Into Your Heart	2026	08:53	20/3/2026

► EVENTS on 1 MAY;

On this day in 1915, New York, U.S.A., RMS Lusitania departed on her 202nd, crossing of the North Atlantic. The ship was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland with the loss of 1,198 lives, including 128 Americans.  This disaster roused American resentment against Germany and led to the country’s entry into World War 1.

1931,  Canberra, Australian Capital Territory  A mailbag containing £10,000 in banknotes was stolen from the Sydney-Canberra mail train.  Three men were charged with the theft on June 9.

1952,  Hobart, Tasmania,  The transmitters for ABC radio stations 7ZL and 7ZR were relocated to Ralphs Bay, east of Hobart, and the aerial power increased..

1955,  New South Wales,  Severe storms, gales and flooding along the coast between Murwillumbah and Kiama resulted in five deaths. 

1964, London, England,  A 25 C heatwave caused office workers to leave their offices for nearby parks, and many car engines overheated, resulting in major traffic congestion.

1969 Sydney, New South Wales,  The State Governor (Sir Roden Cutler) was pelted with tomatos as he passed through a crowd of protesting students, to review the Sydney University Regiment parading on campus.

1973 Perth, West Australia, A bus driver whose passengers complained of a wild ride across the Nullarbor was sacked by the bus company.  On one occasion he was locked out of the bus and the passengers ultimately refused to allow him to drive.

► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1852,  Martha Jane Canary, alias Calamity Jane, in Princeton, Missouri U.S.A.  She was a famous American frontierswoman, but the source of her nickname is uncertain.  She may have acquired it through warning men that to offend her was to “court calamity.”
She had that nickname by 1876, as her arrival on a wagon train in Deadwood was reported in the town’s newspaper, the Black Hills Pioneer, with the headline, “Calamity Jane has arrived!”  She died in 1903.
Her story was dramatised in 1953, in the musical production Calamity Jane, with Doris Day in the lead role.

1907,  Kathryn Elizabeth Smith alias Kate Smith, in Greenville, Virginia U.S.A.  She was a singer and recording artist.  Some of her biggest hits were River, Stay ‘Way From My Door (1931), The Woodpecker Song (1940), The White Cliffs of Dover (1941),  and Now Is The Hour (1947)  She died in 1986.

1916,  Glenn Ford, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.  He was an actor from Hollywood’s Golden Era whose career spanned 70 years   He died in 2006.

1929,  James Loden alias Sonny James, in Hackleburg, Alabama, U.S.A.  He was a singer and songwriter best known for his 1957 hit, Young Love.  He died in 2016

1934,  John Meillon, in Mosman, Sydney, New South Wales  He was an Australian actor best known for his role as Walter Reilly in the Crocodile Dundee films, and also as working class battler Wally Stiller in the TV sit-com My Name’s McGooley, What’s Yours.  He also voiced Victoria Bitter beer commercials until his death in 1989.

1946, Joanna Lumley, in Srinigar, India.  She is an actress, voice-over artist, and author, and has hosted several travelogue television programmes.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1965,  Lindley Armstrong Jones alias Spike Jones in Beverley Hills, California, U.S.A., aged 53.  He was a popular musician who specialised in satirical arrangements of popular songs, punctuated with gunshots, whistles, cowbells, and ridiculous vocals.

1970,  Nancen Beryl Masterman, alias Nan Chauncy, at her Chauncy Vale home, near Bagdad, Tasmania, aged 69.  She was an author of 12 children’s books including Mathinna’s People, Tangarra, and They Found A Cave.

1994,  Ayrton Senna, in Bologna, Italy, aged 34   He was a racing driver, who died in a crash whilst leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix race .

2023,  Gordon Lightfoot, died this day in 2023 in Toronto, Canada, aged 84.  He was a  singer-songwriter who achieved international success during the 1960s and 70s. 

Today’s photo:  April in Kempton, in the Tasmanian midlands # 2.     Yours Truly

Today’s Playlist –

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
BeatWizzies – So We Dance	2026	09:05	27/3/2026
70s Classic    David Soul – Don’t Give Up On Us	1977	09:12	18/5/2025
Chasing Twisters – All The Way To Deja Vu	2026	09:16	10/4/2026
Comfort Zone –Well Known Artists and Songs + Frank Sinatra & Nelson Riddle Orchestra – I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter	1968	09:21	5/8/2022
+ Roger Whittaker – Feelings		09:23	10/11/2023
Chet Atkins – Get On With It	2026	09:28	–
Leroy Anderson & His Orchestra – Bugler’s Holiday		09:32	–
Vintage Vinyl   Doris Day – The Deadwood Stage  Martha Jane Canary, alias Calamity Jane, born on this day in 1852 in Princeton, Missouri, U.S.A. She died in 1903.	1953	09:38	1/8/2021
Sonny James – Clinging Vine  James Loden alias Sonny James, in Hackleburg, Alabama, U.S.A.  He died in 2016	1965	09:45	9/8/2024
For a Listener Rick Nelson – Today’s Teardrops	1963	09:50	12/7/2019
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Bobby & Laurie – Hitch Hiker	1966	09:54	23/4/2021
+ Beach Boys – Sloop John B	1966	09:57	18/5/2018
Tres Chic – On The Wings Of A Nightingale	2026	10:05	3/4/2026
Damian Davis – Donegal Katie	2026	10:09	–
For a Listener Slim Dusty – Looking Forward Looking Back	2001	10:13	3/3/2024
Gordon Lightfoot – Steel Rail Blues  Gordon Lightfoot, died this day in 2023 in Toronto, Canada, aged 84.		10:18	28/8/2022
Vintage Vinyl   Burl Ives – Marianne	1957	10:23	12/3/2017
Carol Markstrom – Juniper and Sage	2026	10:27	–
Ricardo Santos & His Million Strings – The Fisher Girl From Bodensee	2026	10:32	22/6/2012
Ray Malcolm – What In The World’s Come Over You	2026	10:35	19/4/2026
Mark Griffin – Taking Over My Mind	2026	10:39	5/12/2025
70s Classic    Mary MacGregor – Torn Between Two Lovers	1976	10:44	18/5/2025
Anthony Baxter & Lindsay Butler – Mount Scoria	2026	10:49	19/4/2026
Sharon Whitcroft – My Home Sweet Home	2026	10:51	10/4/2026
John Gilheaney – The Wind On The Hill	2026	10:56	26/4/2026
Karl Heinz Kaestel – Jackson		10:59	11/1/2026
Roger Whittaker – New World In The Morning		11:05	9/2/2024
Country Road – Old style country songs + Phil Steans – River Of Memories	2026	11:09	–
+ Tex Morton – The Green Green Grass of Home		11:13	30/8/2019
William Alexander – All I Stand to Lose	2026	11:20	13/2/2026
Vintage Vinyl    Carmens Boogie – Crew Cuts	1955	11:28	28/11/2014
Richard Clayderman – Lentement Tombe La Neige		11:34	–
Diamond 45s –  Charting on this day 1966 + Seekers – Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen	1966	11:37	–
+ Dionne Warwick – Message to Michael	1966	11:40	4/9/2020
Susan Muranty – Night Undresses The Day	2026	11:45	–
Lindsay Butler – Mama’s Hungry Eyes	2026	11:48	29/3/2026
Royce Twins – We Will Be The Rain	2026	11:52	–

► EVENTS ON 26 APRIL;

On this day in 1938  in Boyer, Tasmania, Australian Newsprint Mills Limited commenced construction of the world’s first pulp and paper mill to use hardwood to produce newsprint paper.  It became a major industry in the Derwent Valley.

1952,  in the Atlantic Ocean – The United States aircraft carrier USS Wasp collided with the destroyer USS Hobson, with the loss of 175 lives.

1960,  in the Derwent Valley – Over 650 were declared homeless, due to major flooding of the Derwent River and tributaries..

1962,  America’s Ranger 4 spacecraft crashed onto the the far side of the Moon without returning any scientific data.
It was designed to transmit pictures of the lunar surface for 10 minutes prior to crash landing, to rough-land a seismometer, and collect gamma-ray data, but a power failure stopped the spacecraft’s master clock and sent it out of control.  It became, however, the first U.S. spacecraft to reach another celestial body.  

1966,  Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, was destroyed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake, leaving over 300,000 homeless.

1967, Melbourne, Victoria, the Ford Motor Company announced production of the fastest car ever built in Australia at the time, the XR Ford Falcon GT.
It was powered by a 287 cubic inch V8 engine, coupled to a 4 speed manual transmission, and came in one colour only – a shade of bronze named G T Gold.

1986, Chernobyl, Ukraine, the world’s worst civil nuclear disaster occurred when an explosion at the local nuclear power plant released 400 times more radio-active material than the Hiroshima atomic bomb.
This radio-activity forced the permanent evacuation of 53,000 people from nearby Pripyat, caused hundreds of deaths, and reached countries as far distant as Scotland, Norway and Sweden.

  ► ARRIVALS ON THIS DATE

1894, Rudolf Hess, in Alexandria, Egypt.  He was a prominent Nazi official who flew solo from Germany to Scotland in an attempt to negotiate peace with the United Kingdom, but was immediately arrested and gaoled.
After being tried at Nuremberg after World War Two ended, he was given a life sentence.  He died in Spandau Prison, Berlin, in 1987.

 1938, Duane Eddy, in New York, U.S.A. He was a guitarist, who had many hit records during the late 50s and early 60s, noted for their “twangy” sound, including Rebel Rouser, Peter Gunn, and Because They’re Young.
He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994, and is Rock and Roll’s all-time #1 instrumentalist.  He died in 2024.

1940, Ian Geoghegan, in Sydney, New South Wales.  He was a racing driver and five-time winner of the Australian Touring Car Championship, co-winner of the 1973 Bathurst 1000 race with Alan Moffat, driving an XA Ford Falcon.  Ian Geoghegan was inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame in 1999.   He died in 2003.

1942,  Robert Louis Ridarelli alias Bobby Rydell, in 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. – He was a teen idol of early 60s  rock and roll, famed for his hits Wild One and Volare.   He died in 2022.

1947,  Warren Clarke, in Oldham, Lancashire, England.  He was an actor, whose first television appearance was in the long running soap opera Coronation Street.  He appeared regularly as Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel in the TV series Dalziel and Pascoe.  He died in 2014.

► DEPARTURES ON THIS DATE

1973, Irene Ryan, in Santa Monica, California, U.S.A., aged 70.  She was an actress best known for her portrayal of the feisty, shotgun-toting Granny, in the television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies.     

 1976, Solomon Joel Cohen, alias Sid James, in Sunderland, England, aged 62.  He was an actor and comedian who appeared in English movies from 1947.  During the 1960s, he was regularly cast in the Carry On comedy films, and starred in the Bless This House sitcom from 1971 till his death.
He was appearing in a play at the Sunderland Empire Theatre, in Sunderland, England, when he died on-stage during a performance.  Some people claim to have subsequently seen James’ ghost at the theatre

1984, William James Basie, alias Count Basie, in Hollywood, Florida, U.S.A., aged 79.  He was a jazz pianist, organist, composer and bandleader.  He led his own jazz orchestra for nearly 50 years. One of his theme songs was April In Paris.

1989, Lucille Ball, in Beverley Hills, California, U.S.A.  aged 77.  She was a comedienne, film, television, stage and radio actress, model, film and television executive, and star of the sitcoms I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, Here’s Lucy and Life With Lucy.

1997, Gene Urick, alias Gene Ames, in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A. aged 74.  He was a member of the Ames Brothers singing quartet very popular in the 1950s, with million selling hits such as The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane, You You You, Tammy and Melodie D’Amour. 

Today’s Photo – Origin unknown, but highly appropriate for ANZAC Day (yesterday).

Today’s Playlist :

TRACK	RELEASE YEAR	PLAY TIME	LAST PLAYED
Allan Caswell – Swing The Blues	2026	06:06	3/4/2026
John Gilheaney – The Wind On The Hill	2026	06:12	–
Jason Carruthers – She’d Taken Her Life	2026	06:14	10/4/2026
For A Listener: Billy Joel – Uptown Girl		06:18	6/6/2025
Duane Eddy – Around The Block In 80 Days  Duane Eddy, born on this day in 1938 in New York, U.S.A.  Died 2024	1965	06:25	–
Bobby Rydell – Do The Cha Cha Cha Robert Louis Ridarelli alias Bobby Rydell, was born on this day in 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He died in 2022.	1962	06:27	17/12/2023
Australian National Concert Orchestra – The Shadow Of Your Smile		06:32	28/7/2019
Gail Russell  – Heart of Stone	2026	06:35	24/4/2026
Vintage Vinyl    Helen O’Connell – Slow Poke	1951	06:41	23/5/2014
Garry Jones – Eyes Shine Bright	2026	06:43	20/2/2026
Nancy Muller – Heartbeat	2026	06:51	24/4/2026
Wendy Maree – Apricot Sky	2026	07:05	10/4/2026
COUNTRY ROAD + Clint Bradley – Soul of the West	2024	07:11	31/1/2025
+ Gene Watson – This Song Is Just For You	2026	07:14	5/4/2026
For A Listener: Merle Haggard – Mama’s Hungry Eyes		07:19	3/4/2026
Count Basie & His Orchestra – Basie’s Boogie William James Basie, alias Count Basie, died on this day in 1984 at the age of 79, in Hollywood, Florida, U.S.A.		07:25	–
Ames Brothers & Hugo Winterhalter’s Orchestra & Chorus – Little Serenade  Gene Urick, alias Gene Ames, died on this day in 1997 at the age of 74, in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A.	1958	07:27	12/2/2026
Eric Jupp & His Orchestra – Theme From Number 96		07:32	4/7/2014
Vintage Vinyl   Harry Belafonte – Coconut Woman	1957	07:37	1/3/2020
Tim Withano – This Is Not My Place	2026	07:40	–
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 + Easybeats – Women Make You Feel Alright	1966	07:46	24/4/2026
+ Beach Boys – Barbara Anne	1966	07:49	24/4/2026
For A Listener: Merle Haggard – The Soldier’s Last Letter		07:53	–
Caroline J Harte – If This Ain’t Love	2024	08:05	31/1/2025
COMFORT ZONE + Vera Lynn – The Rainbow Connection		08:11	–
+ Daniel O’Donnell – Distant Drums		08:15	3/7/2020
Allan Barron – Misty River	2026	08:23	24/4/2026
Philip Wildman – High Country	2026	08:28	–
Brian May & ABC Melbourne Showband – String of Pearls		08:34	8/10/2023
Alan Percy – They Waltzed With Matilda	2026	08:38	26/4/2026
Diamond 45 – Charting on this day 1966 +Slim Dusty – The Decimal Currency Pub	1966	08:42	24/4/2026
+ Cliff Richard – Blue Turns To Grey	1966	08:45	24/4/2026
Shelley Minson – Dance When The Music Plays	2026	08:48	19/4/2026
Clayton Saunders – Uluru	2025	08:52	1/2/2026