Bob Middleton mourns the loss of Australia’s last great dairy farmers’ co-operative.
 In a violent world, Bob Middleton hankers for a bit more fantasy. Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak
 Cartoon: Natasha Williams-Novak By Bob Middleton
BEEN a while now since we made the move down from the hills of Jeetho West to the lowlands of Wonthaggi. The words from Mark Knopfler’s song Brothers in Arms keep resounding in my ears, though the line “These mist covered mountains are a home now for me, but my home’s in the lowlands and always will be” will need some rejigging to fit our situation.  These days, Bob Middleton has given up outback safaris for a more sedate mode of travel but he still finds himself in strife.
 Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak Michael is a man with a problem. He has a weak heart, the kind that melts when he sees someone or something in need.
 Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak Bob Middleton wonders wonder how his father would cope with the world today if given the chance to revisit.
Bob Middleton grieves for a gentle creature brought undone by an apparently never-ending landscape.  Dead bird study: pen and ink drawing by Kristen D’Aquila A turn around the Loch footy oval has Bob Middleton contemplating the roar of the crowd and the waste of war.  Footy has returned to Loch after 22 years' absence.  Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak One minute you’re in your prime; the next people are offering you their seat. Bob Middleton contemplates the ignominies – and pleasures – of growing old.
As she prepares for her first exhibition at the age of 85, Wonthaggi artist Kathy West talks to Bob Middleton about the long path to fulfilling her love of art.  The post office and pub have gone, but the small village of Loch continues to reinvent itself in unexpected ways, writes Bob Middleton.   Rain, gale or fog, the mail always gets over to French Island. Bob Middleton meets a postman with a difference.
 We shouldn’t have to remind the Minister for the Environment that he is in office to protect our natural treasures, writes Bob Middleton.
With the news full of lies and liars, BOB MIDDLETON crosses his heart and swears that some lies are forgiveable.
Who you gonna call when the piano goes flat or the double bass develops a dud note? Bob Middleton meets Inverloch’s master luthier, born and trained in Stradivarius country.   Photo: Feliciano Guimarães The non-playing Bob Middleton finds himself talking middle eights and Gibson Firebirds.
Bob Middleton was always on the fox’s side, until the night he forgot to lock the chook shed.  As he carefully separates his bottles, newspapers and plastic from the rubbish, Bob Middleton has a sneaking suspicion he’s being conned.  Bob Middleton cheers himself up by imagining his political team of the century.  Tony Windsor "Dying is no great feat, the least of us can do that," wrote Bud Collins. "Living's the trick".  Cartoon: Bruce Eric Kaplan, The New Yorker Tired of travelling to the city to hear live music, Ian and Suzanne Henderson decided to bring the music to Gippsland.  Gillian Welch, Meeniyan 2004. Photo: Jesse Marlow At $2 a pop, thousands of used book sales add up to a touch of luxury for residents of Melaleuca Lodge. Bob Middleton visited Bill’s Book Shed for the inside story on an island institution.  |
Bob MiddletonBob Middleton spent his working life in the wool industry, classing, buying, selling and teaching. He has a weakness for horses, dogs and pigeons. Bob died in November 2018. Archives
March 2018
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