One Thursday in April last year, the quiet and relaxed atmosphere that usually prevails on the pier early in the morning was disturbed (or enlivened, depending on your point of view) by ABC Radio, whose newsreaders and reporters had set up a stall on the path and were interviewing passers-by.
The programme, of which they were a part, appeared to be “live” and included the weather forecast as well as the local news. I could hear the newsreader talking about the weather and about some local newsworthy events and, in between the interesting bits, I recognised one or two of the musical interludes. It did not take long for a small crowd to gather, taking the opportunity to closely observe the goings-on, and, as if by magic, a coffee cart soon appeared as well. I even noticed one of the local politicians and wondered how he had got wind of this golden opportunity for him to participate and to be heard by his constituents.
Interesting as this was, the event was not really all that unusual. The ABC is not the only news channel which occasionally visits our foreshore. I have noticed, on more than one occasion, some of the commercial TV channels presenting their weather forecasts from here, using scenic Moreton Bay as a background. The pier is also a popular location for the making of TV commercials. I have seen film crews setting up elaborate catering. and other, facilities nearby in one of the shelters and I never cease to be amazed by the extravaganza surrounding these occasions. When you consider the number of people involved in these filming activities, and the number of trucks and trailers required, for what ultimately are very short commercials, it must cost the advertisers a small fortune.
I am not surprised, however, that they are choosing the Shorncliffe Pier as their location for making these commercials. It’s a great setting and I’m sure that the film crews themselves must enjoy spending some time here. It’s a quiet and relaxing spot, away from the hurly-burly of their usual environment.
I know for a fact that sooner or later some actors and TV personalities do come back to visit the pier again, after they have retired from their stressful jobs. One such person, a well-known actor, I’ll call him Walter for this story, can often be found at the end of the pier, indulging in his love of fishing. He is a very accomplished fisherman and always has time for a talk.
Until about 10 years ago, Walter was recognised by millions of viewers and his photo appeared in TV Week and other publications. Over a long period, he played a starring role in one of Australia’s most well-known long-running TV series and he had roles in films and other TV productions. He does not talk about it very much these days but, from what little we know, his life back then was very different from what it is today.
The world in which TV personalities live may look glamorous and interesting but, as we learn from Walter, for some it can turn out to be a very challenging experience which can lead to disappointing outcomes. Walter told me that, in his own case, his agent had tricked him out of a lot of money. Walter had followed costly legal procedures to try to recover the funds to which he was entitled, but he had ultimately been unsuccessful. It was not a happy ending to his professional career.
Fortunately, Walter is philosophical about it all and, while disappointed in some of his fellow human beings, he has recovered his mojo and found some solace and peace here with his fishing and with meeting us, his companions.
Walter’s story struck a chord with me. Like Walter, and probably like most of us, I also have had disappointments in my life. What has helped me to deal with them has been to go for long walks. This gave me time to reflect on what is important (and what is not!) and to “put things in perspective”. I found further comfort in talking and engaging with others. I realised that “walking and talking” was really beneficial to my emotional wellbeing.
Writing about the good times in my life, and telling my children and grandchildren about them, has provided me with another way to relive and focus on these positive experiences. It has helped me to better deal with the losses of loved ones and with the disappointments that are a part of everyone’s life.
So, I thoroughly recommend “walking and talking” and, if you are old, as I am, you may also wish to consider leaving something in writing for your loved ones to remember you by. Believe me, it’s worth doing!
O.P.
P.S. In next Sunday’s blog post we will remember a French poet and songs by John Denver and Glen Campbell.