Welcome from Ian Holland;

Mumblings from Mardi Cole;

David Berthon's "Motor Torque";

Travel tips with George Ilich;

And much more..!

As you read this, our High School reunion promotion is in full swing and to say we've had a great response to this would be an understatement. We're giving away a wonderful night out for up to 100 people at the Campbelltown Catholic Club with sensational entertainment provided by Col Joye and the Joy Boys. Naturally, the 2CH team will be there too.

To win, it's as easy as logging on to our 2CH web site 2CH.com and following the prompts, or by Clicking Here. Once you've done that, keep listening for your name to be called. If it's easier, just jot down your details, along with the school you attended, on the back of an envelope and send it to 'High School Reunion', GPO Box 4290 Sydney 2001.

We're calling entrants names four times a day any time between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday and you could be next to enter the draw.

Once again, our newsletter is packed with fascinating information and we welcome a contribution from our motoring editor David Berthon. David appears every Saturday on 2CH between 9.55am and 1.55pm. His segments are well worth a listen.

Do enjoy the newsletter and remember your feedback on absolutely anything to do with 2CH is always welcome.

And, thank you for listening to Australia's most popular easy listening radio station.

Ian Holland
Programme Director

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I continue to fill my head with music trivia as I research my five thirty Flashback which happens each weekday afternoon at, yes you guessed it, 5.30pm.

I recently found a report that said Rod Stewart's song "You're in my heart" was actually about missing his favourite game of football (or soccer) whilst he lived in the USA in the 70's! And I'd always thought it a beautiful love song, just not about loving soccer.

The Paul Anka song "Puppy Love" was supposedly written by Paul when he had a crush on Disney Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello. It became a hit again 12 years later for Donny Osmond and it's been confirmed that Donny & Marie Osmond will be performing a Las Vegas reunion show from September at the Flamingo Hotel. I happened to catch the pair, along with their brothers, singing on a US morning TV show recently and I did a bit of a double-take when I saw Marie. Her face looked somehow different to how I remembered it! At least her voice sounded as beautiful as ever and she & Donny will be at the Flamingo for 8 months.

Apparently Dionne Warwick didn't really like the song "Heartbreaker" which had been written for her by The Bee Gees. Still, she said she "cried all the way to the bank" as the song was a huge hit for her.

American singer Patti Page was possibly the first to 'overdub' her own vocals on a record. That meant recording once onto a record then playing that back and singing harmonies to it as it was all recorded onto another record. Les Paul & Mary Ford are often credited as the 1st to do this but I've now discovered that Patti probably did it a bit earlier.

If you have any suggestions for artists you'd like to hear in the 7 O'clock mini concert, which I do each weeknight as well, I'd love to hear from you. In fact, any thoughts, suggestions or stories would be appreciated.

Regards,

Mardi Cole
2CH Drive time Announcer

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You will have noticed that Supermarket gardening sections and nurseries are full of roses at this time of the year. Choose your rose with care but plant it carefully too by preparing the soil well and making sure it is free of perennial weeds. Dig in Rose compost to improve the organic content of the soil and carefully prune off damaged roots before you plant bare root roses. For the best results, your rose garden should receive at least five hours of full sun per day. And don't be tempted to fertilise your new plantings just yet. Be prepared to do that later in winter or that should be done in spring.

Many of you will be potting plants now and you should remember that the first week or two after potting is when plants are in greatest danger because the potting mixture is rich with fertilizer. Plants, however, need to use these salts quickly but they will want plenty of sunlight energy to do so. To avoid problems under these conditions it is important not to add further fertilizer or to increase the heat. The plants will adjust much better if left alone. The only way to overcome this problem in real terms is to use supplementary lighting or carbon dioxide enrichment.

We love to grow vegies at home and soon I'll be putting in new plantings of carrots, lettuce, potatoes, corn, beans and peas.

Autumn is a wonderful time to work in your garden and maintain it in preparation for the wonderful blossoms and colours of Spring. Do yourself a favour and make the most of the opportunity.

Contact Ian

He is riding his bike from Melbourne to Sydney via the Hume Highway, starting on the 12th of May.

His trek will take six days and will finish at the Hills Relay for Life at Castle Hill Showground on Saturday the 17th of May.

Michael wants to raise as much money as possible to be given to the Cancer Council of NSW. This is an admirable young man giving his time, energy and heart.

Help Michael raise these vital funds.

Phone the school on 9634 4199

2CH SUPPORTING SYDNEY'S ACHIEVERS

Since 1981 David has gained a strong following for his straight forward reviews of new cars and four-wheel drives as well as general motoring information on the car industry, road safety, driving, motor sport and general automotive topics.

Each week he road tests two cars and regularly attends preview releases of the latest new models to reach the marketplace across a wide range of market segments.

David has also covered a number of major international motoring events over the years such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Detroit International Motor Shows, the London to Brighton Rally, the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance and our own Adelaide, Melbourne and Indy Car Grand Prix's.

His deep interest in motoring history was instrumental in him bringing to Australia two valuable land speed record cars from Britain's National Motor Museum during the 1980's - Sir Henry Seagrave's 1929 Golden Arrow and Donald Campbell's 1961 Bluebird - both cars appearing at major motor shows around the country.

Other overseas exhibits that followed included Lord Montagu's 1899 Daimler, the first British car to race on the continent, and the Vision concept car from the American Sunroof Corporation in Detroit for Sydney International Motor Show.

In 1988 he was given permission to take Australia's oldest car, the 1899 Shearer Steam Carriage from the National Motor Museum in South Australia, to England to compete in the famous London to Brighton Rally as a Bi-Centennial exercise.

In 1996 and 1997 he competed in the famous London to Brighton Rally in his own 1903 twin-cylinder 16hp. Maxim - the only known example in existence and in 2005 he took the oldest Alfa Romeo in the world to Pebble Beach Concourse in the United States, scoring a third in class trophy.

His current old car interests include a rare 6-litre 1908 35hp.Talbot, one of 50 produced and the holder of the Sydney to Melbourne inter-city record from 1910 to 1914 and the restoration of a rare 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Continental London to Edinburgh sports tourer.

David's segments go to air on the hour from 9.55am each Saturday morning and his road tests will shortly appear on our 2CH website.

Contact David

Just stay listening all day for your chance to win a double pass!

The first 5 entries in this month's Quick Quiz with the correct answers will win an Elvis Presley classic 2 disc DVD movie pack featuring 2 of his most popular films, Jailhouse Rock and Spinout. Good luck!

Using the jumbled artist names below, match the 'Original Hit Artist' and the 'Cover hit Artist' to the list of ten songs.

Think you can solve the puzzle?

Enter Now

The five lucky winners of the Human Nature pack from last month's Newsletter quiz are:

Beryl Allen of Bexley North
Shane Wilkinson of Smithfield
Edda Santucci of Cecil Park
Angelina Panetta of Horsley Park
Wayne Grima of Horsley Park

If you're born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, 29th the signing of papers, legal documents or anything in an official manner points you in a clearer direction and you should sense a feeling of release. This period is for a new beginning, remain focused.

If you're born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, 30th you'll be asking yourself which direction do you actually want to take. Choices and options are opening up for you at this time. Make up your own mind rather than consult others. Listen to your inner voice.

If you're born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, 31st you're on a progressive role at present and an excellent time to get things moving. This week see's the possibility on you making a decision where your future lies. Be alert and your choice will be to your advantage.

If you're born on the 5th, 14th, 23rd you'll fee like you want to make some self improvement. Perhaps in your living environment, even health and well-being or perhaps finances. This feel good time will afford you of extra energy and a new enthusiasm to grasp future plans. Enjoy.

If you're born on the 6th, 15th, 24th long term plans and even arrangements centred around the end of the year or perhaps plans surrounding a holiday are looming. Any matters still hanging around from last year regards property or legal papers should be given clear attention.

If you're born on the 7th, 16th, 25th combining all that is going on around you this month you're likely to be aware that something or someone may be hard to deal with. A feeling of being held back or dealing with a sense of uncertainty could make you nervous. Think outside the square - because there are other avenues open to you.

If you're born on the 8th, 17th, 26th changes in your environment, neighbourhood, the home and even work have been a long time coming but its now you'll finally get a chance to act. Go ahead with confidence and avoid giving someone a piece of your mind at all costs. They could cause you trouble later on. And besides you could be dealing with someone who simply just doesn't get it.

If you're born on the 9th, 18th, 27th it's not a time to totally relax but you should be feeling better about the possibilities that are opening up for you. This week find time to rest and address your dietary intake to avoid a feeling of fever or flu. Keep up the fluids. There's changes coming up in your home but only if you want them.

Steve Murphy

Disclaimer: Any advice, action or direction taken by reader as a result of reading the monthly prediction is purely at their discretion and responsibility.

Contact Steve

All you have to do to win a High School Reunion at the Campbelltown Catholic Club for 100 people is register your details at 2CH.com or by post to GPO Box 4290 Sydney 2001 and stay listening all day to hear your name and your old high school and don't forget to include the name of your high school, the year you graduated and you high school colours. If you hear your entry read out on air you'll have 11 minutes and 70 seconds to call us back and you'll go into the major draw to win!

We'll put on the food and drinks as well as the fantastic entertainment from your high school days; we'll even help you find everyone for the guest list.

2CH's High School Reunion at the Campbelltown Catholic Club could be YOUR high school reunion!

Read more

Now on to things much more pleasant, great places to eat while on holidays, particularly in Rome where I know many people are heading this year on a number of fly cruise vacations. If your lucky enough to be staying in the eternal city for a few nights, try not to get caught up in 5 star dining at expensive hotels, it will cost you a lot and you won't get a truly local dining experience.

There are so many wonderful family run small restaurants the Italians call "Trattorias" where you can indulge in local fare, Italian style home cooking. Here are a couple of good examples of "Trattorias" that I have come to love over years of travel to Rome. Just near the famous Trevi fountain is one of these homey places TRATTORIA DELLA STAMPA don't blink as you walk by or you may miss it, the address is 32 VIA DEI MARONITI.

Don't expect anything flashy from the outside (or from the inside for that matter) you won't find many tourists eating there (unless they've heard about the great food) mostly you'll find locals enjoing the Roman food prepared by "mama" in the kitchen, while the rest of the family are looking after the orders. My partner and I took a few of our 2CH group along to this one not knowing how they would react to this casual Italian Trattoria. They loved every moment of the evening, the food, the service, the locals inside and of course the inexpensive bill at the end. What more could you ask for? We were even treated to some good Italian wine with the meal.

Another great little place not far from the Trattoria Della Stampa is Piccolo Arancio, once again a small family run affair with top food. Piccolo Arancio is in VICOLO SKANDENBERG about a five minute walk from the Trevi fountain. Both well worth a try.

Folks there are many good inexpensive restaurants in every major European city. Look to where the locals eat, "it has to be good" repeat business is very important to these family run small eateries. So remember wherever you travel to BON VOYAGE and BON APPETITE!

George Ilich

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Initially he was known as Johnny Farnham and his first semi-professional performances were as lead singer of a local band, Strings Unlimited. After making the State finals of the Hoadleys Battle of the Sounds, they made some demo recordings which led to his being offered a solo record contract. His first commercially-successful recording was a novelty song entitled "Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)". Released in November 1967, it hit No. 1 on the Australian charts in January 1968 and remained there for 6 weeks. Selling 180 000 copies in Australia, it was the largest-selling single by an Australian artist of the decade.

By the 1970s John's recording career began to dwindle and he turned to television, appearing in a situation comedy and narrating documentaries, whilst singing in clubs. He also performed in a number of musicals and in the Australian television comedy series Bobby Dazzler as the leading character of the same name. Around 1979 he changed his stage name to John Farnham. His one recording hit in this period was a reworking of the Beatles' "Help!" in 1980.

From 1981 until 1984, he fronted Little River Band after singer Glenn Shorrock departed. This was a move away from cabaret and into rock music. As Little River Band was a successful band prior to Farnham joining the group, it was a surprise that with Farnham the band found little success initially. Due to the previous success by Little River Band and Farnham's own early career, Capitol Records continued to fund the band for albums and tours, but still to no avail. In their desperation to bring a return from the cost of the band, Capitol Records brought out a "Greatest Hits" album, however that caused even more financial problems for the band.

During this time, Farnham did vocal tracks for movies just to earn some extra money including for the movies "Fletch", "The Slugger's Wife", "Savage Streets", "Voyage of the Rock Aliens" and "Rad".

Farnham's first solo experience since 1980, was doing some live shows with a band consisting of Brett Garsed, Sam See and Derrick Pellicci. Only two weeks' worth of bookings were made but the reaction was so good that they extended it for another week. Because of this success, record producer, Ross Fraser suggested to manager, Glenn Wheatley that it might be time to start working on a solo album.

In 1986, with the aid of Wheatley, and under considerable financial pressure that forced Wheatley to use his house as collateral to fund the album, Farnham began work on Whispering Jack, searching for songs with Fraser. "A Touch Of Paradise" was one that came in, written by Mondo Rock's Ross Wilson. The album was almost ready to be recorded when a tape arrived from London with similar material as "Pressure Down". Fraser listened to the song "You're The Voice" and knew they had found a once in a lifetime song.

Whispering Jack took a year to plan, six weeks in a garage, one week putting it all onto a tape in the studio, another week of keyboard adjustments, and a further week adding guitar, bagpipes, and saxophones, before laying down the vocals in three weeks.

Initially, public interest in the rebranded former teen-idol was difficult to cultivate, and radio stations refused to play the album. Things however started to change when a Sydney radio station started to play the first single from the album, "You're the Voice".

Whispering Jack went on to become the highest-selling album in Australia at the time, selling over one million copies and remaining the number one album on the Australian ARIA Charts for 27 weeks. "You're the Voice," was also a number one hit in several European countries, as well as in Australia. It was written by Chris Thompson, formerly of Manfred Mann's Earth Band and Andy Qunta formerly of Icehouse. With the varied selection of songs used as well as meticulously singing his part, Farnham's pop-rock release was a highly successful breakthrough after a difficult time in his career in the events leading up to and the time with the Little River Band.

After the success of the album, the next step was a tour. The "Jack's Back Tour", originally had four performances in Melbourne, two in Sydney, two in Perth and two in Brisbane. Although at the time they thought this would have been enough considering they were up against such people as Michael Jackson and Billy Joel, the ticket sales suggested extending the tour. As a result, five more shows were added in Melbourne, three more in Sydney, and Brisbane's concert was moved to a larger venue. At that time the "Jack's Back Tour" was the highest grossing tour by Farnham to be surpassed fifteen years later with "The Last Time Tour".

Farnham married Jillian Billman in 1973. They had two sons, Robert and James. Today he lives in retirement in rural Victoria and says he won't be returning to live touring or to the recording studio. We can only hope that, one day, he might change his mind.

Contact Bob