CollinsPlus E-news        

 

Edition 3.                                                                                                            April 2007

Editor: Barbara Collins - admin at collinsplus.com

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You can send news at any time to The Editor. A reminder email will be sent out a little while before each edition is due. So please keep the newsletter in mind whenever anything happens in your family that you would like to tell everyone about!

 

Index

Collins Family News                                           Funny Stuff                                      Birthdays

Extended Family News                                      Cool Links                                       Congratulations

                                                                                                                                      

                        Bouncy 4Bouncy 4Bouncy 4Bouncy 4Bouncy 4Bouncy 4Bouncy 4Bouncy 4

 

Collins Family News                                                  

Go to Collins Family in CollinsPlus Website

Next Family Get Together

Diary Dates for this year

 

Mothers Day

This Mothers Day is the first one that the Collins Family have experienced without our beautiful Mother, Bridget. The last four years saw the family visiting Gregory Lodge Nursing Home for Mother’s Day. We would have a BBQ – and on each occasion, the weather was beautiful. Bridget may not have known we were there to honour her as our Mother, or Grandmother, but we were never quite sure. We hope that somewhere inside, she knew we were there and loved her. We DO know however, that she enjoyed her shandy on that special day. So this Mothers Day, we will be thinking of you Bridget and hope you can hear our thoughts and prayers.

 
 
Jessica Zoch, Bridget’s granddaughter, had a very special moment with Bridget before she passed. Jessica gave the eulogy at Bridget’s Requiem Mass and has recently written her thoughts about Bridget’s last years and days. This is a very special homily. Jess would have been about 13 when Bridget was admitted to Gregory Lodge and this piece gives her thoughts on how she saw her grandmother during this time and just before her death. It is an emotional piece and has moved all who have read it. Grandma would be very proud of these words Jess!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Grandma Suzie” with, from left, Alex Gough, Jessica Zoch and Max Gough.

 

In another tribute to Bridget, I thought people might like to read the letter of a young Bridget, 21, to her husband-to-be, Con. At the time of writing this letter, Bridget and Con had not met and were just developing a romantic interest in each other via correspondence. I have chosen this letter as we have just had Anzac Day and in this letter, Bridget is describing the jubilation in Melbourne at the declaration of peace on 15th August 1945. She also speaks a lot about Con’s younger brother Bill (16 at the time) and of her sisters. This is how Bridget would have looked at that time.

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Social Events

Easter

We had our Easter celebration this year at Con’s house in West Brunswick. Read all about it and see more pictures here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Con Collins

Con Collins is the Ground Zero man for this website.

Con’s been busy watching golf. He’s not getting out and about much at the moment, so it's a good chance for those of you that could never get him on the phone to call up and have a chat.  Con's been doing a lot of babysitting for Bear too (see Cabrera Family news for update on Bear). He has been spending some time on his treadmill to build up the muscles in his legs and has booked in for Winter Bowls. However, since Sunday 29th April he was in John Fawkner hospital with a reoccurring problem and had a small operation on Thursday 3d May. He’s been home since Friday.

 

Graham Collins

(Graham Collins is the first and only son of Con Collins who is the Ground Zero man for this website. Graham Collins Family)

 

Carly

I got a new car finally!! It’s a red, sporty little thing! A ‘99 model SX-R Celica! I just love it! I can’t tell you how good it feels to be driving a little girlie car again, and getting rid of my beasty boys car! It’s going great, got it at a pretty good price too! Just got a nice little loan to pay off now over the next few years or so. I am loving my job as Admin Manager still! I've been in the position 6 months now, will stay a while longer just to gain some more management experience, but I ideally hope to move somewhere else soonish where I can hopefully get paid a little better! I’m not being greedy, but the fitness industry just doesn’t pay well at all, regardless of the position!

 

Brenton

I've just resigned from my position with Leader Newspaper. Rather than be miserable in yet another role, I thought I'd make the brave decision to resign, probably leave myself broke for a while...again, and look for something that I will enjoy. If I liken my bank balance to an oxygen tank, I'd say I've got about a week's worth of air left. So that's why I'm awake at 5am looking for a new job already!!

 

Tyson

I’ve got a new job, Account Manager for a company specializing in Communications & Server Cabinets and accessories. The exact type of role I was holding out for. Started last Monday and things are going well. I picked up my new car which I purchased through a hire purchase agreement, it's a brand new Toyota Camry Altise, very nice! We also started footy this week, with Round 1 being the local derby against Wantirna South, we have been talked up all pre season as the best two sides, and we came out and won by 10 goals so it was a great start to the year.

 

 Extended Family News                                            

The Bill Collins Family

Bill Collins was the only brother of Con Collins. Kath is Bill’s wife. Go to Bill Collins page for more information on this family.

Aunty Kath says, “On Easter Sunday we are all going to Narre Warren to Michael and Marg’s. We have not been there for quite a time as everything is available over at Paul and Michaela’s with something for everyone.  Damien and Diane will collect me after Mass and I am making tiramisu and apple strudel.”

 

(Barb says, “Yum, Aunty Kath – hope you all had a good Easter.”)

 

The Zoch Family

Catherine Zoch is the 4th girl in the Con and Bridget Collins Family. She is married to John Zoch. Go to Zoch Family page.

Jessica

By the way I thought I'd let you know I finally have a job : Toy Kingdom in local shopping centre.... Hopefully I start next weekend!

Elise

On Anzac Day, my friend and i and Alex Gough (cousin) went to Melbourne Central to get a few things and some piercings! Well most of the shops were closed, so we had some lunch said goodbye to Alex then caught a train to Broadmeadows because that day i really wanted to get my belly pierced!

So we went to Broady and HairHouse WareHouse was open and i really wanted to back out but my friend was like "no, i came all this way, ur not chicken-ing out, your getting it done". Well i had to fill out this sheet then wait 15 minutes, i was soo scared and freaking out.

I went into the room and the lady was soo nice, i chose which stud and colour i wanted.. (PINK...of course) then, she cleaned inside my belly button and clamped it and next minute the needle was already through and she was just putting the piercing in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well wasn't i excited!!!!!!! I got home and mum already knew but for dad it was a surprise and didn't i shock him. He said 2 me one day, "Elise, i bet you would never come home and have your belly pierced" well i proved him wrong and got it pierced!!!   :)

School has just been draining me everyday!!! Nothing new about that...lets not go there...can't stand that place..LOL!

Being going to the footy lately! Members with dad, so dad goes too every home game either at Telestra Dome or MCG!! But i have also been going to other games with friends.  Renato hasn't been happy because some are guys. haha ahhh Renato you make me laugh!

I've put my resume in at a few shops in Airport West and Melbourne Central because i'm going to Queensland with school in September and i need spending money!! And....i would just LOVE 2 have my OWN money to buy wateva i want with it!!! :)

 

The Cabrera Family

Judith Collins is the second girl in the Con and Bridget Collins Family. She is married to Renato Cabrera. Go to the Cabrera Family page.

Judi says, “We have been rather housebound because Bear has to be confined and we feel terrible having him confined as it is, without going out and leaving him there.  Bear is slowly getting better, we found out why he has to be confined for so long and that is that the replacement crucial ligament is only about as thin as fishing line and with too much movement it can break very easily and he has to wait until his scar tissues moulds to this "fishing line" before he can be moderately active again.  He has got used to his confinement and has been a pretty good patient thoughout his first 4 weeks.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

We had a lovely Easter Sunday at Whitby Street, most of the family went away, Graham came up for a visit in the morning, then Paul, Barbara, Pauline and Lisa joined us for a BBQ, then later in the afternoon Andrew, Sophie and Josh joined us for sweets, a nice day all round, Barbara took photos (see above).

 

Not much news on our house that is falling apart, except we have seen a solicitor who has turned the tables and said it is a house insurance claim. I put in the claim and boy, they acted quick. They came running that night to make sure the wall was not going to fall on the house next door and the next day the assessor came out. I am still waiting for a couple of final reports so I can send them to the assessor, and find out either way if they will pay the claim.  If we don't have any success with them, we will then consider seeking some form of compensation from the real estate agent. I have been told the wall will have to come down and it's a big and very costly job, costs that I have been gathering run up to in excess of $100,000.  In the mean time I have to have the house strapped - tied is what it is called, which I have been asked to have done by the assessor. It involves 2 steel rods in each room running from the outside wall through to the other side of the hall wall and a steel plate bolted each end, basically to hold the wall from falling.  John Zoch has been very helpful in my plans to get this done. He has arranged for the steelworks to be made up and has offered to put up the rods, and we are really appreciative of his help. This should be done by this weekend 28 or 29 April and after that, I will be able to sleep easier at night especially when its raining. I worry about the wall of my house falling onto the house next door. 

 

Renato and I had a lovely Sunday afternoon on the Maribrynong with Barbara and Paul. We each took a bottle of wine, cheese and bikkies and other tit bits, and sat blissfully soaking up the relaxing atmosphere.

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Renato and I had a great night out with Cathy and John, Jessica and her two friends Sam and Olivia. We all went to a show at the Last Laugh at the Comedy Club in the city on Anzac Day eve.  We laughed our heads off while we were entertained by 3 or more stand up comedians.

 

We do have some GOOD news. We bought a new car, which we do not get until July as the supply is not enough for the demand and there is a wait for it. We think this is because the RACV gave it a write up as the best car in its field for 2006 and it's had very good write ups in the cars mags and the Age. It is a Honda Civic GTI 4 cyl 1.8L engine automatic front wheel drive - alabaster silver.  So we can't wait till July for that. VROOM VROOM VROOM.

 

The Gough Family

Mary Gough is the 3rd girl in the Con and Bridget Collins Family. She is married to Chris Gough. Go to Gough Family page.

Alex

Alex has provided us with another terrific report – this time about her school camping trip to Central Australia.

Click here for her very entertaining report and lots more great pictures! Good on you Alex – you’re a star!
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Mary

Mary’s news is below in her responses to Brenton!

 

The Lennon Family

Bridget Collins (nee Lennon) (deceased) was the second of the four girls in the Lennon Family. Her older sister was Helen Mcmaunus and her younger sisters were Nancy Jackson and Molly Deacon

Jackson

Aunty Nancy (Jackson nee Lennon) let us know that St. Joseph's Church in Collingwood that burnt down at the end of March 2007 was where Grandma and Grandpa Lennon got married.

 

The McManus Family

Helen McManus, nee Lennon, was Bridget Collins’ (nee Lennon) eldest sister. She married Patrick McManus and they had five children – Margaret, Kevin, Brian, Patricia and Gerard. Click here for more information on the McManus Family.

 

Margaret

We all enjoyed a family get together on St Patrick's Day at Airey's Inlet. Terry was the photographer and the rest are Margaret, Brian, Jennifer, Kevin, Marshall and Patricia and Beate in the foreground.

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

The Teres Family

Paul Teres is husband of Barbara Collins, daughter of Con Collins. Go to Teres Family page.

Ukrainian Lunch

Barb and Paul met Pauline and a party of residents from her hostel at Ukrainian House in Essendon for lunch in April. We had a Ukrainian lunch consisting of meat, cheese and egg with an accompaniment of a relish made from horseradish and beetroot. Happy birthday was sung in Ukrainian, together with what we presume was a folk song and it was an enjoyable occasion.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


   

 

 

 

Barbara

Barbara has started to transcribe the letters of her Mum and Dad from 1945 -1946. She started the project to assist Jessica in the novel she is writing about Con but has become engrossed in the story that the letters tell. Without going into a lot of detail, as Jessica’s novel will finally tell the story, Con and Bridget started to correspond while Con was at war in Papua New Guinea in 1945. They were introduced through Con’s young brother, Bill - who would have been about 16 at the time. Bill worked with Bridget (or Suzie as she was known as at the time – why? – wait for the novel!)

 

Barb isn’t halfway through the letters yet but knows that the letters are significant. They give an insight into both Con and Sue/Bridget as well as being of historical importance. Thanks to the foresight of Con and Bridget in keeping these letters, the contents of these letters have provided a valuable heirloom for the Collins Family.

 

 

Birthdays                                                                            

 

Happy birthday to Mary Gough and Peter Deacon in April: Click here for your birthday card.

 

If your birthday falls in April and you are not on this list, email admin at collinsplus.com and send in your birth date.

 

Funny Stuff

Brenton’s pretty funny

After obviously reading the last newsletter very comprehensively, Brenton had some comments, and some suggestions to make about the content. Thank you for your indepth comments and requests – the family has responded!

 

§         Cathy & John: There's a very valuable lesson to be learned from your lucky escape....camping is unnecessary. I'll never understand why people drive long distances to sleep in a tent (John, fishing is not a valid reason). Nor is cleaner air, or the sounds of birds singing. Camping is for the homeless.

Response by John and Jess

Some of us like to get out and experience what nature has to offer us, rather then sitting in front of a computer waiting for family members’ mishaps so you can report on them. Talking about homeless people, unless you can hold down a job for more than a week, your dad will make you homeless (you may borrow our tent if you like).......we know of some safe camping grounds. (Ever heard of Mt Disappointment?) If you think you're up to the challenge to comment on Jessica, she has said BRING IT ON. Also, recipe for increasing your wealth quickly: When you find your next job, try and hold onto it.

 

Response from Mary

As for camping Max agrees with you. As the rest of the family enjoyed being homeless people for a week and went camping (avoiding any trees). Max chose to spend time with cousin Jessica and even thought working for a couple of days was a better option.

 

§         Elise: I can't believe you've quit netball. How bad can your hangovers be on Saturday mornings? Fair call though. It's impossible to drink appropriate amounts of alcohol, sleep it off, and be expected to play a sport as well.......you've made the correct decision.

Response from Elise

None – obviously felt strongly about ignoring your comments!

 

§         Judi: You'll get compensation for sure. Hit ‘em where it hurts. If you need good cheap legal representation, I'm available.

Response from Judi

Thanks for the offer of free legal advice, I'll make sure, when you've finished your law degree, to look you up.

 

§         Zach: Bravo on your swimming success. I am a little bit surprised though. I've seen you struggle to control yourself within the confines of a house, so how you manage to keep within those lane ropes is amazing!! Have you got a coach or agent yet? I'm interested. Just in case you turn out to be a future Olympian, we should probably put some pen to paper ASAP.

Response from Mary on Zac

Zac's lack of control needs to be channelled into good and not evil, not sure if that will be swimming but anything that makes him famous(and rich) will make his mum happy. And Brenton, if you’re game, you can be his manager!

 

Here are some Feature Story requests for the month of April:

§         Renato's half naked Chilean dance (extended version) posted on the site

Response from Judi and Renato

Renato's Chilean dance is still undergoing the censor’s review.

 

§         A report on Mary's first 18 holes, and exactly how long the round took (scorecard, along with a picture of Rick before & after might be enough)

Response from Mary

Mary is STILL having golf lessons, so has not tortured anyone into playing a game, yet. At the rate she is going don't expect her attendance on Boxing Day.

 

§         A recipe on how to increase your wealth quickly, without having any to start with, or having to work hard either.

Response from Mary

Also we don't have a recipe for any get rich quick schemes but as Mary needs to find employment she would also be interested in hearing of any.
 

Response from Barb:

I searched the internet for you Brenton and the closest I could come up with, if you believe in the laws of the universe, was this formula:

“Happy feelings = Higher vibration = Money

Feeling unhappy = Lower vibration = No money

Worrying about money = Lower vibration = No money

Not worrying about money = Higher vibration = Money”

If you want more information on how to vibrate at the same frequency as money, go to this site: http://www.universeofsuccess.com/vibrate-at-the-same-rate-as-money.html

 

§         A rebellious story from Barbara & Paul - all these pleasant vacations won’t make the front page anymore (run-ins with the law make for good stories...)

Response from Barb: I tried REALLY hard to be rebellious this month – in fact, Paul told me to cut it out and get back to being normal. I think my rebellious days are WAY behind me. I’ll give it some more thought though on my next holiday at Portarlington.

 

§         Modelling updates from Elise (that's if she hasn't QUIT that too!!)

Response from Elise: Elise has been too busy having her belly button pierced to reply – sorry!
 

 

(A couple of shots from Elise’s impressive modelling portfolio)
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


§         Stable talk - an in depth summary and analysis of the upcoming months racing. Rick delivered the goods with the late mail on Seattle Lass last weekend, so at least 1 hot tip a week should become the norm.

Response from Rick: Brenton, Brenton, Brenton! I think Rick is keeping this valuable info to himself – good try tho!

 

Perks of being over 50……

Read about them here! Don’t bother reading if you are under 50 – you probably won’t get it!

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Thought for the Day: No sense being pessimistic; it probably wouldn't work anyway.

 

Cool links                                                                

All websites featured in this newsletter are archived on the Links Page of the CollinsPlus site for future reference.

The Ultimate Jukebox

A fab website. Select any year & hear the top tunes from then. 

http://www.tropicalglen.com/

 

Congratulations this month to ….

ü Jessica on her ability to paint pictures with words

ü Carly on her new car

ü Judi and Renato on their new car

ü Brenton for making me laugh

ü Bear for being so brave

ü Jessica for getting a job

ü Tyson on getting a job and a new car too!

ü Everyone you responded to Brenton’s comments!

 

 

 

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