It is the long school holiday time again.
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We don’t go away at this time because summer weather can be so unpredictable.
We noticed that perfect beach weather invariably started the day school went back.
There was always the local pool or river to float down or fish in if it was really hot.
Our children were water-safe.
Instead, we invented the holiday at home.
We would pretend we were on holiday by behaving differently.
For two weeks or more, we only did family things together.
We banned gadgets and bought out cards and games.
Sometimes, we’d pitched a tent in the garden.
At night, we would lie on a blanket, look at the stars, and talk and giggle.
The best thing about this was ready access to a hot shower and toilet.
We would go out for breakfast or brunch and make picnics.
If we didn’t go out for dinner, we would go to the local ice-cream shop after dinner and eat our yummy choice somewhere novel.
We also did day trips especially focused on the children’s needs and ages and got into the habit of visiting tourist offices to get the latest information on where new playparks and interactive indoor and outdoor centres were, if not in our town, then nearby.
Have you been to the Kyabram Fauna Park, gone fishing (no licence needed if under 18), panned for gold or fossicked for gemstones near El Dorado (no under 18 miners right needed), visited a maze, walked up The Paps near Mansfield, read about the meteorite and visited the Ossario in Murchison, visited Winton Wetlands, or followed the silo trail?
We would make a plan or itinerary for the holiday.
If your palm represents home territory, your outstretched fingers point in five different directions to five different places or experiences.
Home is a good starting point for long walks, bike rides and actually going into the art gallery if you usually just go past it.
Start reading all the information boards you pass and investigate what they say.
Do you know who Major Mitchell was?
Most of what I have mentioned above has developed into habits of a lifetime.
My children all learnt to play golf.
Dad taught them, and they had lessons.
This was the greatest investment because the whole family has golfed together ever since.
Our six-year-old already has cut-down sticks. She likes to putt.
You are never too old or too young to play golf.
The seven iconic Murray River clubs, all with two courses, are within a day trip possibility.
Many times, I have said ‘tgfg’ (thank god for golf) because of the happy times we have spent golfing together in Australia and beyond.
Your local course is the best starting place.
Not everyone is a natural golfer, but don’t give up; it is a game that requires practice.
When our children could play a reasonable game and got a handicap, they joined our club, played in junior competitions, and later played pennant golf.
Under-18 annual membership is very reasonable.
The thing was that once a club member, they were obliged to respect the dress code, on course etiquette and expected behaviour .… or else.
They happily played golf all day during school holidays and around the club competitions.
Most clubs offer practice putting and chipping; some have a practice fairway, too.
Benalla has no holiday lessons but a driving range after school lessons start in term one.
Cobram-Barooga has an indoor simulator and nearby mini golf; Shepparton has a driving range plus practice chipping and putting.
Their after-school clinics are conducted in terms 1, 2 and 4 while Mooroopna will give one-hour lessons in January for a maximum of six-eight youngsters minimum of three. Ring your club.
After two weeks of family day trips and other activities you will be tired and happily say that you have had a fabulous holiday.
— Suzie Pearce
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