Although I was born and bred in Lisburn well before most of the contributors to the Forum I will never understand the attitude and approach to life of a lot of Lisburn people. I think it is close to ten years since I first came across the Forum and at that time was really interested because of the fact that my old friend Jim Collins was running it. Over the years one by one people have been dropping in and then disapearing??

I have always hoped that some time maybe somebody who I knew from childhood would appear and in that regard I was lucky in so much that one did appear and we had a few brief conversations and then he too dissapeared.

I attempted at times to tell some stories of my travels around the world but to some people I guess it sounded like boasting especially if they had never set foot outside Lisburn although in today's affluent society its hard to imagine that there are people like that.

Anyway people will sign off wishing everybody on the Forum a Very Merry Xmas and a happy and Prosperous New Year. Take Care. Mauri

yes it's disappointing it seems to be not used much now.
anyhow, i always found the stories of your trips and life afloat very interesting. hope you also have a good and merry christmas. i fly to gold coast in the morning,looking forward to that. all the best tom

Afternoon Mauri, I honestly think its on its last legs and it has run its course, mores the pity, I must say there was always articles of great interest in your columns and I looked forward to reading them as many more did ,I honestly don't know if its a seasonal thing or not but there is defiantly no interest anymore in comparison even to when I came across it and this was much later than you it was buzzing from all over the world and the photos which were accumulated were outstanding especially Thomas contribution , maybe that was part of the downfall, However Mauri I will take this opportunity to wish yourself and Joy all the best for Christmas and the New Year and to all who still clock in Regards Ted

Hi Tom & Ted, Thanks for your replies to my comments.I guess you guys are really busy preparing for Xmas? Tom,how long does it take you to drive to the Gold Coast from Melbourne?.guess the highways are a lot better now than they were in my days in Australia. I remember once renting a car in Adelaide way back in 1952 to drive to my uncles farm on the Yorke Peninsula and having a break down in the middle of nowwhere.

Was hours sitting at the side of the road before another car came along and I got a ride into Minlaton I was so green in those days I paid for the repairs and never claimed it back from the rental company???

Anyway guys have a great Xmas and All the best for the New Year. Mauri

hi mauri, it's 1500 kilometres from melbourne to gold coast. i,ve done it quite a few times but don't rush normally take three days and stay overnight in a small town motel park the car, go to a hotel for a feed and couple of beers. but i normally fly up now,my car is here. normally use lyn's car in melbourne, but airports are a pain. keep well tom