In a letter to the editor, Ian Balmain of Healesville (Vic) clarifies that Pink was not refused entry to ‘the Skiffy’, but rather to ‘the Sailos’, officially known as the Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club. Balmain notes that ‘the Sailos’ has been a popular spot since the 1950s and is colloquially referred to as such, with only those from the other side of the Spit Bridge calling it ‘the Skiffy’. Meanwhile, Catholic Mission director Father Brian Lucas of Bundanoon shares insights on the use of Latin within the Catholic Church during the 1960s Vatican Council, highlighting the challenges faced due to diverse accents.
Evan Bailey of Glebe believes that Latin is not yet dead and suggests that aged Latin teachers could be involved in ensuring the grammatical accuracy of the school’s Latin motto, as well as monitoring whether staff and students uphold the Latin exhortations. Dave Horsfall of North Gosford recalls David Synnott, the founding GM of Bankcard, noting that his son Derek had a large Bankcard sticker on his car window and was a unique individual who won a car in a competition. Ted Richards of Batemans Bay shares his experience as a retailer dealing with Bankcard, highlighting the inconvenience of checking card numbers against the weekly list provided by the company.
Jack Dikian of Mosman mentions an antique shop in Mosman that still displays a Bankcard sticker on its window, speculating that the owner may be hesitant to remove it for fear of damaging the window or because it holds some historical significance. Caz Willis of Bowral questions the nomenclature of Newcastle upon Tyne’s river, prompting thoughts on why there isn’t a similar naming convention for Newcastle on Hunter. The mention of the Bradley’s Head Naval Memorial by Judy Jones of Thornleigh sparks a reflective moment, particularly when she comes across the name of Able Seaman A. Hoy, which she finds fitting for a sailor.
Overall, the letters to the editor cover a range of topics including the colloquial names of local establishments, the use of Latin language within the Catholic Church, memories of Bankcard and its impact on retailers, and musings on historical and geographical naming conventions. The contributors share personal anecdotes and observations, sparking reflections on cultural traditions, linguistic history, and the significance of names and memorials. These letters provide a glimpse into various aspects of everyday life and historical contexts, inviting readers to consider the nuances and symbolism embedded in language, traditions, and societal norms.
