In memory of Dave
"It's the casino effect. You know you should have left 15 minutes ago..."
This was one of Dave Goodwin's favourite sayings. How true for any parent who knows only too well that good timing can be the make or break of a monumental meltdown.
Dave became president of Yackandandah Playgroup in 2008 taking over the rold from Colleen when she and Mat cleared out to Queensland. By sheer luck, Yackandandah Playgroup was run by three dads. Dave Goodwin was president, Nick Shaw kept some balance to the books and Dale Nelder was part of the loose committee.
To say that us 'girls' had a wondergul time at playgroup that year would be an understatement. With Dave at the helm, a more relaxed atmosphere filtered down from the top. Out with the colour coded cleaning clothes and in with, "Who can make the most incredible creature out of playdough?" Not the kids or his dauther Sophia, but Dave, of course.
Dave and his laid back 'boys from the bush' team, created an infectious air of fun, relaxation and enjoyment. That year we all loved attending Yackandandah Playgroup and 'Have children, will travel' became our motto. The lads organised fish and chips in the park, walks along the gorge, an afternoon of swimming lessons at Edge Aquatics, a picnic in the Albury botanical gardens (complete with parachute) and an excursion to the theature followed by milkshakes all round.
Dave was also well known throughout the Yackandandah community as THE grand master of barbecues. He and his canary yellow Ford were spotted at many fundraisers around the town. He even brought Andy, the family pony, to playgroup for non-stop laps around the carpark.
We played with slime, made biscuits and pancakes, sang songs and celebrated birthdays. We gathered around nurturing our cups of coffee and solved all the parenting problems of the world. Life was good with Dave at the helm.
But all good things sometimes come crashing down to earth when you least expect it. Last year, on Good Friday, one of the good blokes, a great stay at home dad and father of four, a much loved husband and fondly remembered member of the Yachandandah community, was tragically killed in a road accident. Through no fault of his own, Dave Goodwin lost his life in a senseless collision.
So when things are really going pear shaped and your toddler has the upper hand, just remember that everything will be different in 15 minutes time.
Carolyn Martin-Doyle
Member of Yackandandah Playgroup, 2008
Yackandandah is in north east Victoria, near Wodonga.
(April 2011)
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