TA: Amy Clapp has done a big job as a boundary umpire with the Warrnambool and District Umpires' Association but the popular young lady was embarrassed on Wednesday night in her job as one of the friendly staff at Red Rooster.
AT: I've heard good reports about Amy on the umpiring front but what happened at Red Rooster?
TA: It appears there was a bit of a lull between customers and the ever-reliable Amy decided to clean the outside of the front windows. She headed off with the cleaning gear, the front door closed behind her and Amy didn't realise it had locked. The cooks were out the back behind the counter and didn't realise Amy was locked out. The next minute a dashing white knight arrived on the scene as customers were trying to get in. Guess who?
AT: Just tell us.
TA: Sources tell me it was someone who is partial to chicken, chips and soft drink so I wasn't terribly surprised to hear Warrnambool and District Football Netball League Gift Gallery chieftain Justin Balmer was on hand. He ended up getting Amy back in and was pleased to put a smile on the face of hungry customers.
AT: I loved the passion of Heywood footy club chief Shane Evans after the signing of former Brisbane premiership player Mal Michael Evans. He told a colleague that the signing was terrific. ''There's a real excitement around the town. I've used this analogy once and I'll use it again. It's like pissing in a wet suit -there's that real warm feeling,'' Evans said.
TA: Successful Warrnambool businessman Bill Clancey is having a career change. Bill and Dawn will be running a bed and breakfast in Koroit. To be a bit more precise they will take over the old Koroit convent in the middle of February. Apparently they have just put their house on the market while Bill is still getting over the shock running the bed and breakfast business.
AT: Nissan dealer Clinton Baulch is gearing up for a new batch of ads after the success of his last TV specials featuring former Cobden teammate Stephen Hammond and his wife, the hard-working Jo. Stephen was seen parading around while his wife did all the work but there's likely to be a switch of roles with Hammond having to don an apron for the next batch of ads and getting involved in the housework.
TA: Sad to see the commercial side of the world is taking over. We have not even had Christmas and already a couple of stores have Easter eggs lined up to fill the shelves and Easter is not until April 4.
AT: Any other news on the street?
TA: The hottest rumour sweeping Liebig Street is a high profile business might be looking at expanding its operation. Had a chat to Mario and Paul at Materia's and they could not shed any light on the rumour. They did say they would keep us informed if they heard anything.
AT: I didn't manage to get across to Port Fairy last Sunday for Jacinta Evans' farewell due to commitments with kids but I understand you had a fair show at your townhouse on the beach. What I was a little confused about was the $5 door charge for the 70 people who turned up.
TA: Not a door charge - just a unique raffle opportunity to stay at the townhouse. Standard production chief Wayne Stanley has got the deal of his life for $5.
AT: Had a little bit of a tip that police officers swooped on Warrnambool councillors leaving a meeting in late November. Good to hear that everyone was under the limit but it would have taken four police cars to pull off the operation.
TA: Any footy gossip?
AT: Usually reliable source Whispers tells me there is a bit of talk about the playing future of veteran forward Frankie Matthews. Matthews held together the South Rovers scoring zone last season and the club is planning for him to continue with a boosted player list in support next year. But Whispers tell me Frankie may head back to Hawkesdale. The full-forward is expected to miss a big chunk of next year while overseas. Rovers could also be without half-forward Ben Hood who is a chance to play in Geelong which would off-set recruiting solid Hampden league players Brad McCosh and Darren Cheeseman. Rovers had been touted as a big improver with Cheeseman likely to also bring a former Camperdown teammate down the highway with him. Nathan Murphy is also a chance to put moving to South Warrnambool on hold for a season due to the resurgent Rovers list.
TA: Finally a special Christmas message to our loyal readers and everyone who has handed on us bits of gossip during the past year. Thanks, you make the column the highlight of the week. Have a happy and safe holiday period. Hooroo.
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