FOR those of you who can't get enough of news of the Queen , we have it from Government House staff that official secretary to the Governor-General, Stephen Brady, was personally invested by Her Majesty as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) at the end of her stay there last week. Brady is no stranger to the Queen, having had several private audiences in London as official secretary and as Australia's Ambassador to Sweden and the Netherlands. He said one of the special moments during the Queen's stay at Government House came when he presented her with an album, compiled by the National Archives, containing photographs of the 1927 visit to Canberra by her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York. The Queen had never seen the photographs before and was fascinated. Another Government House staffer, Andy Botto, was also honoured by the Queen. He received the Royal Victorian Medal (RVN) to recognise his service of more than 30 years at Yarralumla.
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Furry fundraising
AND now for a story that's a bit warm and fuzzy. A group of Year 6 students of St Peter and St Paul Primary School, Garran, did a spot of fundraising as part of their roles as charity and social justice leaders. Students Katelyn Durbin, Ashlea Durbin, Elizabeth Joseph and Grace Skvorc chose to battle childhood cancers with the lowest survival rates by supporting the Oncology Children's Foundation. They raised about $1200 to give to the foundation, which sold them special teddy bears. These bears found new homes in the arms of children at the Canberra Hospital. In order to raise money to buy bears, they sold bears. Within a week they sold 150 small bears at their school. Their fundraising efforts also included an all-school teddy bears picnic - everyone brought along his or her bear of choice and had lunch together. The girls went to the Canberra Hospital to hand-deliver some bears to the children yesterday.
Back on the air
A FAMILIAR name is to return to local radio station 1053 2CA. Leighton Archer is to replace Greg ''Robbo'' Robson soon on 2CA's Classic Breakfast. Archer has for the past year been working outside the radio industry and was keen to return to the airwaves, his real passion. ''It's a homecoming for me,'' he said. ''I'm so excited to return.'' Archer will be on-air from December 5. Robson will be pursuing other interests but will still be heard on the odd fill-in shift.
First Bloke's XI
CHECK out ''First Bloke'' Tim Mathieson's sporting prowess this weekend. The Prime Minister's partner is to lead the ''First Bloke's XI'' against the Australian Transplant Cricket Club. This club is made up of organ and tissue transplant recipients who have had a ''second innings of life''. This year's ATCC team toured England and regained the David Hookes Memorial Shield from the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club. Everyone is welcome to go on Sunday to Phillip Oval, Woden (at the corner of Launceston and Irving streets), from 11am-4pm. Entry is free. Details can be found at www.donatelife.gov.au
Get connected
SOCIAL Inclusion Week is just up ahead but there's still plenty of time to get ready and register to host an event during the week that celebrates belonging and involvement. The week runs from November 19-27. Taking part is easy - just team up with your neighbours, schools and businesses and come up with an event that connects the community, whether these be hosted resource sessions, dog walks, forums, barbecues or concerts; or, indeed, anything that fosters connectedness. Events can be registered at www.socialinclusionweek.com.au
Tour of lights
FOR many, a lot of the magic of Christmas comes from admiring the seasonal bling strung up around houses full of Yuletide spirit. Queanbeyan's annual Mayoral Christmas Lights Tour is up ahead and preparations are well underway for the volunteer-run event. The tour, especially for seniors and people with a disability who live in Queanbeyan, is planned for the nights of December 15, 19 and 20. Those who register for a pick-up will be collected from their homes by buses. Volunteers on board will help them. Buses will gather at The Q's Lowe Street carpark for some carolling and light refreshments. The buses will then leave to see decorated homes in Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. Enquiries can be directed to 62856281.
Hula lot of fun
HAWAIIAN Ball chairman Paul Walshe hopes you'll say aloha to an evening of fun and fundraising for the ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group. This year's ball is on at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden on November 19 at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal, fine wine and local dance band Second Movement playing hit songs by The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond and the Monkees. Tickets cost $140 per person and bookings can be made by calling 62971261.
