Musical Dispatch from the Front- Au jour d’hui -July 2021

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Frank Baarda

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Jul 14, 2021, 1:46:58 AM7/14/21

to musical-d...@googlegroups.com, Frank Baarda

Bonjour mes amies,

Au jour d’hui c;est le jour national de la france. It is also my mother’s birthdate. She would have been 102.

Next door to Yuendumu there is Mt. Allan, now referred to by its predating Anmatjerre name- Yuelamu. A few days ago, a dignified wise old man, Jangala Cook was buried at Yuelamu. I missed the memorial and funeral because I wasn’t aware it was on. It had been shifted from his birthday because of the Alice Springs two-day lockdown. Jangala would have been 100, so like Prince Philip he just missed getting a telegram from the Queen.

Jangala Cook would often call in to my office for a friendly chat. He spoke beautifully in several languages.

I’m told there was a very large crowd including a group from the Tiwi Islands that performed a traditional dance in Jangala’s honour.

Getting back to the theme of this Dispatch- Bastille Day- I’m sure I’ve told this before. Many years ago I sent a batch of flowers to my mother via Interflora (are they still around?) for her birthday. Jokingly my message was “Happy Bastille Day”- The on the ball people at Interflora delivered a bundle of red white and blue flowers.

A bien tot.

Franc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKfZrIWkVY

PS Have been busy posting and delivering My Yuendumu Story – am much relieved that so far no one has asked for their money back. Au contraire I’ve received nothing but accolades- concurrently gratifying and embarrassing. There are some of you who’d indicated you were interested in buying the book when it became available but have not responded (by paying) to the no obligations offer.

Well, it is now available for $40 including postage or delivery. Vite s'il vous plait.