Small towns

I think I have been in the big city too long. This weekend’s trip has provided some striking reminders about the realities and fragilities of small town life. I had a lengthy chat to the hosts of my B&B in St Marys, and they highlighted the great sense of community that exists in such towns, but also lamented the fact that most committee members in the various organisations are “getting on a bit” and difficult to replace. The kids move away in search of employment, and yet many of the newer businesses are run by outsiders who are seeking a sea/tree change.

Towns wax and wane with time and changes of industry and fortune; the photo shows the cricket stand and field in Derby, showing signs of neglect and lack of use (the cricket field seems to be solely used as a paddock now (although it’s the wrong time of the year to be certain!)). In this day of “creating municipal branding” towns can also be labelled with identities that are simultaneously incongruous yet accurately reflect their characteristics. Thus it is that the tiny locality of Goshen, between St Helens and Scottsdale, is proudly signposted by the Break O’Day council as “Scenic Pastures”.

I had forgotten, too, just how seasonal the tourist industry is, and how marginal it can be for places off the beaten track. The East Coast of Tasmania is a gorgeous place and extremely busy in summer with its beaches, but at this time of year it is very quiet. I’m kind of happy about this as I like it when there aren’t too many people around … but it makes for eerily empty hotel breakfast rooms!