Now having returned to live in Braidwood after a number of decades I have had the pleasure of Christmas shopping in the shops and farmers markets. I know my extended family will enjoy the children and adult books by local authors,  garlic in many forms, jams, vinegar, honey and specialised gifts our shops have to offer.

Margaret Tuckwell née McGrath, Braidwood

I often think of Braidwood, a rural country town.

Of the people who survive it and make it so renown.

I think of all my childhood friends, very few remain.

One friend deserves a mention: Paul Rouen is his name. 

Our mothers were the closest friends, our Dads the best of mates.

Our sisters formed a special bond, so our friendship emanates.

I have long departed this little town, lured by the city lights.

Memories flood back to me, during my sleepless nights.

No matter how long it’s been since Paul and I crossed paths,

It seems that when we get together, we have never been apart.

We each have made our separate lives, as different as they’ve been.

The friendship has stood the test of time, no matter the distance between.

The town itself as flourished through gold rush drought and rain.

Of the pubs that numbered forty-eight, only two of which remain.

There was Nomchong’s corner grocery store and Reeson’s bakery.

Mandrake’s Motor Garage and Mutton’s Drapery.

Doctor Braidwood Wilson would be happy if he could,

See how much it’s prospered, this little town Braidwood.

Bob Barber, Mount Hutton

Whilst its good to see the ‘Times’ still drawing people’s attention to important and controversial issues I think the Headline ‘Past or Potential?’ calls for comment.

Mr Cairn’s quoted remarks suggest he feels no potential good can come from Braidwood’s Heritage Listing. But many of us supported Listing not least because of the potential it offered for Braidwood’s economic development

The uniqueness of the Police Paddock site is worth far more in economic terms than four dwellings ‘in sympathy with heritage issues’.

Gill Burke, Braidwood