In December 2001, Brother Brian Thomas sent this message to me [ Ted Bailey ] to include in the next issue of MHR. As I am no longer the editor and the new editor did not use the material that I passed on to him during the transition, I thought it was appropriate to publish Brian's message here to share with all.
Boomerang Throwers of the world, Hi all. I thought I would share some thoughts on the World Cup and let you know what my involvement through the years has been. In 1981 we had the first big international Challenge when an American side came to Australia for a 3 Test Series around the country. I was Captain and Coach of the Aussies (we lost all challenges except for the Albury clash .. good for my record, eh?) In 1988 the first real World Cup was run at Barooga with 7 nations competing. I was one of the three referees (the Aussie one, the others being USA and Dutch). It was marvellous to be so close to the action with the world's best going head to head in a great spirit. I partly became part of the Japanese force in 1983, when Barrie Forsyth (SA), and I were invited to Japan to teach boomerang throwing for a week at Yokkaichi City, igniting much interest there. In 1984 I coached the Aussie Team in Sydney before they flew to win back the Australia's Cup from the USA in America (I can hear some saying' "How do you coach Bob Burwell, who can do everything? Just sit back and let him go!!) In 1998 at the last minute I joined one of our 2 teams to St. Louis, USA, for the World Cup. My health wasn't the best and I couldn't perform up to what I knew I could do, but I had a marvellous time being in the midst of so many great throwers. It is a real buzz for any boomerang enthusiast to be at these affairs. If you ever get the chance to see one, don't miss out. In 2000 I was coach of the Aussie Fever 1 team in Melbourne. Again a marvellous time to be amongst so many great throwers. I had the privilege to throw out the opening boomerang for the World Cup, throwing the prized and rare King Billy Hook,(c.1850) owned by Ralph Sinclair. This shape had revolutionised comp throwing when it first came along and Jeff Lewry's hook is based on it. 2002 sees the World Cup in Kiel,Germany, a place very dear to my heart. In 1985, when I was doing a tour around Europe after a course in Rome, Jens Behrman invited me to Kiel to do a demo and help kick start boomerang interest in Kiel. When the time came for the demo it was raining, and there were 300 Germans standing under umbrellas waiting to see boomerangs thrown. So I donned my rain jacket and away we went.. successfully thank goodness. The following day we had another bumper crowd.I was delighted that my very good friend Thomas Hartmann (RIP) was there too) Sadly I doubt if I shall be able to witness the World Cup in Kiel in 2002 because of the following reasons.
1. As you probably know my health is very uncertain. On Tuesday, 19th December, I shall have a brain tumour removed .. successfully, we hope. Not sure what the after- effects will be. At present my left eye vision has a blind spot, so I hope that will come good.
2. Finance will definitely stop me anyway, just as it is stopping several of other Aussie throwers.
3. The third hurdle I would have, is to convince my higher authorities that it is appropriate that I should go. That I am really needed in any way.
So, I wish you all well at Kiel, because I am sure it will be run with true German efficency. I am sure they will have everything organised (except maybe the weather!!!) Maybe you should all bring your prayer shawls along!!! Despite all that, you will be in for a treat and don't miss it if you can help. There will be so much to see and learn. It is always great watching champions at work. Of course, the Germans have the pressure on them, since they are defending three World Cups in a row. Can they make it 4??? Who would I be tipping to possibly upset the apple cart in that direction? I say keep an eye on Switzerland and Japan, as well as the usual strong ones, like all the USA teams. Best wishes for Christmas, and all that practice I am sure you will be doing, and every success in 2002. God bless you all, and be kind and helpful to all. Your old boomerang buddy Down Under, Br. Brian Thomas Sydney, Australia, 2001.
P.S. Since some of you don't get the Boomerang Bulletin I have added an attachment which is the Story of Gunter Wandtke, which has appeared in our latest Bulletin. Gunter has an Aussie and German connection.