Author keeps promise to publish father’s memoir

The travelling showman, Rod Coomber, with his daughter and author Christine Bourne.

Local Sunshine Coast author Christine J Bourne has fulfilled a promise made over ten years ago to her father, Rod Coomber, to have his Memoir “The Last Mile” published.

Rod and his wife Thelma were local residents of Wakefield Street, Woombye.  They joined Woombye Bowls, competing in many tournaments locally and were regular parishioners at St Margaret’s Anglican Church.

What people don’t know about Rod will all be revealed at the upcoming book launch at the Woombye Bowls Club on Monday 31 August at 10.30am.  There will be excerpts from the book, several poetry readings by Earl Taylor plus, the “Song of Anzac” written by Rod’s father Matt while at Gallipoli, will be played. The song has been recorded by the Aroona Crooners, a local group on the Sunshine Coast and is now available on CD.

The Last Mile was a collaboration of Rod and his daughter Christine and the project started in 2017. “Dad was wanting to write his story down before he got too sick or old.  He was worried he’d lose the memories of what was a remarkable life, full of adventure, drama and love.

“I made a promise to him that I would have his book published and it’s quite emotional for me that the book is finally published. I think Dad will be pleased with the way it’s turned out,” Christine said.

The Last Mile is the story of Rod Coomber’s life from his birth in Cooroy in 1920, to a life of adventure on the road, either performing in vaudeville and variety shows, or in the post war years, as a travelling showman working at agricultural country shows and capital cities, like the Ekka.  The stories he tells, the places he’s been, the characters he met, are all there in a story about a lifestyle that is unique, told against the background of a changing Australia – and so much more.

“Dad was, is, a great storyteller. The Last Mile is his story, told in his words, the way he wanted to tell it,” said Christine. “People will just love the book, particularly those of older generations who can relate to many of the places he went and the things he did.”

The Last Mile is a cracking good read and will be available after the 31 August by contacting Christine Bourne on 0428 176 557 or visiting the website: christinejbourneauthor.com; or by email christinejbourneauthor@gmail.com