AS a recent addition to the News Of The Area team, I must say that my short time with the organisation has been a great experience for me.

Having the opportunity to write my fishing articles with freedom to express my environmental and sustainability concerns has been a pleasure.

The feedback I am receiving is growing as the local and visiting fishing population realise that I now write a regular weekly column in the NOTA.

As we move into the summer months, I would ask that any fishing stories and fishy photographs be passed on to me so that I can relay the news to our readers.

I really like to see photos of kids with their fishing efforts which, when printed, are eagerly cut out and pasted to the refrigerator door where they remain for many years to come.

Email me at stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.

As it is with my fishing article, I am enjoying the opportunity to present my weekly local historical collection.

I am receiving an equal response to both articles.

As a keen local historian, I am of the belief that we should all be aware of the contribution of the Worimi people and the early pioneering families who made Port Stephens what it is today.

From our earliest days, when the Worimi were the only footprints in the sand, we have progressed as fishers, oyster farmers and boat builders.

More recently to tourism and business.

It is hoped, in the near future, that a permanent regional museum be established to reflect the efforts of all those before us.

The Tomaree Museum Association has been established with that aim in mind.

My personal choice for a permanent home for the museum would be Tomaree Headland.

I will be lobbying the decision makers in the coming months.

As the year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers and staff of the NOTA a very Merry Christmas.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE