The other day I checked out the winter ice rinks that have popped up in both Fremantle and Northbridge. You won’t believe what I saw … insanity or brilliance you be the judge.
Winterland Perth © The Ponder Room
Living in the summer tinderbox that is Perth we’ve come to respect the immense power of fire. A small spark can eradicate a lifetime of possessions in an instant. We heed total fire bans and avoid unmanned fires like a bride avoids the chocolate fountain at her wedding reception. So perhaps you can imagine my surprise when I saw this at Winterland in Northbridge (see above).
Not one fire pit but two. Sure the clever flower design meant little ones couldn’t reach the fire but still I was perplexed. There were no fire guards and no signs plaster all over the place warning of a ‘potential hazard’. In recent years modern cities have become festooned with health and safety messages. No running, no skateboards, no dogs, no smoking, no children … no breathing. For a moment I pondered whether I was still in Perth. How could the public be left to their own devises? How could we be expected to act responsibly? Perhaps sanity would prevail at the Winter Garden in Fremantle, although given the port towns bohemian brand I didn’t like my chances.
The Winter Garden took the insanity one step further.
We hapless members of the public were encouraged to part with a dollar coin in return for two marshallows and a flimsy looking stick (think long matchstick). The more reckless amongst us could double the risk and buy five marshmallows (and two sticks) for $2. We were then directed to the open fire pit where we could insert the impaled marshmallows into the burning embers. I know insanity right?
Winter Garden © The Ponder Room
As I moved towards the open fire pit I tried to remain calm. It’ll be okay I pondered, there’s sure to be an officious uniform clad dictator directing exactly how and where we could insert out stick. When I got there it was just a fire in a huge pan. The only ‘official’ person I saw was a man who wandered over, lobbed some more wood on the fire, and then disappeared like that magician Dynamo. Dumbfounded I watched on waiting for the horror to begin. What I saw was …
Winter Garden © The Ponder Room
Parents took responsibility. They explained to their children that the fire was very very hot and they had to be very careful. It became a learning opportunity. Parents were seen as someone to turn to for knowledge. I know, crazy idea.
The children beamed as they extended their sticks.
Strangers helped each other, pointing out the best place to stand so they didn’t get covered in smoke. This opened up even more discussions.
Grandparents chatted about when they were kids catching fish and cooking it on a beach fire.
Teenagers helped smaller children reach the fire.
Different cultures stood shoulder to shoulder around the warmth.
When I was there no one got hurt. There were no screams. Not even any crying, just smiles and giggles.
Everyone enjoyed the slightly crusty, oozing, sweet goodness.
As I retrieved my own crispy marshmallow from the fire I pondered …
- How could such a simple low cost idea foster such immense community spirit, intergenerational and multicultural exchanges. If only this could be a regular winter event.
- How good would it be finishing Australia Day on the beach with everyone around a fire. (Okay I guess you can sing Kay San if you have to)
- The only way this could have been better would be if the money raised went to charity … burns victims or people who lost their homes in the summer fires perhaps. (maybe it does I don’t know).
- Who would have thought that if left alone we would manage to look after both ourselves and those around us … perhaps there is hope for the human race after all.
So what do you think insanity or an opportunity to bring back a good idea? While Winterland has finished I hope it will be back next year, it was great fun in very pretty setting (review coming up later). In the meantime make sure you get to the Winter Garden in Fremantle as it’s just as good.
