The cookbook for Marysville

(reposted)

After seeing what I saw and hearing about one resident in particular - I had to do something. Something to make people realise that there are others in the same situation - that although possessions have been lost, you are here, you can re-build and you can move on.

I had a cookbook printed, one with simple plain recipes, that require simple plain ingredients. Nothing fancy - just wholesome food with easy instructions. You don't need complication at a time like this.

Here is the introduction :-

Welcome to the cookbook, designed and printed for the residents of Marysville and surrounds.

This book is not your average cookbook – that you look at – and take a little bit from and then put back on the shelf

You are meant to write in it. You are meant to enjoy it and do what you do best –
COOK!

There is plenty of room in the margins for scribbles – there is plenty of space for you to add your own recipes – there are blank pages, just for that purpose.

The idea of this book came about with one person, who like you, lost everything they ever owned, saying that they were unable to remember a special recipe that was passed down from their mother.

It will be a long haul back – but like the fires of 1939 and those that made it through – You can and will do it. You need to remain strong – You MUST talk about what has happened, both amongst yourselves to help and support each other and with outsiders, this will ensure that your children and your children’s children never forget and are never affected in the same way.

Now is the time to make sure that you don’t become complacent, that you keep your network of friends and families close. You need their support more than ever. Yes there will be rough times ahead – but ask your friends and they will help you – that is the spirit of Australia and the nature of small towns.
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
I can’t replace that recipe – but I can try and find new recipes to replace the old. Most of these recipes are old recipes with the old measurements, they are simple and easy to make. I only hope you can enjoy these recipes as much as I do and they make your kitchen the heart and soul of your new home.

I would like to say thank-you to the following individuals and companies:-
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On a personal note, I would like to say thank-you to all the paid and unpaid people, who on the day, stood in the face of danger to try and protect everything I love and know. You did everything humanely possible and then some. I admire your courage, I admire your strength. Yes there were losses, both life and property but you are not superhuman men and women – you are human and that means that sometimes you have to accept you did everything you possibly could – without losing your own life.

Thank-you

You can purchase the Marysville Cookbook including this introduction at Marysville Cookbook Total cost including postage for Australian Residents is $35.00.
Noting that $10 from each and every book is given back to the township via community groups.
As at the 6th February 2011 - the amount of $3200 has been raised and given back to various community groups
Thank-you