Over the past year many of us have in some way been touched by and shared in Erin and John's wonderful sanctuary and hospitality at Steels Creek. We are all so relieved and grateful that they are both still in our lives even if their home and possessions are not. It is incredibly tragic that they have lost their beautiful property and all their life collections and memorabilia along with the loss of near and new friends in the community. The least we can do is all share our stories, experiences and photos of times had with E-M and JB so that the spirit can live on and they have some recent memories to remember the good times.
So many great memories of a beautiful place. The best part of it lives on in Erin-Marie and John.
ReplyDeleteE-M and John ...
ReplyDeleteDid that branch ever fall out of that tree.? Bet that rope's still hanging off that bloody branch. Surely a even fire couldn't get that branch down.
I won't miss that Cambodian chatter in the morning tho.
Catchya soon.
Coops.
Dearest Erin-Marie and JB,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I'm so relieved that you made it out safely on Saturday but sad to see you lost your beautiful place. I had never been to Steels Creek, but have just been looking at some photos.
I will forward this onto some friends and ensure the message to continue supporting the local community is heard, I will make sure I do this as well.
Please let us know if we can do anything to help. We have a shed full of tools, 2 willing pairs of hands and a huge music collection you can have a look through...
If you just want someone to share a laugh, cry or anything in between with plus of course one or many wines, I am here and would love to...
Take care and lots of love,
Kaz xo
Hi Guys,
ReplyDeleteHaving returned from Egypt for our annual Christmas holiday, we were priveleged to discover the oasis of 916 enroute to the farm at Taggerty...which didn't fare well either! The fun, your hardcore hospitality E-M, jobs with JB and the sublime setting are memories of Steels Creek we will never forget!
Thank God you both made it out safely from what sounds like an awfully close call. Our thoughts are with you (...I just couldn't imagine losing my record collection JB!!) and let us know if we can help in any way. Hope to see you mid-year and spend a day or 2 on the tools for the rebuild.
Love & best wishes - Jono.
I'm on the lookout for a new pathetic dog that sings some crappy tune - and makes you guys laugh over a red wine (Erin you know what I mean ;) ) - when I find him will send him your way. We're actually gonna be in Melbourne on April 24 for a mate's wedding in the city. If you happen to be in the city around then let me know and we'll come and say hi and buy you a red. Have donated some money but sorry recession is hurting us - wanted to donate more. Working on a lotto win for all of us.- Sandie xx
ReplyDeleteErin and JB,
ReplyDeleteFond memories of changing the position of the Buddha that day in the garden. I guess we got it just right! He watches over your place and keeps your spirit there whilst you (sadly) cannot be.
As devastating as this event is, we will get stronger to go on. Your community of people around you build a wall of strength together.
Please don't underestimate how much people love you. We are here for the long haul. I look forward to being part of rebuilding your beautiful home and supporting you now, and in the future.
Looking forward to the next hug from you both!
Your Valley buddy,
Bron.
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ReplyDeleteEM and JB,
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad you are both safe and well!
It seems like an eternity ago we visited your lovely house for lunch. I think the spirit of the place can be summed up in our visit though, as JB was recovering on the couch from a rather large evening of entertaining the night before. You both had been helping a friend going through a rough time, by lending an ear and trying to help her through one of lifes problems. I think that sums up the spirit of your place. The warmth, hospitality, love and caring. The fantastic thing is though, those attributes did not burn up in the flames as they existed there because of you guys JB & Erin. What is so great though, is that you can rebuild the house and that warmth and spirit will return once again as you both will be there.
Sending you lots of love and good wishes.
Geoff, Rebecca and Esther.
Hi Guys,
ReplyDeleteWe have not stopped thinking of you both and can't wait to give you a big hug soon, oh and some Pinot!
I don't know what Glen was more worried about Foxy Loxy or the drum kit. I had another tear or two when I heard the dog was OK as she has also been in my daily thoughts.
Let us know when you are ready if you need anything or a Melbourne room to sleep in at St Kilda. Just remember the words of Mr Cohen... through the cracks there is light! What a generous man to have donated $200,000!
Love Kylie and Glen xx
Erin & JB, soooooooooooooooo glad to learn that you two are fine. I was worried these days when watching the news. felt really thankful to be able to see the message on your blog and I'm also very very touched for the Yara valley spririt: the courage, generocity and kindness towards each other. I know you must be very busy now trying to get things back together. I wanted to help anyway I can. I can send stuff through. Kindly let me know where you're staying right now and the address. Joe TY Huang
ReplyDeleteFrom Bev Reid - JB's sister.
ReplyDeleteWe spent a week with JB and EM end of June last year. The details are a bit sketchy but I remember there was lots of drinking, eating, drinking, talking, drinking, laughing, drinking. We had a great time!
While the place was fantastic, without JB and EM it was just a place. They are what made it special. You could be camped with them in a tent in the middle of a blackened 20 acre block (now there's an idea) and still have a fabulous time. They are what made the place great and fortunately we still have them both. So while I mourn the loss of their possesions I'm just so happy they are ok and we can look forward to many more years eating, talking, laughing and of course drinking the odd glass/bottle or two.
Special places like Steels Creek are special because of the people that brought them to life. Erin & JB, you guys have a magic touch. You'll be back better than ever. The best news we could hope for from February 7 was that you guys would get out so when we see you next, we're going to crack a serious bottle of bubbles, then red then white and we'll go from there!. Opera in the Vineyards in October was probably more memorable for Rob's rendition of 'Tin Roof Blues' (you had to be there!) but it was a perfect example of what really matters - damn good friends.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you.
Lisa & Mark
E-M
ReplyDeleteSadly can't help with JB's drums or guitar....and so sorry to hear about your piano (I didn't know you played). But in the spirit that one day you will get another, I would be happy to copy my sheet music so you at least have something to play. I'll make a list of what I've got and you can pick what you'd like. Love and strength to you both. Joanna
So very happy that the two of you decided to leave the house, but very sad that you lost it all. I rang William to find out what he knew and eventually heard that the two of you were safe, thank God!
ReplyDeleteI do have some pictures if someone can let me know how to upload them to the blog?!...
In early January, three "bikers" roared up to 916, courtesy of an invitation from JB to our mate William for a warm bed and a meal. Hailing from Sweden, and Sydney, we roared in and were immediately being looked after by these fine people, a beer in one hand, chamois in the other to wash our dusty Harley's. I hope we didn't use too much water!!
After a tour of the back paddock, and an intro to the local foxy (glad to hear he is safe!), we were served up a fantastic roast lamb, washed down with great wine, and this was a school night! Then on to learn electronic drums and the wonders of computer generated music. These guys opened their doors and hearts, and we were very lucky to get a small taste of the area and a fond and lasting memory.
Please let us know when we can come and help!
Dearest Erin and JB,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I was only able to visit Steels Creek once but it was an honor and a pleasure that I was able to share a very small part of the incredible home that Erin and JB created, something that I will never forget.
But most of all I am incredible relieved and very fortunate to still have my very dear friends.
I will always have special memories of their phenomenal hospitality of which they have shown me countless times.
Sharing Maxies b'day, the fabulous Leonard Cohen concert and hearing Mr Cohen's voice throughout the entire weekend.
The wonderful BBQ's (and there were many!!!) and the many bottles of bubbles, sparkling shiraz, wine and beer consumed amongst good friends.
The gardening, digging ditches, pulling branches out of trees and how can I forget the amazing party pooch........soooooo relieved to hear that she made it!
The love, warmth and hospitality of Steels Creek was all created by two very special people and their spirit lives on there.
I hope one day to help them rebuild, however small it is, defiantly over a few bottles of bubbles and wine.
All my love
Kaz xx