This poem was for a very special girl, Amanda Jane for her 21st birthday.

Amanda Jane

Carol Reffold © May 2003

Living on a big block in a town called Riddell's Creek
Dwells the girl we’re here to honour –I’ll give her some cheek
We all have special mem’ries – please join in my refrain
Cheer the Princess of this evening – she’s called Amanda Jane

She was born in Eighty-two, a gorgeous little girl
Marg and Barry’s lives were changed, now a constant whirl
But some things are ever constant, some things still remain,
One thing which will never change her name’s Amanda Jane

A baby, born in Melbourne, her parents were quite tireless,
“A little ray of sunshine” was playing on the wireless,
Aged twelve months, at her Christening – she didn’t half complain!
Her Gran and her Aunt Cheryl - named her Amanda Jane

When she was two, the Grampians were a lot of fun
And then she had a sister! That kept her on the run!!
In hospital in Melbourne, with Melinda, they’d explain,
Is that when she chose ‘nursing’, our sweet Amanda Jane?

As Mummy’s little helper, and Daddy’s special girl,
She was Oh! So very busy, her life was one fast whirl,
Still three, a bride’s-maid for her aunt, she held the bride’s long train
You’ve guessed it, this wee flower girl was called Amanda Jane!

When she was four, she starred at ‘blocks’, yabbying at weekends.
With Ballet and Kindy children, she soon had lots of friends!
School, aged six, at Riddell’s Creek, she proved she had a brain
“A diligent, pleasing student”, that lass – Amanda Jane.

At seven she started brownies, a love she has today,
At eight she was given a keyboard, and started to learn to play
Aged nine she started cooking. Quite fancy, not too plain,
But now, she’s far too busy, our girl Amanda Jane.

Eleven saw her horse-riding, Kalawadda with Pa Strack,
She was always happy going; - and sad - at coming back!
It didn’t seem to matter, whether sunshine or in rain,
Kalawadda was so special, to our friend, Amanda Jane.

Then she left Riddell Primary, and went up to Braemar,
Her family were so proud of her – ‘Specially Gran and Pa
Then she flew to Sydney, in a great big plane,
To represent Australia, our girl, Amanda Jane!

Thirteen saw her joining Guides, a love she follows still,
Fourteen, roller blading, - she had more than one spill!
Kuca Camping with the Church, by car, or coach or train
Life was so very busy for our girl, Amanda Jane.

Studies, playing piano, guiding, climbing Mt Ariples,
Life at fifteen, one huge ball, climbing rocks and trees.
At sixteen, one small setback, who’s appendix did complain?
You guessed it! Appendectomy for sweet Amanda Jane!

Seventeen, Royal Women’s for their Mother’s Day Appeal
Rex Hunt and Sam Newman had their shoulders to the wheel!
Eighteen, licence. VCE, wondering where to train
So many opportunities faced our Amanda Jane.

At nineteen, she’d decided to be a nursing sister,
She found a course at Bendigo with family to assist her
Working down at Safeway, for her financial gain
Saw her nearly independent, our girl– Amanda Jane.

Now twenty, – twenty-one this week, you’ve had a pleasant ride
Whatever’s in your future dear, you’ll take it in your stride.
I’m grateful that I know you – you’ve never caused me pain
You’ll always be so special, my sweet Amanda Jane.

‘Cos Amanda, you remind me - of a whip upon the wall,
A solid core, with many chords, running round it all,
A much-blessed girl, a special friend, as each path you’ve trod ,
But like the whip upon the wall, your handle’s held by God

You always are dependable, loyal and true blue
And we can bet you’ll do the things you say you’ll do.
Yes, go back down that time tunnel, some things still don’t change
We won’t find a nicer girl either side of the range

I’d like to close this poem – and let’s all stand and cheer
The reason for this evening, the reason we’re all here
Salute a quiet achiever, a gorgeous girl, unique,
Let’s say Happy Birthday – Amanda Jane of Riddell’s Creek!

 

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