Eurobodalla’s oldest living former Shire President and now Crime Thriller Author Lance Smith now in his 80th year, is returning to Mossy Point Boatshed Coffee Shop from 9am -noon on Saturday 20th August to sign his latest mystery ‘PS Drop Dead’.
“It has special significance to me as I remember watching many George Bass Surfboat Marathons from there over the years. It is a perfect spot on the edge of the Tomago River with uninterrupted views of the ocean and Mossy Point Headland” the author said this week.
“I am told Kate and Josh are great hosts. Plus the boatshed also features in the new book which is a sequel to ‘Deeds Of Salvation’ first published in 2020”.
Lance was Shire President of Eurobodalla during the 1970’s and still has many ties in the area.
“It sure is a different place today than we had 50 years ago. Annetts Parade was a dirt track back then and a terrific fishing spot. Our three kids learnt to swim in Candlagan Creek”.
The author was awarded the Order Of Australia AM for his work with the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice which all started when he and his wife Helen lived in Batehaven.
“They were wonderful years and we come back as often as possible to catch up with old mates”.
“This trip will be extra special” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting up with folk I haven’t seen for many years from one end of the Shire to the other – and besides all that it is a bloody good read”.
About the Author
Lance was born in Sydney in 1943 but raised/schooled in broken hill, Coffs Harbour, Bathurst & Cootamundra before sailing overseas to live in the UK as a 17 year old. After working his way around Europe he joined the London fire brigade and later transferred back to the NSW fire brigade at Kings Cross as a 21 year old and back to his passion- scuba diving. With part time work in the Sydney markets, driving tow trucks and repossessing as well as the ' fireys' in the cross, he felt he had seen enough of the seamy side of life and began work as a diving instructor in the Whitsundays on Daydream island over 50 years ago where he met the love of his life, Helen, proposing on the sands of Whitehaven beach. Fortunately- for Lance- she said 'yes'. They have 3 children born and bred in Batemans Bay where Lance held a number of community roles including shire president. He was later awarded the bi centennial advance Australia award, made a member of the surf lifesaving George Bass surfboat marathon hall of fame then later, awarded the Order of Australia, AM -amongst others. Today Helen and Lance live at Hastings Point, northern NSW and have 7 grandchildren spread around the world. They love life.
