A Point Clare retiree, who volunteers as a presenter at Central Coast community radio station, Coast FM, was one of 100 amateur writers from across the state, who have been published in the 2023 edition of Seniors Stories (Volume 9).
Chris Maitland, who presents several programs on CoastFM963, mostly playing early rock ‘n’ roll from the late 50s and early 60s, has written of his career spent mostly in the media, and how his wheel has gone full circle, now playing the same songs as oldies that he played in his first announcing job in Wollongong in 1962.
“As a teenager I wanted to be a radio announcer,” Maitland said.
“I got into radio sales instead where I worked most of my life.”
Maitland said his most notable times in the media included 14 years at 2UE in Sydney and commentating baseball and softball for the Seven Network at three Olympics – Atlanta, Sydney and Athens.
When he and his wife Marion moved to the Central Coast 18 months ago to be closer to their children and grandchildren, he was able resurrect his dream of being a radio announcer.
Seniors Card runs a competition each year for stories of 500 words or less on seniors, encouraging them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
This year’s theme was Ageing and Life Lessons.
About 280 entries are received annually and members of the Fellowship of Australian Writers select the best 100 to be published.
The printed book is then distributed to all libraries throughout the state and all the stories can also be accessed on the Seniors Card website.
Maitland also had stories included in three previous volumes.
“Although I have had stories in previous volumes, I was very thrilled and excited to be selected,” he said.
A reception was held at Parliament House for this year’s top 100 where Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison complimented this year’s successful writers on their efforts to encourage active lifestyles for seniors.
Three other Central Coast seniors had their stories published in this year’s book, Mavis Gunter, Brendan Horgan and Patricia Webb.