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Sure we're at war, but it'd be positively unAustralian™ if we didn't crack jokes about it. So here's our bit for the war effort: A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured an English major. Taking the major to their headquarters, the French general began to question him. He asked, "Why do you English officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at??"

In his bland English way, the major informed the general that the reason English officers wear red coats is so that if they are shot, the blood won't show and the men they are leading won't panic. And that is why, from that day to now, all French Army officers wear brown pants.

It's Anzac Day tomorrow, and while many people will enjoy the chance to spend a penny playing two-up, spare $2 for an Anzac Day badge. The money will go to the United Returned Soldiers fund to assist veterans. You can pick one up at TAB agencies.

A reminder that double demerit points continue on the roads over the Anzac Day weekend. So far, seven people have lost their lives since Easter – four less than last year. But the number of people speeding and drink driving remains staggering. By Tuesday, 15,353 people had been caught speeding, while 607 where charged with drink driving. There had been 1039 major crashes and 389 people injured. So please take care and slow down.

The North Coast's hospitality came to the fore at the Byron Bay Blues Festival on the weekend when Paul Godfrey from English band Morcheeba asked the crowd if anyone has some "weed" to take back to his tent. After joking that a whip-round should get enough for a joint, someone threw a packet on to the stage. "That's a big bag! Man, thank you!" the surprised, yet pleased singer said.

The Foundation for Young Australians is offering between $40,000 and $80,000 to five groups of young people under their Youth Community Connections initiative.

The five successful groups will become youth-led grant-making groups in their community. Their task is to identify and address key issues for young people and allocate funds to projects that will create opportunities or enhance youth participation in the community. Each applicant must be assisted and supported by two partner organisations (eg school, local government, service organisation)

More information, including application forms, log on to: www.youngaustralians.org. Applications close next Friday, May 2.

Sentimental souls are invited to renew their acquaintance with the Warrumbungle National Park during its 50 year celebrations next month.

The spectular Warrumbungles, 35km from Coonabarabran, have been a popular place for children, campers, bird watchers, photographers to the more intrepid explorers, like Australian Geographic 1988 Explorers of the Year Dot Butler and Dr Eric Dark.

The Barefoot Bush Walking Celebration, May 9-11, has been organised as part of the National Park's 50th anniversary. For more information visit www.coonabarabran .com/wnp, or phone Aileen Bell, at the Warrumbungle Visitor Information Centre on 6825 4364.

Lets try this again shall we: Last week, we lost the introduction to our story on redevelopment of the Wilsons River. It's getting to the really fun part everyone can get involved in. The riverbank steering committee is seeking community input into naming the six key areas.

As we mentioned, the current working names and locations are: The Ramp, the Riverside Picnic Area, The Riviera, The Stops, the Pritchard Rainforest Reserve and Bundjalung Nature Plantation and Wharf Park. A copy of 'Reflections of a River', including concept plans for each area, is on Lismore City Council's Website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au. The details are also available from Lois Kelly, the Riverbank Project Co-ordinator, at the Economic Development Unit in the old council chambers on Molesworth St.

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