What is the Question – November

For November’s What is the Question Leigh Clarnette from Clarnette Wines at Armstrong talks with Roland Rocchiccioli.

 

What is your name?

Leigh Clarnette.

 

What is your occupation?

Winemaker and oenologist of 40 years.

 

What brought you to Ballarat?

A job at Taltarni Vineyard in 2006.

 

What is your favourite spot in the city, and why?

The Art Gallery of Ballarat. I have taken people there on occasion and it never ceases to amaze. Also, the Mining Exchange. My mother has fond memories of it on her way to school. In 1941, she was living Gordon, caught the railcar into Ballarat Station, walked down to Ansett’s Bus depot in the Mining Exchange. The bus drove out of the front door, as we know it today.

 

What is your earliest memory?

I was maybe two. In my cot. I used to dress-up as the minister of our church. I would drape a blanket over me like a cloak/robe, use one of my books as a hymnal, and sing la-la-la-la. My mother took a picture using dad’s camera.

 

What is happiness?

An elusive thing; more akin to achieving an outcome with a team; family. Seeing somebody rewarded for humble efforts which have gone unnoticed.

 

What would you do to make a difference in the world?

Greenpeace, or help the homeless; everyday kindness to the less fortunate.

 

What would your friends say is your greatest quality?

Not sure, but I am an innocent. I like to be loyal. I trust those who befriend me.

 

What would your enemies say is your greatest failing?

Too easily give-up my secrets. Always scared.

 

What has been the greatest influence in your life?

Mum and dad. My wife, Karen.

 

What is your greatest vice?

Television, watching AFL all winter.

 

What last caused you to cry?

Watching my parents succumb to aging. They just want to keep living although their bodies are unwilling.

 

What criticism has most stuck with you?

Never finishes a job properly! Still don’t.

 

What film role would you choose to play?

Robert de Niro in Deer Hunter. He made decisive decisions when needed. He took control of life with one shot. It’s a sliding door moment. Take it!

 

What advice would you offer your teenage self?

Take your time. I rushed and got anything fully-right; I never found solace in being A+, dyslexic, or ADHD?

 

What is your best decision?

Marrying Karen.

 

What do you like to cook?

Steak, roast chicken, spanakopita.

 

What building would you choose to be?

Sydney Opera House. When finally it opened 50 years ago, mum and dad took us for a tour. It was a revelation!

 

What is your most treasured possession?

My health. I had a serious event 13 years ago, now I live a little differently.

 

What would you edit from your past?

Stop being a know-it-all. I espouse too much history to people.

 

What inspires you?

Selfless, humble people who do their thing for the community.

 

What is your favourite quote?

History never repeats, it just rhymes.

 

What technological/scientific development boggles your mind?

The internet; that I can ring or video and chat around the world. I have an acquaintance in Siberia. It’s like next door!

 

What was your first job?

Paperboy. I was 12.

 

What did you want to be when you were growing-up?

Apollo 11 astronaut. I wrote a bad play about it!

 

What scares you?

Zealotic politicians; truthful answers.

 

What was the name of your favourite teacher?

Year 9 maths teacher, Allan ‘Smiley’ Mitchell. Also, he was head rowing coach. He had a group of boys around him, just wanting to learn.

 

What was your favourite toy?

Train set, cassette tape, radio.

 

What is your all-time favourite book?

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. In year 8 they were the first books I ever enjoyed. Prior to, and after, that I struggled to read.

 

What is your favourite smell?

A spring day after rain! Everything comes alive and you feel revived.

 

What childhood qualities remain.

Stubborn, but less apprehensive.