The article in last week’s Echo regarding the forthcoming charge has caused me to reflect on the past.
I ran in the charge in 1985, 1986 and 1987. At the time I was the only Mullumbimby rotarian ever to compete in the event in spite of my encouraging Dug Graydon to run with me. I was always careful to run between two doctors, Dr Mike Pelmore and Dr Suresh. In those years the event was free and a major feature of the Chincogan Fiesta. Chincogan Charge T-shirts were specially screen-printed and on sale. I still have all three of mine.
At that time Byron Shire Council made serious attempts to create permanent public access to the top of Chinny. Unfortunately, the often rude and invasive behaviour by climbers towards those living adjoining the track and who owned the track land killed off their willingness to cooperate with Council and the rest is history. Participants take note.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
