The name's Thurston. Ivor Thurston. And it's MY SHOUT!

Don't let the autumn-coloured cardigan and matching suede hushpuppies fool you! Wherever people mingle for a convivial beer, wine or skinny mungbean faux-latte, there's every chance that man-about-town IVOR THURSTON will be at the next table, enjoying a Pimms dakota with lime slice and quietly devouring a few juicy bon mots to regurgitate for his regular Indie column.

Charity the big winner from cocky races

The children's charity Variety will again be the biggest winner on the day when the Story Bridge Hotel holds its world-famous Australia Day Cockroach Races on Thursday 26 January.

There's a 14-race program once the gates open at 11am, with the gold coin entry (don't be stingy, now!) price going to Variety for its great work with kids. So have you a race winner handy? Simply leave your bedroom open tonight and the Black Caviar of the insect world might just fly in and make you famous. A little bit of training, chasing breadcrumbs tied to the end of a long piece of dental floss, and before you know it you could be holding up the Gold Cup at the 30th celebration of this popular event. Training is one thing; thinking up a name that pleases the punters is another spray of Moretein entirely. Past winners on race day at the Bridge have included Drainlover, Crawlin' Hanson, Cocky Balboa, Ita Buttroach, Osama Bin Liner and Sir Roach-a-Lot. All went on to even greater glory, to a very satisfying career at stud or under someone's foot, whatever came first.

There's DJs, a Miss Cockie competition and best stable costume competition where a group that takes a little bit of effort and imagination with their attire will win a $2000 party at the pub!

Check the hotel's website at www.storybridgehotel.com.au or www.cockroachraces.com.au for more details.

GOT THE GOSS? - it's your shout!

Got some pub or club news that Ivor would be interested in sharing with the hip and funky people that make up the Indie's readership? Send Ivor an email to: ivor@theindependent.com.au and he'll look into it!

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