Many thanks to Echo Publishing in Melbourne for providing the Association with copies of their three latest Swedish crime thrillers for the Library. The books, by renowned Swedish authors, Sigge Eklund, Martin Holmén and Jenny Rogneby, have been translated from their original Swedish and will be a welcome addition to our Library. To whet your appetite, here is a precis of each of the books.

• Sigge Eklund is one of Sweden’s best known writers and podcasters. InInto the Labyrinth, eleven-year-old Magda has disappeared. Her mother works every clue, obsessively trying to solve the mystery. Fingers have been pointed at Magda’s father Martin, his ambitious colleague, Tom, and his partner Katja. This book is a powerful psychological thriller that will get under your skin and haunt you well beyond its final, shocking conclusion.

• Martin Holmén is a high school teacher in Stockholm. Clinch is his debut novel. Set in 1930s Stockholm, former boxer and debt collector Harry Kvist is wrongly accused of murder, and is forced to navigate Stockholm’s underworld in a desperate search for the only person who can save him.

• Jenny Rogneby is a criminologist and former police investigator whosework inspired her to start writing. In Sweden, Jenny is also known for her former career as a pop star. In Leona: The Die is Cast, a bloodied child robs a bank. No one dares to intervene. Investigator Leona Lindberg is entrusted to the case. But why is she ignoring witness statements and calling in false suspects? Leona is a gripping crime thriller, featuring an unusual heroine who holds on to reality by the skin of her teeth.

We look forward to seeing sequels to these thrillers in the future, and extend our sincere thanks to Sabita Naheswaran from Echo Publishing for contacting the Association with this offer.

In May 2016, Neil Wilson will put together his 60th edition of SCANPOST. This will also be his last due to extensive upcoming travel plans. So, at the 2015 AGM, he gave notice that the Association will need to find a new editor in 9 months time.

The task is not an onerous one. It just takes an eagle eye to watch for Nordic news, a cooperative committee to provide copy, and some computer skills and a little time to pull it all together.

Neil is happy to provide the new editor with all his templates and documents. All that is needed is someone to take on the job. Please consider if this is how you can contribute to the Association and, if so, please contact Neil on 9332 5247 with your questions and queries.

Er mit navn, boller vil jeg have, hvis jeg ingen boller får, så laver jeg ballade……!

This year’s Fastelavn picnic will take place on Sunday 14 February 2016. This traditional Danish celebration has its origins in an old heathen custom. It is a carnival much loved by children who get to dress up in costume and to hit a wooden barrel specially made for the occasion and decorated with black cats. Prize winners will receive the traditional fastelavnris and there will be lolly bags and icy poles for all children.

Come along at 3.00 pm to join the fun of this festival, to be held at Nordic House. Entrance will be $4 per person for members and $8 per person for non-members. Children can wear costumes if they wish. Bring your family and friends, your picnic lunch, drinks, your aerogard, sunscreen and chairs. Tea and coffee facilities at Nordic House will be available for the usual charge.

Who will be Kattekonge this year?

The Association extends its deepest sympathy to past member Gretar Jonssen on the recent passing of his wife, Maggy. ♦

The Over 50s Lunch will be held on 18 March at Nordic House at 12 noon. It will again be Bring a Plate format. Cost for lunch will be $12 if you bring some food and $25 if you don’t. Please book with Annette Leite on 9331 2425. Any donations for the raffle will be greatly appreciated. ♦

Whilst Perth was sweltering in 44˚of summer heat, Association member Alec Perscy, who now lives in northern Sweden, was enjoying a rather chilled-out –15˚. This was one of the beautiful photos Alec has recently shared with Association members of his part of the world. ♦

Your library needs you!

A Library sub-committee is being considered to rationalise and develop the library resources at Nordic House.

Expressions of interest are sought to volunteer on this sub-committee which will consider and decide the disposal of surplus books, what to retain, how to organise, attract interest, repair books, relate to external resources and facilitate possible presentations. The sub- committee could increasingly adapt over the years to include new technology.

The sub-committee would ideally be at least three members, and would meet quarterly at Nordic House. If you are interested, please contact Gunnar Horn by email at gdhorn40@bigpond.com or by phone on 0431 259 672. ♦

The next busy bee at Nordic House will be on Sunday 28 February commencing at 8 am and concluding around lunch time. Please come along. This is an opportunity to tidy up the garden and house for the new year.

The busy bee is always fun. Members help in whatever way they can (most tools required are provided) and it is an opportunity to share ideas and friendship.

You may bring along your own snack lunch, but hotdogs will also be available free of charge.

Any queries regarding the busy bee, please contact Gunnar Horn on 0431 259 672.