Zorro all dressed up before a fancy dress up night held by the Harden Hawks. Many of the guests on the night were unsure as to who the man was behind the mask. Zorro has continued to evade capture for many years.

Antonio Banderas said, “I’m fond of Zorro because he was a popular figure who worked for the people.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones said, “I like Zorro. I like people you can believe that don’t have those stupid powers. That is the beauty of Zorro. He is just a guy working for the people, to save the people.”

Paul McCarthy said, “Garcia was such a lovely fella, he used to kick about with that Zorro Chap. Never did find out who was behind the mask.”

Working with Zorro has certainly been a very rewarding and entertaining experience over the years. The man behind the mask has taken his job seriously, yet at the same time is always up for a laugh.

We had plenty of fun together and he helped establish the twin town’s very own newspaper through the assistance of his columns and his general advice. He had nearly 3 decades working within newspapers under his belt and his experience was invaluable.

Zorro began writing his column a couple of years after I was born. Growing up, Harden had just one paper in the golden era of newspapers.  Zorro was a constant for both adults and children. His informative and witty columns became a must read in the paper from the early days onwards.

Later in life I went on to work in media and finally got to find out who Zorro was. It wasn’t easy, however, he did eventually reveal himself.

Zorro put the rapier away in 2013 and it was thought that he was gone for good.

With the advent of the Times the world called for a hero and Zorro reemerged to deliver his much loved column and his swift justice. He has continued to write for another 3 and a half years amongst other tasks he does for the Times.

If the odd photo is needed, he gets it taken. If the name of a player in a 1952 Rugby League photo is needed in the caption, he is your man. If you have a question about sport, whether it be local, national or historic, Zorro has the answers.

Zorro is Spanish for Fox, and he lived up to this name. He would pop up here and there like a Fox and take a little tidbit from a conversation and mould it into his column.

There were computer issues with lost emails and photos, but such technology was not meant for a man born in the days of horse and cart.

His trusty steed Tornado, took both him and his lovely wife Lolita on many adventures. Garcia was forever bumbling, but was always at Zorro’s side. The Times bid farewell to the man in the black mask. It has certainly been a great innings.

Whether it be Cricket or Rugby League, Golf, Soccer, Badminton or Croquet. Zorro let us into his mind for a few minutes each week and we thank him for his efforts.

It takes a lot longer to write the column than read it as it does with any written work.

The history of the Maher Cup, one of his favourite topics will live on through some very well written books by local author, Paul McCarthy.

Zorro must have got a hold of some of Paul’s books in the early days and it was very kind of Paul to assist him.

We hope that Zorro finds time to watch his beloved Manly Sea Eagles. A cold beer will always be on the bar waiting for him wherever he goes.

We can’t thank you enough for your contribution over the last 30 years. It is a feat which will no doubt be impossible to repeat. The Times will be retiring the Zorro Column effective immediately. There will be a time of mourning whilst we let him ride off into the sunset. Maybe another hero will accept the challenge and take over where the Spanish Fox left off. Time will tell. Adiós mi amigo usted no se olvidará (farewell my friend you will not be forgotten) ADIOS.

Zorro’s Last Column

On Thursday the 4th of June, 1987, the ZORRO COLUMN was Created. Basically it would last possibly for a month. Not compiling such a copy previously, the future life of such was not even considered or envisioned. Week number two came, then three and before long in the blink of an eye, a month had elapsed. Things were starting to snowball successfully.

ZORRO soon after visited Sydney. Down there I stated that I wasn’t sure whether the column would carry on. A member of my family, instantly said “Oh, you’ll have to keep it going, Harden-Murrumburrah and surrounds needs a Column such as that, it’s a top idea.”

I took this suggestion, and now THIRTY YEARS on, it’s still a goer, having completed 1,000 EDITIONS. I never really know who exactly reads the Column. Many have commented as to who they thought actually wrote it. One fellow said “There must be a group of them who contribute. One person on their own couldn’t possibly write it.” Another said “I must have been speaking to ZORRO last week, because everything I said he printed!”

I don’t know where both those chaps came up with these Un-truths. For the first years of the Column, readers seemed mystified as to who wrote it, and it was interesting to hear comments as to my identity. In latter times these suggestions have stopped.

Nowdays I think Zorro is accepted as part of the furniture. But I still get….HOW ARE YOU ZORRO! Regular readers a few years ago (a hand picked 100 of them) received my personally designed Christmas Cards and many returned the favour. The Column is not just Sport, but in such a small town such as Harden-Murrumburrah it’s hard not to concentrate on Football and Cricket. I try to intermingle as many types of sports, plus a splash of comedy and a few give-a-way competitions. I’ve dug up a few photos from the archives for your perusal, and hope they jog a few memories.

As from today ZORRO has hung up his Sword, my Spanish Dictionary, and Windows 7 Computer. I hope readers have enjoyed the COLUMN as much as I have enjoyed bringing it to you….. TODOS EL MAS BIEN (All the best.) and ADIOS, from ZORRO

Check out the Twin Town Times print edition to see if you can name the year and the people in some of Zorro’s photographic collection.