MINUS 30 degrees weather and a strange, new language is what Moree Champion journalist, Chris Monckton, will be facing next week.
He will be finishing up on Friday to start his adventure to Sweden but not without re-capping his Champion experience.
Chris said he has had many highlights since his start in 2010.
“Meeting and interviewing the Prime Minister, The Governor General, Wolfmother, During his time at the Rodney Rude, Kevin Bloody Wilson, Nigel Brennan and Jimeon were all memorable experiences for me,” Chris said.
There were also a few lowlights that he won’t miss.
“Being snowed under on production day when my editor is expecting my articles to be written by deadline was something that I didn’t like,” he said.
Unfortunately for Chris the being snowed under part will stick with him when in Sweden.
“I will be living in Vidsel, my girlfriend Matilda’s home town of 700 people. I will be working at a hotel until after Christmas and then will be travelling around Europe for about six months,” he said.Champion, Chris has written quite a few articles.
“It is hard to pin-point my favourite article. I enjoyed writing the Voice of the Village features, and the articles I did with local motorsport enthusiasts was always fun as I used to race go-karts myself.
“Covering the CSG protests and Murray Darling Basin Proposal was also very interesting,” Chris said.
The November and February flooding experience will stick with Chris forever.
“Being asked to fly in a helicopter to get some photos of the floods was one of the best experiences I had, along with the Cadet Induction training camp in Adelaide,” he said.
Although excited about his trip, there are a few things that Chris will miss when he leaves.
“Working alongside my sister Laini, Emily and Cady is something I will miss.
“ It’s been really fun to have people my own age to work with.
“Also I’ll miss talking to my regular contacts and of course I’ll miss my home town Moree and all my friends and family,” Chris said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my manager Ron Turton, editor Cady Andersen and all the other Moree Champion employees, past and present, for everything they have helped me with.
“I’d also like to thank the people of Moree for always being willing to jump in a photo, or participate in an interview.
“I hope the paper continues to move forward. Don’t stop reading! I look forward to seeing you all again in 12 months.”
Fun fact...
February is usually Sweden's coldest month, with temperatures from - 22 to -3°C.
In northern Sweden, winter temperatures often drop to -30°C, sometimes even lower.
