WHEN Father Anthony Koppman returned to the city on Friday night he didn’t do it quietly, but opening with a bang is something we’ve come to expect of the pyrotechnic priest.
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After leaving Guyra for his new post in Walgett, many city residents were worried they wouldn’t see his alter ego Holysmoke’s, fireworks in the city for a while.
So it was a great surprise when he lit up the sky on Friday for O’Connor Catholic College’s Christmas carnival.
“I was making an effort to bring a bit of Christmas cheer for young and old,” father Koppman said.
“It takes about six hours to drive to Armidale, and that includes a stopover at McDonalds.
“It was actually may day off so I got back in time for Saturday.”
Father Koppman said it was great to be back in Armidale, not only to see old friends from the region, but also to catch a break from the 40 degree temperatures in Walgett.
He said that while a lot of people in his new parish were struggling from drought pressures, his fireworks hobby put smiles on faces.
“They were very surprised, but the comments were positive,” Father Koppman said.
“I think people realise that even the clergy have to have hobby, and let off a bit steam … or a bit of smoke.”
Father Koppman is back in Walgett for now, but he not-so-subtly hinted he would be returning to the city at the end of this month.
“Friday night was a warm to a New Year’s Eve celebrations,” he said.
“We’re definitely going to be back.”
