Name:
Ben Scotcher
Chapter:
Townsville (and Surf Coast before that)
What’s your story?
I think, at 42 years old, that I'm starting to figure this out. I'm a good father, partner, son, friend and Goon, despite the annoying part of my mind that loves to tell me that I'm not. I'm someone who does his best for those around him whenever he can, and is open about when he can't. I'm a big kid, and a huge nerd, and I don't care if I'm 'too old' for that! Painting miniatures, board games, video games, Magic: The Gathering, you name it! So many frivolous pursuits, so little time!
How long have you been with TGBC? First Book?
Since April 2021. The Master and Margarita. I loved it but it was very divisive, and those books always make for the best meetings.
How did you end up coming to TGBC?
Like many Goons, I discovered TGBC at a pivotal time in my life when I really needed something like this. My relationship was falling apart and I'd just moved to a new area where I didn't know anyone, my nearest friend was a two hour drive away, and I really needed to get out more. I was hiding out in my home-office after a particularly bad day when, very unusually for me at the time, I started scrolling on Facebook out of boredom. Almost the first thing I saw was an old colleague's post sharing the recent write-up of TGBC in The Age and a little of their own experience with the club (mentioning no names here due to the work crossover but I'm pretty sure you know who you are and how grateful I am!). The post piqued my interest and a quick look on the website told me that the Surf Coast chapter met in less than an hour's time walking distance from my house. I didn't have time to overthink it, I just went. I think I've only missed three meetings since then!
What is your favourite TGBC book?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a long-time favourite so I was delighted when this came up as a TGBC re-read. From the amazing inner monologue descriptions of the Chief's mental illness and hallucinations to the whirlwind that is Randal P McMurphy, there's so much to love about this book!
Why are you a member of TGBC?
Ultimately, to read more, talk more and have more friends! I've read and loved books which I may not have picked up on my own and I've come to call some great guys, with whom I likely wouldn't have crossed paths otherwise, close friends. What this club offers was, unfortunately, lacking in my life, as it is in many men's - a safe space to be heard and valued, devoid of the typical societal views and expectations of masculinity. My life is richer because of this club.
What do you think a "Tough Guy" is?
Someone who shows up and tries their best every day for themselves and those around them. Their best might be different on any given day, but doing it is what counts. Someone who considers others and holds themselves accountable.
What is your favourite library?
Up until last year, I would have said the State Library of Victoria, in particular the LaTrobe Reading Room, but then I visited The Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin. That place is incredible!
What book have we not read that you'd like to do at TGBC?
Gould's Book of Fish by Richard Flanagan. This was the book assigned for a 2021 TGBC camp that got cancelled due to Covid and I've been dying to have a big club discussion about it ever since!
What is something people wouldn't know about you if they judged you by your cover?
I'm generally a very anxious person and a huge over-thinker. This manifests in a way which has been mistaken for aloofness in the past, even arrogance, because it usually makes me very quiet and introspect (or annoyingly bolshy, especially after a few beers). So if we're hanging out and I'm quiet, give me a nudge because I'm probably just too busy listening to that inner voice telling me I'm no good.
