Robinson Crusoe Seeks Girl Friday

Robinson Crusoe Seeks Girl Friday


In 1980 the 50-year-old Gerald Kingsland placed an advertisement in the classified listings of London “Time Out” Magazine. "Writer seeks 'wife' for year on tropical island", said the brief listing.

Kingsland was flooded with applicants, and from the 56 applicants, he chose the 26-year-old Lucy Irvine to be Girl Friday on his island. Lucy and Gerald spent a year alone together on the remote Tuin Island in the Torres Straits of Australia. Lucy (and later Gerald) wrote a book about the experiences on the island, which became a huge international best seller, later to be turned into a movie starring Oliver Read and Amanda Donohue.

Almost 30 years later another castaway is seeking a Girl Friday, except he is relying on the power of the internet to deliver love to his island.



David’s Search for Love

In early 2007 I contacted David Glasheen who lives on Restoration Island because I had seen an article about the island, and wanted to know more about the man who lived on such a famous island.

Dave and I got on very well and over time spoke more and more. We met in person occasionally when he came down to town, and during one of these meetings we discussed how we wanted to find a Girl Friday to share his life, and the island.

“Unfortunately women don’t come out of ocean, as easily as the internet,” said Dave wistfully.

I thought it best to interview Dave and ask pertinent questions other journalists will want to know.



THE INTERVIEW

Q: Why did you decide to live on the island?

A: As a child I grew up on the ocean, and always dreamed of living on an island.



Q: What is the best thing about living on an island?

A: Complete privacy and tranquility.



Q: What is the worst thing about living on an island?

A: Not having someone special to share the experiences with.



Q: Does it bother you to be called a hermit?

A: I suppose I am a hermit, just because I live here on my own. But that’s doesn’t make me unsociable. I see myself as a social hermit, and I’ve played host to all sorts of interesting people from all over the world here. I’m not a hermit by choice, and would really love to find the ideal lady to share the island with.



Q: Don’t you miss all the mod cons of living in a city?

A: No



Q: If you could have a dinner party with three famous people from any time in history who it they be, and why?

A: The Dalai Lama, because he represents spirituality, peace, tolerance and love for all people. Obama, because he represents hope and leadership, which we badly need. Osama Bin Laden because is the figurehead of aggression and intolerance.



Q: What would you do if you ruled the world?

A: I would try to bring about peace, love and tolerance.



Q: Tell me about your proudest achievement?

A: To be able to experience a little bit of heaven on earth on my own island. I’m the luckiest bloke in the world to live here, and money is immaterial. I am contented and happy, and in the modern-day world that’s a precious thing.



Q: What one thing would improve your life?

A: A woman to share my special times with



Q: What three words would best describe the type of woman you are looking for?

A: Intelligent, feminine and adventurous.



Q: Dave, are you worried about giving up your privacy to gain publicity so you can find love?

A: In the short term yes, but I think it all be worthwhile if I find a special lady.



QUICK BIO

David Glasheen is a 65-year-old former businessman from Palm Beach, Sydney’s most northern beach. He first visited the island in 1993, he acquired an interest in the island, and moved there permanently in 1997 with his girlfriend. But with no hot water, a bath or the mod cons she found it tough and left to return to the city. Since then he has upgraded accommodation on the island, and has lived there happily with his dog Quasi and sporadic visits from Woofers, those from Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF).

Apart from looking for a Girl Friday to share the island, Dave also hopes to find a partner to develop the island in an ecologically sensitive manner. He envisions a marine research station, and a boutique eco-resort. With the Great Barrier Reef and Raine Island (the biggest sea turtle nesting sites in the world) and the Lockhardt River Aboriginal Community right on the doorstep, the island is uniquely placed to support such a project.