Comedy call-out

By Bethan Farmer

were also a huge success, thank you to Kelly Maree, V and Sage for giving our young would-be actors and writers an unforgettable experience.

After all that excitement we took an extended break over the holidays, but now we’re back, refreshed and ready for a new season.

First up, a call for actors. SPAT is planning to put on a comedy play in May 2023, and we are on the look-out for talent. Never acted before? Don’t be afraid! Our shows are for everyone, all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome. Old hands and new faces, come along to the CWA and show us what you can do. Auditions will be held during the first two weeks of March – check out our website for details.

SPAT saw 2022 off with a crash and a bang, with our outrageously successful Panto Montana Smith and the Raiders of the Lost Land. Nine sold-out performances! Many thanks to the cast and crew for their energy and enthusiasm, and congratulations to writers Kelly Maree Michael and Bernadette Lemesurier on this absolute gem of a show. Special mention goes to Danielle Ives for her exquisite production design that had to be seen to be believed!

Our January school holiday theatre workshops

Try the View Club

By publicity officer Barbara Kitson

Firstly, I would like to give a big heartfelt thank you to everyone who put their name forward for an office position at our February AGM. Without members like you, we could not make a difference; congratulations to all and thank you.

Last meeting Nerida proposed we take a trip to the Prince Henry Hospital at Little Bay and do a tour of the historic hospital with our own Lee Dunn and then call in at a lunch venue (not known yet and date to be confirmed).We don’t have a program officer, but I’ll have a go at organising it, maybe someone would like to help.

We are looking for new members, as is every other club in our town. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11am at the Centennial Hotel. Meetings aren’t drawn out and are quite pleasant to be a part of – lots of laughing and no back-biting. If you would like to have a sticky beak, just come along to the pub, we get a take-away coffee from the cafe opposite and have that during our meeting. Most of us have lunch at the pub after the meeting, but that’s optional.

We are very nice people so if you have a couple of hours free on the 3rd Tuesday at 11am, drop in and join our meeting, no pressure to join.

Also coming up this year – SPAT Singers is turning 40! Hard to believe that some members have been there from the very beginning. A very special celebratory show will be held in July.

Later this year, belatedly because of Covid, we will be putting on our RISE Festival. Two years ago we put a call out for aspiring writers to submit one-act plays that SPAT would produce as an evening of readings. Watch this space for news.

Lastly, we are looking for expressions of interest for improv classes for adults.

Email

Seniors travel dates

By Helen Slade, tour organiser

Helensburgh Seniors Travel Group’s first meeting this year was our AGM, held on Monday, February 6. Our 2022 committee was re-elected, and we welcomed an extra committee member and six new club members. We had more than 70 members show up for the meeting with the majority staying on to enjoy a pub lunch.

Thursday, March 23 – Captain Cook Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise: Includes a Top Deck three-course lunch cruise with 360-degree views of the harbour. We will be departing from King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Cost $100pp –Bus departs Helensburgh at 9.30am

Thursday, May 25 – Ebenezer Historic Church & Windsor RSL: We will be having Devonshire morning tea, a talk about the history and a wander around the property before heading off to the Windsor RSL for lunch. Cost $60pp – Bus departs at 8.15am

Forthcoming Meetings: All held at the Helensburgh Hotel, starting at 11.30am on Mondays, March 6, April 3 and May 8.

For all enquiries, contact Helen on hstg98@ outlook.com or 0427 043 774.

New Staff Picks shelf

By the team at Collins Booksellers Thirroul

Need reading inspiration? Take a look at our new Staff Picks shelves at the front of the bookstore! At the back, see our Kids for Kids reviews by avid young readers. In March we’re hosting four events.

• Wed March 1: Tricia Schantz and Rusty Miller with their book Neverland: American and Australian Surfers in Byron Bay 1960s & 1970s. We’re also launching new local zine Baseless Surf Theory. Music from Dirty Suits (Lounge Version).

• Fri 10th: Local authors Bronwyn Carlson and Terri Farrelly will be discussing Monumental Disruptions.

• Sat 11th: Rachael Mogan McIntosh is launches her very entertaining travelogue Pardon My French.

• Wednesday March 29: Dr Saul Griffith will discuss his contribution to Quarterly Essay 89: On Electrification and Community Renewal, a must-read for anyone interested in Electrify 2515.

Your local, experienced and educated real estate professional For local, experienced and educated real estate advice, call Ian today!

For local, experienced and educated real estate advice, call Ian today!

Ian Pepper 0403 570 041 ian.pepper@raywhite.com

Ian Pepper 0403 570 041 ian.pepper@raywhite.com

Look out for the new YA novel by local author Helena Fox, out in early April! We’re very excited about this one. @collinsbooksellersthirroul raywhitehelensburgh.com.au raywhitehelensburgh.com.au

Presenting your home for sale

Here are my Top 5 Tips.

books, games and gifts for all ages

1. Spring clean: Do a thorough clean from the inside out, including walls, windows, skirting boards and every nook and cranny.

2. De-clutter: Your buyer needs to imagine living in the property. Removing clutter visibly increases the room size and better showcases the space.

3. Faultless: Buyers notice everything. Repair anything that doesn’t work, including doors, windows, light bulbs and taps.

4. Create atmosphere: Sound, scent and temperature are key aspects that are often overlooked when preparing your home.

5. Neutral environment: Decoration tastes are highly personal and I recommend taking a safe, neutral approach to styling.