cool down to room temperature. Remove the brownies from the pan and let them chill in the fridge for a couple of hours (chilled brownies are easier to cut). Cut the brownies into 16 pieces and enjoy

Valentine’s Day around the globe

The day of love is celebrated widely around the whole world, and though the concept of the day is the same, Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently in many countries across the globe.

Germany

It is believed that the people of Germany are generally unromantic, however, not when it comes to Valentine’s Day. The colour red will be seen all around the country with the arrival of the day as red is considered a symbol of love and passion. Like many other countries, presenting their loved ones with a bouquet of roses is a popular custom for Germans.

France

People in France once followed a peculiar Valentine’s Day custom called ‘drawing for’. Unmarried young and old people would go into houses facing each other and begin calling out across from one window to another and pair off with their chosen partner. If the young man failed to be particularly enthralled with his Valentine, he would desert her. A bonfire would be lit later where ladies would burn images of their ungrateful lovers and hurl abuses at them. The ritual was eventually abandoned as it left much room for nastiness and ridicule.

China

The celebrations of Chinese Valentine’s Day or Qi Qiao Jie are quite different from usual Valentine’s Day celebrations we see in the rest of the world. There are specific and colourful rituals for the day besides the usual exchange of flowers, cards and chocolates as tokens of love between lovers. Following the tradition, lovers visit the Temple of Matchmaker on the Chinese Valentine’s Day and pray for their love and happiness and their possible marriage. Singles also visit the temple on the day and ask for their luck in love.

The best fudgy brownies for your Valentine (or yourself)

Ingredients: n 226g butter n 170g brown sugar n 170g white sugar

n 1/4 tsp salt n 1 tsp vanilla n 1 tsp coffee extract (optional)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line an 8 x 8 inch square pan with baking paper. To make it easier to remove the brownies later, have an overhang of paper over the edges of the baking pan. 2. Place the butter in a bowl and microwave to completely melt the butter. 3. Add the brown sugar, white sugar and salt while the butter is still warm. Mix to combine until you have a smooth paste. 4. Add the vanilla, coffee extract (if using), eggs and egg yolk to the butter-sugar mix. Using a hand mixer, whisk the mix on medium speed, until the batter becomes pale in colour (about 2 minutes). 5. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and cocoa powder together. 6. Add the flour-cocoa mix into

n 3 eggs n 1 yolk n 226g dark chocolate cut into chunks

n 85g cocoa powder n 85g plain flour

the wet and mix it in until just combined. DO NOT OVER-MIX. Add about 2/3 of the chopped chocolate halfway through the mixing in of the flour. 7. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate on top. 8. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes (30 minutes for extra fudgy or 40 minutes for less fudgy). 9. Remove from the oven and let it cool down to room temperature. Remove the brownies from the pan and let them chill in the fridge for a couple of hours (chilled brownies are easier to cut). 10. Cut the brownies into 16 pieces and enjoy!

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER… Stephens Jewellers sales assistants, Marie Gleeson and Marie Dougan can help you choose the perfect gift for your special someone this Valentine’s Day. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The history of Valentine’s Day and flowers

The history of Valentine’s Day has several different stories from many different religions and countries, so it’s hard to say exactly how or when it began. One legend says it originated during the third century in Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. A young priest named Valentine was furious with this injustice and defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually discovered Valentine’s actions and sentenced him to death.

During his time in jail, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter, who visited him in prison. Before he was put to death, Valentine sent a letter to her and signed it, “From Your Valentine”. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD. Later, around 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 a day to honour Valentine, who by that time had become a saint.

For centuries, flowers have symbolized fertility, love, marriage, and romance. According to some sources, the history of giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers.

Now, people continue to send flowers on special occasions or to express sentiments of love and admiration.

The perfect gift for someone special

THE flowers are blooming and the stores are stocked with chocolates in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, but if you’d like to spoil your partner this year, head into Stephens Jewellers to select a unique gift, that will stand the test of time.

Stephens Jewellers has assembled a wide array of affordable gifts of love for both the ladies and gents, with prices starting at just $29. Popular picks this Valentine’s Day include Pandora charms and jewellery (only available at the Marketplace and Echuca stores), and the unique Von Treskow jewellery designs including the very popular initial range, with an engravable disc.

Stephens Jewellers owner, Stephen Schneider said, “Personalised Jewellery is on trend and a great choice for Valentine’s Day, with many different engravable options available from necklaces to bracelets and watches.

“What better gift than a personal message for your partner or close friend that they can wear every day and cherish forever.”

Stephens Jewellers also stock a large selection of watches. Now stocking Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger watches along with proven favourites from Olivia Burton and Fossil, there’s a unique watch for everyone.

Visit Stephens Jewellers at one of their three convenient locations. Open seven days at Shepparton Marketplace, and also located at 52 Fryers Street, Shepparton and in Echuca at 133 Hare Street. You can also shop online 24/7 at www.stephensjewellers. com.au with express delivery or click and collect from your nominated Stephens Jewellers store.

BEETLES ON SHOW… Dozens of Volkswagens from early Beetles to modern Golfs are on display at the Shepparton Motor Museum. Photos: Steve Hutcheson

The bug hits the windscreen at the motor museum

POSSIBLY one of the most recognisable car shapes in the world would be the Volkswagen Beetle. In 1973, it surpassed the Model T Ford as the most produced single make of car in the world, now with over 21 million vehicles.

This 1960 model owned by Ian Bryant and now on show at the Shepparton Motor Museum, was one of the last 36HP engines produced. It’s first owner had it for more than 41 years before passing over to her grand-daughter and has been painstakingly restored over the past five years.

Fitted with twin strombergs in the restoration process, it should now produce almost 48HP. In order to confuse younger drivers, it is still equipped with the original, semaphore turn signals that were quite common during the fifties however, it has been rewired so that LED lights back and front now indicate a turn signal.

The first Volkswagen appeared in Germany in 1936. The name translates to ‘people’s car’, formed by a German labour union. The single biggest market for Volkswagen has been China, now taking upwards of 40% of their current production.

The last VW Beetle was produced in 2003 in Mexico and passed over to the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

CAREER CHANGE? RELOCATING? EXTRA INCOME? FLEXIBLE HOURS?

Long term established traffic management organisation with exciting career opportunities in your local area.

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POSITIONS VACANT

Passion and commitment are the driving forces behind Moama Bowling Club’s success. A stunning multi-purpose dining, entertainment and sporting venue, we are acknowledged along the Murray River as a leader in our industry. We are now looking for an exceptional courtesy shuttle drivers & customer service professionals to join our business.

COURTESY SHUTTLE DRIVERS Casual / Part Time

Responsibilities include: • Meeting and greeting members and guests with exceptional customer service • Picking up and setting down members and guests • Promoting Moama Bowling Club’s promotions, events and membership • Ability to work days, nights and weekends Skills required: • Excellent communication skills • Exceptional previous customer service experience is essential • Sound knowledge of the Echuca/Moama region • Full Driver’s Licence and clean driving record • Current NSW RSA competency card

CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTENDANTS Casual / Part Time

Responsibilities include: • Welcoming/greeting members and guests into the club • Problem solving, handling customer complaints • Promotion and renewal of memberships and club events • Monitoring RSA to meet company guidelines • Ability to work days, nights and weekends Skills required: • Excellent communication skills • Exceptional previous customer service experience is essential • Ability to communicate with all members of the community • Current NSW RSA competency card

If you have the skills and experience to thrive in one of these roles, apply online at www.moamabowlingclub.com.au/careers Applications close Friday 21st February 2020 For information Free Call Sean Garth on 1800 806 777 or email sean@moamabowlingclub.com.au Previous Applicants Need Not Apply

6 Shaw St, Moama NSW 2731 FreeCall 1800 806 777 www.moamabowlingclub.com.au ABN 58001046939

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T 03 5832 8989

Mini diggers and great service GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY… From left, Shepparton Mini Diggers owner, Chris Hitchcock, manager, Leigh Hitchcock, trainee, Aden Hitchcock, and receptionist, Melinda Kelly. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

If you’ve got a front or back yard project and need a helping hand, Shepparton Mini Diggers can help. With five years in business and six dedicated staff, Shepparton Mini Diggers specialise in post-hole digging, top soil removal, levelling, and trenching for the Goulburn Valley and surrounds.

Shepparton Mini Diggers owner, Chris

Hitchcock said, “We can also help with rubbish removal, landscaping, sprinkler repairs and installation of new systems, tree lopping and more.”

Available seven days with 24 hour emergency call out service for tree removals, visit Shepparton Mini Diggers on Facebook or call Leigh on 0427 393 710 or Chris on 0447 772 974.

READY TO TAKE THE SHINE OFF THE BIG BOYS… Seven young men from the US competing in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, from left, Tyler Stites, Conor Schunk, Aiden McNeil, Sean McElroy, Scott McGill, Cade Bickmore, Charles-Étienne Chrétien. Photo: Katelyn Morse

Young men in a hurry

AUSTRALIA has a number of iconic sporting events that take place in Victoria each year. The AFL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup and the Sun Tour as it was originally known, now the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

For six young men from the US and one from Canada, all under 23 and currently taking a sabbatical away from their studies and the cold northern hemisphere weather, it offers them the chance to compete against some of the best cyclists in the world.

The race is conducted over five stages covering 627km going from the flat country around the Goulburn Valley to a stage that will see them ascend the heights of Mt Buller in a gruelling exercise of endurance.

The finish line in Welsford Street promises to be a hive of excitement as the peloton races down the home straight along the Causeway to finish there.

Greater Shepparton City Council have been working overtime to put the town on the international map with the BMX championships over the weekend and now the Jayco Herald Sun Tour within the same timeframe.

Young runner challenging the best in Australia

STARTING out from the blocks in Cobram, local athlete Nathan Stoate represented extremely well in the 2020 Victorian ‘Steigen’ Country Track and Field Championships on January 25.

Nathan who moved to Geelong last year to increase his exposure to the running community, has represented the Goulburn Valley well having come fifth in the open men’s 5,000m race with a time of 15:21.23, running against some well seasoned athletes such as Julian Spense.

Two days after running the 5,000m, Nathan then competed in the 10,000m race on the same track, running second place in the men’s open category with a time of 31:53.55.

“I was extremely happy with the race and my new personal best.” Nathan said.

2019 was a big year for Nathan having made his mark with impressive times of 71:40 min for half marathon and 2:46:11 for his first full marathon being only 19 years old.

Nathan now has his eyes set on the Gold Coast Marathon in July, 2020.

SETTING HIS EYES ON THE NEXT LEVEL… Cobram runner Nathan Stoate in second place besides Jamie Cook and Jarrod McMullen. Photo: Supplied

The court is ready

WITH Shepparton’s new ‘super school’ now a reality, sporting clubs have had to change and evolve alongside the school. Wanganui Netball Club has now changed their name and branched out to create the Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) Netball Club. They invite both students of GSSC and those who don’t attend to play on one of their teams, with a registration night to kick off the season on Monday 10th and Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm at the Shepparton Netball Association (SNA) clubrooms, Brauman Street, Shepparton.

There are also plenty of positions to fill like coaches, team managers and general helpers that help the season pass smoothly. The club welcomes all who can spare time to assist and give the kids a sporting chance.

At this stage, the SNA competition will commence on Saturday, April 18. For further information, email gsscnetballclub@gmail.com