August 2010

FREE

AUGUST 2010 No. 140

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

IT’S FESTIVAL TIME AGAIN Music Festival 9th annual Bangalow Music Festival begins on 13 August

page 5

Golden Awards Read our final winning stories

page 8

Broadway to Bangalow Life story of writer Kevin Palmer

page 10

Big, Bold and Bright Artist Emma Gale

page 12

Fun, Fascinators and Fundraising Great activities supporting the community page 21

www.heartbeat.net.au

editorial August is a busy month for Bangalow and surrounds. Just when everyone had more or less recovered from Cabaret da Desh, not only does the Bangalow Music Festival hit town but we are also thrilled to have the Byron Bay Writers Festival on again.

Here at Bangalow’s Heartbeat we have also been having a busy time. As many of you may now know, long time Editor Stephanie King, has stepped down as Editor of the Heartbeat. Thankfully we are not losing her completely. She will still be around to support the team and may now even get a chance to do some writing.

Heartbeat has also been fortunate enough to have several new volunteers join the team. Michelle and Richard Windeyer of Bangalow, Lyn Plummer of Newrybar and Estelle Leacock of Eureka, have all contributed in this edition, giving our permanent volunteers some much needed support. Of course we still have the same great team and we hope that we will continue to see new volunteers join us here at Heartbeat.

From the entire Heartbeat team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephanie and Niels for their untiring commitment to giving Bangalow a voice through this magazine and to their continued support of the team. We are staffed entirely by volunteers and the level of enthusiasm and dedication is truly wonderful.

We hope you enjoy the August edition. Feel free to send us your comments: editors@heartbeat.net.au

The Heartbeat Team

BANGALOW’S

HEARTBEAT

Cover Photo: Trish O’Brien

2

www.heartbeat.net.au PO Box 132 Bangalow NSW 2479 Editor: Michelle Windeyer 0449 252 002 Email: editors@heartbeat.com.au Advertising: Di Martin 6687 2592 Email: advertising@heartbeat.net.au Design: Richard Windeyer Email: richard@richardwindeyer.com.au

DISCLAIMER: This news-letter is published by Bangalow’s Heartbeat Incorporated PO Box 132 NSW 2479. Editor Michelle Windeyer, Hon Sec/Public Officer Helen Wilson. Membership is open to all adult residents of the ‘2479' postal district. The opinions expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily shared by the Editors and other members of the Association committee. While every reasonable effort is made to publish accurate information, Bangalow’s Heartbeat Inc. accepts no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed.

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

LOCAL NEWS

HERITAGE PARK UPGRADE FESTIVAL DELAYS SOON TO BE OVER DIRECTOR

HONOURED

Photo: Trish O’Brien

Photo: Judy Baker In our May edition, Heartbeat ran an article on the upgrade to Bangalow's main street, Heritage Fire Station Park.

Work had just commenced and the lead architect told Heartbeat it would be "completed by late May, early June.” The work is being done through Council with funds they had set aside for the project. Local contractors have been engaged, led by builder Brad Turk. Other locals involved include electrician Jurgen Israel doing LED lighting and Liz Gander for supply of native plants. A planning committee has been closely involved through the lengthy process to get the project going.

A quick start was indeed made in May, but work was then suspended and only restarted at the end of July. It has naturally annoyed residents to have this eyesore in the main street.

Our Chamber of Commerce has been vocal on the matter. Chamber president Michael Malloy included the following in a recent press release: “The Chamber is appalled that the relatively straightforward re-furbishment of a small park in the main street of the village has now turned

AUGUST 2010

into a monumental disaster. Bangalow is left with a half finished pile of rubble in the middle of the CBD that is causing considerable inconvenience to locals and visitors alike, and distress to hard-working businesses trying to trade in the vicinity of this giant stuff-up. This is fast becoming Bangalow's Lighthouse Road and that is the last thing Bangalow wants or needs.”

Andy Erskine, Superintendent for Parks at Byron Council, is managing the project. He told Heartbeat last week, that as the work progressed, it had became evident some elements would either have to be modified or need extra funds. Work was stopped while this was considered and has restarted with a slightly modified plan. Andy assured us they are not over budget and will soon deliver the finished project with most of the main features as planned.

Heartbeat has offered $1,000 towards a bubbler. This will be one of the last things installed and we hope you will soon be able to use it.

Brian Sundstrom

Paul Dean, founder and artistic director of the Bangalow Music Festival, has recently been appointed to one of the most prestigious positions in Australian music education.

Dean is the new Artistic Director of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) based in Melbourne.

ANAM is Australia's only national, purely performance-based, music training institution, bringing together the finest young classical musicians from around the country to participate in unique and intensive programs of study, training and performance.

Dean was principal clarinet with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for more than 10 years until 2000, and is artistic director of the Southern Cross Soloists. He has lectured throughout Australia, Asia and North America and has been a guest member of the ANAM faculty for the past three years.

When asked about any effect his appointment might have on the Bangalow Music Festival, Paul said, “Bangalow is my favourite week of the year. I hope to be still running the Festival when I am 90.”

Michael Malloy

3

LOCAL NEWS

WRITERS FESTIVAL BEST YET It's that time of year. With spring just around the corner writers are eying their calendars with mounting excitement. Every year Byron Bay is set upon by hordes of literature lovers keen to share their work and pool their wisdom.

This year the Byron BayWriters Festival is shaping up to be one of the best yet. From Friday to Sunday, 6-8 August, many fascinating writers will be talking and presenting in the four marquees.

Festival organisers are touting the 2010 writer’s festival as the ‘best yet’ with the likes of international cult author Bret Easton Ellis, Kathy Lette and Australian actor, turned author, William McInnes (pictured at right from top to bottom), all coming to Byron for the multiple day event.

Workshops leading up to the festival run Monday to Saturday, 2-5 August. The 19 different workshops offer valuable advice and teach useful skills in areas ranging from the publication of a first novel to tea-cosy creation.

From literary breakfasts to the Launchpad, where writers launch their newest books, there really is something for everyone.

Local Bangalow author, Kevin Palmer, will be launching his book Boys’ Home to Broadway at the festival. The festival has now been running since 1997 and attracts Australian and international authors of the highest calibre. Byron Bay, known for its eclectic community, attracts festival goers from all over the country.

The atmosphere created by the diverse festival goers, all with a shared passion for print, makes it a truly thrilling experience for all involved.

The Writers Festival is being held at North Beach in Byron Bay, just past the Byron Arts and Industry Estate.

There will be a regular bus service from the Byron Bay Information Centre to the Writers Festival approximately every half hour. Cost of the bus service will be $3.

For more information, visit the festival’s website at www.byronbaywritersfestival.com Estelle Leacock Photos courtesy of The Byron Bay Writer’s Festival

UNITING CHURCH CENTENARY Last month, 100 years of memories and stories were celebrated at the Bangalow Uniting Church with over 120 past and present parishioners attending.

The church was originally a Methodist church built in 1910. In 1914, it was destroyed by a cyclone (except for the church entrance) and was rebuilt the following year.

Long-term members spoke about old times as the children reminded us of a future. The strong message that came through was of community.

To complement the event the women cooked up a feast for the annual soup lunch fundraiser and raised over $500 for the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Words and photo: Lisa Sharpe 4

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

LOCAL NEWS

FEDERAL ELECTION UPON US All the hoo-hah that has been going on in Canberra recently has resulted in an election announcement sprung with lightning efficiency.

On Saturday, 21 August 2010 people will head to the polls to vote in the Federal Election, nominating their preferred representative for the local Electorate of Richmond.

Current member for Richmond, Justine Elliot for the Australian Labor Party, will be seeking re-election for a third term..

If re-elected, Ms Elliot would serve a third term as Member for Richmond, and could maintain the Portfolio for Ageing she currently holds under the current federal government.

The Liberal Party has nominated Joan van Lieshout, a councillor with the Tweed Shire Council, to stand as a candidate for the seat of Richmond.

The Greens Member, Joe Ebono, from Mullumbimby, who stood for The Greens in the 2007 election and gained 15 percent of the vote, will be standing again.

Mr Ebono moved to Mullumbimby from Sydney with his family in 2004 after a successful career as an internet and media executive.

Alan Hunter, a farmer from Myocum and ex-president of the Richmond Nationals, will stand for the Nationals after their first candidate, Tania Murdoch, unexpectedly pulled out.

From 1922, when it was called The Country Party, the Nationals held almost uninterrupted power in Richmond until 1990 when Neville Newell won the seat for the Australian Labor Party.

There will be polling booths in the areas surrounding Bangalow including; Eureka public school, Federal hall, Bexhill hall, Clunes public school, Bentley public hall and Eltham public school. Both Bentley public hall and Clunes public school have wheelchair access.

To see the full list of polling booths in the Richmond Electorate go to www.aec.gov.au Estelle Leacock

MUSIC FESTIVAL HITS TOWN Get ready to feed your soul with a feast of music when the 9th annual Bangalow Music Festival begins on 13 August 2010.

Now one of Bangalow’s premier events, Festival Director, Paul Dean, was bubbling with enthusiasm when Heartbeat chatted to him about the line-up of performers.

“I’m really excited to have Ilya Konovalov, concertmaster of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, back for this festival,” Paul said. “(This will be) his only performance in Australia and I think the Sunday concert in St Kevin’s Church, with Ilya playing violin (on his Stradivarius), with the Bangalow Festival Chamber Orchestra, should be really special.”

The Australian String Quartet (who played at the Festival a few years ago as the Tank Stream Quartet) will also be back.

“Since it’s the 200th anniversary of Schumann’s birth, it seemed a good excuse to make this year a Germanic programme,” Mr Dean said. There will also be pieces by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert, but it’s not exclusively Germanic - watch out for the Stars of Tomorrow concert with pieces especially commissioned for the festival.

Friday, 13 August 2010 has an extra special concert, the Black Friday event starting at 11pm.

Now in it’s ninth year, the Bangalow Music Festival has received widespread recognition. “(Bangalow has) the perfect combination of excellent venues, in the A&I Hall and St Kevin’s Church”, said Mr Dean.

“The beautiful topography of the town and surrounding hills, and the excellent food, shops and accommodation available within 20 kilometres. It’s perfect for busy people to AUGUST 2010

Photo: Trish O’Brien relax and dedicate a whole weekend to concerts.”

“About 40 percent (of people) come from Brisbane, another 40 percent from other areas and 20 percent locals.”

The Concert for Bangalow is on Thursday, 12 August and will give locals a taste of the festival while showcasing local musicians.

Festival stars, piano duo Liam Viney and Anna Grinberg, the Marist Brothers Saxophone Quartet, winners of QPAC’s ‘Playing It Together’ Competition in 2009, will perform and also Marion Carthew, a young clarinettist from Lismore, the Lismore Symphony Orchestra and our own Scarlet Affection. Tickets $25 from Barebones.

Judy Baker 5

C O M M U N I T Y N OT I C E B OA R D Bangalow Music Festival All tickets for the Bangalow Music Festival are now on sale from Barebones Artspace (6687 1393). Tickets are: § $25 for the Concert for Bangalow on Thursday, 12 August. § $270 for the Nine Concert Festival over Friday / Saturday / Sunday § $45 for admission to single concerts § $35 for the Festival Breakfast on Sunday morning.

A wonderful weekend of classical delights from some world-class musicians awaits. www.southernxsoloists.com Michael Malloy

Carpet Bowls Demo Members of the Tintenbar Community Aid Network (TinCAN) get together every second Friday for a couple of hours of social, noncompetitive Carpet Bowls, and on Friday, 20 August they are having a special demonstration and instruction morning for everyone in the Tintenbar and surrounding areas (Lennox Head, Teven, Newrybar, Bangalow, Fernleigh, Ballina).

No experience or special skills are needed and assistance will be provided for anyone with mobility problems. This is not a competitive event, it is strictly social and lots of fun. Morning tea will be provided. Join us at Tintenbar hall from 10.00am until around 12.00 noon – anyone who would like more information, please ring Marg on 6687 8033 and please leave a message if she doesn't answer the phone. Hope to see you there.

Utoska McLeod

Bike Ride If you would like to be part of a not-so-serious bike riding group to ride the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle on Sunday, 10 October, please drop in and see Neil at the Bangalow gym or phone Lisa Sharpe on 0439 011 366. The event is a mass participation ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast for thousands of cyclists. In addition to Bicycle Queensland's aim of increasing the awareness

6

of cycling, the event also raises funds for The Heart Foundation and Diabetes Australia. The cost to enter is $55 if you are part of a group.

Advice and help with training will be provided for all members.

Lisa Sharpe

Heritage HouseTea Room Change of opening hours.

Due to a shift in volunteer availability, to keep the tea room operating, we will no longer be trading on Sundays.

Our opening hours will now be Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 3pm. It is possible our trading hours will increase on those days when the warmer months arrive.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers, but as we are run by volunteers we can only trade during the hours of their availability. Most like to spend Sunday with family and friends but are quite willing to work during the week, so we have added Tuesday.

We look forward to your continued support, for without it Heritage House and the Museum in Bangalow wouldn’t exist.

Please come along to see our current display on ‘What Might Have Been’ with our railway station and also an informative display by TOOT, a wonderful organisation fighting to reinstate trains on our tracks.

If you have any further enquiries please phone the Museum on 6687 2183.

Wendy Grissell

Bangalow Garden Club As many members of the Garden Club grow their own vegetables, fruit and herbs Leah Roland of the Bangalow Cooking School has been invited to our meeting on Wednesday, 4 August as our guest speaker. Leah will give a mini-demonstration of a couple of vegetarian recipes and share other cooking tips and ideas with us. Our next social visit on Saturday, 7 August will be to the garden of Dorothy Welstead in Newrybar where Ikebana will be part of an enjoyable afternoon.

Helen Johnston

Bowlo News We are having a major fundraiser for the Bowlo on Sunday, 15 August starting at 9.30am.

All monies raised will be going to the Club and will provide much needed lighting for the bowling green.

Activities include: barefoot bowls, live entertainment, face painting for the kids, sausage sizzle, seafood raffles, monster cake stall and lots of prizes.

So get a team together for bowls or come and buy a cake and support your local club.

Any donations of cakes, scones etc will be gratefully accepted and can be dropped off on the morning or the day before.

Sandi Gandhi and Friends in Wet your Pants on Friday, 27 August at 7.30pm.

Tickets $25.

Sunday afternoons from 2pm, bring the kids down to watch a free movie. Drinks and snacks available.

With the wedding season fast approaching there are a few dates in the remainder of the year with ceremony, catering and cakes all on site. We can advise you for a beautiful, memorable day. Ph Danni 6687 0494.

Caroline Nolan

Curry Night - Newrybar Hall fundraiser Bev Singh will again be cooking delightful curries, a byo evening with desserts and tea/coffee to follow.

We will also have a musical show featuring performances from local artists, The Headliners, a female acapella singing group.

Nick Ripen will accompany on the guitar with Kate Gabbarelli on the flute with Elvin Hayter on the violin accompanied by Marie Fergusson on the piano.

The Fundraiser is planned for Saturday, 28 August from 6.30pm. Tickets at $25/head, call Ian 6687 8443 or email him at ianduncan@linknet.com.au Support Newrybar Hall in this fundraiser to complete our new commercial grade kitchen.

Ian Duncan

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

The Cancer Council NSW is seeking dynamic, enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to help out with our flagship event - Daffodil Day. This year, Daffodil Day will be held on Friday, 27 August. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to lend a hand for a few hours by selling fresh daffodils and merchandise at Daffodil Day sites throughout the Far North Coast.

For more information or to register in your area please visit the website at www.daffodilday.com.au or contact Joy or Liz on 6627 0304 Sandra Rowan

Bangalow Lions Club At its first meeting of the 2010/2011 financial year, the Bangalow Lions Club reviewed last year's club activities. Community support and fundraising was admirable, enabling donations in excess of $35,000 to be distributed.

In addition to recipients mentioned in previous editions of Heartbeat. The Bangalow Lions have contributed to Newrybar public school, through the annual fireworks night; assisting local scout Bailey Grant to be one of 18 Australian scouts attend the World Scouts Jamboree in the USA; a contribution to costs for athletic sisters Brianna & Marlie Campton to participate in the NSW Cross Country Champs at Eastern Creek in July.

In conjunction with ADFAS, Bangalow Lions are pleased to announce a Young Arts Award for a young writer to be presented at the forthcoming Byron Bay Writers Festival in early August, the winning writer will be named in the next edition of Heartbeat.

An active member of the Bangalow Lions will have a book launched at the Writers Festival, see report on page 10 of this edition.

Activities have slowed a little at present, the Bangalow Show in November will be our next major event.

Lion Kevin Palmer

Bangalow Park and Pool Stories Wanted The Bangalow Reconnecting to Country working group needs your help. We are looking for stories and information about the historical uses of the Bangalow Park and pool. The Bangalow Reconnecting to Country project aims to improve the health of Byron Creek, raise awareness of the Wilsons River Catchment and promote reconciliation between the Widjabul people and more recent settlers to the district.

If you have a story to share, contact Georgia at gygora@bigpond.com.

Georgia Gora

Nashua News The Nashua Community Cricket Day is on again Sunday, 24 October. If you want to be part of the planning for this fantastic celebration of all things community, call Jacinta Lithgow 6629 1736, or Ken and Pauline Trimble 6629 1268.

A 'welcome seat' made of recycled plastic bags now graces the 'welcome space' on the corner of Booyong and Lismore roads. Many thanks to Byron Council, Elders Bangalow and the fundraising efforts at last year's

THE BIZ

Daffodil Day 27 August

cricket day. You will also notice a new ‘Welcome to Nashua’ sign at the other end of Booyong road.

Nashua has recently farewelled two much loved community members. Emily Emery passed away just weeks before her 97th birthday, and Janine Pines' life was celebrated and remembered with her passing on 14 June.

Both women will be remembered for their community energy and life. We will miss them.

Jacinta Lithgow

The Rhythm Hunters The Rhythm Hunters are a young, upcoming force in world music specialising in dramatic physical drumming performances.

Indigenous Islamic music from Indonesia, didgeridoo, western horns and modern textures form the platform for one of the most exciting music groups in Australia.

Performance at Bangalow A&I Hall, Friday 6 August. Doors open at 7pm/Show at 8pm. Tickets: Presale $22/Door $27.

Available from: Barebones Art Space Bangalow, Mullumbimby Books, All Music and Vision (Byron, Ballina, Lismore) and www.kupromotions.oztix.com.au Ku Promotions

What new business happenings are going on in Bangalow If you have been wondering what has been happening at the Bangalow Post § Office during the past month, Bangalow’s Heartbeat has been informed that the Bangalow Post Office has down-sized and there will soon be a new retail space where the old entrance used to be. No-one is sure who will fill the retail space but we look forward to welcoming another retailer to the street.

EcoMart Northern Rivers, the not-for profit co-operative (see April’s § Heartbeat), is now incorporated and is looking for local producers (including urban farmers and home manufacturers) to sell their goods to its members. Suppliers are urged to join the Co-op and put their produce and goods into the online shop, at www.ecomart.net.au, as soon as possible. The Co-op wants to set up a pick-up point in Bangalow, manned by volunteers. If you would like to help, please phone EcoMart General Manager, Effie Ablett, on 6628 3305.

Heritage House Tearoom open 10am to 3pm Tuesday - Saturday Phone: 6687 2183

AUGUST 2010

7

WINNING SUBMISSIONS

HEARTBEAT’S 2010 GOLDEN AWARDS Last month we published two of the winning entries. Here are the rest. Our congratulations go to all the winners – along with a certificate, a cheque and the added bonus of a free Kids Pass for Saturday, 7 August at the Byron Writers Festival. Heartbeat would also like to thank the many other young writers who submitted entries. On the whole the standard was very high and some of the category winners were very difficult to pick.

Winner of 13 to 16 years category.

Why: A tale of a mother who lost her cubs for a rug on the floor or a fashion item.

By Susannah Hunt, age 13.

The grass blades scratch my skin as I creep along. I hear a noise and the grass moves ahead of me. It sounds like a type of big cowlike animal. I crouch down and creep forward.

I take a look above the grass, just one quick look, and then resume my hunting crouch.

The animal is a water buffalo, the hardest animals to kill. This one isn't fully grown yet, but it will still be hard.

I sneak closer and closer. The buffalo snorts, it senses danger. I spring up onto its back and dig in my claws. The buffalo kicks and bucks but to no avail. I bite into its neck.

Making it stumble and fall down. It bellows one last time before I kill it.

I drag the carcass back to my den, across sand and rock. I reach my den and stop.

Something doesn't smell right. There have been intruders in my den. I hear my cubs' cries. I call out to say everything's all right.

But is it? I look around, I can't see anything but I can smell something, something bad.

I hear a loud bang and something hits me in the back. I spin around. A strange and terrifying animal is standing on the back of a beast. The animal has a stick – the stick that made the noise.

The world starts to spin. I feel like I'm falling. I am falling. I hit the ground hard and struggle but can't get up. I roar for my cubs to hide but it's too late. The animal has seen them.

I hear the screams of my cubs as they get dragged off into the beast. The last of their screams die out as the beast gallops away.

I try and move. I claw the ground until I'm upright, then pull myself along scraping dirt and rocks into my nails. I get faster and faster until I'm in a full-on sprint. But it's not enough; I see the beast in a cloud of smoke on the horizon. I let out a howl of pure rage and despair rips through the cool afternoon air.

They took my life away. Everything that was ever precious, they took it away.

Category 9 to 12 years.

1st place. Sophie McGregor.

Published last month.

2nd place.

The Nest

By Demi D'hondt. 11 years.

Diary entry – 12/5/10. 6:07am I was running through the dark Amazon 8

jungle. Something was chasing me. I felt its cold hand grab my shirt but, once again, I slipped out of its grasp. Another branch whipped me in the face but I barely noticed. I was becoming tired. I felt this… this thing reach for me again. This time it had a tight grip on my shirt. I couldn't get away. It pulled me back. I got weaker and slowly fell unconscious…

I wake with a start, sweating and panting.

Today I am embarking on a mission to the Amazon. I have heard that dinosaurs roamed there and I am going to see for myself. My name is Ashley Greene, I am 21 years old and I am an archaeologist.

Contents of my back-pack: water bottle, map, compass, clothes, blanket, torch, digging tools. And this diary.

I am starting my journey at Emu Beach, staying a night at Cut Throat cave, and then I will walk a whole day to the Amazon jungle.

Hopefully I will find some fossils before I sleep for a night in the jungle. I will make a tent with palm fronds and sticks and I will light a fire to keep bugs away and to keep me warm. Anyway, I better get going so I can get to Cut Throat cave by nightfall.

Diary entry – 13/5/10. 6:43am.

I have just awoken. I didn't have a very good night sleep because I had another nightmare – the exact same one I had the other night. Strange… I am ready to walk to the Amazon. I am making my breakfast – an assortment of fruit and nuts. In five minutes I will start walking. I just have to put out the fire and pack up my blanket. Bye. Diary entry – 13/5/10. 4:49pm.

I am now in the Amazon jungle. It is very dense and moist and only a tiny bit of sunlight seeps through the trees. Beautiful. I can hear a river flowing in the distance. There are birds flitting all around me. I have always wanted to come here. This place is magical! I am going to find a good spot to dig for fossils and then build a tent next to it. Back soon.

Diary entry – 13/5/10. 8:11pm.

I have just made my tent out of palm fronds and I am warming up by the fire. I didn't have any lunch today so I am quite hungry. I have to cook dinner now. See ya.

Diary entry – 14/5/110. 12:30am.

It is midnight and I have just been woken by a strange sound. It was kind of like when my dog growls, but a lot scarier. I just heard it again! “Hullo,” I call. “Who's there?” I'm going outside to see what it is. I just heard a multiple number of growls. I am starting to get a bit nervous. I grab my lantern and step out of the tent. Suddenly, there are even more growls coming from the bushes. I remember the day when I learnt that some animals don't

like bright light, so I turn off my lantern. The growls stop immediately. I walk to the tree line and push the branches away with my hand. I am astonished! I nearly fall over with amazement! I have just come across the greatest discovery in approximately 700 billion years! A real-life nest of Diplododian Reximarkers! I cannot put my feelings into words. The bad thing is, Diplododian Reximarkers were, or are, the most deadly, vicious species of dinosaurs ever, and even more so when protecting their young, like now. I am so astonished that I stumble over a branch, snapping sticks loudly under my feet.

All of the dinosaurs look up (and I must say there were quite a few, almost 15). They all start growling as I turn around and start running as if my life depends on it, because it does. I run straight past my campsite and onwards into the bushes. The branches whip my face as I hear at least six full-grown Diplododian Reximarkers gaining on me. It's like my nightmare us being played over again, but this time it's for real. Like in my dream, I get pulled back into the darkness and fall unconscious…

Diary entry – 15/6/11. 12:01pm.

One year later, I am at home, minus one leg and plus a beautiful family. My two children know that I nearly got killed by dinosaurs, and that is how I lost my leg. There is now a sanctuary around the dinosaur nest so everyone is safe. Goodbye forever…maybe.

3rd place.

Miss Ing Creatures

By Carl Ashworth, age 11.

There was once a Japanese lady called Miss Ing Creatures. Miss Creatures was an adventurous sort of lady; she had two snakes, a tiger and a tank of poison dart frogs. One morning she went off to buy some bacon and eggs to cook for breakfast. On the way she saw: Joe's Pig Bacon and Ping's Hen Eggs.

She muttered: “No, not that kind of bacon and eggs…” When she got to the store in Hang Kang she noticed that they had run out of eggs so she bought bacon and went to see Ping. She sold Ing her last dozen for $10. Overpriced, but she was desperate for bacon and eggs.

Ing got home and found her tank of poison dart frogs gone. She thought: who would do such a thing?!?! The HKP could have discovered they were illegal, so was the island Hang Kang was on; it didn't officially exist as it was for criminals on the run from the police only! All my AKs were gone so I brought out my plastic Walther PPK and my plastic Smith & Wesson automatic Pea Shooter. My Walther shot carrot tranquillisers whereas my Smith & Wesson actually did shoot frozen peas! Real ammunition was hard to come by, even with the weekly smuggling runs (no one BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

said they were taking the live ammo OFF Hang Kang and bringing frozen vegies back!) and off I went to find the robber (it wasn't hard because one part of Hang Kang was designated to robbers only!). I found the culprit easily but he appeared to have a new type of ammo! Broccoli! It really stung too, because when he shot it some splashed onto my leg and burned really badly! I thought: “How dare they!” So I got out my Walther PPK but suddenly I was sliding into darkness… My last conscious thought was – the secret of my Walther has been discovered!

I woke up in a dusty old cell with a wooden door that was very thick. But they hadn't discovered my Colt in my ankle holster – a capsicum shooter which had a flamethrower setting. I knew there would be a guard so I aimed at where I thought the guard would be and burnt through the door and knocked the guard out. Except there was no guard! And the door wasn't locked! I muttered, “Oh my god!

How could I be so DUMB?!?!?” not knowing that right when my captor's boss had said, “Miss Ing Creatures certainly is resourceful. I wish she worked for us! Oh well, she won't

survive 'La Avenida de Muerte' (the Avenue of Death), a pity to lose such a brilliant mastermind… “She's got past the first obstacle, only nine left to go,” her captor muttered.

She looked up and saw a room full of obstacles before her. First was a pool of some sort with an arch you had to go under, so she charge at that and got past the baby crocs, flipped over the leeches, got through the maze of razor wire, ran over the grinding stones, swam through the honey, crawled over the log covered in army ants, jumped over the giant anaconda, weaved through a pen with chicken wire traps and escaped through the bull crocodile tank and picked up her tank of poison dart frogs.

All in an average day for Miss Ing Creatures.

Category 8 years and under.

1st place: Finn Ball. Published last month.

3rd place.

2nd place.

DoDo Bird.

By Sam Jimenez-Swain. Age 7 years.

An American creature.

It has a long neck.

It also has long legs.

It eats meat and baby whales.

It lives in rocky caves with fruit bats.

They were wiped out at 1662.

They are super old.

They live on big rocky hills in dark caves.

They are American native animals.

They are black and grey.

They hibernate.

The mother lays eggs in fruit bats' homes.

The egg is 5.7cm long.

They can't fly at all, But they can run really, really fast.

It's 7.9 metres tall.

I could stop the people killing them by telling them that they do nothing to you.

Wanted

By Lenny Thurgate. Age 8.

Orang-utans are getting extinct. The people are cutting down their homes. You are killing them by using brands like Arnotts and Nestle.

They cut down the Orang-utans homes and you're doing it by eating those brands. SO DO NOT DO IT!!

Orang-utans are almost extinct.

Rangers shoot Orang-utans.

All Orang-utans are almost extinct.

Now Orang-utans are all most dead because of you.

Unknown brands are killing Orang-utans.

Tall people are killing Orang-utans.

All Orang-utans do nothing to you so don't do it to them.

Now you stop eating palm oil.

Stop killing Orang-utans.

Promote your local Business HERE! Bangalow’s

contact Di Martin advertising@heartbeat.net.au AUGUST 2010

9

L O C A L TA L E N T

an interview with...

Kevin Palmer Kevin can vividly remember the moment that set him on the path to working in the theatre. Perhaps it wasn't an epiphany, or a tale worthy of the stage but for an openly gay man it is an amusing one.

“At 20, I had been a police cadet for three years and I thought how can I survive in this… in Queensland, in the 1950s?” he laughs thinking about the many contradictions in his life before he discovered his love of the theatre.

“I was a kid that didn't know what to do… you just went to whatever job you thought you could get, but it happened that a mate of mine got thrown out of the Police force because he crashed a car and he said: ‘Why don't we go overseas?”

He didn’t know it at the time but leaving Darwin where his brother had secured him a job working in a Uranium mine was the first step in a journey that has taken Kevin from a boys’ home in Brisbane, to London’s West End and Broadway in New York. His career in theatre has spanned 45 years and three continents eventually bringing him back to Australia where he has now settled in Bangalow.

“Initially you think because you are young and handsome you can be an actor,” he smiles, reflecting back on his days in drama school in London.

“But the first acting job I got I thought no, I’m not interested in that, I’m interested in the production side of it, working for producers and directing... I ended up coming back to Australia many years later, to Adelaide, which is where I met Bruce (his partner of more than 35 years). They had just built the Adelaide festival theatre... (and had) decided they needed a second theatre, the Playhouse. So, I came back from England to be their production manager... I became artistic director of the theatre.”

He then taught at the illustrious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), before establishing a well-respected drama agency in Sydney. In 2002 Kevin and Bruce retired to Bangalow. It was a decision based on Kevin’s urge to find a ‘home’ that he never knew as a child, back closer to the area where his father was born.

He pauses to consider his connection to the area and his aboriginal heritage that he was unaware of until much later in life.

“It's like karma, you come back to your roots, I feel very strongly that something is calling me back and I think that if there’s anything spiritual about me in anyway, it is that (calling home) and I think that is a strange aboriginal thing, probably the only (aboriginal) thing that has manifested itself to my knowledge.”

“My mother (who died when Kevin was six-years old) was part Aboriginal, my great-great grandmother was a tribal elder. I remember spending time with a grandmother when I was a child and 10

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

Photo: Richard Windeyer

she was black, but I didn't think about it.” “(The story is) very positive and there's no reason why it shouldn't be… I wanted it to be partly a memoir but also a social document to encourage young people that whatever you want to do you can achieve with a bit of personal effort.”

Kevin's story is surprisingly positive for a child who lost his mother at such a young age and with his father away at war, effectively grew up in a boys' home.

“As a child you just go from day to day,” he says when reflecting on the night he and his siblings were taken to the home. “In fact, it was rather nice, instead of having three or four brothers you had 64 brothers… you were taken on this wonderful, magical ride across Brisbane in the middle of the night. Cars were certainly rare in our family so all you were excited about was having a car ride – you woke up and all these kids were around you.”

Kevin holds no grudge against a father who chose a life in the Army over returning home to look after his children. Perhaps it was the era he grew up in, one very different from today. There was never a close relationship with his father but again he holds no resentment.

“We were always miles apart. There's a bit in the book where (Dad) came to visit me in England because he thought I would never come back to Australia. He looked at me and said: 'Well I probably won't see you anymore Kev,' and I replied yes you will, you'll see me at Christmas.” Kevin had just applied for a job back in Australia and was waiting for the outcome of the interview. “(Dad) just looked at me and said 'and I spent all that money'.” He laughs heartily.

This is what makes the story so accidentally inspiring. There is no hint of self-pity in the tale. Kevin doesn't understand why anyone would feel it is a sad beginning for someone that went on to achieve such success within the theatre both here and abroad.

“I'm from a humble background,” he acknowledges, “not that I'm ashamed of it or anything, it just happened… if you want to do something you can do anything… if there is somebody like me that doesn't know what to do, just encourage them not to give up.”

He finishes the interview with a chuckle, “It's a good story, even if it's my story.”

Michelle Windeyer

BOOK LAUNCH Sunday, 8 August 2010, 11.30am - 12.30pm: Boys' Home to Broadway

by Kevin Palmer (Magabala Books).

The Launchpad, at the Byron Bay Writers' Festival, North Beach Byron Bay. Bookings are not necessary – all are invited.

Part of the Byron Bay Writers Festival (6-8 August). www.asauthors.org

AUGUST 2010

11

C R E AT I V E PA S S I O N S

Emma Gale With two young children, a husband and a house to run, it's not easy to find time to paint. But, painting being her passion, Emma Gale somehow finds a way.

Big, bold and bright. That's how paintings by Bangalow artist, Emma Gale, come across.

She's inspired by “colour and pattern, and the beauty in things,” she says, sitting in the painting corner of the family's Clover Hill house, discussing her work and what motivates her to paint.

“I love colours and the design of things. I don't do small pieces. I go to bed and dream about painting, and wake up knowing what's gone wrong in the current piece I'm working on. I have to create on a daily basis. I'm passionate about what I do.”

Emma works in acrylic on canvas. “I like acrylic because it's quick drying and I often go over the layers. I use the paint like a pencil.” Her training at East Sydney Tech was in screen printing and textile design, and at the Julian Ashton Art College, in Fine Arts. That training, and her work as a graphic artist for many years, is reflected in her current paintings, which are usually 1.1m x 1.1m, or 1.1m x 1.3m in size.

Her paintings often incorporate stencils; perhaps letters or patterns, even collages, creating a layered effect, giving more depth to her work. Currently, standing on easels around the room are several works in progress: a raccoon, “I love the bold stripes;” a finch: “Its colours excite me,” and an orangecoloured antelope.

Though in the past she's drawn cows and horses, the local environment is not currently her inspiration.

ADFAS Australian Decorative Fine Arts Society The Australian Decorative Fine Arts Society this month presents international guest speaker Oliver Everett from London.

Everett has had an interesting career in the British Diplomatic Service and was assistant private secretary to the Prince of Wales and private secretary to Diana, Princess of Wales. He later served in the royal household as librarian in the royal library at Windsor Castle and is now Librarian Emeritus.

Educated at Cambridge, with post graduate work in the USA and the London School of Economics, Everett now lectures internationally about the history of Windsor Castle. He has written the official guidebook, audio tour and taught a course on the castle's history as well as producing a TV program and writing articles and books about Windsor Castle .

We will discuss the great fire that nearly destroyed Windsor Castle in 1992 and its subsequent restoration. Join us for a fascinating look inside one of the oldest, continuously occupied castles in the world.

12

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

Satisfaction, to Emma, is not necessarily selling a piece. “The driving thing is creating it. It's even more satisfying when you sell it.

You can have good runs, then it goes quiet. After the financial crash, people became more price conscious, and for anything over $1,000, they'd think twice. Art became a luxury item and not every household can afford it.

When they do, it's special.”

Like many creative people, she finds it hard to personally sell her work. “You really can't sell yourself. It has to be through a gallery. You just want someone else to do it – that's why there's galleries - so we can sit and paint!

Emma sells her work primarily through a Gold Coast gallery, Anthea Polson Art. “She has three big shops; a good clientele from Sydney and Melbourne; good website traffic, and nothing's hidden away in the back room. Some local galleries don't have store rooms for artists' work. Size is an issue with small galleries, who ask for smaller paintings to fit their space.

“The art market can be fickle; you can get a wave of 'what's in'. It goes in cycles and” (in the quiet times) “you've just got to ride it out, keep doing your thing and believe in yourself. It takes years to build up a reputation for your work. It doesn't happen overnight. Then you sell a few and feel better,” she says.

Emma and her partner moved to Bangalow from Sydney 10 years ago. For five years, they owned and managed the Harvest Café in Newrybar. Initially, Gary Sharman “saw it as a building project”, says Emma. But once building restoration was complete and the café reopened, its success drew them in. Gary worked there seven days a week, and Emma, too, helped with marketing, staff organisation and the 'behind the scenes' management.

Three years ago, the couple sold the cafe and Emma decided to have a second child. Her first, Mia, is nine; Max is now two. Time to paint is now slotted in between his nappy changes, sleeps and playgroup, and at the weekend, shunting Mia to sporting events. “My painting time is allocated. It can be frustrating at times. Gary's really great. I wouldn't be able to do without his help.”

Christobel Munson

Where: A&I Hall, Station S t r e e t , Bangalow on Monday, 16 August.

When: Light refreshments are available from 6pm, followed by our lecture at 6.30pm and coffee/cake to follow with the opportunity to meet friends, other members and our speaker.

Cost: Guests are always welcome at $20 per person.

Enquiries: Please direct enquiries regarding membership and the programme to Dawn Lotty (Secretary) on 6687 2442.

NB: Heaters have been hired for the winter months.

Carole Gamble AUGUST 2010

13

OUR ENVIRONMENT

GARDENING Jobs for August in the Garden Hard work put into the garden in August will ensure it looks its best in spring. It is the month to apply compost and top up the mulch wherever it is getting thin. Compost is a wonderful soil additive as it adds nutrients, earthworm-attracting humus and helps conserve moisture. Mulch also conserves moisture and is needed to keep the bed warmer in winter and roots cool in the heat of summer.

If annuals have already been planted and perennials divided up, applying liquid fertilizer will keep all flowers, vegies and herbs coming along well. It is not too late to plant seedlings for a Christmas display of colour and interest.

Gently prune shrubs that flowered in winter to promote a more compact growth habit for summer.

This is the month to plant carrots, beetroot, greens including kale, snow peas, and baby brocollini, and cauliflower. It is wise to spray the vegie patch and fruit trees with anti-fungal copper oxychloride if you have had any sign of fungus to make certain no spores remain.

Spray any plants affected by scale with white oil. Make your own in the kitchen blender using two cups of vegetable oil to half a cup of dishwashing liquid. Dilute at the rate of one tablespoon per litre of water before applying.

A very attractive, rewarding and undemanding plant featuring in many local gardens this month is Streptocarpis hybrid, commonly known as “Nodding violet”. It can be grown in garden beds but is an ideal container plant. It requires morning sun, shade in the afternoon, moderate watering and occasional feeding. Its restful mauve flowers bloom for a long time and it is easily propagated by cuttings to make lovely gifts for friends.

Helen Johnston, President of the Bangalow Garden Club Photo: Judy Baker

14

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

NATURE NOTES

AHA! AMPHIPODS! Since my article last month, musing on the origin of the 'shrimp' in our pool filter, I've had several local reports of similar organisms. One reader had so many after rain they refer to them as “driveway prawns.”

A call to Dr Danny Bucher, a marine biologist at Southern Cross University, put me on the right track and I've discovered we're seeing small invertebrates, a kind of crustacean, known as t e r r e s t r i a l amphipods.

T h e w o r d amphipoda comes from the Greek, Amphi meaning on both sides, and poda meaning feet or legs. This refers to the fact that most amphipods have two sets of legs, one for walking or swimming and one for jumping.

Amphipods are more closely related to prawns, lobsters and crabs than to insects. Like insects, crustaceans have a hard skeleton on the outside of their bodies (an exoskeleton) and jointed legs. Crustaceans however, have more than three pairs of legs (insects have three pairs), two pairs of antennae or feelers (insects have only one pair), and never have wings.

Sometimes known as lawn shrimp or land hoppers, terrestrial amphipods only

survive in very damp places such as leaf litter, under pot-plants, in humus or soil and can be flushed out after rain. They can be found under damp fibre doormats and occasionally inside homes. They are capable of jumping and are sometime mistaken for large fleas when disturbed.

I found some live ones recently, which jumped about five centimetres (about five times their body length) when I poked amongst a heap to get a better look (and a photo).

Coloured grey to olive or reddishbrown, often with a pattern of stripes, land hoppers turn red when dead, in a similar way to prawns and lobsters. The common species identified in gardens in Melbourne and Sydney, Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, looks very similar to these ones pictured, so maybe that's what we have here.

To think I've been working in my garden and delving into leaf litter and compost for many years and had never seen these little creatures before they appeared in our swimming pool. They form part of the vast army of organisms recycling vegetable matter on the forest floor and in our gardens.

The diversity in our environment is just amazing.

Words and photo: Judy Baker

Make a date for a Global Party Coming this way 10 October 2010 An organisation called 350.org, whose mission “to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet,” is campaigning to get communities around the globe to do something on that auspicious date that will help deal with global warming.

In the words of the organisation's founder Bill McKibben, “We're calling it a Global Work Party, with emphasis on both 'work' and 'party'. In Auckland, New Zealand, they're having a giant bike fix-up day, to get every bicycle in the city back on the road. In the Maldives, they're putting up solar panels on the President's office. In Kampala, Uganda, they're going to plant thousands of trees and in Bolivia they're installing solar stoves for a massive carbon neutral picnic.”

The goal of the day is to send a political message: if we can get to work, you (politicians) can get to work too - on the legislation and the treaties that will make all our work easier in the long run. Find out all about it (and why '350'?), go to www.350.org/oct10 Christobel Munson AUGUST 2010

15

GREENIE OF THE MONTH

‘MR BIG’ OF RAINFOREST RESTORATION

Photo: Judy Baker

Lurking in a patch of rainforest on Friday Hut Road, it is hard not to think of Tony Parkes as the ‘Mr Big’ of rainforest restoration.

Not only is this sprightly octogenarian twometres tall but he has tendrils firmly linked to many local organisations working for nearby and overseas projects. These include The Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, Rainforest Rescue and EnviTE, which he helped to found and in which he still holds senior positions.

Tony, and wife Rowena, moved to Bangalow as a transition to retirement some 20 ago.

Retiring from a career in science and various businesses, including fertilisers and investment banking, the Parkes bought an old dairy farm on Friday Hut Road, built a home in 1989 and became increasingly interested in rainforest remnants on the block. This interest led to a passion for restoration and 35,000 trees later they now have 14ha under full canopy and up to 30 metres high.

ORANGES & LEMONS “Oranges and lemons say the bells of St Clemens” so the old English nursery rhyme goes. This season has seen more than just oranges and lemons, there's an abundance of all types of citrus: oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruit, limes, tangelos and cumquats. It's always nice to take something from the garden when visiting friends, but this season citrus is so abundant that even gifts are refused - everyone is giving fruit away.

At a recent meeting of the Bangalow garden club, the subject of which variety of lemons to plant was discussed. It seems Lisbon, Meyer and Eureka all do well here, it's just a matter of the flavour you like.

Whilst white scale, leaf miner and aphids on new growth can be problems on citrus trees, a spray of white oil can fix these easily.

Feeding under the drip line three times a year, in spring, early summer and early autumn, with a complete fertiliser or balanced citrus food will ensure healthy trees and good crops of fruit.

Probably the good rains we had in autumn have prevented fruit drop and ensured us of our bumper crops.

Make some marmalade, have a go at cumquat liqueur, or try this delicious recipe to use up your excess citrus.

In fact, it is such a good example of rainforest restoration that it is fully protected under a permanent covenant. Wampoo pigeons have also given it a vote of confidence by taking up occasional residence, perhaps a good test of the success of Tony’s work.

Tony and fellow enthusiasts also founded the Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group in 1992. In response to the wide spread clearing and devastation of Australia's largest lowland rainforest, known as the big scrub, which initially covered 75,000ha between Ballina, Byron Bay and Lismore.

By the 1980s most of the one percent which had escaped clearing was in a fairly sorry state. Big scrub was established to help save these remnants and facilitate re-vegetation, From these small beginnings the group now contribute to the restoration and maintenance of 50 big scrub remnants. Last year they and their 11

Lemon Delicious Ingredients 1 tablespoon of butter 2 eggs 1 cup of milk 3/4 cup of sugar 2 tablespoons of self raising flour 1 large lemon Method Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Celsius. Place the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and cream until smooth. Add the flour, lemon juice and grated lemon rind. Separate the eggs then mix the egg yolks and the milk in a small bowl. Add the milk and egg yolks to the mixing bowl. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the mixture. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes or until the top of the lemon delicious is golden brown.

Story: Judy Baker Recipe: Estelle Leacock

16

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

partners secured funding and in-kind support of $750,000 for restoration work at these remnants plus 40 additional endangered lowland rainforest sites between Grafton and the Queensland border.

Indeed the restoration undertaken by the group was the largest lowland rainforest restoration project in Australian history. The sites include DECCW Nature Reserves and Council reserves as well as private lands.

Big Scrub Landcare is also very involved in education to help prevent further loss of rainforest areas. Together with a number of partners and supporters they hold a major annual event, the Big Scrub Rainforest Day, to promote awareness of their work, as well as many smaller field days and other education activities such as the publication of manuals on rainforest restoration and weed control.

Another group that Tony helped to establish with fellow conservationist, Kelvin Davies, in 1999, Rainforest Rescue, supports these restoration efforts with donations of more than $100,000 over the past 11 years.

Rainforest Rescue is also instrumental in the Daintree Buyback and Protect Forever Project (buying and preserving World Heritage value freehold rainforest in the Daintree at risk from rural residential development) as well as working in partnership with the Rainforest Information Centre and Rainforest Concern (UK) to protect Ecuador's cloud forests.

The company also sponsors significant research. It does not seek government funding, but receives financial support from a range of corporates and other organisations as well as individual donors (over 100 regular donors in our 2479 postcode).

Tony’s work doesn’t end there. EnviTE, which Tony chairs, is a notfor-profit organisation started in 1995, with three divisions: EnviTE Environment, with restoration projects from Kempsey to the Queensland border; EnviTE Training, a registered training organisation and EnviTE Employment, assisting young people find jobs through such schemes as National Green Jobs Corps.

Tony’s commitment to rainforest restoration is big, perhaps as big as the man himself.

Story: Brian Sundstrom

POSTSCRIPT Upon reading the story in last month’s Heartbeat about Palm Oil, I was inspired to examine more of the product choices in my home. Shopping is the least fun thing I do in my life and I know many of us feel the same, pick up what you need and get out of there quick.

I am guilty of not reading many labels these days and, without glasses, it is almost impossible anyway.

Manufacturers are very clever at disguising the content of products to the point of feeling like you need a science degree to decipher what you are actually eating and using.

I am dismayed to find out just how many of our everyday products contain deadly palm oil, at least 50 percent of grocery items. I’m not going to list them here but if you want to help by not supporting these products view the following website for a list of what does NOT contain the vile stuff.

Never underestimate the AUGUST 2010

power of the dollar, withholding money from the companies involved does make them change. http://www.orangutans.com. au/orangutans-survivalinformation/helping-you-buyresponsibly-palm-oil-freealternatives.aspx We know surfactant and phosphate in detergent is bad for waterways. We must support Australian producers and avoid over packaging while considering the type of packaging; recyclable vs recycled; organic vs processed; GM, Low GI, does it have nutritional value, additives, fair trade, dolphin friendly all need consideration; then the price comparisons and finally the bag you carry it home in, arrgghh!

No wonder I hate shopping and it’s not getting any easier but it is getting greener and I urge you to take the time to consider your purchases – maybe just a few products at a time.

Liz Gander

E! R E H E S I T R E ADV Bangalow’s

to advertise, contact Di Martin advertising@heartbeat.net.au 17

L O C A L H I S TO RY

HERITAGE HOUSE: an historical building with a ‘steamy’ past Continuing our occasional series on historical houses of Bangalow

for the new verandah; a new roof was built and of course a new paint job completed to suit the new future use of the building.

Today, the wrap-around verandah accommodates visitors who take the time for tea and scones or lunch. Inside, the central rooms house the museum's diverse displays, constantly changing thanks to the imaginative outlook of the tireless team of volunteers running the tearooms and the museum.

The museum – and its delightful tearooms – are open from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Story and Photo: Christobel Munson With thanks to Vivienne Gorec and the Bangalow Historical Society

NEWRYBAR OLD TIMERS It seems highly appropriate that the topic for this article is Heritage House, the building in which the Bangalow Museum is located at the corner of Ashton and Deacon Streets, Bangalow. You may think it's just a beautifully atmospheric building where locals 'in the know' go for a lovely light lunch or morning tea, or to view the current exhibition, whether that's on wedding dresses, commemorating Anzac heroes, the railway station, or farm life in early Bangalow. But this building has a past, and a somewhat steamy one at that.

In 1920 a wooden house was built in Park Lane, Brunswick Heads, for a widow, Gladys James, and her son Ernest. (In later years, apparently Ernest James became Mayor of Mullumbimby.) Typical of the location and the times, the house was a traditional 'Queenslander', raised high off the ground to be able to catch the cooling sea breezes.

After Gladys and Ernest's occupation, in the following decades the building was used in a variety of innovative ways: as a doctor's surgery, a typical family home, a boarding house, and finally, a brothel. Touching evidence of this past use still remains. On the wall just inside what's now the front entrance to Heritage House, is a pegboard with hooks for the room keys of the brothel's workers, with such old-fashioned names as 'Cuddles', Shiela (yes, mis-spelled), Rosy and Zoey, so it's easily seen whether or not the employee was 'In' or 'Out'.

Eventually, business must have slumped. The house and land fell into receivership, and were offered for auction in 1993.

Meanwhile, onto the scene comes Betty Dengate, a determined and elegant - woman who could clearly visualise a new life for the old building. After the Bangalow Bicentennial in 1988, she had become the custodian of a collection of scanned historical photographs, which had, over the years, become “covered in cockroach poo and cobwebs” as they were shunted from garages and car boots to church halls, looking for a permanent home.

In “about 1991”, the initial team of four members of what evolved into the Bangalow Historical Society – Betty, Jane Ions, Denise Prentice and Don Osborne – had spent some years meeting in the scout hall or each other's homes, all the while lobbying Byron Council for a building to accommodate the society and its exhibits. But, says Betty, the catalyst for finding a permanent home for the society was that collection of photos.

Finally, sitting next to the then Byron Shire General Manager, Max Eastcott, at a protest meeting at the Bangalow A&I Hall, with Betty in persuasive form no doubt, a deal was struck. Council bought the Brunswick Heads house and land at 5 Park Lane that year. (Or was it resumed for unpaid rates? There are differing accounts.)

Council also owned land near the Bangalow Creek Pool and its surrounding park, and it seemed an excellent idea to use that land as a site for the old house and the Bangalow museum. In 1994, the house was moved by road to its new site. Using money from Council's capital works budget, augmented by community donations, a band of dedicated volunteers worked hundreds of hours next to local tradespeople installing new foundations, electricity, bathrooms, staircases and landscaping. Alex Herrmann donated $12,500 to pay 18

It would be hard to find more long standing members of Newrybar than Glenna and Herb Hambly, aged 88 and 82 years.

They live in the house on Old Byron Bay Road built 88 years ago

by Glenna's parents, Charles and Lily Selmes. Glenna has spent most of her life there. Herb grew up down the road from Glenna on Phillips Road.

Both Herb and Glenna know the meaning of hard work. Both milked cows before school, then rode their horses to primary school—Herb to Newrybar and Glenna to Knockrow. Then after school they rode back to milk the herd again.

Glenna left school at 15. She continued milking a large number of cows on different farms and also cared for twin children of neighbours. She met Herb during this time.

They have fond memories of Saturday nights in their courting days when they went to the pictures at Bangalow A&I Hall.

Glenna said: “We rode our horses across the farms to Bangalow, but rode back along the road on our way home late at night.”

Glenna and Herb were married in 1947 and moved to their own place on Midgen Flat Road. They had two daughters, Marie and Leone. However, when Glenna's father was no longer able to run his farm due to ill health, they returned to Glenna's family home where they have been ever since.

They milked dairy cattle for cream production, and fed skim milk to their pigs but once the dairies started to sell whole milk, they decided not to upgrade their dairy to the necessary standard and switched to vealer production.

Herb is like most men of the land with his wide knowledge of all aspects of farming, whether it be mending fences, weed control, mechanical maintenance or repair of pumps and plumbing problems. He can always lay his hand on what is needed to remedy the problem with the many spare parts stored in tins in his shed.

The Hamblys have always led a very self sufficient life, with their lives following the seasons. They were followers of the slow food movement long before the term was coined and although they had electricity connected in the 1980s Glenna still cooks on the wood stove every day.

They have a large range of fruit trees, a pineapple patch and a large vegetable garden tended expertly by Leone. They have always kept poultry, and each week chickens or ducks are killed and dressed for the Sunday roast. Their garden is always filled with colour and is very well maintained. Glenna and Leone have always had a great love of their cattle and calves, and both have a talent for rearing orphaned calves. Many orphaned calves from various farms in the neighbourhood would not have survived without their patient and persistent care.

Even though Herb and Glenna have seen many changes to Newrybar over the years, their lives still have continuity with the past. Leone carries on the tradition of hard work, with Marie also helping with housework and gardening on the weekend. Many new members of Newrybar frequently stop to buy fruit and vegetables which the Hamblys sell from their front gate. Herb and Glenna can be proud of all they have achieved.

Lyn Plummer BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G

EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR BLOOD TYPE “A vital core of alternative medicine is the recognition of the biochemical uniqueness of each individual and the need to tailor treatments and prescriptions to match that individual variability” Dr P.J. D'Adamo According to naturopath Peter J. D'Adamo, ND, in his book Eat Right 4 Your Type, the missing link to health might be found in the four basic blood types: O, A, B, and AB. This is his key to unlocking the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality, and emotional strength.

"There had to be a reason why there were so many paradoxes in dietary studies and disease survival," says D’Adamo.

“Why some people lose weight and others do not on the same diet or why some people keep their vitality as they age, and others do not.”

Dr. D'Adamo has spent the past 15 years

researching anthropology, medical history and genetics and the connections between blood type, food, and disease. His research is also built on 30 years of work done by his father.

The blood group diets have now become an integral part of my practice. Patients most often experience some results within two weeks of starting the diet plan and definite improvements within the first month.

These improvements may include increased energy, weight loss, a lessening of digestive complaints, and improvements in more chronic conditions such as asthma, headaches, heartburn or fibromyalgia.

Blood O types fare best on intense physical exercise and animal proteins and less well on dairy products and grains. The leading reason for weight gain for O types is from gluten found in wheat products and to a lesser extent lentils, corn, kidney beans, and cabbage.

Those with blood type A however, are more naturally suited to a vegetarian diet and foods that are fresh, pure, and organic.

Type Bs have a strong immune system and a tolerant digestive system and tend to resist many of the severe chronic degenerative illnesses, or at least survive them better than the other blood types.

Type AB-Blood, an amalgam of types A and B, are the most biologically complex says Dr. D'Adamo.

A simple finger prick test can determine what blood group you are. Follow the diet and you may be surprised by the health benefits you experience in the change.

Sue Daly Bangalow Naturopathics Eat Right 4 Your Type

by Peter J. D'Adamo and Catherine Whitney. Putnam Adult (1996)

Bangalow’s Editor: Michelle Windeyer Art: Richard Windeyer Sub Editor: Helen Wilson Advertising: Dianne Martin Ad Production: Allie Leo Editorial Team: Judy Baker, Marika Bryant, Stephanie King, Estelle Leacock, Christobel Munson, Lyn Plummer, Brian Sundstrom Website: Wendy Gray Distribution: Bangalow Post Office, Brian Sundstrom Accounts: Rob Campbell Chairman: Neville Maloney

AUGUST 2010

19

L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N

AUGUST ARTERY August is not only about election promises and cool winds and open minds for those breezes to blow through. There are so many possibilities to make your positive mark on the world you inhabit, why not take a leap and show what hibernates in your soul?

Art Opportunities Caldera Artfest 2010 is requesting artists in any style or medium to submit works relating to the region's flora, fauna or landscapes for regional touring exhibitions during October and November. Share in the prize pool of $8000. For more information go to www.calderaart.org.au or contact Andy Reimanis on 6677 9009 by 20 August 2010.

Bellingen Art Prize is offering $5000 and additional prizes worth $6000 for artworks including works on paper, painting, 3D, photographic and digital art. www.bcac.org.au by 27 August 2010.

2010 National Contemporary Jewellery

Award is open to all jewellery artists, designers and artisans. $5000 acquisitive prize with winning work to be included in the National Contemporary Jewellery Collection a t G r i f f i t h R e g i o n a l G a l l e r y. www.griffith.nsw.gov.au by 4 August 2010.

Deakin Uni Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. Award of $10,000 with work becoming part of the Deakin Universities Art Collection.

Residency Ashfield Council are calling for expressions of interest from performing, visual and literary artists in regional/remote areas of Australia to reside at Thirning Villa between April 2011 to March 2012.

For more information go to contact Anthia Hart on 9716 1866 by 3 September 2010.

Dance Grants Artform Development provides funding for

programs that develop Australian dance.

Guidelines and application details are online: www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants

Photography Thanks Dad National Photo Competition allows you to show off your Dad, Granddad, Uncle, foster Dad or whomever has been male and wonderful. No entry fee required with cash prizes on offer. The winners will have the opportunity to tour their photo throughout 2011. www.thanksdadphotos.org.au for more info by August 25 2010.

Expressions of Interest The In Good Company Open Air Festival is having its first open air charity festival and needs local creative performances, ideas and workshops, public artworks, sculpture and anything creative, entertaining or interactive.

Visit www.ingoodcompany2010.org or call 0408 490 572 Marika Bryant

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACT NUMBERS AA Tues 5.30 Angling Club Outing 2nd Sat Aussie Rules Aussie Rules Junior Bangalow Community Alliance (BCA) Bangalow Markets monthly 4th Sun Bangalow Freemasons 4th Monday 7.30pm Bridge Fri 12pm Cancer support 1st Wed 1-4pm Childcare Centre 7.45am-6pm Cricket Club CWA 2nd Wed Garden Club 1st Wed George the Snake Man Groundforce Historical Society/Museum/Tea Room Jazz-x-ercise Thurs 6pm Land/RiverCare 1st Sat working bee Lawn Bowls, Men Wed & Sat 1pm Lawn Bowls,Women Tues 9am Lions Club 2nd/4th Tues 7pm Mufti Bowls 3rd Sat 9am Netball Club train 4.15 Thurs Op Shop 10-3pm Sat 10-12 Parks Committee 3rd Tues 7.30pm Playgroup Tues 10am Pony Club Kim Herwig

20

Doug Ray Bill Greg Terry Jeff Steve Brian Chris Kerry Anthony Sue Shirley George Georgia Vivienne Ann Liz Ian Dot Roger Lynne Rachel Jan Jenni

6687 8668 6687 1139 6687 1485 6687 1231 6687 2525 6687 1911 6624 5547 6687 2427 6687 0004 6687 1552 0429306529 6687 2619 6687 1417 0407965029 6629 1189 6687 2183 6629 1041 6687 1309 6687 2604 6687 1246 6687 0543 6687 1823 6687 0402 6687 2228 6684 7214 6629 1740 6687 8007

Pool Trust 3rd Wed Poultry Club Progress Association Quilters 2nd,4th Thurs Red Cross monthly - 1st Fri S355 C mtee Heritage House Scouts Tues 6.30pm Show Society Karen Soccer Club 2nd Mon 6pm Social Golf every 2nd Sun Sports Association 2nd Wed bi-monthly Sporting Field bookings St Vincent de Paul Tennis Court Hire B&S Club Writers Group 1st Thurs

6688 4236 6687 1322 6687 1494 6687 1453 6687 1038 6687 2442 6628 1024 6687 1033 Nick 6687 1607 Brian 6684 7444 Brian 6687 1024 Nick 6687 1607 6687 1944 Kaylene 6687 1235 Ruth 6686 3008

VENUES A&I Hall Anglican Hall Bangalow Showgrd Sports/Bowling Club Catholic Hall Coorabell Hall Newrybar Hall RSL Hall Scout Hall Heritage House

Michael 6687 1081 Russell 6687 1046 Karina 6687 1035 Lynne 6687 1235 George 6687 1969 Simon 6684 2888 Kay 6687 1324 Charlotte 6687 2828 Jenny 6687 2047 Dawn 6687 2442

Station St Ashton St Moller Pavilion Byron St Deacon St Coolamon Scenic Newrybar Village Station St Showgrounds Deacon St

Peta Hec Ian Leonie Emily Dawn Alison

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

FUNDRAISERS

THE NIGHT RACES ARE COMING

Jockeys are hitting the streets, bookies collating the winnings and fashionistas fine tuning their outfits as excitement mounts in preparation for the Bangalow Community Children's Centre's annual fundraiser A Night

at the Races.

The event, proudly sponsored by the Byron Bay Golf Club will be held at the newly renovated ‘The Deck’ at Byron Bay on 28 August from 7:30pm. With a spectacular venue to be styled by Ivory Bay, novelty race calls, fashions on the field, a VIP dessert lounge and live DJ, the night promises to deliver all the fun, excitement and glamour of the races.

There will be bumper raffles, sweepstakes, door and fashion prizes and a live auction so punters will be odds on favorite to go home a winner.

“We are delighted to announce that first prize for the major raffle will be a night in one of the Beach Suites' Penthouses, and the major auction item will be a week’s accommodation in a luxury beach house located opposite Clarke's beach thanks to Byron Bay Holiday Rentals,” said Rebecca Sargeant, president of the BCCC committee.

Fashions on the field will showcase the best of local fashion with retailers in Bangalow generously donating outfits to be modeled and auctioned on the night.

Other big name prizes on offer include, a night at Byron at Byron, a Gaia body polish and lunch, a Mary Ryan's book package, a Gold Coast Turf Club Skyline race day dining package, a beautiful Le Creuset cooking pot (thanks to The Byron Bay Trading Company) and a Skydive Byron Bay 14,000ft skydive.

Home owners should also look out for our Renovator's Raffle which offers the local renovator a spectrum of savings.

The annual adult fundraiser is an important event on the BCCC's calendar. Tickets are $40, include bus transfers to and from Bangalow, and are available from the BCCC, the Post Office in Bangalow and Mary Ryan's Bookstore in Byron Bay. The money raised from this event will assist in meeting the demands of the growing Bangalow community’s need for childcare.

“We are currently operating at capacity with lengthy waiting lists and want to ensure that quality local child care and preschool services are universally available,” said Kerry Elbourn, BCCC director.

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Karen Jordan

LOVE IS IN THE AIRWAVES

Lou is at the studio bright and early so that you have great breakfast radio to wake up to; Ian keeps the station's library up to date; Michael loves to promote local musicians; while Lyn, Don and Denise are obsessed with coming up with themes that entertain and stimulate.

And then there's Shel, with his cool as a cucumber lounge music and Karena with her popular and long-running program dedicated to the local arts community. All these energetic people live in the Bangalow area and they are enthusiastic volunteers at Byron Shire's own and only radio station, BayFM 99.9.

BayFM is holding its 10th annual Subscriber Drive under the banner of 'Love Your Radio' from Monday to Sunday, 1929 August.

"This year, more than ever, we need our listeners to support us by subscribing," says Ros Eliott, BayFM's President. “It takes

AUGUST 2010

over $250,000 per year to keep the radio station operating.”

New and renewing subscribers are eligible for an array of daily prizes from local sponsors. One lucky subscriber will win an all expenses trip for two to the Kimberleys, a scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago, an overnight stay at a Kimberley station plus three days and nights on the Dampier Peninsula.

There are also two major runner-up prizes: an annual Gold Pass to the Dendy Cinemas and a voucher from the Byron Community College as well as smaller prizes throughout the year.

Your local presenters will be asking for your support during August. They, and other volunteers, will be at the Saturday Bangalow Farmers Markets on 28 August and at the Sunday Bangalow Markets on 22 August.

Annual subscriptions are just $60 or $40 concession.

The station is available locally at 99.9FM and streaming live online at www.bayfm.org. Subscribe by visiting the website or by calling the station on 02 6680 7999.

Lyn McCarthy

Photo supplied by BayFM 99.9 volunteers

21

K I D S A B O U T TOW N

THE MUSIC TREE

TEACHING WITH TUNES

Anna Sansom, owner of The Music Tree, was attracted to this area by “its rich music and art scene”. Originally from Launceston, Tasmania, she and her family moved to Bangalow in 2007. It did not take Anna long to become a part of the creative culture with her early music and teaching program for babies and young children.

Anna is a music educator and performer with 20 years of teaching experience. She is currently the Musical Director for On Track Community Programs Northern Rivers.

The importance of music in Anna's own childhood inspired her to share with the young families of Bangalow.

“As a child, music and movement was a very important part of my life... (it) was a means of expression and somewhere I could go to whether I was feeling happy or sad.”

Anna has brought that wonderful influence to The Music Tree, enabling families to use music as an effective learning too.

“If a child is having fun, then their brain is open Photo: Lisa Sharpe to learning,”she says. “And (it is) an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy the experience of The Music Tree together.”

Anna focuses on teaching children important skills such as logical thinking, memory skills, group social skills and self confidence. Her use of music makes the learning seem more like playing and fun for both the children and parents. “The bond between parents and children in the classes is always something beautiful to watch,” Anna says.

Anna's own daughters, Lilli and Mia who are now nine and six, were regulars at an early childhood music program almost from birth.

“It was always one of the highlights of the week for me and my children. My kids were always the ones that took off and sat on anyone's knee during classes... they still have some wonderful friends, as do I, from those classes. Lilli and Mia's love of music and the confidence and skills they gained has been, and still is, something that we all share in together as a family.”

Anna started The Music Tree six months ago. It has already made a wonderfully positive impact on the families who attend her classes. At some point in its future, Anna is considering expanding the program to create classes designed for special needs children. For the present her main wish is “to continue to provide a valuable and enjoyable musical experience.”

If you would like to find out more about The Music Tree or enrol in a class, go to Anna's website at www.themusictree.com.au.

Estelle Leacock and Lisa Sharpe

22

S

COUT BANGALOW

S

Scouting is the largest youth organisation in the world with over 26,000,000 members in 220 countries.

Girls and boys between the ages of six to 26 meet on a weekly basis to have fun and learn new skills through a wide range of attractive, constructive and challenging activities, including opportunities for adventure and exploration both indoors and outdoors.

Bangalow Scouts meet on Tuesday evenings at the Scout Hall from 6.308.30pm.

You can help these young people to become responsible citizens in our community by becoming a leader. Leader training is provided by Scouts at no cost to you. Contact Jenny on 6687 2047 if you are interested becoming involved.

Bangalow Scout, Bailey Grant is currently having the time of his life in America. Thank you to all who bought raffle tickets to help get him there.

The winners of the raffle are: 1st prize: Hot air balloon ride for 2 ,(L. Clarkson of Woollahra).

2nd prize: Family photo shoot valued at $300 with local photographer, Lisa Sharpe,(A Ajax of Brisbane).

3rd prize: Bangalow Cheese Company Voucher, (Michael Malloy of Bangalow).

The Scout hall is also available for hall hire at very reasonable rates. It recently held creative art classes in the school holidays with Fyre Belli. They plan doing more. The space is perfect for this kind of thing with the large verandah overlooking the show ground.

Lisa Sharpe

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

K I D S A B O U T TOW N

ROBIN HOOD VISITS ROSEBANK PUBLIC SCHOOL

Rosebank Public School

Photo montage: Richard Windeyer

FERNLEIGH STUDENTS PLATE UP MINI-BEASTS Students at Fernleigh Public School ended their term two Mini-beast studies with a day of activities based around the theme. Everyone came dressed as their favourite mini beast and were able to educate students and staff on the idiosyncrasies of the animal they had chosen. We did our handwriting in snail slime (shaving cream), played Pass the Cocoon and What's the time Mr Spider?

The highlight of the day was the Masterchef challenge where students were asked to plate up a mini-beast made out of healthy food ingredients. Students not only had to create a visually exciting and tasty dish but had to make their own chef's hat and apron. The students rose to the challenge plating up an array of beetles, spiders and bees. Masterchef judges Felicia and Wendy were most impressed commenting that the students had further developed “fusion dining” coming up with their own style “confusion dining”. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and we will be replanting our vegetable gardens for our next cooking project in term three.

Michaela Reina (Principal)

AUGUST 2010

23

Whisper T O W N TA Rumour LK GossipChitChat

Da Gra ph

ic ©

Mic

hae

lV an

Ho rn

sh De The audience sang, danced, drank, ate then sang some more throughout the night of the 10th Cabaret da Desh at the A & I Hall a few weeks ago. After hours of rehearsing in any spare space around town that they could find, performers strutted their stuff to a very happy crowd.

Bangalow style icons, the CWA ladies, opened the show performing Beyonce's Single Ladies and the show rollicked on from there. Ritchie Allen made an impressive singing debut alongside Colin Mills, Stephanie Hosking lost all her inhibitions and her wig, belting out It's Raining Men, even nine of our volunteer Firies danced to their own choreographed routine.

It was lovely that some of our younger performers from past Da Desh's, James Deane, Millie Leary, Cody Butler and Estelle Clapham, all of whom have left for the city, flew or drove home to Bangalow to perform in front of their friends and family.

So many wonderful performances… singing fruit bats, swinging cowgirls, dancing mannequins, cancan girls, the return of the infamous Nuns of Insanity, Buttery Choir, Sandhi Ghandi, Somersault, Scarlett Affection… they were all there and many more.

24

rs' Two' and the 'Steame of Insanity - Chapter Hutchinson Crew from the 'NunsJenner, Mike Dowd, Jo Schneider, Tony le Dawson, ichel nna M Back row - Do an, Carol Mitchell, Amanda Sidoti, lly Middle - Bridget Ry Front - Andrea Smythe, Mark Kinnea Bruce McDonough

A U G U S T D I A RY 1

Renewable Energy forum; National Tree Planting Day

6

Byron Bay Writer’s Festival 6-8

7

Bangalow Garden Club

8

Kevin Palmer Book Launch

10

Bangalow Lions Club

12

Concert for Bangalow

13

Music Festival 13-15

16

ADFAS

22

Tintenbar Carpet Bowls Demo

22

Bangalow Markets

24

Bangalow Lions Club

27

Daffodil Day

28

BCCC Night at the Races Farmers’ Markets 7, 14, 21, 28 HB deadlines 11 (Ads) 18 (Copy)

Cody Butler Photos: Judy Baker, Ruth & Karen Ryan

A very special thank you to Rex Butler, Mic Deacon and his sound guys, Karen Preston, John Giese, Steve Drummond, Fred Ransome and 'Ringfinger Junior' for creating a great finale. A great night – thank you everyone.

Ruth and Karen Ryan

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT