Newsletter April 2017 The Trust welcomed three new members last month with the appointment by the NSW Minister for Lands of Larry Walsh, Steve Mason and Ian Packer. These Members will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Trust as they have all been involved in the Showground user bodies for a number of years. The new appointments fill the vacancies left by the sudden death of long time Trust Member and former President Peter Ryan who was a great advocate for the Cowra Jockey Club. One appointment was due to the death of Cec Peterson last year and the other filled a long term vacancy. Caretakers Cottage Work has started on the restoration of the Caretakers Cottage with the assistance of the Cowra Men’s Shed. A number of volunteers stripped the inside and cleaned up the failing verandahs on the building to start the project. President Ian Donges thanked the Men’s Shed for their great help. A $20,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program will allow the Trust to install a new bathroom and kitchen in the cottage. Applications have been made for further grants for the cottage project. Anyone interested in helping should contact the Trust. Ian Donges and Ruth Fagan thanked Richard Arundale, Dennis Burrows, Peter Boler, Robert Miller and Wayne Sherwood from the Cowra Mens Shed for their hard work
Turnstile Gates Entrance Work is continuing on the Turnstile Entrance Gates, electrical work has been done and the gates restored by David Fagan. Timberwork will be completed by the long weekend in June to allow the gates to be used for the Pitchfork event and secure the site. Cowra Shire Council has provided a $1600 Heritage Grant to help with the work.
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Camping Area The Camping Area on Showground Lane continues to attract record crowds of campers, large vans and pet owners. A cemented driveway was installed last month to allow better access, especially over the winter period. Approval is being sought for a shade structure and camp oven area at the Ground. Ian Donges at the new Camping Ground entrance
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Events On the June long weekend an active local committee is organizing an outdoor cooking event, called Pitchfork at the Showground. The weekend is modeled on similar events at Trundle. It will involve people camping at the ground over the weekend with entertainment and competing in a camp cooking competition.
Poll Dorset Youth Day, August 3, 2017 Large Auction September, 22 -24, 2017 Cowra Show October 8-9, 2017 New Year’s function
REMINDER All user Bodies are reminded they need to contact the Trust before carrying out any work on the Showground so they can be approved and included in the plan for future projects All facilities at the showground are available for hire. President Ian Donges, Treasurer Ruth Fagan, Chris Cummins, Peter Wilson and Council Representative Cr Michael Nobes, Ian Packer, Larry Walsh and Steve Mason. Secretary Lyn Grace
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