THE REGION’S BEST KEPT SECRET

"Whenever people gather almost inevitably a discussion will occur about one’s health and of course that will include cancer in one of its many forms," Peter said.

"In Victoria there is a fabulous organisation, Cancer Council Victoria, which provides a diverse range of services to support anyone currently diagnosed with cancer of any form and their families.

"Cancer Council Victoria have an online and telephone nurse support and advisory service, provide wigs and some financial support, organise respite holidays, are proactive in providing lifestyle recommendations to promote healthier, longer disease-free lives but also provide extensive funding for research into causes and treatments for cancer in its many forms.

Friday Night Raffle

Raffles drawn at 7.30pm

OPENING HOURS

Wed/Thurs/Fri - 3pm till late - Dinner from 5.30pm Sat - 12pm till late - Lunch from 12pm - Dinner from 5.30pm Sun - Lunch only from 12pm

35 Fryers Street, Guildford Victoria

Bookings Essential - 03 5473 4021

"All of these services are provided free thanks to fundraising by the community. Cancer Council Victoria receives no government funding for its programs."

Lilian said for the past 25 years the community had attended a Biggest Morning Tea at Plaistow Homestead with every cent raised going directly to the organisation.

"After such a wet late summer and autumn the gardens at Plaistow are looking lush (and so are the weeds) so come with family and friends to enjoy some fellowship and great music, spend some cash on the stalls all while you enjoy an endless cup of coffee or tea and scones fresh from the oven." Entry by donation.

Plaistow Homestead is at 324 Rodborough Road, Joyces Creek, about 7km from Newstead. Follow the flags from the intersection of the Pyrenees Highway and Rodborough Road to the venue.

Volunteers to help on the day would be appreciated - email Lilian and Peter at plaistow@bigpond.com or call 0419 884 710.

The Local is running a producers' series over the next few editions. Here Kevin Childs talks with Peter McQueen from Red Hare Estate Vineyard.

Black-faced Suffolk sheep graze in Denver, with alpacas not far away. Nearby the grape-stripped vines are shutting down.

Here, at the Red Hare Estate Vineyard, the grapes were on the vine longer thanks to late flowering, followed by wet conditions, then dry and cold.

Despite the unpredictability of the seasons, and with the passion that often seems to come from those in the wine game, owner Peter McQueen is not afraid to talk of his love of the land.

Mind you, this is from a bloke who seems unafraid to take a punt. Having lived in Queensland and Melbourne, he took his family, including children aged four, six and eight to the south-west of France, where he spent two years renovating a chateau.

“Through my oldest son’s schoolfriends I got involved with wine,” he says. “I’m not a winemaker, our business is architecture, business development and real estate.” (His wife, Kim McQueen, has a Daylesford real estate firm.)

Over 18 months the vineyard was totally renovated, reopening in July. It now opens Friday to Monday (Thursday by appointment), has a new bar outside and a pizza oven. From experience I can say it’s a casual and enjoyable place, with delicious charcuterie plates and dogs welcome (up to 10 one weekend).