Gresford News February 2017

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys February 2017

Man leading a Donkey on the Island of Hydra, Greece which has no motorised transport. Photo: Doug and Judy Daly

A Perfect Christmas Getaway?

The summer break is a perfect time to get away, to visit friends and family, spend time at the beach or travel to the Northern hemisphere and avoid the heat!

In this issue Gresford News' special travel reporter DOUGIE reveals the joys of travel.

The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

Gresford General Store and Post Office Home of the Crossroads Cafe 162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road) Phone 4938 9239

Trading

Shop

Mon – Thurs 7 am – 5 pm Fri – Sun 7 am – 7 pm

Cafe

Take Away

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks – Pizza also available from 5pm Thursday–Sunday FRESH SEAFOOD available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Order on Mondays for Tuesday delivery and Wednesday for Thursday delivery. Bon apetit!

NEW – Dry Cleaning service now available - ask Karin for details DVD RELEASES – FEBRUARY • THE ACCOUNTANT • JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK • ARRIVAL • • KEEPING UP WITH THE HONESES • HELL OR HIGH WATER • SNOWDEN • • SKIPTRACE • AMERICAN HONEY •

The Gresford News Community Diary Thurs

2 Feb Land Cookery Competition, Gresford CWA Rooms, 9.30am

Thurs

Entries in by 9.30am, enquiries Dotti Hilliard 4938 9483.

2 Feb Gresford CWA meeting, Twin Rivers Café, 9.30am

Fri

10 Feb Community Table for dinner, Hotel Beatty, 6.00pm

Sat

11 Feb CWA book club – 'Brave New World' Aldous Huxley, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm

Sun

12 Feb St Paul's Eccleston De-Consecration Service, Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson, 3.30pm

Fri

17 Feb Gresford Rodeo meeting, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Sun

19 Feb Next Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Sun

19 Feb Live music – Annie Cee Duo, Hotel Beatty, 12.00noon

Tues

21 Feb Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat

4 Mar Dungog Shire Business Expo, FREE, James Theatre Dungog, 1.00pm

Fri

10 Mar No Community Table for dinner as this is the Gresford Show BBQ

Fri-Sat 10-11 Mar Gresford Show 17 Mar Live music – The Fedz Band – St Patricks Day, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Fri

Mon/Tues

Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Tuesdays

Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mondays

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Vacy School of Arts Hall

Tues, Wed, Thurs

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Gresford School of Arts Hall

Friday afternoons

Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts

1st Mon each month

Gresford Community Group Meeting, 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Wed each month

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm

1st Thurs each month

CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan)

2nd Mon each month

Gresford Historical Society Meeting, Therese Doyle Hall, 10.30am (not Dec, Jan or June)

2nd Tues each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month

Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Tues each month

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not Jan)

3rd Fri each month

Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

Last Thurs each month

Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm

Every Wed, Fri & Sun

Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm

Every Mon (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.00am 49346725 Every Tue & Fri (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Gresford School of Arts, 9.00am 49346725 Every Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty Every Wed & Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Wed–gentle, Fri–general, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.15am Every Wed Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford School of Arts, 10.00am Every Sunday The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or call Brian Doherty on 0412 372 687 or Jane Richens on 0425 339 856. Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories and ads 20th of the month.

Visit

www.gresfordnsw.com.au

for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.

finances resford News G

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Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford.

Name

Amount

Address

Jamie Atkins Rural Contracting 0427490547

WEED CONTROL SPRAYING BOOM SPRAYING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE I have over 15 years experience in weed spraying, Over 20 years experience on property management & maintenance Public Liability insurance ABN: 14618007127

NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL

Call Jamie on 0427490547

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Gresford News Notices Gresford District Community Dinner HOTEL BEATTY

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

Friday 10 February at 6pm, Please book 4938 9451 Our last dinner was a BBQ at the Beatty and proved a great success with 3 new families joining in and a game of cricket on the lawn for the young. The meal was simple and delicious.

Scotch fillets and sausages with salad will be cooked for us as before for $20 adults and $10 children.

If it is a pleasant night, we hope to set up in the garden again so children can bring games to play.

If you know newcomers to the area, do ask them to come along and we look forward to introducing them around...

Carolyn Addison – Member of GDCG

Gresford Rodeo Needs You Gresford Rodeo and Campdraft are in need of committee members to keep our event alive. If we do not get new committee members the event may fold.

Our next committee meeting will be at the Gresford Bowling Club at 8pm on February 17.

Please consider coming along and being a committee member.

NW Hitchcock Carpentry & Tiling Service Wall & Floor Tiling Home Maintenance & Repairs Renovations Over 25 years experience Phone Neal 0418 684 985 49389125 ABN 95 790 884 781 Licence no. 111201C

Gresford Market presented by Gresford District Historical Society Inc.

Sunday 19 Feb 9am to 1.30pm at the Beatty Hotel

...........................

Features local stalls and produce, Great music local goods, treats, attactions and a little bit of history ...........................

Further information contact George Sales 4938 9639

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A LOCAL DANCE SCHOOL THAT IS FUN & AFFORDABLE...

VGDC IS THE PLACE FOR YOU! AGE 3+ BEGINNER – ADVANCED CLASSES FROM $5.50 P/W

JAZZ • TAP • BBO BALLET • HIP HOP BOYS ONLY HIP HOP & TAP CLASSES LADIES JAZZERCISE & TAP CLASSES CONTACT BROOKE- 0437354577 EMAIL – brookedance@bigpond.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @ VGDC

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Letter To The Editor Guess Who?

of a hamstrung council unable to operate effectively, Mr Johnsen and the Did you recognise the young men in the Nationals have taken the position that photo in the December edition?

Dungog should remain as is.

For those of you who are still guessing they are Paul, John and Peter Richardson. We know from all of the reports that even with the Mayor’s proposed 108% rate increase, this will not be enough to Council Mergers cover all necessary recurrent THE NSW government’s proposal to expenditure, restore our roads to an merge Maitland and Dungog councils acceptable state, or arrest the decline in appears dead in the water after our infrastructure. More money (in Nationals leader John Barilaro vowed addition to the annual road grants and “to bring an end to local government other current funding from State and mergers in the bush”.

Federal Governments) will be needed as well as a reduction in services. http://www.theherald.com.au/ story/4416980/maitland-merger-in-doubt/ Dungog Town has lost its hardware and other shops; tourism accommodation Once again Dungog Shire is the target continues to decline with the closure of of one of our local state member’s the Barrington Retreat. Lack of council factually unsupported and untested resources leads to difficulty in attracting thought bubbles – this time with the staff, and delays in the processing of support of the new leader of the development applications. The almost Nationals, Mr Barilaro. universal demand for a caravan park – Yes, after so many reports so essential if we want growth in unequivocally showing that Dungog tourism – has gone unanswered for so Council cannot financially stand alone, long. Our Council has inadequate after 3 proposals and 3 hearings, after human or financial resources to assist more than a year in limbo, and months with this.

BR

Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd

General Plumbing & Drainage Gas Plumbing Drain Cleaning New houses, renovations & extensions Transpiration areas – upgrades & new 3 t & 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker Bobcat 6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON

BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046 15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320 ACN: 109 886 419 ABN: 81 109 886 419 Lic No. 167289C

After the abortive proposal to merge Dungog and Gloucester shires, 1,000 people from Dungog and Clarence Town signed a petition requesting a merger of the Williams Valley with Port Stephens Council. Later 2,000 people shire-wide signed a petition to merge the whole Shire with Port Stephens which was presented to the Council and ignored.

The Dungog Chronicle ran a survey on-line: of the 470 votes, 76% wanted to merge with Port Stephens – less than 8% favoured stand-alone.

Mr Johnsen and Mr Mayor, you were both elected to represent this community, please do what the majority in your community want: a constructive merger that will address our problems. We would also like the $15M promised us towards our infrastructure backlog following a merger. Where is the community support for giving up those badly needed funds?

Graham Murphy, President Gresford Community Group Brian Farmer John and Lisa Connors

PEST CONTROL SERVICES locally owned and operated

General household pests: spiders, cockroaches, rodents.

Termite inspections and treatment using environmentally friendly low odour chemicals and baits.

Call Barry Wilson 0429 317 154 pest management certificate number

15-102220-001

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Registration Time For 2017 Soccer

Women Do Business

Soccer 2017 SEASON WINTER COMP Register now! Play with the 'Scorpions'.

• Under 6's to All Age Men’s & Women’s (Children turning 5 in 2017 can play as Under 6’s) • New players and beginners are always welcome!

• You must register online between 1st and 28th February at www.myfootballclub.com.au Registration guides can be found in the “Documents” section at https://gresfordvacyfc.teamapp.com • Registration fees may be paid online or at the club, but must be paid in no later than April 1st, 2017 • Registration Information day will be held at Gresford Sporting Complex Saturday 11th February, 9am – 1pm • New players: Please bring a copy of birth certificate • Families: ½ price of lowest rego fees for 3rd, 4th, 5th Player • You can also purchase/order your club socks or get help with registration • Every new Player receives a free Dress Shirt and playing shorts • *~ EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ~*: Register and pay before February 20th • *5-7’s receive a free training ball & shin pads.

• February 2017, p 7

Dungog Community College is welcoming in its 5th year with a program called the Women Do Business Series. Subsidised by the NSW Government through Women NSW, there’s networking, mentoring, inspiration and learning. To kick things off, women can get serious business skills through a subsidised course.

Age Group Early bird fee Normal fee 5-7’s * $ 15.00 $ 20.00 8-11’s $ 85.00 $ 95.00 12-18’s $ 100.00 $ 110.00 Seniors $ 195.00 $ 210.00

Payment methods: • Via credit card during online registration • In cash at Club on Registration day • Via online banking to: Gresford Vacy Soccer Club BSB: 082 691 (NAB Maitland) Account number: 509688127 Please use the Players name as the reference

More information or help: Club President, Damien Crouch, 0413 305 961 or Club Secretary, Fritz Woller 4938 5386 ah / 0419 275 760 or email gresfordvacyfc@outlook.com

Students will learn about financials, marketing, compliance, and day-to-day running of a business, earn a Certificate IV in New Small Business (BSB42615), and come out at the end with a completed business plan for their new or existing business. Training will be face-toface in Dungog, and will be provided by The Business Centre, Newcastle Region.

Selected students will also receive mentoring from business mentor Kate Murphy from the Hunter Region BEC. Come to our Information & Enrolment Session on 15 February – check the website for the time.

Other courses coming up: Bread Baking, Belly Dancing, Barista and First Aid. Find out more at the website, dungogcommunitycollege.org.au, or email education@dscc.net.au, 4992 1133 ext 7.

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St Paul's, Eccleston De-Consecration Service A de-consecration Service will be held on the 12th February at 3.30pm at St Paul’s, Eccleston.

For inquiries please contact Mary Horn on 49317124 or Fr Steve Owens on 0458146152

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Sat 4 th March 2017 - 1pm - FREE ENTRY The James Theatre - 6 Brown St, Dungog

Meet

Dungog Shire new and established businesses owners, service providers and find out what they have to offer.

Connect

with Dungog Shire local community and discover what we have on our door step. Plus, hear a presentation by Newcastle Airport about their expansion and vision regarding regional tourism.

ENJOY

a free sausage sizzle provided by Westwood Dungog Providores, local food and refreshments, lucky door prizes and giveaways.

PRIZE GIVEAWAY

REGISTER

Simply come and join us for the afternoon!

Jenny Lewis on 0432 128 143 Marion Stuart on 0428 921 899

Over a dozen fantastic giveaways are up for grabs including accommodation and dinner packages.

Presented by:

For further information and to register, contact us today.

Sponsored by:

LEARN MORE AT - ddcc.org.au - facebook.com/DungogDistrictChamberOfCommerce

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Free Dungog Shire Business Expo need your help to spread the word to make the event a success. Please see the ad in this edition of Gresford News with all the information

Information for local people and visitors to the area

Saturday 4th March, 1pm James Theatre – 6 Brown St, Dungog To coincide with Back to Business Week, a new NSW Government initiative to promote and celebrate the success of small and medium sized businesses and the critical role they play in local communities, we are planning a free small business expo to take place at the James Theatre on Saturday 4th March, 2017 at 1pm.

The event is a joint initiative of the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce, Dungog Shire Council and the newly formed Dungog Regional Tourism Inc. The Expo will be advertised locally and in the wider Lower Hunter. We will also

This is a great opportunity for locals and people living in surrounding areas to check out Dungog Shire’s new and established businesses owners and service providers, and find out what they have to offer. You will also be able to: • ENJOY a free sausage sizzle provided

by Westwood Dungog Providores, as well as local food and refreshments.

• Have a chance to win more than a dozen fantastic giveaways including accommodation and dinner packages.

Simply come and join us for the afternoon!

• Plus there will be a presentation by Newcastle Airport about their expansion and vision regarding regional tourism.

Open to the public, this will be a chance to connect with the Dungog Shire community and discover what we have on our door step.

Information for local exhibitors We are inviting all local business owners/ operators and organisations providing support to businesses in the Dungog Shire to be exhibitors.

Tables will be provided so you would have to bring your display items, advertising materials etc. You may want to bring some of your goods and offer promotions such as discounts. Or you may just want to come along and network with other business people.

It is planned that the event will kick off at 1pm so we suggest you should be available to set up an hour beforehand.

By holding the event during this week we are able to benefit from incentives offered by the NSW Government, which include presenting the event at no cost to exhibitors.

For further information and to register contact Dungog District Chamber of Commerce via Jenny Lewis on 0432 128 143 or Marion Stuart on 0428 921 899 or by email at president@ddcc.org.au or Ivan Skaines, Dungog Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Co-ordinator, on 4995 7777.

GREEN BEER &

St Patty’s Cocktails

FRI 17TH MARCH

Gresford Bowling Club Open 4pm

LIVE MUSIC

The Fedz @ 8pm

G resford News • February 2017

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Gresford CWA News CWA French The Gresford CWA French group celebrated its inaugural year at the end of December with a festive French-style lunch. The group started in early May with just three of us, but has blossomed throughout the year, tripling in size, and promises to grow even more next year. As co-ordinator, I have been impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the regulars, and I welcome anyone who wants to become involved.

Our group ranges from beginners to people with experience and expertise in the language, but everybody is patient with everyone else. Some members are Francophiles who want to enhance their language experiences while travelling, while others want to expand and consolidate the knowledge they have or simply enjoy the challenge of keeping their minds active. The French language can be daunting because of the pronunciation, but that always improves with time and application. It can also be a lot of fun – which is borne out by the frequent laughter and camaraderie within the group.

I’d like to thank CWA President Robbie Thornton and the members for their support. The rooms are open for French on the first and third Warwick and Fiona, shown here with Glenda, added to the festivity of the occasion in their Wednesdays of each month from 11 – 12:30, but coordinating French inspired apparel! L-R – Warwick Thomas, Glenda Smith, Fiona Thomas occasionally there are changes, so newcomers

Stewart Everett Mitsubishi Your local Fuel Caltex Service Station

All Mechanical repairs Rego Inspections & blue slips Origin Gas Agent Maxxis Tyres and Speedy Wheels agent Stockist of all oils for your car and gardening equipment Bulk Fuel deliveries to you/farm

Also stocking: Stihl Chainsaws, brush cutters, vacuums and accessories Thunderbird Electric Fencing Fencing supplies Large Animal First Aid Cattle Vaccines, Drenches & Pour ons Motor Vehicle accessories Philmac Poly pipe fittings Apparent Weed control chemicals Bare-co/Farming equipment suppliers Masport Mowers Agent NRMA agent

If we don't have it we can get it!!

26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 02 4938 9204

Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5pm Sat 7.30 to 11am

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should ring me if they are interested in attending.

The library is also available to anyone wishing to borrow at these times.

Glenda Smith (ph.49389456)

CWA DIARY DATES Thur Feb 2, meeting to be held at Twin Rivers Café at 9.30am.

Thur Feb 2, The Land Cookery Competition to be held in CWA rooms.

Entries in by 9.30a.m.

Sat Feb 11, Book Club, 3.00p.m. in CWA rooms all welcome.

Book for discussion “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley Sat ?? Date to be advised due to Gresford Show “Burial Rites” by Hannah Kenta

What’s on the Shelves?

MACARONI SLAW Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked 2 cups cabbage, shredded ½ cup carrot, grated ½ cup green pepper diced ¼ cup onion, minced ¾ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon sugar 3 teaspoons prepared mustard ½ clove garlic, crushed (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

Method: Place macaroni, cabbage, carrot, green pepper and onion in a bowl.

Combine remaining ingredients.

Pour over macaroni mixture.

Toss gently, cover and chill several hours This salad was served at our Xmas luncheon.

by Glenda Smith

The Angry Tide By Winston Graham This is one of several Poldark novels in the CWA Library. It is seventh in the series and takes up the story of Ross Poldark and his wife Demelza in the intricacies of their lives in late eighteenth century Cornwall. Earlier books in the series have featured in recent Sunday night ABC melodramas.

Ross Poldark and George Warleggan are long term enemies, and have moved their competition to the political arena.

They are both successful in mining and business, and have seats in Parliament – Ross having been elected thanks to an effective patron, and George having bought his way in via a rotten borough. Ross is an impetuous but moral man, while George is calculating and greedy – no prizes for guessing who the hero is! George’s family, which has major interests in banking, tries to ruin a local bank, while Ross through perseverance and charisma, attempts to save it. Their lives, and the lives of those involved with them, are often in a state of extreme tension because of the family hostilities.

The Poldark novels explore the social dynamic of the time through well-drawn and mostly sympathetic characters, with effective foils. Demelza is an open and benevolent character, while Elizabeth (Goerge’s wife and Ross’ first love) is a much more enigmatic character, trying to survive in a world dominated by men and money. This is an entertaining novel which explores the values of the time with gusto.

Specials ~ February 6 to 18 Marinated BBQ Pork Pieces - $10.99/kg Crumbed Steak - $10.99/kg Pickled Pork - $7.99/kg

Ph 4938 9710

• February 2017, p 11

G resford News • February 2017

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CULTURE VULTURE

Natalie Duncan

Greetings to Culture Vulture readers. It has certainly been an intensely hot beginning of 2017. Paint drying on the brush before reaching the canvas!

Two new artists Natalie Duncan and Helene Leanne have joined the Dungog by Design artist collective.

Natalie Duncan is a talented ceramic artist and has recently moved to Dungog with her family.

Natalie says - “I was drawn to ceramics at university and have since developed a most A New Year brings great New Things for our little salon.

We would like to welcome Kelly Richardson to our team as a 1st year Apprentice Hairdresser. We are all very excited to have her joining us.

Annette is training to become a Facialist to take care of all your skincare concerns and we are still offering complimentary Mini Facials while you have your hair done for the next month.

New Year also means New Looks. We will be doing lots of training over the next few months to bring you all the latest Looks & Trends so be sure to have a little change next time you’re in the salon and we will have you feeling a million dollars.

Cheers Andrea, Josie, Annette, Kelly & Susie 803A Gresford Rd Vacy.

Ph: 49 388 386

www.cowlicksha

irstudio.com.au

by Robyn Werkhoven

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• February 2017, p 13

Helene Leanne is a full-time artist and print maker who makes artwork inspired by the natural environment.

unhealthy obsession with this medium. I am intrigued by the memory that surrounds ceramics, how the clay records the artist's hand, how the minerals and molecules of the clay align uniquely every time so that each vessel is different."

Helene says: "I use a printmaking process called the monotype, which in essence is a one-off artwork pulled from a gelatin plate. It is quite involved in that the final image is a combination of many layers of gouache paint.

Helene Leanne

The other technique I use is acrylic painting and use the Australian landscape as my inspiration. In my figurative work I look for interesting shapes and poses, and paint in an ethereal manner".

To see the new artists works and the handmade and inspiring art and craft come and visit the modern gallery / shop at 224 Dowling Street, Dungog.

Thurs – Fri 10am – 4pm Sat – Sun 9am – 2pm.

ART NEWS: I hope all the artists out there are getting ready to enter this year’s Gresford Art Show/competition.

Entries close Monday March 6, 2017 Entry forms available to download on www.gresfordshow.com.au

Graeme Ferguson

Registered Surveyor Consultant in surveying, planning and engineering * Portion Boundaries Remarked

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

* Urban and Rural Subdivisions * Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys * Urban and Rural Road Design * Control Surveys

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

Tel 4938 9448 Fax 4938 9626 Email yatta@hunterlink.net.au

G resford News • February 2017

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Why do we travel?... the adventures of DOUGIE

by Doug and Judy Daly

Twenty minutes later we are ready to go.

We are assured we can return the car to Heathrow Airport by 3.30 without penalty but the loading for different return location is forty dollars. This is acceptable. I know Heathrow Airport.

Been there many times before says I. The man brings the car up but it does not look like a Ford Focus that DOUGIE is familiar with and is manual as they all drive in UK. It is a Suzuki, similar size, black, with only seven hundred miles on the clock. Very Nice. Six gears and reverse!!

Keys handed over with no explanation given on the detailed characteristics of the vehicle. We drive off but accept we must bring the car back full with diesel.

Hi All, As we get older the Joys of picking up a Hire Car diminishes. Is it old age or the hire companies' poor communication?

We arrived at Euston Station at two pm from Glasgow by Virgin Train with the hire car booked for three pm down the road at Kings Cross Station.

Easy Peasy says I. Euston Station teamed with thousands of people as we come off the train. A bit busier than Maitland Station!!

Having been on the train (which has toilets) for four hours plus, Judy announces that she wants to visit the loo at the far end of the Station where fifty other ladies are queuing to spend their thirty Pence. In the mean time I queue to buy an A to Z of London. Signs

Into the traffic of London. I know London, says DOUGIE, we have to turn right to get south to Beckenham. Three A quiet Glasgow Railway Station miles later I realise I should have turned say Kings Cross is ten minutes walk but I left and we are now caught up in a huge crowd coming out of a soccer game or a calculate the Euro car Depot will be at least another five minutes walk. No sign huge concert!! The hire of a Sat Nav was too dear for DOUGIE, nearly the cost of of the taxi rank so we set off walking!! four pints of beer in the UK!!

Within three minutes I am fed up and luckily find one heading for Kings Cross The first few miles were absolutely hectic and we jump in apologising for the short as it is one of these cars that the engine ride. dies when in standstill!! Most concerning when you start and go into third gear The Taxi Driver is more knowledgeable than me. We get into a traffic jam and I instead of first, and stall immediately, much to the distress of the car behind you witness the meter turning over at an who does not know the driver in front is incredibly speedy rate. We finally get to the depot with the cab charge nearly one totally accustomed to automatic cars. days hotel bill!!

We very slowly head south, but take a wrong turn (DOUGIE says he knows Alas the depot is busy with other London like a taxi driver) so we end up customers that must have arrived at in the West End. Lovely to see the Kings Cross as we arrived at Euston. We theatres but they are now all coming out finally are seen by a most efficient from the Theatres from the Sunday receptionist who was born in Iran but Matinee. People galore. speaks English with a cockney accent.

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Onward and Forward. Down to Trafalgar Square where there is some sort of Rally.

Takes four turns on the traffic lights so we enjoy looking at Nelson's Column and the crowds of locals and tourists.

• February 2017, p 15

The car was not used that night and thank goodness for Uber.

The next day the Boss wanted to revisit Wimbledon Village where Alistair and Alex were flatting three years ago. Most people Down Whitehall with even more tourists would take the tram that shuttles between now the pound has slumped. Past House Beckenham and Downtown Wimbleton BUT does not go up to the Village. Judy of Parliament and off to Beckenham and Doug say we have the car and must where the nephews are meeting us for use it and I can drive past my old school, dinner that night. house in Streatham, where I was brought Through Brixton, get lost in Tulse Hill up and generally go down memory lane. and one and a half hours later we arrive All fine but the average speed of fifteen at our hotel. Thank goodness we have a diesel which is better on the fuel... but is miles per hour with London traffic congestion the journey took eighty five still double Aussie prices. minutes compared to a tram ride of fifty Into the hotel car park. It is a Sunday minutes which would have kept my blood and all the poorly paid Poms are having pressure at a better level and make Dr Dew a late carvery lunch at the very low cost back in Dungog, NSW a little happier!! of about five pounds. We wait for some Judy enjoyed Wimbledon Vlillage, one to leave and aware of my 1,200 getting her caffeine fix and AGAIN pound excess I oversteer and can't get visiting the Cath Kidston Shop in the the car in the allotted very tight space!! village only to increase our luggage How does one find reverse in the "new" weight to test Ryanair on the Bologna/ car?? People start to queue behind Athens leg to try and charge us for extra thinking I am leaving. I get out and baggage!! We solved that by sending two explain that I am trying to park the b----- kilos of clothes we have NOT worn back thing!! I wiggle with the steering stick to Aussie before we left UK. press it up and then down. Judy asks if I I am starving so we head to a pub we have the clutch depressed which is not the help I need at this stressful moment!! know in Earlsfield down past the Finally I work out how to engage reverse Wimbledon Tennis Court. Parking will be easier there, says I, and it won't be and park my little friend safely. the four quid an hour that is charged in Now we have to get the luggage out of the Village. A parking spot was not that the boot. Most is on the backseat but my easy to find as it's free!! Four hundred pull type 15 kilo duffle shaped bag is in yards from the pub DOUGIE sees a the rear. How does one open the boot. No suitable space but unfortunately scrapes releases inside. After several minutes a the wheel rim on the left hand front friendly "young" male driver leaving the when parking. Only a minor scratch so hotel made it look so simple when he put let's not worry!! Good lunch and a his fingers under the "S" for Suzuki on the ninety minute drive back to Beckenham boot and hey presto there was my bag!! as it is school pick up time!!

Firs Cottage, Lindfield, Sussex where we stayed with our English friends

Park car safely where it stays in the Pub Car Park all night. Not keyed and ok in the morning when we head off to a lovely Manor Hotel near Worthing. All is going well.

Next day off to our English friends Anne and Patrick in Lindfield, West Sussex, where we have no need of wheels for thirty six hours as they have two cars and a big Volvo. Our little baby remains parked.

We then travel on Friday to Patricia and Steven in Hampton, Middlesex where we park the Suzuki for the night HOWEVER as we arrive one hundred yards from their house an idiot nearly runs us down so DOUGIE swerves and hits the kerb – again creating more scratches to the rim of the inside front wheel!!

So out with the six page Hire Agreement which tells us if there are scratches on the wheel exceeding fifty mm YOU will pay and NOT only this but any damage to the tyres is payable? Alas there is a minor chunk of the tyre that has been cut. DOUGIE, being a genius says we will put the spare on and Europcar will never

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, p 16

DOUGIE, being a nervous person for time and knowing we had to get our little friend back to Heathrow by 3.30pm or pay for another day, broke a lovely roast lunch to leave early and make the timing. No we will not fill up at Hampton as the garage is bust, and as we travel on the M23 and M25 and M4 we find there are no Petrol/Diesel Stations.

We have to divert three miles to fill up!!

Into busy Heathrow. Signage for Return Hire Cars is incredibly vague until one meets the underground tunnel leading to Terminal 1, 2 & 3. Unfortunately we are in the outside lane and CANNOT get Doug in Ducati Museum, in Bologna, Italy into the inside lane which tells us this is where we should go!! It was interesting know!! But on opening the boot, this driving round Terminal 2 to witness the time easily, one finds there is no b----number of visitors that fly out of the spare wheel!! Others have been before Terminal 2 on a Sunday. It only took me with the same idea. fifteen precious minutes.

Saturday comes and the car does not move as we have a lazy day travelling by We actually got there well in time. I was then thinking of how do I stop the Car train locally.

Inspector looking at my damaged wheel!!

We now find where we are staying in As luck would have it as he glanced Hampton there is a DIRECT bus down down an adjoining returnee shouted a the street that goes to Heathrow Airport, question at him and he moved to the for our BA flight to Bologna, Italy. If we other side of our car to inspect the knew we could have dumped the car in balance that remained untouched due to my brilliant driving skills in the two Kingston on Friday.

  

   

hundred and twenty miles we had covered in this little warrior.

We travelled safely to Italy and Greece with few mishaps and no hire car!! In Italy my highlights were the visits to the Lamborghini and Ducati Factories near Bologna whilst Judy visited by far too many Churches and Museums that are too long to list.

Ryanair were again consistent as always on the flight between Bologna and Athens. Packed plane like sardines with knees up to chin, and customary running one hour late without any apology. Food prices through the roof.

DOUGIE on arrival at Athens Airport did NOT like the seventy euro taxi ride to our downtown hotel so "We will use the train that was built for the Olympics" he said.

"We have been on it before and it was easy peasy"... but NOT at four pm in the afternoon. Half hour wait, as he kept on saying to Judy "It won't be long". Train comes in with mad scramble to get a seat and I miss out!! The girl opposite Judy must think I'm fifty with my dark hair as she is determined to hang onto her seat for the eighty minute journey as the train stops at over fifteen stations and continues

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• February 2017, p 17

We use the escalators to get up the three to get more crammed as the local inhabitants finish work and head home or levels but the last forty steps no escalator come into the City for Friday night drinks. and DOUGIE using his hand gestures finds a lift. Into the Square. Thousands of The regular announcement in Greek and people, still light to see the pick pockets English is not reassuring as it tells us to and rouges. Pull our ever expanding watch your possessions/luggage at ALL luggage bags to the taxi rank some one times. We are gradually getting separated hundred metres away across two large from our two main wheeled luggage bags intersections. Pushed aside as we head for from where I stand. Three metres away the first taxi by a somewhat larger Greek Judy sits glaring at our young Greek lady who is keen to get home. friend opposite. The train is now more crowded than a Friday night London Into the next taxi and we meet the many Underground when all buses are on late night shoppers as our driver thought strike and the taxi from the Airport now we wanted to see the narrow busy retail looks a far better travel medium!! route with many traffic lights, continuous Where do we get off?? I know Athens as I know the moon!! Management Decision we will get off at the Systagma Square, my past knowledge tells me this is like Trafalgar Square in my old home town of London. We can then get a taxi. Great idea I said very proud of my management decision. One thousand passengers in one carriage. Judy has been versed in my decision, we just have to get the luggage and us off the train before it moves out to the next station. Thank goodness about two hundred in the carriage were also getting out, perhaps they are all also going to the Novatel Hotel somewhere nearby?

Judy Shopping in Downtown Athens, Greece car horns, and pedestrians that don't understand a red light means Don't Walk. told not at these low Euro prices. "After I thought I was back in Vietnam! the heat ahead in the Suez and beyond I can afford to throw them out" says Judy.

Twenty minutes later our driver was very The fridge magnet at home reminds me proud to announce we were outside the that it says "I always save my Husband Novatel, which was not in the most money. I only buy in Sales"!!! salubrious area. Judy wants to know how

much DOUGIE saved in this little adventure that has taken nearly two hours. I would not let on but said we have just witnessed the real Athens experience reminding her we are intrepid travellers!!

Our second day we take a three island Greek sail trip. A bit unusual for a couple about to embark on a fourteen night cruise to Abu Dhabi. Coals to Newcastle?? Judy wanted to revisit Hydra, one of the islands, which she First day shopping. Don't we have H & M and M & S in Australia? says I, but I'm visited on her first o/s trip well before

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agrees to invest in the 15/20 Euro fare to keep the peace. BUT I want to go to the Royal Athens Sailing Club to use my letter of introduction from our friendly RSYS in Sydney and have lunch as the final boarding is not between four pm and six thirty pm and the ship does not leave until eleven pm.

Several hours later after meeting nearly every member in the Club we head for Terminal A Gate 10 to find on arrival that SS Constellation is now sailing from Terminal B some four kms away.

Another taxi ride away and hey bingo here we arrive in very good time. Passengers are dribbling on. Our Aqua Class, despite DOUGIE has the address of the club and earlier ribbing from good friends in Aus, wisely asks the receptionist at the hotel to does not mean our cabin is under the water write the address in Greek. This she does line!! But does mean priority delivery of our and I hand it to the taxi waiting outside. luggage to our ninth level cabin and a This taxi driver dose not speak English waiting bottle of Champagne and nibbles. which is very unusual. He takes off onto Very nice. We can now relax for the rest of the motorway as if he is joining us for the the holiday which includes the escorted Yachts in Sailing Club Marina in Piraeus, Greece Formula 1 at Abu Dhabi and he must tour to India. No more Independent travel!! know I am Scottish as the fare looks like DOUGIE came on the scene when she it will only cost ten euros. BUT then he We are now on our second day of the was twenty two. Every seventy year old gets lost in Piraeus and can't find the trip and still learning whether organised male Greek we met on the island I posh club we had hoped to visit.

Cruising Life suits the "Daly's" with our thought Judy would tell me he was one of her "old" flames!!

He is determined to find a sailing club for 2,000 other travelling friends from all over the world but mainly Europe, that us and we arrive at a lovely 16ft Skiff Our last day was full of tension with are looked after by some 900 crew.

Sailing Club on the water, full of friendly Cruise 1st not telling us, despite emails Greeks of all ages. They assure us we are Now Judy tells me to get off this I Pad requesting more info, whether we were most welcome and do not need a letter of and come to Dinner!! All we seem to do going to be picked up at the hotel for introduction. There is a good restaurant in the last three days is eat, sleep and transit to the Port Terminal, which Quay and we have a good lunch and a few drink. Weather still too cold for a swim or do we make our own way ourselves. wines to settle the nerves. DOUGIE is with our other 2,000 friends.

The train from downtown Athens does happy as the Taxi Driver discounted the fare and with tip it was only 15 Euros!!

Will close now – Best Wishes Doug. go to Piraeus but this time DOUGIE

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G resford News

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• February 2017, p 19

Getting to know the locals... by Noel Jupp OAM, Dip Hort, QP Dept Ag & Fisheries

Koda tree in flower

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, p 20

Gresford Community Matters

Thank you everyone who participated in the Gresford Community Group's first Christmas Lights Competition. You exceeded our expectations and really made the villages of Gresford ‘look a lot like Christmas’ – thank you again. We are looking forward to next year and to see how much more decorative the Gresford villages can look.

To the business and community groups thank you for your participation with particular mention of the CWA, the Police Station and the Gresford School – your effort was really appreciated. I think everyone noted the wonderful display at the Beatty Hotel and the Twin Rivers Café. Bernie, you and your team really lit up that corner. To all, thank you so much for being involved.

What a difficult task judging was! Judges Steve, Liz Jones and Graham Murphy thought it would take about an hour – 2 and 1/2 hours later ... If we could have awarded more prizes and finalists it would have been a lot easier. This year, 2017, there will be a ‘People’s Choice’ category so everyone can be involved.

22 Durham Road, 30 Church Street and 5 Short Street, along with Robert Richardson’s effective use of strobe lighting at his Singleton Road property.

Our six finalists were: Joe and Gem at 22 Durham Road, Robyn and Dallas at 12 Glebe Road, Maree and Michael at 8 Glebe Road, Kylie at 29 Church Street, 23 Short Street, Mark at 27 Short Street.

Best Novelty display and the $50 went to Robyn at 12 Glebe Road, who was delighted and said it was the first time she had ever won anything. We awarded this because of the number of elements displayed – there was a lot to see and watch.

Best Lighting display and the $100 went to Mark at 27 Short Street.

We found this yard to be like a wonderland of light – we kept going back and comparing it to others. The lighting was consistent, co-ordinated and had a dense planting of colour – each visit we noticed something we hadn’t before.

Carols by Candlelight

While not making the final six we would Well what a fantastic night that was, like to mention the following residences: the weather was terrific, the carolling

from GAPS fully engaging – we didn’t realise how many villagers could really sing so well and everyone got involved.

The Tennis Club did a great job with the BBQ –so good they ran out of sausages and did a quick trip to restock thanks to the Beatty Hotel. The PreSchool not only provided the ‘glow stick’ stall and Lyndell Osmond led PreSchoolers with their beautiful contribution to the evening. I think my favourite sight of the evening was all the little girls dancing and singing at the front of the GAPS carolling while all the young boys were playing cricket at the back – just like a family picnic.

Thanks must go to The Cross Roads Café, The Beatty Hotel, Gresford Butcher and the IGA for their donations to the raffles and prizes for the Carols

by Candlelight finalists. To finish the night was the wonderful fireworks display from Aurora Fireworks – a fitting way to end a very successful evening.

2016 in summary Apart from the Christmas Lights competition and Carols by Candlelight night, what a hectic year for the Gresford Community Group with so much accomplished. Some highlights were:

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G resford News

The

Community Group members participated in the highlight for Gresford this year – The Photographic Exhibition and we would like to extend our congratulations to all and the thanks to everyone who supported this event, we wonder how they will top this!!

Australia Day – the 26 January, saw over 50 residents attend the Gresford Community Group biannual Australia Day lunch at the Twin Rivers Café and awards made to eight worthy citizens of the Gresford Community.

Monthly Community Dinners – these have been a huge success with ever increasing numbers, especially the young families who are meeting and making new friends. Congratulations and thanks must go to Carolyn Addison for the idea and organising each month.

The restoration work that now has been done to the historic St Anne’s Hall includes electrical re-wiring, replacement of the main electrical board, fire extinguishers, safety exit signs, replacement of the railing and painting to the front portico and a cash donation of $3,000 to go towards the upgrading of the gutters.

Jane Chandler and her band of Clean up Australia workers collected and assisted in our participation in this National worthwhile project.

Beautification of the streets continued, with another 55 Crepe Myrtle trees being planted. Fingers crossed the road works in Park Street will soon be finished and the replacement trees planted!

Arboretum Planting – what a fantastic result and congratulations to Penny Kater for organising this wonderful and special area. Our thanks again to Noel Jupp from Riverdene Nursery for your assistance in selecting

• February 2017, p 21

The Gresford Community Group meets the first Monday of each month, 6.30pm at The Beatty Hotel – everyone is welcome – we love new members.

Kayden Atkins assisted by his grandmother Joan For any information please phone the Yates planting a Snow Wood tree at the Arboretum Secretary Sarah Sivyer on 0439 043 974 planting on 30 October.

the trees that now represent our area at the Therese Doyle Hall Grounds.

While not a Gresford Community Group activity, many Gresford

The Gresford Community Group would like to thank everyone for their support during the year, no matter how big or small the contribution it is what makes this community what it is.

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G resford News • February 2017

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, p 22

"On Your Mark..." Billy Cart Derby Set To Go!

Gresford Billy Cart Derby is on again this year with Easter Saturday falling on the 15th April. There will be many new attractions and we are hoping to have the new roadway (raceway) ready for its inaugural run. I am getting in early to ensure all of those potential billy cart builders have plenty of time to start construction on their carts. Remember last year when you stood on the side of the track and made that promise that

next year you will be one of those racing down the main street of East Gresford, well next year is here and Easter will come around very quickly.

Make sure you lock this date into your diary to enjoy many of the old favourites, gumboot throwing competition, pony poo lotto and of course our Monster Raffle provided by Blackwoods from If you want to book a stall, organise a fund raising activity or you want to play Singleton and don’t forget the Mitre 10 Easter Bunny and his Easter Billy Cart. a much larger role by being on the organising committee or just help on the This year there will be many new day then please contact Graham Murphy surprises so watch out for more on 0416116009 or email graham@gabes. information leading up to the event at com.au. gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com

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G resford News

• February 2017, p 23 Gresford News February Crossword The

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St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 6.30pm 5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

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