Gresford News December 2016

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys December 2016

Ring In The New Year Gresford Public School’s historic brass bell is ringing a little clearer, following a major refurbishment by the company that cast the bell 135 years ago. Story and pics inside... ... And don’t miss Carols by Candlelight and fireworks in the grounds of The Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday 17 December.

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

Gresford General Store, Post Office & Cafe Xmas and New Year Holiday Trading

SHOP

CAFE / TAKE AWAY

Saturday 24 (Xmas Eve) 7am – 4pm 8.30am – 2.30pm Sunday 25 (Xmas Day) Closed Closed Monday 26 (Boxing Day) 7am – 12noon Closed Saturday 31 (NY Eve) 7am – 4pm 8.30am – 2.30pm Sunday 01 2017(NY Day) 7am – 4pm 8.30am – 2.30pm Cut Off Dates for Xmas Orders are:

Product

Order by

Pick up

BBQ Chickens Bread/Rolls Ice Fruit And Veg Fresh Seafood

Tue 20 Dec Sat 24 Dec Thu 22 Dec Sat 24 Dec ASAP Sat 24 Dec Please call Karin on 49 389 239 Please call Karin on 49 389 239

**WISH I NG YOU ALL A SAFE A ND HA PPY H OLIDAY SEASON** Al l t h e gi r ls at t h e C or ne r St ore

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 – JANUARY • MAGNIFICENT SEVEN • DEEPWATER HORIZON • GIRL ON A TRAIN • • MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN • OMFERMP • BLOOD FATHER • • PETE’S DRAGON • MASTERMINDS • DON’T BREATHE •

The Gresford News Community Diary Thurs

1 Dec Gresford Christmas Lights Competition begins

Fri

9 Dec Community Table for dinner, Hotel Beatty, 6.00pm

Sun

11 Dec Kids Xmas Party, DJ & Santa, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 1.00pm

Mon

12 Dec Gresford Christmas Lights Competition judged

Sat

17 Dec Gresford Community Carols, Picnic & Fireworks, Therese Doyle Hall, 6.00pm

Sat

17 Dec Gresford Christmas Lights Competition announced at the Carols

Sun

18 Dec Monster Ham & Pork Raffle, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.00pm

Sun

18 Nov Live music – Xmas duo Deano & Scotty, Hotel Beatty, 4.00pm

Tues

20 Dec Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Fri

23 Dec Cricket Club Xmas Bonanza Raffle, Hotel Beatty, 6.00pm

Sun

25 Dec FREE Dungog Shire Community Christmas Lunch, Dungog Primary School, 12noon

Sat

31 Dec New Years Eve – live band 'Rachel Summerell Duo', Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Sat

31 Dec New Years Eve – Karaoke, Hotel Beatty, 9.00pm

Thurs Sun

2 Feb Land Cookery Competition, Gresford CWA Rooms, 9.30am 19 Feb Next Community Markets

Tuesdays

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

Mon/Tues

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

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.

For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word). Please keep us informed about activities in the area – a paragraph or two and photo.

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

Gresford News Notices

Gresford News CLASSIFIEDS

Gresford District Community Dinner

CLEANING TENDER GRESFORD BOWLING CLUB Tenders are invited from interested parties for the roll of internal cleaning of Gresford Bowling Club.

Email gresfordbowlclub@bigpond.com for a list of duties and to make an appointment to view club if required.

HOTEL BEATTY Friday 9 December at 6pm Please book 4938 9451 Our last dinner for the year will be a BBQ at the Beatty.

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

Advertise in the GRESFORD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS Classified Ad Rates are: Standard line listing $2.50 a line or $10 for 5 lines

If it is a pleasant night, we hope to set up in the garden behind so it will be good for children to play. Bernie hopes to eradicate the mosquitoes by then but bring aeroguard if required.

Look forward to having some Christmas cheer with those who are able to join us.

Carolyn Addison – Member of GDCG

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

G resford News

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Casual ads add 15% to the above prices Design/ $44/half hour – billed separately Enquiries Brian Doherty gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

A free Audio Version of Gresford News is available for the visually impaired

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Formats EPS, Jpeg or PDF

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please call 0412 372 687 If you would like to receive this service.

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Remembrance Day

Guess Who?

Remembrance Day in Gresford was well supported by members of the public and especially our local School children from Gresford Public School who played an active role in the service.

Thanks must also go to Martin Addison from the Community Group who provided the address along with a Cataphalque Party from Williamtown RAAF base who mounted the guard at the cenotaph. The music for the service was provided by Shane Taylor from the School and prayers were provided by Fr Stephen Owens. Also a big thank you to Linq bus lines who transported the children to and from the service. The RSL Ladies provided morning tea after the service for those who were able to stay.

The service marked the 98th anniversary of the end of WW1 and Gresford like almost every other town in Australia marked a minutes silence at 11:00am to remember the time when the guns of WW1 fell silent.

Thank you to everyone who supported the RSL in commemoration of Remembrance Day.

Do you recognise these young men of the late 1950s? Who are they and where are they now? If you think you know email: tabbil@iinet.net.au

PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENT COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL

An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry Supply all forms of quarry product Contact:

Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Head Office 02 4938 8135 DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494

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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• December 2016, p 7

GAPS Update and Christmas Wishes As the year comes to a close it is a time to reflect on our recent achievements. The Gresford Amateur Performing Society (GAPS) members have done just this at our last meeting. Our main achievement this year has, of course, been the writing, rehearsing and performing of our latest play “Cirque Solamé” in September and October. It was very gratifying to receive so many positive comments. Some people who had attended for the first time stated that they were absolutely amazed at the quality of writing and the acting. Not bad for a group of unpaid amateurs who volunteer so much of their time to bring enjoyment to our community.

Arts. The resources and improvements housed in the Hall are an ongoing benefit to the whole community. The Gresford School of Arts is one of the hubs of the Gresford community, and GAPS being a regular user of it, is proud to be able to present a cheque for $15,000 as our contribution to the building work that has commenced at the rear of the hall.

This building project has seen the removal of the unsafe rear stairs and the commencement of construction of the Our major recipient this year of our fund- rear raised platform and disabled access raising efforts is the Gresford School of ramp. This work is being partly funded by What many people may not realise is that over the past 20 years, GAPS has not only entertained the community but has also directly contributed financially to groups, charities and organisations and purchased equipment and resources for use by our community. GAPS utilises the services of local retailers and suppliers whenever possible. After the latest play, “Cirque Solamé” it was estimated that over $6000 went directly to our local businesses and community as a result of purchasing locally.

a $20,000 Federal grant and the balance of over $25,000 by the School of Arts Committee, GAPS and donations from our local citizens.

Donations towards the School of Arts building project can be sent to the Gresford School of Arts Committee (PO Box 110 East Gresford, 2311) or GAPS who will forward it on to the committee.

Before we finish for the year, GAPS will again be leading the singing at the Gresford Carols Sat 17 Dec and the Paterson Carols Sun 18 Dec.

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Gresford Public School Bell 135 Years Young Gresford Public School’s historic brass bell is ringing a little clearer, following a major refurbishment by the company that cast the bell 135 years ago.

Halliday Engineering was established by Charles Halliday in 1852 and was given the contract by the Department of Education to supply school bells for newly-built schools across NSW between the 1880s and 1890s.

The ‘new’ bell was unveiled at a special dedication ceremony at the school in November, This was a period of rapid growth in public education under the leadership of thenafter spending eight months being lovingly minister Henry Parkes who became known as restored by Halliday Engineering in Sydney. the ‘Father of Public Education’ in NSW and Principal Pauline Mitchell said the bell was was responsible for establishing the public sent away bent and battered, wearing many school system. coats of paint and certainly showing its 135 Some 900 bells were supplied by Halliday’s, years of signalling the beginning and end of with Gresford Public School’s being mounted each school day. with the opening of the school in 1881.

“Halliday Engineering was the original “Of those 900, ours is one of the oldest, company which cast our bell those 135 years identifiable by its size,” Mrs Mitchell told the ago and is still a family-run company today,” gathering. “Later bells were made smaller due Mrs Mitchell told the crowd at the bell to complaints by local farmers who claimed the dedication ceremony. large bells could be heard over a long distance “They were delighted to receive our bell into their and brought the cows home early for milking.” restorative care and today it has returned to us Mr Lewis said Halliday’s had only restored four looking just as it would have all that time ago.” of the 900 original bells. He said the condition Halliday Engineering’s workshop manager of the Gresford bell, complete with an intact Shane Lewis agreed that the project was a spire, “helped us piece together the final parts special one for the company. “We too are of the puzzle in regard to what the centre proud to be part of the bell’s revival,” he said. piece actually looked like”.

“Gresford bell is one of the oldest, and also the The restoration project included straightening most complete bell, we have seen. All parts of the spire, removal of many coats of paint, were still intact and in good condition.”

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Direct Drilling

Slashing and Mulching

Cultivating and Discing

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Fertilizer Spreading

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Round Baling: Hay and Silage Small Square Bales

SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON

Mowing and Raking

BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL

Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046 15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320

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Ring Rodney Richardson 'Penshurst' Mt Rivers Ph 02 4931 7125

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G resford News • December 2016

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polishing, building up of the donger which had worn flat on one side, custom replacement of deteriorating nuts, a new spliced bell pull (to replace the dog chain used in recent years) and a hand-crafted polished hardwood plinth.

“Now it is ready to serve the children of Gresford for another 135 years,” Mrs Mitchell said.

A new addition to the bell is the inner inscription “To Gresford School I do belong” which identifies the bell’s residence and also signifies the pride the children take in their school.

The honour of ringing the bell for the first time fell to Gresford stalwart and former Gresford Public School student Freda Collison and the school’s youngest pupil Lucy Pittman.

Every student, and all visitors attending the dedication ceremony, were also invited to ring the bell.

“We are delighted to welcome home this piece of history which does not belong to Gresford school alone, but to the whole town,” Mrs Mitchell said.

Clockwise from top: The historic bell before restoration.

Year 2 student Monica Lawrence takes her turn at ringing the bell.

Former Gresford Public School student Freda Collison with the ‘new’ bell.

Freda Collison addresses the crowd.

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Heavy Horses Head For Halton!

Louise & Noel Brown hosted a wonderful day at the first Allynbrook Park Ridden Heavy Horse Clinic in November.

Although the day started with heavy rain and dark skies, riders, horses and fencesitters arrived from Laguna, Camden, Williamstown, Denman and Sydney. Two arenas were in action, with instructor Linny Morris, an NCAS Level 1 Coach, FEI Dressage and 3DE representative from Clarencetown, Linny focused on softness under saddle, trot poles and jumps.

The second arena was instructed by Kim Peterson of Woodville. Kim has just returned from the USA, attaining 2nd in the advanced level of the Harras Cup. Kim's focus is building a A few spectators enjoyed the early morning aerial view wonderful relationship between horse athletic as lighter breeds they are willing, and human and instructed riders reliable and a great companion. Shires through obstacles which included a pit are the largest breed from England of crushed drink bottles. originally bred to carry knights in There were smiles all around as the day armour hence known as ‘The War ended with horses completing the river Horse’. Very similar but not normally as crossing and riders relaxing under the tall are the Scottish Clydesdales, elms with a beer.

Percheron, Australian Draft, Irish Draft, Suffolk Punch and Haflinger.

Most people don’t realise heavy horses are suitable for riding, whilst not as

Louise Brown

Louise Brown from Halton riding Tully

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

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Karen Wilkinson from Clarencetown with Maddie

The Obstacle / desensitizing arena

• December 2016, p 11

Riders, instructors and fencesitters

Completing the river crossing was Tony Parry from Denman on Matilda, Kim Villis, Sydney on Beau and Ruth Shearman, Williamstown riding Lucy

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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Gresford Christmas Lights Competition and GAPS Carols

It’s going to be a very special Christmas in Gresford this year with the Gresford Community Group’s first ever Christmas Lights Competition and our Carols by Candlelight celebration to be held in the grounds of the Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday 17 December.

By now you should have prepared your Christmas lights for the inaugural Gresford Christmas Lights Competition.

An initiative of the Gresford Community Group, residents and business, have been encouraged to ‘light-up’ their homes and businesses from 1 December. Major prizes for Best Lighting Display ($100) (the more lights the better) and Best Novelty Display (love those reindeers on the roof) ($50) have been donated by the Gresford Community Group. Four gift vouchers of $25 each will be awarded to the four other semi-finalists.

Judging will be done on Monday 12 December by a team selected by Gresford Community Group President Graham Wishing all of our guests a Merry Christmas and Relaxing New Year. We are so grateful for your ongoing support and can't wait to look after you all in the New Year.

Super excited to also introduce you all to our New Anti Age Skincare Range.

Divine Woman is Anti Aging, Certified Organic, Australian Made and affordable. If you would like to try the range chat to one of the team next time you're in or ask about our Complimentary Hand Ritual while you have your hair done.

Our appointment book is getting very full for December and January so if you are needing an appointment be sure to call the salon to make an appointment.

Merry Christmas from the Cowlicks Team.

Andrea, Josie, Annette, Sue 803A Gresford Rd Vacy.

Ph: 49 388 386

www.cowlicksha

irstudio.com.au

Murphy who will judge all the streets in the Gresford and East Gresford area within a radius of 1km before the 50km/h sign as you enter into the villages. The panel will select 6 finalists with the winners announced at the Carols by Candlelight in the grounds of the Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday 17 December.

We have heard that the houses in Short Street, Gresford are well worth a look and offers strong competition.

Each of the finalists in the Christmas Lights Competition will receive a prize donated by Foodworks, Beatty Hotel, Gresford Butcher and the Gresford Cross Roads Café. While winners of the two major categories, Best Lighting Display ($100) and Best Novelty Display ($50) will receive a cash prize donated by the Gresford Community Group.

Key dates and information for this year’s competition are: • Lights on from 1 December. We request that lights be illuminated between 7pm and 11pm and please be

aware of your neighbours. Automatic timers can be used • Judging on Monday evening 12 Dec • Six finalist notified Saturday 17 Dec • Winners announced at the GAPS Carol

by Candlelight at the Therese Doyle Hall grounds on Saturday 17 Dec • Best Lighting Display – $100 • Best Novelty Display – $50 • 4 gift vouchers – $25 each from Twin Rivers Café, Gresford Butcher, Cross Roads Café and Gresford Foodworks • Area radius for judging – 1km from the 50km/h sign heading into Gresford and East Gresford General guide by Essential Energy: www.essentialenergy.com.au/asset/cms/ pdf/safety/christmas_lights_safety2.pdf • ‘Choose lights and fittings designed for external use only when decorating the outside of the house • Wear non-slip footwear when climbing ladders and installing lights on the roof and other hard to reach areas • Be mindful of the location and height

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Carols By Candlelight of powerlines when carrying and setting up ladders • Only purchase lights which meet Australian safety standards • Read the light manufacturers’ safety and installation instructions and follow carefully • Secure lights to avoid breakage in wind and storms • Inspect old Christmas lights and electrical wires for any sign of damage or wear and tear.’

‘INVOLVE THE WHOLE FAMILY AND HAVE FUN!’

At the Gresford Community Carols

by Candlelight in the grounds of The Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday 17 December you will hear children from the Gresford PreSchool, Robert Smith on clarinet, and the popular Gresford Amateur Performers Society (GAPS) will assist everyone in celebrating Christmas with traditional Christmas carols and popular Christmas songs.

Grounds open from 6pm, so come and bring a picnic or purchase from the

barbecue stand, drinks available from the Gresford Historical Society, and hopefully we will have face painting for children (young and old). I have heard from a reliable source that Santa should arrive during the evening.

Carolling will commence at 6.30pm.

This special evening will be rounded-off about 9pm with a fireworks display.

The Gresford Community Group wishes to thank the following sponsors: Gresford Butcher, Cross Roads Café, Foodland and the Beatty Hotel

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Fun at the Bowlo – Halloween party

Scott, Imogen, Anthony & Annmarie

Annmarie & Brittany

Carved Pumpkins

Anthony, Annmarie & Brendan

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• December 2016, p 15

Fun at the Bowlo – Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup Day: Kelly, Annmarie, Hannah, Tiffany & Kristy Kelly & Kristy with there hampers for Fashions of the Field and Best Hat/Fascinator.

GRESFORD PATERSON ANGLICAN PARISH

Plumber Drainer Gas Fitter Roofer 3.5 t Excavator 8 t Tip Truck

CHRISTMAS MISSION FOOD DRIVE for

SERVICING ALL AREAS

If you would like to donate food items please leave these at FOODWORKS, GRESFORD

Mitch Ulrick 0421 014 789

VACY LIC. NO. 198606C / ABN 67 123 581 183

EMAIL mju1@bigpond.com

or ST ANNE'S CHURCH

Shearing Shed, Ira Morgan

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CULTURE VULTURE

by Robyn Werkhoven

GERDI SCHUMACHER – INTERVIEW The end of another year is upon us, Culture Vulture wishes Gresford News readers a Merry Christmas and a splendid New Year 2017.

The December column features the talented textile artisan Gerdi Schumacher. Gerdi designs and makes elegant garments and accessories from felted fabric, they are available at Dungog by Design, 224 Dowling Street, Dungog. Entangled in yarns and fibres - Gerdi says: “I live in Dungog, looking out over rolling hills, listening to all the different tunes and songs from the birds, bees, frogs and who else is busy about their daily life. The beauty of all the different colours and shapes of the local vegetation inspire me and the tranquillity of the place gives me the urge to do and to make” “I have been knitting and sewing from when I was a child, but never felted. Mum was knitting and sewing all the time and we were part of those “activities” - in those days not very impressed by it – but learnt lots of things without realising how useful they all will be one day… and felting has become another hobby of mine which gives me enjoyment and satisfaction just as much as gardening and cooking...

“Follow Your Dreams, They Know Their Way.” “It was pure curiosity which made me attend a half day felting workshop in Dungog over three years ago – well, half a day wasn’t very much at all – however it was enough to let my enthusiasm grow and over the next few months I had some attempts to create “something”, but it wasn’t really to my satisfaction at all. But now I had this idea about felting and I needed to learn more about it. I then went off to do a few felting workshops, where I could learn lots about this magic way of making your own fabric and it’s never ending diversity. In the meantime I well and truly discovered the passion for felting – it takes me into another world and I enjoy

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• December 2016, p 17

immensely to work, mix and match with different fibres, different colours and different forms and shapes.”

I enjoy using my hands – I love making and doing things – it may be planting flowers or trees or vegetables, touching the soil with my hands gives me energy and makes me feel good. At other times my hands ask for soft fibres and yarns, that’s when I felt, stitch, sew and weave – sometimes I need some magical happenings and that’s when I dye fabric and yarn. Giving colour to a cloth just with natural ingredients is magic.

Gerdi Schumacher © 2016.

ART NEWS: Studio La Primitive Arts Zine – Nov / Dec issue is online. The Arts Zine is created and produced by Gresford artist Robyn Werkhoven. Direct Link: https://issuu. com/robynwerkhoven/docs/arts_zine_ november_2016 The latest issue of Art Zine features Dungog artisans - textile artist Pamela Priday, photographer Lynn Jenkins and the creative team Ed & Barbara Ramsay with Edge of Nature studio / gallery.

Contact Robyn Werkhoven with art news: werkhovenr@bigpond.com

Order Now For Christmas Leg Ham, Easy Carve Ham, Boned and Rolled Pork, Smoked Legs of Lamb, Fresh Chickens, Ducks and Turkeys

Ph 4938 9710

Fabrics by Gerdi Schuimacher

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Getting to know the locals... by Noel Jupp OAM, Dip Hort, QP Dept Ag & Fisheries this did not prove to be successful.

The latest concept is to provide them with Lucerne as a host plant and current trials seem to be indicating a good rate of success. It is an open shrub growing to 2.5m high. Very little is recorded about the wood uses or food value of this particular variety but Santalum’s in general are a favourite food of the aboriginal people. There is also some evidence to suggest that it may have medicinal qualities including the provision of relief from pains, aches and constipation.

SANTALUM OBTUSIFOLIUM Sandalwood or Coastal Quandong This species is not all that rare but that depends on the area. While it is classed as the Coastal Quandong, it is not strictly coastal. In the Hunter Valley it occurs more frequently in the Western

Hunter. It does occur around the headwaters of Tabbil Creek and we have just recorded it from another property at Monkerai and there may well be more plants in that area. Santalums are root parasites, especially when they are young. In past trials we have attempted to provide Kangaroo Grass as a host but

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

NOTE: A few of our customers have advised that they have been buying Black Bean Trees from markets that have been promoted as ideal shade and fodder trees for stock – the Black bean is also known as the Moreton Bay Chesnut and the seeds are toxic to humans and stock. The aboriginal people had a method of preparing the seeds including prolonged washing and other treatments to remove the toxins before they could be ingested. It is a great tree but please be careful where you plant it.

We are constantly being asked by locals where they can purchase Camyr Allyn Wines now that the cellar door has closed.

You can buy bottle stocks in East Gresford at: Foodworks The Beatty Hotel Bowling Club Cases (six packs) can be ordered on line at www.camyrallynwines.com.au and will be delivered to the Post Office

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

And of course you can just phone John on 0417389576 and he will deliver to your door.

G resford News

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• December 2016, p 19

Paterson Allyn Garden Group Dear Garden Lovers, Last week I was in Melbourne walking my grandchildren to school. I had to allow extra time because the roses there were at their peak. They must be a good month behind us and I have never seen such a stunning display in one pretty street.

Actually it wasn’t just the roses. So many tiny gardens were filled with amazing natives in flower and there seemed to be enormous pride taken in looking after these 10 x 5 metre spaces. Just as well to date our garden meetings have been in gardens large enough to accommodate us! Do you know I counted almost 60 at our last meeting.

For those of you interested in a truck load of green compost, you just need to phone Gary Grant who works for Remondis, on 0459177431. This product is made from organic materials including composted pine bark and contains living organisms including bacteria, fungi and protozoa. It may also contain mineral and fertilizer additives. It has been classified as a pasteurized product and fine mulch. If you are interested in it, then Gary will inspect your site to make sure it’s OK for the truck to deliver (dog

is also available). The compost is free.

You pay for delivery from Awaba. I am paying $14 per ton for 20 tons on truck and dog. As with any compost or hay, we should all be wearing suitable masks when handling it. Remondis are delivering this compost to wineries, potato farms, avocado farms and most recently the new arboretum at Gresford.

So!! I thought ..why not my garden!!! It arrives on Thursday and I shall give you my verdict at our next meeting.

Happy Watering, Janie Chandler

local water carrier

CASSO’S WATER CARTAGE Sales, Installation and Repairs For all your Computer, Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems

Onsite Service anytime Call Gideon Mobile: 0418 221 742 Email: gideon@solarvalley.com.au http://solarvalley.com.au

A few photos in the lovely Paterson garden of Virginia Daniels. Many thanks to Karen Campbell for supplying these.

DOMESTIC & RURAL WATER SUPPLIES TANKS & POOLS FILLED CONTACT 0400 294 436

Dungog

Chiropractic Clinic I treat most musculoskeletal complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

G resford News • December 2016

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, p 20

Gresford CWA News

CWA has always been much more than social activities and local fund raising. Every year the CWA of NSW raises money, makes donations and lobbies to Improve the lives of rural women and their families.

AWARDS TIME Lyn Tunin second in the Hunter River Group Agriculture and Environment scrap book. Betty Kelehear, Encouragement Award for handicrafts. We knit for Wrap with Love, knit cotton bandages for the Leprosy patients in Nepal. A “Wooly Workshop” teaching young and old to knit, crochet and spin was held.

THE LAND COOKERY COMPETITION This cookery competition sponsored by The Land newspaper is conducted each year. For CWA members the recipes appear on page 16 of the June Country Woman magazine. Cookery Officer Dotti Hilliard has all the recipes including Moist Coconut Cake, Rhubarb Cake, Monte Carlos, Coffee Cake, Rhubarb and Ginger Jam, Orange Marmalade, Piccalilli Pickles in Mustard Brine, Chocolate Hazelnut Friands and Giant Anzac Chewy Biscuits. The judging will be held on Thursday 2nd February in the CWA rooms. Entries to be in by 9.30am.

BOOK CLUB Saturday 11th February. The book for discussion “Burial Rites” by Hannah Kent.

We meet at 3.00pm in the CWA rooms, afternoon tea, lively discussion. Read the book and come along and join us.

Hunter River Group winners, Betty Kelehear and Lyn Tunin

Diesel Refueling – ON SITE West Tankers are a family owned and operated business servicing Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding areas.

We are able to meet the requirements of specialised and remote customers.

Your fuel will be delivered on-site when you need it. We arrange our schedule to suit you. It doesn’t matter how remote you are, we pride ourselves in supporting remote customers and providing diesel when you need it – with delivery 7 days a week • Competitive Rates – reliable & efficient service • Servicing Earthmoving, Construction, Marine and Farming Industries • 11 Trucks – 7 Days • Emergency Service Available

Contact us on:

Phone: 4955 1620 Fax: 4995 1729 Or visit our web site

www.westtankers.com.au

G resford News

The

MANGO FRUIT CAKE Ingredients: 425 tin mango, sliced 500g mixed fruit ½ cup water 1 ½ cups self-raising flour 1 ½ teaspoons bicarb soda 2 eggs

Method: KITCHEN Our new kitchen is installed, we thank Ray Forbes, Rick Cannon and Lindsay Smith for all their help to bring this to fruition.

Money raised from stalls, catering and generous gifts especially Graham Murphy and Gabes for giving us the opportunity to help with the Three Village Art Festival on two occasions.

Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month at 9.30am. come along and join us especially if you are new in town.

All enquiries to gresfordcwa@gmail.com Robyn Thornton, President.

Pre-heat oven. Boil mango, mixed fruit and water together for one minute.

Allow to cool. When cool mix in self raising flour, bicarb soda and eggs.

Cook in a greased and lined loaf tin approximately one hour in a moderate oven.

Allow to cool in tin.

This recipe was supplied by Betty Kelehear and can be found in the CWA cook book available at Gresford Foodworks and The Gresford Store cost $13.

• December 2016, p 21

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Daughters-in-Law Joanna Trollope Joanna Trollope is a writer of classy chick-lit – the kind where you become involved in fictional lives while admiring the warmth of tone, lightness of touch and insight into different types of people.

She does children and family dynamics well enough to universalise the English middle-class characters she creates with convincing detail.

In this book the Brinkley family consists of two loving and accomplished parents of three bright, attractive sons. The mother Rachel, in particular, is challenged by the changes in her life brought about by the marriage of her sons. Even though she theoretically approves of her daughters-in-law she is reluctant to relinquish control of their lives in the belief that her benevolence is a winning factor in the generational skirmishes. Relieved to see her most difficult son safely married to a girl she and her husband had taken under her wing, she is angered by the girl’s apparent ingratitude when Petra takes an independent stand, in the face of her husband’s moody high-handedness.

This is an age-old story, told with wit and grace.

G resford News • December 2016

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, p 22

EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

LEANNE ATKINS 0427 389 722 31 Durham Rd East Gresford

•

Therapeutic Massage Remedial Massage Pregnancy Massage Hot Rock Massage Health Fund Rebates •

Member: AAMT DIP R M

Gresford Transport

KELZ carpet cleaning and cleaning services Domestic and Commercial carpets, lounges and rugs Friendly Service Call: Kelly Richardson Mobile 0437 395 585

ABN - 76872263533

"Serving The Small Man On The Land"

Livestock, Hay and general, 8 ton capacity, fully insured Gresford, Dungog Maitland, Singleton Stephen Hill for friendly and personal service

Home - 02 49 389 349 Mobile - 0429389349

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people in business is our business’ Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 and is keen to assist residents, farmers and business in the area with all their legal needs.

We can help you with: Conveyancing, Subdivisions, Family Law, Business Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more PHONE: 4926 4788 www.evanslaw.com.au

G resford News

• December 2016, p 23 Gresford News December* Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson ph 4938 9313

church times are: Paterson 8.30am every Sunday Gresford 10.30am every Sunday Allynbrook 12 noon on the 4th Sunday of the month

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.

Enquiries Parish Priest Fr. Paul Hopper 4992 1477 November 2016 crossword answers

* Russel Jessop was unable to supply a crossword this month.

This puzzle was originally published in December 2014.

Your Readymixed Concrete Supplier Locally Owned Independently Operated Supporting the Gresford Community

54 Glenwood Drive, Thornton Phone (02) 4966 3711 www.hunterreadymixedconcrete.com.au