Gresford News December 2017

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

Gresford Family Country Dance. Photo Clare and David Oliver

All In At The Gresford Family Country Dance Story and pictorial inside ‌

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

The Gresford News Community Diary Fri

1 Dec RSL Christmas Party, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club

Throughout Dec Gresford Christmas Lights Wed

6 Dec Dowling St Xmas Party, Dungog, 5.00pm

Thurs Sun

7 Dec CWA Christmas party, Hotel Beatty, 12.00noon 10 Dec 4th Annual Vacy Christmas Carols, St Johns Church Vacy, 5.00pm

Sat

16 Dec Carols by Candlelight, grounds of Therese Doyle Community Hall, 6.30pm

Sun

17 Dec Kids Christmas Party – Santa & DJ, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 1.00pm

Sun

17 Dec Live music rockin' the deck – Loose Change band, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm

22 Dec Raffle & Live music – Jade Holland Band, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 7.30pm

Fri Sun

31 Dec NYE party & Live music – Maeve Lawson, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Sun

31 Dec NYE Karaoke, Hotel Beatty, 9.00pm

Fri

26 Jan Australia Day Picnic Lunch

Thurs

1 Feb The Land Cookery Competition, CWA Rooms, 9.30am

Wed

7 Feb French in the rooms – 1st session of the year, CWA Rooms, 11.00am (1st & 3rd Wed of the month)

Sun

18 Feb Next Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am (No markets in Dec or Jan)

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 Sun each month

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day at Vacy General Store. Money goes back to grower.

1st Mon each month

Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, 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 • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856.

Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & 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.

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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 Address

Amount

Smart Farm Grants are open now – until 7 Dec The Smart Farm Grants (through the National Landcare Program) are open for application now! If you have a project idea and are interested in applying, contact HRLN or your local Coordinator ASAP for assistance!

Smart Farms Small Grants – is a $50 million small grants program to support the adoption of best practices that improve the management and quality of our natural resources and increases on-farm productivity. Open now until 7 December.

Belly Dance Summer School Arabic Rhythms In Action (on your body!) Join trainer Amina/ Sally – experience and investigate wonderful Arabic music, and put together some moves.

Over one afternoon in an air-conditioned hall, you will listen to some gorgeous Arabic music, analyse and dissect the rhythms of the percussion, then as a group begin to understand the moves that fit the music. And try them out!

A real percussionist will be joining in on tabla for some of the class (TBC). And after the class we’ll enjoy some bubbles and Turkish Delight in the late afternoon summer.

The natural resources being protected or improved through these grants are on-farm soil, vegetation (where it also contributes to sustainable use outcomes) and biodiversity (including both terrestrial and marine). Applicants must address at least one of these natural resource conditions (on-farm soil, vegetation and biodiversity)

Sally O’Loughlin (Amina) is Dungog’s popular belly dancing instructor. Amina has taught and performed for over 20 years, and brings a wealth of experience and fun to her classes. Age is no barrier.

Smart Farms Small Grants is an open competitive grants opportunity, offering to fund short-term (up to two years) projects to support farming communities to increase awareness, knowledge, skills and capacity of adoption of best management practices.

When: 2.00-5.30pm, Wednesday 24 January 2018 Where: Anglican Hall, 53 Dowling St, Dungog.

Cost: $80 full price, $65 concession.

Applications are invited for grants, the value of which range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $100,000 (GST exclusive). Projects will be considered under two tiers: Tier 1 for those between $5,000 and $50,000; and Tier 2 for those between $50,001 and $100,000. Under this grant round the Australian Government is seeking applications for projects that will be completed by 30 April 2020.

This class is for women only – you can expect a nurturing, no-fear environment.

What to wear: Skirt, loose clothing, scarf around your hips , no shoes during the class. If you have a veil bring one along!

Who this is for: This will especially suit anyone who’s already been doing belly dance with Amina. You can be a near novice or a seasoned performer.

If you’re brand new to belly dance, please contact us first and give us your details. 4992 1133, education@dscc.net.au, www. dungogcommunitycollege.org.au

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Gresford News Notices Christmas fund raising raffle

Australia Day Family Picnic Lunch

The Vacy Community Arts Centre is running a Christmas fund raising raffle.

A must for your 2018 calendar – come to the Gresford District Community Group Australia Day Lunch and Recognition Awards on Friday 26 January for a family fun picnic lunch.

Everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch to the grounds of the Therese Doyle Hall from noon. If raining we will adjourn to the Showgrounds.

The GDCG will provide some undercover tables and chairs or you can bring a rug and have a family fun time with members of our Community.

Prizes include a hamper valued at $100, a home made fruit cake and locally produced wine, $30 voucher at Paterson Tavern and a $30 meat voucher from Paterson Butchery.

The raffle will be drawn on Sunday 17 December and winners will be notified by phone. Tickets available at Vacy Community Arts Centre, Gresford Road, Vacy, as well as Paterson Post Office and Vacy General Store and Post Office.

A big thanks to donations from local businesses … Denise Presland, Paterson Tavern and Paterson Valley Butchery.

Gresford Market

There will be no market held in December or January. The Market will start again in February 2018.

Don't forget to nominate a community member for the Australia Day Recognition Award.

Thank You

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a great year to come.

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Thank you to all who make great contributions to the Gresford News.

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A special thank you to Sue Forbes and Terese Osmond for all your amazing work with the monthly printing.

New beginnings next year.

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Mayoral Update

7 November 2017

Country Mayors I attended the NSW Country Mayors’ AGM and meeting in November. The Country Mayors Association is a strong advocate for regional issues and is a great forum to meet and bring together those councils that have similar issues throughout the state. One example of such an issue is unrateable land. The Mayor of Oberon, which has 47% of unrated land has formed a working group, with representatives from other LGA’s to lobby State Government on this issue. I have asked to join this group, as this is a significant issue in Dungog Shire, with around 22% of our shire’s area covered by unrateable land, such as state forest and national parkland. While this is not a new issue to us, banding together with others throughout the state in a formalised group may make a difference.

20 November 2017

Council Meeting 15 November The Dungog Flood Risk Management Study and Plan was adopted by Council.

The plan has a list of prioritised flood mitigation measures, including the design and installation of an early flood

warning system. Grant funding for this system was announced by Michael Johnsen’s office late last week.

27 November 2017

you updated with the results of these discussions.

Wooden Bridges

Assets and Infrastructure Manager, Steve Hitchens has received some information Meetings Due to changes in planning from consultants, which will be subject legislation the role of Council’s Access of a report to the 20 December Ordinary Committee will change somewhat. We Meeting of Council. We await the State have discussed the change from an Government’s decision on our latest Advisory Committee to more of an application for funding to undertake Advocacy Committee working to priority works on the wooden bridges encourage businesses to understand the network. I have been informed by our benefits of making their business more local member, Michael Johnsen, that we accessible. Accessibility issues affect a broad range of your potential customers should know the results before Christmas. There has been some and include, but are not limited to parents with young children, the elderly question as to whether repairing the and infirm, those with sight and hearing girders will raise the weight limit on Wheelabout Bridge near Gresford. Steve impediments and those with broken or damaged limbs. That can add up to a lot did procure some timber to repair the girders, but another way was found to of business for your business. lift the weight limit to 20 tonne. Repairs Port Stephens Council As per Council’s to the girders alone will not allow the resolution in the October Ordinary limit to be raised any further than this. I Meeting, a delegation of Councillors and will keep you informed as to how we the Acting GM will be meeting the Port will be tackling this issue.

Stephens Mayor and Councillors on 18 From State Matters Grant funding for December to discuss the possibility of early childhood learning - Michael merger and/or other ways that we may Johnsen has announced $4.5 million be able to partner up, such as some shared services arrangements. I will keep worth of grants, targeting the youngest

Vacy General Store Looking for something different why not check out Vacy General Store – Beautiful little Country Store now Serving Breakfast on weekends.

A little bit of what you can get at our country Store: NUNDLE Smoked Trout • Frozen Salmon portions Hunter Belle Cheese • Beautiful gift lines Rawleigh Products • Great Coffee & Cakes Cards & Wrapping • Convenience Grocery Lines Great range of Magazines & Newspapers Wallarobba Free Range eggs • Local Honey Hot BBQ Chooks on Saturday or Sunday Clarencetown Bread • Fresh sliced meat Olives • Oils • Chutneys and sauces Premium fuel Why not drop in for morning tea or lunch.

Sandwiches fresh or toasted focaccia's quiche or lasagna, home made pies & family Pie.

Fresh Home Grown Produce Day is on 1st Sunday of Each Month at Vacy General Store.

Money goes back to grower. Should you have produce, home made pickles or plants please contact us.

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learners in the Upper Hunter electorate.

Services like playgroups and toy libraries play a vital role in offering a pathway into preschool.

The State Government has opened a $2 million grant to fund programs supporting children to prepare for an early childhood education. Applications for the Start Strong Pathways program will open at the end of November.

viewed at www.health.nsw.gov.au/ palliativecare http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ palliativecare/Pages/Palliative-careconsultation-paper-and-survey.aspx

Australia Day Awards Please remember

to nominate those outstanding members of our community who have excelled throughout 2017 in the following categories: Citizen of the Year; Young Mr Johnsen says there’s further support Citizen of the Year; Volunteer (as an for the engagement of Aboriginal individual) Service to the Community; children and disadvantaged children in Senior Sports Person; Junior Sports early childhood education with a further Person and Volunteer Service to Sport. $2.5 million through the Community You can get nomination forms from Grants program. One off grants of up to local post offices, the Council or the $7,000 can be used for initiatives such as Festival Lounge in Dowling St, Dungog. regular breakfasts, specialised staff or transport initiatives to increase access.

Coming Events And speaking of This Community Grants program will Palliative Care, Dungog Palliative Care open in February 2018 for not-for-profit, volunteers are having a Christmas stall community-based preschools and on Dowling St on Saturday 2 December. mobile preschools.

Buy yourself or a loved one a Christmas treat and support this great cause.

Have your say on palliative care The NSW Government wants feedback And the event that we're all waiting for on the priorities for palliative care and is shaping up to be the hottest event in where to direct funding. The NSW the Dungog calendar. Yes folks, the Health Palliative Care Roundtables Dowling St Christmas Party is coming up Consultation Paper and survey can be

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on 6 December from 5pm. Shop til you drop, eat, drink and be merry. Fun for all the family.

Community Input I would like to extend an invitation to community members to join in a regular forum to investigate and report to me on a variety of issues. I have already instigated the formation of a youth forum, for people between the ages 11 and 25, and an over 18’s forum.

I would like an on-going dialogue with you. Some issues will be raised by myself and perhaps my fellow Councillors and I would like you to raise matters that interest you. If you would like to be involved, please contact me on 0427047336 or tn@munni.com.au. For the youth forum, you could also contact the convener, Tim Norris on 0447 419870 or tim@norrisit.com.au.

Tracy Norman, Mayor Dungog Shire Council * If you want to be kept updated on council and community matters, please email me at: tn@munni.com.au. and I will put you on the email list.

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

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

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• December 2017, p 9

Gresford Billy Cart Derby 2018 Do you want a good idea for the kids over the coming school holidays?

Everyone wants to keep their children occupied and what better way to do this then to get together and design your own billy cart, working out what bits and pieces you need and then going out and sourcing them. The whole family can be involved with the design and construction. The good thing about building a billy cart is they can be as complex as you wish or as simple as a box and four wheels.

We have seen many different designs over the years and in many cases the simply constructed carts are just as competitive as the more hi tech ones. At our last derby we had a large tomato sauce bottle billy cart made from a plastic drum, we had a sailing boat with old pram wheels and of course we had a number of the old fashioned billy carts.

Gresford Carts. Photo Des Richens

forget to decorate your house with Christmas lights and go into the judging It’s not about having the fastest cart, nor for the best decorated house and a is it about winning, it is all about having For specifications to build your billy cart number of other prizes. Winners will be fun in the building and racing down the go to our website at www. announced at the Gresford Carols by main street of East Gresford and passing gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com. Go Candlelight on 16th December in the thousands of people cheering you on for to Entry details then to Conditions of Museum Grounds East Gresford. The having a go. This Christmas is a great entry and Billy cart specifications. night start at 6pm and finish with a time to make a start and I will look fantastic fireworks display at 9pm. forward to seeing many new carts at our If you live in Vacy and Gresford don’t next Gresford Billy Cart on Easter Saturday the 31st March 2018.

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       

Community Matters

GRESFORD DISTRICT Community Group Three big events are happening over the next two months in Gresford and Vacy districts and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. 2017 Gresford Christmas Lights Competition 2017 Categories: 1. People’s Choice of ‘Overall winner’ – $100. Restriction of one vote per household.

2. $50 for someone who has nominated the winning house in the People’s Choice Category (first correct nomination drawn will be the winner) 3. Best Novelty display – $50 to winner 4. Best Lighting display – $50 to winner Everyone in the Gresford and Vacy area, residents and businesses, are encouraged to ‘light-up’ their homes and businesses from 1 December.

Judging: for the Best Novelty display and Best Lighting display will be done Monday 11 December with winners being announced at the Carols by Candlelight in the grounds of the Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday 16 Dec. People Choice Nominations – complete the form and drop it into Cross Roads Café Gresford, Foodworks East Gresford or the Vacy store between 1 December and 14 December. Winner needs to be present to collect prize. Use the form below or you can get it from the website: www.gresfordnsw.com.au/

Judging area: All streets in Gresford and East Gresford within a radius of 1 km from the 50km/h sign as you enter into the villages.

Vacy – all residences along Gresford Road between Summer Hill Road and Lennoxton Road, Vast Estate, Gundaroo

Road, Lennoxton Road as far as and including Serenity Way, Nirvana Close, Bower Bird Close and Sanctuary Way For judging, lights are to be turned 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.

General safety guidelines provided by Essential Energy: www.essentialenergy.com.au/asset/cms/ pdf/safety/christmas_lights_safety2.pdf And as Essential Energy states ‘INVOLVE THE WHOLE FAMILY AND HAVE FUN!’

2. Carols by Candlelight Community Carols by Candlelight in the grounds of the Therese Doyle Hall on Saturday 16 December if you would like to be part of our entertainment please contact Graham Murphy 0416 116 009.

Grounds open from 6pm, so come and bring a picnic or enjoy The Tennis Club’s famous BBQ, who will also have drinks for sale. The Gresford Pre-School will be selling glow sticks and electronic candles. If you or your Club would like to be involve please contact Graham Murphy 0416 116 009

People’s Category:

Category: People's Choice Category: People’s Choice

Category: People’s Choice Address of Nomination Choice Address of Nomination

Address of Nomination

Nominated by: Nominated by: Phone number: Nominated by:

Remember one vote per household Phonenumber: number: Phone Remember onevote vote per household Remember one per household Peoples Choice Prize: $50 for the first name pulled out of the entrants who have correctly nominated the winner of the People’s Choice

Guidelines: PeoplesChoice ChoicePrize: Prize:$50 $50 name pulled outthe ofentrants the entrants who correctly have correctly nominated the of winner Peoples forfor thethe firstfirst name pulled out of who have nominated the winner the of the The People’s Choice nominations will be required to be lodged between Friday 1 December and Thursday 14 December.

People’s Choice People’s Choice Guidelines: Nominations must be on the People’s Choice entry form Guidelines: The People’s willwill be required be lodged between Friday December and Thursday 14 Store December.

Nominations lodged atnominations either Cross Roads Cafétoat Foodworks at1East orand the Thursday Vacy Vacy.

The People’sChoice Choicenominations be required toGresford, be lodged between Friday 1Gresford, December 14atDecember.

Nominations must be on the People’s Choice entry form People’s Choice and all category winners will be announced at the Carols by Candlelight evening on Saturday 16 December.

Nominations must be on the People’s Choice entry form Nominations atat either Cross Roads Café at Gresford, Foodworks at East or the or Vacy Vacy.at Vacy.

One vote perlodged residential address Nominations lodged either Cross Roads Café at Gresford, Foodworks at Gresford, East Gresford, theStore VacyatStore People’s Choice and category winners willwill be announced atand the Carols

by Candlelight evening on Saturday 16 December.

Candlelight Nominated property isall within the Gresford, East villages People’s Choice andall category winners beGresford announced atVacy the Carols by evening on Saturday 16 December.

One vote per residential address One vote per residential address Nominated property is within the Gresford, East Gresford and Vacy villages Nominated property is within the Gresford, East Gresford and Vacy villages

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Community Matters We have heard from a reliable source that Santa should arrive during the evening and the evening will be completed with a fireworks display from 9pm.

Program 6.30pm – Carolling will commence

from 7pm 7.30pm – Santa to arrive 8.00pm – Winners of the Christmas Light Competition will be announced 9.00pm – Fireworks display

3. Australia Day Family Picnic Lunch Looking for something different to do on Australia Day? Why not come to the Gresford District Community Group Australia Day Lunch and Recognition Awards on 26 January for a family fun picnic lunch. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch to the grounds of the Therese Doyle Hall from noon. If raining we will adjourn to the Showgrounds. The GDCG will provide some undercover tables and chairs or you can bring a rug and have a family fun time with members of our Community.

continued

children and those young at heart who would like to participate.

If you know of or would like to have someone recognised for service to our community please complete the Australian Day Recognition Award either in the Gresford News this month and send it to The Secretary, Gresford Community Group, PO Box 99, Gresford, 2421 or email to Elizabethr-jones@ outlook.com Nominations close on 31 December, 2017. Nominees are required to have lived and participated in the community for more than three years.

The Community Group encourages all

Those who have been nominated for the Australia Day Recognition Award will be introduced and recognised and then we hope to have some games for all the

Community Groups, whether social, sporting, church or school to come along and show their appreciation to our recipients of the Gresford Citizenship Award. Use the form opposite or print from the website: www.gresfordnsw.com.au On behalf of the Gresford District Community Group we thank you for your support this year at our monthly dinners and especially at the Family Country Dance. Have a wonderful festive season and a fantastic 2018 and we look forward to starting the year with you at the Australia Day Family Picnic.

2017 Gresford Family Country Dance. Photo Clare and David Oliver

Graeme Ferguson

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• December 2017, p 15

AUSTRALIA DAY RECOGNITION AWARDS Nomination Form 2018

To be presented at the Australia Day Lunch 26 January 2018 at 12.00pm

Name of Nominee: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Name of Organisation (if applicable): …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please attach information in support of your nomination (500 words or less)

Name of Proposer: …………………………………

Supported by: ……………………………………………..

Signature: ………………………………………………….

Signature: ……………………………….…………………….

Contact number: ……………………………………..

Please forward your nomination: Secretary, Gresford Community Group, PO Box 99 Gresford 2311 or Email Elizabethr-jones@outlook.com Nominations close 31 December, 2017

Sun 17 Dec –

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The ADDISONS ALEXANDERS ALLISON P & J ALLISON L & D CASEYS CHANDLERS C-BOOTS DALY EDMONDS HARRIS HODGES JONES KATERS LEE & EDWARD MORTON MURPHYS OLIVERS GRESFORD OSBORNES J & K

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DANCE SHOWGROUND

PHILLIPA Sw am p daw ki ns band SMITHS STEVENSONS $50 per fami ly TARJANS 2 adults & 2 children - ADDITIONAL CHILDREN $5 Each THORNTONSWOKES

Gresford Family Country Dance www.trybooking.com/RGRJ Dress - country

The Gresford Community Country Dance was a huge success attended by over 250 people. Great fun was had by all with pony stick races to hula hoop competitions, great line dancing lead by the Gresford School children, and everyone toe tapping and country dancing to the terrific sounds of the Swamp Dawkins Band. Our thanks to our sponsors for making this Community Dance a reality.

Thanks to Clare and David Oliver for the photos.

Available from February 2018

Piano or keyboard tutoring

4 CAROLS FREE FOOD, PROSECCO & GOOD CHEER!

5-7PM SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017

4

th

Annual Vacy Christmas Carols IN THE GROUNDS OF ST JOHNʼS CHURCH

FOR THE KIDS: DRESS UP NATIVITY, SHORTBREAD DECORATION & ROSE WREATHS GALORE!

St Johnʼs Church is open but once a year.

Join us to celebrate this iconic Vacy landmark on its only night of nights!

RSVP 0418 791 146

For beginners up to 4th grade.

For expressions of interest and enquiries please phone Mary Horn on 49317124.

G resford News

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• December 2017, p 17

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

resford News October 2017 G SAT 4 NOV• - 6:30PM

The

ADDISONS ALEXANDERS ALLISON P & J ALLISON L & D CASEYS CHANDLERS C-BOOTS DALY EDMONDS HARRIS HODGES JONES KATERS LEE & EDWARD MORTON MURPHYS OLIVERS GRESFORD OSBORNES J & K

, p 18

family

COUNTRY

DANCE SHOWGROUND

PHILLIPA Sw am p daw ki ns band SMITHS STEVENSONS $50 per fami ly TARJANS 2 adults & 2 children - ADDITIONAL CHILDREN $5 Each THORNTONSWOKES

Gresford Family Country Dance www.trybooking.com/RGRJ Dress - country

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G resford News

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• October 2017, p 19

G resford News • December 2017

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, p 20

G resford News

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• December 2017, p 21

G resford News • December 2017

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, p 22

Paterson Allyn Garden Group

Eureka! The lawn has just been mowed, roses watered and de-headed and the vegetable patch is filled. As for the trees, I can now stand back and look in wonder. Seventeen years ago there was nothing but the forlorn site of an old dairy. I now have London Plane trees that could win first prize in a London Garden competition! For years nothing much seems to happen and then one day...bingo! Mature trees and garden beds overflowing with plants that fill me with joy. Of course there has been plenty of heartache, but that’s like a bit of

sciatica. Here today, gone tomorrow.

A few days ago I found myself, along with 60 PAGG members and friends, staring in wonder at the most intriguing garden I have seen all year. This immaculate garden, out of Gresford, sits on a knoll with sweeping 360 degree views of the hills beyond. Maureen said to me, if it doesn’t bend, it doesn’t belong here. It’s a classic example that there are trees and plants for every soil type and climate. Jim has skilfully placed memorabilia in many garden beds. He

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said to me... what do you think that is, pointing to what looked like a very ancient grinder. I thought it might have ground corn many years ago, but he said no, it was my grandfathers arrowroot grinder. I must admit I couldn’t imagine in my wildest dreams why anyone would need one... I buy one small packet of arrowroot once in a blue moon!

If you would like to plant a never fail flowering perennial in your garden to fill in gaps, then look no further than Vinca, genus Apocynaceae. Some of you may

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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

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G resford News

The

know it as Perewinkle. It looks like Impatiens but much tougher. The multicoloured flowers flourish through heat and drought and after a groom in the winter... to a few inches above the ground... they bounce back full of vigour in the spring.

Let’s hope that this summer will be kinder to us than last summer...

Janie Chandler

• December 2017, p 23

G resford News • December 2017

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, p 24

Culture Vulture

Greetings Culture Vulture readers. Our last exciting atmosphere. Brigette Uren, feature for 2017. We wish everyone a lovely Cultural Director of Maitland Regional Art Gallery officially opened the show, Christmas and splendid New Year 2018.

Brigette was very impressed with the On Saturday 18th November Dungog by exhibition. Donna Cavanough and John Design artists’ collective, held their O’Brien also entertained, Donna sang a official opening to their first themed Art song John especially composed for the Exhibition – ‘There Be Unicorns Out exhibition.

There’, in the newly renovated gallery / The exhibition will run till the 16th shop at 224 Dowling St. Dungog.

December, plus Dungog by Design has It was a great opening attended my ‘inspiring and handmade’ items and art many artists and art lovers. The work which would make perfect exhibition commenced with the Christmas gifts. fabulous local drumming group Djembe Hours: Mon 10-3, Wed 10-3, Thurs – Fri – Big Bam Boom, creating a happy and 10-4, Sat – Sun 9-3 Closed Tues.

Brigette Uren receiving thank you flowers from Gerdi Schumacher

‘There Be Unicorns Out There’ exhibition opening at Dungog by Design.

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

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G resford News

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• December 2017, p 25

ART NEWS: A big congratulations to talented ceramic artist Natalie Duncan, from Dungog, who won the Sculpture section and the overall Winner for the Emerging Art Prize 2017 in Newcastle. Natalie’s unique ceramic vessels are available from Dungog by Design.

Also congratulations to Donna Cavanough and Gaye Shield who were also finalists.

We are honoured to announce that Studio La Primitive Arts Zine (produced in East Gresford) has been selected by the NSW State Library to be preserved as a digital publication of lasting cultural value for long-term access by the Australian community.

Over the years since 2013 many of our local artists and poets have been featured in the online Art and Literary magazine.

Direct link to the last November issue of ARTS ZINE: https://issuu. com/robynwerkhoven/docs/arts_ zine_november_2017

Natalie Duncan receiveing Emerging Art Prize.

G resford News • December 2017

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, p 26

Gresford CWA News CWA of Australia National President, Mrs Dorothy Coombe with Lyn Tunin, Gresford Ag Environmental Officer.

Dorothy belongs to the Melbourne City Branch and gave a great insight into the workingsof the CWA in Australia at a luncheon provided by the East Maitland Branch on Tuesday October 31. Seventy five members attended from many of the Hunter River Group branches. It was a very successful day with plenty of laughter.

2018 looks to be an interesting one for NSW members. Flora and fauna for study the owl and the orchid. The country of study is the Republic of Poland. Poland is an eastern European country on the Baltic Sea. Known for its medieval architecture. Warsaw the capital has a museum honoring the city’s WWll era resistance to German occupation. 14th -Century Wawel castle rises above the medieval architecture of old town in the city of Krakow. The population of Poland is 37.95 million. We are looking forward to learning more about this country.

Lyn Tunin

FRENCH IN THE ROOMS Glenda Smith looks forward to running French Conversation in the CWA ROOMS commencing in February. Bi-monthly lessons, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 11am.

THE LAND COOKERY COMPETITION She plans to go back to basics for the first Recipes available from Teena Inkster, Dotti Hilliard, Jill Hancock. Cakes etc., need to be lesson and continue the conversational in the CWA rooms by 9.30am on February style approach for the second. Says she 1st. Enquiries to Dotti 4938 9483. will be catering for the more advanced

students at the same time. Come and try.

Those already signed up we welcome you back in 2018. New to town come and give it a try, gold coin donation.

Men very welcome, also older students.

BOOK CLUB will hold its Xmas lunch at Dungog Pizza, a delicious seasonal. menu also available. Bring with you a favourite poem by a modern Australian poet.

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

G resford News

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• December 2017, p 27

What’s on the Shelves?

SHORTBREAD BISCUITS

by Glenda Smith

Ingredients:

A Tiny Bit Marvellous Dawn French

250gms butter 3/4 cup caster sugar 2 cups plain flour 3/4 cup ground rice flour Pinch of salt

Method: Beat butter and sugar to a cream, add flour, rice and salt. Knead well. Cut into rounds.

Cook in a slow oven on a slide lined with baking paper.

XMAS PARTY our members will end the year with lunch at The Beatty Hotel 12 noon on Thursday 7th December. RSVP to Marg Hill: gresfordcwa@ gmail.com Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, 9.30 – 12 noon. Light refreshments served up with lots of good friendship.

Next meeting will be held on Friday 2nd February at the Twin Rivers Cafe. The Land Cookery competition will be judged in the CWA rooms.

Robyn Thornton, President

A mid-life crisis; an angst-ridden teenage daughter; an eccentric son and a husband she perceives as emotionally absent provide the narrative fuel for Mo Battle, who is possibly a Dawn French alter-ego.

There are certainly autobiographical elements, such as the father’s advice to his daughter about valuing herself, which comes from French’s own experience.

The story is told from the first-person perspective of the characters above, with the children’s narrative voices being somewhat larger than life. The daughter Dora is angry, confused and highly insulting to her mother, while the son ‘Oscar’ is an Oscar Wilde wannabe, who speaks in a very affected and pretentious way, but is just as emotionally needy as his sister.

The irony is that Mo is a child psychologist, but her daughter’s alienation from her makes a mockery of her self-satisfaction in her profession. The warm centre of the novel is Mo’s mother, who is a good listener and cake maker – she always seems to have the right cake for each family member when they go to her in crisis. (Recipes included!)

This is an energetic and diverting novel, even though the different voices can seem overdone.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library. They are put on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder.

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G resford News • December 2017

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, p 28

Protecting your animals from bushfires

could easily become stressed. Keep a With the fire season here you need to prepare, plan and take extra care when it watch on them and reassure them.

Remember that the safety of your animals comes to your livestock and pets. in a bushfire is your responsibility.

It is usual in a high risk bushfire situation to worry more about your Fire Safety for Your Family Pets family and property but our district is What will you do with your pets in the very popular with horse and pet owners event of a bushfire? and a plan needs to be in place to Are you Staying and Defending? protect them from the risk of bushfire.

• Small domestic animals should be put Fires usually need hot, dry, windy in a secure place, a small room (toilet, conditions with low humidity. If these laundry); a place that will be easy to conditions are predicted then you need clean after the event. to prepare yourself.

• Make sure you have food, water, bedding, leads, cages and medications Long before any bush fire consult your • Do not tie your pets up during an local Council, Department of Primary emergency, it can be fatal for them Industries or the RSPCA for information • Birds should be caged with a covering on animal refuges in your area. (damp towel) over it, leave appropriate Listen to the local radio for updates on food and water in the room/cage. bush fire conditions in your area and Are you leaving? check www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Monitor • Can you take your pets where you weather reports and use the Fires Near plan to go?

Me app to track fires in your area. Then • Do you have enough room in your decide what your trigger will be to put vehicle to transport your pets? your Bush Fire Survival Plan into action.

• Do you have cages to transport your Because of the potential stress on animals pets in? in a major bush fire, the RFS recommends that you relocate your pets early to a safer What you will need for the welfare of location. Animals can sense danger and your pets

• Food and water (and bowls) – enough for 2-3 days • Any medications your pet requires – enough for 4-5 days • Blankets and bedding • Vaccination records – some places may require these • Kitty litter and tray – Poop bags • Favourite toys – something to keep them amused (just like the kids)

Also consider • Contact, microchip and register details • A current photograph of your pet plus one with you to prove ownership • A lead, harness or muzzle if needed

If you have horses and are Staying and Defending then: • Put them in an open and well grazed area as far away from the fire as possible • Do not tie your animals up during an emergency, it can be fatal for them • Take off all rugs, fly veils and halters • Remove the animals from hot ground as soon as possible after the fire has passed as the hot ground will burn their feet • Check their nostrils for black discharge and listen for laboured breathing in case of smoke inhalation – consult

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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.

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G resford News

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• December 2017, p 29

Extra $500,000 for the weeds war your vet if you have any concerns • Hose any burns they may have received from the fire

If you are Leaving: • Do you have suitable transport for your animals? i.e. horse float, truck • Do you need/have cages to transport your animals in?

What you will need for the wellbeing of your animals • Food and water – enough for 3-4 days • Any medications your animals require - enough for 4-5 days • Vaccination, medical records – some places may require these • Sanitation requirements – shovel/rake, empty feed bags • First aid kit – i.e. antibiotic cream, bandages, scissors, iodine solution, saline • Temporary fencing – electric (make sure you have solar to keep charged) or panels as mains electricity will probably fail

Also consider • Contact, microchip, branding and register details and PIC number. (Tip: write your phone number on a hoof with permanent marker) • A current photograph of your animals plus one with you to prove ownership • A lead and halter if needed • Always remember that animals can sense danger and may get stressed which can alter their behaviour For further information and updates contact your local RFS Brigade and monitor the RFS website.

BR

Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd

Hunter Local Land Services is working with local government and public land managers across the region to tackle problem weeds over the next five years.

The Hunter Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan developed by the Hunter Regional Weeds Committee is now being implemented.

This plan will enable the community and industry in the Hunter to respond to future weed challenges and help develop a strong, biosecurity-aware culture.

The plan outlines how government, the community and industry will work together to identify, minimise and manage high risk invasive weeds, across tenure.

The emphasis is on preventing new weeds from entering the region and eradicating, containing and managing the spread of existing weeds.We will support landholders to manage the weeds they have with the best information we can provide, but we must prioritise preventing new weeds from taking hold in our region. For example we want to prevent Chilean needle grass and Serrated tussock from establishing in the region, so they are Regional Priorities for Prevention.

Hunter Regional Weeds Committee Chair Daryl Dutton says weed management is everyone’s responsibility, and the plan will help guide the community to work together across tenure to achieve better control outcomes.

“Everyone has a responsibility to meet their biosecurity obligations and weed management is a crucial part of general biosecurity duty,” Mr Dutton said.

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G resford News • December 2017

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, p 30

Cutting day makes record profit for local school

In its tenth year, Vacy Charity Cutting Day has raised a record amount of money to be shared between Vacy Public School and the Hunter region Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. More than $11,500 was raised on 14 October, when the community came together at a local property to enjoy a great day of snaffle bit cutting.

43 competitors from as far afield as Tamworth competed over two rounds and a final in the main arena. Many competitors and the judge, Peter Baker from Dubbo, commented on the quality of the local cattle that had been kindly donated by GB Jones, Brett Thompson, David Cains, Bird Hill and Cardoness Pastoral Company.

More than 45 riders, including a large group of children from the Paterson River Pony Club had mustered the cattle on Friday and walked them along Fisher Hill Road, meeting up with a mob from Summerhill Road, to continue walking the mob to “Riverside”, the home of the Cutting Day. Their efforts are greatly appreciated, for helping deliver such calm cattle to the competitors.

After two rounds on Saturday there was a three way tie for the top round score

between Joshua Morris, Andrew Schulz and Josh Evans resulting in an hilarious on-foot sprint for the prize of a hammer drill and $100 Baileys of Greta gift voucher.

The final was eventually won by Joshua Morris from Werris Creek riding One Moore Bobbi on 74 points. He took home the champion rug courtesy of Furneys at Rutherford, as well as the buckle and prizes worth more than $500. Runner up Leesa McNaught was close behind on 73 points.

Josh Evans was third with 72 points.

It was a tight affair in the junior competition as well with a tie between Vacy Public School year five student Bailey Eldridge and Werris Creek’s Hayley Morris. Kate Gehrig took out the best beginner’s prize.

Outside of the arena junior whip cracking and junior and open billy boiling competitions were a hit. Bridget Taylor took out both the junior whip cracking and billy boiling, while Josh Evans won the open billy boiling.

Possibly the biggest hit of the day was the junior duck cutout, where competitors on a hobby horse had 20 seconds to isolate a duck from a mob

and show some control. Much hilarity ensued and Emily Grainger was crowned the inaugural champion.

An auction raised in excess of $2000, thanks to some wonderful donated prizes including a service fee to champion stallion Proud Lil Pepto, courtesy of Forest Saunders.

No one went home hungry as the canteen sold a record amount of food, including 13 legs of camp oven lamb and gravy rolls.

This event has again proved what a huge heart the little village of Vacy has.

Volunteers came from outside the school community to help ensure the day was a huge success. Riders and the crowd alike enjoyed some much needed small sprinkles of rain, with everyone still smiling even though the weather was challenging at times.

Vacy school will use the funds raised to help cover the costs of new laptops and ipads for the classrooms. The school is very thankful to everyone who donated their time, prizes, money and good spirits. We are already looking forward to next year!!

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

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G resford News

• December 2017, p 31 Gresford News December Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson ph 0458 146 152

regular church times

Paterson 8.30am every Sunday Gresford 10.30am every Sunday Allynbrook 12 noon 4th Sunday of month

Christmas church times

Christmas Eve at St Paul’s Paterson 5pm Christmas Eve at St Mary on Allyn 7.30pm Christmas Day at St Anne’s Gresford 9am

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.

CHRISTMAS TIMES

St Helen's Christmas Eve Mass will be held Sunday 24 December 2017 at 6.30pm.

Summer Hill Mass will be held Saturday 30 December 2017 at 6.30pm ( No Mass at St Helen's East Gresford )

Enquiries Parish Priest, Fr. Derek Garner 4992 1477 November 2017 crossword answers

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