Gresford News July 2022

resford News G

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July 2022

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

TOP – from L to R Paul Dooley, Maree and Mick Kealy, Rosalie Lawrence, Sir Peter Cosgrove, Lady Lynne Cosgrove, Josh Evans and Angus Uren.

(David Oliver Photography).

Below – 90th Dinner attendees

Gresford Show Celebrates 90 Saturday June 4th saw 110 people celebrate the 90th Gresford Show at a celebratory dinner held at the Gresford Bowls, Sport and Recreation Club. Although the weather may have been very cold outside, inside the warmth and affability was phenomenal.

Read the full story on page 13

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

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Future of Farming Forum No2 Join the 2nd Future of Farming Forum on Friday 22 July 4-6pm, Dungog Memorial RSL put on by Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) & the Future of Farming Steering Committee.

It aims to facilitate greater involvement of young people in local farming and related ventures and showcase local enterprises.

Forum No1 identified a range of initiatives which ought to be followed up including the need to build stronger networks within the region.

This next forum we are fortunate to have the main agencies and organisations which are actively involved in the education and training of adolescents of all abilities. It is important that we have a strong representation from our wide range of farming and related industries.

The transition from school to being part of the workforce is challenging and complex. Government support services are available but everyone has to be aware of the opportunities and also of the challenges.

There will also be some more short sessions about the enterprises which make up our local farming industries.

Gresford News Notices Gresford & District Community Group July meeting 6.15pm Mon 4 July, Hotel Beatty

3 FREE art & science activities in the July Holidays More info see pa ge 7 or visit www.pawsciencehub.com.

1. Soundscapes: Record your world • Sat 2 July, 10-2, Dungog Common 2. Nature Journaling • Thurs 7 July, 10-2, Dungog Common 3. Creative Play Date • Tues 12 July, 10-2, Dungog CWA

The Mud Run Sat 16 July, 7.30am – 11.30pm East Gresford Showground Kool cars in the mud The most fun you can have with your pants on.

Organising an event?

Contact the Dungog Visitor Information Centre to get into the online events listing in the Dungog Shire.

4992 2212 email: wendys@dungog.nsw.gov.au www.visitdungog.com.au

Future of Farming Forum No2 Friday 22 July, 4-6pm Dungog Memorial RSL Put on by the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce in association with the Future of Farming Steering Committee

PLASTIC FREE JULY community event Thurs 21 July, 5.30pm, James Theatre FREE screening of THE POWER OF ACTIVI$M @5.45pm followed by a discussion with Council, Chamber of Commerce & community members on 'How to reduce waste & upcycle/recycle best practice' facilitated by Michelle Dado-Millynn.

Your questions answered and suggestions most welcome.

Single use plastic free kiosk will be open. **Prizes drawn and free handouts**

Council meetings onine Dungog Shire Council meetings are livestreamed via council’s Facebook page: facebook.com/dungogcouncil – third Wednesday of every month from February – December.

0428 746 114

Community Access Defibrilator is located outside the East Gresford Police Station. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

A defibrillator can make the difference between life and death and can save a life prior to the ambulance arriving.

The Gresford News is a great way to reach out to our community. Our content is created by members of the community – people just like you. If you have something to say please send in your contribution Contact: • gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856 • PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311 Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

Visit issuu.com/gresford-news for the ‘Gresford News’ online.

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Allyn River Road Forge

W Smith & Son, General Black Smiths, Wheel Wrights & Undertakers, Allynbrook In the June edition of the Gresford News, the Editors asked if anyone had any information about W Smith & Son, General Black Smiths, Wheel Wrights & Undertakers, Allynbrook.

A search of Trove has turned up the obituary for William Smith and the article provides a great insight into his life and his standing in the community. The two photos, the second one being Selina Poulton Smith, are courtesy of Mrs Valarie Smith of Gresford, whose husband Lindin was a relative of the Smiths.

The Late Mr. William Smith, of W Smith & Son, General Black Smiths, Wheel Wrights & Undertakers, Allynbrook Allynbrook. The Maitland Daily Mercury and Matt. McMahon and others of that in various parts of the State, finally Wednesday 24 Mar 1915 Page 4 type, with whom he had the reputation taking up business as wheelwright and Few of the many pioneers, who of late general blacksmith in Lower Allynbrook of being the champion strong man of years have embarked on their last long the roads in the days when weaklings nearly half a century ago. At about the trek, were better known or liked than the same time he launched into matrimony, found no place with the teams. late Mr. William Smith, for so many taking as his life partner Miss Selina decades Allynbrook's "village blacksmith" Poulton, the union proving a lasting and He followed mining on the Rocky River and Stewart's Brook fields at different times, (writes an Allynbrook correspondent). happy one. Of the family of eighteen, and even in later days he still retained the fifteen are still living.

A native of the Allyn River, he for many digger's faith in the calling that enslaves so years followed various callings, many whilst enriching the few.

In his carrying days, the late Mr. Smith shepherding, carrying, and prospecting travelled much with the late Wm. White Though a self-taught tradesman, he was

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Outside the homestead above the forge.

widespread. Commercial travellers of the past fifty years, farmers and toilers from end to end of the district have all at one time or other sampled his hospitality, Selina Poulton Smith and there, is no house on the rivers universally acknowledged to be without where he and his worthy partner in life peer in any of the lines of woodcraft in have not been held in affectionate which he specialised, as no job was too esteem these many years. complicated for him, and no one ever Though over 72 years of age, the late Mr. knew him to turn out a job other than Smith was hale and hearty as many men thoroughly completed. But 'twas of fifty, and even on the day of his probably as the open-hearted host "on sudden death (which was caused through the hill", that his fame was most

over exertion in endeavouring to extinguish a fire in a hayshed), had toiled from sunrise to sunset — the hours he had cheerfully worked from boyhood. His hearty voice and cheerful face will greet us no more, but they will live long in the memory of the many hundreds who extend sincere sympathy to the lonely widow and large family of mourners.

Thanks also to those who called with their memories of the forge. They will be passed on to the Historical Society.

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Dr David GILLESPIE THE NATIONALS FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

Thank You for Your Support!

I’d like to wholeheartedly thank you, the people of the Lyne electorate, for your overwhelming support in re-electing me as your local Federal MP. I look forward to working with my colleagues, both in the Coalition and across the Parliament over the course of the next term, to continue to make our region and our nation even stronger.

David and Charlotte Dr David GILLESPIE

THE NATIONALS FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

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3 FREE science & art activities in the July holidays + Plastic Free July Join a walk in the field, a creative workshop or event guided by artists & scientists. Explore our amazing plants and animals, endangered species and vulnerable habitat. Tell your own stories of living in this place. Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub is running 3 FREE art & science activities in the July Holidays as part of the project ‘Our Place, Our Species: Connecting with the wild places we love’ in the Dungog Region.

Limited numbers. Bookings essential via Eventbrite. For links visit www. pawsciencehub.com.

1. Soundscapes: Record your world • Sat 2 July, 10-2, Dungog Common • Record the sounds of this place – in the ground, under the water or inside a tree. Our visiting sound artist is bringing some very special microphones to use.

The sounds we collect could then be used on the internet, in videos, or music. With musician & sound artist Harry Klein.

Thanks to: Inspiring Australia, Office for Regional Youth – Holiday Break program, University of Sydney PLASTIC FREE JULY community event featuring locally produced film ' THE POWER OF ACTIVI$M' will have a screening at the James Theatre in Dungog on Thurs 21 July @5.45pm. A Q&A will follow which will address local info to Reduce Waste, 2. Nature Journaling• Thurs 7 July, 10-2, Dungog Common • Join us for a Upcycle/Recycle best practice & Live Locally, Lightly & Sustainably. walk where we look, listen, tell stories and take time to connect with nature.

The film is clearly resonating with Try out some drawing & painting audiences. Feedback is that we have techniques guided by ecologist and made an important film that is powerful illustrator Henrietta Mooney. All on many levels. materials will be supplied.

Audiences are 3. Creative Play Date • Tues 12 July, 10-2, Dungog CWA • Join in creative experiments & demonstrations that cross art & science. From sculpture to digital illustrations, and playing with sound, there is a world of fun to explore. Work with multi-disciplinary artist Jane Richens & ecologist, illustrator Henrietta Mooney. Materials will be supplied.

loving it and telling us that the film needs to be seen as far and wide as possible; from every high school to every parliament and everything in between.

We are fully stocked up with Husqvarna stock, produce, farming supplies, animal products, Swap & Go gas and many other goodies 26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 4938 9204. Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 8am to 12pm, Sun closed

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More buyers than properties on the market in our areas… Still a sellers market!

Country buyers are out in force in our areas.

Green paddocks, full dams, flowing Rivers. Lush lawns, gardens looking amazing with Autumn colours… best photo opportunities in years!

Best marketing and best property presentation… best results!

The biggest enquiry time experienced in many years for all types of rural properties.

Buyers are looking now for all types of country from small acres up to large Farms.

Country retreats up to productive riverfronts. Cottages up to luxurious country homes, all wanted.

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Paterson Allyn Garden Group Members of the Paterson Allyn Garden Group had a beautiful morning in June with a visit to ‘Serendipity on Allyn’ at Allynbrook, the interesting and historic home of Louise and Don. The grounds, also the site of the original Allynbrook school and schoolmaster’s cottage, currently a bed and breakfast, provided many surprises with hidden recesses and private courtyards.

During the three years of drought Don planted many geraniums to fill the holes as hedges lost leaves and became bare – these geraniums are now part of the hedge giving a very interesting display while showcasing a diversity of design.

The property is situated on the Allyn River and provides an opportunity for the visitor or indeed the owners to sit and relax to the sounds of running water on a number of little decks perched high along the riverbank. Members were able to wander along the crazy paths between the array of plants and trees or simply pause on the many grassed areas and admire the beautiful trees which abound the property.

Photos: Mark Walker

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Friends of the Arboretum Control your weeds

Winter is a great time to control weeds, especially in your lawn. Most lawns are now looking thick and healthy after so much rain, however it is important to resist giving the lawn a close shave during winter - raise the blades for the next few mows!

Why? - Weeds seize any opportunity to germinate especially on bare soil patches or thinly grassed areas, so if you mow too short, sunlight gets to the soil and germinates weed seeds.

The most common weeds establishing over winter are bindii and clover, while onion weed, winter grass, and creeping oxalis can also establish during winter.

These and most other lawn weeds are broadleaf plants and many garden sources will recommend a broadleaf herbicide for control. BUT BEWARE - most broadleaf herbicides contain Dicamba, a selective poison which remains in the soil and travels in the soil water, it will build up in the soil every time you use it and can cause the decline and death of surrounding trees and other broadleaf plants.

If you think the clover in your lawn is messy, how about mowing most of it and leaving a patch to flower for the bees. Remember clover fixes nitrogen in the soil which is good for the lawn. And the best way to control it is to keep the lawn thick and healthy. The same applies to bindii control - always minimise bare soil.

Staked Lacebark at the arboretum.

Final suggestion – dig the weeds out before they set seed, why not try boiling water or vinegar on weeds and do you best to avoid herbicides.

Sad news from the arboretum.

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The wind and saturated soil combined to knock over some of our best and most beautiful trees, some were not salvageable but others we have straightened up and supported in the hope that they will survive.

Generally, if a tree or shrub falls over, straightening it up just snaps the roots on the other side doing more damage and unfortunately in these cases the plant may never regain stability. Some trees survive root damage better than others. While it is sometimes worth trying to rescue them especially where the plant is not in an exposed position, however, don’t be surprised if the same thing happens again.

Friends of the Arboretum will be gradually replacing our fallen trees in the arboretum and hoping we won’t have the fatal combination of waterlogging and high winds again this season.

You are very welcome to join the Friends of the Arboretum on a Friday at the Arboretum at the Gresford Community Park in Park Street on Fridays around 3pm. Further information please call Penny Kater on 4938 9365.

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Doyle Family Gathering Recently there was a gathering of the Doyle clan at the historic homestead of Boongala near Gresford when the descendants of Greg and Florence Ida (nee Woodman) Doyle met to celebrate the laying of two plaques on the old property. They were to commemorate the lives of Greg Doyle and his daughter, Dorothy Bernice Doyle.

In a photo taken approximately 85 years ago Greg and Flo are on the front steps of the homestead with daughters Aileen, Margaret and Dorothy.

Ten of their descendants and some of their spouses can be seen in the second photo, sitting on the same steps over 8 decades later.

Back Standing – Dorothy Doyle Middle Standing – Florence & Greg Doyle Front Sitting L-R – Aileen and Margaret Doyle

tour of the farm and a bbq lunch they hosted a traditional afternoon tea on the gracious verandah of the old homestead.

The Amos' are doing a wonderful job of restoring the home giving careful attention to original features such as ceiling roses, cornices, dado rails and the original fireplace. Taking in the magnificent verandah view evoked a deep sense of connection and peace.

It was a wonderful day of catching up as some of the cousins hadn't seen each other for 50 years. It was also heart warming to feel the strong The present owners of the sense of connection and the property, Andrew and Marie enthusiasm in the group to Amos, were excited to welcome promote further reunions the visitors and learn more of and delve deeper into family history. the property's history. After a

The Doyle clan at the historic homestead of Boongala near Gresford.

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Gresford Show 90th Dinner Celebrations going style and humorous adventures.

Sir Peter and his lovely wife Lady Lynne were incredibly approachable, chatting with many of the attendees and having photos taken. Gresford District Agricultural Society were lucky to have the Cosgroves in attendance for our special event.

Mr Dave Layzell Upper Hunter MP and his wife Rachel also joined members of GDAS their friends and family members for the evening’s festivities.

The night’s moments were captured by David Oliver Photography who generously gave of his time to attend the evening. There are a number of people James Stephens, Taylor McKenzie (2022 Gresford Show Rural Young Woman), Lady Lynne and to be thanked for helping to ensure the Sir Peter Cosgrove. (David Oliver Photography) celebration was a success. Firstly the (Hunter Valley) with table wines donated Gresford Bowls, Sport and Recreation What a Wonderful Night

by Daniel and Jane Maroulis of Boydell Club team, particularly Leanne and Saturday June 4th saw 110 people Wines. The crowd were entertained by Tammy, for providing a great venue and celebrate the 90th Gresford Show at a our very special guest speaker General assisting with many aspects of the nights celebratory dinner held at the Gresford the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove. (past preparation. Boydell Wines and Tar 10 Bowls, Sport and Recreation Club.

Australian Governor General and head for the generous gifts given to the Although the weather may have been of ADF). Sir Peter gave an engaging Cosgroves. The Committee, Members, very cold outside, inside the warmth and speech reflecting on his past experiences Sponsors and Gresford community for affability was phenomenal. including those at agricultural shows sharing in this amazing occasion and and meetings with The Queen. The making it the wonderful, positive Guests were treated to a scrumptious 3 evening it was. course meal provided by D’Vine Catering audience were captivated by his easy

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Sahnnon McCormack, Kris and Myff Doyle and Tim Capp

Elise Chesworth, Prue McCormack, Taylor McKenzie and Penny Evans

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On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith Mrs McGinty’s Dead

by Agatha Christie The solving of Mrs McGinty’s murder is a slam-dunk – or appears so to her neighbours in a small English village.

She was a char-lady apparently murdered by her lodger, an unemployed misfit, for thirty pounds in savings.

Although James Bentley has been tried and found guilty, the Superintendent in charge of the case is uneasy about the verdict, and calls in Hercule Poirot.

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And how Hercule suffers in pursuit of the truth! He is mostly unrecognised by the philistines of the village; he is lodged in a chaotic boarding house with terrible food; and he is baffled longer than usual. His main clue is a newspaper clipping with the photographs of four women who were apparent victims of long-ago crimes, whose experiences have been described in purple prose by a local reporter. A second murder galvanises the investigation and the pieces start to fall into place for the usual denouement.

The pace of this novel is slow – even a little ponderous – but there is enough dry humour and intrigue to keep readers involved, especially if they are fans of this genre.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. Also have a look in the street library.

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Gresford District Landcare Wednesday 15 June saw members from the Gresford and District Landcare group attend the Annual General Meeting at the Vacy store and enjoying the lovely food.

In her report, President Julia Wokes thanked everyone for participating over the last year in interesting times. S ome meetings were held via Zoom which turned out to be very well supported and allowing more in-depth discussion of various topics including Peter Dreyer’s educational talk on mapping a property and Agronomist Kyle Roper from Singleton Farmers Warehouse informative talk on the importance of soil testing, and how and why soil should be tested.

The theme of visiting local properties and learning about riverbank management was provided in February with a visit to St Mary on Allyn at Allynbrook. Here we saw three different riverbank management projects.

Members were able to observe the St Mary on Allyn precinct providing 500 metres of three different approaches to riverbank maintenance. The upper property, located at the top of a bedrock cliff with a deep pool in the Allyn River

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below, the middle property where the riverbank was less steep with a mid-river gravel bar (riffle/island) river allowing for a small canal and the third property sits on a sweeping curve of the river providing a large flat area maintained by mowing Julia was returned as President for the next 12 months and noted how pleased she was with the number of members who had joined the group interested in finding out more about ways to improve their land and pastures, manage riverbank erosion and control weeds. All are areas that tie in with the principles of regenerative and sustainable farming.

Delighted and surprised to accept Life Membership to Landcare, Rod and Penny Kater were thanked for their energy and drive, their invaluable support, for volunteering and always ‘jumping in’ whenever asked.

Gresford District Landcare continue to support the Gresford Arboretum at the Community Park in Gresford having recently donated $5000 toward the tables and chairs and will continue to work with Friends of the Arboretum in maintaining this project.

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Member of Gresford District Landcare Group with President Julia Wokes

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Quarry Update

New Planning & Environment Director

Martins Creek Quarry Action Group (MCQAG) held a meeting with the Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE), including the Executive Director Clay Preshaw.

Dungog Shire Council welcomes the appointment of its new Director Planning and Environment, Mr Trevor Ryan, to help lead statutory, strategic planning, waste and environment.

MCQAG showed a Powerpoint presentation highlighting the community feeling toward the application to expand the quarry and where the Daracon/Umwelt State Significant Development Application (SSDA) response to submissions fell short, in that MCQAG representatives considered the SSDA included misinformation and failed to fully address concerns of residents, businesses and community groups. Toward the end of the meeting there was a brief Q & A and the clarification of a few issues by department members.

Mr Ryan’s impressive career has spanned management and leadership roles at Port Stephens Council, Newcastle Airport, Central Coast Council, Gosford City Council and Lake Macquarie City Council. In addition, Mr Ryan is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia, a Registered member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, and has a number of impressive additional qualifications, including a Master of Urban Design and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

The department members present were impressed with the presentation and found the meeting informative. Clay Preshaw also commented in his many years working with the DPIE the Martins Creek Quarry application is the most complex he has been involved in.

The DPIE expect to make their recommendation to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) in late July or early August. The IPC have eight weeks to finalize their decision.

During that eight week period there will be a public hearing – I'm unsure what form that public hearing will be in.

Mark Walker

Council’s General Manager, Gareth Curtis, says that while the calibre of candidates was strong, Mr Ryan was the standout choice for the role. “This new Director position will have a significant influence on the future and prosperity of our region and will also play a meaningful role in the development of our long-term planning strategies and policies. “Mr Ryan will also be responsible for waste and environmental services throughout the shire and as such, will be pivotal in our future sustainability and conservation efforts.

“I’m confident that Mr Ryan’s significant skills and expertise will help us to achieve our collective goals, and I’m very pleased to have him joining our team,” says Mr Curtis.

With a focus on improving processes within council and ensuring regional growth is both sustainable and futurefocused, Mr Ryan says he is also excited by the work that lies The Senior Community and Stakeholder Engagement Officer for ahead. “As the General Manager, Mr Curtis, has already set a Water Infrastructure, Emily Whalan, has advised Paul Tracey has clear direction for the future of planning and environment joined the team as the new project manager. The team have within council and the community, I’m keen to help bring commenced initial modelling investigations and will be undertaking additional water demand studies in the coming weeks this vision to fruition,” Mr Ryan says. to further understand future demand for the Hunter region.

Lostock Pipeline

They are also seeking to engage a design and delivery partner in the coming weeks and are anticipating they will have some additional information to share at the end of August and are looking to schedule some information sessions between 23 and 25 August. They would like to hold a session for the members of Gresford District Community Group.

Arts Upper Hunter grants

8 Hunter organisations to share in $23,385 to fund art projects through its Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grants.

CASP has long been a vital support for regional arts, enabling community groups to hold small bespoke workshops, or create artworks, or have performances or exhibitions. This year, in addition to the $17k from the NSW Government, Arts Upper Hunter (AUH) has temporarily increased the pool of funds to give more groups the chance to run programs.

“All the applicants were very strong,” according to AUH Chair Ivan Skaines. “They range across many artforms, across the whole region.” Skaines was especially pleased by one particular focus.

“Young people. Nearly every project has either a central focus or a side project for youth and kids. Given how much young people have struggled under Covid, anything that helps them find ways to express themselves and learn new skills will be a help.”

Locally stay tuned for the Dungog Clarence Town CWA project – Creative Healthy Eating: Healthy eating with a difference! Puppetry will encourage kids and young people to use creative arts to learn about making good eating choices.

Working with performers and puppeteers Curious Legends, young locals will create puppets and lanterns, and then show them off in a parade and performance.

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

G resford News

The

• July 2022, p 19

Gresford News July Crossword Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson

Weekly Services 10.30am Sundays at St Annes COVID safe practices in place CONTACT Fr Peter Rothnie 0438 413 007, email priest@gpanglican.com.au

Gresford

Congregational Church 30 Durham Rd Gresford

Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME Enquiries to Pastor Roy Waters Ph 02 4938 9348

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church Sat. evening at 5:30 pm ( except 2nd Sat. of month).

Weekday Mass Thursdays at 9.30am Sunday Morning Mass at Summer Hill on the 2nd Sun. of each month at 11:30 am.

All enquiries to Fr. Derek Garner, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477.

June 2022 crossword answers

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