Gresford News May 2023

$2.50

May 2023

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

TheG resford News

The Billy Cart Bunny Came Back!

After a three year Covid forced hiatus, it was wonderful to see the huge and enthusiastic crowd entertained by more than 40 different carts and their drivers. From coffins to tractors, plumbers to rubber duckies in the bath, there was no limit to the imagination shown by the Billy cart drivers and their pit crews. read the story on page 10

The Billy Cart Bunny, Photo: David Oliver

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

ABN: 56137525494

Gresford News Notices

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM

Wednesday 7 June

The Gresford Rural Fire Brigade, will be holding its Annual General meeting on Wednesday 07 June 2023. Elections of all Field Officers and Administration Positions will be conducted during the meeting. The Annual General Meeting will commence at 7.30 pm at the Station and all members and guests are encouraged to attend. ........

VACY SPORTSGROUND 355 COMMITTEE AGM

The AGM for Vacy Sportsground 355 Committee will be held on 11 May at 7pm at Vacy School of Arts. All interested community members are welcome to attend.

If you have an item that you wish to discuss, please email the secretary Robyn Dunford at balyana52@gmail. com prior to the meeting so it can be added to the agenda.

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

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

Guinness is back on tap at the Beatty Bernie, Dave and AnnaLisa Littlejohn enjoying one of the first from the tap on St Patricks Day.

Message from the Mayor: 21 April

... Bingleburra Road continues to be an issue. Those that use that road will see that the traffic lights have been removed and it's now open to two-way traffic again. That regrettably is temporary, there is to be more work done. The contractors have left the site at the moment due to a shortage of relevant materials. With that, I’m told, they’ll be returning in May to complete the work. Additional materials were required as a result of further defects that were discovered in the course of the initial work. So enjoy the two lanes while they exist, but it'll be back to one line in about a month.

Work continues on Park Street, East Gresford and on Hooke Street, Dungog. Both of those projects are continuing and hopefully the result will be worth the inconvenience in the short term.

There is also some inconvenience, near Pateron on Gresford Road where there's been a landslip and those works to stabilise that area should be completed by the end of the week and it should revert to two-way traffic and the traffic lights be removed. The more positive news is that those that have the Live Traffic app on their telephone will be able to access information with respect to Dungog Shire. Up until now, Dungog Shire has not been a participant in the Live Traffic app, but that changes later today. The information that will be available will relate to significant roadworks, roadworks where you're likely to be delayed or where there is an actual redirection due to, say the construction of a bridge or the like. So as from tomorrow, use the Live Traffic app if you want to check your travel route to make sure there'll be no undue delays.

Goodbye and good luck – John

Connors

On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith

The Household Guide to Dying

by Debra Adelaide

This is the Gresford book club choice for May, and happens to be part of the CWA collection. While it can be confronting at times, as it is written (fictionally) from the point of view of a dying woman, it is also full of common sense. The main character writes household guides for a living and also an advice column. Excerpts from the guide and samples of her replies to readers’ letters form a framework to the narrator’s story of coming to terms with her own death, and the loss of her son years before.

It is not a morbid narrative, even though it is emotionally stirring at times. Delia is a practical woman with a loving mother, husband and daughters, and while she regrets her illness and impending death she acknowledges that life is full of wonder. She has loose ends to tie up and is determined to make peace with her early departure by being positive and proactive. For example she orders her own coffin and allows it to become part of the veranda furniture before it is needed. There are some nice touches of humour. Delia is a Jane Austen fan and has named her five hens after the daughters in Pride and Prejudice. Her surname is Bennet, as is theirs. Adelaide has written an engaging and thought-provoking book.

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.

New Gresford Sporting Complex opening

A huge crowd turned out for the official opening of the new Gresford Sporting Complex clubhouse facility on April 1.

The red and yellow club colours of the Scorpions (Gresford Vacy Football Club) and blue and gold of the Colts (Gresford Vacy Junior Cricket Club) swamped the complex as dignitaries, user groups, supporters and visiting teams turned out for the event.

The million-dollar clubhouse includes four changerooms, a storage shed, canteen and large covered area perfect

for watching all the on-field action.

“It was so wonderful to see the community spirit from everyone who attended,” GVFC president Jim Doyle said.

“Our whole community should be very proud of this facility.”

During the official proceedings, Scorpions groundsman Dave Crouch received special recognition with the presentation of the Phyllis Avery Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Football. The Hunter Valley Football

award recognises an individual who shows commitment to the values of volunteering and makes an outstanding voluntary contribution to football within the Hunter Valley zone.

David and his wife Jenny were founding members of Gresford Vacy Football Club in 1981 and worked closely with Phyllis Avery to establish the club and choose the club colours. David has seen all his children and grandchildren play in the Scorps colours and together they have played a role in growing the club and its facilities.

A huge crowd turned out for the official opening. All pics from David Oliver. Story by Julie Hartigan.

For the past 10 years, David has been the groundskeeper and he has nurtured the fields to be some of the best in the Hunter. He also volunteers his time setting up the fields for game day, cooking the barbecue and ensuring everything runs smoothly on and off the field.

The April 1 opening coincided with the Scorpions season-opening gala day. All teams are now in action for the 2023 season across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Phyllis Avery Award winner Dave Crouch and his family.

Gresford Sporting Complex president Kris Doyle welcomes the crowd to the official clubhouse opening.

The official opening coincided with a season-opening gala day for Gresford Vacy Football Club.

Country News

New Listing ‘YELVERTON’ 12 acres $1.695 Million

138 Dog Trap Creek Road, East Gresford

A country gardener’s dream property.

This property has been loved and returns the care given by Yelverton’s Owners by providing the ultimate country experience of a spectacular garden, coupled with the perfect venue for entertaining friends and family. So many choices of where to sit and relax in the gardens… beside the lily pond or dams, or amongst the rose gardens and hedgerows, or picnic alongside the jonquils and Crocus bulbs beneath the trees, sit under the Chinese Elm trees looking out over the Valley to the distant hills, watching the sunrises, and sunsets, romantic moonlit night skies and starry nights.

Childhood dreams are fulfilled here, with room to run and play, camp out with friends. Ride the horse up the paddock or along the quiet country road. Lifetime memories are made in settings such as Yelverton.

The home is equally welcoming. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, stunning formal Lounge and Dining room with slow combustion fire, looking out over the gardens.

The ultimate country Cooks large commercial grade Kitchen with a French Kitchen vibe, with stainless steel appliances, 2 ovens and 2 cooktops, 2 pantries, and an expanse of stainless steel benchtops, and soft close drawers and cupboards.

The Kitchen leads to the screened entertainment room, the perfect long lunch venue. With room to seat large numbers of guests and perhaps use as a dance floor!! ...Yelverton was made for country entertainment … secluded within the privacy of lush country gardens.

"Living at Yelverton captures the dreams of an idyllic country lifestyle and is a rare and special living experience."

Yelverton features:

12 acres with a mix of pasture and gorgeous gardens that provide an idyllic setting. Hidden down a quiet country road, with pasture country rising up from the front boundary to the House gardens and onto undulating pasture paddocks. Spectacular views to the surrounding sheltering hills.

Easily maintained by the garden enthusiast, with local help if needed. Yelverton’s gardens are exceptionally beautiful. A delightful mix of deciduous and evergreen trees provide vibrant Autumn and Winter colour and Winter Sun and a shady backdrop in Summer.

Manchurian pear trees border the entry driveway. In Autumn the vibrant colours provide an exhilarating entry. Featuring hedgerows of roses, swathes of Agapanthas. Under plantings include seasonal Bulbs and forget me nots. Productive fruiting Orchard trees, Herb and Vegetable Gardens provide an endless bounty and inspiration for the Country Cook.

Water:2 large dams provide garden and stock water in an area of high average rainfall, of approx. 40 inches per annum. All garden beds are irrigated from the Dams. Large drinking water tanks provide water to the House.

Services: Telstra phone line, wi-fi Internet and mobile, and mains Power are connected. 42 Solar cells provide alternative/ additional power. Garbage collection from front gate weekly. 5 mins drive to local shops, schools, and facilities at East Gresford.

Inspection by prior appointment only. Exclusive Agent. Pamela Munson 0427 207542. www.pmcountryestates.com.au

Gresford Billy Cart Derby a huge rolling success!!

volunteers helped with everything from car parking and traffic management to last minute printing and plenty of behind the scenes support.

Sponsors old and new flocked to be a part of this year’s racing. Huge thanks are owed to naming sponsors, The Beatty Hotel for their huge contribution and our gold sponsors Liddell-Glencore and Brimble. It was fantastic to see both businesses had carts in the races, that went toe to toe on several occasions. Their pit crews in support were also great sports!! Without the support of these businesses the event would not have been able to run so successfully.

Gresford came alive on Easter Saturday with an estimated crowd greater than 4000 people flocking trackside for all the thrills and spills of the Gresford Billy Cart Derby!

Racing ran from 9am-12noon without a hitch, from the juniors to the opens and feature races, there was constant cheers and a lot of fun commentary as well as Scott Lawrence and Paul Dooley revived their duties as race callers!

The event could not have run without

Of course there were many more sponsors of goods in kind and generous donations, and the committee and community is hugely grateful to all those that backed the event to return in 2023. From Kennards donating toilets to 365 fencing giving us a huge discount in barrier fencing and Premiair Hire providing the electronic message boards, the generosity was amazing. Dungog Council also offered a lot of help in the planning and approval stages to get the event back on track. One of the organisers, Alex Inneson said the committee were excited it was turned out to be a hugely successful event.

“Nothing beats the thrill of seeing the track lined with spectators, from the youngest children to the more seasoned race fans, all glued to the action rolling down the hill in front of them,” said Alex. “We so wanted to bring the family

are fully stocked up with Husqvarna stock, produce, farming supplies, animal products, Swap & Go gas and many other goodies

fun of the Billy cart derby back and the huge crowd really surprised us all!’

“Most importantly everyone had fun, we raised some much needed money towards the community beautification project and we proved the Hunter region really loves the Billy Cart Derby and wanted it to come back!”

There were some great results on the race track of course:

Overall & Junior winner– Rowan Grillmeier

Open winner– Phillip Foote

Best pit crew– Brimble Rail

Most unique cart– the coffin!

Away from the track visitors enjoyed all the fun of the markets, vintage car display, pony rides, cow pat lotto and gumboot toss! The crowd were kept fed and watered thanks to the Gresford Gorillas and Gresford Vacy Colts, the Tennis club and Gresford CWA.

Local businesses reported being really busy, and the Bowling Club and Beatty Hotel were both very popular with locals and visitors alike!! The mega charity auction raised over $4500 and the raffle and merchandise stalls were incredibly well supported. It takes a huge effort to set up and pack up this event, especially over

Easter so huge thanks to the Gresford Vacy Scorpion members who pitched in to help! Huge thanks to all the workers, especially former committee members like Lawrence Thorsell, Liz Jones and Graham Murphy who jumped back on board.. to our newest helpers like scrutineers Dave Whiteley and Sean Oliver, who did an almighty job in the pits!

While the final tally is still being counted it’s hoped the money raised will be enough to cover some more beautification works around town, and cover the costs of more murals or sculptures in our beautiful village. And of course we hope everyone is busy in their sheds building even faster carts for next year !!

Story: Penny Evans

Photos: David Oliver

Gorgeous Gresford Mural Project

Dan mentioned he enjoyed meeting our locals and getting 'honks' as everyone drove by and waved, we hope to see Dan back very soon brightening up our village.

Thank you also to Martin & Caroline Addison for allowing us to use their buiding as our backdrop and to everyone who so generously donated to make this happen.

- it's finished! Our beautiful mural on the butcher's wall.

Gresford Show – It was a honour and a privilege to once again be part of the Gresford Show. Members, friends and family worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the show and on the 2 show days. Early morning starts for bacon and eggs rolls, and working into the afternoon preparing for the following day. The CWA Café was well patronised and show goers had a large selection of home-made country treats to choose from. A big thank you to all that helped and supported us. We are looking forward to next year and the brand-new kitchen!

Gresford Billy Cart Derby – What a busy couple of months we have had. The sun was shining (and the wind was blowing!) for the 2023 Billy Cart Derby. The CWA had pride of place out the front of Twin Rivers Café. Locals and visitors alike were tempted by some yummy home baked goodies. They were so popular that we sold out before the end of the day! We would like to thanks all the members who baked and helped out on the day.

CWA Gresford Branch Facebook page – Please like our page and follow us. We share information about our local branch and members, and stories from Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW page.

New Members – It is great to see that we have had a number of new members join. New members always welcome. We now meet on the first Sunday of the month at 3pm in the CWA rooms in Durham Road. Please come along and join in!

Book Club – Book club meets on the second Saturday of the month except in unusual circumstances, at 3pm in the CWA hall. There is also a street library

out the front and borrowers are welcome to come to the indoor library any time the hall is in use. For enquiries, please ring Glenda Smith on 0400108079. Feel free to join us.

French Group – The French group meets on the first and third Mondays of the month from 10 to 11:30 am. New members are always welcome, but please ring Glenda on the above number if you wish to join as there may be occasional changes.

There will be no meeting for May as this coincides with Tocal Field Days. The next meeting will be 4th June at 3pm.

Jodeane Taylor Treasurer and Publicity Officer

Sunday 7 May – 70th Anniversary of Gresford Bowling Club, Afternoon tea celebrations 2.00-5.00

all Members & Guest welcomed!

Sunday 14 May – Free Mother’s Day Raffle, all mothers will be given a ticket drawn after the normal raffles.

Saturday 27 May “Wayne Donnelly” Hypno- Comedian $30 a ticket, Doors open 7.30pm

Every Week at the Bowlo!!

Wednesday Night

HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00

Yellow Barrel Draw-$50.00 every week

Last Wednesday of the month $200.00

Schooner Card Draw 1st Wednesday of the month

Drawn after the raffles must be here to win!

Friday Night

Gift Voucher Raffles

Members Draw going up $50.00 every week must be here to WIN!

Sunday Night

Raffles

Like us on Facebook

“Support your Club, It’s your club” Best In our town,

MAY

New Band - Smokestack Sun 21st, 1–5 pm on the deck "Get Ready to Rock"

Guinness on tap!!

Congratulations to the Billy Cart Derby committee GREAT DAY!!

Dungog Library Reopening

We are excited to announce that the Dungog Shire Library is reopening on Monday 1 May and look forward to welcoming users back into the space. While an official opening date is still to be confirmed, we are working hard to finalise some last-minute project elements.

This is the most significant refurbishment of the town's library in 40

years, which has seen the existing building almost double in size.

Once complete, the new facility will provide a contemporary library hub with ample space, including cosy book nooks, state-of-the-art meeting rooms with conference capabilities for businesses needing a meeting space, or students that need hi-tech access to educational

resources and online learning forums.

A formal opening and activities will be happening in the coming weeks when the library is fully functioning.

Please be aware that the library is not quite at full capacity with some minor finishing touches being completed, we thank you for your patience and look forward to seeing you soon.

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.

Landcare project at Vacy

Landcare members in the Vacy area have begun work rehabilitating the Council reserve on the Paterson River where the Allyn and Paterson meet. This Council reserve was used as a stock crossing and a holding area in days past. The site was originally adopted by Paterson Landcare over 20 years ago as evidenced by the mature Eucalypts along the corridor that leads to the river. There is a strong interest from the local community as this is the ideal place to access the Paterson River and enjoy its beauty.

Dungog Shire Council has granted permission for Landcare to rehabilitate the woodland and riparian zone with help from Council’s weeds officer. It is overrun with many difficult and Hunter Priority weeds to control such as Giant Reed (Arundo donax), Green cestrum (Cestrum parqui), as well as Moth vine, Lantana etc. The primary goal is to maintain access and slowly transition the site to a biodiverse stable area with native vegetation and native fauna that the locals can be proud of.

To get involved, email lowerhunterlandcare@gmail.com for more information.

Bobcat Tipper Service

Gresford News May 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

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill

Sat Vigil Mass at St. Helen's church

Sat. evening at 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month).

Weekday Mass Thur at 9.30am

Sun Morning Mass at Summer Hill on the 2nd Sun. each month at 11:30 am.

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

April 2023 crossword answers

Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.

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