Gresford News October 2017

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

Pink Socks Bowls Day

Supporting Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation Story and pictorial inside …

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

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

Daniel and Jane Maroulis are the proud owners of Boydell’s Vineyard located at Camyr Allyn North, East Gresford.

The Boydells wine is available locally at Loveys IGA, Hotel Beatty and Gresford foodworks. You can also order directly from us www.boydells.com.au; 0417 747 454; daniel@Boydells.com.au Free local delivery. More exciting varieties to come this vintage!

The Gresford News Community Diary Sat

7 Oct

War on Weeds Fieldday – Gresford District Landcare Group, St Anne's Hall, Gresford, 9.30am

Mon

9 Oct

AGM Gresford District Community Group, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm (change due to long weekend)

Fri

13 Oct

Community Table Dinner, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm

Sat

14 Oct

Yabby Race Day, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 2.00pm

Sat

14 Oct

Youth Off The Streets Annual ‘YOTS’ Charity Dinner & Art Auction, Paterson School of Arts hall, 6.30pm

Sun

15 Oct

Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Tues

17 Oct

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat

21 Oct

Denim & Diamonds, Gresford Public School Fundraiser, Gresford School of Arts hall, 6.30pm

Sat

21 Oct

Be Bird Alert – Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub talks, James Theatre Dungog, 3.00pm

Sun

22 Oct

Be Bird Alert – Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub mentor bird walk & breakfast, Dungog Common, 8.00am

Sun

22 Oct

Back To Gresford Day, Gresford District Historical Society Museum Grounds

Sun

22 Oct

St Helen's Church celebrates 150 years

Sun

22 Oct

Live music – Rusty Bucket, Hotel Beatty, 2.00pm

Fri

27 Oct

Live music – Norm 'Elvis' Bakker, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 7.30pm

Sat

4 Nov

Gresford Family Country Dance, Gresford Showground, 6.30pm

Tues

7 Nov

Melbourne Cup Seafood Luncheon, Hotel Beatty

Sat

11 Nov

American Summer, Crossroads Café, 5.00pm

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 or call Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 or Jane Richens 0425 339 856. Postal Address: PO Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month.

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

NW Hitchcock Carpentry & CASSO’S WATER Tiling Service CARTAGE local water carrier

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

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

Gresford Market presented by Gresford District Historical Society Inc.

Sunday 15 Oct 9am to 1.30pm at the Beatty Hotel

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

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

Further information contact George Sales 4938 9639

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Gresford News Notices Medical Practice in Gresford

The Medical Practice in Dungog is to open a branch in Gresford.

It will be in the building on the corner of Park St and Durham Road in the vet office! Or actually around the back.

They are currently waiting on Telstra.

The practice will be open in the mornings from 8.30 each day – except Tues as the vet is there. Drop in or make an appointment via The Medical Practice Dungog on 4992 1739.

Weeds Action Field Day Gresford District Landcare Saturday 7 October 9.30am–2pm St Anne’s Hall, Church St, Gresford Free sausage sizzle after the talk.

RSVP J Wokes 4938 5112 or juliawokes@hotmail.com

Home Grown Produce Day

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 Vacy General Store.

AGM Gresford District Community Group Monday 9 October 2017 at 6.30pm NOTE: changed date due to the Oct long weekend.

Hotel Beatty

Gresford Carols by Candlelight 2017 – Entertainers wanted

We are looking for support acts for this year’s Carols by Candlelight on the 16th December at the Museum grounds, East Gresford commencing at 7pm.

GAPS will be our main entertainment for the night but we are looking for local acts to entertain on the night also. If you are a singer or an instrumentalist then you are welcome to apply to be a part of this night.

This is a great opportunity to perform on a stage and to perform in front of people.

It is an informal night and will be a lot of fun. Santa Clause will make a visit followed by fireworks at 9pm. If you are interested or require further information please contact Graham Murphy on 0416 116 009 or graham@gabes.com.au.

attention young and old

Back To Gresford Day Sunday 22 October at Gresford District Historical Society Museum Grounds Gresford Road next to Sporting Complex

Round up your Ancestors, Family and Friends.

Anyone who has been associated with our local area throughout time. All visitors welcome.

Help to celebrate early settlement in our local area Step back in time, take in some local history, enjoy a good chit-chat great food and activities, help celebrate the Gresford area's past history and join in with some traditional fun.

Contact members of the Gresford District Historical Society Inc: George Sales, Delma Lawrence, Lorraine Ashard, Allan Hancock, Paul & Gail Wright, David Wells, Katie Farrell

Gresford District Community Dinner

Friday 13 October 2017 at 6.30pm Hotel Beatty Please book with Bernie on 4938 9451 as it makes catering much easier.

Graham Murphy and his wife Sue, will host the night and we look forward to seeing some of you back again in October.

In November, the Community Group will host a not for profit Country Dance in a marque at the Showground on Saturday 4 November instead of a monthly dinner and in December, we hope you will support the Christmas Carols too.

Carolyn Addison – Member of GDGC

Green Waste Clean Up

Dungog Council Green Waste Clean-up for Residential premises within the 50km sign posted town areas is on

3 TO 6 October 2017.

Put your Green Waste out the weekend before, at the normal weekly collection point. The contractor and Council have the right to reject any material that they consider unacceptable.

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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Yabby Race Day – Gresford Bowling Club A family fun afternoon at the races. Gates open at 2pm for First race at 3pm. Dust off your favourite hat, dress & suit and come to the Yabby Races.

Racing Yabbies go on sale 1st October for $25 each, there will be 30 yabbies for sale so first in gets the pick. With yabbies from around the district such as “Salisbury Saint”, “Washpool Wanderer”, “Vacy Vicor” & “Lostock Legend” amongst many others they won’t last long.

With a total of 4 races on the day, the first 3 place getters from the first three races will go into the Final Race of The Day “THE GRESFORD CUP”. Prize money will be announced on the day. There will be a Calcutta for “The Gresford Cup” race so if you miss out on a racing yabby there is still a chance.

Prizes for

Best Hat Best Dressed Couple Fashions of the Field Child Fashions of the Field Adult

There will be boiled and BBQ’d Yabbies with a side salad available until sold out, so get in quick.

If you’re thinking of stocking your own dam there will be bulk lots of live Yabbies available on the day.

Kick up your heals and party on from 6:30pm with live band Whistle Dixie playing till 10:30pm.

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P&C Fundraising Ball Once again the Gresford Public School P & C are organising their Biannual Fundraising Ball. This year’s theme is a mixture of country with touch of glamour, as the P & C present the DENIM and DIAMOND Ball.

It will be held on Saturday, 21st of October, commencing at 6.30pm at Gresford School of Arts Hall. The night will be full of music, games and frivolities, with many prizes to be won. A silent Auction will be held with some amazing items donated by our generous community.

The most important aspect of this fundraiser is that all profits will go towards the children of our community. Our focus is to update the Softfall area around the play equipment at the school.

Tickets are $50 a head, which includes a delicious 3 course meal and entertainment. Tickets will go on sale on the 9th of October at the Gresford Public School 4938 9304 or by contacting Amanda Sellens on 0438 050 380.

So please come and join the P & C on a fantastic night.

Saturday October 21, 6.30pm Gresford School of Arts All proceeds to Gresford Public School P&C Assoc

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Gresford Bowling Club Fri 27th October at 7.30pm

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Pink Socks Bowls Day at Gresford Bowling Club

Wow! What a day we had for our Pink Socks Bowls Day raising money for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. A huge thanks goes out to everyone, I could not believe the sea of pink that arrived. The support from the communities of Gresford, Vacy and Paterson never seems to disappoint.

A big thank you to Leanne Atkins for initiating the day and to her helpers Tammy Crouch, Brittany Crouch and Annmarie Lole. The club looked amazing dressed up in pink. Red & The Little Big

We don't have a final tally yet but we have raised in excess of $2,000. A great effort for a small community. The Gresford Bowls Sport and Recreation We also couldn’t have done it without Club Committee appreciate the support the kind donations of raffle prizes and dress up prizes and the people who made the community has given to the event and to the club and we look forward to a donation as they couldn’t be there on many more functions in the future. the day to help celebrate. Again local Whether private or for a special event we people and businesses helping the community get together for a great cause. encourage you to come and use the club because it is here for the community.

Stewart Everett Motors, Dick Hopson Firewood, Annmarie Lole, Jamie Atkins Rural Contracting, Gresford Foodworks & Bevan Crouch Contracting.

Men kept us entertained and will definitely be back in the future.

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

Trading

Shop

Cafe

Take Away

Mon – Thurs Fri – Sun

7 am – 5 pm 7 am – 7 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks – Pizza available from 4pm Friday–Sunday

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NEW! Freshly baked sourdough bread

FRESH SEAFOOD available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Order on Mondays for Tuesday delivery and Wednesday for Thursday delivery. Bon apetit!

NEW – Dry Cleaning service now available - ask Katie or Joe for details

Save The Date 11th November

Join us at Crossroads Cafe and Experience

American Summer BBQ! Smoked Ribs! Corn Bread! Southern Fried Chicken!

BBQ Buttered Corn!

From 5pm onwards, enjoy a BYO drink as the sun goes down - $25pp Kids $10

To book a table Call Katie or Joe on 4938 9239

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Paterson Allyn Garden Group The Paterson Allyn Garden Group continues to grow with around 60 members each month enjoying a walk and talk in a garden somewhere. In August we were thrilled to see a Vacy garden ablaze with camellias and azaleas and September we visited a Dungog garden which relies mostly on rain! I couldn’t believe it when I saw this garden after all the windswept days we have had. A picture of colour and as for the Chinese Elms that so graciously Pip Wilson, Dungog, host of our September meeting line the driveway, well you would never see a more perfect avenue. I have now seen at many gardens in our valley the superb Viburnum odoratissimum in long sweeping hedges. It would have to be one of the most gratifying shrubs to use as a hedge. It’s rarely bothered by pests or disease, has a wonderful fragrance and one of the loveliest leaves of all hedges.

As for the exotic purple statice (Limonium), well it was abundant in flower in our Dungog garden and it’s a great plant for dry conditions in and outside the home. If you pick a bunch you can just display it in a vase with NO water! Perfect for those like me who forget to water inside plants. Scabiosa or the ‘pin cushion flower’, looks stunning at the moment and like statice, flowers

most of the warmer months. Both of these perennial plants love compost.

I must also mention my 16 year old citrus orchard that I had decided was going to retain its average form forever…until I bought a couple of truckloads of green domestic waste.. pasteurised compost.. from Remondis for the price of the delivery only. I am literally stunned at the growth and health of all my trees. If it were possible to enter the trees in a class at the Gresford Show I bet I’d win first prize! Here are the details for the compost if you are interested in having a chat with Gary. His mobile is 0459 177 431. Yes you will get the odd bit of plastic but it’s easy to pick out. I wouldn’t have had more than a bucket load in 40 tons .The closer you are to Awaba the cheaper it will be. Happy watering.

The relatively new arboretum that has been planted by members of the garden group and the Gresford Community Group will be opened on Sunday 22nd October. This opening will be a part of the Back To Gresford Day, organized by the Gresford Historical Society. PAGG will have a plant stall at the opening to raise funds for improvements to the Penny Kater, Gresford arboretum.

Janie Chandler

Stewart Everett Mitsubishi Your local Fuel Caltex Service Station

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

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

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

26 Durham Rd, East Gresford 02 4938 9204

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

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Show and Shine at the Beatty Hotel

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.

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This certainly was the way the day came together, Sunday 17th September at the Beatty Hotel. Well over 100 shiny vehicles, extremely well maintained and in prime condition rolled into town. Fantastic to look at as they presented themselves in the grounds behind the hotel. The 8th annual Maitland Classic Motor Association Car Show was being held. Other classic car clubs were present too.

A great duo 'The Frolich Brothers' played enjoyable and easy listening Celtic/Irish songs. This sounded out through the grounds and carpark. The GDHSI market stall holders were present and traded well.

Many visitors lined up for tasty bar-b-que sandwiches, cooked diligently by our local tennis group members. St Anne's Church Guild sold all their home cooked treats.

Local history book sales were up for our local Historical Society.

At approximately 1.00pm, popular 'The Sun Rockets' featuring Johnny (Mick) Cash performed on the deck of the Beatty Hotel.

The sun shone warm, the music was great.

Overall a fantastic event day for Gresford.

Lorraine Ashard, GDHSI Secretary

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GRESFORD FAMILY COUNTRY DANCE – 4 NOV

Gresford Showground from 6.30pm

Do you have a few questions about the Gresford Family Country Dance?

Why is the Gresford District Community Group holding a Family Country Dance? The Gresford District Community Group would love to see you come together for a night of family entertainment, and following the very successful Gresford Photographic Exhibition many people requested we hold a family event this year.

What are you raising funds for? The Gresford Family

Harry Uren, Poppy Uren & Toby Addison with Jeb & Jed in the hayshed planning for the Gresford Family Country Dance!

Country Dance is a non-fund raising event; all money goes towards the event.

Will there be food? Of course, we can’t invite you and not feed you at our Dance. Our lovely food committee (Cathy, Felicity and Barb) are working hard to provide everyone with …

A nibbles plate, a hamburger, (additional

ones can be purchased for $5), an icecream, and a soft drink or water.

You will need your ticket to be stamped for each item

Is it BYO? No. Our Drinks committee Dan, Gus and Steve will be selling alcohol. This is not a BYO function.

I can’t dance! No worries! The Swamp

Dawkins Band will teach you the steps before each dance. Or just come and socialise, or offer an hour to assist with making this a really fun family night.

It’s been done before so why come?

Well yes it has probably been done before and every time we do something for the community it is a chance to

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make our communities stronger and a better place to live. So why not come and give us a go!

How do I enter into the Scarecrow competitions? We have 2 scarecrow

competitions, both for families to do together.

What does ‘Country Dress’ mean? a Find the Scarecrow – This is a fun Country Dress to us means jeans, boots competition – during October our and buckles but we are more than happy scarecrows will be placed around the if you wear jeans or something denim.

Gresford Villages, Paterson and Vacy.

Competition will be to find the Do I need a ticket or can I purchase a scarecrow each week, list the answers ticket at the gate? Tickets can be on the entry form and submit the purchased through this link: https:// entry form when you come to the www.trybooking.com/303299 Gresford Family Country Dance. The Remember to print out your ticket and first correct answer drawn wins the bring it along with you. prize and the winner needs to be at What if I don’t have internet or have the Gresford Family Country Dance. problems purchasing my tickets? If you Entry forms are in this edition of the are unable to purchase tickets through Gresford News and on our Facebook Trybooking or do not have internet access page where you will also find some please contact either Louise on 0408 209 hints!

282 or Liz on 0434 198 874 b Scarecrow making competition – Why are you holding this at the a family project: Showgrounds and not at the School of • Scarecrows need to consist mainly of Arts? We though a marquee at the straw or similar materials – This site Showgrounds was a bit special. will assist: http://www.diynetwork. com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/ What happens if it rains? Rain won’t making-a-scarecrow be a problem as we will be under cover • Scarecrows to be delivered to Gresford of the Showground bar area and the Show Ground on Friday 3 November large marquee for dancing. from 8am until 5pm

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• Winning family needs to be present at the Gresford Family Country Dance to collect prize

What prizes do you have? At this stage we are still waiting on confirmation of some fantastic prizes – you will have to come and find out!!

Without the following sponsors the Gresford Family Country Dance could not happen. To Bowe & Lidbury, David Watson Electrical, Gardner Rural Contracting, Gresford Agricultural Society, Lawrence Livestock Transport, National Stockyards, Stephen Hill Gresford Transport, Three Village Art Show, Auswest, Kirkwoods, Gresford Vacy Football Club, Vella Stockfeeds , Weng Fu Seeds a huge thank you from the Gresford District Community Group.

Anything else? Yes, buy your ticket at Trybooking and bring it with you on 4 November, like us on Facebook, enter the competitions and please come and have a fabulous night with The Swamp Dawkins Band, your friends and neighbours.

Liz and Louise

JET Security Services 0458915902 Email: jason@jetss.com.au www.jetss.com.au Security & Investigative Services ML: 000101174 Security Services

Are you in need of an Electrician?

Maybe you need some Excavation work done, Even just a load of soil or gravel.

Please call Gregg, local reliable and trustworthy

Ph. 0429389473

www.merchantindustries.com.au No: 296114c Lic

ABN: 96 611 109 972

CAPI: 411556134 Investigative Services

Mobile Patrols Accounting Fraud Crowd Control Insurance Fraud CIT (Cash In Transit) Employee Fraud Static Work Accidents K9 Units Bodyguard Other Services Risk Assessments Security Audits Event & Project Management First Aid Units Call Jason for a free no obligation quote for your security needs

G resford News • October 2017

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

SAT 4 NOV - 6:30PM

family

COUNTRY

DANCE 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

Where are the Scarecrows Competition Find the scarecrows each week complete the form and bring it with you to the Gresford Family Country Dance.

First correct answer pulled out of the box is the winner.

W/c 2 October

Daisy & Maisy

Floyd & Lloyd

Jeb & Deb

Grandpa & Junior

W/c 9 October W/c 16 October W/c 23 October

Hints will be given each week on Gresford Family Country Dance Tickets purchased from: www.trybooking.com

Graeme Ferguson

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

* House Setouts * Urban and Rural Subdivisions

* Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys

Cowlicks Hair Studio has had some really exciting changes happening over the past few months.

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G resford News • October 2017

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Early Gravesite Visited

On Saturday the 2nd September, descendants interested friends and Gresford Historical Society members travelled to the Upper Paterson River to visit the grave sites of early pioneers, Harriet and Oliver Joliffe on Boonabilla Creek who died 1922 and 1928 respectively. Others interred are Eliza, their daughter (Antonio Capararo's wife), Jack Joliffe, their son, who died in

infancy in 1896, and Charles Clarke, who drowned crossing the flooded Paterson River in 1891.

The headstones are in surprisingly good order, considering that the small fences originally surrounding them have long gone and cattle now have access to the site.

The Historical Society is proposing to build a fence surrounding the area and

cover the ground with conveyor belting to prevent the overgrowth of weeds and grass. This is contingent on being able to obtain a grant for the project and that the present owners of the land are happy for us to do so.

On our return some of the group travelled down the river to "Yellow Rock", the property where Antonio Capararo lived and made his wine, which was then transported down to Gresford and stored in his cellar.

Returning to Gresford we inspected Antonio's cellar and marvelled at the work that would have been required to blow out this site and construct his cellar.

Mr Charlie Herbert told me that many a happy time was had by the locals, as they helped him to dispose of his produce.

Caring for the families of the Hunter since 1889

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G resford News • October 2017

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Specials ~ October 2 to 14 Marinated BBQ Steak - $14.99/kg Crumbed Steak - $11.99/kg Corned Silverside - $11.99/kg

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, p 19

G resford News • October 2017

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, p 20

Be Bird alert – talk & event Sat 21 & Sun 22 October PROGRAM:

Bird talk 3pm Saturday 21 Oct James Theatre Dungog

Robert Griffen a member from BirdLife Australia will talk about different types of birds & their habits and habitats, some basic recognition tips, information on endangered birds and recent research programs plus some handy hints on what to do when you find an injured bird.

Also – Find out about the Aussie Bird Count app so you can join in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count 23-29 Oct.

Bird count with a mentor Sunday morning 22 Oct

Visit a local bird haven with a group to spot birds under the guidance of a bird mentor.

Bird Breakfast Sunday Meet up and find out how it all went over brunch at the Community Garden 103 Dowling St Dungog.

Join in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count 23-29 Oct

Record the birds you see on the Aussie Bird Count app and be part of Australia’s biggest Citizen Science event.

with

Dungog Common Recreation Reserve Trust

To find out more details visit the Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub Facebook page

or www.dungogcommunitycollege.com.au To book into one of the bird groups just turn up on the Saturday talk (limited numbers).

Get the app – Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

DUNG COLLEGE

COMMUNOG ITY live & lea

rn

This initiative is supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government

G resford News • October 2017

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Lower Power Bills – Simple!

A few months ago at the 'Power Choices' event, organised by Local Living Dungog and Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub, seven households in the Shire took up the challenge of trying two (or more) power-saving tips each month to see if they could lower their power bills.

The project, called ' Take Two', will run for one year with the participants keeping in touch with their experiences and results by e-mail. Overall the goal is to save money on their power bills compared to the same time last year... even while power prices go up and personal circumstances change.

The ideas being applied vary from switching to a more powerful nappywashing liquid in order to save on rinses, changing light bulbs to LE Ds (when on special at ALDI), using draught excluders to keep out winter chills rather than turning the heating up and keeping boiled water in a thermos instead of switching the kettle on every time for a cuppa.

It's now three months into the experiment, so how are they faring?

One household's bill is lower by a thousand watt hours per day, despite having a new infant to care for. Another had a monthly bill that was $80 less than last winter. They set their air conditioning thermostat to 20 degrees instead of using a plug in oil heater.

Simply switching computers and appliances off at the socket when not in use makes a small difference that accumulates over the weeks.

Some participants are making some bigger changes which will pay off in the long term such as installing roof-top solar panels and air conditioning with better insulated ducting. Clever changes such as stacking pet enclosures that needed heating over winter have also paid off. Adding timers to column heaters has proved effective in bringing the bills down as well.

There is a different theme each month posted on the Local Living Dungog blog to get ideas going and keep motivation up. These have included frugal fridge use, winter warmer clever heating ideas and kilowatt cutting cooking. More ideas will be coming for the Spring change.

Here are some great ideas for powerefficient cooking shared by Judy Donald, a participant in the project: "I usually cook 3 or 4 times the amount needed for a meal when doing a slow meal, or a casserole or curry, and freeze the other portions for later use which saves a lot of power and time. Also prepare crumble mix for desert in large batches as well. It freezes well, remains crumbly and can be quickly used frozen on top of fruits. I usually have a day of “batch cooking” on rainy days, and it’s pleasant in a warm, dry kitchen.

You can get tips for reducing your power bills by following the blog www. locallivingdungog.wordpress.com Or if you are inspired and want to join the experiment, contact Helen Rubeli at Helenrubeli@gmail.com Local Living Dungog is a Transition Towns style initiative that aims to increase community resilience in Dungog Shire. It is supported by the Dungog Shire Community Centre.

Helen Rubeli, Local Living Dungog.

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G resford News • October 2017

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Gresford CWA News

AGM The Annual General Meeting of the Gresford CWA will be held in the CWA rooms on October, 4th at 9.30am.

All members are encouraged to attend.

GUEST SPEAKER At our last meeting Julie Sutherland who has worked as a professional photographer spoke to us of her experiences and gave a few handy hints on setting up our photographs.

CWA AWARENESS WEEK Changing Face of Families in the bush. This year’s CWA Awareness Week highlights the changing face of families in the bush. The structure of and demands placed on families today has shifted significantly in recent years and now more than ever families of all shapes and sizes need more support. As women who have raised, been part of or supported families ourselves, we have observed just how much day to day life has changed in recent years and what this means for families in terms of new or added pressures. Often it is the women who are most affected by this. The CWA is raising awareness of and helping to provide solutions for a range of issues affecting women and families.

BOOK CLUB Saturday, 14th October, book for discussion “The Good Liar” Nicholas Searle. We meet at 3.00pm in the CWA rooms, afternoon tea, friendship and a lively discussion. Come Julie Sutherland along and join us.

CWA STREET LIBRARY Our thanks to Glenda Smith and Ross Staines for the installation of our Street Library. This library is open to all residents and your books can be placed in there for others to read.

Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month in the CWA rooms 12 Durham Road, East Gresford 9.30–12noon. Light refreshment served.

Robyn Thornton, President

Country Style Chicken Ingredients: 1.5kg chicken pieces ¼ cup plain flour 60g butter 1/3rd cup shopped bacon 1 cup celery, sliced 2 small onions chopped 2 carrots diced 1 ¼ cups cream of celery soup 1/3rd cup water Pinch mixed herbs 125 shredded cheese, shredded

Method: Coat chicken in flour, melt butter in frypan until brown. Fry chicken on both sides. Remove from pan and Place in a casserole dish. In the same frying pan, fry bacon, celery, onion and carrots for a few minutes. Add celery soup, water herbs. Bring to boil and pour over chicken. Cook in a moderate (160-180 C) oven for one hour or until Chicken is tender. Stir in grated cheese and return to oven until cheese melts.

This recipe can be found in the CWA cook book.

EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

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•

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G resford News • October 2017

The

Gresford CWA Street Library Inspired by the increasing popularity of street libraries, which encourage passers-by to stop, browse and borrow or donate books, Gresford CWA book club decided, with the backing of the CWA executive, to make the well-resourced library inside the hall available to the public in a new way. The library has always been intended as a public library, but accessibility has previously been limited to times that the hall is open, or by arrangement.

Ross Staines was volunteered to make the box, and did some useful ‘upcycling’ from an entertainment unit picked up from the Dungog Dump shop. It was cut to size, sanded and painted, and a door was made to fit. The books are free to take, return or replace, and should be of an acceptable standard to the general public. Magazines are welcome if there is room. Happy reading from the book club!

, p 23

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

A Simpler Time Peter FitzSimmons This book is sub-titled A memoir of love, laughter, and billycarts, and will appeal to those who lived in those simpler times, when material expectations were lower and rewards were more basic. The quality of life, however, was not inferior. FitzSimons was born into a generous and loving family who lived the good life in more ways than one. The large FitzSimons clan lived and worked together on a citrus farm at Peats Ridge, where they looked after each other and the community in general, while benefiting from their own hard work, good humour and ingenuity.

FitzSimons’ style is jokey and blokey, but his admiration for his parents, forebears and siblings shines through. He loops together many anecdotes of farm and school life; neighbours; holidays; and the sorrows and joys of family life into a relaxed and highly readable reminiscence of a recent past, redolent with the aforementioned love and laughter.

Like the last book reviewed, it is amply illustrated with family photos.

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 • October 2017

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, p 24

Are you bushfire prepared?

With the bushfire season now underway in our district it is good time to consider how you will react to a bushfire threat.

The key is to stay informed. This means following the weather reports for potential dangerous weather conditions and using an app such as Fires Near Me to track and locate fires that are a possible risk to your home and property.

• Document a list of all belongings or make a video of all belongings, talking about each item.

• Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available.

• Ensure gates are wide enough and unlocked for a fire truck to fit through.

• Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road.

FiresNearMe app

MyFirePlan app

• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water.

• Follow any official agency's evacuation instructions.

• Lock doors and windows.

• Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (hoses, etc.).

• Move overstuffed furniture away from windows.

• Remove any combustible furniture and door mats from outdoor areas.

• Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground.

• Prepare an information note to leave on the door detailing who you are and where you have gone. In your information note tell where flammables are (such as lawnmower fuel, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place).

• Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains.

• Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves.

• Turn on exterior lights.

If you have made the decision to leave early as a fire emergency evolves here’s some of the things you should do in preparation.

• Close evacuation car windows but do not lock the car and leave keys in ignition if safe to do so.

Here’s some of the things the RFS • Close garage door but leave it recommend you should do to reduce unlocked (disconnect automatic garage bushfire risk. door opener).

• Clear debris from roof and gutters.

• Clear vegetation from around hydrants. • Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds in • Remove branches that overhang the home. buildings.

• Close or cover outside vents and shutters.

• Remove trash and debris accumulations.

• Stack firewood well away from structures. • Determine where separated members will meet.

• Thin and prune your trees and scrub.

• Disconnect LPG tanks.

• Put in an asset protection zone and • Don't tie up telephone lines (notify keep it clean and clear. friends and relatives by e-mail where • Develop outdoor water supply with to contact you). hoses to reach around entire house.

For further information and updates • Activate your evacuation plan, travel • Ensure pump is in good working order contact your local RFS Brigade and monitor route, probable destination. if you have one. the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au Fires usually need hot, dry, windy conditions with low humidity. If these conditions are predicted then you need to prepare yourself.

PEST CONTROL SERVICES locally owned and operated

General household pests: spiders, cockroaches, rodents.

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

Call Barry Wilson 0429 317 154 pest management certificate number

15-102220-001

G resford News • October 2017

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, p 25

Weeds Field day – Gresford District Landcare Weeds! Weeds! Weeds! The bane of every gardener and every landholder. Some people say that a weed is nothing more than a plant in the wrong place. But for those battling weeds such as green cestrum, lantana or St John’s wort, it may be a bit hard to see them in quite in that light.

The Gresford District Landcare Group is holding a “Weeds Action Field Day” on Saturday 7 October. There is no cost and everyone is welcome to come.

Plant guru, Harry Rose, will take us for a wander down by the banks of the Paterson River to identify the range of weeds growing there. You might well be surprised at the wide diversity of weeds growing in such a small area.

And if your particular weed doesn’t grow there, everyone is invited to bring along a weed of their choice (securely contained in a bag please). If you are not sure what your weed or plant is, Harry will be able to identify it for you.

We also will have Callaghan Cotter, the Regional Weeds Coordinator LLS giving an update on the Committee's work and the reference to weeds in land owners

BR

Plant guru, Harry Rose

Bio Security Plans. Phil Williams, agronomist from Farmers Warehouse, will talk on weeds and pastures re fireweed, management practices in control-spraying, maintaining ground cover, etc. And local landholder, Peter Lawrence, will also discuss weeds which are harmful to stock.

And if that isn’t enough weeds for you, you are invited to stay for a sausage

Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd

sizzle by the Gresford Rural Fire Service (for a gold coin donation please). While you munch on your sausage you can keep talking weeds, or move on to other topics of interest – such as, when is it going to rain?

Weeds Action Field Day: Saturday 7 October 2017 9.30am – 2pm, St Anne’s Hall, Church Street Gresford. RSVP Julia 4938 5112 or juliawokes@hotmail.com.

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G resford News • October 2017

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Election Results

On September 9 the Shire's 6,908 residential and non-residential electors had the opportunity to elect new members of council, vote on two questions in a constitutional referendum and on four questions in a poll concerning possible council mergers.

The result for the election of Councillors

in A Ward Tracy NORMAN (IND) John CONNORS (IND) Jan LYON (CLP)

in B Ward Steve LOW (IND) Greg RILEY (IND) Digby RAYWARD (IND)

in C Ward Glenn WALL (IND) Robert BOOTH (IND) Kate MURPHY (IND)

of wards was not passed so the Shire will retain its 3 wards. The outcome of a Constitutional Referendum is binding on the Council.

Question 3 Do you want Dungog Shire Council to begin merger discussions with |Port Stephens Council?

The result of the Poll questions are not binding on Council but the results can be used for 'information and guidance'.

These results will no doubt be the subject of future discussions so we are providing more detailed information:

Voter Turnout: 87.38% Informal Rate: 13.07%

Question 1 Do you want Dungog Shire Council to remain a stand alone Council?

Voter Turnout: 87.38% Informal Rate: 12.41% Yes No

2,492 2,795

Voter Turnout: 87.49% Informal Rate: 17.72% Yes No

1,152 3,821

23.17% 76.83%

2,908 2,339

55.42% 44.58%

Question 4 Do you want Dungog Shire Council to apply to the Boundaries Commission to be abolished and have the Shire area divided and joined with neighbouring local government areas?

Voter Turnout: 87.42% Informal Rate: 18.66%

47.13% 52.87%

Question 2 In the constitutional referendum the Do you want Dungog Shire Council voter turnout was only 87.41% and the to begin merger discussions with informal vote was almost 17% on one of Maitland City Council? the questions. The first question to reduce the number of councellors from the existing 9 down to 7 which includes the popular election of a Mayor was passed by 71.89% of the formal vote.

The second question on the abolition

Yes No

Yes No

1,443 3,469

29.38% 70.62%

More detailed information including results for individual polling booths can be found on the elections NSW website http://vtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/dungog/ poll. For instance the Question 1 vote in Dungog, Paterson and Vacy was close to 50/50 and almost 60% of the deciding 303 votes came from Clarence Town.

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G resford News • October 2017

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Gresford News October Crossword

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson ph 0458 146 152

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

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 5.30pm 5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

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

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

This puzzle was originally published in October 2014.

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