Chewton Chat March 2019 by Chewton Chat

Issue 241

March 2019

Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, dropped into the Chewton pool to talk about…

SWIM SMART... ...a plan to keep Central Victorian kids safe in the water Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters has highlighted the impact of Labor’s Swim Smart program on Central Victorian families, community run pools and local children when she visited the Chewton Pool. From the 2020 school year, Labor will fund additional swimming lessons for schools that need it, catch-up lessons for kids needing extra support, and more support to cover transport and pool entry fees. “This is a great announcement for local schools and families. Currently, access depends on a pupil’s location, type of school and whether their parents can afford private lessons,” Lisa said. “The costs of swimming lessons as well as transport and pool entry fees have also been identified as barriers local children face to accessing swimming lessons. Far too many local families are struggling to keep up with the basics like; rent, food and utilities, swimming lessons just don’t make this essentials list. This is unfair and unsafe. We don’t want children to miss out.” “Federally funded swimming lessons also create a revenue stream for community run pools like Chewton, East Bendigo and Golden Square,” she added. Labor’s program will be based on the Royal Life Saving Australia’s Year Four National Water Safety Standards and includes the goal that children can swim 50 metres, tread water and know how to respond if they fall into water unexpectedly. “The problem is, too many young people are growing up without learning sufficient water safety skills to keep them safe. One in five kids leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres; that’s why Labor will introduce the Swim Smart project,” Lisa explained. In 2017-18, nearly 250 people drowned in Australian waterways. One in five drownings were people under the age of 25. “Whether it’s at a local pool, lake or a property’s dam, enjoying the water is part of Australian life,” Lisa said. “The reality

At the Chewton Pool, Lisa chatted with Lifeguard Murray Hammersley and (page 2) met with Pool Operations Manager Hayley Sommeling-Farrugia and Pool Committee Vice-President Frog Peck. The Castlemaine Mail’s Eve Lamb was on hand to record the conversation

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is there are no lifeguards at a friend’s dam or other inland waterways, that’s why it’s essential that regional and country kids are stronger swimmers.”

The program will also provide additional support to children with a disability, to ensure they can participate in water safety and learn to swim programs just like their class mates…

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WinNews at the Chewton Pool? Chewton Pool was a target of a thief – or maybe thieves. And so were a series of other local swimming pools. Hearing some of the other break-in stories, maybe Chewton got off relatively lightly. The till was emptied during the robbery, but the takings had already been banked by the treasurer shortly before. A pull up shutter on the kiosk had been damaged and left in pieces, and some chocolate bar wrappers were found lying around. Fortunately the kiosk stock was largely intact, and the lifeguards and volunteers managed to put the shutter together so it is lockable again. But specialist work was needed as it wouldn’t stay up and open as it should. What a bummer! A fantastic community-owned asset violated by a mindless act, leaving volunteers with the awful feeling that someone doesn’t appreciate their efforts. Or the efforts of all those who battled so hard to retain the pool for the Chewton community. So WinNews came to the pool to hear the Chewton story. Pool Manager Hayley explained the damage and the frustration of the volunteers, and Wendy reinforced that message as secretary of the Pool Committee. Despite the break-in and WinNews visiting, pool life goes on. Cleaning of the pool was underway, and a look at the noticeboard shows what a well-used facility this asset is.

The Castlemaine State Festival is coming! And coming to Chewton as the banner near the pool announces.

Exciting things are about to unfold… For starters, Sally Duncan is about to mount a festival exhibition in St. John’s Church. Starting in Australia, Sally now lives in Austria and regularly visits Australia to share her creativity with us. In an autobiographical piece Sally describes this as; “In trying to trace the impulses which have led my way to that of art, I find myself thinking about nature: In Australia it’s the red earth, the violet mountains, the sparkle of the sun on surf waves, the form of a shell, the warm back of a horse, the cry of the cockatoo, the smell of the eucalyptus; in Austria it’s the myth of the bear, the might of the Danube, the whiteness of the snow, the eyes of the deer, the inner room. All these forms, these colours, movements, sounds and words are my teachers and my inspiration. When the same nourishment, delight and amazement which I experience in nature makes itself known during my atelier work, I know that I am on the right track. I was born in Melbourne in Australia, land of light where the air sings and the stones, clouds and trees, indeed the whole of nature, seems to speak; my work was born properly born - in the Muhlviertal, a region of old granite

rock in Upper Austria where ancient Celtic stone sites still grace the earth and the poignant song of the blackbird can be heard in the spring. Bringing these two very different lands together has demanded much; it works the best with art whose timeless world can inspire one to find the wings to fly over most problems.” Sally’s exhibition will encompass a range of her talents and interests – drawings, pastels, oils as well as marble, bronze, wood and clay sculptures. What she managed to bring in her luggage from Austria is to be supplemented by her Aussie-based works, like the sculpture that began life at Lot 19, has been seen more recently in Trentham and now has to be retrieved from Springhill! It was a treat to meet Sally in the Chewton shop, drop into the Chewton Town Hall and surprise the Chewton Book Club members (who all said they’d be going to Sally’s exhibition), then visit St. John’s for some photos.

Plans for the exhibition are steaming ahead, with the opening (A Conversation with the Artist) scheduled for 5 p.m. on March 22nd. Take this as your invitation! The exhibition runs daily from the 23rd (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) until the closing event at 5 p.m. on the 31st. Don’t miss it! And, there’s more... Sally has just published a children’s book “Neighbours” and this will be on display (along with Sally’s drawings) with book readings at the West End Hall on the 26th (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and 27th of March (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Books will be for sale there. Festival contributions from other people with Chewton and/or Chewton Chat connections… • Adam Ford’s Dance to the Anticlinal Fold on Page 17. • Those with Open Studios include: • David Moore • Embroiderers Guild Victoria, Castlemaine Branch • Coiled Springs Studio • Newstead Spinning Group Inc. • Katharina Rapp • Rhyll Plant • Carole Kernohan • Helen Lehman • Geoff Hocking • Roger McKindley … and apologies to anyone missed in a quick browse of the festival book!

Did you enjoy the Res again this summer?

Meet at Expedition Pass Reservoir on Sunday, 3rd March 2019 10am – 12 noon 5

Kalamazoo moves

An announcement to the stock exchange (ASX) by Kalamazoo certainly did the rounds locally, and this was followed by a press release from Kalamazoo. The word “aggressive” attracted the attention of both the Bendigo Advertiser (Feb 12th) and ABC News (Feb 13th). And the name “Wattle Gully Project” raised local interest. Kalamazoo’s new exploration manager Luke Mortimer and field supervisor Mark Reinehr spent time in Chewton last week explaining the new moves. As reported in the Chat in July, August and September 2018, “Kalamazoo has secured a 70km2 Exploration Licence (EL006679) containing the entire Wattle Gully Gold Project and the surrounding Castlemaine Goldfield in Victoria. A second exploration licence (EL006752) has also been applied for covering a further 218km2 with both tenements overlying major subparallel faults.” The second licence application is still being decided. Luke pointed out Wattle Gully was only a very small part of the Castlemaine Goldfields area and the project is now being referred to as the Castlemaine Goldfields Project, and it is an exploration project rather than a mining one. This means a drilling program in the northern tenement for the five years of the licence period, and maybe drilling in the southern tenement if a licence is granted. Luke also pointed out that there are many restrictions on what could happen in the future, and these are still being taken into account. Heritage sites and the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park certainly have their own special protections. Drilling has been going on in the Castlemaine Goldfields for many years, an estimated 700 drill holes

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have produced between 70,000 and 80,000 metres of drill core samples. These have been labelled and stored at Wattle Gully mine for future use. Set out in trays, some of the cores of interest have been split down the centre with half the core being sent to a laboratory for analysis. But each time half of the core has been retained to keep a continuous complete set for future reference. The complete set is an incredibly important geological record and database. There are approximately 690 pallets on site, with more than 400 pallets once belonging to Castlemaine Goldfields now owned by Kalamazoo. Securing them and moving these valuable assets to a protected new local site is a task that is currently underway and will be completed quickly by Mark and Carl. The value of these is immense - direct drilling now costs about $200-250 per metre so replicating them would be cost prohibitive. Unfortunately, there is evidence of increasing vandalism at the Wattle Gully site. While taking photos of the pallet removal preparations, it was obvious the core samples themselves have been vandalised. Along with mindless damage and graffiti. Yep, what some regard as Chewtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important industrial heritage is at risk! Looking to the future exploration Luke referred to the work that will be

Mark with a tray of drill core samples, and below, the damage appearing on site

undertaken to select areas of interest to drill. Low impact areas will be sought, and recent techniques such as directional core drilling minimise disturbance. This drilling technique is also known as navi drilling, and it allows controlled deviation of the borehole path and/or multiple branches to be drilled from a parent hole. This saves costs and effort and much of the uncertainty involved in multiple single holes. One surface hole can explore a whole area. Luke is in the process of getting the drill core samples out of the Wattle Gully site as quickly as possible and acquiring and setting up a Kalamazoo office somewhere in the community. He hopes to meet and speak with many local people as the project progresses and has passed on his contact details for this to happen. Luke Mortimer 0467 802 941 and luke.mortimer@kzr.com.au

Brigade News February 2019 People often ask CFA members if they have to respond whenever their pager goes off, if we’re on call 24 hours a day. Fortunately, the answer is no. All local members are volunteers and we respond only when we’re available. The CFA recognises that volunteers can’t always leave work or family commitments at the drop of a hat. But that is not to say that volunteers respond only when it’s convenient. When the pager goes off beside the bed at 1.05am or 2.54am, as ours did recently, we stumble down to the station, bleary eyed and often unsure of what awaits us. In the first instance we turned out to a suspicious house fire in Castlemaine. By the time we arrived it was clear the house couldn’t be saved, but we assisted other local crews to contain the fire and mop up, with two of our members donning Breathing Apparatus to help get the job done. A week later we were called to a single car accident on Harmony Way just before 3am. The sole occupant had lost control and ploughed into the base of the Calder Freeway overpass near the intersection with Golden Point Road. It was an ugly scene, and everybody was relieved to see the young driver finally placed in the ambulance and driven to hospital. It was a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of young drivers on country roads. Sometimes, however, it’s not a big surprise when the pager goes off, as it did on the morning of a stinking hot February 3 when our tanker was called to Hepburn Springs as part of a strike team. Fortunately, our relief crew, who remained on standby back in Chewton, was not required. It was a long, hot day for our members on scene, but they did get to admire from up close one of the helicopters helping to tackle the fire that had started the day before. There have been no major fires in our immediate neighbourhood this summer, and those that have flared up, such as the grass and scrub fires in Harcourt in recent weeks, have been quickly brought under control. Summer is clearly on the wane, with our mornings taking on a fresh autumnal feel. Nonetheless fire restrictions are still in force. Please continue to heed restrictions and remember that our grass and scrubland is still tinder dry.

Chewton CFA’s Bill Quirk (above) and Barry Mounsey (below) checking the aerial support

Blue-green algae warning for Lake Eppalock Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is warning the public to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Eppalock after monitoring detected high levels of blue-green algae. Warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas around Lake Eppalock and will remain in place while high levels of blue-green algae are present. Lake Eppalock will not be closed to the public. You can still sightsee and enjoy other activities at Lake Eppalock that do not involve direct contact with the water. GMW recommends: * People and pets do not enter the water. * People who come into contact with affected water should wash affected skin immediately in clean cold water. * Seeking an alternative water supply for stock and pets. * Do not use affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.

* Reading GMW’s fact sheet and other information on blue green algae at GMW’s blue-green algae webpage https://www.g-mwater.com.au/news/bga to be informed of the risks. Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies. They contain toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Characteristic signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness; sore eyes, ears and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting. It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels. GMW is continuing to monitor the situation at Lake Eppalock. Water supplied by GMW is not suitable for human consumption without first being properly treated. Human consumption includes showering, bathing, washing, cooking, ice making and drinking. For more information about blue-green algae and your health, visit health.vic.gov.au or phone NURSEON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

Stay vigilant during Fire Danger Period Mount Alexander Shire Council is encouraging residents and property owners to stay vigilant during summer to help reduce the threat of bushfire on homes and the community. “Council is receiving a number of calls from community members who are concerned about the long grass in the streets throughout the shire,” said Luke Ryan, Emergency Management Coordinator, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “Given the recent weather conditions we are actually seeing a lot of regrowth during our inspections. Many property owners have been doing the right thing but it’s a good chance to remind everyone about the need to maintain your land, keep grasses short and your home clear of kindling and debris such as leaves and bark. Although Council is responsible for maintaining strategic firebreaks throughout the shire residents and land owners are responsible for maintaining their nature strip in urban areas and to the centre of the road in rural areas.” With the heavy rains before Christmas followed by hot and dry conditions, the shire has seen a burst of fuel growth which has now dried out. “We are well and truly into the Fire Danger Period, so it is really important we take extra caution while undertaking any mowing and slashing works at this time of the year. Start early in the day when it’s cooler, before it gets too hot, dry and windy,” said Mr Ryan. “If you are using a chainsaw, grass trimmer or lawn mower on dry vegetation ensure that your equipment is fitted with a working spark arrester and that you carry the appropriate

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fire suppression equipment such as a knapsack water spray pump or water fire extinguisher. Restrictions also apply to the use of farm machinery, tractors, slashers and earthmoving works. This information is in the CFA’s Can I or Can’t I brochure. It’s good practice to keep a copy on hand at this time of the year.” Avoid doing any type of mowing, slashing or mechanical works on a day of Total Fire Ban because the risk of starting fires is extremely high. For more information on what you can and can’t do during the declared Fire Danger Period visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can You may have also noticed the new roadside signage promoting important fire safety messages around town. The Mount Alexander Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee received funding for the signage from the Victorian Government’s Safer Together Scheme.

Taken from a Press Release.

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Do you know where your closest defibrillator is? Did you know that using a defibrillator on someone in a cardiac arrest situation within the first five minutes greatly increases their chance of survival? Castlemaine District Community Health is looking to get more defibs available locally and to create a register of how many and where defibs are located locally. CDCH’s Community Health Nurse, Bronwyn Grieves suspects that we may not have many defibs accessible to the general public in Mount Alexander Shire. ‘Registering your defib with Ambulance Victoria is critical. If the ambulance is going to be delayed, they will be able to identify where the closest defib is located.’ Bronwyn is keen to hear from you if you, or an organisation you are involved with, have a defibrillator. She can also assist you to register it and help train staff to use one. Bronwyn can be contacted by calling 5479 1000

Community-Inclusion-Curiosity-Integrity

Splashing Start to 2019! Chewton Primary School begins 2019 with an enrolment of 86 students. We welcome 12 Foundations students including Cooper, Jai, Athena, Tyson, Hunter, Jack, Kai, Christopher, Ginger, James, Oscar and Layla and 5 other new students across year levels including Niko, (Grade 3), Otis (Grade 3), Edi (Grade 5) and Torsten (Grade 6). We would also like to welcome all of our new families into our school and into our community. This year we have 4 classrooms and our staff include; • P/1 Classroom teacher – Emma Gordon • 1/2 Classroom teacher – Renee Maddams • 3/4 Classroom teacher – Nicole Lewis • 4/5 Classroom teacher – Scott Purdon • P/1/2 Intervention teacher – Rai Jones • Education Support Staff – Patsy Braybrook • Education Support Staff – Eloise Pengelly • Business Manager – Sally Douglas • ICT specialist teacher – John Thomas • ART specialist teacher – Melissa Telford • Library specialist teacher – Jocelyn Russell • Acting Principal – Marita Eddy We wish Julie Holden a very relaxing and much deserved long service leave for semester 1 and I would like to introduce myself, Marita Eddy as the acting principal who will fill Julie’s position for this time. I have been told by many that I have big shoes to fill. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, families and students who have welcomed me into this acting position. I have been really impressed with the collective commitment everyone has towards the children, the school and the community. I believe that everyone is demonstrating a team commitment towards filling Julie’s shoes. Just a little bit about me…. I have come from a regional office position where I had been working as an Education Improvement Leader, traveling across schools in Bendigo and the Macedon Ranges supporting teaching and learning, curriculum and assessment, evidence based high impact teaching strategies and building practice excellence. I have spent much of my teaching career in the Shepparton area and have very fond memories of

teaching and leading in a school that is not too dissimilar to Chewton Primary School, Toolamba Primary School. I live in Strathdale and moved to the Bendigo area just over two years ago with my husband Travis and children Bella (12), Louis (10) and Toby (6).

I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to be leading in the position of Acting Principal at Chewton Primary School. Patsy and Emma have literally dived into the 2019 school year with a perfect 10 after coordinating another successful swimming and water safety program. I would like to thank the Chewton Swimming Pool for scheduling our program into the swimming pool timetable and providing us with such an excellent venue. We are very fortunate to be able to access our local pool for the swimming and water safety program. We have noted many students who have come ahead in their swimming and survival skills as they have progressed through the program. We look forward to planning another successful program for 2020. We would like to thank our additional AUSTSWIM qualified teachers, Dushka, Toni and Joy. Most importantly we would like to thank and congratulate all students for their continued efforts throughout the duration of the program. I was very proud to see the many smiles on faces when children challenged themselves to achieve success when putting their face in the water, swimming in deep water, trying new strokes for the first time, floating on their back and treading water when fully clothed. Chewton Primary School students shone as they took on challenges, learned new skills, celebrated

success and had fun with friends. Well done to you all. It was great to see a high percentage of family support and family attendance at the swimming sessions. We value the commitment families demonstrated towards attending the program and we appreciate your engagement in the program. Finally I would like to thank all staff, families and students for their involvement in the fun day on the last Friday of swimming. It was a great opportunity to put into practice the skills learned throughout the program and to have fun at the pool. We had two days that were too

cold to swim which is unusual for February, reducing our 10 day program to 8 days. Looking forward to keeping you all updated with the exciting events happening in and around Chewton Primary School. Please feel free to come up to the school at any time and introduce yourself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to getting to know all of the Chewton community in and beyond the school. Thanks, Marita Eddy.

Chewton School, Chewton Pool - can you spot the difference?

Know Your Neighbour Have you met Jenny Jarman? Jenny Jarman and her husband David Watson moved to Chewton from Melbourne over thirty years ago. From the start Jenny involved herself in community activities. When the Shire Council threatened to close the Chewton pool, Jenny decided to become involved in trying to save it. At the same time a petition was being circulated, calling on the community to help save it too. This was in April 2010, and in a short time it was successful in gaining over 1800 signatures. Why did Jenny decide to become involved? ‘I swim a lot and love swimming, and I thought, this is not fair. You can’t just run roughshod over small communities like that, without consultation. The bullying tactics were so inappropriate. So I thought I would do what I could to make sure that the Council did not demolish the pool.’ She joined the committee formed to save the pool, becoming very involved with the fund-raising side, and towards the end of 2010 she became fund-raising secretary. As Jenny explained, ‘the first fund-raising activity to save the pool was held in May 2010. This was a concert at the Red Hill pub with Stan Munro doing his drag performance. There was a seafood dinner at the Red Hill, then the judging of the Ugly Man calendars and the Ugly Man red wine. A concert in November 2010 at the Red Hill was to auction the red wine and calendars. Our first big fund-raiser, held at the Red Hill, was an art auction conducted by Rod Quantock, where we raised a lot of money.’ Jenny says this first art auction was so successful that two more were held, one at the Theatre Royal, and another at the Red Hill again. ‘We also held a trivia afternoon at the Theatre Royal with Rod Quantock, and then another concert with Stan Munro at the Senior Cits Hall. We also had a Christmas in July dinner at the Red Hill.’ During 2011 lots of plant sales were held. ‘We held one at Lixouri, and one during Open Gardens at Joan Taylor’s and John Stanistreet’s homes in Chewton. The plant sales have continued ever since, held on the Saturday of the Melbourne Cup weekend, outside the Chewton store. And every Christmas and Easter we held successful raffles.’

In February 2011 the Council voted to hand over management of the pool to the Chewton community. The pool officially opened on December 3rd, 2011. ‘The grand opening of the pool was just fabulous. It was amazing to see the fruits of all our extraordinarily hard work, and it had been extremely hard work, but when we saw the results of all this come together on that Saturday, it was amazing.’ The pool opening was celebrated with a swimwear fashion parade of vintage swimwear, with the participants parading around the perimeter of the pool. When Jackie Heath took over as fund-raising secretary, Jenny continued to help out with functions, such as the Bress winery lunches, the Lancia car bbq, and the movie afternoons. Jenny says the reason she has now decided to resign altogether from the pool committee ‘is because I feel it is time to let new blood in. A lot of new people have moved in to Chewton in recent years, and there are a lot of new families who use the pool. New people need to take over.’ According to Jenny, ‘the good thing about the Chewton pool now is that the people of Chewton own it for the people of Chewton. As she adds, ‘I like the rebellious nature of Chewton.’ Gloria Meltzer.

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Expedition Pass Reservoir Recent interest expressed in an Expedition Pass Reservoir post on Facebook led to a browse through the material held in the People and Places collection in the Chewton Town Hall. Especially the big Expedition Pass Reservoir book. Photos from 1923 (above) showed a post and railing fence behind the monument and along the road, then the empty reservoir in the 90s when the outlet tower was still standing and the impressively large underwater rocks were exposed (below), and changes to the discharge point were made. The infrastructure of the Res and surrounds have changed, but the line of rocks apparently remain below the surface.

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FFA Cup opens season 2019 The FFA Cup touched Chewton for the first time when Castlemaine Goldfields F.C. played their very first FFA Cup game on their home ground, taking on Monash. This is a competition that every formal club across Australia has the opportunity to enter and culminates in Regional (State, Territory) winners from each Federation going on to have the chance to meet NPL and A-League sides. Monash were the first to score but an equalizer before half time set the scene for the second half. Two Monash goals had the local side trailing 1-3 but a later Castlemaine goal left the final score line at a very creditable 2-3. After that hard fought first FFA Cup game for the local senior men’s side, the rest of season 2019 now beckons for all of Castlemaine Goldfields F.C.’s teams. Action aplenty, with more on the horizon

Watch for this season’s coming activity as Chewton’s Soldiers’ Memorial Park hosts many more action-filled contests.

Lions roar! Greetings from the Harcourt Football Netball Club. What a great way this is to get in touch with the "locals". The upcoming season is looking positive and that’s exactly what the club wants to be - a positive influence in the community, especially for the younger footballers and netballers. You may be asking why Harcourt is in the Chewton Chat but it has been some time since a Chewton Footy Club played and via Golden Point Road it’s not far to the Harcourt Lions Den. Youth netball is an ongoing strength of our club

and the last couple of years has seen the resurgence of junior football. We are seeking netballers in Under 13 and Under 15s and footballers to hopefully field teams in Under 11 1/2, 14 1/2 and 17 1/2 age groups. Boys and girls from the Chewton area, as well as family participation, would be most welcome at the Den. Former Chewton Tiger supporters are welcome to get along and support their jungle brothers - the Lions. Some other reasons - our current coach Sam's grandfather Les coached Chewton in the late 50s, former Tigers premiership president John Starbuck and legendary toughman Joe Candy regularly get to the Den. For further details ring Amy 0407 314 378.

Lighting the way for C.S.M.P. Works to install new floodlights at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park are underway to provide a much needed asset for the shire’s growing soccer community. Six 22 metre towers, fitted with 50 lux LED lights, will be installed at the reserve which is home to Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club. “Football is a rapidly growing sport in the shire and we’ve been working closely with the club to look at how we can meet their needs and fund this project,” said Ben Grounds, Places and Spaces Manager, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “The new lights will make a big difference in extending training time after dark and helping to grow the club’s competition and social programs for males and females. In addition to benefiting all user groups, they will provide a safer environment and opportunities for residents to walk or jog around the field while club activities are in progress.” The project is funded by Mount Alexander Shire Council, the Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund and Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club.

According to Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club President Aaron Shooter, the club is thrilled to see the lighting upgrade go ahead as part of its strategic plan. “This much needed project will ensure that we can best use the ground to train the ever-growing number of teams at the club, ensuring a safe environment to enjoy the sport,” said Mr Shooter. “The additional lighting will essentially double the area available to our evening programs and add a huge amount of flexibility to where and when we can train our teams. The lights will also enable us to create more opportunities for social football throughout the year. Seeing this project come to fruition is a testament to the hard working and commitment of club volunteers, past and present. We can’t wait to flick the switch.” The project has started with trench works to prepare for the installation of power, before the poles are assembled and raised. De Araugo and Lea Electrical Contractors are completing the works, with construction expected to be completed by the end of May. Council is taking precautions to minimise the impact on the surrounding area, ensure the lighting spill meets Australian standards and minimise the impact on nearby trees. Taken from a Press Release.

Have your say on bushfire management

Land and fire management agencies are calling on the public to help inform strategic bushfire management planning for Central Victoria. Strategic bushfire management planning is a multi-agency process that addresses the risks posed by bushfires on both public and private land. It uses the latest science and technology and draws on community values that need protecting. Planning teams consist of representatives from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and local governments. Steffen Schultz, FFMVic Regional Manager Forest Fire Planning, said Central Victorian communities have told us the most important things to protect are human life, private property, the natural environment, human health and well-being, infrastructure, regional economies and cultural heritage. “We now need community input into bushfire management strategies to help us strike the right balance.

This feedback will inform our bushfire management strategies and guide future work such as fuel management, targeted community engagement, and prioritisation of government resources for Central Victoria,” Mr Schultz said. “Previously, this planning process focussed on bushfire risk across public land. This time, we’ve broadened our focus to help determine where to target fuel management on both public and private land. For the first time, priority fuel management categorisation is applied to private land. any work on private land will only be undertaken with landholder consent and is an opportunity to start a conversation with the community about how we can all work together to reduce bushfire risk. The new strategies will guide bushfire risk reduction on both public and private land across Central Victoria into the future.” To have your say, go to: https://engage.vic.gov.au/bushfire-planning The consultation period ends Monday 18 March. Taken from a Press Release.

Councillor’s Chat Gravel roads are part of living in a rural area. Once the rain stops falling country drivers become used to wiping the dust off the rear window, keeping windows closed to avoid the car filling with dust, driving to the conditions i.e. the quality of the road surface. In my youth in England an unsealed road was a great rarity, usually leading to a farmyard or the start of a mountain walking track. Moving to Africa as a young adult I discovered the delights of gravel roads. I can’t recall seeing a grader in all my time on the continent, but I certainly experienced some legendary bone-shaking corrugations and truly scary potholes. I’m glad to say that none of our roads in Mount Alexander Shire come close to my African experience, but of course they’re usually not perfect. That’s the nature of a gravel road. The gravel road maintenance program is one of the ongoing challenges of council’s infrastructure department. Council has two graders dedicated to grading maintenance works. Grading involves inspecting a road to determine the depth of the grading required, with the surface then ripped to that depth to lift material from the lower layer of the road (“the subbase”) and enable it to be mixed with the surface material. The road needs to be wet in order for the material to mix evenly and be placed back down as a top layer (“the wearing course”). This means that water trucks are required throughout the grading process to water the road before ripping, to wet the windrow material to ensure even moisture distribution and again when the material is ready to roll and compact. The result of this process is that a good grade takes time, leading to around two kilometres of road being completed in a day. Grader drivers work five days per week and have annual holidays. Occasionally, like the rest of us, they’re unwell and need time off. Graders are complex pieces of machinery that require regular maintenance, during which time they’re unavailable for roadworks. We have almost 900 kilometres of gravel roads in the shire. I’ll leave the maths to the reader. Recently a scheduled grading maintenance program was put in place to provide a more efficient approach to grading across the shire. This involves the inspection and

It’s all uphill on Llewellyn Road... grading of all unsealed roads on a rotational basis and allows for grader operators to exercise judgment on the urgency and need to grade roads (as not every road needs to be graded every time). If roads are deemed to be in suitable condition and grading not likely to be required in the next four to six months, this is noted in council’s asset management system and picked up through later inspections. While in a particular area the grading crew may also carry out works in response to service requests submitted by residents. Service requests and road hazards are prioritised and managed in accordance with the Council’s road management plan. A hazard may need rapid attention from a works crew; a couple of potholes or a blocked drain may wait until the grading crew arrive on their scheduled visit. In addition to maintenance grading (which involves working with the existing road material) a road can be resheeted. This involves bringing in new road material from the council-owned quarry in Tarilta to improve the surface. Council’s infrastructure department continue to review how they maintain our gravel roads, talking to neighbouring councils about their experiences with new techniques and products, what works best, what is most cost-effective and what improvements can continue to be made. Gravel roads – a part of rural life and one of council’s major budget items. Cr. Christine Henderson, Coliban Ward.

floors, gas heating and split system. $389,000 Lot 1/50 Albert Street, beautiful building block 1836m2. Lovely views and stone walls. Close to National Park. Services available. $215,000 • Lot 2/50 Albert Street. Attractive 1474m2 block. Power, water and sewer ready to connect. Close to National Park. $185,000 For Sale By Owner: • 734 Pyrenees Highway, large family home with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an indoor pool and recreation room. Set on over 1 hectare of maintained grounds, $597,000 Jackie McMaster. •

Real Estate Round Up There has been very little change in Chewton’s real estate scene since last month, with no new properties on offer. There are however quite a few new homes being constructed in Chewton. Here is the round up for March. Cantwell Real Estate: • Pyrenees Hwy 2890m2 commercially zoned land next to Castlemaine Bus Lines and Castle Auto. Price on application. Castlemaine Property Group: • Lot 1/128 Fryers Road, elevated land with mains water, sewer and power. 2440m2. $185,000 Keogh Real Estate: • 231a Main Road. Quaint light and bright one bedroom timber cottage. Split system, built-in robes, low maintenance block and great views. $365,000 Jellis Craig: • No properties available at present. Waller Realty: • Lots 1 to 7 Steele Street. New land release in the heart of Chewton. Sizes vary from 663m2 to 1174m2. Prices vary from $147,500 to $210.000. This land will be titled in late 2019. All town services available. • 15 Steele Street, “Amble Cottage”, a classic two bedroom miner’s cottage on 1000m2. Established gardens, original timber panelling and hardwood

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March at St. John’s • There will be a service each Saturday evening of March at St. Johns at 6pm. • Into the Silence meditation and silent prayer is each Monday at 3.30pm. • There is a healing service in Christ Church on Sunday, 17th at 5pm. Everyone is welcome to all of these services. During the festival there will an art exhibition in St. John’s, called The Sound of Form, The Colour of Soul. The artist is Sally Duncan and she is exhibiting, sculpture, drawing, painting and glass. The exhibition will be open every day of the festival and we are delighted the church will be used. Artists belonging to the church will also be part of an exhibition in the hall at Christ Church. Two parishioners from St. John’s, Marianne and Jill will be exhibiting.

BBQing a cake?

Not quite but the cake was the icing on this BBQ!

The 2019 Chewton community BBQ season kicked off on the first Saturday in February. Another great social occasion that will be remembered and spoken about for some time! There were smiles all round too… A cake that was lit (candles only!), extinguished and shared marked the BBQers respect for Chewton’s Post Master General. The February BBQ really was a special occasion, putting a stamp on the full 6 years since Rob’s arrival into the 1879 landmark. May there be many more

such stamps… and reasons to push the envelope! And may there be many more such community BBQs. What great places to share and acknowledge such achievements… The next community BBQ is on the first Saturday in March (always the first Saturday!) which is the 2nd. At 6 p.m. around the BBQ on the rise beside the town hall – watching the specco sunsets in the west and Chewton going about its business on the highway below. And a crazy shirt night?

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The Burns Nicht at the Red Hill Hotel is still being spoken about. Having tried to get photographs from that night, and failed, the David Watson poem about the event was printed But obviously the search didn’t go far enough! At the February Chewton community BBQ the Burns Nicht came up in conversation. And Voila! Mikael had photos – and of the following poem being written by the bard himself. So - a repeat performance, this time with an image of the Bard at the Bar!

Haggis at the Red Hill pub (Robbie Burn’s Night 2019) The Haggis Sassenachs abhor T’aint hoggies innards (sow or boar) But made of sheep to Scottish lore Known to Jimmy and his crew.

It only takes two seconds to say “I love you”

P o e t r y C o r n e r

It only takes two seconds to say “I love you” At half a second per word And one full stop.. If I were to write a hundred “I”s And if I were to write one hundred “you”s And write between them one hundred “love”s They could combine in a million ways And set a zillion stars ablaze To tell the world “I love you”. At two seconds non-stop in a million ways How long would it take to speak that phrase? 23 days 3 hours 33 minutes and the odd second Not that I’m counting; but that’s what I reckoned. With no time for sleeping, no time for eating Or what couples might do when their lips are meeting. If we were take all that into account It would take treble that amount Nearly ten whole weeks... My brain squeaks-... It only takes one lifetime To be your lover With a Valentine card That I got from the local shop. But... It only takes two seconds to say “I love you” At half a second per word And one full stop. David Watson 2019

Tonight we ate this ancient dish (‘Tis neither beef, nor bird, nor fish) It’s made of what? Whate’er you wish. By Jimmy and his crew. A dram of Johnny Walker’s Red For those who claim they’re Celtic bred Long cherish life! (You’re longer dead) Cheers! To Jimmy and his crew David Watson.

Chewton Domain Society The new order of Monster Meeting flags has arrived, and 3 have been sold already. New ones are now flying on the MM site, and at the Golden Point Road corner.

The February meeting of the CDS Management Committee was a very busy one as the management committee hadn’t met over the summer break and there are always lots of things happening. The Draft Plan for the Chewton Streetscape Project can be seen on the MASC website and the next step of the process will come from council. A suitable date is being negotiated with Parks Victoria for its presentation of the Heritage Landscape Management Framework for the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (known as a Heritage Action Plan or HAP). The Chewton Town Hall bookings are keeping everyone on their toes with the regular Chewton Song Club, Chewton Phoenix CWA, Chewton Film Society, Chewton Book Club, Yoga, Wellbeing Workshops along with the CDS and Chewton Pool meetings and the People and Places display open on Sunday afternoons. The Makers Session is having a break and the dance classes

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and Cricket Umpires Association have found other more local venues. It was agreed that the CDS should register with Volunteer Central Vic that is a service supporting volunteers and helps to match people with their interests. Upgrading the Lock-up next to the town hall has been done by Doug Drury who worked on the locks and doors to free up the locking bolt, fixed the steps at the front door, tightened roofing nails, scraped and sanded the old paint work before painting it. The P&P book on the Lockup has been updated to include a record of this latest work. A plumber is to be contacted to repair a leaking toilet cistern and the render at the front door is to be repaired. After a wild and windy storm recently, there was a working bee to clean the town hall ready for use in 2019. The treasurer’s report showed the new arrangements with the accounts at the Bendigo Bank with money transferred into an investment account. There have been some generous donations made towards CDS projects and our membership numbers are increasing so with committed funds of $9,500, there is a balance of $32,520.13. A draft Monster Meeting information flyer has been designed and checked and has been circulated to the CDS Committee for comment and feedback before the final endorsement and printing. Once the final changes have been made the flyer will be sent for printing. Distribution and promotion of the flyer now needs to be considered. The report on People and Places showed that a survey of our volunteers about how the program is going was circulated and the feed back incorporated for 2019. Jackie McMaster is continuing to support the P&P program and the Chat including adding relevant material to the collection starting with the Lock-up, the Monster Meeting and the Chewton Pool. The Metcalfe Shire Heritage Study produced in 1994 by Wendy Jacobs, with input from Barbara James, is an invaluable document and time is being spent on investigating a good copy for the collection. Alison from MASC Records rang to say we can copy relevant material from their archived copy and the Castlemaine Library also has copy in their reference collection. As this was produced 25 years ago the copying of the photographs was not of the standard that can be produced these days and we are working out how to add to the value of this document with current photos. The P&P Display was closed on the recent Total Fire Ban day as it was decided that volunteers needed to be at their own homes. The Chewton Chat celebrates 20 years (or 240 editions) in March. It was agreed that the celebration will be on March 3rd at 10 a.m. in the Chewton Town Hall (see invitation on page 2). The Chewton Film Society 2019 program has been finalised with the first very well received showing on February 1st. Planning is underway for the series of Monster Meeting concerts by Jan “Yarn” Wositzky scheduled for the National Trust’s Heritage Festival in April/May.

Full steam ahead...

Our first film for the year was ‘The Station Agent’, a quiet drama with many humorous touches and excellent acting. The main film was preceded by a 5 minute short film by Sarah Watt which was beautifully animated depicting the inner life of an anxious woman. Our next film night will be on Thursday March 7th (always held on the first Thursday of the month), and we will be screening ‘An’ (Sweet Bean), a Japanese film about a baker who reluctantly employs a 76 year old woman who then transforms his business.

There are some memberships available - if you would like to join the Chewton Film Society please look up the website chewtonfilmsociety.wordpress.com where you can download a membership form. Details for payment are on the form. If you have any queries pease phone Margot on 0407 533 339.

Roll up, roll up! Full Steam Ahead for 2019 steamroller printing @ Castlemaine Press Inc. Community Access printmaking studio. Castlemaine Press is ramping things up! We’re embracing big scale, big machinery, big spectacle! Open since September 2015, this artist-run not-forprofit continues to offer courses, workshops, gatherings, exhibitions, print exchanges and print-loving events to its members and the wider community. And all on a volunteer basis by a dedicated group of print-enthusiasts! On the first Sunday of the Castlemaine State Festival (Mar 24), community members will join experienced printmakers (and a steamroller!) in printing industrial size relief prints. Full Steam Ahead is a printmaking spectacle, a rare opportunity to be part of making industrial sized artworks. The public are invited to come along and get their hands inky or just roll up to enjoy the show. There’s an open invitation to community members to make plates in the studio the afternoon before (Saturday March 23, 12 – 4 pm), in preparation for Sunday’s spectacle. “It will be so much fun! An opportunity to be part of creating a collaborative print made up of lino tiles designed and cut out by members of the community… or to see large-scale plates made by our region’s printmakers being steamrolled onto paper,” said Melissa Proposch, Castlemaine Press Committee member and lead artist). With steamroller provided by local John Post, and volunteers coordinating the making of plates, the inking up and the rolling through, Full Steam Ahead promises to be a truly unique festival event. Castlemaine Press Studio, Lot19, McShanag’s Drive, Castlemaine. Sat. 23 March Community plate making (12 to 4) Sun. 24 March Steamroller printing (12 to 4) • Enquiries: 0400 156 261 • castlemainepress@gmail.com • www.castlemainepress.com.au • www.facebook.com/castlemainepress Castlemaine Press Committee of Management.

POHAG meeting 10 a.m. 10th March 2019 Chewton Town Hall

Heliotrope is introducing itself... Common heliotrope (Heliotropium europaeum), also known as caterpillar weed or potato weed, is a summer-growing annual weed from southern and central Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. Accidentally introduced to South Australia during the 19th century, it is now recorded in all states except the Northern Territory and Tasmania. It is toxic to stock and has the potential to devalue properties if it is not controlled and, hopefully, eradicated. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to spot at the moment because of its colour and as it is probably the only plant that has not been eaten by kangaroos and wallabies. Now is the time to deal with this weed to prevent it from seeding and causing an even bigger problem next year. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small infestation hand weeding and placing the plants in plastic bags and leaving them in the sun to cook is effective. If needing to spray, then advice should be sought from your local herbicide supplier. This heliotrope outbreak is in Golden Point Road and from here will spread easily... and quickly!

...and thistles spread during the gold rush! A lesson from the Mount Alexander Mail 18 Dec 1857 maybe... The Scotch Thistle. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Two years ago there existed a very small plot of thistles adjoining the soap and candle manufactory, Pennyweight Flat. It was nobody's business to cut them down, or adopt means to prevent further increase, but everybody prophesied that if the thistles were not cut down before seed time, that in a year or two they would become very troublesome; and everybody in this instance prophesied very truly, as a visit to Wesley and Pennyweight Flats will at once render apparent. An hour's work at the commencement would have sufficed to eradicate the evil, but as several acres are now covered with a most luxuriant crop in full blossom, it will be a very difficult task indeed. Of course the diggers imagined that it was the duty of the proprietors of the soap boiling establishment to destroy the obnoxious weed. A very wrong idea certainly, and one which the soap boilers showed their contempt for, by feeding the thistles with large quantities of sheep and bullock offal, whichthey deposited on the ground beside the thistles, thus punishing the diggers through their olfactory organs, and at the same time adding to the strength of the thistle, and increasing its powers of propagation ; and so well has this patriotic conduct on the part of the soapboilers succeeded, that next year all ingress or egress to

or from Pennyweight Flat will probably be put a stop to. As this luxuriant crop of thistles is situated within the municipal boundary, the Municipal Council may probably be induced to do something and that immediately to eradicate the evil. If, however, they have any particular desire to see Forest Creek one grand field of thistles, they have only to wait a little longer ; the first gale of wind will suffice.

Renfrey Holmes: An Introduction Those who read last month’s contribution from Renfrey (Ren) might recall he had sought refuge and become stuck in a paradox of his own making in order to rescue himself and a long-necked turtle he called Achilles from imminent death by a motor car. I think it was an exaggerated response and not really a solution, for when Renfrey steps out of the paradox he is just as likely to get run over. I will do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen. In the meantime I will take the opportunity to introduce him more fully. Renfrey first came to my notice a year or so ago as a rather insistent man tugging at my sleeve in downtown Chewton. He said he was thinking of moving to the area, had been looking around Chewton (including the fabled Bushlands) and had visited with very little money, which made his proposal all the more urgent. He wondered if I could take him in my car to the police station to help him retrieve a sum of money. Apparently, that morning, he had found a small amount of cash (three fifty dollar notes) fluttering in the gutter and after initially celebrating his good fortune had calmed down, done the right thing by the community where he hoped to make his home and handed it in at the police station. It was only later that he realised

Winters Flat Primary School presents a parent/carer seminar on

the money was in fact missing from his own pocket and now he would have to wait out the no-claim time in order to retrieve it. He felt indisposed to telling the police what a goose he had been but needed the money now. I was to go in and claim the money as mine and give it back to Renfrey. Apart from the usual bureaucratic checks and balances, the transaction proceeded smoothly and he was re-united with his lost fortune. Our friendship was forged in that moment. I should point out that I have formed the opinion that Renfrey is prone to exaggeration. The “staff car” that he wrote about is little more than a fanciful, third industrial revolution, shared economy kind of way of saying that he hitch-hiked to the Golden Point Rd turn off. Now he has been settled for nearly a year in a mudbrick ruin which he hopes to claim through adverse possession and is working on a book he hopes to title “A Field Guide to Roadside Weeds of Central Victoria.” Clearly it’s a timely resource and we have much to discuss, if only he and Achilles can be freed from their dreadful paradox. Failing that, I may be able to extract a dispatch or two from that sweeping Expedition Pass Reservoir corner; it has claimed one life, let us hope it claims no others. Fritz Hammersley.

Kids, Screens and Behaviour: How to unplug, set limits & survive parenting in the digital world

When: Time: Where: Cost: Booking:

Presenter :

Tuesday 26th March 2019 7.00 pm to 8.30pm Winters Flat Primary School, 3 Roberts Ave Castlemaine. $10 per adult; $15 per couple https://www.trybooking.com/BAZLI or contact the office on 5472 1522 Matt Davis Educational Psychologist

Wesley Hill Community Market Every Saturday Now 9am – 1pm An old fashioned Country Market Opposite the Albion Hotel New stallholders always welcome.

Call the Market Manager

0418 117 953

CHEWTON SERVICE STATION 37 Pyrenees Highway, Chewton, 3451. Phone: (03) 5470 5444 eastendservo@outlook.com * Trading hours 6am - 7pm every day * Winter diesel additive available on request * Premium 98 available * BULK FUEL DELIVERIES * Firewood, Ice, Swap N Go gas bottles, Grocery items * $1 SOFT DRINK CANS * Photocopy services * Slushy & Coffee now available * Like us on Facebook for a chance to win monthly fuel vouchers

Creeping Mistletoe People travelling on Harmony Way south of Harcourt in the last few months have been intrigued by what seems to be a new kind of mistletoe on roadside Red Gums. Although maybe more prolific than in previous years, the mistletoe isn’t new: it’s Muellerina eucalyptoides, or Creeping Mistletoe. The description from Ern Perkins’ Castlemaine Plant List online reads : ‘It is common in the Harcourt-Faraday area where it grows on Red Gums. It is abundant along the old Calder Highway in the vicinity of the vineyards. Identification: Instead of a single point of attachment to the host, Creeping Mistletoe has roots which twine around the branches or trunk unlike other mistletoes, it often is attached to the trunk.’ Ern added: ‘Creeping Mistletoe has a wide range of hosts, including introduced trees, such as the Plane Trees in Collins Street and St Kilda Road. I have not seen it on anything but Red Gums locally.’

Phone 5471 3555 Castlemaine Health’s telephone numbers have changed. Our main reception number is now 5471 3555. If you regularly call a speciﬁc person or team, that number is now 54713 plus the last three digits of their previous number. Please update any saved numbers you may have in your contact lists. If you’d like a little help, call our friendly staﬀ or visit www.castlemainehealth.org.au

Yoga classes leave you with a deep sense of relaxation on all levels - physically, mentally and emotionally...

Come and join the yoga course in Chewton. • • • •

If you have never done yoga before, feel free to come and try the gentle class. If you have experience then join the progressive course. We do body postures, breathing practices and guided meditation. Wednesday afternoon/evenings in the Chewton Town Hall.

YOGA IN CHEWTON For enquiries or enrolment forms, please call Iris on 0419 110 125.

Chewton House - in Melbourne! News has just been received of a Chewton House deep in the wilds of East Melbourne! “Feb 1st 2019 marked an important milestone in the 82 Powlett Street renovation - it’s the day upon which the property has taken on it’s new identity, “CHEWTON HOUSE”. The name is taken from the small country town in Victoria that was part of the Castlemaine Diggings gold rush area and was the place of settlement of Phyllis Archer (nee Passmore) and Thomas Archer, who had eloped from Gretna Green in 1852. They were the forebears of the Archer, Walsh and Crofts families. It was Ian Crofts’ home for most of his childhood, specifically the Chewton Post Office was the family home for over 50 years and it bears architectural likeness to 82 Powlett Street, with their Victorian arches. The Powlett Street residence, in fact, pre-dates the Post Office by a couple of years (an 1877 construction, and the Chewton Post Office in 1879). Ian’s grandmother, Grandma Taylor (she re-married after her husband Thomas Walsh died in 1920 of war related causes) and his mother Phyllis Crofts (nee Walsh) were the post mistresses from the early 1920s through to Phyliss’ passing in 1975. There are lots of very fond childhood memories of trips to Chewton and nights spent in what back then

seemed like a grand and imposing building, if not a little foreboding! We hope there’ll be lots of similarly fond memories in the renovated Powlett Street property and the February 1st naming marks the beginning of an exciting new era.” This news was supplied by John Crofts, Ian’s son, who went on to add… “Unfortunately, the “CHEWTON HOUSE” concept post-dates Ian’s passing. Ian passed away two years ago next month at 86 years of age. We’re sure, though, that he’d be honoured and touched by this development. Thomas Archer was a coal miner from Durham and notwithstanding he was the eldest son and his mother had been widowed, he came (as so many did) to make his fortune in 1852. And like so many, he found there wasn’t a fortune to be made! But mining was ultimately rewarding for the Archer / Walsh / Crofts family with Ian’s first cousin, Sam Walsh, going on to become Managing Director and CEO of Rio Tinto whilst I had a 22-year career with BHP. I still work in the mining industry.”

Fascinating, and thanks John for the information.

Fancy a piece of Chewton’s history? Large new flag $100 Monster Meeting book $20 Monster Meeting CD $30

Small flag $50

Call Pat Healy 0422 759 661

Chewton’s People and Places Collection The old Chewton Lock-Up which stands next to the Chewton Town Hall has recently been repaired and repainted by local carpenter and handyman Doug Drury. He repaired the door which had dropped on it’s hinges and was extremely difficult to open. Also the door sill was repaired and the exterior was painted. Doug completed this work during the extreme heatwave in late January. He was supported by his wife Tam who brought cold drinks to help him get through the day, and their young son Ollie helped out with the exterior painting. When Doug was commissioned to do this work, he at first did not know that the small building to the right of the Town Hall was an old Lock-Up. Now he has had a look at the book in the People and Places Collection and has seen the fascinating story and photographs of how the Lock-Up was salvaged from the local tip after it had been demolished in the 1990s. The photo shown here taken of Doug, Tam and Ollie will be added to the book documenting the history of the Lock-Up as they are now part of it’s story.

The policy of the People and Places Collection is to keep gathering the history of Chewton including what is happening now. Today’s events will be tomorrow’s history. There are various aspects of Chewton’s more recent history that will soon be featured in some new display books. A display book about the history of the saving of the Chewton Pool is being worked on. Photographs and articles of how the Monster Meeting has been celebrated in recent years will be put into a new book. Also, the Chewton Progress Association was an organisation in the 1990s who managed all sorts of achievements for Chewton, so their history will also be collated into a display book. The story of the restoration of the Chewton Town Hall and the work of the Chewton Domain Society will also be gathered and collated. If you have any stories, photos or articles that you think will enhance the collection please contact Marie on 54722892, or Jackie on 0400 514 098 or call in on Sunday afternoons between 1pm and 4pm. There is lots to enjoy in this collection, whether it is goldrush history, township history, family history, recent history or so much more. Jackie McMaster.

FOBIF Walk 17 March - Burns Hill – a recovering landscape Starting at the Chewton Shop, Pyrenees Highway and following Forest Creek to the Monster Meeting site, the walk will show the changing landscape of the goldfields of the 1850s. The view from Burns Hill shows Chewton in

a different light and the loop track then follows the reef to Trapps Gully before heading back down along the creek. c. 5kms. For more information contact Marie Jones 5472 2892.

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Solid Plastering Specialist Free Quotes

Ph: 5473 4300 0447 928 090

Previously in Chewton Williamstown Chronicle, Saturday 26 April 1919. LAST WORD IN GOLD GETTING THE “JET ELEVATOR” METHOD. While a local townsman was spending his holidays in the Castlemaine district, opportunities were offered him (both by conversation and ocular demonstration) of gathering some hints as to the most modern methods adopted on worn-out fields to access what still remains of that most precious metal - gold. The ancient goldfield, to which this digest directly refers is Forest Creek. It is difficult to conjure up in the mind’s eye from the bushlike stiffness of the present village of Chewton, that this particular district in the fifties and sixties supported a population alone of 40,000 people. The stranger in search of information can while a pleasant hour chatting with those conversant to a considerable degree with not only the historical facts that have been identified with this decadent Eldorado, but can quicken the interest by explaining some up-to-date methods that are being prosecuted on the spot at the present time. It is almost superfluous to call the crude methods first adopted of obtaining the precious metal, not alone about Forest Creek, but all the other Victorian early gold “rushes.” The shallow ground was preponderantly the greatest. Thus, as rush succeeded rush, an oblong hole was sunk by the European; and a round hole by the Chinese digger. Sinking continued until “bottom” was reached. The precious wash-dirt was sent to the surface to be tubbed and cradled, and the residue washed in the “prospecting’ dish. Later on “puddling machines” gave large opportunities. Excavating huge paddocks, from which everything was passed through the sluice-boxes, had become a yet more forward method. Of late years this mode has been largely superseded by dredging. This method has given rise to a good deal of heart-burning in various places - the farmer, more particularly, by frequently spoiling his water supply. To the dredge proprietors, while the immense areas of tumbled river debris lasted, it proved immensely payable. For a description of the latest and probably the final treatment of the long-worked ground, we are indebted to Mr. “Tom” Ottery, a storekeeper at Chewton, of many a years’ standing. He terms it the “jet elevator system,” and holds that it is the very latest word in treating very low grade alluvial ground. He goes on to say: “All that is needed is a water supply high enough above the claim for pressure. The jet I have in my mind’s eye is operating not far away. It has a splendid pressure from a Government water race. Although it costs £7 per week for the water, it is worth it. Hundreds of feet of 10inch pipes carry the water to the claim where it is reduced to “a nozzle” (2½ inches), and with over 60 lbs. pressure to the inch this nozzle velocity is terrific. The old ground is torn up, sluiced and cleaned, and the liquefaction goes into a well. Spare water runs down sets of almost level boxes, until it reaches the creek level lower down. When the well is full of gravel, a valve is turned on, and the ‘jet elevator’

gets to work. This appliance is practically a perpendicular pipe, into which a nozzle shoots a powerful stream of water from the bottom to the top. Its full force getting to work empties the well of all gravel. The gold runs over the ripple tables that bear quicksilver upon their surface, and takes the gold prisoner, while the gravel is dumped out of the way without any further trouble. When the well is emptied of all gravel, the sluicing nozzle valve is opened, and the jet valve shut off. The rocks are exhaustively scraped, and the crevices get such special attention that barely a particle of gold is over-looked. The concluding phase is clearing up the well hole and ripple boxes. Three men represents the staff. The cheapness of the system is such that a few grains to the cubic yard will pay wages. Nobody will disallow the immensity of contrast between the present system of winning gold and the old-fashioned windlass and bucket-raising method. The above has been edited for the reason of space. To see the entire article please go to; https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.newsarticle69682645.txt Argus, Saturday 1 May 1852. FOREST CREEK, April 28th, 1852. From the constant stream of carts, and people arriving, Melbourne must be nearly drained ; thousands have arrived within the last ten days, and I am credibly informed that there are at least 2000 now on the road. Preparations are being made for winter by many who have made up their minds to remain stationary on the creek, and not a few are sending down their drays for extra provisions. This is necessary with those who have consumed part, for flour and other articles of consumption are rising in price. I paid, yesterday, 5s 2d for a quarter of mutton, and 1s 3d for what they call a two pound loaf, but on weighing it found it short two ounces. Notices have been posted over the Diggings, by orders from head-quarters, that no store, &c, shall be allowed to sell on the Sabbath; none but the sellers can grumble much at this, and it will only interfere with a few, as the majority shut up on Saturday and decline opening until Monday morning. It is now raining with every prospect of a continuation. When the Creek once commences running there will be no scarcity of water for the next six months, as the holes must fill up before the running takes place; many of them are twenty foot deep, and will hold water enough for some time to come. Glen Harrison.

PEOPLE AND PLACES ROSTER SUNDAYS 1pm to 4pm

March 3 10 17 24 31

Jackie and Marie Labour Day weekend - closed Allan and Marie Rose and Marion Elaine and Frank

Keep customers coming back Ensuring customers have a consistent and positive experience is critical for small business, and that’s the focus of the upcoming small business workshop coordinated by Mount Alexander Shire Council. “There are many things you can do to improve your business, but having solid systems and processes in place is a good way to keep your customers satisfied,” said Eva Parkin, Economic Development Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council. “During the 3.5 hour workshop you’ll receive practical tools and tips to improve your systems that you can introduce straight away. You’ll learn how to find efficiencies, stress test your current systems, streamline your customer experience and simplify record keeping. You’ll also pick up simple ways to improve customer service, staff engagement and productivity.” “Dennis Batty is a very experienced facilitator and he will help to identify what you should do now, and how to develop a plan for the future,” she added. Effective Business Practices Workshop 9.30am – 1.00pm, Monday 4 March Civic Centre, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine Cost: $30 Book your place via www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/BusinessResources. There are also many other interesting sessions planned as part of Council’s small business workshop series. Upcoming workshops include: • 1 April – Finance fundamentals: How to keep cash flowing. • 6 and 13 May (two-day intensive) – Commercialising your new idea: Strategies to get to market. • 3 June – Taking your business online. Details on the workshops planned for the second half of the year will be available on Council’s website from April. For more information contact the Economy and Culture team on 5471 1714. Taken from a Press Release.

Check the website:

wwwchewton.net

And check the Facebook page:

chewton.net

Rob’s lawn mowing lawn mowing Rubbish and unwanted goods Removed (fully insured) $30 per hour

0402 645 467 28

Twilight tour of botanical gardens

FIELD NATS Visitors are welcome at club meetings and excursions... Fri March 8th meeting: AGM Election of office bearers. Guest speaker will be Nigel Harland on his recent trip to East Africa.

A free twilight tour of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens will be held in March due to popular demand. The guided tour follows a walk held in January as part of Castlemaine District Community Health’s monthly walk series. “There was a lot of interest in the January walk but some people couldn’t make it during the day,” said Liza Shaw, Health Promotion Officer, Castlemaine District Community Health. “We invite anyone with an interest in the beautiful heritage gardens to come along to our first evening tour at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.” The hour-long walk will be led by Gillian Miller, Team Leader Botanical Gardens and Urban Horticulture at Mount Alexander Shire Council. It is for all ages and abilities. “Gillian is a wonderful host and has an incredible amount of knowledge of all the features of the gardens,” said Liza. “You will get to hear all about the history and care of the gardens while taking a relaxing walk at twilight.” The heritage-listed gardens are a well-loved community asset. They are home to an impressive collective of native and exotic trees. One of the feature oak trees was planted more than 150 years ago to commemorate the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The walk will include a tour of the garden beds, oak and elm avenues, Lake Joanna, grand fountain and more. Everyone is welcome to attend. Castlemaine Botanical Gardens twilight tour 6.00pm to 7.00pm, Tuesday 12 March Meet at the Old Tea Rooms at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (off Downes Road) Bring comfortable shoes, hat and water bottle Bookings or RSVP are not required. The tour will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or a Code Red day. For more information phone Castlemaine District Community Health on 5479 1000.

Ordinary membership: Single $35, Family $50, Pensioner or student: Single $25, Family $30. Subscription includes postage of the monthly newsletter, Castlemaine Naturalist. General meetings - (second Friday of each month, except January) are held in the Uniting Church (UCA) Hall (enter from Lyttleton St.) at 7.30 pm. Field Trips - (Saturday following the general meeting) leave from the car park opposite Castle Motel, Duke Street at 1.30pm sharp unless stated otherwise. BYO afternoon tea. Outdoor excursions are likely to be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. There are NO excursions on total fire ban days.

CASTLEMAINE FIELD NATURALISTS, PO BOX 324, CASTLEMAINE 3450 http://castlemainefnc.wordpress.com/

Labour Day 11th March ADVERTISEMENT

Listening Post held in Castlemaine last Friday of the Month 10am to 2pm. Please phone for appointment. 8 Panton Street, Golden Square VIC 3555 P: 5444 4125 @mareeedwardsmp mareeedwardsmp www.mareeedwards.com.au Authorised by M Edwards, 8 Panton Street, Golden Square. This material has been produced by Maree Edwards MP using her Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications budget.

The March Crossword to Chew_on 1

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16 17 19

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22 25

B N

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Jackie McMaster.

Across

Down

1 Black and white mud-nesting bird (6)

1 Scenic picnic spot in Metcalfe, The ******** (8)

7 The historic Chewton Monster Meeting in 1851 led to ********* (9)

2 Post ****** Hill, Chewton (6)

8 Protected. (4)

4 A corner or recess offering seclusion. (4)

11 Friends of the Box ******** Forest (8) 14 A woodwind instrument. (4) 15 Part of a curve. (3) 16 To touch lightly (3) 17 One thousanth of a meter. (2) 18 Refering to a female. (3) 22 Road leading to the Chewton Bushlands (6) 23 Waterfall and billabong in Langley, ******* Falls (7) 24 Cylindrical leaves used for seasoning. (6) 25 **** Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine (4) 27 There are many old stone ***** in Chewton (5)

3 Large, great. (4) 5 Enthusiasm. (5) 6 Highway that runs through Chewton (8) 9 Popular American TV drama. (2) 10 Genetic information. (3) 12 A lyric peoem. (3) 13 Monthly event, Chewton Community *** (3) 17 Chewton Chat advertiser, ******** Plastering (8) 18 In 1851 the goverment propsed to increase the gold license to 60 ********* a month. (9) 19 Diverse genus of Australian flowering shrubs. (9) 20 Requests something. (4)

28 ********** Library, Castlemaine (10)

21 Bushfire lookout station, ****** Ridge Lookout Tower (6)

31 The 14th letter of the Greek alphabet. (2)

26 Yoga postures (6)

32 Behold (2)

28 Reknown historic goldfields artist, S. T. **** (4)

33 Opposed to. (4)

29 Chewton **** Society meet at the Chewton Town Hall (4)

34 Parasitic insect. (4) 35 Social deportment (7)

30 Hemispherical shape (4)

Advertisers in this Chewton Chat Albion Hotel P 3 Blues music, jam sessions P 31 Buda Historic Home and Garden P 13 CAE Performance Products P 12 Cameron Stewart, Podiatrist P 26 Carole Kernohan, Bowen Therapy P 14 Castlemaine Mini-Diggers P6 Castlemaine Office Supplies P 20 Chewton General Store P 17 Chewton Service Station P 23 Come Clean Window Cleaning P 23 Doors R Me P 2 Doug Drury, Carpenter and Handyman P 12 Drill Sharpening P2 Enviro Shop P 22 Fasom Plumbing P 13 Goldfields Concreting P 7 Lawson’s Gardening/Property Maintenance P 6 Lisa Chesters, Federal M.P. P 14 Maree Edwards, State M.P. P 29 Mark Mitchell, Plasterer P 28 Newstead Natives, Native Nursery P 22 Ray Fowler, Master Painter P 16 Red Hill Hotel P 19 Robin Haylett, Gardens P 24 Rob’s Lawn Mowing P 22 Rob’s Carpet Cleaning P 16 Soldier and Scholar, 2nd Hand Books P 29 Tamsin Whaley Celebrant P 25 Taradale Wine & Produce P 16 Thompson Family Funerals P 25 Tori’s Pooch Parlour P 28 P9 Unicorn Antiques Waylaines Tiling P 22 Wesley Hill Market P 23 Wildlife Rescue P 19 Yoga in Chewton P 24 Printing of the Chat is now generously provided courtesy of Thompson Family Funerals.

Chewton Chat • • • • • • • • • •

2007 - Winner - best editorial comment 2008 - Finalist - best hard news reporting 2009 - Finalist - best history article 2010 - Special mention - best community reporting 2011 - Finalist - best editorial comment 2012 - Winner - best editorial comment 2013 - Winner - best news feature story 2013 - Finalist - best editorial comment 2014 - Winner - best history article 2015 - Finalist - best editorial comment

Published by the Chewton Domain Society and produced on a voluntary non-profit basis

P.O. Box 85, Chewton 3451 goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or 5472 2892 A CDS subcommittee of John Ellis (Ed.), Gloria Meltzer, Debbie Hall, Phil Hall, Glen Harrison, Jackie McMaster and Beverley Bloxham is responsible for the publication. Many volunteers help with production and circulation. It is circulated on the first of each month, necessitating a deadline of about the 22nd of the month before. Material can be left at the Chewton General Store, with any of the sub-committee members, sent by e-mail goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or by contacting 5472 2892. Contributions of ideas, news items, articles, and letters are always welcome; as are advertisements that help meet monthly production costs. Circulation is via the Chewton General Store, Chewton Pet Supplies, Chewton Post Office, Chewton Service Station, Red Hill Hotel, Castle Automotive Enterprises and Tourist Information Board, as well as the Castlemaine Library, Market Building, CHIRP, Fasom Plumbing and Castlemaine Office Supplies. Mt. Alexander Hospital Residential receives monthly copies too. Whilst copies are free, there are donation tins at many collection points and donations can be mailed to the CDS address below. Subscriptions for mailed copies can be arranged. Circulation is now 600. A full colour Chewton Chat can also be read each month on www.issuu.com - as can some earlier issues. The State Library of Victoria has all issues digitally available at https:// www.slv.vic.gov.au/ and search “Chewton Chat”. Free email subscriptions are also available. Just request and forward an email address.

The Chewton Chat wishes to advise that the views or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the editor, the management team or the Chewton Domain Society and no endorsement of service is implied by the listing of advertisers, sponsors or contributors.

ELPHO JAM SESSIONS You are invited to our monthly Jam Sessions at Elphinstone These sessions are informal get-togethers of people who want to make some music and have some fun! Aimed at the over 50’s, but open to all.

Sessions: 3rd Saturday of the month (1:00pm – 4:00pm) We play Electric Blues, R’n’B, ‘60s, Rock & more….

The last word this month comes from the Wesley Hill Market where “community” is taken to next level...

For more information:

Email: elphojamsessions@gmail.com

After the January Superhot, February normalcy? February has been a much less extreme month than was January. Our warmer-than-usual Christmas holiday period continued into the first week of February, with one 40-degree-day on the 3rd but has since moderated. Mid-twenties to mid-thirties have predominated. At the extremes, I recorded one day below 20 degrees Celsius and the month’s highest daytime temperature of 40.5 degrees C. The average for the month was a much more comfortable 30 degrees C., with a mode of 28 degrees Celsius. Our lowest daytime temperature for February was just 19 degrees C. We had fourteen (14) days above 30 degrees, and eleven (11) days between 20 and 30 degrees C. for the month. This contrasts with the month of January when we had just 4 days of 20 to 30 degrees, but 19 days above 30 degrees C.; not to mention the seven days above 40 degrees. I have also recorded 33 millimetres of rain this month, a substantial increase on January. The total arrived over three days, one day of 22 millimetres being the highlight. This precipitation however, seems to have done little for the countryside greenery. I have not needed to make use of my ride-on mower for months, with apparently little likelihood that that will change in the near future. The road between Chewton and Bendigo is looking far less green than it did just a few weeks ago. The vineyards and apple orchards are the only bright splashes of colour amongst trees and grass that are clearly lacking a good drink.

Overnight temperatures have also moderated. An average of 14.5 degrees was accompanied by a mode of 15 degrees. The highest overnight temperature was 21.5 degrees Celsius. Given the lack of rain in the area, I have been looking at the Coliban Water website, with a view to the state of their water storages. The data records two types of water, raw water (presumably for agricultural use), and potable water used for drinking and domestic use. With little rain, there has been no increase in available water. At this time there seems little cause for concern in the immediate future, but climate change must make planning for future supplies more difficult. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reports that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains neutral, but that the outlook is at El Niño WATCH, meaning there is approximately a 50% chance of El Niño developing during the southern hemisphere autumn or winter. That is twice the normal likelihood. El Niño typically results in below average autumn and winter rainfall for southern and eastern Australia. Five of eight climate models indicate the central Pacific is likely to reach borderline or weak El Niño levels during autumn. They continue to warn however, that these models are less reliable at this time of year. The other major impact on our weather is the Indian Ocean Dipole. It too is currently neutral, though also of lesser influence at this time of year. John Leavesley.

Calendar of Events

Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

Please update any saved numbers you may have in your contact lists.

2nd Chewton Community BBQ, 6 p.m., Ellery Park (see page 18). 2nd Service at St. John’s, 6 pm., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. 3rd Clean Up Australia Day, 10 a.m., Expedition Pass Reservoir (see page 5). 3rd 20th anniversary of the Chewton Chat morning tea, 10 a.m., Chewton Town Hall. Phone 5471 3555 7th Chewton Film Society, 7.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall (see page 21). 9th Service at St. John’s, 6 pm., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. 10th POHAG Meeting, 10 a.m., Chewton Town Hall. 11th Labour Day Public Holiday. 16th Service at St. John’s, 6 pm., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. 17th FOBIF Walk, Burns Hill (see page 26). 18th CDS Management Committee Mtg., 7 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. 18th Bushfire management consultation ends (see page 15). 19th MAS Council Meeting, 6.30 p.m., Civic Centre, Castlemaine. Phone 5471 3555 22nd Sally Duncan’s exhibition opens, 5 p.m., St. John’s Church (see page 4). 23rd Service at St. John’s, 6 pm., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. 23rd Deadline for the April Chewton Chat. 26th Sally Duncan’s book reading, 10 a.m., West End Hall (see page 4). 27th Sally Duncan’s book reading, 10 a.m., West End Hall (see page 4). 30th Service at St. John’s, 6 pm., St. John’s Anglican Church, Chewton. 31st Circulation of the Chewton Chat, 2.30 p.m., Chewton Town Hall. 31st Sally Duncan’s exhibition closes, 5 p.m. event, St. John’s Church (see page 4). If you’d like a little help, call our friendly staﬀ or visit www.castlemainehealth.org.au

Castlemaine Health’s telephone numbers have changed. Our main reception number is now 5471 3555. If you regularly call a speciﬁc person or team, that number is now 54713 plus the last three digits of their previous number. Please update any saved numbers you may have in your contact lists.

If you’d like a little help, call our friendly staﬀ or visit www.castlemainehealth.org.au