Chewton Chat May 2014

T A H C N

CHEWTON DOMAIN SOCIETY (INCORPORATED)

Reg. No. A0034364L P.O. Box 85, Chewton, 3451.

O T W E H

C

www.chewton.net

Published on the 1st of each month

Issue 183

May, 2014.

Anzac Day 2014

Anzac Day started as promised by the evening before – cold! The rays of sunshine were appreciated by the rugged up people who gathered at the gates to the Chewton Soldiers’ Memorial Park. And the numbers keep growing – more than 70 braved the elements this year. Their appreciation of the work by council contractors to trim the elms the previous day was obvious!

Max Lesser welcomed everyone, co-presenter Bettie Exon read a prayer and guest speaker Pat Mudford was introduced. Pat is a former principal of Kyneton Primary School who is using her retirement to research and write a family war history. She read excerpts from her manuscript.

Children from Chewton Primary School came to the microphone and were warmly received as they read poems they’d written. Wreaths were laid, and then it was the turn of Riley Arnold to take the warmed up bugle to centre stage and let all of Chewton know it was really Anzac Day. Four years of trekking from Melbourne and bugling in Chewton was mentioned by Bettie in thanking him for his input to our Anzac events.

With the thankyous over, it was time for the Chewton school children to offer the plates of Anzac biscuits they’d baked. Just as Anzac biscuits are a tradition, the Chewton school has a tradition of preparing, baking and sharing them for April the 25th each year.

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Calder Ward by-election While most of Chewton sits in Coliban Ward, there are a number of ratepayers in Calder Ward. The ward boundary through Chewton follows Forest Creek, O’Hallorans Road, Bush Sanctuary Road and onto Pollards Road.

Nominations have closed and there are 7 candidates. Candidates have prepared their preference allocations, and their vote-seeking statements. The Victorian Electoral Commission has begun mailing these to enrolled voters and the last day for return of the ballot packs is 6.00 pm, Friday, 16 May. Election day is Saturday, 17 May. In ballot paper

order the candidates are: YERMAN, Irene BRAYBROOK, Ian HEATH, David CORDY, Anthony Glenn KEOGH, Ben PETRUSMA, Dave WEBB, Jake

Candidate’s statements can be read on https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/current/files/WEB%20-%20Mount%20 Alexander%20-%20Calder%20Ward-LF.PDF

May at St. John’s in Chewton Sunday 11 May 9.15 Morning Prayer... ...not sure of the crew at this stage!

Sunday 25 May No service at St.Johns... ...it is Ken’s last Sunday at Castlemaine.

Tuesday 27 May 9.30 a.m. Special service to celebrate Edna Preece’s 90th birthday. This is a little early but it gives Father Ken a chance to mark this historic event which falls in June! Refreshments after.

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& CHEWTON’S

Thursday 22nd of May at 10 a.m.

George Archer Pavilion (Chewton Soldiers’ Memorial Park) Enquiries: Barbara Dry 5472 3385, Judy Cobb 5472 5118, Marie Jones 5472 2892

Families, war and other stories

Ian Minchin, author of the recently released book Brothers in Arms, will be in Castlemaine to talk about his family’s experiences of war on Thursday 8 May. A visit to Gallipoli a few years ago and seeing his own grandchildren growing up inspired Ian to write and selfpublish the book. ‘I realised that my own and my family’s stories and experiences would Ian Minchin be lost if I didn’t document them,’ said Ian. Hugh Minchin, Ian’s father, was injured fighting on the Western Front in World War I and three of Ian’s brothers served in World War II. ‘My two eldest brothers, Ron and Brian were pilots who undertook bombing raids in Germany. Ron went on to train the famous Dambusters,’ said Ian. An unexpected outcome of writing the book was that Ian learned that an uncle, previously unknown to him, had fought and died at Fromelles in France. The Fromelle Association made the connection and asked Ian to provide a sample of his DNA which will be used to confirm the identification of the body of Private Joseph Davis Joseph from a mass grave of World War I diggers.

Joseph went to war in 1915 at the tender age of sixteen.

Local Peter Legge will be sharing the stage with Ian. Awardwinning Rachel Tonkin, who wrote and illustrated the children’s book, What was the war like, Grandma? is Peter’s wife. Peter’s mother is the grandmother referred to in the title, and the book covers her recollections of the war as recounted to Peter and Rachel.

‘Families, war and other stories’ will be held at the Castlemaine RSL Hall in Mostyn Street on Thursday 8 May at 6.30pm.

For further details contact Lisa Minchin on 0437 233 193 or lminchin64@gmail.com.

26 May

National Sorry Day National Sorry Day is a continuing effort to achieve appropriate education, reconciliation and recognition for the Aboriginal stolen generation.

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Major Mitchell take 2

A bright Sunday midday at Expedition Pass Reservoir attracted a turn-out of history aficionados to celebrate the centenary of the cairn and plaque beside the reservoir. To acknowledge Major Mitchell’s passing through the area in 1836 the people of Faraday fundraised and built the cairn and plaque. It was unveiled with ceremony on the 22nd of April 1914. The Faraday Association combined with the Harcourt Historical Society to mark the occasion of the cairn’s 100th anniversary.

Parking was organised for Dunstans Flat and the council mini-bus ferried the celebrants. A vintage Bentleigh preceded the horse and cart bearing the modern day Major to the cairn. George Milford painted a verbal picture of the scene the Major would have found almost 180 years ago – and he gave some interesting insights into the Major’s character at the same time. The multi-coloured veil was lowered and the plaque was re-unveiled a hundred years

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on. Peter McCarthy then spoke of the story behind the plaque and the role the Faraday folk played in its birth. That story is outlined in full in the March 2014 Faraday Farrago (Issue 21).

Photos recorded the event, then it was off along Golden Point Road following Major Mitchell to Dunstans Flat. A marquee and Australian flag greeted people as they arrived for lunch. The kettles were already boiling, and artist, Eliza Tree had mounted an exhibition of her Major Mitchell paintings in the marquee. A pleasant afternoon in the sunny Australian bush was looming!

Know Your Neighbour

Have you met Jamie Tatarczuk?

Jamie Tatarczuk grew up in Maine in the US. She remembers fondly a childhood of snowshoeing, sledding, and general outdoor activities. After studying Fine Arts and Psychology she worked with children in New York City in the field of Behavioural Therapy, later obtaining a Masters in Early Childhood Education, specialising in Special Education.

‘In 2004 I met my husband Keiran at a wedding and we hit it off. Although he was born in Australia, living in the Chewton bushlands, he had spent several years in the US. When we first came to live in Australia it was very hard for me, as it was very different and I couldn’t wait to get back to New York, which is where I felt my life was.’

After reassessing their lives in America, in 2009 Jamie and Keiran thought it was time for a change. They spent their first year living in Melbourne, but Jamie found the city hard to adapt to after living so long in New York.

‘Then I got pregnant and decided I wanted a home birth.

Keiran’s mum Sandra said I could have the baby at her home in the bushlands. I found a good doctor and two good midwives and they were lovely and the birth went really well. It was everything that I’d ever wanted.’

Shortly after the birth of her son Theo, he was diagnosed with Achondroplasia, ‘and this has been an amazing journey. He is very special and the medical care he’s received here has been above and beyond anything I ever imagined. Cognitively he’s advanced verbally and is very smart. He goes to the Karinya crèche in Castlemaine and they have been so amazing with him there. And now we have our lovely daughter Greta, who completes our magical family.’

Jamie and Keiran moved to Chewton full time in 2010, moving into the family home in the bushlands. ‘We decided that if we were going to live in Australia we wanted something different. I wanted a new challenge in my life. This is now likely to be permanent as we love it here, both the community and Castlemaine. I feel that Chewton has been very good for me.’

During her pregnancy Jamie worked at the coffee stall at the Wesley Hill market, ‘and that was really fun. I’m now doing five hours a week at Karinya, Theo’s crèche, working in the kinder room. I’ve also submitted a proposal to the Early Childhood program at Castlemaine Health for a Behavioural workshop and it has been approved. I’m going to be conducting a workshop there on how to do

behavioural assessment.’

Jamie feels that living in Chewton has allowed her to grow in different directions.

‘Prior to moving here I was so black and white.’

She attributes this growth to living in the bushlands and in Chewton generally.

She is full of praise for the Chewton pool ‘because it is so community oriented. Everyone watches out for each other’s kids. The kids love it. It’s a very safe environment.

It’s so relaxing. And I love the General Store. There’s a sense of family there. That even makes the coffee taste better.’ As she says, ‘there’s such a feeling of intimacy about Chewton that I really like.’

Gloria Meltzer.

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Fryerstown We have had beautiful Autumn weather during April with early discoveries of gold and the early gold rushes. An some good rain, which has refreshed our gardens, and the extract from this booklet states, “The New South Wales leaves of the deciduous trees are turning to their autumn goldfields were made known in May, (1851) and attracted colours. Roses are still blooming but are almost over and diggers from all over the world including Victoria. In Authe stronger winds we are now getting will finish them off. gust when gold was found in Victoria the Port Phillipians Over the week before Easter campers started arriving halted on their way to the sister colony, and turned their in Fryerstown. Fryerstown is very popular at Easter with faces and their picks first towards Ballarat goldfields, and then towards Mount Alexander.” many groups coming back year A letter written in Geeafter year. This year we have long in 1851 to go on a ship the Victorian Seekers Club in that sailed that day says; “In residence, as usual, at Chokem the way of our gold information Flat with their metal detectors.

- a new place has lately been Several families are camping at discovered. Mount Alexander the Old School, including one about 40 miles from the old one person who first camped at the at Ballarat, about N W direcSchool when it ran as a school tion. On it 15000 men are workcamp for Gardenvale School. ing; many have made fortunes When we went past Warburtons in three weeks; four Germans Bridge, that camping ground Easter campers - Victorian Seekers Club sold £1400 of gold; a baker in appeared to be pretty full too. at Chokem Flat Melbourne is said to have sold Everyone seemed to be enjoy£8,000 worth of gold at £3.1s.6d ing the lovely setting beside the the ounce. All our servants are river, and the continuing good gone; our harvest, standing as weather, after a couple of cold fine crops as ever seen, will, I mornings. fear, be left minus of reapers; I have recently been readin fact nothing thought of exing a small booklet entitled cepting gold, selling about the “The Australian Gold Diggings: streets daily. I have no idea to where they are and how to get what end all this will arrive at, to them with letters from Settlers but though great wealth will be and Diggers” edited by George produced, I greatly fear evil will Mackaness O.B.E for Australian follow; we must only do the best, Historical Monographs in 1956.

This guide, which has been reprinted several times, con- and trust in God . . . . .”

“There are not less than 20,000 men gold digging tains information and a number of personal letters which would have been very informative to people who were in- besides women and children, all of whom two months ago tending, or thinking of, travelling to the goldfields in 1851 were in Melbourne or Geelong, at work at their proper and 1852. I found a wealth of information on choosing a cabin and collecting together appropriate clothes and gear, but the part I found most interesting were the letters written to relatives and friends back ‘home’, recording the writers’ personal reactions to what was happening in Melbourne at that very exciting and bewildering time. Most of the letters are quite long and I have edited some of the material for brevity but included relevant extracts and paragraphs LIC 24063 focussing on Mount Alexander. The booklet includes the

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P.O. Box 47 Castlemaine

trade; and now, save and except drapers, grocers and iron- A pair of boots, which I could have got for 18s, would now mongers, we are at a dead stop. Two hands are worth five cost £2, and almost everything else in like proportion. A heads, and men who for a life have been slaving for 25 or friend of mine last week offered a blacksmith £4 per week 20s per week, digging up gold by pounds, picking it out in of wages, and was refused! The man has gone to the diglumps with the point of a pocket-knife, and walking into a gings. There are only two men in the shop of the individual referred to, and he could drapers shop and clothing their employ twenty. One firm could wives and children in silks and employ just now upwards of satins or fooling and drinking fifty men, such as blacksmiths, away their money in a style that millers, cartwrights, founders, would startle your Sheffielders finishers and labourers. Many out of your senses…” other establishments in town are He goes on in this vein, equally destitute. Another firm then at the end he writes, “You has stopped this week for want ask what am I doing? Why, I am of hands. The foreman of their gold-digging, as soon as I can millers had £3 per week, with a find a suitable party; for in this free house, fire, and water; but way we all go, in companies of he has resigned and gone to three, four, five, or six, or more the diggings. Come. We have together, for mutual protection plenty of room, plenty of food, More Easter campimg at Warbutons Bridge as well as for increased labour. plenty of money; if you do not The gold is found in the bush, so choose to dig for gold in the all have to sleep in tents, and put bush, you can work for it in the up with great inconveniences, of town. We require men of all course; but then, gold pays for trades - the only qualification is, all.” that they be able and willing to Another entitled A Scotchwork. I have often been told beman’s Letter goes on, “There fore I left home that I would find is no mistake about the matter.

Melbourne swarming with halfMount Alexander is, without starved clerks. The statement is doubt, the richest gold field in not true. If a good clerk wants the world. There are at present employment, it is his own fault. upwards of 17,000 men digging It is true that many have come on this same Mount Alexander, here pretending to be clerks, all of whom are doing well. thinking that anything would do for Australia. Such, howMany have realized a fortune in a few days. A report is ever, have found their mistake.

The men in business here, current to-day of a young man having got £8,000 worth are really business men, and must have their work done in of gold in one day! …The gold discoveries have unhinged society here altogether. Many have given up business, a business-like manner; they are able and willing to pay shut their shops, and gone to the diggings. Shoemakers, for a man, and therefore will not put up with big laddies, tailors, wrights, blacksmiths, and all other trades, are at a and they have not time to teach blockheads. Really good great loss for men to carry on their business. The conse- clerks will soon find employment, and be well paid.

You will say, why do you not go to the diggings yourquence is that wages are up and everything rising in price. self? It is my intention, if all is well, to have a hit at the gold during the months of September, October, and November next. We get first-rate tea at 1s. 4d. per lb; and the mutton that we get at 2d. for the lb. would astonish poor bodies of Banff. I believe the butchers of Melbourne give more good meat to their customers for nothing - for the We serve a variety of delicious, handmade food. purpose of feeding dogs - in three months, than the good folk of Banff consume in six months and enjoy life in a Our specialties include A curry every day. Laksa on Sundays.

Monk Dish on Friday & Saturday.

Gluten free & Vegetarian selections REGULAR TRADING HOURS Thursday to Sunday 10am – 4.30 pm

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far higher degree here than ever we did in Scotland. As to emigration, I would, from personal experience, recommend those who cannot get a free passage, to take a third cabin, the cost of which is £15. The second cabin is only paying £10 additional for an empty name, which nobody on board ship cares a button about. If you get a good ship, you will be as comfortable in the former as in the latter.”

Please note that at the time of writing these letters (mid 1850s) letter writing was often abbreviated to pack more in and reduce the amount of paper and postage needed. I find this means that often I have to read a phrase more than once to get the meaning being expressed. However, I think it is worth copying the original so you can read what was actually written all those years ago. I hope you agree and do not find it too tedious.

The Hanover Hotel 1979 Recently I was given a photo taken by the Miller family on Campbell’s Creek Rd near its junction with the Chewton Vaughan Rd, just after you leave the township of Fryerstown. It is of the now demolished Hanover Hotel, which closed last century after opening in the 1860s. It then became a home. It was demolished around the 1980s.

In its hey-day it was a tavern and its long-term publican, Henri Miers, hosted sporting events there. They were held on holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and often followed by a Ball with supper. Looking at the site this Easter, I found myself trying to imagine the past when it would have been bustling with people drawn here by gold.

The Fryerstown Film Night is held on the fourth Saturday of each month so the next one is on 24th of May when the film will be HOLIDAY starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. It is a sophisticated romantic comedy.

So come along at 7.30 to the Fryerstown Hall. $5.00 pp includes tea and coffee and cake (if someone brings some).

Kay Thorne.

Photos courtesy Tim Todhunter.

Agitation, protest and democracy in Central Victoria - an Agitation Hill lecture in Castlemaine on 9 May

Castlemaine’s Agitation Hill lectures, now in their tenth year, are named after a large protest gathering that took place on the hill on 9 May 1853.

On 9 May 2014 Jane Smith, the Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E), will deliver an Agitation Hill lecture on the role of the protests across central Victoria that culminated in the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat and how Australia’s newest museum, M.A.D.E, is using that history to inspire people to think about democracy today.

Jane Smith is the inaugural Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, built on the site of the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat. She is also a Member of the national Classification Review Board. Jane has held senior roles in telecommunications, broadcasting, content development and finance.

At the Anglican Church on Agitation Hill, Kennedy St, Castlemaine, 6pm, Friday 9 May. $8. Wine, cheese, savouries & discussion to follow.

For more information: Josh Meadows 5472 1132 Brian Poidevin 5472 4465 or Parish Office 5472 1137 Photos of a fragment of the Eureka flag and Jane Smith were supplied by Josh Meadows.

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CFA Update – May 2014

Chewton CFA has had another successful year collecting money for the Royal Children’s Hospital in what has been another quiet month. Volunteers from the brigade, along with family and friends, were out early on the morning of Good Friday to collect money as part of the Good Friday Appeal. A total of $1948.35 was raised, which was slightly under the record broken as part of last year’s appeal, but still a remarkable effort from such a small country town. Members from Chewton CFA would like to thank all those who got out of bed nice and early to donate money, as well as those who spent much of their Good Friday out tin rattling for this great cause.

April was not all a month of fun and games, however, with the brigade being called to a number of fires in the local area. In particular, members attended a shed fire at Flowserve in Castlemaine to support brigades from Castlemaine and Campbells Creek. Members were also called to what was believed to be a grass and scrub fire in Lyttleton Street during the Easter weekend. Thankfully, this blaze turned out to be a member of the community burning off; however they had not registered their burn with the Burn Off Notification Line.

Fire restrictions for the Mount Alexander Shire have now been lifted meaning people are free to burn off on their properties. Chewton CFA, however, would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and supervise their burns as well as register them with the Burn Off Notification Line, so that members from the brigade are not unnecessarily called to your property. You can register your burn by calling the following number -

1800 668 511

April also saw brigades in the District 2 region switch over to the new digital radio channel. The changeover occurred on April 14, and is aimed at improving communications with VicFire in Ballarat.

With another fire season over, we hope everyone can breathe a little easier and that our members can enjoy a well deserved rest. Volunteers at Chewton CFA also hope that everyone in the community has had a safe and Happy Easter.

Paige Mounsey, Chewton CFA Communications Officer.

May 9th at the Reddy...

Tracey Candy and it’s Fancy Dress!

7 till 11!

Beware the Teletubbies!

Coffee, Teas, Milk, Newspapers, Magazines, Fresh Bread, Soft Drinks, Groceries, DVDs and more...

You name it we’ve probably got it.

At your convenience...

Sprout bread now available Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends!

11th of May is Mother’s Day

Hours 7:30 - 5:30 Mon-Fri 8:00 - 4:00 Sat-Sun

...it’s your store Chewton!

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le who e h t g ild turin very ch r u N in e With the start of a new term we were delighted to welcome a new grade 4 student to our school. We currently have 40 children at Chewton Primary. It has been a long time since we saw numbers this large. We have a very supportive and welcoming school community coupled with a dedicated staff, not forgetting our ever talented students. It is fantastic to see that all this hard work being reflected in greater numbers and confidence in our school.

Student leadership has been a strong focus in 2014. One of the more challenging opportunities has been 3 of our grade 6 students attending Coastal Ambassadors Program at Philip Island. Minka, Ada and Uma had a very long drive to be at the Islands Nature Park. An integral part of the program is that students develop and carry out an environmental action plan. The action plan incorporates an environmental or community based project undertaken in the school or local community. Their project will be a dramatic performance aimed at educating students to understand the impact of dumping household and other rubbish on public land. They will be back to the island in September to present their work.

All of our grade 6 students will be attending the ‘Grip Leadership Conference’ in Bendigo. One aspect of leadership that will be explored is the importance of integrity and how it is vital that leaders are the same on the inside as what they show the world on the outside. Perhaps a very valuable lesson for us all.

There have been some minor works completed over the past few weeks. Each year I am visited by corellas that find their way down the chimneys. These have now been blocked off so our birds will have to look elsewhere

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for suitable nesting hollows. The artificial turf has been re-sanded. This involved many truckloads of sand to pad under the turf. Over the holidays we had a solid roof placed over the BBQ area. It has not only stabilized the structure but also made the area more usable especially in the winter months. The long term plan is to buy more water tanks now we have an increase in catchment area, but this will have to wait until next year.

As part of our sustainability grant we have been upgrading the lighting around the school with more energy efficient globes. There is more work to be done on sealing the drafts to ensure learning spaces stay warm once the heating is turned on.

We all love this old building, however it was never built with energy efficiency in mind.

We are about to plant our winter vegetable crop. Despite all the hard work with volunteers watering over the holidays, our summer vegetables were very sad. The heat proved too much for us all. We will once again be part of the Buda Harvest School Gardens Competition with our cooking and gardening program in full swing this term.

All of the children will have an opportunity to cook using produce from the garden. Remember you are always welcome to visit our garden and add your expertise.

Julie Holden.

Letters received and now shared...

...to the Domain Society

The Secretary, Chewton Domain Society, Dear Sir/Madam, Enclosed please find $5 for membership of your society. I am in Queensland and while cannot be present I enjoyed your newsletter which I read online yesterday. What a wonderful group you seem to have looking after the old buildings.

My interest in Chewton derives from thinking my Great grandfather Patrick Furlong was once in the area at the Chewton Extended Gold Mine. I am hoping you can put me in contact with those within the community who may know a little of the old history of that mine in the 1870s era when Patrick Furlong was there. I even wonder if the family lived in Chewton or nearby.

I have found newspaper details having a Patrick Furlong as manager 1872/3 with notices regarding shares and meeting dates. A new manager is noted in 1874. I think he then went to a hotel in Castlemaine (he became insolvent due to losses in mining etc.).

Sadly Patrick died 1889 two years after his wife’s death leaving 7 very young children, 13 to 5. He was not in Chewton at time of death.

Was there ever a Hotel Oriental in Chewton?

Sincerely, Margaret Morrisey.

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Chewton - a visit to remember

What a day we all had!

Ten Members of the Kangaroo Flat Y Service Club and two from Kangaroo Flat Lions took the short journey on a lovely sunny day to this beautiful village that follows the road south to the big smoke.

What had it been like back in the old days when our hardy ancestors travelled north to search for the big find in the ground? From this beginning, Chewton grew and grew and left us with a magnificent heritage of buildings. As the gold disappeared the population decreased, but left behind families and businesses and varied human activity. People found a home and new purpose. Chewton is a thriving community and the combination of old and modern provides an attractiveness that makes it a place to come and visit again and share the ambience with the locals.

Our sincere thanks go to Ken McKimmie for making his time and knowledge available. Ken’s vast knowledge, and obvious love for the various buildings and the history, of Chewton seem to make it all come alive. At times I could see the women in the streets doing what they do well - shopping; the miners enjoying a beer at the pubs - what they do well; the children looking forward to a visit for a swim at the Expedition Pass Reservoir; the noise and the bustle at the Garfield waterwheel site. All this and more - Ken was able to make word pictures to accompany the photographs and examples of buildings from the past and those that are still in use to this day. What a great meal we had at the Chewton Pub!!

I have driven through Chewton many times as a bus driver in the last few years, looking at the architecture without realising the historical significance of it.

Thanks Ken for bringing it alive.

Pembo - Graham Pemberton (For and On behalf of the members of the Y Service Club of Kangaroo Flat Inc.)

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Real Estate Gossip

The frosts are already quite thick in the mornings but well worth braving the chill for the brilliant sunny days that follow. Enjoy these days of sunshine and happiness for next month’s Chat will be heralding the arrival of winter.

Properties for sale around Chewton are: Cantwell Property Group: • Albert Street, 2 vacant parcels, allotments, 8180sqm for $149,000.00 & 2973sqm for $135,000.00; • 49 Commissioners Gully Road, light and bright California bungalow on 7.5 acres, with established gardens, orchard and historic ruins, located on the fringe of the bushlands, $498,000.00; • 4 Prior St, “Amber House”, large family home in quiet rural setting of just over 2 acres (9091sqm). A charming blend of old and new, with beautifully renovated stone cottage with two storey extension creating magnificent family living. Featuring four bedrooms, plus study, two living areas, well-appointed kitchen dining room plus powder room, European style laundry heating and cooling. Also fully renovated self-contained cottage, generous bed/living, gas cooking, bathroom & European style laundry. Good shedding park-like gardens, for sale for $859,000.00; • 72 Steele Street, 1541sqm, views and all services available, for sale at $175,000.00; • 225 Sparks Road, 58Ha undulating parcel with historic remains, $679,000.00; • 616 Pyrenees Highway, .81Ha parcel with planning permit, vaild until January 2014 to build two bedroom home. With rambling creek within the boundary, established eucalypts and gentle elevation. Mains power available. For sale at $120,000.00.

Cassidy Real Estate: • 564 Pyrenees Highway, 3 bedroom character home on 5 acres with shedding and stables, $375,000.00; • 20 Commissioners Gully Road, 3 bedroom home set on 2.8 Ha, perched high on the hill overlooking Golden Point Road. Surrounded by an immaculate garden with town water plus 2-5000 gal water tanks. A 40 x 25 shed with power and concrete flooring, and stone ruins from the gold rush era, for sale at $459,000.00.

Castlemaine Property Group: • CA129, Fryers Rd, elevated vacant lot of 1320sqm, $135,000.00; • 20 Fryers Road, artistically renovated 2 bedroom miner’s cottage with external bungalow and studio, located short stroll to the shop and post office, $299,000.00; • 3 McCay Reservoir Rd, tucked away amongst small rural lifestyle properties, this charming timber home is set atop approx 4.8Ha of predominately creek flats along a seasonal creek, elevated home with 3 bedrooms and spacious living areas, $439,000.00;

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Pyrenees Highway, rare offering of 10 residential titles, with all main services available, being sold as a group in the one package. Situated in the midst of the historic gold mining village of Chewton, the allotments are only a short stroll to Hotel, general store, school and sports amenities. Allotments vary in size from 244m2 to 427m2 approx, for sale at $209,000.00; • 11 Monks Hill Road, renovated 1800s cottage set on nearly 6000sqm of park like gardens and seasonal creek, $515,000.00; • 77 Pioneers Road, single bedroom log cabin set high in the Bushlands with views over Chewton and onto Castlemaine, $315,000.00.

Keogh Real Estate: • 53 Eureka Street, 3 bedroom western cedar home with outdoor entertaining area, on 4000sqm surrounded by Diggings Heritage Park and Crown land, $395,000.00.

Stuart Real Estate: • 142 Main Road, Solid 3 bedroom clad home with art deco influence on a large allotment in Town Centre.

Polished floors, air-conditioning and gas heating. This property has a 3 bay Colorbond garage with workshop, outdoor areas and north facing yard with delightful views over the Diggings to the north, for sale at $345,000.00.

Waller Realty: • 6 Fryers Road, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, craftsman built stone home, located in the heart of town, extensive landscaping and plenty of vehicle storage, $720,000.00; • 103 Golden Point Road, renovated 3 bedroom home with self-contained unit, no neighbours and views across Forest Creek, $469,00000; • 7 Railway Street, fully renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on large allotment of 1120sqm, lovely shade trees and vegie garden, $385,000.00; • 107 Whitehorse Gully Rd, 2 or 3 bedroom home on nearly 1 hectare, surrounded by established European gardens and historic remains, for sale at $479,000.00; • 9 Church Street, 1371sqm lot, dotted with gums, in the heart of town and adjacent to historic church, $155,000.00.

• 732 Pyrenees Highway, ultimate family lifestyle with indoor pool and generous family room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, set on an elevated 3 acres with expansive views, the exterior is well set for entertaining, $525,0 00.00.

Lynne Williamson.

Pining for the past

The sound of chainsaws reverberated through Chewton during April. The parcel of land for sale along the main road played host to an impressive number of State Emergency Service (SES) vehicles, whilst a chainsaw training course was conducted for SES personnel. A number of pine trees on privately owned land were felled as part of the exercise, the training being provided by Holmesglen TAFE. The need for chainsaw training is constant, so chainsaw training courses are continually being run. One of the essential elements for these courses is the availability of stands of suitable trees. If you have trees that would be suitable for removal, contact Karl Liffman on 0428 507 610.

Chewton Community and Senior Cits Centre

The Chewton Senior Citizens Centre Hall Committee (not to be confused with Chewton Chewton Domain Society that manages the Chewton Town Hall on behalf of the community) is seeking help with ideas and support, to get the lovely large former church (the largest venue in Chewton) back into use again. We are applying for grants that are available.

If you would like to find out more, come along to our next meeting at the Senior Citizens Hall (rear entrance) at 7.30 pm.on Wednesday 4th June or contact the secretary Valda Casbolt on 54733357, nigelvalley@exemail.com.au or treasurer Rob McNabb on 54705580.

Trail bikes...

During the March FOBIF walk the morning tea break was taken at Expedition Pass Reservoir. Sitting under the big pine tree on the point just over the spillway was a peaceful Sunday morning spot - until the roar of two trail bikes punctured the tranquillity. Louder and louder the noise became and it was apparent the two riders were coming across the dam bank!

It really is a pity trail bikes travel too fast for their riders to read signage as they roar by. Had they read the sign they passed on the way onto the dam wall they may have behaved more responsibly. The reservoir wall they rode over is 202.7 metres long and 18 metres tall at its highest point. It is made of earth with a puddle core, made before modern machinery was available, so was compressed by flocks of sheep being driven to and fro during the construction period. A mud core wall is vulnerable to erosion so recent works have removed trees that were growing along the wall for fear they toppled and their roots exposed the inner parts of the wall to erosion. A visual inspection of the wall is done regularly, and an annual engineering report is a requirement for all major Australian dams.

Any wear or damage to the wall has to be constantly repaired. There is a reason behind the no-trailbike sign – the sign that in this case was missed (or ignored?)

FOR ALL YOUR BUYING & SELLING NEEDS

If you’re interested in a free market appraisal of your property please feel free to contact Nick Haslam 0418 322 789 nick@wallerrealty.com.au

167 BARKER STREET, CASTLEMAINE 5470 5811 www.wallerrealty.com.au

13

Bringing an old house back to life...

Readers may have noticed that the house formerly occupied by Rose McMillan at 239 Main Road is once again occupied. It has been a long slog since we purchased it in a derelict state in 2007 with a Heritage Overlay to satisfy.

Architects’ plans were revised a couple of times before everyone was satisfied that the view from Main Road, particularly when approaching Chewton, would not be compromised. Inside it is now a thoroughly modern home. Only the brick walls, the rafters and some ceilings could be saved, but windows and other features were remade in the style of the period. A stained glass fanlight featuring a rose was commissioned to honour the previous owner.

The Shire of Metcalfe Heritage Study 1992/93 said that “This substantially intact, early residence contributes to the gold era character of Chewton. Its location at the entrance to Chewton township and in close proximity to other residences of similar age and styling… adds to its significance.” In fact it is a pigeon pair with the equallyelevated house next door and they form a striking introduction to the township proper.

According to the 1992/93 study, the allotment was bought in 1860 by Charles Salmon, a hotel keeper and the house was built in the mid-1860s. With a rated value of 150 pounds in 1867, it was the most valuable house in the area. There is some confusion in the allotment numbering and it is possible that Charles Salmon owned the other brick house of the pair. Later owners were Edwin Purches, carcase butcher, from 1877 and Richard Carthew, a miner, from 1882. A butcher, Alfred Dunston, bought it in 1891 and in 1914 it was sold to Mary Jane McMillan. She left the house to Annie and Henry Madigan in 1955.

Rose McMillan (nee Madigan) was brought up next door and told how falling in love with the boy next door saved her having to travel far when they married. A photo was dropped in anonymously while the house was being

14

renovated so we haven’t had a chance to thank the person who did so. It shows Mrs William Henry Roberts (nee Celia Mary Ashman) holding her first child Winnie in front of the house in around 1901-02.

The name Ormond Cottage is painted on panels either side of the door. The name might be easily explained, as a Mr W.H.Roberts was the mining manager of the Francis Ormond mine, which could be seen from across the road from the house, and a member of the Chewton Borough Council. However, there seem to have been two men of different generations named W.H. Roberts so the connection between them, the house and the mine is not yet clear.

The house is now occupied by friends and it may be a few years before Anthea and I move into Chewton from Faraday. Meanwhile, we are pleased to have saved a house that was quite far gone and we hope it is good for at least another 150 years.

Peter McCarthy.

Councillor’s Chat

Council has been operating with six councillors instead of seven since the resignation of Cr. Tim Barber in February.

The wheels of the Victorian Electoral Office move slowly, but May is the month that should see a new seventh councillor arrive to take her or his place in the council chamber.

I hope you remember to complete and return your ballot paper.

The new councillor will arrive with several major items on council’s list for consideration, including determination on a planning permit for a broiler farm for 1.2 million birds, one kilometre to the west of the Baringhup township. The application is technically for three farms of 400,000 birds, each located so that their buffer zones do not overlap. This means that the application can avoid the requirement of an environmental effects study, which would look at the impact of the development on the local environment. Baringhup residents are understandably distressed at the prospect of such a development close to their homes and farms.

Closer to Chewton, council will soon be deciding on its preferred course of action for the development of the Wesley Hill Sports Complex, in particular, where to locate the new netball courts, and the nature of a new pavilion at Wesley Hill. This process has taken several years, with much debate and input from a variety of experts, designers, architects and other consultants, as well as considerable contributions from the Wesley Hill committee of management.

Moving to swimming pools, phase one of determining how to proceed with development of the Castlemaine swimming pool has been completed, with a survey revealing a clear community view that the current site is appropriate and that an all-year facility is what is required.

Phase two involves council being presented with possible options for the site, and the cost of each one. These will be made public to allow a further round of community input. Whichever option is chosen, it will be a major investment by council and will require grant monies from state and federal governments as well as borrowing by council.

Pools don’t come cheap, either to build or to run, which is why Chewton is so fortunate in having its own community-run pool. Congratulations to the hard workers of

the pool committee, and the life guards who kept the pool running last season, giving Chewtonites and others a great place to swim and cool off during the hot weather.

An item that has occupied some of my time recently is house insurance. Like many people in Mount Alexander Shire I live near the forest and my land is covered by a BMO (Bushfire Management Overlay) because it’s identified as being an area of high fire risk. Any new house being built in an area covered by a BMO is required to have increased levels of fire safety, which can include items such as metal shutters, boxed in eaves, fire resistant cladding materials and so on. The details are determined by the BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) of the location of the house, which is in turn determined by CFA assessment tools. These are based on proximity and type of trees and other vegetation and the slope of the land. So why does this concern me? The reason is that if my house were to be destroyed by fire, the new house that I’d expect my insurance to pay for would need to be built to a higher, more fire-safe standard. Council wouldn’t give me a planning permit for a house that simply replaced what I live in now, because of the rules that come with the BMO. The conclusion to all this is that I need to estimate how much it would cost to build a new home that I’d be allowed to build under the new rules. How much extra do I need to add to the simple replacement value of my home? It’s something that you might like to give thought to, and perhaps have a conversation with your insurance company, before you renew your home insurance.

Finally, a note to let everyone know that I’ll be away from the Shire during May. I’m travelling to England to see relatives and old friends and to visit the land of my paternal ancestors, the Lake District. I’ll look forward to meeting my new fellow councillor when I return at the start of June.

Cr. Christne Henderson.

15

MoBQing in April

April’s Chewton community barbecue was another beauty. Great company, great conversations, great laughs and great warmth! Although this MoBQ was Mo-less, it again proved to be entertaining.

Rob and Susan certainly stepped up to the plate - although Rob might need to consult the brazier manual before taking on that role again.

The smoke did clear eventually – and the conversation resumed!

And it’s on again in May - same place, same time for the Chewton Community BBQ known as the MoBQ. First Saturday in the month at 6 p.m. in the park beside the town hall. And the first Saturday is believed to be the 3rd of May. Hopefully, the right calendar has been consulted this month!

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When I grow up

When I grow up I want to be...

I dunno.

Grown ups are always frowning Who wants to be like that?

When I grow up I’d rather be...

A cat.

A cat is always happy You never see her frown.

She just lies there softly purring Nothing gets her down.

When I grow up I want to be...

I dunno.

Grown ups are always groaning That life’s a dreadful slog.

When I grow up I’d rather be...

A dog.

A dog is always frisky You’ll never hear him groan He’s too busy in Mum’s garden Digging up his bone.

When I grow up I want to be...

I dunno.

Grown ups are always fighting About something quite absurd.

When I grow up I’d rather be...

A bird.

Birds are always singing You never hear them fight Their joyful chorus fills the sky Glorious in flight.

When I grow up I want to be...

I dunno.

Grown ups are always praying.

To be diff’rent than they are.

When I grow up I’d rather be...

A star.

A star is always shining On someone else’s prayer Glittering with promise Nothing can compare...

Twinkle twinkle little star How I wonder...

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

I’m puzzled

I like cryptic crosswords, I do one every day.

I rack my brains for the answers But I find that they hide away.

Sometimes I think of a word that fits But it’s not until it is written That I can connect it with the clue, I’ve chewed off more than I’ve bitten.

I always do the across clues first, And write any answers I find.

Then I tackle the downward clues To exercise my mind.

I limit myself to one per day Or I’d get nothing else done.

I really enjoy my crosswords, I do them because they’re fun.

Rae Hawkins © April 2014.

Letter to the editor? Poetry?

Perhaps both!

Dear Editor, I had written a 500-word critique of the Portables Out Of Chewton (or POO Ch) movement for publication in the Chewton Chat. It is too technical, too long and too boring. This limerick sums it up. Hope you can use it.

Bloody Eyesore The invective you hurl on the “Portabul” Is by reason or fact not supportabul.

Must we cede dominion To baseless opinion?

The invective you hurl is nought shorta bull.

Cheers, David Watson.

David Watson.

17

Chatting about the arts with Phil & Debbie Hall Cathouse Players Return with ‘Deathtrap’

Spencer P Jones & Jan Palethorpe @ the Bridge

Hooked on Bossa @ the Comma

April got off to a foot stomping start with a blast from the past when the Bushwhackers took to the stage at the Theatre Royal, with support from old band member and wellknown local Jan “Yarn” Wositzky. Dressed appropriately, we blended in with the happy crowd and it was great to see the younger members of the audience get the dancing going early.

Throughout April Spencer P Jones was doing a residency at the Bridge Hotel which certainly added some musical spice to our Sunday afternoons. Easter Sunday got even better when, along with some visiting friends, we went to see Spencer at the Bridge, followed by “Hooked on Bossa” at the Comma. A great night was capped off by a visit to the unique back room of the Comma where yet another style of music was being played.

Our friends were most impressed with Chewton and the artistic diversity in Castlemaine. One of them posted an image on Facebook of the billboard at the Theatre Royal announcing Chad Morgan alongside the Cosmic Psychos to make that point.

The next residency for Sunday in May at the Bridge is Kim Salmon and look out for Hooked on Bossa who are playing again at the Coma during May.

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Tense moment at rehearsal Andrew Le Clercq as Clifford Anderson and Margaret Healy as Myra Bruhl Cathouse Players’ Rehearsal Room, (a.k.a. the Sartore pool room), has been a scene of almost-manic activity recently, as the final rehearsals and set-build sessions for Deathtrap are nearly over. All thoughts will turn towards Opening Night on Friday May 16, and the following seven performances, when Ira Levin’s exciting and suspenseful script (with just a humorous touch here and there), comes to life onstage at the Chewton Senior Citizens’ Centre.

Rehearsals proceed under the watchful eye of Stage Manager and general dogsbody, Maggie Browne, as Deathtrap’s Director, Bette Sartore, fine-tunes the intricate dialogue and fast-paced action of this classic mystery thriller, with spot-on cues from Lighting Designer/Operator, Helen Gramberg, and Sound Operator, Di Addington.

L - R Andrew Le Clercq as Clifford Anderson, and Frank Sartore as Sidney Bruhl rehearse a realistic scuffle, in this ‘play within a play’ “With Company members coming from a fairly widespread area around our two shires, and one dedicated cast member travelling from Campbellfield, we are so fortunate that everyone is totally committed to the success of Deathtrap, and that’s not just in the acting and tech. areas,” said Bette.

Our wonderful Production Designer Brian Fitches of Lauriston, has worked closely with Lyonville painter and scenic artist, Pauline Woodhouse, whose expertise with paint and brush continues to delight the eye, and brought to life the settings for Trap for a Lonely Man and Blithe Spirit, last year,” Bette said.

It’s worth noting that every performance of Blithe Spirit sold out in advance, so with our modest seating capacity limited to sixty-two, and with tickets already selling fast for Deathtrap, we hope that none of our regular or new patrons will leave it too late to book, and will miss out. The ticket price include Sherries served half an hour before show time, Interval tea and coffee, and complimentary programs. We serve cheese and local wines on Opening Night, or there’s our Gala Night on May 31, with an invitation for the audience to stay back and enjoy a postperformance supper and refreshments with cast and crew.”

L-RCastlemaine locals Andrew Le Clercq, Doug Owen and Di Addington during a rehearsal break Audiences will recognize two familiar faces in Deathtrap – Sidney Bruhl is played by Frank Sartore (Daniel, in Trap for a Lonely Man) and Clifford Anderson is played by Andrew Le Clercq (Charles in Blithe Spirit). They’ll be joined onstage by two Cathouse Players’ long-time members – Margaret Healy as Myra Bruhl, and Gail ‘Murfi’ McGregor, as Helga Ten Dorp. Making his Cathouse Players’ debut, thus being seen AND heard, is Castlemaine FM radio personality and founding member of “Riff Raff”, Doug Owen. Doug plays Porter Milgrim.

Performance venue: Chewton Senior Citizens’ Centre, 201 Main Road (plenty of parking at rear in Mount Street).

Performance dates: May 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 (Gala Night) all at 8pm; matinees on Sunday May 18 and May 25, both at 2pm.

Tickets $20/$15 for all shows except Gala Night, when all tickets are $25 Online bookings at www.trybooking.com/ELFW For enquiries and cash sales (only at theatre door) please call 0448 371 623. Catch us on Facebook

Castlemaine Theatre Company’s Daring New Production ‘Playhouse Creatures’

Rehearsals for ‘Playhouse Creatures’ The new production from Castlemaine Theatre Company, Playhouse Creatures is a bawdy, rambunctious tale of the very first female actresses.

Join us backstage at the King’s Theatre, to witness the precarious lives of four of London’s most famous actresses, as their trajectory rises from the gutter to the stars and back again. The most notorious amongst them is the riotous Nellie Gwyn who goes on to become the King’s favourite mistress, but sadly not all are as fortunate as she…

Set in 1669, in Restoration London, King Charles II has restored monarchy to England after decades of puritanical rule under Oliver Cromwell, and one of his first bold moves is to permit women to tread the boards of London’s theatres for the very first time. Theatres are reopened, and audiences turn out in droves to wonder at the spectacle of real flesh and blood women upon the stage.

At a time when we take for granted the rights of women to perform, write and direct; to own and manage theatres, Playhouse Creatures offers a lively and moving account of the ways in which Restoration actresses fought for financial independence and the right to be respected as legitimate actors.

Filled with sparkling wit, drama, and a dash of swashbuckling heroics, Playhouse Creatures takes a darkly humorous look at the onstage glitter and glamour, as well as

YOU CAN SCREAM IF YOU WANT ...IT’S GOOD FOR YOU! Cathouse Players Inc. are members of the Victorian Drama League, and Deathtrap has been entered in the VDL Awards for 2014!

And for a great two-course pre-show meal for just $20 p.p, call the Red Hill Hotel on 5472 2317 – bookings essential.

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the raw and honest life backstage. It’s rollicking good fun!

Playhouse Creatures is directed by Kenneth MacLeod, and features a cast of both new and familiar faces including April Bevin, Bridget Haylock, Tiffany Naughton (Aftershocks, The Hypochondriac, 1984), Donna Steven (Aftershocks, The Donahue Sisters), and Kate Stones (The Donahue Sisters, Emilie’s Voltaire, The Hypochondriac).

Please be aware that this play contains adult themes, earthy language and partial nudity.

Playhouse Creatures will play at the Old Castlemaine Gaol on Bowden Street 24 April - 10 May 2014, Thursday to Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are limited so book ahead at trybooking.com/EJJG or Maine Shoes and Accessories, 174 Barker St, Castlemaine, ph: 5472 1136, priced $25/$20 or $18 per head for groups of 5 and over.

Hayley Arjona,’s ‘Rock N Roll Redneck’ Opening Saturday 3 May 2-5 pm @ CASPA

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Rednecks are characters plucked from the pages of my sketch books and are based on observations of people around me.

They too are based on jokes or Aussie slang, or taken from the lyrics of Aussie garage punk songs. After developing and elaborating over these once spontaneous drawings they become overburdened in oil paint. Now, with their imposing scale and ostentatious colour schemes these Rock ‘n’ Roll Rednecks speak of uneasy relationships between subject and form and an awkward affiliation with Australian culture there on show.”

There’s lots happening in the region, and it’s easy to miss out. Remember to check out http://massculture.com. au/ to keep up with what’s happening in the region.

If you have any arts news, events, exhibitions, opportunities or if you are a local artist wanting to showcase your work or get involved with arts initiatives in the Chewton Community please contact us on 54725396 or email debbie@otterycottage.com .

20

Sun rises on new solar project... ...for MAS Chair of Mount Alexander Sustainability Group (MASG), Marg Rasa, today announced a new project that provides solar panels for community organisations in the Mount Alexander Shire. The People’s Solar heralds a new dawn in the way community organisations manage their energy needs. This exciting initiative is the result of a partnership between MASG and social enterprise Energy for the People.

“The People’s Solar is an innovative way to help cash-strapped community organisations tackle rising energy bills and creates genuine social dividends for all involved. The project raises money to help organisations acquire solar panels through tax deductible donations from the community,” Ms Rasa said. “The benefits of The People’s Solar go beyond simply reducing escalating energy bills. This project is about community helping to build community. The solar panels provide community organisations with an ongoing cash benefit from savings made year after year for the life of those panels. The money that is saved on energy can then be used by the organisation for its community projects and interests. People supporting community organisations often face endless demands for fundraising. This way they get a tax deduction for their donation AND they also know that their donation is returned year after year in the savings on electricity bills.

This project is targeting organisations which are high users of electricity during the day but often find it difficult to budget for ever increasing bills, let alone the up-front costs of solar panels.”

Fundraising for The People’s Solar is about to start.

The first organisations to participate will be the Castlemaine Childcare Centre and the Taradale Primary School.

These were selected because of their central importance within their respective communities and their strong ethos of working with those communities to build sustainability and resilience.

Taken from a Press Release.

Chewton Domain Society Correspondence received by the CDS included the paperwork for the $2,200 grant from GVESHO to help with administrative costs, an insurance account (more than $3,000) and a letter from MAS stating that the public toilets behind the town hall are the CDS property but a letter dated 24.11.1997 indicates that council did take on the responsibility for maintenance and cleaning of the toilets and will continue to do so for public use. It was suggested a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be signed to formalise this arrangement. * The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $38,044.17 with accounts for payment totalling $4,022.15, and committed funds of $23,125.00, making a balance of $14,919.17. A DPCD Final report for the Town Hall Restorations project has been sent – which includes an invoice for the final payment of $16,000 plus GST. * Sub-committee reports followed: People and Places reported that material recently donated by Bev Ralph on historical newspaper articles has been placed in a folder by Elaine.

Property Management reported that an invitation had been accepted from the Lions’ Club to do a presentation to them about the the town hall restoration project and to thank them for their $2,000 donation.

Kitchen work is proceeding with the kitchen cupboards to be reinstated and skirting boards put in.

White goods quotes from Tonks have been accepted and items ordered including an external hot water system which is to be stored at Sera Jane’s till ready for installation.

The Chewton Chat reported the Post Office has had 2 top ups of Chats this month, such has been the demand there. The Chats have been largish in recent months – with pages either numbering 32 or 36 per edition. The extra sizes have seen the printing costs reach $7,426.37 this financial year. Having printed 800 for several months (Copy Centre supplemented by extras done at council where paper is supplied and copying is free) there have been some returns of late so the quantity will be reduced to 700 next month. Distribution is changing constantly and is difficult to keep up with.

The March Chat had the council printed survey insert. The survey results are now in and have been summarised ready for a mid-May discussion and analysis.

They make interesting reading and the rankings have a few surprises. From the top two (Lobby council to reduce tip fees imposed on disposal of white goods/appliances and Lobby for funding to restore local assets such as the Chewton Community Centre) to the bottom two (Monster Meeting project materials and Jazz Festival) there’ll be a lot of discussion. And apart from the analysis a collection of comments have been collated. For example: • Many people love Chewton as it is. Need to be careful not to ‘kill the thing you love’ with over-development.

• Chewton rocks!

A stapled insert vandalised several of the March

Chats and this was reported in the April Chat. Hopefully we are over the incident now - although, as some of the comments show, there’s some angst still within this community. Always has been, always will be. And a community paper sits in the middle of all this, treading a fine line!

On a positive side, the Facebook page Chewton. net is going well – getting regular 40 plus views of the posts. Monster Meeting 1851’s Facebook page is moving towards the same. Both worth a look if you haven’t as yet – a lot of photos are being posted there.

The Park sub-committee reported on a local person cleaning the public toilets since the council ceased doing that. Fortunately that situation has been resolved. The BBQ has been regularly cleaned by local people in the same way, and to help solve this situation the CDS will provide BBQ wipes for users to clean after use.

• • • •

* General Business followed, including these: Chewton’s Biggest Morning Tea is to be held in the George Archer Pavilion on May 22nd.

A Back to Chewton could be held to coincide with the re-opening of the town hall.

Rose reported on a Mechanics Institute Conference held in Kilmore.

Discussion about community planning process followed. Discussion about what the CDS thoughts on how to progress some of the actions listed in the survey results. This is to be an agenda item at the next CDS Meeting.

The next CDS Management Committee Meeting is on Tuesday May 20th at 7 p.m. in the George Archer Pavilion.

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21

Discover Metcalfe Shire!

When we plan our holidays or even go in the car for a leisurely Sunday drive we so often look further afield before getting to know the wonders of our own district.

How many of us have missed the pleasure of having explored and supported our own tourist attractions, simply because we thought it was something we could do anytime? The fact is that the Shire of Metcalfe has so many places of interest, that it might just be worth re-discovering.

Within Metcalfe’s 590 square kilometres the contrasting landscapes seem to challenge and yet complement one another. The areas of eucalypt forest form a backdrop to the exotic deciduous trees, the rugged, untamed mountains watch over tranquil, welcoming communities.

The bush-clad hills and rocky outcrops dominate but do not detract from the lush grazing pastures, the colourful patch-work of our orchards, and the almost mystical, meandering creek flats.

Throughout the changing seasons the Shire displays a distinctive scene where the artistic colours of the Australian setting and its European influence blend in unity.

Compare the rich red of exposed earth in eroded gullies with the white sandy beaches of pebbled streams.

Explore the mineral springs, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Many types of rock formation and vegetation exist within the Shire and some of the flora and fauna are unique to central Victoria.

The townships created by the rush of gold-miners to the district in the early 1850s are full of interesting architecture and monuments.

We are fortunate that a large number of structures from last century remain to remind us of our heritage. Not only are our buildings important but so is the railway line, the water courses and early mining remnants.

Visit the animal reserves, plan a picnic in a park, fossick or pan for gold, relax while fishing or swimming, tour the plant nurseries, galleries or museums, and when you have visitors from “less fortunate” areas you can feel proud of showing them around, because as you will find, there is so much to show off, so close to home.

An extract taken from the Metcalfe Shire’s Community Newsletter published in December 1985 - when the shire had a population of 2,500, covered 580 square kilometres and boasted an annual rate base of $500,000!

And that was only 29 years ago...

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April FOBIF walk

FOBIF’s second bush walk for the year was along the Poverty Gully water race. Fifteen people came including the leader Marion Letcher. The weather was sunny and mild and the group walked at a good pace, covering 12 kms in four and a half hours. Marion was very knowledgeable and informative stopping to talk briefly about areas of interest along the way. We were captivated with the Eureka Reef, the Cornish chimneys and aboriginal wells as well as the water races we walked along for much of the time.

Thanks to Deirdre Slattery for helping with the identification of trees along the route.

Photos of Eureka Reef and a Cornish Chimney courtesy of Harley Parker

Next FOBIF walk

The next FOBIF walk is on the 18th of May on Mount Alexander. Starting at the Oak Forest in the foothills of Mount Alexander, this 10 km walk will pass along the West Ridge and Dog Rocks.

We will take in granite quarries and grand old trees as well as observing the blackberry and St John’s Wort infestations on the Mount. For more information contact Doug Ralph on 5470 5407.

Muckleford forest walk The second in FOBIF’s program of walks for young people took place on Sunday, with thirteen participants plus leaders taking on a circuit in the Muckleford forest. The two hour walk included nature observations and consideration of DEPI interpretation panels – including the search for a non existent native cherry tree.

Post Office Hill Action Group (POHAG) The past month was a fairly quiet period. Finishing touches have been given to the nesting boxes which were made in conjunction with the pupils at Chewton Primary School in preparation for installing them in the bush near the school. Some of the guards were removed from past plantings and the remainder need to be dealt with as soon as possible for many plants have out-grown the guards.

Negotiations to have the trees to the west of the school thinned continue and it is expected that further grooming of gorse and blackberry will occur in the near future. A maintenance and access track has been proposed around the southern and eastern perimeter of Block 1 from Railway Street to Mitchell Street.

The next meeting will be on Sunday, 11th May at 10:00am in Sam’s Shed. All welcome!

Ian O’Halloran.

FOBIF photographers at TOGS

FOBIF is having another photo show at TOGS Cafe and Gallery, 56 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. The title of the show, Small Wonders, reflects the surprising discoveries people often make when they take a close look at nature.

All photos are taken in our local area, with 12 photographers taking part. The show began on 25 April and runs until 5 June. Togs is open daily between 9 am and 5 pm.

Photos are for sale.

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Chewton - 100 years ago...

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Mount. Alexander Mail - Saturday 2 May 1914

CORRESPONDENCE CHEWTON BOROUGH.

Sir, — The remarks made by the Mayor of Chewton at the last Council meeting, re Meredith’s bridge, are laughable, but not surprising. There are three bridges in a state of collapse, and it is admitted, the council is totally unable to attend to them for want of funds, and not the slightest hope of getting more than the present eighteen penny rate out of the suffering ratepayers. Is not this state of affairs enough to make those councillors blush, who have so persistently fought against amalgamation, even when fully expressed at public meeting, and at the polling booth? It seems that nothing but compulsory sequestration, with the help of the Insolvent Court, will place Chewton where it ought to be - that is, a part of one of the adjoining municipalities. But we can hardly expect any relief while some of the councillors remain in office. Our rates and taxes are nearly all required to pay salaries and commissions, and the poor taxpayers have to look on at the disgraceful state of the roads with silent grief.

Yours etc., ROBERT OTTERY. Chewton, 1st May, 1914.

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Mount. Alexander Mail - Wednesday 6 May 1914 To yesterday’s meeting of the Mount Alexander Shire Council, the secretary (Mr A. S. Chapman.) reported that a day or two previously he had noticed that as much as 20 panels of good fencing (the council’s property) had been cut away from the Elphinstone Tunnel Hill. He added that in Chewton borough nearly half the fencing of a reserve had been taken away. Councillors were naturally highly indignant at such dastardly conduct, and ordered that the attention of the Chewton police should be drawn to the matter. The secretary said that he had a good inkling where the fencing had gone, but he had no proof. It is to be hoped that the police will be able to furnish this.

Book launch...

RAILWAY LINE 1891-1954

(The book is dedicated to all who used the line and all who worked on it.)

By Ken James, Noel Davis & David Langley Launch on 28 June 2014 at 2 pm At 75 Piper Street, Kyneton RSVP by June 21st to Lst21865@biqpond.net.au or to Larina 0418 545 648.

Afternoon Tea will follow

For all your LPG requirements call

Alan & Heather Harris East End Servo

Buda Historic Home and Garden A property of national significance.

Home of the noted Gold and Silversmith ERNEST LEVINY and his family from 1863 to 1981, featuring authentic furnishings, arts and crafts collection, significant heritage garden and grounds.

Nursery selling drought-hardy plants, many propagated from the garden.

Open hours Wed - Sat 12noon to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Groups by appointment.

42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine 3450, T/F: (03) 5472 1032 E: admin@budacastlemaine.org

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National Trust Heritage Festival activities Nine events are offered across the Mount Alexander Shire as our part in the state-wide National Trust Heritage Festival which runs through May with the theme ‘Journeys’.

The local Trust Branch offers a full-day bus tour of the Coliban Main Channel on Sunday 18 May. The Coliban is one of the earliest water supply systems in the State and was established in 1877 to carry fresh water from Malmsbury to Bendigo, where insufficient water was available to maintain the thousands of hopefuls who had flocked there in search of gold. Diseases were rife in the filthy creek water and the supply of fresh water undoubtedly saved many lives.

The supply system was established in haste and there were many difficulties to be overcome, but it was immediately effective. The tour offered by the Trust will visit points of historical interest where many of the original structures and channels are still operating today and visitors will be told how the scheme evolved. Bookings are essential for this journey and further information can be found at the Castlemaine and Maldon Visitor Information Centres.

A related but quite separate story will be told by Dr Fred Cahir in an illustrated talk “Are We There Yet?” Fred is a Senior Lecturer at Ballarat University and on the afternoon of Sunday 4 May he will describe how local Aboriginal guides came to the rescue of many gold fossickers who had lost their way in the unexplored bush.

Another kind of journey will be taken by a convoy of cars, led

by George Milford, as it revisits the early history of Mount Alexander - the mountain itself. This tour is arranged by Harcourt Valley Heritage & Tourist Centre and will occupy the afternoon of Sunday 18 May. The Mount Alexander Heritage Advisory Committee offers an interesting opportunity to visit current and former municipal buildings, including town halls and shire offices. Seven properties will be open for inspection on Saturday 10 May, including some little known or perhaps already forgotten, such as the former Campbells Creek Road Board Chambers. These tours are free.

Taken from a Press Release.

An Illustrated Presentation: “Are We There Yet?” 3.00-4.30pm Sunday 4 May

In the 1880s vast areas of Victoria remained trackless and many travellers found it difficult to trace out a comparatively frequented road, let alone take on the dangerous task of setting out on a new path. Often Aboriginal guides came to their rescue. Some guides appear to have taken on the role spontaneously, showing new goldfields, rescuing, providing food, warning, trading and naming features in the landscape.

Dr Fred Cahir is a Senior Lecturer at Ballarat University.

His presentation sets out to reveal the role and significance of Aboriginal guides and to explore some of the motives for Aboriginal people to act as guides.

$10.00 per person

Chewton Community Centre, 101 Main Rd Chewton.

Bookings please by Sunday 27 April

Call 5472 4534 or email adco@bigpond.net.au

Presented by the Mount Alexander Branch of the National Trust

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Barking about firewood collection

Illegal commercial firewood sales

Prosecuted for removing roadside trees

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) has launched a statewide investigation into the illegal commercial sale of firewood sourced from public land.

DEPI Senior Forests Investigator Greg Chant said, “The aim of Operation Trident is to gather information from the community about the illegal sale of firewood from public land and then prosecute anyone found to have broken the law. We know that firewood is being illegally removed from public land and sold. This has been an issue for many years. This activity is making a profit from taking firewood that should be available free of charge to the community during the domestic firewood season. If you know of anyone who is buying or selling firewood taken from public land illegally we want to know about it.

Your information can be provided anonymously by calling DEPI on 136 186.”

Commercial firewood suppliers need to have the appropriate licences and permits to sell firewood obtained from public land. Commercial firewood suppliers must be able to produce their licence or permit to anyone considering buying firewood from them.

“We also want to remind the community that it is illegal to remove firewood from any public land other than a domestic firewood coupe during the designated firewood collection seasons,” Mr. Chant said. “These domestic firewood coupes are not available to commercial firewood sellers. By purchasing firewood from unlicensed suppliers, purchasers are undermining legitimate licensed firewood suppliers resulting in increased prices for firewood.”

The illegal sale of firewood is viewed as a serious offence which attracts penalties of up to $7218 or one year imprisonment or both. DEPI manages Victoria’s public land and natural resources with the aim of achieving the best results for the environment and the community.

For more information go to http://www.depi.vic.gov. au/forestry-and-land-use/forest-management/firewood Taken from a Press Release.

Mount Alexander Shire’s roadside vegetation is a valued environmental and community asset. A local resident was recently prosecuted for removing up to 24 trees of varying sizes from a Council managed roadside reserve in Barkers Creek.

At the Castlemaine Magistrates Court, the resident pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay Council’s legal costs of $3,500 and was fined an additional $1,750. Council wishes to remind people that $5,250, plus legal costs is a hefty amount to pay for an alleged $360 worth of firewood!

With the cooler months ahead, Council wishes to remind residents that the removal of roadside native vegetation will be taken seriously. The Planning and Environment Act 1987 provides Council with the authority in matters of illegal vegetation removal on both private and public land.

Further to this Council’s own Roadside Conservation Management Plan 2012 – 2017 states that “the network (of roadside native vegetation) comprises a cross-section of almost all habitat types… and supports most of Mount Alexander’s vulnerable or threatened flora and fauna species”.

Taken from a Press Release.

LICENSED FOR ROADWORTHY VEHICLE TESTING Petrol and Gas

Ring 5472 3469 Main Road, Chewton CHEWTON GARAGE

Please support our advertisers... ...and let them know you’ve seen their advertisement in the Chat!

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Families warm to plantation firewood

Central Victorian families can from Easter access a reliable source of environmentally friendly, plantation-grown firewood to keep them warm this winter.

Launching the business at the Bendigo Community Farmers Market last Saturday wood4good spokesperson Ben Boxshall said, “when produced locally from tree plantations established and managed to help protect our farms, biodiversity and our future, wood is indisputably good. We were very pleased with the community interest in our product at the Farmers Market on Saturday. Wood4good is a business that aims to service the increasing demand for responsibly sourced, plantation-derived forest products and associated environmental services.

“We are marketing a quality, plantation-grown product into the local domestic firewood market as an alternative to wood sourced from woodlands and forests. Our aim is to win the trust of a loyal customer base, and within five years become the brand of choice for the majority of residential and commercial firewood consumers throughout Victoria. As trees are powered by the sun they offer a

potential source of clean, renewable energy in the form of wood. Providing you get your firewood from a sustainable source, and burn it efficiently, then firewood is a responsible choice.

“Our customers can pick-up firewood from Peppergreen Farm in Bendigo or we can arrange delivery. Either way wood4good is the place to source your fuelwood supply for this winter.

You get clean, standard length billets of thoroughly seasoned gum or ironbark.

When wood is delivered it comes in a safe, no-mess, reusable bulk bag.

“We will also supply the customers with information on the type of wood, where it was grown and how dry it is on delivery.”

For more information about wood4good’s product and delivery and pickup options, visit: www.wood4good.com. au, email: info@wood4good.com.au, or phone 0475 191 937.

Taken from a Press Release.

Photo: wood4good’s Ben Boxshall (left) and Malcolm Brown (right) with City of Greater Bendigo’s Councillor James Williams at the launch of the business, Bendigo Community Farmers Market, 12 April 2014.

Mother’s Day at Buda

A special afternoon tea is being held to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 11th May at Buda Historic Home & Garden in Castlemaine.

Commencing at 2.00pm guests will enjoy an afternoon tea of home made cakes in the delightful Buda Garden Room. Bring your Mum and enjoy the colours of Autumn at historic Buda.

Special guest will be Lauretta Zilles, Buda curator.

Lauretta will give an introductory talk on the exhibition in the house, “Buttonalia”. Tickets include a tour of the exhibition in the historic house. This will be a fun exhibition showcasing the vintage button collection of Jan Harris, a Melbourne vintage button collector, and runs from 3 May to 6 July.

Tickets are $25 full price or $20 for concessions and Friends of Buda and can be purchased securely online through Trybooking on http://www. trybooking.com/81451 You can also drop in to Buda to purchase a ticket or call on 5472 1032 For further information, please call in to Buda between 10.00am and 5pm daily or call 03 54721032.

Taken from a Press Release.

Wesley Hill Community Market Every Saturday 7.30am – 1.00pm An old fashioned Country Market Opposite the Albion Hotel New stallholders always welcome.

Call the Market Manager

0418 117 953

Five Flags Hotel Campbells Creek

* Sunday Roast * New Spring menu

* Cool, shady beer garden * Pubtab and Keno * Drive through bottleshop Open everyday for lunch and dinner

5472 1010 27

Giving Up to Gain - Health Hints for May

If there has been a significant theme in my life so far this year, it’s that it’s been a year for giving things up. Bad habits, physically draining jobs, negative mindsets, toxic foods, taxing relationships - the list is long.

I’ve been aware for a long time that some aspects of my work have been having a detrimental effect on my own physical well being. I’ve been trying to fix other people and not having my own needs attended to. I have called upon my body strength and energy reserves and I knew I couldn’t keep it up indefinitely. I knew I needed to find the courage to say, “No, enough is enough.”

Some of us have natural talents which we can call upon for a good long while, but as every athlete knows, there is a time to play our last professional game, swim our last competitive lap, sell the racing bike. Deep down we know that whatever has been defining us for years, cannot support us forever. There is a natural tinge of sadness when you know the time has come to move away from the things you loved to do with your life.

There is also a time in life that may be age related, it may be an internal survival mechanism, but there does seem to come a time in maturity, when we begin to naturally say no to the things that do not support our well being. It’s a time when we develop enough inner confidence to be true to ourselves. It’s a time when we really don’t care much what others think of us. It’s a time when we can say, this is me, this is who I am. I’m trying my best and if that doesn’t suit you, too bad.

It’s a hard road to risk feeling rejected because you’re not being who you used to be for others. It is often hard for a person to come to terms with the fact that they may not be as fit, or young, or capable of doing the jobs they have managed to do in the past. But it is not a failing to recognise your body signals alerting you to change your ways.

As much as some of us have the spirit and the will to keep pushing ourselves, ultimately, life will find a reason or a way to slow you down, or to put obstacles in your way. Mostly this happens because we weren’t listening in the first place. We don’t often honour our need for peace and rest. Our body tries to tell us, it really does.

I adore people with a strong will. It’s a wonderful trait to have. Drive, ambition, persistence, a great big ‘can do’ attitude - who wouldn’t want those? It’s the calling card of a winner. Sometimes though, you gotta’ give it all up, and do it to gain something much more precious back.

Maybe it’s your health, maybe your sanity. Maybe it’s the precious time you gain to spend with the ones you love.

Life is not about pushing the river, it’s learning there’s a reason to go with the flow.

Kazuro Ishiguro wrote, “All I know is that I’ve wasted all these years looking for something, a sort of trophy I’d get if only I really, really did enough to deserve it.

But I don’t want it any more, I want something else now, something warm and sheltering, something I can turn to, regardless of what I do, regardless of who I become, something that will just be there, always, like tomorrow’s sky”.

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I myself am moving into a new era in my working life. I have been hearing my body speak to me for quite some time and I want to thank all the wonderful women who have supported my business over the years. You know who you are! I’m giving up massage to gain graceful hands. I wish you well.

Thea O Brien.

Textiles @ Buda

Textiles and art connoisseurs are in for a treat with the Buda Contemporary Textiles Award & Exhibition 2014 to be held from June 1 – 15 at Buda Historic Home & Garden in Castlemaine.

Now in its 4th year, the buzz around this award is starting to build, especially for young artists working in contemporary fields. Talented textile artists from across Australia and New Zealand will be on display, competing for cash prizes totalling $1,750 including the Visitor’s Choice prize and Student/Apprentice Encouragement Award. Category winners will be announced the day before the exhibition opens to the public. A fundraising raffle will be held with fabulous prizes such as a Bress Winery dinner for 4 valued at $320 and a Teresa Poletti Glover original textiles artwork, valued at over $300. Visitors are also invited to have their say on their favourite artwork in the People’s Choice Award.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10.00am until 4.00pm daily between Sunday 1 June and Sunday 15 June in the Buda Garden Room. Entry is $7.

In addition to the main exhibition at Buda, student textiles work will be displayed in participating shops in the central business district and Castlemaine Art Gallery creating a textile theme across the town.

A display of vintage buttons entitled Buttonalia is also being held in historic Buda house from May 3 to July 6. Collected over many years by Jan Harris, this exhibition promises to be a real drawcard, and complementary exhibition to the Textiles exhibition in the Buda Garden Room. This exhibition is free with your entry to Buda, or pay $15 for both exhibitions For further information about the exhibition go to www.budacastlemaine.org or call 03 5472-1032 during office hours.

Taken from a Press Release.

Photo: Joanne Chapple “The Golden Bush” 2012

Chewton’s Biggest Morning Tea Thursday 22nd of May at 10 a.m.

George Archer Pavilion (Chewton Soldiers’ Memorial Park) Enquiries: Barbara Dry 5472 3385, Judy Cobb 5472 5118, Marie Jones 5472 2892

... a place to meet old friends and make new ones...

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MAS Budget 2014-15

At the last Council meeting, it was approved to place the Proposed Budget 2014/2015 on public exhibition from Tuesday 29 April 2014 until 5.00pm on Wednesday 28 May 2014 for public comments.

Priorities in the Proposed Budget continue Council’s focus on improving our roads, buildings and sporting facilities and maintaining current levels of services to the community. The capital expenditure and special projects have been prioritised based on a number of key strategies adopted by Council including: Investing in Sport, Walking and Cycling Strategy, Environment Strategy, Health and Wellbeing Plan, Waste Management Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and the Information Technology Strategy.

“With this Proposed Budget, it continues to reflect the key priorities and objectives that we are working towards in our Council Plan 2013-2017,” said Mayor Michael Redden. “It maintains our priority to allocate funds to the renewal and maintenance of ageing infrastructure across the Shire, whilst allowing us to fund some exciting new initiatives.”

The Budget has been produced in accordance with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, which was developed to ensure a longer term prudent financial framework.

The total Capital Works Program will be $9.74 million, of which $611,000 relates to projects carried over from the 2013/2014 year. The Capital Works Program includes $1.82 million for repairs to roads, $2 million for improvements to public buildings including $880,000 to replace the roof and ceiling on the Castlemaine Town Hall, $956,095 for sporting facilities including works at Camp Reserve and the Harcourt Leisure Centre, $600,000 for bridges and $621,000 for walking and cycling paths.

The proposed Budget has a number of new initiatives including: • $70,000 to develop an Open Space Strategy to provide the basis of future planning and development of open spaces in the Shire.

• $50,000 to review options for Castlemaine’s Cultural Precinct that will provide contemporary facilities that will meet future need.

• $50,000 to undertake a tree audit and maintenance program to facilitate best practice tree management.

• $70,000 to develop a Community Facilities Asset Management Plan to provide an accurate record of all Council owned and managed facilities.

• $30,000 to review options for Council’s future waste management with a focus on innovative waste management solutions.

It is proposed that revenue raised by rates and charges be increased by 6.5 percent in line with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, and kerbside bin collection charges by 7 percent for the 2014/2015 year.

“We welcome community members to inspect the proposed Budget and to provide us with their feedback,” said Cr Redden.

People can view the Proposed Budget 2014/2015 by

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visiting the Your Input section of the council’s website or by visiting the Council’s Customer Service Centre located at the Civic Centre, Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd Streets, Castlemaine, the Castlemaine Library, the Maldon Visitor Information Centre and the Campbells Creek, Chewton, Elphinstone, Guildford, Harcourt, Newstead and Taradale Post Offices.

Public submissions will be accepted in relation to the Budget until 5.00pm on Wednesday 28 May 2014. Council will meet to hear submissions at 5.00pm on Tuesday 10 June 2014 at the Civic Centre and will then meet to adopt the 2014/2015 Budget at its Ordinary Meeting to be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 24 June at the Civic Centre.

Taken from a Press Release.

International Composting Awareness Week Australia

Better Soil, Better Life, Better Future Monday 5 – Sunday 11 May 2014

International Composting Awareness Week Australia

(ICAW), is a week of activities, events and publicity to improve awareness of the importance of compost, a valuable organic resource and to promote compost use, knowledge and products. We can compost to help scrap carbon pollution by avoiding landfilling organic materials and helping to build healthier soils.

The Centre for Organic Research & Education (CORE) promotes and manages the key aspects that lead to community change towards organic products and practices.

www.goldfieldelectronics.com.au

neilb1@tpg.com.au

CWA Castlemaine

Our main news this month is to remind everyone of the magnificent, crazy, creative, wonderful CWA CASTLEMAINE BEANIE AFFAIR on the weekend of May - FRIDAY 23, SATURDAY 24, & SUNDAY 25. It’s at the Market Hall in Castlemaine and has become a yearly highlight of EXCITING CREATIVITY & innovation in our town.

There is still time to enter your beanies - which will be displayed and sold for you.

Entry details are on our website www.beanieaffair.org.au

This year we will also be serving Devonshire Teas from the Ray Bradfield Room - the famous CWA scone makers will be cooking flat out.!

So if you are crafty or just needy for fabulous woollen items or want to see the spinners at work and learn skills with wool DONT MISS A VISIT TO THE BEANIE AFFAIR! Suzanne Ingleton CMC President, Castlemaine Branch CWA castlemainecwa@gmail.com PO Box 19 Castlemaine 3450

Anzac Day re-visited... ...more photos

FIELD NATS

VISITORS ARE WELCOME AT CLUB MEETINGS AND EXCURSIONS Fri May 9th Meeting: Speaker: Hanrahan on Fungi Sat May 10th: No excursion this month Ordinary membership: Single $30, Family $40, 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 Website: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~cfnc

Vocal Nosh

a good sing & good food in convivial company

Sunday 4th May Newstead Community Centre led this month by Polly Christie of Malmsbury Theme: Celtic and Other Favourites

12-18 May National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer!!!!

• 6.00 - 7.00 pm Vocal entrée - warm up/easy stuff • 7.00 - 7.30 pm Food - Hearty soup, crusty bread, fresh fruit • 7.30 - 8.30 pm Musical main-course – Delicious harmonies Songs in the folk style, mostly a cappella - no prior musical experience necessary - no need to read music Singing for the pleasure of it Bookings by email: faywhite.music@westnet.com.au or phone Fay 5461 5471

The Chewton Chat is published by the Chewton Domain Society. A subcommittee of John Ellis (Ed.),Bettie Exon, Gloria Meltzer, Debbie Hall, Phil Hall and Glen Harrison 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 to goldenpoint2@bigpond.com or by calling 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, East End Servo, Red Hill Hotel, Castle Automotive Enterprises and Tourist Information Board, as well as the Bold Cafe, Castlemaine Library, Market Building, CHIRP, CIC, Castlemaine Copy Centre, Castlemaine Camera Shop 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 800. A full colour Chewton Chat can also be downloaded each month from www.chewton.net - as can earlier issues. The CDS can be contacted through PO Box 85, Chewton, 3451; or the Chewton Town Hall 5470 6131 (when open). 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.

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In search of rain...

As you would no doubt expect, the moment I comment about a lack of rain, it ups and pours. We got a sprinkling on the 25th, then 25 millimetres the following day, and then another sprinkling to finish that little drenching. The following Saturday we received an additional ten millimetres to ensure that the tanks were nicely topped up and the tomato vines given a handsome respite from the dry old summer they have been subject to so far. The Lebanese cucumbers are going nicely, and the now nearly naked fruit trees were pleased to see something approaching a decent natural drink, following their diet consisting entirely of tank water (now some two or more years old).

I can now feel safe to use the water reserved for fire-fighting should it become necessary in the next few months, but a bit more of the fresh stuff would be best.

The third week of April had a suspicious chill about it, though the last week made an attempt to imitate the summer past with temperatures in the mid-twenties.

Overnight temperatures remained OK. It was kept mild by the cloudy and overcast days and nights. The new month started well, with a thirty degree day to commence with, but quickly resumed the downward trend to cool and even rain.

The tomatoes themselves were just starting to see some benefit from the rain when we left for a stint at

sea again. Something about a relaxing couple of weeks away I was told, but I can’t seem to avoid a short trip every now and again. This time we have ventured into the South Pacific Ocean and some well-known Islands.

For me, it seemed more about the home of El Nino. Being uncertain of the precise latitude where he may be found, we have gone northeast, cutting across the Tropic of Capricorn and up towards the equator. No sign of him of course, though you wouldn’t expect to find him that easily. He is known to reside in and between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, centred somewhere about the Equator. The weather here to date has been excellent, even the most timid of sailors has easily avoided an evacuation of their meals to the sea-life around us. The sea has been almost calm, even glassy calm on some occasions, not however, where I expected to sight El Nino.

Given that the Polynesians are celebrated navigators that used winds, tides, sea-birds and stars to find their way around, some help could have been expected. Originating in Taiwan, Polynesians migrated east from Papua New Guinea and thereabouts into the oceanic islands, way over to the Marianas and Hawaii. Running out of living space they colonised new lands, then aggressively employed pugilistic tactics to persuade waves of following travellers to bypass their place. Familiarity with El Nino was a no-brainer. So stops along the way for directions are proving necessary to keep to our April strategy.

John Leavesley.

Calendar of Events May 3rd Chewton Community BBQ (the MoBQ!), 6 p.m., Ellery Park (see page 16).

May 8th ‘Families, war and other stories’, 6.30 p.m., Castlemaine RSL Hall (see page 3).

May 9th ‘Agitation, protest and democracy in Central Victoria’, 6 p.m., Castlemaine Anglican Church (see page 8).

May 9th Tracey Candy and Fancy Dress, 7 p.m., Red Hill Hotel.

May 11th Mother’s Day. May 11th Morning Prayer, 9.15 a.m., St. John’s Anglican Church Chewton.

May 11th POHAG meeting, 10 a.m., Sam’s Shed (see page 23).

May 13th MAS Council meeting, 7.30 p.m., Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Castlemaine May 16th Calder Ward bye-election voting closes, 6 p.m.

May 16th Opening night for Deathtrap, 8 p.m., Chewton Community Centre (see page 19).

May 17th Calder Ward bye-election vote count.

May 18th FOBIF walk, 9.30 a.m., Mount Alexander (see page 22, call 5470 5407 for details).

May 20th Chewton Domain Society Man. Comm. meeting, 7 p.m., George Archer Pavilion.

May 22nd Chewton’s Biggest Morning Tea, 10 a.m., George Archer Pavilion, CSMP. May 24th Deadline for the June Chewton Chat.

May 24th Fryerstown Films (Holiday), 7.30 p.m., Fryerstown Hall (see page 8).

May 25th Golden Point Landcare meeting, 10 a.m., Ellery Park.

May 27th Special service for Edna Preece’s 90th birthday, 9.30 a.m., St. John’s,Chewton.

May 27th MAS Council meeting, 7.30 p.m., Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Castlemaine May 31st Folding Chewton Chat, 2.30 p.m., Chewton General Store.

... and May we all have a good month!

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