The Local

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Community support overwhelming

friends, colleagues, acquaintances - and Welcome to the second edition of The getting to know even more about them.

Local - for Daylesford, Hepburn and So thanks to everyone for their surrounds. And no, you’re not losing your overwhelming support - and for our mind, nor do you need glasses.

It was just two weeks ago that I welcomed you to the first edition of a new monthly news magazine for the region.

And obviously it’s no longer monthly.

That’s thanks to the great support and many kind words we have received since we first hit the streets on Monday, September 2.

It seems that people do love the concept of a really local read. I started out on local newspapers, mostly weekly, and I always thought that the thing that made them local was that you knew at least one, and hopefully more, of the people on the pages.

And I think that’s what happening with The Local. People are reading about their

Again, special thanks to:

Graphic design - Glen Heyne and Kate Buckland Contributors - Patrick Jones, Doug advertisers who make it all feasible. I hope Strates, Rosie Kelly you will support their businesses - because Sub-editing - Nick Bunning and Lindsay they are local too.

Smith The Local crew has enjoyed putting this Photography - Louise Oldfield, Doug issue’s news, profiles, columns and photos together - and hope you enjoy it just as much. Strates, Alison Pouliot Printing - Kyneton Copy Oh, if you have read your copy feel free (Front cover image - Glenlyon and to hand to your neighbour, friend or drop it off at your workplace or school. It’s all about District Restorer’s and Collector’s Society president Adam Tori. Read about sustainability too. the Glenlyon Swap Meet on p10.)

Cheers, Donna Kelly (Editor) dhslocal@gmail.com 0418 576 513

Need wonderful words on your website?

Want fantastic photography?

Love more likes on Facebook?

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News

Finals fever Saturday, September 14, 2013. What an amazing day of sport.

The biggest win of the day went to the Hepburn Football Club, which took out the seniors’ grand final against Buninyong with a final score of 16.10-106 to 14.1397. Talk about a nailbiter. Turn to the back page for great photos from the game.

And Daylesford’s Under 18’s team won its grand final, also against Buninyong, with a final score of 9.10-64 to 8.5-53.

Meanwhile Hepburn Netball Club’s Grade C team took home the trophy winning against Springbank, with a final score of 29-18. With Tania Grant winning Best on Court.

And while Hepburn Football Club’s Under 15’s couldn’t quite win against Buninyong, they went close with a final score of 5.14-44 to 7.9-51. Well done all!

Lots more photos available to view, and buy, on The Local Facebook site - go to facebook.com/DHSLocal.

Photos by Donna Kelly

Crafts

Creating: Ceramicist Minna Graham at work in her studio, left, and her shelves, above and below.

Ceramicist hugely influenced by bush block

By Donna Kelly

“I have fond memories of after school sitting in my dad’s art class and using all the scraps of leftover clay.

“So I knew a bit about pottery, not a lot, and got in touch with someone who had done the course in Ballarat at TAFE, and enrolled

She has also developed her own glazes with one particular glaze, that she came upon by accident, taking three years to accurately Ceramicist Minna Graham is “hugely recreate. influenced” by the surrounds on “(And) I am always searching for new her bush block on the outskirts of ways of doing things, I get bored with Daylesford. making the same thing over and over again.

“The outlook and my land definitely “A new way to make a bowl, make a cup, inspires me,” she said.

“I watch four decorate or carve it. A new way to make a tea “I think everything I make is to do with pot – I have developed some new techniques seasons from this spot what I see out my window...shapes and there.” here and in winter it’s ice, particularly glazes. I watch four seasons Minna’s work is on exhibition “from from this spot here and in winter it’s ice, and and water teaming down time to time” mostly in Castlemaine and water teaming down the driveway, and water the driveway, and water Clayspace in Daylesford. She is also dripping and running off things. represented at a number of outlets in dripping and running off “So I have developed a glaze that is very, Sydney, Melbourne and around the Central very watery and speaks of pools. things.”

Highlands.

“And in summer it’s hot and it’s dry and For those just starting their ceramic there is a lot of smoke and bushfires, and that there, discovered a passion for it and never journey, her advice, especially throwing on kind of thing, so I have developed a glaze looked back. the wheel, is to “get as much practise as you that, to me, speaks of charred word and heat.

“I guess for me it’s a creative outlet can”.

“And my clay body is also a reflection of and for years I was looking for something “Repetition is the key, throw that cup over the earth to me. It hugely influences what I - a way to develop my creativity in a and over and over and over. Don’t give up.” make and do.” professional way and clay was it, I just fell in This article first appeared in ArtsAtlas – Perhaps not surprisingly, Minna comes love with it.” www.artsatlas.com.au from a long line of artists, with both parents, Minna describes her style as “sculptural It is reprinted with permission. grandparents and her brother also in the art functional with a heavy Japanese influence”. world.

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News

Second chance and movie career for Axel “So Axel was paid $300 a day for five days to just lie around and do what he does anyway...”

Man’s best friend: David Linney-Barber with Axel

HELPING some friends who were renovating in inner city Melbourne a couple of years ago, David LinneyBarber came across a rangy looking mutt who had seen better days.

apple, the woman expressed her surprise that the dog liked fruit.

“Most dogs do,” he told her, and it was then David decided there was no choice but to give Axel a better life and took the bull mastiff/rottweiler cross home.

“He could hardly walk, he was covered And you would think, living in the in fleas and the woman who owned him, Central Highlands with someone willing and for about a year, clearly loved him but just able to pay for arthritis treatment, would be had no idea how to look after him,” the enough of a second chance for an elderly Daylesford resident said. dog.

“He was chained up all day and just But there’s more to the story. moped about. He hadn’t been physically David and Axel were at the Daylesford maltreated, just neglected.”

Railway Sunday Market one day when a Perhaps the owner also realised because local woman walked past. when she noticed the attention her then She just happened to be working with 10-year-old dog was getting, she told David Ballan’s famous dog trainer Luke Hura, of “that’s my dog – you can have him”.

Red Dog and Bouncer from Neighbours But David was in the middle of moving fame, on the Melbourne production of Chitty and passed up the tempting offer.

Chitty Bang Bang.

Two weeks later, as he fed the dog a bit of

Current Affairs in Daylesford

The woman thought Axel would be perfect for an upcoming movie starring actors including Susie Porter and rapper 360.

“Luke gave me a call and said he wanted a placid dog to work in a film with a 12-yearold girl living with a dysfunctional family,” David said.

“And he had to play a dog that was dying.

So Axel was paid $300 a day for five days to just lie around and do what he does anyway.

“And a few months after the movie was shot Axel was asked to play another role, just credited as Big Dog, this time for the BBC’s Worst Day Of My Life.”

David said the next move was to attend the premiere of the first movie, with a working title of Life After Death, in May. “Axel’s 12 now, and I don’t know how much longer he’s got, but we’d like to make it to that premiere together.”

DAYLESFORD’S Frank Page is moderating Current Affairs, a joint venture between the Daylesford Neighbourhood House and U3A Hepburn Shire. The 90-minute course covers diverse subjects and materials including international, national and local news, society, contempary issues of social and digital media, and technology. Bookings are limited. Details from Mr Page on 5348 2620 or frank@pagebell.com. Bookings: 5348 3569.

Community

News

Lady Franklin piece wins May Story Slam Toby Sime has won the inaugural Maurice May Story Slam.

The event, part of this year’s Words in Winter festival, drew a large crowd with passionate story tellers offering up tales of the land and environment in short five-minute grabs.

Maurice May, the patriarch of Captains Creek organic farm, was a natural born storyteller, and his passion for the environment is being carried on by his granddaughter Stephanie Hodgins-May, who instigated the competition.

Toby, from Daylesford, said he had been storytelling “basically since I could speak”.

His usual involvement with the festival was with seeing a novel written in a day by various authors taking on a chapter each, or poetry recitals, but Toby said, especially as a country person, he had been very interested in the Maurice May Story Slam.

“I think having a relationship with the landscape is incredibly important for Australians, and especially rural Australians.

“The better we understand our landscapes the better we are going to be able to manage this continent. So I was very keen to join in, and hear the other stories too from other people, which were great.”

Toby said while he wrote more for the page than the voice, he always hoped it would translate. And his piece on his relationship with Lady Franklin, a scoria mound on the western slope of extinct volcano Mt Franklin, did just that.

“Across time, landscape becomes us, as we become landscape and it happens in very subtle ways – until you realise the effect landscape has on you,” he said.

Toby first visited Lady Franklin as a child when his mother called on friends living nearby.

“We took a long walk I never forgot, it was a beautiful, windy, blustery day, with rabbits and mossy rocks, but I didn’t remember

Rural Australian: storyteller Toby Sime what the place was it until I went there with my first girlfriend – and that’s when my conscious relationship began with Lady Franklin.

“Eventually, many years later, when I turned 40 and had my birthday party out there, in the volcano of Mt Franklin itself, at a certain point I went off and was sitting on Lady Franklin, and it was a very beautiful evening, the sun was coming down and the moon was rising, and it was a strangely timeless moment for me.

“And at that point I realised, now I was married to my present partner, and we had children, and I had settled down a lot more, the thing I had been looking for, or that I had found at Lady Franklin, unknowingly, was a strong female presence.”

(This article first appeared in ArtsAtlas - www.artsatlas.com.au)

Warning out for swooping feathered friends Look up and live. Well, live more safely.

Hepburn Shire Council has put out a warning for residents to watch out for swooping birds in the coming months as the spring breeding season for native birds begins Native birds, including magpies and plovers, are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often “swoop” down on unsuspecting walkers and cyclists if they feel threatened.

And it’s usually just a warning with only a few real birds attacks taking place.

Hepburn Council and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries has a Magpie Map on its website, at depi.vic.gov. au/swoop, which residents can use to spread the word about hot spots.

Tweets can also be sent to @ DEPI_Vic just include #swoopvic in the message.

Trentham’s Two Fat Wombat’s Rob Curtain finds even his biggest hat isn’t helping with his shop’s

swooping birds

Editorial

My Say

Rosie’s Say

Yep, we’ve well and truly made it through to spring again.

Dear Diary,

It might just be me but at the start of every winter I start dreading the cold days, colder nights – and then there’s the power bill.

It seems like only yesterday I was pulling out all my thermal gear along with skivvies (can you even buy them anymore?), jumpers, coats, gloves, scarves and hats. I even have a pair of ski gloves I was going to throw away until I moved to the Central Highlands.

I did try my hand at skiing but it never quite worked. I would get the courage to get the lift to the top of the mountain, only to stare down the white slope, and then do the walk of shame back to the bottom. Where I would sit for a while, cry a little, well once, then get back on the lift, and walk down again. I finally realised that après ski could also be middle ski, or even start ski.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the weather.

This winter did not seem so bad. I know it snowed a couple of times, but not much at sunny Glenlyon, and I did need quite a few layers, but I didn’t spend every day dreaming of warmer climes.

Once a week but not every day.

I even managed to stave off any colds and flus, and kept my asthma under control. I’ve had asthma since I was two years old. I went to see my nan off on a P&O Cruise (remember when people actually saw you off on trips) and got wheezy. The first few years were a bit rough. My parents found an asthma specialist – who didn’t believe in Ventolin. True story. And then I made it to my late teens and took up smoking. True story. And bloody idiot. I’ve long since given that habit away – and who can afford to smoke these days anyway....

But again, I have wandered off course.

Now we’re through to the other side of winter. The flowers are out, I can hear our neighbour Laurie’s mower wandering around the place, and I don’t even have a fire going. Although last week’s wood delivery probably won’t be the last.

And it’s time to jump into the gardening, before the grass gets away, and while some new plantings can take hold. I don’t particularly like gardening, especially weeding, but I do like the result – especially with a glass of wine in my hand observing it all from the back deck.

And in no time it will be summer, and I’ll have the ABC Radio running in the background, a grab bag packed just in case and a little niggle of fear each time I hear a siren. But in the meantime, I am just going to enjoy spring. The weather, the new growth, the festivals, the locals getting back out and about, the spring produce.

Hope you take time out to enjoy it too.

They have left the house again. It seems to be happening daily.

I am all alone. I have had my breakfast, the water bowl is full, there are toys to play with…but time lies heavily on me. I must sleep, perchance to dream, of their return. This may be my last entry.

Rosie – the bored kelpie cross.

Dear Diary,

I think they have gone for a walk without me. I saw them putting on shoes and then they just walked through the gate without a glance back. I know I have been for a long walk before breakfast, but, as usual, I am ever hopeful of another. My exercise regime is failing. This may be my last entry.

Rosie – the unfit kelpie cross.

Dear Diary,

I think they have forgotten to buy my food. I saw them rattle the bag and it was empty. So, instead for dinner, I was given a mix of cooked rice and steamed chicken breast, with a dash of gravy. I can’t believe their selfishness. How hard is it to remember food for your best friend? My tummy feels funny. This may be my last entry.

Rosie – the over-fed kelpie cross.

Dear Diary,

They seem annoyed that I have peed on the bathroom floor.

It’s where they pee – in that strange seat. At least I am not peeing on the furniture. And it’s their own fault for closing the dog door at night. It’s not my fault it’s still cold and the heating bill is through the roof because I need to go in, and out, and in, and out.

A dog has its needs. I tire of theirs. Perhaps it is time to find new servants. This may be my last entry.

Rosie – the poorly treated kelpie cross.

Dear Diary,

I caught a bird today. I thought it would make a nice dinner for us all. But they were angry, again. I was just trying to help with the food bills. They bring home birds – I have seen them. But they rarely share. The weekend is looming. I refuse to stoop to their level. I think I will disappear for a while. Hopefully absence will make the heart grow fonder. I doubt it. This may be my last entry.

Rosie – the trying to be helpful kelpie cross.

Dear Diary,

It’s the weekend. They let me sleep on their bed, gave me bits of bacon for breakfast and took me for a long walk around the lake. They then filled my pool and let me cool down with a swim.

We all sat on the deck in the spring sun until I was dry. Now we are all on the couch watching Lassie Go Home. All is forgiven.

Rosie – the kelpie cross who is doing OK.

Outdoors

Spring has sprung - time to hit the garden Spring has well and truly sprung, and while it’s not quite time to stop ordering wood, it is time to start thinking about getting your garden in shape.

And if you need inspiration, or just want to see what others have achieved, there are three amazing Open Gardens happening in November. (It’s a little early but well worth marking in your diary now.)

Marj and Rob Fennell are opening Bolwarrah Gardens, pictured, at 213 S Conroy Road, Bolwarrah East, just off the Ballan/Daylesford Road.

The large country garden, full of colour and interesting and unusual plants and trees, will be open on November 16 and 17 from 10am to 4.30pm.

Then Stuart Rattle and Michael O’Neill will open their Musk Farm, in Musk, for a fundraiser for the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens on November 23 and 24.

And on the same weekend Paul Bangay’s property at Denver will also open as a fundraiser for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. More details as the days draw closer.

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Community events Daylesford Rotary Club’s 60th anniversary - Daylesford Town Hall - September 21. RSVP to Danny Moynihan on 5348 3458 or danjuronat@icloud.com by September 16.

Pop-up Art feasibility meeting – Lucky Strike, Clunes - Thursday, September 19. Hepburn Shire Council, with Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires, is holding a feasibility study into the Pop-up Art projects, an arts enterprise that would market and sell works for Central Victorian artists. Details: popupart.com.au Velvet Addiction - Musical Cabaret – The Rex Theatre, Daylesford - Friday, September 21 – 8pm-10pm. Psychiatrist Dr Miza Linnelli, with the help of receptionist Methel Erman, strives to cure Broadway stars and wannabes of their “Velvet Addiction”. Details: therex.org.au “Born in Creswick - made their name elsewhere” – Creswick Museum – September 21 to January 19 – 11am-3.30pm. An exhibition telling the story of notable people born in the Borough and Shire of Creswick with paintings and memorabilia including Lieutenant General Sir William Bridgeford, Thomas Howell Laby, the Lindsay artists and many more. Details: creswickmuseum.org.au

Swap meet at Glenlyon Reserve

The Vinyl Countdown! – Daylesford Town Hall - Sunday, The Glenlyon & District Collectors and Restorers Society September 22 – 2.30pm-4pm. THECHO!R will swing into Spring Incorporated will hold a Swap Meet at the Glenlyon Reserve with the great songs of the 60s and 70s led by Daylesford’s Jonathon on Saturday, September 28.

Welch. Tickets $20 adults, $15 concession and under 16 in support of President Adam Tori, pictured above, said he had bookings for Hard Knocks Institute. Details: thechoir.com.au 35 sites already with more expected. The reserve will be open to exhibitors from 6am and the public from 8am. Mr Tori said people Beyond Hard Knocks – The Rex Theatre - Sunday, September 22 could expect engines, car parts, tools, collectables and “something – 5.30pm-7.30pm. The screening of Beyond Hard Knocks and the story of the original Choir of Hard Knocks members - now the Choir for the ladies”. “There will be something for everyone,” he said. of Hope and Inspiration. Special performance by THECHO!R and a Stalls are $20, entry for adults is $5, children are free. The day will Q&A after the screening by Jonathon Welch. Tickets are $14, $10 for be a precursor for a two-day rally event on November 23 and 24, also at the reserve. Details: Adam Tori on 0407 560 989.

Rex Theatre members. Details: therex.org.au/whats-on.php

Out and About

Verna’s daffodil garden Hundreds flocked to Verna Baker’s daffodil garden at Basalt on Sunday celebrating spring and new beginnings.

Visitors brought a plate and enjoyed the three acres of blooms, while catching up with friends and family.

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News

Making friends on FB Just briefly...

THE people of this fabulous region are so creative – and so into communication.

So when you finish reading this edition of The Local, have a look around on Facebook for some great offers, great news and great photos.

Start with The Local – make sure you like us and feel free to send us story ideas – or events that you would like to publicise. (facebook.com/DHSLocal) Another great site is Daylesford – it’s our community. Loads of stories and events for people to take part in.

If you’re after a local bargain try Junked Up – Daylesford/Hepburn buy-sellswap. You could get a new piece of fitness equipment, or maybe an amazing sculpture for your garden.

Daylesford Hepburn is another Facebook site worth a look. Great photos and loads of interesting people.

And there are plenty more. If you’re a community minded group and would like to get your name out there, send it to dhslocal@gmail.com We’re all about the locals too.

Bazaar

Buffalo Girls in Daylesford is holding a bazaar on the last Saturday of each month to support the local community.

Stalls include bric-a-brac, vintage stuff, arts and crafts, books, vinyl, ukuleles, shoe shine, buskers and live music.

Show and Tell

A range of crafts and activities will be in the spotlight at a “Show &Tell” event at the Glenlyon Shire Hall next month. People will share their passion and techniques for weaving, sculpture, gift making, growing, photography, cheese-making, ballroom dancing and much more at the hall on Sunday, October 6 from 10am to 4pm.

Have You Been To Wine And The Country Yet? Introducing Sangria Fridays!

5-8pm $30 Sangria Jugs BYO Food or tasting plates available

Travel

Over the threshold: happy wanderers Doug and Lyn Strates with their motorhome Roger Rambler

Doug and Lyn seize the day in the USA My wife Lyn and I were walking around Daylesford Lake after the recent passing of my mother and armed with the knowledge that some other family members had serious health issues.

next stop as easy as jumping on our laptop and checking their website offering a rating system on all their affiliated RV parks.

It advised us whether there was cable TV, wifi internet, swimming pool and a whole range of facilities that varied from place to place.

We were reeling from the realisation that we had just turned 60 The roads were excellent for the most part and on the major and had been mulling for some time over the prospect of travelling interstate highways you could always count on some waist busting around the USA and visiting a close friend in Canada. fast food stops which seemed to pop up on the So we spontaneously decided, let’s do it! exits every few miles (yes it’s still miles in the Let’s see if we can purchase some transport “The plan was to avoid USA) luring the unsuspecting traveller with and be footloose for a good period of time. It great range of delicious choices. We drove was decided it would have to be an odyssey of our Daylesford winter a21,000km in total. epic proportions, six months would do nicely! and be There probably is not enough space here to After much research on various USA describe the diversity places and people we websites that specialise in used recreational travelling in the USA experienced across theofUSA, Canada and Alaska, vehicle sales we honed in on a 31-foot Class during their spring and I would have to write a book but I can A motorhome that was privately owned by a honestly say we were never bored. couple in Tampa Florida, which had done low summer.”

The Americans and Canadians that are into mileage and was very well priced.

RV-ing are a good bunch and we shared such fun After several phone conversations with the times with some of them. owner and a professional inspection we sent a We have some very fond memories of some great happy hours deposit and proceeded to book our airfares, leaving Oz on March 1, around campfires.

2013.

We left our motorhome AKA “Roger Rambler” to be sold on The plan was to avoid our Daylesford winter and be travelling in consignment with a dealer “PPL” in Houston Texas and we sold it the USA during their spring and summer. within four days for a considerable profit.

We would fly to New York and stay for a week and then fly From our experience, travelling for any length of time requires to Tampa Florida to begin our road journey. Off we drove in this that you have some home comforts around you and for us our monster RV trying to come to grips with the sheer size of this house motorhome was the perfect way to travel and still be in our own on wheels. Surprisingly after a couple of days it started to feel more space and very economical to boot! like our family sedan, so all was well and we were able to navigate Seize the day! through some very tight situations with great ease.

By Doug Strates We purchased a GPS before we left and I have to say that it was (Link: goodsamclub.com/travel/campgroundsandrvparks/) essential in order to maintain our sanity and avoid the inevitable squabbles. We joined Good Sam Club which made choosing our

Business

ian petty legal 53 North Vincent Street Daylesford 3460 5348 1080 Fax by arrangement ianpettylegal@gmail.com

Mccarthy Firewood Sugargum firewood sales Leonards Hill 5348 6570 AH 0418 137 195 Mob 0407 688 792 Mob

Sustainability

Daylesford rare for many reasons Forager: one of the region’s teachers Alison Pouliot, right

“Even a battery hen that has come from multiple generations of caged birds and who has never foraged will start scratching and pecking for food immediately after being shown the ground.”

By Patrick Jones Foraging is one of the oldest crafts known to animals. Browsing, hunting and foraging are activities the great majority of animals do to get their food. It’s instinctual, an inherited intelligence.

Even a battery hen that has come from multiple generations of caged birds and who has never foraged will start scratching and pecking for food immediately after being shown the ground.

Foraging is still instinctual in we humans too and if the oil pipeline supply was suddenly cut off, we would all start returning to such activity immediately to supplement our basic needs.

Daylesford is rare for so many reasons, its carbonated spring water and soils that flit in and out of both volcanic and sedimentary rock; it is a forest-encircled town that shares a very similar climate to Paris.

French novelist, Michel Houellebecq, describes Paris’ seasonal weather like this: “Springtime in Paris is often simply a continuation of winter – rainy, cold, muddy... Summer there is unpleasant more often than not… the hot seasons never last long and end after two or three days with a storm, followed by a

sharp drop in temperature. It is only in autumn that Paris is truly a pleasant city, offering short sunny days, where the dry and clear air leaves an invigorating sensation of freshness.”

I cannot find a better description for Daylesford’s rare climate, at least by Australian standards.

But rarer still, for the past several years Daylesford has had people living here who teach the art of foraging through the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre. Alison Pouliot, Alexis Pitsopoulos and I have all run workshops that identify wild plants, mushrooms or both. For locals and visitors alike this rare, almost lost knowledge has been in part reclaimed by a growing culture of foraging.

There are nearly a hundred species of local plants and a dozen local mushrooms worth foraging for, but you have to know what you are doing. Some plants and mushrooms are poisonous, so foraging isn’t something to just fly into without the knowledge.

Building knowledge takes time but once the craft is developed, the rewards are plenty.

Keep an eye out for upcoming courses at the Neighbourhood Centre, or call them on 5348 3569.

Gig Guide Live music is on offer at a host of hotels and venues around our region. Here are just a few gigs lined up for coming weeks. Check out the venues’ websites for more music near you. And if you have a gig coming up, let us know and we’ll make sure everyone else knows.

Radio Springs Hotel - Lyonville Fire and Theft – Sunday, September 22 – 12.30pm-3.30pm The Chris Paul Jazztet – Sunday, September 29 – 6.30pm-10pm Savoia Hotel - Hepburn Callum and the Good Ole Boys – Saturday, September 21 – 9pm until late.

Dusty Stylus – Saturday, September 28 – 9pm until late Frangos & Frangos – Daylesford After dinner cocktails and DJ set - Every Saturday - 9.30pm – midnight Glenlyon General Store - Glenlyon Kestrel – Friday, September 20 – 6pm-8pm Lizanne Richards – Friday, September 27 – 6pm-8pm

Fire and Theft will be playing at the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, also known as The Centre of the Universe, on Sunday, September 22 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The four piece band is all about the “essense of rrrrromance!”.

Lucky Strike - Clunes

Cosmopolitan Hotel - Trentham

Paris Payne & Jack Pantazis – Friday, September 20 - evening

Cam Burnside – Sunday, September 22 – 1pm onwards

Jack Pantazis – Saturday, September 28 evening

Jennie Brown duo – Sunday, September 29 – 1pm onwards

Dining

Vegie food forum at Woodend A Vegetarian Food Forum will be hosted by the Macedon Ranges Vegetarian Eating Group for people interested in exploring a vegetarian diet.

The free forum includes a panel of experienced speakers including dietitian and nutritionist Cathy Thesing. Key topics include understanding basic nutrition and maintaining health without meat, adapting and planning simple and delicious meals, tips for a low budget, recipe ideas and a week in the life of a vegan family.

The forum will be held at Woodend Neighbourhood House on Saturday, September 21 from 2.30pm.

Bookings: Ruth Hodgson on 5427 1604, 0425 785 392 or ruthhodgson@gmail.com

Bangladeshi community dinner to raise funds A Bangladeshi community dinner will raise money for the Rahela Salahuddin Welfare Centre - a welfare centre and school in Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 5.

The day starts at 2pm with a cooking class at the Glenlyon Hall, where participants will learn how to create a four-course dinner under the watchful eye of Glenlyon resident Rizwana Karim. Cost is $25 per person.

The skills learned will then be used to help create the community dinner, also in the hall, where money raised will go towards after-school coaching for more than 70 primary school children from very underprivileged families.

So far, funds have gone towards building a school building, buying furniture, paying teachers’ salaries, books and general maintenance. Cost for the dinner is $25 per person, BYO drinks.

For a place in the cooking class call Rizwana Karim on 0438 177 583. To book for the dinner call Joy Durston on 5348 7542 or email events@glenlyon.vic.au

Welcome to The Farmers Arms Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner

No bookings are required, simply come in, grab yourself a seat and order food and drinks at the bar For more information about the pub and also our current menu, please visit our website:www.thefarmersarms.com.au 1 East Street Daylesford ph. 03 5348 2091

Dining

New owners take on The General THE Glenlyon General Store has new owners.

Duncan Evans, pictured right, and Jefferson O’Hara took over the historic building last week.

Mr O’Hara, who had been employed at the store, and lives in Wheatsheaf, said it was “a fantastic opportunity to do something I always wanted to do”.

“I love the location and the nature of the business. It’s not just a café, not just a coffee shop, it’s a store and it’s very dynamic in that sense.

“It’s also the nostalgia – it’s a great building - authentic and genuine.”

Mr O’Hara said while he was not a quite a pastry chef he liked to bake and would be increasing the baked goods on offer.

There will also be a line of specialty jams and preserves on the way.

“We’ve changed the menu and that will continue with a seasonal menu on offer – and there will

always be a sandwich, salad and hot dish special.”

Mr O’Hara said the Friday night live music would be continuing with a “gastro pub” specials menu available with most dishes around $20.

“It’s also the nostalgia – it’s a great building authentic and genuine.”

Vegetarian stuffed eggplant Serves 2 Ingredients 1 eggplant (large), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium brown onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic crushed, moroccan spice blend (purchase from quality supermarket or toast and grind your own), 3 ripe tomatoes (pureed), 2/3 bunch fresh chopped coriander, salt.

For pilaf 1/2 cup long grain rice (uncooked), 1 small brown onion finely diced, 2 cloves garlic crushed, 1 tbsp currants, pinch of saffron, 1 cup vegetable stock, olive oil.

For crust 50gms pine nuts (or walnuts) lightly toasted, then crushed, 100gms shredded cheese, 1/3 bunch chopped coriander, pinch of salt.

Directions Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.

Cut the eggplant in half length-ways and score the flesh with a knife. Sprinkle salt over scored surface and set aside for half an hour, until the moisture has been drawn out (sweaty).

Wash salt off lightly and roast in the pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes or until flesh is soft and able to be scooped out. Be gentle when scooping out eggplant so not to tear the shell of skin.

Steep saffron threads in warm vegetable stock and set aside.

CORNER, HIGH & MAIN ST LYONVILLE Thursday 06.00pm - 11.00pm Friday 04.00pm - 11.00pm Saturday and Sunday 11.00am - 11.00pm

Dining

Sweat off the onion and garlic in a small saucepan in olive oil, add the pureed tomatoes and moroccan spices.

Allow to cook over medium heat until thick and sticky.

Add the scooped out eggplant to the saucepan, simmer for 5 minutes, then leave to cool. Mix through chopped coriander.

Sweat the onion and garlic with olive oil in an oven proof dish until transparent, add the rice, continue sweating for another minute while stirring, add currants.

Pour in the stock and saffron mix, cover with lid or foil, bake in oven at 160 degrees for 20 minutes (or until rice is cooked through).

Combine all ingredients for crust.

Stuff the eggplant skins with the eggplant filling, apply crust generously and bake at 180 degrees until golden. Place on warm pilaf and serve.

(Thanks to Radio Springs Hotel chef Shane Fuller, pictured above.)

Sport

Hepburn FC 2013 premiership winners

Final score

Hepburn 16.10-106 Buninyong 14.13-97 Photos by Donna Kelly (More photos at facebook.com/ DHSLocal)

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