editor's note.
editor.
from the
suedee.
Welcome to the February issue of New England FOCUS.
T
his month is a very special time of the year, when our local florists and gift shops are gearing up for one of their busiest times, Valentine’s Day, on February 14. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their devotion for each other by presenting flowers, confectionery and jewellery. Happy Valentine’s Day, Daryl Germany! Catch this kiss.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE We catch up with martial artist Anthony Kelly, to find out about his Guinness World Record achievements. Thanks to our regular writer Rosemary Mort, for scooping an interview with renowned opera singer Jacqueline Mabardi – who will be appearing at the 2012 Opera In The Paddock. We also find out why Barry Hackett has been MIA from his sandwich shop in the Armidale Mall Arcade for the past month, and Nicole Symington shares her very special story about taking the grandkids to swim with the dolphins. Journalist Kate Hedges writes about her beloved township of Kentucky, and local
contacts. Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: 5/164 Beardy Street, Armidale PHONE: 02 6771 5551 FAX: 02 6772 5551 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/focus.ne TV: www.focustv.com.au
artist Kerry Wilson drops us a line about her upcoming exhibition.
THERE’S HEAPS TO DO IN FEBRUARY It’s showtime! Please be sure to support the Guyra and Uralla Shows (on in February). The more people they get through the gates, the more years we will have to enjoy a traditional fair. The Walcha Cup also promises to be a great day out. Be sure to dress up for your chance to win great prizes in ‘Fashion On The Fields’, which is sponsored by Turners this year. For heaps more events, be sure to turn to page 14. EDITOR’S PHOTO Thanks to Sanjeev Rakwal, for the fantastic photo of a sunset on the New England Highway. What a great photo! If you have any great pictures of the local area you have taken and would like to see published in FOCUS, please send them to me at editor@focusmag.com.au
The online version features all the same great content from the current issue, and the pages turn with just the flick of a finger. And best of all – it’s FREE. To read the issue online on your iPad, just visit focusmag.com.au/ipad Plus don’t forget to check our iPhone app, eat Dining. The app features some of the best restaurants and cafés available in the New England. You’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips, including the type of cuisine, meal prices and directions to the venue. You can download the app for free by visiting focusmag.com.au/eat FINAL SAY Soul mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect, but are always perfect for you.
NOW ON THE IPAD FOCUS is proud to announce that you can now read each issue of the New England Focus on the Apple iPad.
Sue Dee. sue@focusmag.com.au
EDITOR: Sue Dee
GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment
sue@focusmag.com.au
michael@focusmag.com.au
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Le Messurier
JUNIOR DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone
tracy@focusmag.com.au
kyle@focusmag.com.au
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Sheridan Hicks
JUNIOR DESIGNER: Zac Wright
sheridan@focusmag.com.au
zac@focusmag.com.au
ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont
ACCOUNT MANAGER: Louise Beaumont
jay@focusmag.com.au
louise@focusmag.com.au
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul
PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon Scott
dylan@focusmag.com.au
scscott@bigpond.net.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable
SUB EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse
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jo@focusmag.com.au / reg@focusmag.com.au
FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.
Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. New England Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications Pty Ltd ABN: 62128786005. Material in New England Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications Pty Ltd 2008 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.
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