Budding writer wins prize Bayley O'Brien from Peachester has won Queensland Second Prize in a national writing competition. Bayley, who attends Glasshouse Country Christian College, was chosen from more than 3,800 entries for his entry in the Pilot Pen Creative Writing Scholarship 2013. The competition was judged by renowned children’s author, Andy Griffiths and Sonja Walker, director of Kids First Children’s Services. Mr Griffiths said they chose Bayley's entry because it showed a lot of imagination and a clear plot. “It was a great story that keeps the reader’s interest from beginning to end,” he said. Bayley won $500.00, a $100.00 Pilot Pen Pack and a signed Andy Griffiths book pack worth $100.00. “I am absolutely delighted to have won second prize in this competition,” Bayley said. “It has definitely given me more confidence to keep writing!” Barbara Oliver from Pilot Pen Australia said that this year they received more entries than ever before. “Our heart-felt thanks goes out to all of the schools, mums and dads and children who took the time to enter,” she said. “The volume and standard of entries clearly shows that creative writing is alive and well in our community – a wonderful sign of hope for future generations of readers and story-tellers alike.” Bayley's winning entry can be read, along with the other finalists, on the Pilot Pen website: www.pilotpen.com.au. Winning writer Bayley O'Brien
Beerwah Pool on track for reopening Since July 19 the Beerwah Aquatic Centre has been closed due to upgrade and maintenance work required on both the 25-metre pool and the ‘learn to swim’ pool. The work required for the equipotenial bonding upgrades on the ‘learn to swim’ pool has now been completed. The re-tiling work on the 25-metre pool is progressing well and all appears on track for reopening on October 8.
Pool Managers, Brenden and Allison Roser said it is a real shame that the pool is not available for this current school holidays, however in the long run the community will be pleased with the final results with the 25-metre pool being like a new pool. “The timeframe to complete the work was completely dependent on the weather – and with such a long dry run this has certainly gone in our favour,” Brenden said. Allison said they are “really looking forward to welcoming everyone back” and they have planned a celebration for when they reopen. “We will keep everyone updated on what we have planned closer to the time,’’ she said. While the pool is still closed, Allison is continuing to check the answering machine, so if you have any questions, make sure you leave a message and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
Glasshouse Country Orchid Society’s 2013
Spring Orchid Spectacular Beerwah Community Hall (opposite Woolworths)
Friday 27 September 9am - 5pm Saturday 28 September 9am - 2.30pm
Displays • Plant Sales • Orchid Accessories • Floral Art • Demonstrations - Orchid Culture •Raffle • Light Refreshments
Admission: Adults $2 Children Free 4
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| SEPTEMBER 25 2013
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