Gresford News December 2012

resford News G

The

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

December 2012

Emily Dent (as Mary), left, and Kaitlin Horn (as Joseph) are looking forward to joining in the annual nativity play.

T

Celebrating Christmas

he churches of the Gresford area – and their parishioners – are preparing to celebrate Christmas and all that the special season means to their faith. The story of the first Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ – will come to life at Vacy on Friday, December 7, with families from the Anglican parish of Gresford Paterson performing a nativity play. ...read more inside

The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

The Gresford News Community Diary Fri

7 Dec Nativity Play, School of Arts Hall, Vacy, 7pm

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8 Dec

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9 Dec

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Christmas Fair, ‘Clevedon’, 9am to 2pm CWA Book Club – Christmas lunch, Chill Billies, Dungog Shiloh Art Studio Christmas Sale, 10am – 4pm Beau Jenkins at the Hotel Beatty, 3 – 7pm Kids disco dance Xmas party, Gresford Bowls & Sporting Recreation Club, 3.30 – 7pm Gresford District Historical Society evening Xmas dinner, Twin Rivers Café, guest speaker Janece McDonald, who recently published “Timbergetters, Sawmills and Sawmillers”, 7pm Paterson Allyn garden group at Dog Trap Creek Road, 10am ph 4938 9189 GAPS Carols, Gresford School of Arts, 6.30pm BBQ, 7.30pm carols Christmas Carols, Gresford Congregational Church, 7pm Free Community Christmas Lunch, Dungog Primary School, 11am – 2pm Karaoke at the Hotel Beatty, 3 – 7pm New Years Eve live music: Gresford Bowls & Sporting Club from 7.30pm & Hotel Beatty from 8pm St Anne’s market day Soccer registration, Gresford Bowls & Sporting Recreation Club, 3.15pm A day in the roses, Mt Rivers, contact Dungog Community College, 4992 1133

1st Mon each month

Gresford Community Group Meeting, 7.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan) Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan) 1st Wed each month Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm 1st Thurs each month Gresford Branch CWA Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan) 2nd Mon each month Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 2.00pm (not Dec, Jan or June) 2nd & 4th Mon each month Family & Child Health Clinic, Paterson school of Arts Hall, 4932 9768 for appt’s 2nd Sat each month Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan) Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am 3rd Fri each month 3rd Sun each month gresford Community Market, ‘Clevedon’, 9.00am to 2.00pm (not Dec, Christmas Fair 1st Sat) Last Thurs each month Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm Every Wed, Fri & Sun Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm Every Mon & Fri (school terms) Gresford Pre-School, Gresford Community Hall, 4938 9288, 9.00am Every Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty Every Fri

Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty Every Fri (school terms) Yoga for active bodies with Donna Cavanough, Therese Doyle Youth Hall, 9.00 – 10.30am Every Wed Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford Community Hall, 4992 2401, 10.00am Every Sunday The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am 1st Tues each month

To contact Gresford News email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or call Brian Doherty on 0412 372 687.

HELP! Could everyone Please have their copy in by the 20th of the month. With the newsletter now so large, we struggle to meet copying deadlines when items arrive after the 20th. Please use the box at East Gresford Post Office or, even better, email to the above address. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred. Please keep us informed about activities in the area – a paragraph or two and photo.

Visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online

G resford News

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✃

finances

Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford. I would like to make an annual donation to the Gresford News: Name

Address

Amount

Gresford News Notices Free Community Christmas lunch Dungog Primary School, 25 Dec, 11am–2pm. Transport can be arranged call Dungog Shire Community Centre on 4992 1133.

Neighbourcare Volunteers Needed If you are someone who would like to make a difference and you are able to spare a little time perhaps once a week or once a month then we would like to hear from you. Our organisation can provide a service vehicle which is able to be used for delivery of these services and a reimbursement is provided for out of pocket expenses for Volunteers using their own vehicle. All Volunteers must have their vehicle comprehensively insured and hold a current drivers licence. There is also a requirement to have a Criminal History Check.

To volunteer your time please phone Neighbourcare on ph: 4992 3348 Volunteering can make a world of difference. We hope to see you in 2013.

Debra Redman, Care Co ordinator

local water carrier

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Gresford Christmas Fair Dec 8th Clevedon House

Great stalls for your Christmas shopping. Proceeds to Gresford Paterson Anglican Parish. Christmas tree to put small items of food for the Samaritans to distribute

Annual Xmas Dinner

Family & Child Health Clinic Times for Gresford Parents & Babies Hunter New England Health clinic is open on the second & forth Monday of the month, in the back room of the Paterson school of Arts Hall, Duke St Paterson.

Phone no – 49329768 for appt’s

Gresford District Historical Society, Monday 10 Dec Twin Rivers Café, 7.00pm

$25/person to be paid on the night Everyone welcome – BYO Drinks RSVP ASAP for catering purposes to Margaret Dent Ph 4931 7116

2013 Gresford Market Coordinator Required Gresford Community Group is looking for a volunteer to take over coordination of the Gresford Monthly Market - see ‘Editors Desk’ inside.

Phone Martin Addison – 49389424

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

St Helen’s Catholic Parish Gresford Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve Mon 24th Dec Gresford School of Arts 6.30pm Christmas Day Tue 25th Dec Clarence Town 8am Dungog 9.30am

WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helens Gresford Saturday Vigil 6.30pm Sunday 8.00am Clarence Town 9.30am Dungog

Contact Chisholm Region Office 4933 8918, local contact 4938 8082

HOUSE SITTER REQUIRED Responsible person/s to house sit or look after our property at Vacy for long and short term spells.

Lounges Automotive Antique Restoration French Polishing Canvas Annexes Horse Rug Repairs For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on

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GUARANTEED QUALITY & SERVICE Pick up and delivery

Only two dogs and garden to look after. Individual accommodation is available if needed.

Conditions negotiable and flexible.

Please phone: 0418 116 021 or 0416 116 009

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December 2012

Editors’ desk

2013 Billy Cart Derby

Changes for Gresford Community Markets in 2013

Start drawing up your plans for a faster and more exotic Billy Cart for next Easter’s Big Fun Day in Gresford. Saturday 30th March is race day and now is the time for all welders in the valley to be put into action! For all design information go to our website: www.gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com.

You have probably noticed that ‘Clevedon’, home of the monthly Gresford Market, is for sale.

The Gresford Community Group has been looking at a number of alternative locations to continue the market in 2013, including the Show Grounds and the Therese Doyle Youth Hall.

But the Market’s future now rests on finding someone to take over coordinating the stallholders. Belinda Richards has been the coordinator since the markets started, and now she is moving she is looking to hand the job on.

“It’s really not that hard or time consuming” Belinda said “its just a matter of contacting the stallholders, knowing who will be coming on the day and allocating the spaces.” She also assured me she would be very happy to show the ropes to the next person and help them get started.

So the future of the Gresford Community Market could be in your hands. If you would like to find out more contact Martin Addison – 4938 9424.

Julie Hartigan Community Features We have all enjoyed Julie’s wonderful stories and photos celebrating our community this year. Unfortunately this issue will be the last of her ‘regular’ features. Julie will be continuing to contribute in the future as time permits.

Thanks Julie you’re a treasure!

Next year’s Easter Fair and Billy Cart Derby will aid Junior Education in Gresford with the main beneficiaries to be the Gresford Pre-School and Gresford Public School.

Last year’s Derby saw many innovative billycart designs including Batman and Batmobile, [the winner of the best dressed cart) and Goldspring’s excavator driven by Bob Baldwin MP who is always hopeful that the bad road won’t cause him grief!

Emily Jane Foote reigns as Grand Champion after her dash in the stainless steel bullet. Her record time of 20.75 seconds will be hard to break.

Join the Organising Committee The organising committee is looking for some new faces to help with ideas that will make the 2013 Derby the best ever. Ken Chandler will chair the next meeting and his phone number is 4938 9189, or call Lawrence Thorsell on 4938 9248.

Please call and offer your support. You will not be thrown in at the deep end as there is a team who have been running the Derby for years, but they do need some fresh ideas and extra help.

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What’s on the Shelves?

December 2012

Eucalypt Field Trip

by Glenda Smith

Mr Chen’s Emporium

– Deborah O’Brien

This novel is almost ‘write-by-numbers’ but is nonetheless an entertaining read. O’Brien has created a layered effect by superimposing the tree-change story of a middle-aged widow, Angie Wallace, onto the love story of a girl who lived in the same house a hundred years ago in a gold-rush town. They are connected by a shared appreciation of the 19th century novels and keepsakes left by the long-dead Amy Duncan.

The town is burgeoning again, and this accompanies the revitalisation of Angie, as she searches for details of Amy’s life. At the same time, O’Brien overlays Angie’s story with elements of the plot of Pride and Prejudice, which give the reader a fairly clear idea of the outcome, although it is not spelt out. The Emporium, and its attractive owner, Mr Chen, are central to both stories. On the way, we learn about the prejudices of prospectors against the Chinese miners, and the difficulties of life with limited medical expertise. There is a platypus motif as well, which creates some unity. The dialogue is stilted at times, especially from the ‘old’ characters, but in general it is an accomplished book for a first novel.

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Cameron Archer explaining the workings, use and impact of rabbit trapping.

More than 40 intrepid 4WD explorers lead by the indefatigable Cameron Archer discovered the back woods behind Lostock on a novel fund-raising field trip in November.

Organised by the Broughton Beef Syndicate for the Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson, the group assembled on the shores of Lostock Dam for the briefing and for morning tea, provided by Mary Horn and Margaret Dent of the guild of St John’s, Lostock.

Cameron, principal of Tocal College, then escorted the party through private property, stopping along the way to explain unique farming and forestry techniques. Lunch was on the banks of the upper reaches of Glennies Creek.

Fr Stephen, rector of the parish, expressed his warmest thanks to Cameron and the property owners for their support.

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December 2012

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December 2012

Musica Viva at Gresford Public School Gresford Public School students were dancing to the Latin American beat of Musica Viva performers Tigramuna at the end of last month.

The group of five talented performers enthralled the children with their range of instruments, including a Peruvian box, double bass, congas, zamponas, cow bell, charango, guitar, saxophones and clarinet.

As well as hearing the smooth vocals of Carlos Villanueva and the musical talents of Giorgio Rojas, Fernando Arancibia, Nic Villanueva and Peter Kohlkoff, the students were given the opportunity to try some of the instruments.

clockwise from top left Daniel Seach finds his rhythm with Tigramuna’s Giorgio Rojas on the congas.

Tigramuna leader Carlos Villanueva on the charango.

Gresford Public School student Jamie Hickey pounds out a beat on the Peruvian box.

Fernando Arancibia thrills the students by playing two samponia at the same time.

Jasmine Seach added a new sound with the cow bell.

The beat inspired the children to get up and dance and they all sang along with the last song of the performance.

Julie Hartigan

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December 2012

Roses, Rivers, Culture and Belly Dancing – Exciting New Courses in 2013 After a great 2012, Dungog Community College is keen to have an even better 2013, according to education officers Jane Richens and John O’Brien.

“We’re very proud of our results so far,” says John, “with a very high success rate in certificate courses and some excellent responses to our lifestyle workshops.

We’ve run courses throughout the Shire and we’re keen to run even more in the villages next year.”

Although dates haven’t been settled, keep an eye out for these: A Day In The Roses. Choose from four courses - care of roses, cutting and showing, drawing, and cooking with roses - happening up at Mt Rivers on or around 17th February (just in time for the Gresford Show). There might even be a band playing rosy songs!

Drawing The River will be on in Clarence Town in March, with the wonderful Christine Pike in an all-day workshop that will suit beginners and experts alike.

There’s been a big demand for computer courses - how about Organise Your Photos on Computer, Email Basics &

Students in Certificate III in Aged Care. Most found work in the sector even before finishing the course.

Beyond, using your iPhone and iPad, and more to come.

Donna Cavanough will be taking her Begin Yoga Foundation Course to Clarence Town, so tell your Claro friends.

For any number of reasons, fitness, fun, or just strutting your stuff, Belly Dancing On the cultural front, Re-Visioning Dungog, a photo-art workshop and will be running over 7 weeks from late exhibition (with financial help from February - it’s for women only. And

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December 2012

Chandra Clements wins Young Business Women’s Award the Country Arts Support Program) is on in early March. And experts will lead “talks with panache” about a subject they feel passionate about at the Settlers Arms and other venues, on occasional Thursdays - we’ve called the talks Culture A Love Story.

Chandra, who was Dungog High School president in 1995, is now working in Queensland as chief executive of Sentis, a workplace psychology firm.

“We employ approximately 70 psychologists who provide psychological coaching and training in how to use your brain to stay safe at work and improve satisfaction, productivity and leadership effectiveness in the workplace. The company specialises in the mining, constructions, resources and utilities sectors.”

For foodies, Cheesemaking and Pack A Perfect Picnic will expand culinary horizons.

And careers haven’t been left out. Jane and John have requested a subsidy to run some key accredited courses throughout 2013.

At this stage they include a Small Business Skill Set (especially for someone wanting to expand or start up a business), a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Medications Skill Set for health workers, and a Certificate in Children’s Services.

They hope to find out in December whether they’ve been successful - it means these very desirable courses would cost about less than a quarter of their full price.

If you want to be put on the list for any course, just send an email (education@ dins.org.au) or visit the website (www. dungogcommunitycollege.org.au) to get the latest news.

Chandra Clements with two of the Stevie Awards won by Sentsis.

Former Gresford girl Chandra Clements was recently named the best young business woman in the country, winning the marie claire Young Business Women’s Award at the Telstra Australian Business Womens Awards.

Early last month Ms Clememts was named the marie claire Queensland Young Business Woman of the Year and was named Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand in the American-based Stevie Awards.

The Stevie Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organisations and business people worldwide.

COME! Join with us

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

In the grounds at Gresford Congregational Church

Sunday evening 7pm 23rd December

With the vibrant Salvation Army Band Refreshments

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December 2012

20 Years of Friends of Tocal ‘Mrs Webeck and her late husband Charlie have been long term members of Friends with Val coordinating catering in the tea rooms for well over 10 years. Her gramma pies and pastry cooking are renowned’, Dr Cameron Archer, Principal Tocal College said.

‘Friends were delighted to award Val life membership as the sixth person ever to be awarded such an honour by the Friends. Her commitment to Friends particularly through catering and general assistance has been second to none’, Dr Archer said.

The Friends of Tocal celebrated its 20th Anniversary at a recent luncheon at Tocal Homestead. The support organisation for Tocal was established at a meeting held on exactly the same day 20 years ago.

The 20th Anniversary cake was cut

by Mrs Val Webeck of Gresford, who was also awarded life membership of Friends for her long and dedicated service to the Friends of Tocal.

‘Friends of Tocal have provided support in many ways to Tocal, through fund raising, awards annual scholarships, volunteers assist at Tocal Homestead through surveillance, catering, demonstrations, conservation and operation of Homestead equipment and machinery, maintain the Valley Garden, historical research and in many other ways.

Friends have also strongly supported the continued operation of Tocal as an agricultural college run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Through Friend’s support Tocal has continued to prosper whereby other agricultural training organisations have often faltered and in some cases closed, Dr Archer said.

Thomas Makes Rep Side

The Gresford Cricket Club congratulates talented young Gresford cricketer Thomas Hojer who was recently selected for the under 13’s Hunter Valley Representative squad which will play its first carnival in Ballina from 7-11 January.

His selection comes as no surprise to the club as he comes from a cricket mad family, with both of his brothers & his father also playing for Gresford sides.

Throughout his junior years Thomas has shown a dedication & determination beyond his age which will stand him in good stead for his cricketing future. He has recently been playing C grade with his father & older brother.

The first training camp will be at Singleton on 23rd December, followed by the Ballina carnival in January & then the Central North Challenge to be played in Tamworth next October. To play at this elite level against the best the state has to offer will only benefit his game & I’m sure Thomas will welcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Good Luck Thomas!

David Jefferson

Gresford Post Office Store Home of the Crossroads Cafe 162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road)

Phone 4938 9239

Open 7 days from 7.00 am

Take Away food open for breakfast lunch and dinner Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks –

Holiday period trading hours Xmas Eve 7am – 4pm (take away and cafe close at 2.30Pm) Xmas day closed • Boxing day 8am – 11am New Years Eve 7am – 4pm (take away and cafe closed at 2.30Pm) New Years Day 8am – 4.00Pm (take away and cafe closed

Brett, Gus and Karin and all the girls would like to wish all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year

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December 2012

Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc THANK YOU

Children who are turning five in 2013 can now register as Under 6’s.

As the 2012 season is now finishing GVFC training will start in early March Gresford Vacy would like to take this and the comp. will start in late April. opportunity, on behalf of all our We understand that “on-line” members, to publicly acknowledge the registration will be possible but all valuable assistance of our sponsors and registration fees will still be paid to supporters and thank them for their Gresford Vacy at this stage. Our Club will continued patronage. We’d also like to still have sign-on days and all 2012 wish all our players, supporters and players will be notified by post and sponsors a Merry Christmas and hope invited to re-sign. Part payment of fees is that you and your family have a happy, acceptable but all registration fees must relaxed and fun filled Christmas break be paid in full by 20th April. and a great New Year.

Information for on-line registration will be published on the Gresford Vacy 2013 SEASON REGISTRATION Sign up early and secure your place in a website. Go to: www.gresfordvacyfc.sportingpulse.net team. Gresford Vacy has to nominate its 2013 season teams by early March to get Soccer Registration Days are:a place in the Hunter Region competition PATERSON Monday 11th February 3:15 draw. That’s why we take registrations in till 6:00 pm St Paul’s Church Hall February and only for a few weeks. We GRESFORD Wednesday 13th February realise that it’s hard to think about Winter 3:15 till 8:00 pm Sporting Complex sport in Summer and that it’s hard to find VACY Friday 15th February 3:15 till 6:00 the fees so early in the new school term. pm School of Arts FFA has indicated that registration fees TWILIGHT SIX-A-SIDE SOCCER will rise but Gresford Vacy will absorb Not even a thunder storm could dampen this increase and hold this to a the enthusiasm for the inaugural round of minimum. We will again offer free twilight soccer. The dry and humid registration to Under 6 and Under 7 conditions at the start of play soon gave teams as a result of some active fund way to a welcome storm which normally raising done by the Committee.

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would have had the teams scurrying for car and home. With the fields invigorated by the storm play recommenced and all rounds were completed under a leaden sky highlighted with branch lightning.

It’s hard to believe that halving the number of players, halving the size of the field and halving the size of the goal mouth could make for exciting football but that’s exactly what you get. This game is fast and furious and needs a lot of skill.

Many of us thought that the 15 minute halves should be extended to 20 minutes (or more). Even the experienced players looked to be knocked up at the end of each half as there’s no downtime. Attack changes to defence in the blink of an eye.

The object of Six-a-Side from the Club’s perspective was to provide a social competition which would help seasoned players maintain their form over Summer and introduce new players to soccer who might hopefully take it up for the Winter season. It was supposed to be non-competitive and lots of fun. It is certainly a lot of fun so obviously it achieved that objective but I’m yet to see anybody who is not trying their hardest to win.

After three rounds the competition is proving very popular.

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G resford News •

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December 2012

ART

NEWS

landscape(inner and outer) open for interpretation – twin entities.”

Culture Vulture wishes the Gresford community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2013! We will be back next year with more interesting artists’ interviews and general art news from the Hunter Valley.

During December through to January Maitland Regional Art Gallery presents some inspiring art exhibitions well worth viewing. The Gallery Shop also has a wonderful array of artist’s works, including stunning glass wear, unique jewellery and ceramics for sale. It is a perfect place to find a special gift for Christmas, which also helps to support our arts community.

Maitland Regional Art Gallery Exhibitions: RECIPIENTS OF THE PAT CORRIGAN ARTISTS’GRANT: till 17 Feb 2013 This exhibition is a small selection of Grant recipients and highlights the diversity in arts practice that has evolved from the encouragement and support of these grants.

PERFUSION – Judith White, HMRI artist in residence: till 20 January 2013 PORTRAIT & LANDSCAPE – Ian Howard: till 17 Feb 2013

...by Robyn Werkhoven

Another gallery worth a visit is the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery at 16 Vincent St Cessnock. The present exhibition HOME runs till 21 Dec. 2012 “Four artists – Dr Melissa Laird, Tammie Castles & JaM Collective explore the notion of home and all it encapsulates.”

Also showing is an exhibition of new works by the winners of the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery Award at the 2011 Sculpture in the Vineyards, and, ART TRAIL – 30 Jan – 24 Feb 2013 an exhibition of works by 18 local artists.

Shiloh Art Studio Christmas Sale Open Studio Day “303 Dungog Rd Martins Creek, Sunday 9th December Prayer for Peace by Robyn Werkhoven 10am until 4pm Bernie and Dawn will be working in the FOLLOW THE SILENCE: Installations By studio and would love to greet visitors.

They have a range of high quality, Lezlie Tilley & Patricia Wilson-Adams: locally handmade gifts available. till 20 Jan 2013 “Follow the Silence has Artwork, artist books, journals, etchings, been for both artists the result of much encaustic collages, woodwork, jewellery, meditation in the studio following profound personal experiences in nature beaded bookmarks, greeting cards and where silence has engendered a sense of other treasures. Please drop in and say limitlessness, an engagement with self ‘hi’. Contact Bernie 4938 8142, and a realisation that there is a www.berniemeyers.com

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December 2012

Melbourne Cup At The Beatty Hotel Two enjoyable days where had by many at the Beatty with the running of the Melbourne Cup Calcutta and the Melbourne Cup luncheon.

On Sunday 4th November, Paddy Dillon and crew ran a successful Calcutta auction after a large number of tickets had previously been sold to many interested punters. Congratulations to all the successful buyers. The recently completed deck at the Beatty proved to be a wonderful venue easily accommodating the large crowd of participants and onlookers.

The Beatty was a favourite for a number of people on Melbourne Cup Day with the TV screens on to cover all the action of the race throughout the afternoon, the various sweeps, bubbly for the ladies, prizes and a tasty buffet luncheon with a variety of foods including fresh, more-ish seafood dishes.

Those dressed in the spirit of the day, and to have fun, looked quite fashionable ... were they on their way to Flemington?

The best dressed were later presented with a prize.

A big thank you goes to all those who helped to make both days a success.

Gresford

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G resford News •

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December 2012

Community feature

...by Julie Hartigan

Churches Celebrate The churches of the Gresford area – and their parishioners – are preparing to celebrate Christmas and all that the special season means to their faith.

The Anglican, Catholic and Congregational churches are expecting full houses, defying trends that have seen regular church attendances fall in recent years.

For the Catholic congregation of St Helen’s at East Gresford, the Christmas mass will be at the Gresford School of Arts hall at 6.30pm on Christmas Eve. “The local people tell me the church will be just too small,” said Fr Derek Garner, who started his tenure at St Helen’s in January. “So, to cater for the anticipated numbers, we’re having the mass at the School of Arts.”

He said Christmas was a special time for families to come together at home and at church. The Congregational Church will have an outreach of Christmas carols in the church grounds from 7pm

Neville Bale

on December 23 and a special service conducted by a Salvation Army officer at 10.30am on December 30.

“The carols evening is open to everyone,” church secretary Dennis Rumbel said. “The Maitland Salvation Army Band is coming and there will be supper afterwards.”

Mr Rumbel described the Congregational Church, which is this year celebrating 130 years of congregational fellowship in Gresford, as “more of a family church than a large congregation”. “We all know each other; we’ve grown up together,” he said.

Fr Stephen Moore, who looks after the seven churches of the Anglican parish of Gresford Paterson, said Christmas and Easter were traditionally the busiest times of the year for the church. “We end up having lots of services to meet the needs of the congregation,” he said.

“It’s a great family time with people coming home for Christmas, and

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“One of the reasons we have churches in all these little places is for a sense of local witness,” Fr Stephen said. “It’s for all of us, it’s here, it’s our community.

“The result is an integration between church and community and between community and church.”

Santa Claus and his sack full of gifts will not be part of the church celebrations of Christmas, with the focus firmly on the birth of Jesus Christ.

“We’ll be looking at who He is to us and the difference He makes to our lives,” Fr Derek said. “He has lived a human experience too; He knows all our faults but loves us anyway.”

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G resford News •

The

December 2012

Community feature

Christmas Fr Derek said there would also be time to reflect on the Christmas crib and all that it represented, including the humility of the shepherds and the message that Jesus welcomes all the people of the world.

Mr Rumbel said Christmas signalled the start of the Christian faith because it was when Jesus Christ was born into the world.

“He was born into a family and that reflects well on the fact that our church is so family-orientated,” he said.

As for swelling attendances at Christmas time, Fr Stephen puts that down to a deep inner faith.

“I don’t think it’s that people’s doubts and uncertainties are all magically taken away for a couple of weeks in December,” he said.

“But once in a while people need a chance to face up to the bits of themselves that they cheerfully ignore most of the time – a chance to notice what might be missing in their lives.”

He said Christmas provided that opportunity.

“It gives us a story to listen to,” Fr Stephen said.

“It gives us a sense that what matters most deeply to us matters to God too.”

Emily Dent (as Mary), left, and Kaitlin Horn (as Joseph).

The story of the first Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ – will come to life at Vacy on Friday, December 7, with families from the Anglican parish of Gresford Paterson performing a nativity play.

The play will start at 7pm and organisers Mary Horn and Coleta Somerville are hoping families from throughout the area will come and join in the event.

“The children hear the Christmas story in scripture classes (at school) so Bethlehem comes to their notice, but otherwise it’s a foreign name,” Coleta said. “Putting on the play brings it all together for them.”

The play will be based around the stable scene when Jesus is born.

“We’ll form a tableau with the kids as the story goes along,” Mary said.

“There will be a service interwoven with the play with readings and carols. All children who come along can play a role too; we always need shepherds and angels to join the throng.”

Children, and their parents, can come dressed up or use the variety of costumes that will be on hand on the evening.

The plan is to perform the play outside, in the church grounds, but in the case of bad weather it will be moved indoors at Vacy School of Arts hall.

The evening will conclude with a supper.

GAPS Support for the Gresford School of Arts

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Rosita Richardson, Vice President of GAPS, presents the cheque on behalf of GAPS to Rosalie Lawrence, President of the School of Arts.

Over the past 16 years, GAPS has not only entertained the community but has also directly contributed financially to groups, charities and organisations and purchased equipment and resources for use by our community. The Gresford School of Arts is one of the hubs of the Gresford community, and GAPS being a regular user of it, was proud to be able to present a cheque for $900 to help with ongoing expenses.

The resources and improvements at the School of Arts Hall are an ongoing benefit to the whole community.

GAPS also supports the services of local retailers and suppliers, whenever possible, especially during productions. After the latest play, “Carrion up the Nyall” performed in September, it was estimated that over $7000 went directly to local businesses and community as a result of purchasing locally.

GAPS would like to thank the community of Gresford and surrounding areas for their ongoing support.

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G resford News •

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December 2012

PATERSON-ALLYN GARDEN GROUP We have just had our November garden walk and talk and it was a huge success with many members of the Brandy Hill Garden Club joining us.

Julia and Chris Wokes from Duninald, Paterson very kindly opened their garden for us and walked us through the wonderful native wood that Sidney Reynolds planted in the 1940’s. The wood has been painstakingly restored to its former glory by Chris and it is filled with the most wonderful collection of shrubs and trees that were a part of Sid Reynolds native nursery, the first such nursery in the Hunter Valley. This lovely wandering walk takes you to a new boat house by the lagoon and a delightful timber bridge crosses the lagoon and leads to the grave site of Alice and Sidney Reynolds.

A very old Hibiscus tree still stands by the original homestead which was built in 1822 by convicts with bricks from Newcastle. It is the oldest home in the Hunter Valley. Duninald remained in the Reynolds family for 184 years, until Julia and Chris Wokes purchased it a few years ago.

The Paterson-Allyn Garden Group will meet again on 11th December at the lovely home of Melanie and Harvey Collingwood-Boots, Dog Trap Creek Road, East Gresford. Their award winning TAR-10 preserves , vinegars and jams will be available for sale and Melanie will give a talk about some of the local produce that it is used in their preserves.

Duninald homestead, built in 1822, remained in the Reynolds family for 184 years.

L. to R. Margaret Ritchie, Julia and Chris Wokes, Linda Morey One of the Norfolk Island Hibiscus trees

This year at the Sydney and the Hobart Royal Fine Foods Show , TAR-10 won awards for their Sticky figs for cheese, Cranberry orange and port Sauce, Honey mustard and poppy seed vinegar, Blood orange marmalade, Blood orange vinegar and Caramelised balsamic vinegar. This is an amazing result for one of our up and coming local businesses.

Please phone Janie Chandler, 49389189 if you wish to join our garden group.

Timber bridge across the lagoon leads to the grave site of Alice and Sidney Reynolds.

Jane Chandler

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G resford News •

The

December 2012

q Gresford District Historical Society r One Hundred Years is a long, long life (Story by Julie Clarke) 12/12/1971 had lived through five generations. But with eight children, 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and six great-greatgrandchildren to her credit, many of them there to celebrate with her, I had to.

Ellen Bird’s Allynbrook wine bar was featured last month. As Ellen was the Gresford district’s oldest resident, (in 1971) her 100th birthday attracted quite some attention and she gave a most perceptive interview about her life and times to Julie Clarke of the Herald. This month we feature this interview.

1871

…… the year Trade Unions were legalized in Britain, Lewis Carroll wrote “Through the Looking Glass”, Stanley met Livingstone and came out with those famous words, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume”.

And the year that Mrs. Ellen Bird, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, was born on a farm on the Allyn river.

Ellen Bird still lives in the 10-room wideverandahed house she moved into when she married her husband, Patrick Bird, 78 years ago. Until she was 93 she ran it as a boarding house and wine bar. The bullock teams used to stay there over night. The bullocks were left in the back paddock, and Mrs. Bird charged 2d a head for the bullocks, and half a crown for tea, bed and breakfast for the bullockies.

Elly Bird sat up in bed and concentrated on remembering the past. “I was very busy, running the wine shop and the boarding house, and looking after all my children. I worked from daylight to dark”.

She didn’t know that all those things were going on. On a small farm, 40 miles from Maitland, she had enough to think “I used to make all my own bread and soap and candles. And of course we about right there. made all our clothes by hand. We sold I went to visit her on her 100th birthday. our butter for 4d a pound. And in those It was hard to believe that the frail old days eggs were 3d a dozen, and the best lady in bed wearing a blue nightgown men’s tailored suits cost £4”.

Ellen Bird – Photo taken on her 100th birthday

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G resford News •

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q “Our Stories” Feature r

December 2012

“We got our provisions from Maitland in a bullock dray. The return trip was 80 miles and it took 3 weeks. Oh, but they were good days. They’ll never come again”.

The highlights of the year for the young people were the balls in Gresford, a small town near Allynbrook where she lives now. It was at one of these balls that Elly met her husband. “He asked my mother if we girls could go to the ball. I wore a black grenadine dress with a red sash, and we came home in the buggy. I had two grenadine dresses, it was beautiful stuff, something like muslin, - you can’t buy it now. The other dress was pale green, and oh, it was lovely!”

“We had to wear all our dresses to our ankles, and they always had high necks.

We always wore corsets, even in the kitchen. They weren’t uncomfortable unless you laced them too tight. And we wore stay bodices because there weren’t any bras in those days. They were calico trimmed with lace, and made to fit you”.

“When I was a girl I had ponies. Lovely ponies they were too. I used to think I was just it, riding along. Of course, we girls had to ride side-saddle. The mothers thought it was a terrible thing when the girls began to ride astride”.

“But girls were different then, …..If you liked a young man he had to come to the house to see you. None of this going out alone, oh dear no! If I was keeping company with a boy who I thought was a bit fast I’d get rid of him in a flash”.

Ellen’s testament to her customers and to McWilliams wines – made on her retirement

“But I never had any trouble with the drunks”, Mrs Bird said with a smile.

“They’d be singing at the top of their voices and I could ask them to quiten down and they’d say, Alright Mrs Bird”. If my husband complained to them they’d take no notice, but they were very respectful to me. Oh, they were great days.

They were the days when wine was a shilling a bottle or 3d a glass. Some of it was made in the district by a family called the Boydells, although most of it was bought from Lindemans or Huge pink cake McWilliams. McWilliams remembered The big room off the verandah that was once the wine bar now holds a big table. their oldest customer with a magnum of champagne. But Mrs Bird says she has It had a white starched cloth on it, and in the middle a huge pink-iced fruit cake. never tasted wine in her life – and is not going to start now …

Mrs. Bird’s relatives were crowded around, drinking beer and sherry and Mrs Bird was the eldest of 11 children eating passion fruit sponge. It was brought up on a farm called Ravenscroft. strange to imagine that not so long ago Only her 88 year sister Maud, who lives in that same room, old Billy O’Neil had near her is still alive. “Our farm used to be played his violin while others danced lovely, convulvus running up the cornstalks jigs and reels. and the bean vines and the trees. I used to It was strange to imagine farmers riding whitewash the house myself and then walk up the road to see how good it looked. It their horses right on to the verandah. was so pretty, with trees out the front. My And the night Frank White rode his horse right into the bar! But most of the word, I thought my home was the loveliest time the horses were tethered to the big home in the world”. cedar tree that used to stand near the “I’ve had a good life. I’ve lived only for verandah. Sometimes a man would my family and my home. You tell the come rolling out of the bar only to find readers, hard work and a quiet life and a his saddle tied to the highest branch of good temper. That’s what you don’t get that tree!

continued over page u

The 2013 calendar of the Gresford District Historical Society is still available and on sale – but supplies are limited . It features “Old Gresford” and would be an excellent Xmas gift for anyone with an interest in Gresford – old or new. So get in before they disappear. George Sales, IGA, Everett Mitsubishi, McDonald Bros (Maitland) still have some.

Our Xmas dinner is on Mon 10th Dec (in the evening) at the Twin Rivers Café.

Janece McDonald who recently published “Timbergetters, Sawmills and Sawmillers” is our guest speaker. It promises to be a good evening, so make sure you mark this on your calendar.

Two stories have come to hand about the Allynbrook wine bar and we will include these in the next edition.

Please keep these stories coming because it is YOUR stories of characters, identities and events that add the human factor to our history.

We desperately need to preserve them, so, please pick up your biro, write them down and send them in to the Gresford District Historical Society Inc., P.O. Box 96 East Gresford. (note new box number) As an incentive we will give a $10 “bounty” for every one we publish in the Gresford News.

G resford News •

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December 2012

One Hundred Years...continued

in the women today. The only thing I can tell them is that if they weren’t so lazy they’d live longer. Men and women don’t know they’re alive today”.

I asked Mrs Bird to tell me about the funniest thing that ever happened to her.

“I don’t think any very funny things ever happened to me. I was always just content and happy, although I’ve had many a bit of fun with the drunks. Nothing very terrible happened to me either – although I used to pray a good deal, whether that helped or not I don’t know”…

Mrs Bird lay back aginst the pillows. It was a lot of remembering for one day. She seldom leaves her bed now, and spends most of her time crocheting. When she was 99 she won the crochet prize at Gresford Show. She learnt to crochet when she was six and says it is the only hobby she has ever had time for.

“I’d love to read now, but my eyes get tired. I’ve only ever read two books in my life - “East Lynne” three or four times and “Treasure of Heaven”.

The man arrived with the mail. There were hundreds of cards and telegrams.

“The worst thing that ever happened was Congratulations came from the Governor losing two of my babies in infancy.

General, the Prime Minister and Gough Because there’s no love greater than that Whitlam (opposition leader). of a mother for her child you know. One And among all the telegrams was one of my babies died when he was two that was especially important. “Look hours old. My Irish mother in law was Auntie Elly, the telegram from the looking after me - and there’s nothing Queen!. Listen!, Buckingham Palace, worser than an Irish mother in law!”.

London, England. The Queen is much interested to hear that you are All the telegrams celebrating your 100th birthday and “When the baby died she put it in with sends you warm congratulations and me in the double bed, and I held it all night in the dark with me. She wouldn’t good wishes”. let me have the light on because my “Well fancy that now” said Mrs Ellen husband was asleep in the bed next to Bird and settled back against her pillows. mine and she thought the light might wake him up”.

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G resford News •

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December 2012

gresford CWA News

Annual General Meeting - the following informative and provided a delicious Officers were elected.

President: Margaret Dent, Secretary: Marie Loveridge, Treasurer: Judy Daly , Cultural: Jan Godwin, International: Robyn Thornton, Ag. & Environment: Lyn Tunin.

Book Club – The CWA Book Club, headed by Glenda Smith is proud to announce we have raised enough money to educate two girls in East Timor for a year. Money was raised from donations and a stall at the Gresford Markets. Our money will be sent to a N.G.O. in East Timor by the Sisters of East Timor who are based in Newcastle. Book Club Christmas Lunch will be held on Saturday 8th December at Chill Billies in Dungog. The Book Club will reconvene on Saturday February 9th.

“All that I am” by Anna Funder will be discussed.

Hunter Valley Group Friendship Day was hosted by the Mercy Convent in Singleton and proved to be an interesting outing. The tour of “Sacred Spaces” was enjoyed by 35 CWA members from all over the Hunter Valley. The volunteers were very

morning tea and lunch.

Accommodation – Do you ever need to stay in Sydney? CWA has accommodation at reasonable rates and with car parking in a central location close to the city centre, major hospitals and trains and buses. You do not have to be a CWA member.

For enquiries Phone: 02 9358 2923 or email: club @cwaofnsw.org.au For Sale – Almost brand new Hewlett Packard printer, Deskjet 2050 all in one J510. Call Margaret Dent with offers 4931 7116.

Wrap With Love – Our knitters are always happy to receive donations of 8ply wool or acrylic for this worthy cause.

Margaret Dent and Liz Jones at Gresford Markets Monica Boland at Mercy Convent, Singleton

Land Cookery – The Land Cookery competition will be judged on Thursday 7th of February in the CWA rooms, Durham Road, East Gresford at 9.00a.m.

For recipes please contact Dotti Hilliard 49389 483 or ask any CWA member.

Copies will be available in the rooms.

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G resford News •

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December 2012

SafeTALK suicide prevention training sessions for Gresford Hunter New England Health Social Worker Terry Sjostedt has been working with communities in the Dungog Local Government area to understand suicide and help develop prevention strategies.

someone is thinking about suicide. It was then necessary to keep that person safe and connected with services or people, to ensure they received ongoing help and support.

Mr Sjostedt said prevention was most effective when communities came together to develop strategies, rather than relying on outside experts.

The Dungog safeTALK session was well attended, and Mr Sjostedt said some had since reported they had been able to use their newfound knowledge confidently, first-hand.

He said the issues around suicide were usually complex and required communities to take an interest and be prepared and motivated to take direct action, with a commitment to stay involved over time.

As a part of this strategy, Mr Sjostedt arranged a safeTALK presentation at the Doug Walters Pavilion in Dungog on November 7, which was free to community members.

The safe in ‘safeTALK’ stands for ‘suicide alertness for everyone’.

Mr Sjostedt said safeTALK was the first step in equipping individuals and community members with the basic skills necessary to determine if

Community based Suicide Prevention Networks are emerging throughout Australia. The Dungog event was an initiative of the Maitland Region Suicide Prevention Network, in a partnership with Hunter New England Health and Dungog Shire Council.

Suicide Prevention Australia, the national peak body for the suicide prevention sector in Australia, says suicide and suicidal behavior, arise from complex social, situational, biological and other individual causes, which isolate people and erode their hope.

Understanding risk and protective factors for different groups and

environments is vital to achieveing an effective response. Mr Sjostedt will be organising more opportunities like the recent safeTALK session and making available more advanced suicide prevention training.

As this approach depends on the involvement of local communities, Mr Sjostedt will be working with all of the communities in the Dungog Local Government Area, including Gresford, to make this sort of training accessible to as many people as possible.

If you would like to be involved or would like to know more about this type of training you can contact Mr Sjostedt via the Central Intake Service at the East Maitland Community Health Service, on 49312003 or 49312004.

Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services. For help: call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14; people 25 and under can call the Kids Support Line on 1800 55 1800; if a life is in danger, call emergency services on 000.

DecEMBER SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings

St Anne’s, Gresford St John’s, Vacy St Paul’s, Paterson St Mary’s, Allynbrook Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St John’s, Lostock Glendonbrook Road St James’, Martin’s Ck Gresford NSW 2311 St Paul’s, Eccleston Telephone (02) 4938 9313 (* Nine Lessons and Carols) gresfordparish@bigpond.com

2

9

16

23

7.30 9

11.30

8.00

9.30*

8.00

7.30

9.30

8.30

Christmas-Tide Evenings

St Paul’s, Paterson

Christmas Eve & Christmas

St John’s, Lostock St Mary’s, Allynbrook St Paul’s, Paterson St Anne’s, Gresford St John’s, Vacy

10.30

9.00

11.30

18

19

20

21

6.30

6.30

6.30

6.30

Day

Mon 24

Tue 25

5.00pm 7.30pm 10.30pm

7.30am 9.30am

Weekdays St Anne’s, Gresford at 7.30am [Check weekly pew bulletin]

January SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings

St Anne’s, Gresford St John’s, Vacy St Paul’s, Paterson St Mary’s, Allynbrook St John’s, Lostock St James’, Martin’s Ck

30

6

13

20

27

7.30 9

11.30

9.30

9.30

8.00

9.30

8.30

10.30

G resford News •

The

December 2012

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G resford News •

The

December 2012

Hunter New England Health Meningococcal Disease An elderly woman recently died of meningococcal disease at a Hunter region hospital.

Doctors have prescribed clearance antibiotics to anyone who has recently been in contact with the woman. These antibiotics work to eradicate any meningococcal bacteria which may be carried by those who have come into contact with the infected person.

This is the ninth confirmed case of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Local Health district in 2012.

“Meningococcal disease may be very severe and the community needs to be on the alert for its symptoms. If anyone suspects meningococcal disease they should seek medical attention immediately,” said Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim.

Up to 10 per cent of patients with invasive meningococcal disease in Australia die as a result of the infection.

The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin

colour. Later symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises and drowsiness. Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.

“Meningococcal infection does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying it and close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on. It does not appear to be spread through saliva or by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes,” Dr Durrheim said.

Bites And Stings As you plan for your summer break, it’s worth some planning regarding the creatures which bite or sting. Protecting children is a priority because inquisitive natures can put youngsters at risk.

“Turning up rocks and bark, probing leaf litter and soil with our bare hands; all of these things could produce unwelcome encounters.” Clinical toxicologist, Dr Geoff Isbister said.

Anyone who is planning a bushwalk should consider wearing covered shoes and long pants, and if you see a snake, don’t approach it. Well over a quarter of He stressed that while meningococcal snake bite cases in Australia have disease could be serious, in most cases, occurred because people approached the early detection and treatment resulted in reptile, either trying to scare or kill it. a complete recovery.

Snake and Funnel Web spider bites The two main strains of meningococcal require the same first aid. disease in Australia are the B and C • Call 000 strains. A vaccine is effective against the • Place a broad, firm bandage around the less common meningococcal C strain but limb to cover the bite immediately. If there is currently no Australian vaccine the bite is not on a limb, apply firm for the B strain of the disease. This means local pressure. that young people who have had the • Keep the person as still as possible. If meningococcal C vaccine should still be the bite is on an arm or leg, use a splint to immobilise the limb. on the lookout for symptoms.

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G resford News •

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December 2012

Gresford Community Group – November meeting Post Office delivery follow-up After a number of calls to the AP area manager discussions with the local delivery manager clarified the local delivery of the News. The November and December issues will go out as previously but from February a new procedure of lodgement will occur. The prospect of delivery to Paterson was discussed and copies to be left at Paterson PO, subject to postmaster’s consent.

Skate Park shading The the next move is to do the on-site welding, subject to weather conditions. Once this is done it can be erected.

Riverbank actions Moves were under way with contractors to clear the area, subject to wet weather, with discussions with them on follow-up clearance.

Hall management plan update Advised that all hall users were happy to get together to discuss a plan. Regarding the hall’s maintenance, Ken said the window frames, some weatherboard and the front door needed replacing, and there was evidence of mould. He suggested a quote from Dave Jefferson, with assistance from volunteers. The kitchen and bathrooms needed

Dungog

Chiropractic Clinic I treat most musculoskeletal complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

re-painting and volunteers will be sought for this.

Community health centre prospects Reported on the meeting with the Catholic parish. Fr Derek was supportive of the community group’s moves. The way forward was in partnership with Hunter Medicare Local assisted by local politicians and perhaps a community meeting.

Community markets’ report The last market went well. The flower show was affected by the weather. A letter will be sent to the park trust to determine its attitude to and the terms of the use of the showground for the markets in 2013. The Terese Doyle Hall and the sporting complex will also be considered. The future of the market coordination to be discussed with Belinda Richards.

Treasurer’s report Tabled and accepted Correspondence 1 New England Health on local promotion.

2 Dungog Shire Australia Day Awards 3 Maitland region suicide prevention meeting.

General business 1 Remembrance Day - a wreath on behalf of the community group to be arranged with the garden club network.

2 Christmas Carols Pointed out that the carols are to be held in the school of arts hall, not Orana Park.

3 Dungog Community Kitchen The Dungog kitchen was established to help with cooking skills, nutritional information and social contact. It is one of two in the State. A letter has been sent to Gresford CWA to determine a response to a similar venture in Gresford and perhaps to host a community meeting.

4 Mumford & Sons Concert About 400 (out of an anticipated 600) camped at the showground. Local businesses did well. Facilities were adequate and the crowd respectful of the grounds.

Next General Meeting Mon 3 December 7:30pm Hotel Beatty ALL WELCOME

Gresford Transport ABN - 76872263533

"Ser ving The Small Man On The Land" Livestock & general 8 ton capacity fully insured Gresford, Dungog Maitland, Singleton Stephen Hill for friendly and personal service Home - 02 49 389 349 Mobile - 0429389349

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people in business is our business’ Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 and is keen to assist residents, farmers and business in the area with all their legal needs.

We can help you with: Conveyancing, Subdivisions, Family Law, Business Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and more PHONE: 4926 4788 www.evanslaw.com.au

G resford News •

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December 2012

Gresford News December Crossword

Last months crossword answers

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G resford News

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✳ ✳ ✮ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ Thanks to all who have contributed, ✳✳ ✳ ✮ ✳ advertised, read or donated during 2012 ✳✳ ✳ ✳ and a special thanks to Sue Forbes for ✮ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ keeping the News printer running ✳ ✳ ✳✳ ✳ ✳ and Julie Hartigan for her community ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✮ ✳ ✳ feature aricles and photos. ✳ ✳✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ Jane Richens, Brian Doherty & the Gresford Community Group ✳ ✳✳ ✳✳

Ph 49389368 Fax 49389165 Email gresfordbowlclub@bigpond.

CHINH and JIMS’

BISTRO OPEN 5-00pm WED to SUNDAY United Asian cuisine Last orders 8.00pm Australian Vietnamese. Thia and CHINIESE

SUNDAY 9th DECEMBER 3-30pm till 7-00pm Disco Dance and a visit from Santa

GIANT SEAFOOD RAFFLE

SUNDAY 23rd DECEMBER 7-00pm

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 7-30 till the WEE-HOURS

The Board, Management and Staff would like to wish all Members and Patrons a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year WEDNESDAY 7-00PM FRIDAY

7-00PM

SUNDAY

7-00PM

SPONSERED BY 54 Glenwood Drive THORNTON

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