Gresford News May 2014

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

May 2014

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2014 Gresford Billy Cart Derby

T

he extraordinary genuine American metal coffin and suitably attired undertaker from Abermain, Darryn Turner was picked as winner of the best decorated billy cart for 2014.

Read more about the Billy Cart Derby inside.

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

The Gresford News Community Diary Thurs 1 May Small Biz Bus, Office of the Small Business Commissioner, Dungog 9.00am; Paterson 1.00pm Fri 2 May Friday night competition, Gresford Vacy Football Club, 6.30pm Fri-Sun 2-5 May Tocal Field Days, Tocal Agricultural College Sat 10 May Gresford CWA book club, Gresford CWA, 3.00pm Sat 17 May Ukulele fun & entertainment, Camyr Allyn Wines, 12.30 Sun 18 May Gresford Community Markets, Therese Doyle Hall, Gresford Rd, East Gresford Tues 20 May Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am Fri-Sun 23-25 May 3 Village Art Festival, throughout the Paterson/Allyn river valley Sun 25 May St Anne’s Harvest Festival, Church Street, Gresford, 10.00am Fri 30 May Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Gresford, Twin Rivers Café, 10.30am Fri 30 May Friday night competition, Gresford Vacy Football Club, 6.30pm Sat 31 May Burr Cutter Ball, Hotel Beatty Sat 21 Jun Masked Ball, James Theatre, Dungog, 7.00pm CLAIM THE DATE Tues 19 Aug CWA International Day, country of study is Botswana Sat-Sun 13-14 Sept Polo, Tabbil Creek Polo Ground, Dungog CLAIM THE DATE Sat 11 Oct Gresford Annual Y.O.T.S Dinner and Art Auction Tuesdays

Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am Friday afternoons Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts 1st Mon each month Gresford Community Group Meeting, 7.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan) Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm 1st Wed each month 1st Thurs each month CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan) Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 11.00am (not Dec, Jan or June) 2nd Mon each month 2nd & 4th Mon each month Family & Child Health Clinic, Paterson school of Arts Hall, 4932 9768 for appt’s 2nd Tues each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan) Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan) 2nd Sat each month Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am 3rd Fri each month 3rd Sun each month gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall, 9 til 2 (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 Mon/Tues

To contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au or call Brian Doherty on 0412 372 687 or Jane Richens on 0425 339 856.

Postal Address: PO Box 99 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories and ads 20th of the month.

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

Gresford News audio version available for visually impaired. Phone 0412 372 687 for this service.

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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

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Address

Gresford Notices St Anne’s Harvest Festival Sunday 25 May St Anne’s Harvest Festival, Church Street, Gresford, from 10am.

Lunch available after the auction.

Ph. 4938 9386

Lost ring Lost on Saturday of the Billy Cart Derby eternity ring given to my wife at 14 years of age 45 years ago. reward Phone Kel on 0438 288 545

Third Sunday of the month

Gresford Community Markets next market

Sunday 18 May

Therese Doyle Hall, Gresford Road, East Gresford

Tocal Field Days Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May

Youth Work Cert IV local subsidised course now enrolling dungogcommunitycollege.org.au

PAGG visits the roses What a simply stunning morning we had up the valley at Leon and Marissa Grove’s beautiful garden. I can’t thank them enough for allowing us to gather amongst the roses, hedges and rock walls. I think we all loved listening to Leon and tales of his up-bringing in his father’s massive nursery at Five Dock in Sydney where 100 people were employed back in the 1980s.

No wonder Leon has such a love of gardening and incredible knowledge.

He has developed his own business over 25 years and has a passion for stone walls, stone paths etc..AND for those that are interested, has a 20% Pre-Spring special for garden members.

He is a landscaping professional and his work also includes paving, garden care and maintenance. Leon’s phone number is 0404 715 117.

Leon gave us a few tips on building steps with 150-180mm risers and a tread of 300 to 350mm. Leon suggested a lovely garden tree to grow is the Tamarillo. You might like to google it and see if you have a spot in your garden for one.

Our Saftey Officer Robert should definitely have applied to study at NIDA. He had us decked out in safe

Quilting and Embroidery Class Every 2nd Tuesday of the month 10am–3pm Rhonda Eddy from Southern Cross Needlework & Quilting East Maitland holds a class at Gresford CWA Hall Durham Road.

All welcome - any level Phone Rhonda and let her know what you would like to do.

Booking essential for catering purposes.

Phone 4936 6600 Next class Tue 13 May

gardening clothes, hats of all descriptions and a huge slip slop slap message! I wonder what next month will bring? Actually come to think of it, he would have excelled on the stage in the 1920’s with Charlie Chaplain and the silent movie society!!

Penny K chatted about a wonderful calendar that the Gloucester Grower’s have produced and she is going to try and get hold of some for us. It is magnificently set out with an abundance of relevant information and great tips.

I suggested that a “DID YOU KNOW” section in our PAGG emails could be very beneficial. Networking is of paramount importance in our lives and so I shall start one up and see what you all think. I would love to hear from any member who has a business to promote, an idea to throw around, a venue that is a must see, a function that we must not miss! If you send any info to me, then once a month I shall send out a Did you Know column!!

Our next gathering & AGM will be at Judith Clarke’s Vacy garden on Tuesday 20 May at 10am.

Janie Chandler

Dungog

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

JAMES BULLEN

PROFESSIONAL FARRIER Trade qualified Quality trims, shoeing & therapeutic work Call James 0429 631396

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.

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May 2014, p 6

Phill Flanagan's

Earth Moving

Specials ~ May 5 to 17 Eye Fillet - $26.99/kg Crumbed Steak - $9.99/kg Greek Koftas - $14.99/kg

Ph 4938 9710

Bob cat Excavator Traxcavator Grader Roller Rockhammer Borer Truck hire + attachments 4938 5153 Mob 0418 435 429 Duns Creek

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May 2014, p 7

Back To Lostock Day What a memorable day! The back to Lostock Day was held on Saturday 12th April at Lostock Hall, Lostock. It was organised by the Gresford District Historical Society members and voluntary help for all former residents pre Lostock Dam construction. The day was to gather and copy memories, photos and documents that relate to the community of Lostock, and what a successful day it was.

Approximately 115 visitors holding some connection to the Paterson River Valley and ‘Lostock’ itself attended the day.

The weather kept fine and pleasant. The majority of locals came along plus people who had grown up in this beautiful area and moved way over time. Dr. Cameron Archer, historian and principal of Tocal College was in attendance and visitors attended from as far away as Queensland.

The response from people was just great. Wonderful old photographs, information and items of interest were brought along. Our scanning and interviewing people were kept very busy indeed.

Visitors brought along additional food treats to add to the bountiful morning tea that was provided. Plenty of happy chit chat and reminiscing occurred throughout the day.

GDHS members provided displays and photographs which lined the walls of the Hall.

This ‘Back to Lastock Day’ was not only an information gathering day but a reunion of friends and family. A big ‘Thankyou’ from the Gresford District Historical Society team.

Lorraine Ashard, Hon. Secretary, GDHS

MIKE DOYLE HORSEMANSHIP

Open: Tue,Thurs,Fri 9-­‐5 -­‐Wed 9-­‐8 Sat 8-­‐12 Call today for your appointment!!!

49388386

Come into our friendly local salon today and enjoy one of our many services we offer. From amazing cut and colours to beautiful long lasting gel nails and amazing bridal packages.

We stock a large range of retail from the amazing keune and ghd to the new and fabulous silk eyelash extending mascara.

Come in today, you will be amazed!!

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

Horse Starting (breaking)

‘Looking after people in business is our business’

Problem Horses

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

Starting horses on cattle to give them confidence Low stress and effective cattle handling Lessons Demonstrations Clinics Mike Doyle 0418 503 939

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May 2014, p 8

What’s on the Shelves?

CALLING FOR GREEN ARMY PROJECTS

by Glenda Smith

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

Muriel Barber

This intriguingly titled French novel was a best-seller in France, and has been translated into over thirty languages. The main character Renée is a concierge in an upmarket apartment building, and is the ‘hedgehog’ of the title. She is highly intelligent and has a strong sense of beauty, but hides her inner refinement behind her stereotypically downtrodden appearance, to give her the privacy to indulge her intellectual and aesthetic tastes.

The narrative is shared with Paloma, the young daughter of one of the tenants of the building, who resembles Renée in being out of step with her family and peers. A new Japanese tenant, Kakuro Ozu, acts as a catalyst for friendship between Renée and Paloma, and the story gains momentum from this point, with the three characters giving varying degrees of comfort to each other. This is a novel about recognition, or the lack of it, and has rich veins of philosophy, literature and culture, while also having a very human dimension.

Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin has welcomed the launch of the Green Army and is now calling on councils and community groups to submit ideas for new projects in the electorate of Paterson.

projects that generate real benefits for the environment locally.

Groups in Paterson will be able to bid to host a Green Army team.

Project activities could involve restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up “The Green Army projects teach creeks and rivers and conserving many young people about team work, local ownership and about the cultural heritage places. value of belonging to something Under the program, participants will greater than themselves,” said be paid an allowance and undertake Mr Baldwin. accredited training. Applications for project proposals opened on “We are now looking for projects Monday 14 April 2014 and will close that will make a real difference to Friday 9 May 2014. the environment and local communities,” Mr Baldwin said.

To be eligible for the first round of the program, projects must be ready The Green Army will be Australia’s to commence between 1 July 2014 largest-ever team supporting and 30 June 2015. environmental action across the country, building to 15,000 young Project guidelines and information Australians by 2018. to help groups interested in submitting Green Army projects The Green Army program provides plan their proposals is available now opportunities for young people to at: www.environment.gov.au/greengain training and experience in army environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore Contact: The Honourable Bob careers in conservation Baldwin MP on 0419 694 620 management, while participating in

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 –

DVD Releases available in May • THE WOLF OF WALL STREET • 47 RONIN • JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT • • THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY • THE BOOK THIEF • SAVING MR BANKS • • FROZEN • WALKING WITH DINOSAURS • AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY • • FREEBIRDS • HER • CLOSED CIRCUIT • THE BAG MAN •

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3 Village Art Festival 23–25 May It was said that it could never happen but we have taken a dream and made it reality.

Local resident Jim Doyle wanted to put this art show on as a tribute his mother who was a tireless worker for our community and a talented artist and photographer.

Therese Doyle who so many people loved and admired was taken from us tragically in a car accident nearly fifteen years ago. So was born the Hunter Quarries 3 Village Art Festival with the Open Competition aptly named the “Therese Doyle Award” sponsored by Daracon.

The program is growing every day. We have artists from all quarters registering and everything is now set for one of the Hunter’s premier art events. All we need now is for everyone to come along and support this great event, knowing you are also supporting the Maitland Hospital Foundation and the local Rural Fire Service Brigades.

Official Opening Friday 23 May 6 for 6.30pm start in the Main Hall at Tocal Agriculture College.

Bookings essential: email stephigribble@ gmail.com or phone 0416116009 for catering purposes • Opening Ceremony

by Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore and

Dungog Mayor Harold Johnston • See all of the category winners who will be announced on the night • Lucky door prize • Auction of original works • View one of the largest Aboriginal art displays ever held in the Hunter and you will see one piece of art and photography from every artist participating in the festival • Entertainment and lots of fun.

Sat 24 and Sun 25 May 10am – 4pm

Vacy School of Arts Hall Gresford Road Vacy • Photography and local school exhibition • David Oliver photo taking demonstrations • Street entertainers • Lucky door prize • RFS display • Market stalls • Helicopter ride (pre book David Oliver to go up with you and get tips for aerial photographs) • RFS BBQ or eat in the local Historic Hotel of Cafés.

Gresford School of Arts

Tocal

Park Street, East Gresford • Art Category Winners • Therese Doyle Exhibition • Painting demonstrations by renowned artist John Bradley • lucky door prize • Meet at St Annes Church (Church Street Gresford) for Cemetery tours at 11am and 2 pm daily • Market stalls • Food from Rotary Club or one of Paterson School of Arts Hall the Restaurants and cafés in town.

Duke Street, Paterson • Saturday afternoon relax with a visit to • View the art and watch art Camyr Allyn Winery for entertainment demonstrations • Enter the lucky door prize • Visit Paterson Art Gallery, children by Springtide, buy a bottle of quality wine, enjoy a BBQ and jumping castle can register (now) for art classes with Creative Art Space • Tucker Park will have for the kids • Enjoy restored cars on Sunday & finish the day with a “get back Vintage farm machinery on Saturday and to the fifties” special guest entertainer vintage cars on Sunday • Market stalls on and music at the Beatty Hotel where all both days • Food available from Rotary Club or from cafés & restaurants in town • of the lucky door prizes and children’s art rally winners will be announced.

Take a guided stroll in historic Paterson.

Tocal Road, Tocal • Pick up your maps, programmes and the Children’s Art Rally forms • Watch Aboriginal artists demonstrate their work and view the art on display • lucky door prize • Buy from our local food producers.

Stewart Everett mitsubishi Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

Position Vacant Clerical Assistant

Stewart Everett Mitsubishi at East Gresford is seeking a clerical assistant for 3 full days 23hrs per week, plus relief work for leave entitlements of other workers.

Work to commence Tuesday 10th June 2014 To be successful in gaining this position it is essential you have general office skills in • MYOB Premier • Excel & Word • Internet • SAP Duties are varied and include BAS, Bank Reconciliation, Banking, Debtors, Creditors, Inventory Control, Payroll & NRMA Insurance. An ability to show multi-tasking skills will be highly valued also reliable and interested in an ongoing commitment to a growing small family owned business.

Apply in writing to Kim Everett, PO Box 10, East Gresford, NSW 2311 by Friday 16th May 2014.

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May 2014, p 10

Rosalie Lawrence

Community feature ...by Rowena Dillon

R

osalie came to Gresford from East Maitland in 1981 when she married Peter Lawrence. She worked in town until she had children then she worked on the farm with Peter and started to become involved with community organisations.

Rosalie reports that there are 33 organisations in Gresford. Rosalie is on the executive committee of 6 of these while Peter is on the committees of 13 and of course, that means Rosalie vigorously supports their activities as well. Rosalie has been on other committees over the years such as the Gresford School P & C and the preschool so both Rosalie and Peter are very proactive members of the Gresford community.

Rosalie as a volunteer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

Camyr Allyn Wines

proudly presents an afternoon of ukulele fun and entertainment with the fabulous Hunter Strum Club and featuring our own Paterson Pluckers

Join Mark, Jane and a whole mob of strummers and pluckers . . .

WHERE: Camyr Allyn North, 65 Allyn River Road, East Gresford WHEN: Saturday 17 May 2014. TIME: 12.30 - 3.30pm.

Bring a cheese platter, picnic lunch, blanket or chair and be ready for a great afternoon in our truly beautiful winery gardens. Why not have a wine-tasting first - then grab a cold bottle of verdelho, rose or sparkling and sing along?

Bring some friends, bring your uke (Hunter Strum Club also welcomes guitar, banjo, mandolin etc) and strum and sing along with the group. We'll have professional musicians to help out - all you have to do is join the fun!

Plumber Drainer Gas Fitter Roofer 3.5 t Excavator 8 t Tip Truck SERVICING ALL AREAS

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Strictly NO BYOG (you can buy great wines there!)

Phone 02 4938 9576

Rosalie know only too well the amount of work that goes into organising events through one of her more demanding roles as secretary of the Gresford Show Society.

Rosalie is also on the School of Arts Committee, the Cricket Club, the Allynbrook Church vestry, the Gresford Parks Trust and the Allynbrook Art Show

www.camyrallynwines.com.au

VACY / ABN 67 123 581 183

EMAIL mju1@bigpond.com

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On the down side, Rosalie laments the loss of many of our town’s small businesses over the years. She realises that many people now travel out of Gresford to work and often then shop and do other business out of Gresford.

This has led to the closure of businesses such as the bank and the Rosalie is very proud of the community chemist and the loss of important spirit that Gresford has. In 1989 services such as the local doctor. As Rosalie was diagnosed with AML Rosalie says once they are gone we Leukaemia and she experienced firstnever get them back. hand the support of the community Rosalie also sees that it is difficult for for herself, Peter and her young the youth of Gresford to find children. Like many others, Rosalie entertainment and activities to keep feels that Gresford people work them occupied. She says that having to together to get things done. She feels travel to do things is often difficult and that the Gresford community shows this leads to boredom. initiative when a need or problem is identified and instead of waiting for As for the future of Gresford, Rosalie handouts, or for someone else to solve would like to see more of the young the problem, Rosalie feels that Gresford adults in Gresford start to become people look after themselves and are actively involved with the many prepared to have a go to get something organisations that are important in the done. Previous fund raising efforts, town. Most of the committees are made major works and public events are up of older people and they need some testament to this initiative and new, younger members to learn the combined community efforts. ropes and take over the running of the committee. Fulfilling these roles takes up a lot of time and Rosalie is prepared to spend many hours before, during and after events, often doing a lot of behind the scenes jobs that many people would not even realise have to be done for an event to be a success.

local water carrier

CASSO’S WATER CARTAGE DOMESTIC & RURAL WATER SUPPLIES TANKS & POOLS FILLED CONTACT BRAD 4995 6053 0425 236 188

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

May 2014, p 11

committees. Also many of the 33 committees have the same core group of people that are members of several of the committees, so some fresh, young members would give new energy to continue to improve Gresford.

For the youth of the town, Rosalie feels we need to offer them more for entertainment. Rosalie acknowledges that the skate park has been a plus, but also suggests maybe a gym or some other place for them to get together.

Finally Rosalie would like everyone to get involved in keeping our wonderful community as special as it is by joining a group or supporting our local businesses as much as possible. This will ensure that Gresford community stays GREAT into the future.

Throughout 2014 Rowena Dillon will be writing portraits on some of our local interesting people focussing on their past and hopes for the future.

Gresford Transport ABN - 76872263533

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May 2014, p 12

2014 Gresford Billy Cart Derby This year’s Easter Fair and Derby broke all the records.

The attendance and entries were larger than previous years, and we were blessed with a perfect day.

Everything ran like clockwork thanks to a great team of volunteers.

Grand and Senior Champion Jim Manoliadis from Port Kembla

The Grand and Senior Champion was Jim Manoliadis from Port Kembla. He was 0.1 of a second faster than the past champion Phil McGrath in a time of 20.8 seconds The Junior Champion was Aiden Foote from Maitland with Brook Lindsell runner up.

The tag team race was won in record time by Thomas wilbur Wright and Thomas Orville Wright, the father and son team from Morpeth, renowned for innovative designed carts including the pencil and the newest creation, the bi-plane that almost became airborne on its way down the track. This race was a highlight with a record 10 teams entered this year.

Start of the ‘six-up’ tag team race

Graeme Ferguson

Registered Surveyor Consultant in surveying, planning and engineering * Portion Boundaries Remarked

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

* Urban and Rural Subdivisions * Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys * Urban and Rural Road Design * Control Surveys

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

Tel 4938 9448 Fax 4938 9626 Email yatta@hunterlink.net.au

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See more photos and movies on the Gresford Billy Cart Derby Facebook page.

The best decorated cart was hotly contested this year with an amazing array of designs including a beautiful display of carpentry skills in a cedar laminated very sleek design that took the proud craftsman 200 hours to create.

The Gresford Showgirls Isabella Winchester and Brittany Crouch, who raced in a feature cart race earlier, picked the American coffin by Darryn Turner as the Winner.

The Blackwoods Monster Raffle proved most popular and financially rewarding, first prize of a magnificent $1200 Blackwoods tool kit was won by Dennis Barnes from Singleton, Second prize of a Bunnings BBQ was taken home to singleton by Mal Brunton and third prize of a TV and DVD player donated by The Good Guys of Maitland went to Andrew Turnbull.

Laurence Thorssell, creator of the ever popular ‘Cow’ cart, talkes to Tom Boorer after their race

Brittany Crouch in the ‘pink pig’ up against Isabella Winchester in the Show Girl race.

Photos: Jane Chandler and Jane Richens

Debt Collection Solutions AND ALL YOUR CREDIT MANAGEMENT NEEDS

David Cains - 0419 215 782 • Ph: 4926 2499 • Fax: 4929 5298 • Level 4, 6 Bolton Street Newcastle 2300

david@armsgroup.com www.gcsarms.com c8929022-9May

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May 2014, p 14

African Olive Field Day

On Saturday 12th April Hunter Local Land Services coordinated a field trip for landholders interested in finding out more about the weed African (or Wild) Olive.

Thirteen landholders from Gresford, Paterson, Martins Creek, Summerhill, Torryburn and Vacy areas attended the day.

African Olive is an aggressive environmental weed which is becoming a critical issue in the Hunter Valley with many landholders in affected areas now seeing it as being worse than Lantana.

The field trip involved visiting three sites – a property in Martins Creek, the hill behind the SES building in Dungog township, and a property in Gresford. Participants heard first hand from landholders dealing with African Olive about which treatments have worked for them and which haven’t worked so well.

A demonstration of the basal bark method was conducted by Dungog Council Weeds Officer, Eric Pasenow. This method, using a mix of Garlon 600 and diesel, has proved to be the most effective herbicide treatment for achieving a good kill rate for mature African Olive trees.

Landholders from the Glendonbrook area in Singleton also met up with the group in Gresford to discuss how bad African Olive

has become in their area, the problems it causes, and what they have been doing to address the issue. While Dungog Shire is not yet as badly impacted on as Singleton and Maitland council areas, it will become worse if not contained soon.

Hunter Local Land Services is currently running a two year program to assist landholders affected by African Olive in the Dungog Shire area. If you think you have African Olive on your property and would like some assistance/advice contact Senior Land Services Officer, Lorna Adlem on 4938 4925.

Stewart Everett mitsubishi ACN 000 905 395

For friendly service!

Agent for Mitsubishi Motor Vehicles NRMA Service Centre Caltex Distributors, Fuels, Oils Stihl Chainsaws and Accessories General Vet & Chemical Merchandise ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

We welcome all your NRMA insurance payments – let our staff look after you personally!

Contact Stewart or Scott

26 Durham Road, East Gresford NSW 2311

Ph. 4938 9204 Facsimile 4938 9517

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May 2014, p 15

GRESFORD CWA NEWS community. We have an active Book Club meeting on the second Saturday of each month at 3.00p.m. afternoon tea and vibrant discussion. New members are very welcome. Books for discussion in 2014 are listed on our website.

Glenda Smith’s reviews and the books are on our shelves ready to borrow. The next meeting is on May 10th at 3.00p.m. The book for discussion “The Dinner” by Herman Koch. For more information email Glenda Smith, at staines@coscom.net 3 Villlage Art Festival – we are helping at the halls of Tocal, Paterson, Vacy and Gresford. Family and friends are all welcome to go on the roster for each of the venues which will be open 10am.

Lyn Tunin and Elaine Mayo with new flags. to 4pm. call me on 4938 9566 or robynmthornton@bigpond.com Our CWA flags had their second outing Help the many visitors coming to the at the Billy Cart Derby. The flags drew area find their way around our attention to the Gresford CWA and beautiful villages. brought many favourable comments.

Our stall manned by members sold SAVE THE DATE International Day on home made breads, pickles and jams, 19th August, the country of study is cakes and loaves along with an amazing Botswana. The Gresford Public School amount of bric-a-brac donated by will be involved in our special day with members and friends. a performance and posters depicting their study of the country.

The CWA rooms have a well stocked Robyn Thornton, President. library which is open to all the

EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

Marcia Francis and Betty Kellehear

Dotti Hilliard and Judy Daly

The Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month at 12 Durham Road at 9.30a.m. Come and join us.

WEB: http:/gresfordcwa.wordpress.com

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May 2014, p 16

q Gresford District Historical Society r A big man with a big heart - Malcolm from Carrabolla

W

hether it is the water, the mountains, the isolation or the genes of the families who pioneered this area, Carrabolla bred people are widely respected for their strength, toughness and resourcefulness. They also have a reputation for hospitality, sportsmanship and willingness to assist their community and neighbours.

One man who possessed all these Carrabolla characteristics was Malcolm Maxwell Cowley. Malcolm was a 3rd generation Carrabolla man born in March 1932 to George and Mollie Cowley. It is fortunate that his family has provided biographical detail as although I was privileged to know Malcolm there are stories from his life and times that only they could provide.

Malcolm’s generation required toughness and resourcefulness as these were then vital to a rural family’s prosperity. These days such characteristics are no longer as important as the heavy work and physical risk involved in grazing has been largely removed by machinery, prefabricated cattle yards and the modern stock crush.

Malcom, nicknamed “Snowy” by his parents was the only (surviving) boy in his family and as they were on a large holding he was expected to pull more than his weight. School days during WW2 would commence at dawn with Malcolm doing the run of his rabbit traps (in bare feet) and then after breakfast catching and saddling the horses for the 8 mile (13kms) ride with his sisters down to Lostock school.

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Tennis at Carrabolla. Malcolm 4th from left. An athletic team with a good selection of height and reach and a good selection of hats.

Story has it that Malcolm after arriving at school one summer morning complained of a sore leg and became quite unwell.

The teacher Miss Watson was quite concerned and called in her mother (an ex nurse) for an opinion. Mrs Watson suspected some sort of venomous bite and the Watson’s took Malcolm home in their car. Mrs Watson advised his mother to apply hot poultices and try to keep him awake. By now he was extremely ill and throughout his ordeal his dog remained with him licking his face on occasion to try and wake him.

Malcolm was fortunate to survive and during this worrying period a large abscess formed on his leg. When it eventually burst the enlarged puncture marks of two snake bites became clearly visible. It was not possible to identify the type of snake involved but the incident had a lasting effect on Malcolm. For some years he had a 6th sense about the presence of snakes and like many other country people he went out of his way to promote a policy that, “the only good snake is a dead one”.

Malcolm’s family had a tennis court on the property and he early acquired a love of tennis. Of course it helped that as part of a large family there was always someone to join him on the court. In those days neighbours and teams from other areas would arrive on horseback to play a Sunday game against a home team and enjoy country hospitality.

These games were competitive and there were some good players but the purpose was social and at the end of the day it didn’t matter much who had won.

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Cricket was also a favourite and there were pitches and local teams in most areas. Malcolm also played cricket and as a younger man would play competitively. His sister (Norah) recalls the story of his return from Gresford late one evening in his old Dodge car after a cricket match. The car had a habit of overheating and Malcolm would have to stop and carry water from the nearest creek. On this occasion his travelling mate who had consumed a few drinks was put in charge of lifting the bonnet and removing the radiator cap. After numerous trips in the dark up and down a steep bank carrying water in his cricket cap it occurred to Malcolm that the radiator was taking an awful lot of water. Closer inspection revealed that the radiator cap was still on and the water he had gathered had simply been poured onto the ground. It is reported that Malcolm was not a

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May 2014, p 17

q “Our Stories” Feature r “happy vegemite”, but the story does make you wonder just who else had enjoyed a few drinks!

Malcolm worked with his father (George) on the property and they were able to enlarge the holding by purchasing adjoining land from George’s brother. They raised Hereford cattle for many years before turning to Brafords and Angus breeds.

Malcolm was married in 1959 and with his wife Theresa raised 3 children. He was an active member of his community, helping out at the Gresford Show and rodeo for many years and lending his cattle to be used in the camp draft. The novice bull ride is now named in his memory. He was also a member of his local Bushfire brigade for many years My first memories of him are from the 1960’s and I recall a very well set up man still in his prime. At the time the Gresford show committee had decided to build new cattle yards using volunteer labour. Selected ironbark logs were donated and sent in to the Allynbrook sawmill and willing volunteers descended upon the mill to assist. Malcolm of course was among these.

My father was a bit concerned about these novices as he knew from bitter experience that sawmills are dangerous places.

Malcolm was given the task of moving the sawn rails from the out bench onto a trolley which when full could be wheeled to the two men doing the stacking in the yard.

Malcolm quickly assessed that it was inefficient to have two men waiting while he stacked the trolley and he took to “spearing” the rails out to the stackers with a unique underarm throw – a distance of around 8 metres. Now a 50 x 150 mm ironbark rail at 6m in length weighs in excess of 50kg and no one had ever seen such a feat. Most men can only just lift one of these rails - let alone throw it! My father shot out to remonstrate saying, “Malcolm if you hit one of those men you’ll kill them”. After some negotiation it was agreed that he could persist with his work method on the condition that he give a warning “bellow” before releasing each missile. It was quite a stirring sight and had this been an Olympic sport there is no doubt he would have been on the podium.

Later he was recruited as the anchor man for the Gresford tug of war team. This team competed locally with some success and made it to Sydney to compete in the NSW championships.

My memory is typical of all those who knew Malcolm. He was a big man with a big heart and the Gresford community felt his loss keenly when he died after a long illness in 2006.

Like many bushmen of his generation he also had a soft spot for

Malcom being shouldered by Allan Miller (right) and Malcolm Gardner - no mean feat!

bush poetry and loved to recite. It seems to me to be very appropriate to conclude with a few lines from one of his favourites.

Life Gets Tedious, Don’t It The sun comes up, and the sun goes down The hands on the clock, keeps going around You just get up, and it’s time to lie down Life gets tedious don’t it.

If you have been following these stories over the last few years you may be interested to know that they have now been compiled, (with additional photos) into a book. Titled “Gresford Connections Vol 1”.

It is available from McDonald Bros. Maitland and local shops in Gresford at $15. For additional copies phone Delma Lawrence on 4938 9589.

MAY SERVICE TIMES

Sunday Mornings 4 11 18 25

St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30 St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 St John’s, Vacy 9.00 St John’s, Lostock 11.30 Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St James’, Martin’s Ck 8.00 Glendonbrook Road St Mary’s, Allynbrook 10.30 Gresford NSW 2311 Telephone (02) 4938 9313 gresfordparish@bigpond.com

Weekday mornings St Anne’s, Gresford at 7.30am

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Lest We Forget -

Gresford Remembers Anzac Day 2014

Jack Hodges, of Lostock, honoured his great grandfather Albert Brace.

Photos: Julie Hartigan

More than two hundred Gresford residents risked showers and storms at the 2014 ANZAC Day service at Gresford to remember all who died serving their country. On the 99th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, the service recalled, too, those left behind to bear the sorrow of their loss.

The service began in emerging sunshine after 29mm of rain two hours earlier with a march of returned personnel, led by piper Charlie Capp. Conducted by the president of the Gresford RSL subbranch, Garth Carlson, it included a lesson read by Martin Addison, president of Gresford Community Group, and prayers offered by Anna Lutschini and Mitchell Carter, of Vacy Public School.

Robert Richardson, chairman of the Gresford Park Trust, gave the commemoration prayer.

Thirty-two wreaths were laid.

In his ANZAC address, FLTLT Stephen Moore, chaplain, 26 SQN, RAAF Williamtown, who is also rector of the Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson, recalled the service of the Feneley family in World War 1. Following is an excerpt from the address.

There was only one family in the valley where two brothers and their sister joined up; the Feneley family. The brothers served as gunners on the front line in the same battery of 18 pounders.

Cecil Feneley, the eldest, at 26, was the first to join, in November 1916; four months later his 20-year-old brother,

Top: Veterans march towards the Gresford cenotaph.

Gresford Public School students supported the diggers by marching with pride.

Patrick, enlisted, to be followed just before Easter 1917 by his sister, Dorothy.

‘cobbers’; Signaller David Butcher regarded him ‘a good chap’.

Mr and Mr Feneley, of Allynbrook, surrendered Cecil, Paul and Dorothy to a greater cause, to the worst conflict the world had known; such was the power of the call to arms and the strength of duty and patriotism in this community.

A solicitor before enlisting he was sheltering with other gunners in a dugout half-a-mile from the French town of Jeancourt when the Germans began shelling their position. It was about 11 o’clock in the morning of the 16th of September, 1918, when their battery came under attack.

Cecil wrote to his mother, ‘I could not face my fellow man if I did not serve,’ according to his nephew. Two of the three Feneleys were to survive the War, while one died in action less than two months before the end of hostilities.

Dorothy was one of 3000 Australian women to serve as a nurse; she was sent to Salonika to work in a field hospital, treating the wounded from the Balkans campaign. ‘No words can describe the awfulness of the wounds,’ one of her contemporaries, Sister Claire Trestrail, was to say later. ‘Bullets are nothing. It is the shrapnel that tears through the flesh and cuts off limbs.’

While she was treating the wounded in Salonika, her brothers were on the Western Front, fighting alongside each other in the same field battery.

Cecil had the world at his feet. He’s described in his medical certificate as a very tall man, 6 feet 6 inches, fairly stout, blue eyes and fair hair. He was evidently popular: the bugler who was to play at his burial recorded in his eyewitness account he was a ‘very great favourite’; Gunner Stephen Hynes wrote he and Feneley were, in his words,

With the typical randomness of fate, Patrick lived, Cecil died. He was buried with all military honours, according to Bugler John Fairmont: ‘the whole battery turned out.’

All the Army had to pass on to his mother Ellen was his scarf, a safety razor, a cigarette holder, one shirt, three collars, a diary and an empty pipe case.

Gunner Cecil Bernard Feneley was one of thousands buried in Commonwealth cemeteries across the world: in the fields of Europe, the sands of the Middle East, and in clearings in tropical forests across Asia and the Pacific. But thousands more have no headstone.

These are the ‘missing in action’, whose remains have never been recovered.

Many of the dead of our Navy still lie with their lost ships. Wherever they are, their spirit abides with us here, in the land they loved, for as long as we remember them.

The full transcript of the address can be found on the GresfordNSW website at www.gresfordnsw.com.au/gresford/2014anzac-day-address/

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Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc WINTER COMP HAS STARTED The winter comp is underway with the season starting with home games for all, with the exception of our Under 18’s side which will be out of sync. for the first half of the season.

The first ‘Friday Night Competition’ home game has been held at the Gresford Sporting Complex and was attended by a good number of supporters from our club and the opposition. This will be a regular event and everybody is welcome to attend to see our All-Age Men’s #1 and #3 sides take the field.

Jim Doyle’s All-Age Men #3 side will play at 6:30pm and the original Scorps’ All-Age Men’s #1 side will take the field at 8:00pm. The first round ended with a victory to both our sides. The next Friday night games are on May 2nd and May 30th. Come along and watch the action.

3rd ANNUAL GVFC GALA DAY Gresford Sporting Complex came alive with this twelve hour event hosted by GVFC. Fifty-six teams, over 500 players and countless supporters from Dungog, Clarence Town, Stroud, Seaham-Bowthorne and Lorn willingly competed in this social event. There were no winners, no points score and no prizes just the fun of playing soccer after dusting off the gear and skills from last season. The overall pervading feeling was one of fun and good sportsmanship.

The grounds had been beautifully prepared by Dave Crouch and a host of volunteers who had erected goal posts, marked out the fields and mown and trimmed every blade of grass. The overcast conditions were very bearable and the rain, which could be clearly seen on the horizon, stayed away all day.

Parking was at a premium with many vehicles lining the main road. During the sixes and sevens small sided games there was barely standing room beside the fields. Jim Doyle mastered a very complex draw that saw every nominating team get a full game, with some teams getting the opportunity to play multiple half games against various clubs and teams.

Hunter Valley Referees Association were on-hand and provided over 20 referees for the day. They used the event to conduct assessments of their newly trained 2014 cadets including GVFC sponsored referee, Ben Williams. The senior referees complimented the club on their organisation of the event and the presentation of the grounds.

Gresford Vacy Under 6-3’s being encouraged by Team Manager, Shantelle Turnbull, in their first ever game against Dungog 6-1’s.

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May 2014, p 20

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Gresford Community Group – April meeting Mobile phone coverage Noted the recent letter from Bob Baldwin, MHR. Martin Addison offered to reply to him, pointing out the factual inaccuracies and misquoting of the relevant News article and that the letter had overlooked the extensive area to the north of Gresford that was without mobile reception. Coverage in Gresford was discussed with examples of access and lack of access because of differing technologies. A conversation was reported where a Gresford local warned that future grant applications from Gresford could be jeopardised because of this incident.

TD Hall management plan update Peter Brecknock said he had come to the conclusion the hall and the proposed historical society building should not be integrated. Costs would be harder to separate, and the two structures were not compatible. He proposed the prefabricated, standalone building selected by the Historical Society be located approx 12.5m to the south of the hall, facing the proposed carpark. This had the additional benefit of quicker DA approval and proximity to toilets and

kitchen facilities. Martin said he would like to see a master site plan incorporating the two buildings The project needed to be costed, too, he said, before a resolution. He proposed a site meeting to set out the fence, car spaces and building.

Upper Allyn camping ground control Still no response from the relevant minister.

Therese Doyle Hall lease Waiting payment from the leasee.

Advised a generic heads of agreement would not offer protection; need a formal lease agreement from legal stationers.

and as a result could not see benefit in sending representatives to the community group. Another lesson was the difficulty in attracting local under40s. Noted the community group had uniquely and significantly built the social capacity of the district but was needing renewal. Discussion of the loss of some services from Gresford, financial, medical, businesses and ways to restor access to services. Lack of internet sevices noted as a limiting factor for accessing sevices. Next meeting to consider how Gresford News could support the Group’s agenda.

Next General Meeting

Pre-school/GCG Pre school representative asked about the public liability insurance cover available to the pre-school through its association with the community group. She also spoke of concerns re parking and access.

2014 directions/GCG Outlined the community group’s history and achievements. In terms of lessons learned, most local organisations were financially sound and well-managed,

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Sisters in Song

duets & arias from your favourite operas Laura King (soprano), Eliane Morel (mezzo soprano) and Belinda McGlynn (piano) are ‘Sisters in Song’ and will treat you to an afternoon of wonderful song in the spectacular Sisters of Mercy Chapel, Singleton, Sunday 4 May at 2pm.

The three ‘Sisters’ are professional musicians based in Sydney and between them have a wealth of musical qualifications and opera experience. They are proudly presented by Newcastle Festival Opera.

Singleton clarinettist Brent McLennan will also perform, ahead of his departure later this year to study at the Royal College of Music in London.

The program will include music from ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, ‘La Boheme’, ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ and ‘Dido & Aeneas’, and others.

At the Sisters of Mercy Convent Chapel, 30 Queen Street, Singleton, Hunter Valley.

Tickets include afternoon tea: $25 adults, $20 concession, $5 school students.

Reservations are recommended ph 6572 2398 Mon–Thur mornings.

St Helen’s Catholic Parish Gresford WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 6.30pm Local contact 4992 1477 Chisholm Region Office Contact 4933 8918 April 2014 crossword answers

Gresford News May Crossword

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