Gn october 2013

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

October 2013

2013 Gresford Rodeo -

T

Blacktown cowboy Jake Andrews in action in the novice bull ride. Photo: Julie Hartigan

he annual Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo resulted in some top rides on August 30 and 31. Perfect weather gave the cowboys and cowgirls the opportunity to show their skills to a capacity crowd.

See inside for a show roundup by Olivia Richardson and more action shots by Julie Hartigan.

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

The Gresford News Community Diary Thurs 3 Oct

Craft open house, CWA Hall, 1.00pm Tues 8 Oct Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights comp starts with social tennis night & BBQ, 7.30–9.30pm Fri-Sun 11-13 Oct Planet Dungog, music & arts festival around Dungog Sat 12 Oct Gresford District Landcare Group annual fieldday & dinner Sat 12 Oct Cooking Demonstration – Scones & Sponge Cakes, CWA Hall, 10.00am Sat 12 Oct Y.O.T.S Dinner and Charity Auction, Gresford School of Arts, 6.30pm Mon/Tues 14/15Oct Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am Mon 14 Oct Gresford Community Group AGM, Hotel Beatty Function Room, 7.30pm Tues 15 Oct Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am Fri 18 Oct Junior tennis coaching begins, Friday afternoons, Gresford Tennis Courts Sat 19 Oct Bull’s Horns Ball, Gresford P&C Assoc major fundraiser, Gresford Bowling Club, 7.00pm Sat 19 Oct Vacy Blues & Roots Festival, Farmers Hotel & Vacy Sportsground, Vacy Sat 19 Oct Vacy Trash & Treasure, Community Arts Centre Vacy, 9.00am Sun 20 Oct Gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall, Park St East Gresford, 9.00am to 1.00pm Sat-Sun 30 Nov-1 Dec Team Penning, Gresford Showground (earlier events in Dungog) Fri 6 Dec Claim the date: RSL Christmas Dinner, Gresford Bowling Club, 6.30pm Sat 7 Dec December Car Boot Market, Gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall 1st Mon each month

Gresford Community Group Meeting, 7.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan) 1st Tues each month 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 CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan) 2nd Mon each month Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 11.00am (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) 3rd Fri each month Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am 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

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.

With the newsletter now so large, we struggle to meet copying deadlines when items arrive after the 20th. 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

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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

Jacks mini buses will be running during day n night from Gresford to Dunns Creek & all in between for a small fee.

Gresford News Notices Gresford Community Group Inc. ABN: 77 508 601 649

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Local musical acts Fancy and A Twist of Blue will be playing as part of the Planet Dungog music festival 11-13 Oct.

Register your pool by 29 October

Hotel Beatty Function Room 7.30pm Mon 14 October 2013 Everyone Welcome

Vacy Trash & Treasure Sat 19 October, 9am

Go to the Community Arts Centre (Old Butcher Shop Vacy) for second hand kitchen ware, books, bric-a-brac & home cooked cakes, slices etc. Proceeds go to the Centre. We welcome donated items (plenty of time for a spring clean before the sale date!!). Same day as the Blues & Roots Festival being held at Vacy Sportsground. For info about the sale, or becoming involved in the Centre as an artist or a volunteer, contact Ivan Skaines, President, 0428 258 464 or iskaines@ozemail.com.au

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

See local acts at Planet Dungog

From 29 April 2013, pool/spa owners are required to register their backyard swimming pools/spas (to include inflatable pools, and/or any pools/ spas capable of holding 2000 litres of water) in the online register provided by the NSW State Government.

Visit the register website at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au and follow the easy registration steps.

Swimming pool registration is free. If you can’t access the online register your local council will be able to register on your behalf - a fee may apply. There may be a penalty applied to owners who fail to register a swimming pool by 29 Oct (penalty notice amount of $220) The Register provides checklists to selfassess pool safety. Pool owners will be asked to indicate that, to the best of their knowledge, their swimming pool complies with the Standard applicable.

FREE Workshops

for Small & Medium Sized Businesses & Not-For-Profits Digital Enterprise Hunter Program Tuesdays in Oct 5-7pm

How the Internet will increase your online presence • How to ensure your online presence produces results • How to create a website your customers will love Contact the Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre, Kurri Kurri or Newcastle on 4936 2557 or www. switchedonhunter.com.au

Bush survival skills holiday activites Mon 30 Sept-Thurs 3 Oct, 9.30-4 Ferndale Park Camping area, next to Chichester Dam Activities include: Fire without matches, Building Bush shelters, Making rope, Bush Tucker , Navigation / Stars, Art of Camouflage, Balance / Tracking, Frogging / Ochre Painting, Games, Songs, Stories…

For info: Nikki Brown or Sam New on 0412 216 485, 4994 7145 All ages: families, teenagers, adults welcome

FARMERS HOTEL VACY Whats Happening at the Farmers...

Tuesday nights – social darts at the Farmers Hotel. Starts at 7pm $5 For 4 games Austar at the Farmers – Come and watch any of your favorite sports on our 3 TVs Thursday nights bistro – Lamb rumps with veg & mash or chips & salad $16 We now have a courtesy bus that will pick you up and drop you home, so just ring the pub.

Come into the famers and try our great food

NEW Bistro hours

open every day for lunch & Dinner from 6pm Summer menu for Mon - Wed nights

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS FUNCTION NOW!

New Years Eve – live Band BELLA DOSE has been booked also performing at the Vacy Blues N Roots Festival. Theme for New Years Party is ROCK N ROLL

Farmers Hotel... where the beer is too good to spill! Ph 4938 8106

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 6

Above: Graham Hudson & Alma Middlebrook Left: Hudson Family in St Anne’s Hall Top left: Lachlan and Jack Hudson deliver oranges from the spring cart

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 7

Great Day for Hudson Family at Gresford Twelve months ago members of the Historical Society invited descendants of Margaret and Robert Hudson, to create a memorial at St Anne’s for these pioneers of the Gresford district.

On Sunday 25 August, over 140 members of the Hudson family gathered at St Anne’s church, Gresford to unveil a bronze plaque and celebrate their family heritage. The large old Elm tree at the gates of St Anne’s is a familiar landmark to Gresford residents and is an important link in the Hudson family story. This tree was planted 134 years ago by Margaret in place of a headstone to mark the burial place of her husband Robert Hudson. When she died in 1920 Margaret was also laid to rest near the tree. The plaque also records the death of their young daughter Elizabeth whose burial place is not known.

stealing some pigs and lambs in Norfolk and arrived on the Barossa in 1839.

Alma Middlebrook (nee Hudson) unveiled the memorial by lifting a horse rug to reveal the plaque fixed to a rock which was supplied by Peter Hudson from his family property at Myall Creek.

Peter then led family members in a moving dedication prayer.

As the crowd began to move away, the sound of a horse and cart approaching across the swing bridge could be heard.

Young and old were surprised and delighted to be treated with genuine Gresford oranges. They were contained in traditional corn bags and handed out

by Lachlan and Jack Hudson. The early Hudson families were dairy farmers but growing and dealing in oranges was an essential addition to their livelihood and of course horses were needed for The day began with a welcome and deliveries in the 1800s. The horse and introduction from Graham Hudson and spring cart were kindly supplied by the Helen Stacey. John Wilson talked about Ward family and the oranges picked by some new insights into Robert Hudson’s Peter Lawrence on his Halton property. life. We now know that Robert, like so This lovely surprise visit was organised many of his neighbours, came to NSW as by his mother Delma. a convict. He was found guilty of

St Anne’s Hall was the venue for lunch where stories and photos were shared and displayed and a celebration cake was cut. Being able to see treasured photos of Margaret Hudson nee Adams was a highlight of the day.

Around the walls were family trees for the nine branches of the family. These were compiled by John Wilson who is grateful for all information supplied to him and is keen to add to his research.

The organisers would like to extend thanks to David Wells and Delma Lawrence from the Gresford Historical Society and her team of helpers and St Anne’s Guild for the use of their hall and beautiful church grounds.

Plans are now being made for a similar gathering at Gresford next year so that we can ensure the story of the Hudson family will continue to be shared. If you would like to be involved in the planning or make sure your name is on the contact list please contact Graham Hudson 4930 5347, John Wilson 0400 461 416, Helen Stacey 6577 5610 or her mother Alma Middlebrook.

2013 Annual Field Day and Landcare Dinner Saturday 12 October

Field Day: 9am –1pm St Mary’s Hall, Allynbrook Landholders are invited to a free field day sponsored by Dungog Shire Council, Gresford District Landcare Group and Local Land Services, which will provide key information on: • • •

Biological control of Giant Parramatta Grass Treatment of Green Cestrum African Olive

Principal speaker for the field day and Landcare dinner will be David Officer, a researcher from the Department of Primary Industries. David has been working on ground breaking research for the eradication/control of Giant Parramatta Grass (GPG) through a naturally occurring fungus.

A site visit has been organised nearby, where participants can learn first hand about new treatments for GPG - followed by a sausage sizzle and more talks at St Mary’s Hall.

Landcare Dinner: 7pm St Anne’s Hall, Church Street, Gresford Saturday night, following the field day - $35 per person. BYO. Soft drinks and a free glass of wine will be included in the dinner. At this event, David Officer will be talking about the biological control of other weeds, including madeira vine.

RSVP for the Landcare dinner to Penny on 4938 9365 or Peter on 4931 5257.

For the field day, phone Paul Minett, Dungog Council on 49957777

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 8

ART

Greetings to Culture Vulture readers.

Attention – to all artists and artisans living in Gresford, Vacy and Paterson, if you are interested to take part in an Arts Festival / Art Trail next year 2014, please contact – Jim Doyle on 0407 307 7800 for further information concerning the event.

The Arts Festival/Art Trail is a great idea to celebrate our thriving Arts community in the Valley. Visiting an artist’s studio is a rewarding and interesting experience.

It allows the public a glimpse into the artists’ world, to gain an insight into how their creative concepts evolve.

OTHER ART NEWS! On the 1st October (Culture Vulture) Robyn Werkhoven will be launching a monthly email Arts Magazine – STUDIO LA PRIMITIVE ARTS ZINE. This issue, our test run, will be featuring the Nightmares Exhibition, artist interviews, art related articles and poetry.

NEWS

which is my life’s passion. Already I am having a splendid response with many artists, writers and philosophers happy to contribute articles and exhibition news. Hopefully we will have your words and art works in future editions.

It is important to have your work seen by a big audience, and this first issue has over 1000 viewers and will keep growing.

Let us know about your forthcoming exhibitions, art events or creative essays and poetry. exhibition will include - photography, painting, printmaking, sculpture and If you would like to receive an emailed installations. Nightmares will be a “must issue of the Zine please email me at see” exhibition, giving the viewer a address below. DEADLINE FOR NEXT further insight into the foibles and ISSUE 2 is 15 OCTOBER follies of the human mind.

Regards – editor Robyn Werkhoven Email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com

NIGHTMARES EXHIBITION

From 10 – 27 October a number of our local artists, Dawn Thompson, Laura Jefferson, Michael Garth, Judy Henry, It is very exciting what the future of the Christine Pike, Katherine Sullivan and zine could lead to, as a voice for the Robyn & Eric Werkhoven, will be artists - not only from the Hunter Region exhibiting with other Hunter and the Valley, but nationally and professional artists who have been internationally. The Zine is free, with no invited to face the challenge to create an advertising from sponsors. It is just artwork interpreting and exploring the something I want to do for the Arts, dynamic subject Nightmares. The

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Direct Drilling

Slashing and Mulching

Cultivating and Discing

Tabletop Truck Hire

Fertilizer Spreading

Boomspraying

Round Baling: Hay and Silage Small Square Bales Mowing and Raking Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

Ring Rodney Richardson 'Penshurst' Mt Rivers Ph 02 4931 7125

The Official Opening is on the Saturday 12th October, time 4pm onwards public most welcome. We are honoured to have the indomitable writer, actor and film producer Michael Winchester to open the exhibition with an entertaining and thrilling performance. The exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday 10th - Sunday 27th October at Newcastle Art Space Gallery 246 Parry St Hamilton East, Newcastle. Hours: Thurs – Sunday 12 –5.

Art News: Robyn Werkhoven 49389 572 or email: werkhovenr@bigpond.com

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 9

Gresford Community group

BETTER MOBILE PHONE & INTERNET !

Is your mobile going nowhere?

Your location address is

Prior to the Federal election the Gresford Community Group presented community concerns over the lack of mobile phone coverage in our region to Local, State and Federal Government members. Concerns included the potential health risks of living and working on properties without mobile coverage and also the difficulty of running an efficient business when you have to travel to a different location to do something as simple as checking voice mail messages.

MOBILE PHONE

Does your mobile access present problems for you.

Yes

No

In reply the Department of Broadband, Communication and Digital Economy stated it has been advised that Telstra “has no current plans to improve mobile coverage in the Allyn Valley.”

Do you want access to a better mobile phone service.

Yes

No

Yes

No

The Community Group would like to know what your experience is, of both mobile phone and internet broadband coverage, to get a picture of the problem and see what might be done in the future.

Is your internet access reliable.

Yes

No

Does your internet access present problems for you.

Yes

No

Do you want access to a better internet service.

Yes

No

We would be grateful if you can take a few minutes to answer these questions.

If you want to tell us anything else about your mobile or internet experience we would love to receive your thoughts along with the survey.

All questions are optional.

Send to Gresford Community Group PO Box 99, East Gresford, 2311

What company provides your mobile service Do you get reliable coverage at home.

Yes

No

Do you get reliable coverage across your property.

Yes

No

Do you get reliable coverage when away from home in this region. Yes

No

Was your coverage better with the CDMA network. Yes

No

Don’t know

Do you use an alternative to a standard mobile phone for mobile communication.

Yes

No

If yes, what is it

What is the approximate monthly cost of your mobile service. $

INTERNET Do you have access to the internet.

How do you connect to the internet (ADSL, satellite etc) What is the monthly cost of your internet access. $

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 10

Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys

Gresford Markets update

Recently I joined a Facebook group called Lost Dungog and I have enjoyed being a member of that group so much that last week I created a new Facebook group named Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys. This group has been designed to celebrate the history of the area between the Barrington Tops, Carrabolla in the Upper Paterson and the Upper Allyn, and Woodville and Hinton.

A picture perfect day greeted us again for the September markets. Once again our loyal stall holders were out in force with their ever friendly smiles and fantastic fare. We had 4 new stall holders join us adding to our great range of diverse stalls.

They were ‘handmade jewellery’, ‘handmade woodwork (for inside and out)’, ‘toys & posters’ and ‘outdoor shade covers’.

Like the Lost Dungog group I have made it a closed group.

This means that people need to contact me if they would like to join the group, although current group members can invite others to join as well. This will hopefully avoid spamming.

Car clubs from Singleton, Dungog and East Maitland joined us with their much loved and restored vintage cars. A special thank you goes out to all for making the markets the place to be on Sunday.

Via Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys I hope to encourage people to share their old photographs, memorabilia, family history and stories of the area. The group is open to both long term and new residents of the area and I ask that readers might also spread the word about the group to people living in other places, but with a connection to the area. So, for those people who are already a Facebook member just type Lost Paterson and Allyn Valleys in the Facebook search field at the top of the page and send a request to join the group. If readers have any questions about the group please contact me at iskaines@ozemail.com.au

October is normally ‘The Flower Show Market’. Although this year after lengthy discussions with professional and amateur flower growers, we have decided to defer the ‘Flower Show’ till next year either March or April which will operate under a whole new format. More on this at a later date. So please note in your diary No Flower Show Market in 2013.

There are a number of other “Lost” groups around and you may find it interesting to look at their aims and objectives.

Lost Dungog has 372 members. Its aim is to build a collection of photos and stories of Dungog through the generations.

Photos can be old or new, and people are encouraged to tell the story that goes with them. Also check out Lost Brisbane, Lost Sydney, created in 2012, and Lost Newcastle which has 10,311 members.

Dates to note:

By Ivan Skaines, Trevallyn

With Christmas just around the corner, remember only 2 markets left for 2013. So ‘why not and please do’ come along and do your Christmas shopping at the Gresford Markets where the variety and quality is next to none.

October markets – Sun 20; November markets – Sun 17; 9am til 1pm

*P.S. December Car Boot Market? Saturday 7 December.

Interested in booking 4938 9505 (if unanswered leave name & number) This market will happen only if enough people book ahead. October 31 cut off point. (allows time to advertise).

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

Winter Trading Hours Mon – Tues Wed – Thur Friday Sat – Sun

Shop 7 am – 5 pm 7 am – 7 pm 7 am – 8 pm 7 am – 7 pm

Take Away 8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm 8.30 am – 8 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm

Cafe’ 8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

Last pizza orders 30 minutes before closing time, grill and fry orders 15 minutes before closing time.

If on the night trade warrants, closing times will be extended

TAKE AWAY FOOD OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks

DVD Releases available in October

• FAST AND THE FURIOUS 6 • WORLD WAR Z • HANGOVER 3 • THE INTERNSHIP • LONE RANGER • DESPICABLE ME 2 • MUD • EPIC • BLING RING • HYDE PARK ON HUDSON • DEADFALL • KILLING SEASON • HUMMINGBIRD • THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN • SWEET VENGEANCE • DEAD IN TOMBSTONE •

G resford News •

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Wheelchairs for Community Use

October 2013, p 11

Tocal Pool Open

As many of you are aware the Gresford Amateur Performing Society (GAPS) set a goal, at the Christmas Carol events, to help raise funds for a worthwhile Community cause.

Tocal pool is now open and available for community use. Arrangements are that community use is by season ticket only.

Applications for season tickets are available from Tocal College Office and Paterson Post Office, and can be downloaded from www.tocal.com

A suggestion was made to GAPS to consider purchasing a wheelchair for people to access on a short term basis.

Members of the Tocal pool can also take guests who use the pool on a pay as you go basis. The pool services people living in the Paterson Valley including Largs and Bolwarra

Thanks to donations from the community, GAPS and Paterson Rotary Club, we have been able to purchase two light-weight wheelchairs. GAPS will soon be presenting one of these wheelchairs to Paterson Rotary so it can be used in the Paterson area. The other will remain in Gresford and be available for short term hire by residents in the Gresford district.

Tocal pool is an important community resource and Tocal Agricultural Centre works to ensure it is accessible and available to the community.

The pool is unsupervised and the annual membership fees reflect that it is not supervised nor does it have a canteen or other services. Members of the pool need to keep their tickets as college staff check usage from time to time.

More information about hire fees and arrangements will become available in the next issue of the Gresford News.

For enquiries contact Sharon Lawrence on 4938 9493 or Kel Merriman on 4938 9564.

Thankyou Denise and Tony for your legwork in purchasing the chairs and thanks to all for your support.

Sharon Lawrence and Denise Sellens with one of the new wheelchairs.

Rosita Richardson on behalf of GAPS

The learn-to-swim classes and other community events at the pool enables it to provide a unique service to the district.

The pool is an alcohol free zone and the cooperation of all patrons in ensuring its trouble free operation is appreciated

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G resford News •

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October 2013, p 12

2013 Gresford Rodeo

... by Olivia Richardson

Blue skies and sunshine brought two action winners of the barrel races were Matt packed days of competition to the annual Canham, Jade Tribe and Annah Sullivan, Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo event. whilst the 8-U11 Breakaway roping saw Jackson Denning with the perfect catch Kicking it off with the Campdraft on to take out top honours.

Friday morning, Toby Ware was the winner of the 8-U13 draft with a score of Saturday’s competition heated up as Jock 83, riding Rayne. The 13-U17 Juvenile Bone Langdon recorded a time of 4.01 draft saw Jayden Dorney score 87 to win seconds to walk away with a satisfying the event riding Hickory Rose. Kimberley win in the Steer Wrestling. The Rope and Snape was the clear winner of the ladies Tie event was won be Heath Nichols. draft after scoring 109 on One Morre Opal. Father and son team, Steve and Ty proved too strong to match in the Team Brad McNamara had the top score of 87 in Roping, taking home first place with a the Maiden draft on Josie. Gerald O’Brien time of 6.12. and Rosette had the top score to win the Novice draft. Warwick Lawrence left his Ben Lees and Ben O’Reily made winning mark on the Open draft, taking out first rides in the Saddle Bronc event taking place with a score of 271 on Minimax. out first and second places with a score of 78. The Bareback was won by Dee Friday afternoon we crossed to the rodeo Heinemann. arena where we saw Australia’s top junior competitors kick up the dust in With only two contestants to make the their events. Christopher Wilson taking qualified ride in the Open Bull Ride, out the 8-U11 Poddy ride, Taine Nash Steve Mason received 80 points for his topping the 11-U14 steer ride and Luke ride, and Cameron Parkinson came in Hollis and Nicholas Penrose walking second with his score of 75 points. away with equal first and second in the Emily Harris was a 1.54 seconds in the 14-U18 steer ride.

Steer Undecorating to take the win.

The Junior Bull Ride was won by Emily then kept her winning streak Timothy Partridge on 81 points. The going as she clocked in a time of 2.37 to

win first place in the Breakaway Roping.

Nichole Fitzpatrick stopped the clock at a 16.20 to make her mark in the Ladies Barrel race.

Local cowboy, Eric Richardson showed his hometown fans how it’s done, taking out second place in the 14-U18 steer ride, and only just missing out on a place in the Junior bull ride.

The highlight of the Gresford Rodeo for 2013 was the Over 40s Bull Ride which brought the crowds to their feet, cheering for the ‘old timers.’ There were only two qualified rides in this event, won by Dungog local David Leake with an impressive score of 80 points. Second place went to Errin Lambert who recorded a 74 point score.

When the rodeo action came to an end, the band kicked off and played into the early hours of the morning. The bar was in service all night and the earnings from the gate, bar and BBQ were substantial.

The committee would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation and running of the event. We look forward to another successful year of competition in 2014.

Jamie Atkins Rural Contracting 0427490547

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

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G resford News •

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2013 Gresford Rodeo

Mitchell Judd, of Coonamble, just missed out on recording a qualifying ride.

October 2013, p 13

... by Julie Hartigan

Sam Taylor, of Coonamble, took out the novice bull ride after being the only rider to record a qualifying ride.

Sean Berg, of Singleton, looked the part but failed to hold on for the required eight seconds.

Harry Ash, of Bowral, had no hope when his bull decided to lie down on the job. A re-ride a little later in the program failed to give Ash a qualifying score.

Steven Carter couldn’t keep his seat when his bull took off in the novice bull ride.

Graeme Ferguson

Providing professional taxation and accounting services to the Hunter Valley since 1946 including:        

Income Tax Returns Accounting Bookkeeping Audits Advice on buying and selling businesses Superannuation Advice and Self Managed Superannuation Funds Financial Planning Mortgage Broking

Gresford office Gresford officeisisopen openWednesday Monday, andTuesday other times by appointment and Wednesday at 1 Durham Road East Gresford Please call 4938 9284 or go to www.addisonpartners.com.au

Leona Leona Clements Clements (Bookkeeper) (Bookkeeper) Jane Thomson Westley Neilson(Director) (Director)

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

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 14

Community feature

...story and photos by Rowena Dillon

Yoga with Donna Do you have back pain? Are your joints and muscles not as supple as they used to be? Do you feel tired and lethargic? If so, maybe you should seriously consider yoga as a way to improve your health and wellbeing.

practice and suggested that she undertake formal yoga training. In 1999 Donna studied at the Sydney Yoga Centre under well respected yoga instructor Eve Grzybowski. Donna then began teaching classes in Sydney before moving to Gresford in 2000 with husband John and sons Gus and Ziz. Donna continues to attend retreats and classes with Ms Grzybowski to extend her yoga knowledge.

so can empathise with people with stiff backs like she once had. Donna’s main aim as a yoga teacher is to help others improve their health and body movements. She uses physical postures, breath practice and relaxation to achieve this. Donna encourages people of all Donna Cavanough has been a serious ages to attend her classes. She has taught devotee to yoga for many years and she children from Kindergarten through to shares her enthusiasm and expertise with Year 6 at Gresford School as part of their people from all walks of life, young and Active School Sports Program, making old, male and female around the Gresford You may be surprised to know that a the classes fun and invigorating for the and Dungog area. Donna knows from regular yoga class has been conducted in children. One of Donna’s more mature personal experience the benefits of yoga. Gresford for close to 30 years. Instructors students is octogenarian Peter Doyle She began yoga herself because of a back in that time have included Marcia who has attended classes for many years condition she suffered as a young person Francis, Sharon O’Brien and Sally and shows the obvious benefits of his living in Sydney, which saw her on pain Murton. When Sally Murton was leaving active mind and body. killers from the age of 15. After only a Gresford in 2000 she suggested that month of yoga classes Donna’s back Donna take over the class and since then Donna runs two classes in Gresford and improved dramatically and she began Donna has added more classes due to two in Dungog catering for all abilities. taking more yoga classes and less pain their popularity. Donna herself admits In Gresford the classes are held at the killers. Donna’s teacher was impressed that she was not particularly athletic and Therese Doyle Hall. The class held from with her dedication and intelligent flexible when she began practising yoga 9 – 10 am on Wednesdays is heavily

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G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 15

Community feature out at $14 a class for a term commitment or $17 a class for casual attendance.

Donna seems to have boundless energy which she uses to pursue her many talents. As a gifted artist herself, Donna was instrumental in organising and operating the Gresford Gallery which has seen exhibitions by local artists and has been opened along with the Gresford Markets. Donna has innovative events planned soon for the gallery. As well as the Gallery, Donna has embarked on a musical career with Lenny Burgess and her husband John. Their group is called Fancy and they have performed recently at the Dungog Settlers Arms and have some more performances booked, so look out for them.

If you talk to anyone who has participated regularly in yoga classes they commitment of a term payment which will tell you that they feel well, move works out at $14 a class or $17 a class for more freely, sleep better and have more casual students. energy. Donna and her yoga students are certainly testament to the benefits of In Dungog classes run on a Tuesday in yoga, so give some thought to using yoga the RSL Games Room. The beginners’ as a way to improve your physical fitness, class is 10.30 – 12noon while the 5.30 – flexibility, mobility and vitality in an 7pm class is very popular with people of enjoyable, supportive environment.

“Namaste” all abilities. The Dungog classes also work Donna Cavanough and Peter Doyle

subsidised by Neighbourcare and Donna herself at just $4 a class. This class is very accessible, catering for all ages and skill levels and is popular with both male and female students. Donna’s Friday class in Gresford is for more active bodies and runs from 9 -10.30 am. For this class Donna prefers a

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G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 16

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G resford News •

The

The Bull’s Horns Ball

A

handcrafted roo hide stock whip and a 20” bike are just two of the magnificent items up for grabs at the Bull’s Horns Ball on October 19.

G

resford Bowling Club will be transformed into a wild west saloon on October 19 as the Gresford community comes together for the Bull’s Horns Ball.

Guests are expected to include sheriffs, gunslingers, madams, saloon girls, ladies and gentlemen of the wild west, cowboys and the odd outlaw.

The menu has been designed to fit the theme and DJ Nathan Wall will bring the place to life with his old country tunes – and a few more modern hits as well.

“It’s wonderful how the community comes together every two years to support our little school,” P&C president Angela Kelehear said. “Afterall, it’s the kids at this school now who are the future of our community.”

The P&C understands that not everyone can make it to the ball, so is accepting donations from those wanting to support the plan to buy new computers for the students.

BR

The fundraising ball, hosted by Gresford Public School P&C Association, is aiming to raise enough money to upgrade the school’s computers to ensure the students of the small school are given every opportunity to keep up with the latest technology.

Generous sponsors have ensured there will be plenty on offer on the night – in the form of lucky door prizes, the Bull’s Horns auction, major raffle, exclusive 200 Club and the horseshoe lucky dip.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses willing to donate to the ball,” P&C president Angela Kelehear said. “We have everything from the two major prizes to an iPad, country clothing, gym memberships, rounds of golf, a television, barbecue, funky umbrellas and vouchers. “And most of these items will only be available to guests at the ball.”

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October 2013, p 17

The roo hide whip has been donated by master whip maker Si Davey, of Quorrobolong. Si uses the traditions of the legendary Australian whip makers of old, creating his heirloom pieces completely by hand.

One of the most sought-after items on the night will be the 20” Specialized Hot Rock bike donated by Drift Bikes at Kotara. As well as having a full range of bikes for kids, adults and adventure sports enthusiasts, Drift Bikes has an exclusive upgrade program, known as Revolve.

The program means that when you buy any bike from the Specialized Hot Rock range, just like the one on offer at the ball, you can get 50 per cent of the original purchase price off the cost of your child’s next Hotrock bike when you trade in and upgrade. And all trade-ins go to a children’s charity.

Tickets for the Bull’s Horns Ball are $55 each and are available from the school on 4938 9304 or P&C members Julie Hartigan (4938 9134) and Toni Creak (4938 9183).

G resford News •

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October 2013, p 18

GRESFORD CWA NEWS

Show Information day

recipes. These are now for sale at a cost of $12 per book. Copies are available from the Crossroads Café and Gresford Foodworks. As more copies come to hand we will have more outlets available later.

Craft Open House 1.00pm, the first Thursday of the month after our meeting. Why not join us for a ‘crafty’ couple of hours whilst enjoying a cuppa and Election Day stall - Dottie Hilliard, Judy Daly, Robbie Thornton chat with like minded ladies.

Our stall on Election Day was well attended and we thank members Judy Daly, Dotti Hilliard and Robbie Thornton for their efforts.

Annual General Meeting. Our AGM will be held on Thursday, October 3 after our normal monthly meeting which commences at 9.30am and we ask all members to attend if possible. New members are always welcome - just come along, everyone is welcome. You will find us at 12 Durham Road, East Gresford (next to the Police Station).

Recipe Book. Our members have put together a collection of their favourite

Book Club meets 2nd Saturday of the month at 3.00pm in the CWA rooms. You do not have to be an active member of the CWA to join, everyone is welcome. The next meeting is October 12 and the book for October is Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel.

Web Addres: http://gresfordcwa.wordpress.com Jan’s saying for the month.

As we grow older, we will discover that we have two hands – one for helping ourselves and the other for helping others.

Jill Hancock, Publicity Officer

Although the numbers were a bit disappointing those who attended had a very informative day. I have spoken to a few people who attended who exhibited at Gresford Show for the first time last year and learnt quite a few tips.

Keep up the good work and hope more exhibitors will be at the show next year.

Thank you to those who attended and bought “yummies” for morning tea and lunch, they were very much appreciated.

Ann Dent, Secretary Ladies Show Committee

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G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 19

Award Winning Local Business

Food affair & Masked Ball

Congratulations to Jenny and Malcolm Patterson from Banjos Bushland Retreat at Vacy who have won both the “Tourism and Accommodation” and “Business of the Year” categories in the recent Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards at Cypress Lakes at Pokolbin.

The social calendar for November and December is always busy and this year there are two new events that are a must do.

The Awards, which are held annually and have been going for 20 years, are organised by the Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre at Kurri Kurri. The BEC serves the areas of Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Maitland, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone and Merriwa.

Dungog Food Affair Fri 1 & Sat 2 Nov Local Living Dungog is organising a Dungog Food Affair under the auspices of the Dungog Community Centre with the aim of broadening the involvement of the community in local food production. There will be a street lunch on Saturday, markets and workshops such as growing garlic, cheese-making for beginners, bread-making and more - Dont miss out!

The awards are well-deserved and reflect Banjos commitment to providing visitors to the area with a unique experience.

Banjos’ success is due to careful business planning, welldeveloped marketing and promotion and attention to detail.

Banjos Bushland Retreat has three luxury architect designed five star lodges set on 20 acres of bushland, along with a tennis court, recreation centre, mini golf, indoor sauna and spa, and other facilities. The business has won over 20 awards over the past decade.

These awards come on top of the silver award won by Banjos in the Unique Accommodation category at the recent Hunter and Central Coast Tourism Awards.

For more information about these awards, and other award and recognition programs for businesses please contact Ivan at Dungog Council on 4995 7777 or ivans@dungog.nsw.gov.au

By Ivan Skaines, Economic Development & Tourism Co-ordinator, Dungog Council

A Masked Ball Sat 16 Nov … enter the revelry at the party of the year at the James Theatre Dungog. Think revellers in Venice, Zorro, clowns, burlesquers, or ordinary folk in a borrowed mask.

Hosted by The Gondoliers Of Love (Michael Winchester & John O’Brien). Special guests, classy auction, light supper, prizes, display of masks by Jane Richens, and dancing to Dr Zoom till the cows come home (ie moo-dnight). Tickets $80, booking essential. All funds raised go to Dungog Community College. • Mask-making workshop two weeks before the ball, details coming.

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G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 20

q Gresford District Historical Society r “Old Bill Bates”

One day in 1934 a man in his mid thirties walked into the Hancock Bros sawmill at Hillbrook on the head of the Allyn River.

In those days the sawmill was the very limit of civilisation on the Allyn river and the area was as remote as the far side of the moon. There were seven causeways to cross on the way up from Gresford and the road was often impassable for long periods in wet weather. The man was carrying his belongings and looking for a meal, a bed and a job – in that order. He got his meal, a bed and a job and eventually a modest cabin was constructed for him to live in. For the next 48 years that cabin at Hillbrook was his home. That man was Edmond Leslie Bates, universally known as “Bill” and in his later years as “Old Bill”.

Bill was unique in many ways for a man working in a remote sawmill. Although he had previously worked on farms, he had no mechanical aptitude and always required careful supervision to prevent him from coming to harm. Steam saw mills were especially dangerous with furnaces, boilers and high pressure steam

waiting to deliver savage burns. The main engine and flywheel and the transmission shafts which ran in pits through the floor were unguarded and Bill was always being hauled away from some potential disaster.

Nevertheless he was young and strong and in those days “muscle” was very valuable around a sawmill. Bill survived his working life largely unscathed and in time he picked up enough skill with the axe to be able to “stand on the boards” and fall logs for the mill.

community and separate billiard hall all based around a large steam powered mill. This was all being carved out of what was then extremely dense forest on the opposite bank of the river. Relations between the two mills were from the outset most cooperative and they worked together with Hancock Bros machining flooring and other timbers for the village and mill and even providing the electric power for functions in the community hall.

Quite uniquely for the era he also had acquired a deep appreciation of nature and was an avid reader and photographer.

As a result he was often in trouble for being ”off” taking photos or peering at some natural feature when he was wanted - but we are very thankful now that he did so because he left a considerable record of a working life that few can now recall.

A high level foot bridge across the river was quickly set in place and there was much interchange and social activity between the two mills - even a marriage.

All of these happenings were being observed by Bill and being recorded on an old typewriter that he had purchased. His manuscript titled, “Little village in the Foothills” was eventually published in 1988 by the Dungog Historical Society. If you haven’t read it, be sure to put it on your to-do list! (The Gresford Historical Society has copies for sale). Bill describes in his book how he was proudly put in charge of the little steam engine that

In the early 1940’s work began on the Pender & Foster sawmill across the river.

Bill was fascinated to observe the almost instant creation of a village of 15 houses and single men’s’ barracks, with a

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G resford News •

The

q “Our Stories” Feature r

October 2013, p 21

powered the generator and on being given the signal from across the river turned on the lights for the dance and festivities held to mark the opening of the community hall. A big “shivoo” as Bill called it. He notes that he was however sorely tempted to “switch off” the power during the evening for a lark- but thought better of it!

When his finances improved Bill purchased a motor bike and he would periodically leave early on a Friday afternoon to ride to Gresford for provisions and to wash the sawdust from his throat. It was wartime by then and petrol was rationed and carefully conserved. On this occasion Bill stopped at the garage on the top of the hill in Park St, filled the bike and then coasted down to the Beatty to conserve fuel. After some time he emerged, kicked the bike into life and headed back up the Allyn.

Around about Gresford bridge the bike coughed and stopped. Bill kicked away till he was in a lather and with no one around and having no idea what to look for he decided to push it back to the Upper Allyn – a distance in excess of 20 miles. Later that evening near Allynbrook a car stopped and the driver asked Bill if he needed assistance. “No”, said Bill “there is nothing wrong with the bike – it just won’t go”. The driver went on and unknown to Bill was actually headed for Hillbrook. Next morning there was no sign of Bill. “I passed a fellow pushing a motorbike last night down near Allynbrook”, said the visitor. “That’s Bill”, they said, “we had better go on down and recover him”. Just as they were leaving Bill appeared absolutely bushed, still pushing the bike. After he had been revived with some “medicine” he was asked what was wrong with the bike, “Nothing,” he replied – “it just won’t go”.

Word spread to the village about Bill and the bike that had “nothing wrong with it – but just wouldn’t go” and some very handy mechanics came across the footbridge for a look. After viewing the bike for a few minutes they turned to Bill and said, “Bill you are absolutely right – there is nothing wrong with that bike”.

“Do you remember by any chance turning off the fuel tap”? “Now you mention it”, said Bill, “I did turn it off at the garage in case I had a fuel leak – was that important”? The mechanics just looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

Over the years Bill typed away at his book, chronicling the many and various colourful characters and events at the Pender & Foster mill. When the Hancock Bros mill closed in 1963, part of the

main image: Bill “on the boards” working on a large bluegum - 1940’s inset: Bill (2nd left) and the team at Hancock Bros mill - early 1940’s

Hillbrook holding including where Bill’s cabin was located was sold and Bill was “transferred” with the sale into the care of new owners – the Shead family. Later he actually worked at the Pender and Foster mill for a short time before he retired and the mill itself closed in 1970.

transferred to Australia to take advantage of various tax concessions. No wardrobe department or makeup was required for Bill as he was already the “real deal” and he quickly acquired first name familiarity with the crew and principal actors - Bill Holden, Ricky Schroder and Jack Thompson.

The mill owners leased the cottages in the village as holiday accommodation to various people including many professionals and academics and it was then that Bill became a minor celebrity.

There was nothing these city based people liked better than a colourful local identity who could entertain them over dinner with stories of forests, logging, saw mill characters and events. Bill had plenty of material by now and as there was nothing Bill liked better than a good dinner, there was a certain mutuality to all this and Bill would play along. He found himself on first name terms with a very large number of people and was entered on many Xmas lists including those of Olivia NewtonJohn. I can remember often seeing him late in the evening going home from dinner weaving his way unsteadily through the trees to his cabin laughing and talking to himself.

By the early 1980’s Bill was himself was into his eighties and having some health issues. Although he was more than content to live in his very basic cabin it became clear that he needed more assistance with his care and he was “transplanted” as he called it to the Alroy aged hostel in Singleton. He kept up his correspondence, put the finishing touches on his book and acted as an advocate for the other residents when they needed someone in their corner. In one of his last letters to me he described how he had caused a bit of chaos when one of the volunteers had washed his hair and then had proceeded to apply a hair dryer. Bill had never experienced a hair dryer before and leapt from the chair in alarm - as he said,” I thought I’d been caught by a hot willy willy and would be blown away”

His career as a celebrity however really took off when Hollywood came to the Upper Allyn in 1979 to make a movie called “The Earthling”. This was originally scheduled to be made in Colorado for an American audience but had been

Sadly we never knew much about Bill’s origins and family. All we know is that his upbringing had been ”tough” and he once told me rather regretfully that as a young man he couldn’t afford to get married and raise a family. Fortunately for us this unique man did leave a valuable enduring legacy in print and in his photos.

G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 22

Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc Grand Final Success Gresford Vacy Scorpions have seven teams in the Inter-district Competition which are eligible to play in finals. Of these, three teams made it into the final rounds and two teams made it into the Grand Final. This is the Club’s best result in several seasons. All-Age Men’s 1 (the ‘Original Scorps’) were knocked out in the semi-final round to Hamilton Azzurri going down 2-1 despite some strong attempts to breach the Hamilton defences.

The Under 15’s had a tight finish to their season, with only a 1 point difference between first and second on the ladder, and came from second place to be victorious against Kurri Kurri in last month’s Grand Final. In previous rounds the Under 15’s best result against Kurri had been a draw and they were very aware that this was going to be a hard match. After three mid-week training sessions the team was well prepared and determined to give it their best shot. First half ended with a score of nil-all.

Gresford scored early in the second half but this was soon matched by Kurri and the game looked destined to go into extra time. Gresford Vacy came up with a

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winning goal taking the score to 2–1 just short of full-time. A jubilant Under 15’s had won the Grand Final.

GRESFORD VACY SUPER 6’s Six-a-Side SOCCER

GVFC will again conduct our twilight summer six-a-side competition over the Our Under 17’s also made it to the Grand coming months. Three levels of Final coming from third position on the competition are on offer with Premier ladder to defeat Maitland who were in Grade catering for the serious soccer player, fourth place and Lambton who had Social Competitive catering the middle finished in first place as Premiers. Gresford ground and Social Mixed (Kick & Giggle) took on rivals Lochinvar who had catering for those who just want to have forfeited their first round against us and fun. Last season attracted twelve teams drawn the second round. Gresford opened representing nearly one hundred players. the bidding with a quick goal in the first The competition is aiming at keeping our few minutes of play that startled club players fit over summer whilst offering Lochinvar and consolidated their families and non-players an opportunity to defensive play. get involved in soccer just for the fun of it.

Despite Gresford spending a lot of time in The Social teams will undergo grading after several weeks to make sure everybody is in Lochinvar’s goal mouth the ball never the most appropriate comp. Players do seemed to find the back of the net.

Lochinvar had equalized by half time and need to be registered, which can be done and paid for on-line. Registration fees are strengthened their attack in the second very moderate. Game fees and rules do half that resulted in a series of run away apply and the minimum age is 12 years. goals. A final score of 4-1 left Gresford as The competition will run from late October runners-up but with the consolation of to early March with a four week break over playing in a Grand Final.

Christmas. Details of the competition, and Gresford Vacy is justifiably proud of registration info can be found on the these two teams of young achievers and Gresford Vacy website or contact Jim Doyle the commitment of their Coaches and on 0407 307 800. For more information go to: www.gresfordvacyfc.sportingpulse.net Managers. (See photos.)

Under 17’s (runners up) Back Row Jake Isaac (Coach), Tom Morris, Joshua Long, Grace Dixon, Jesse Skavinski, Jenny Denniss (Manager), Joshua Chippindale, Sophie Graham, Jack Doyle, Simon Ellis Front Row Chloe Tanner, Lucy Priestley, Tim Isaac, Rigby Vane-Wood, Luke Burke, Rhianon Denniss, Robyn Hoddle Absent from photo but part of the team, Callan Faust.

Under 15’s (DSCF 3114) Back Row Melissa Parish (Manager), Olivia Everett, Elizabeth Parish, James Jenkins, Harrison Byrne, Angus Hancock, Matthew Parish, Dean Hancock (Coach) Front Row Madeline Chippindale, Beau Redhouse, Jarrod Hughes, Jesse Farr, Harrison Doyle, Dean Hallinan, Connor Morgan Absent from photo but played in GF, Tom Hojer.

G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 24

GRESFORD DISTRICT TENNIS ASSOC.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

We need expressions of interest in the following proposed activities for these to go ahead.

JUNIOR TENNIS COACHING on Friday afternoons for 5 to 12 year olds MLC Hotshots program, then high school students junior comp.

Please contact on numbers below to book in proposed start date Friday 18th October, 2013.

SPRING/SUMMER MIXED NIGHT COMP on Tuesday nights from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Ladies and men players need to nominate intention to play so either pairs or teams can be organised. Proposed start date Tues.8th October, 2013 .with a social tennis night and BBQ SOCIAL LADIES TENNIS on Monday or Tuesday mornings 9:30am to 11am. If you are interested please contact on numbers below.

Proposed start date 14th/ 15th October.

For enquiries or expressions of interest for any of the above PLEASE PHONE KAREN & KEN TURNBULL on (02) 4938 9199 or Ken 0427 389 199 or Karen 0438 389 199

Tennis Association News We have been having a busy year fundraising to continue the maintenance program at the Gresford Tennis courts. Starting off with the very successful Gresford Billy Cart Derby, drinks stall in March then catering with the BBQ at the Gresford Markets every month since June and helping out with the BBQ at the rodeo (being the local charity) in August. All of these events have been attended by many of our members as volunteers, thank you all so much!

We have been able to achieve the erection of new lights all around the 2 hard courts and currently putting up new wire for the surrounding fence of the 2 hard courts. Our next goal is to resurface one of the new hard courts if funds permit.

At present we are proposing to start a few tennis activities if enough interest is shown - see our ad - date and day may change depending on interest shown and availability of coaches.

Junior tennis coaching on Friday afternoons for 5 to 12 year olds using the Hot Shots Program and then a junior tennis competition for those able to play sets of tennis.

Tuesday nights mixed tennis competition for ladies and men will depend on interest whether we play in pairs or teams.

Ladies social tennis is another activity proposed for either Monday or Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30am. This is to be more of the “hit and giggle” type tennis, not too serious!

More information will become available on all these activities closer to the start dates. If you would like to have some fun and meet some new people or catch up please contact us on 0249389199, Ken 0427389199 or Karen 0438389199.

As well the tennis courts are always available for hire by the public with discounted rates applying to members.

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G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 25

Gresford Community Group – September meeting Community markets Report that the August markets were

Remembrance Day intent To be sponsored again by the

again successful. There were 35 stallholders with another four or five expected in September. The markets will be advertised in the News whenever possible and at standard rates. Peter Smith to act as hall co-ordinator.

community group.

ANZAC centenary celebrations A summary of the working

Therese Doyle Hall New rates for casual use are: $10/first

committee’s activities and goals was tabled, which are to mark the centenary of the ANZAC landings by establishing a schoolbased research project on local WW1 personnel and creating living memorials in key locations as a community remembrance of each of those from the district who served in the War. Also raised was the value of a special ANZAC issue of the News listing all the names of the local servicemen and women.

three hours; half-a-day $50; full day $100.

Art trail Graham spoke of the merit of an art trail in memory

Mobile phone coverage/Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Given the lack

of Therese Doyle, incorporating the three local centres and an art competition, due to be held over two weekends in earlyOctober 2014. An application for an art grant will be lodged by the organising committee through the community group as an incorporated body.

Rink steel sale Efforts continuing to find a purchaser.

Suicide awareness meeting The meeting was not attended by anyone other than the organisers.

of Government concern it was decided to use the News to ask readers about the limitations of the local mobile service in order to gauge extent of problem and support for action.

OCTOBER SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings 6 13 20 27

St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30 St John’s, Vacy 9 St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St Mary’s, Allynbrook 10.30 Glendonbrook Road St John’s, Lostock 11.30 Gresford NSW 2311 St James’, Martin’s Ck 8 Telephone (02) 4938 9313 gresfordparish@bigpond.com

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

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G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 26

Third Sunday of the month

Gresford Community Markets next market

Sunday 20 October Therese Doyle Hall Gresford Road, East Gresford Contact Judith Grant Ph 4938 9505

*P.S. December Car Boot Market?

Saturday 7 December. Call Judith if interested in booking 4938 9505 (if unanswered leave name & number) This market will happen only if enough people book ahead.

October 31 cut off point.

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 September 2013 crossword answers

Gresford News October Crossword

G resford News •

The

October 2013, p 27