Gresford News September 2012

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

September 2012

The All Go Gresford Rodeo

Jessica Litchfield, of Gresford, heads across the arena in the juvenile barrel race. Photo by Julie Hartigan

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he organising committee say they “have a very positive outlook on the final outcome of this year’s Rodeo. There was a very good crowd, the campdraft and rodeo entries were up on last year, the bar and BBQ sold out and the weather was great. Everyone has been working flat out throughout the weekend to ensure this rodeo was enjoyed by all who attended.” Unfortunately the dust hadn’t settled by the time this issue went to press and the results were not available. We will put all the final results on the GresfordNSW website at www.gresfordnsw.com.au/2012-rodeo-results/. ...more photos inside

The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 750 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

The Gresford News Community Diary Local Duo Purple Hearts at the Hotel Beatty, 3–6pm Dungog Shire Council Elections, around the shire Sat 8 Sep CWA book club – ‘The Help’, CWA rooms, 3.00pm Sat 8 Sep Laura Jefferson art opening, Gresford Gallery, 6.00pm Sat-Sun 15-16 Sep Maitland Black and White Committee’s Garden Ramble Sat 15 Sep Karaoke at the Hotel Beatty, 3–6pm Sun 16 Sep GAPS - Carrion Up the Nyall, School of Arts Hall East Gresford, Matinee Performance 1.30pm Sun 16 Sep Classic & Vintage Car Show, Gresford Community Markets, Clevedon Homestead, from 9.00am Sun 16 Sep Vacy Village Carnival, Gresford Road, Vacy, 10am-3pm Sun 16 Sep Crazy Beanie & Teddy Bear Challenge, Vacy Community Arts Centre, Gresford Road, Vacy Thur 20 Sep Duo Casey & Shano at the Hotel Beatty, 8pm till late Fri 21 Sep GAPS - Carrion Up the Nyall, School of Arts Hall East Gresford, evening performance 6.30pm Fri-Sat 21-22 Sep AGOG Feast of Foreign Films, James Theatre Dungog Sat 22 Sep AGM & trophy presentation Gresford Vacy Football Club, Gresford Sporting Ground, 10.30am Sat 13 Oct Gresford District Landcare annual field day and dinner Tue 25 Sep CWA School Holiday Workshops, Making Cards with Jan Godwin, CWA rooms, 9.30am – 3pm Wed 26 Sep CWA School Holiday Workshops, Cooking with Monica Boland, CWA rooms, 10am – 2pm Sat 13 Oct Vacy Public School P&C two handed snaffle bit competition, at ‘Riverside’ Sat 27 Oct YOTS dinner and charity auction, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm Sat-Sun 27-28 Oct Hunter Polo Challenge, Tabbil Creek Polo Ground, Dungog Fri 28 Sep GAPS - Carrion Up the Nyall, School of Arts Hall East Gresford, evening performance 6.30pm Sat 3 Nov Eucalyptus Field Trip Sun

2 Sep

Sat

8 Sep

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 Gresford Branch CWA Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan) 2nd Mon each month Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 2.00pm (not Dec, Jan or June) 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, ‘Clevedon’, 9.00am to 2.00pm (not Dec, Christmas Fair 1st Sat) Last Thurs each month Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm Every Wed, Fri & Sun Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm Every Mon & Fri (school terms) Gresford Pre-School, Gresford Community Hall, 4938 9288, 9.00am Every Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty Every Fri

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

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

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

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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

Address

Amount

Gresford News Notices

Letters

Young cyclists alert

In September keep an eye out for a group of Bulahdelah High School students cycling to raise money through our area.

Post news You may have read in the Gresford News a couple of months ago about Australia Post instigating changes in their infrastructure whereby mail will no longer be sorted at East Gresford Post Office but will move to Metford Delivery Centre, thereby affecting the viability of keeping the Post Office open.

Wine Sell Out

Your last chance to get a case from Allyn River Wines. Judy Kennedy has closed the Allyn River vineyard and is selling the last of the wine stock. Pick up a case for $50 – less than a quarter of the original case price.

Be quick, the Verdelho has already sold out!

Phone Judy on 4938 9524 or 0427 389 524

Garden Ramble

Visit 10 gardens over two days at the Maitland Black and White Committee’s 29th Garden Ramble over 15/16 Sept.

Call Lorraine 4930 7272 or 0407 493 072

Gresford Community Market

16 Sept Vacy Community Arts Centre Have fun and get your creative juices flowing.

Create a crazy colourful quirky beanie or a soft cuddly bear, painting or anything with a bear theme – but all entries must be hand crafted. Ph: Annette 4938 8013 or Elaine 4938 9510 email: vacyarts@y7mail.com

Dungog Shire Council

G G

Pet Show Winners

Crazy Beanie & Teddy Bear Challenge

esford rCommunity Market

Best Dressed Khloe McWilliam – Dog, Lillie

Best Behaved Tim Martin – Dog, Sophie

Most Unusual Linda McWilliam – Guinea Pig, Pearl

GREEN WASTE CLEAN UP 17 TO 21 September 2012

After lengthy discussions and negotiations with Australia Post, we are pleased to announce that the said office will remain open for the foreseeable future. That means we will be able to continue to offer the many services we have been able to provide in the past such as letter & parcel postage, PrePaid phone credit, Banking facilities, Western Union money transfers, Foreign Currency, Passport interviews, Post Billpay, and a variety of other services connected with the AusPost network.

Judge – Trevor Clements

Dungog Shire Council is providing a Kerbside Green Waste only Clean Up for Residential premises within the 50km SIGN POSTED town areas of the following villages: Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford, East Gresford, Paterson, Vacy and Martins Creek.

Collections will commence on Monday 17 September.

Residents are requested to put their Green Waste out the weekend prior, at their normal weekly collection point.

We would like to thank the many customers who supported us during this uncertain and trying few months and hope to continue to provide a valuable and necessary service to the community.

Regards, Ray and Sue Forbes

esford rcommunity market

Sun 16 September

Classic & Vintage Car Show See cars from yesteryear meticulously restored and its free to come and see.

Two cubic metres of green waste will be accepted from each household.

Acceptable items are: • Garden Prunings and tree limbs no longer than 1.8 metres and 250mm in diameter.

• Lawn clippings and loose material must be in sturdy cardboard boxes.

• All green waste must be securely tied with rope or string (not wire) into bundles.

• All material must be of a manageable size for one person to lift.

Loose items, large tree stumps, treated timber or materials in plastic bags will not be accepted.

The contractor and Council have the right to reject any material that they consider unacceptable.

Enquiries ~ JR RICHARDS & SONS ~ 02 6555 7007

Dungog Historic Motor Club Newcastle Restored Vehicle Club 48-78 Holden Car Club Hunter Valley Triumph Sports Cars Association Singleton Classic Car Club Upper Hunter Motoring Association Jaguar Drivers Club Newcastle District Vintage Car Club Harley Owner Group Starts at 10am, Clevedon, 2030 Gresford Rd.

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Editors’ desk Over the last two editorials we have invited people to contribute to the Gresford news. We are very pleased to be introducing a new regular historical feature in this edition. The feature is being coordinated by the Gresford District Historical Society. They are keen to collect historical stories from you – our readers – and are offering a modest $10 incentive for every story published.

More details accompany their article.

September 8 is Local Council Election day. It is compulsory for Dungog Shire residents 18yr or older to vote - so find your local polling place on the map opposite. Sydney Town Hall will also be a polling place where you can vote on the day.

As only 3 nominations were received for B ward there will be no election required in that ward. Harold Johnston, Nancy Knudsen and Tony McKenzie are taken to be elected on and from Saturday, 8 September 2012 as Councillors until the next ordinary election in 2016.

Advertising material supplied by the C Ward candidates are featured alphabetically on the following pages.

C Ward

Gresford School Of Arts Park Street East Gresford NSW 2311 Vacy Public School Gresford Road Vacy NSW 2421

Dungog Public School 9 Chapman Street Dungog NSW 2420 multi-ward voting

A Ward B Ward

Uncontested Paterson Public School Webbers Creek Road Paterson NSW 2421

Vote 1 Robert Booth for C Ward I am a current Councillor for C Ward and have been a resident for 24 years. I am standing again as a candidate to continue to give the communities of C Ward a strong representation in the Dungog Shire Council for: • Roads and Infrastructure

• Needs of Young Families in the area

• Impacts of Development Proposals

• Ambience, Amity and Environment

• No Tillegra nor Native Dog Creek Dams

• Community Issues

• Agriculture and Farming issues

• Womens' and Family Health Issues

• Township Issues & Services

• Ageing Residents' access to Services and Support

• Monitoring Extractive Industry Proposals/Impacts I have been actively involved in the development of sporting activities across C Ward from Gresford, Vacy & Paterson. As a professional engineer I have an understanding of the extractive industries, which provides an informed perspective when considering the maintenance of our shire roads.

By re-electing me as a Councillor, I can continue the important work of representing C Ward's interests within Dungog Council. One of my many goals in this current term is to encourage and mentor a new local C Ward candidate to step forward and so ensure that C Ward be represented in the future.

Authorised by Robert Booth 285 Webbers Creek Rd, Paterson. NSW. 2421

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The September 2012 resfordSat News8 •September DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL ELECTIONS – C WARD

1

Vote 1 - Linda Bowden to ge t things done!

roads • retaining services • rural environment • responsible development Dear Residents I have applied for the position of Councillor in C Ward as I have an ability to get things done.

Over the next four years, our community will have increased pressures in relation to the way it progresses.

It is important that your elected Councillors have the skills to get our shire moving, whilst protecting the unique rural aspects we all hold dear. My qualifications and background demonstrate this capability.

I have: • a Bachelor of Education (Special Education) and an extensive background in leadership positions with the Department of Education, including working as a senior policy advisor • a demonstrated ability to liaise with Government Departments and Members of Parliament • liaised and worked with peak organisations/community groups • a wide experience in the development of briefings, reports and media releases • high level skills in developing policy and communicating outcomes to community groups • served on state, national and regional reference committees • worked extensively with all levels of the community, including: youth, Aboriginal, low income earners, people with disabilities and senior members • strong work ethic and social justice principles • led and worked extensively with teams and team members • served as a local representative on the Tillegra Dam Community Reference Group and have worked with Dungog Shire Council/Councillors on local issues • a demonstrated capacity to work flexibly to source funding and achieve outcomes Education, health, housing and services, including transport, are fundamental to the fabric of our community. It is important that our services are not only maintained but improved upon.

Essential • maintaining our rural environment whilst supporting appropriate development • fixing our roads for access, tourism and safety • improving access to medical facilities and mobile services • maintaining and expanding our teaching/learning facilities • filling vacant business sites • promoting our area as a hub for tourism and events • supporting our residents through improved housing, residential and care • enhancing our streetscapes for us and our visitors • diversifying employment opportunities for our youth • recovery post Tillegra Dam Let’s get moving – some examples • upgrading regional roads, including roads between Gresford/Vacy and Gresford/Bingleburra; and the intersections between Chichester/Salisbury and Bingleburra/Sugarloaf • a proper land use plan for the 6,000 hectares in the Williams River Valley • reinstating medical support for Gresford • upgrading amenities and access to our National Parks/State Forests • safe pedestrian and cycle link between Gresford and East Gresford • rotating Council meetings around the Shire to ensure that all residents have access to and can contribute to Council matters I am skilled in working across regional areas to meet the needs of communities. I live in C Ward so I am committed to supporting our residents.

Written and Authorised by Linda Bowden, 96 Myall Creek Road, Munni

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September 2012

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September 2012

Smiles All Round

Story and photos by Julie Hartigan Gresford preschool teacher Michelle Cherniayeff is a firm believer that the smiles on the faces of her young charges are testament to the value of a good preschool education.

venue by assistant Alex Day, of East Gresford, says the best assets of the preschool are the families. “This really is a meeting place for families,” Michelle said. “We find the families all work together and because they want this service here in Gresford they work to make sure it’s great.”

But while the happy faces are the visible result, she says there are so many more reasons it is essential for three-to five-year-olds to have access to preschool. “Before the age of five, the brain is at its most pliable (in terms of development),” Michelle said. “All the connections and pathways to the brain are forming so if a child has access to quality care and quality education it assists in that development.”

She said the mobile service also allowed youngsters to socialise in a safe environment before they started school, but still in their own community. “It really does lessen the stress of starting school,” Michelle said.

The preschool can cater for up to 20 children between 9am and 2.45pm each Monday and Friday during school terms. And while it is nearing capacity, there are limited places available for term 4.

The preschool, in the supper room of the School of Arts buildings at East Gresford, is one of five venues operated by Hunter Mobile Preschool. And while it is not a purpose-built facility, it is the envy of other mobile preschool services because of its roomy layout, kid-size bathroom facilities, fully-functioning kitchen and large outdoor play area with shaded sandpit and playgym.

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But Michelle, who is joined at the

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Many places are expected to become available in 2013 as the older preschool children move on to Gresford Public School to start their “big school” education.

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September 2012

clockwise from left William Hunt Teigha Bevan Bailey Conn

...Smiles All Round Parents are such an essential part of Hunter Mobile Preschool, including the Gresford venue, they’re running the whole service.

The community preschool, which operates five venues – Gresford, Lochinvar, Mulbring, Wollombi and Millfield – is under the control of a hard-working parent committee.

Gresford mum Kristy Duncan, who has pre-schooler Chase and soon-to-be pre-schooler Lacey, is the vice-president of that committee. “We meet every six weeks at the base at Maitland,” Kristy said. “It’s actually really nice getting to know the people from the other venues and getting behind the scenes to see how the whole service runs. “I had no idea until I started going to meetings that this is how it all works.”

The committee is responsible for all staffing and management requirements across the five venues. Kristy said each of the venues was different but by working together with the dedicated preschool teachers they could provide a well-rounded early childhood education for children across the Hunter Valley.

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September 2012

ART

Photographer Paul Hollins is our featured artist interview for September. Paul will be presenting photographic works capturing the beauty of our landscape, iconic buildings of the Hunter Valley and car series at Paterson Gallery. The exhibition will open Friday 21 September from 6 pm, public most welcome.

Paul was born and raised in Western Sydney, attending Patrician Brothers School, Blacktown. After school he completed an electrical apprenticeship then moved into related service and sales. In 1997 Paul relocated to the Hunter Valley for work and to create a better life style for his family.

I asked Paul when his artistic passion began? He says - “Quite late actually! I first used a camera around the age of ten and enjoyed drawing and art at school. I bought my first SLR camera in 1978 and used it to chronicle life in general, taking whatever creative opportunities I could as they came along. It wasn’t until I converted to digital photography in 2003 that I felt the freedom to experiment with many new techniques. ”My photos capture moments in time whether it be nature in a quiet state or

it’s extremes, or architecture as still life or portraying varying degrees of its decay.”

His inspiration – “I am inspired by impressive landscapes and the changing face of nature. A love of architectural shapes and styles and a lifelong passion for cars, provide plenty of opportunities”.

The exhibition at Paterson Gallery will be his first. Paul is excited to step outside of his comfort zone, to display his work and expose it to a wider audience. He looks forward to the prospect of getting some objective feedback from the public.

At present he is working on expanding his portfolio with the emphasis on the beauty and history of his local area. Paul says- “I would like to spend more time taking photographs – getting the work/ life balance right. I would also like the luxury of travelling more to add greater depth to my portfolio.”

Paul’s photography can be seen at www. flickr.com/people/paulhollins Photographic series include: landscapes, wild storms, sunsets, mornings, abandoned buildings, iconic landmarks in Maitland and our district, and cars.

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GRESFORD GALLERY NEWS - Next Exhibition LAURA JEFFERSON Ceramics and Sculpture, 6-8pm Saturday 8th September Remember to come and see Gresford’s very own Laura Jefferson in her first ever solo exhibition, fittingly at Gresford Gallery. It’s great to support a young local who is doing so well in her chosen field. Laura is currently in her Masters year of Fine Arts, and has exhibited in group shows in Newcastle.

Laura describes her work as mixed media sculpture it includes woks in bronze, ceramic and timber. Through Laura’s talent and thoughtful attention to detail it is evident she will have a bright artistic future, this exhibition will be a perfect opportunity to collect Laura’s work and encourage her on her artistic journey.

GREENWAY GALLERY 166 Swan St Morpeth

Tripping The Light Fantastic Exhibition, Helen Tolhurst & Judy Henry 14 -30 September, Fri – Sun 11am – 4pm Official Opening: Sun 16 Sept 2pm.

Entertainment by the Big Bam Boom Djembe Drummers.

EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

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September 2012

Laura Jefferson – Ceramics and Sculpture at Gresford Gallery from 8 September,

Paul Hollins – 1962 Ford Falcon and Hinton Bridge

HELEN TOLHURST presents work inspired by a trip to Morocco, Helen has stitched together tiny seed beads to make jewellery and beaded sculptures for the exhibition.

JUDY HENRY – from Paterson says: “In my paintings I wanted to capture the brilliant colours of the landscapes that I experienced in my travels to the Flinders Ranges and flying over Lake Eyre & the Painted Hills”.

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September 2012

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Elegy for Iris

– John Bayley

Anyone who has seen the film based on this book, Iris, with the title role played by Kate Winslet and Judi Dench, will appreciate how vividly it has brought the story of Iris Murdoch’s descent into Alzheimer’s disease to life. John Bayley writes well and evocatively, but the film makes the vitality of the young Iris very striking.

The advantage of the book is in the personal details, and reflections on the sometimes excruciating experience. The couple’s love for each other shines through Bayley’s disciplined prose – It is wonderfully peaceful to sit in bed with Iris reassuringly asleep...I have a feeling of floating down the river, and watching all the rubbish from the house and from our lives – the good and the bad – sinking slowly down through the dark water...And suddenly, a kingfisher flashes past.

Bayley’s way of coping (and sometimes not coping) involves mild humour in both the description of it, and the practice.

He says that Iris responded well to a teasing tone, even if she did not always understand the import, but he also describes his frustrations and ‘tantrums’ when it all gets too much. As well as chronicling the effects of this devastating disease, Bayley’s book is a moving account of an abiding love.

Jamie Atkins Rural Contracting 0427490547

Share your Working Dog stories with ABC Open at the Vacy Village Country Carnival Have you got a photo and a story about your best working dog? ABC Open wants to help you share it at the Vacy Village Country Carnival, Gresford Road, Vacy, on Sunday, September 16.

It could be about the time your working dog led a mob of sheep to safety, or turned the herd around and saved your bacon. We’d also like to hear about the time it all went wrong, or your working dog’s desirable trait. Tendency to go for a wander? Paw slipped on the handbrake?

We’re sharing the best and worst working dog stories from around Australia, so if you’d like to swap yarns with a farmer from Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia or Tassie, get yourself along to Vacy, and don’t forget to bring a photo.

You could even bring your working dog – or farm dog – along to get your portrait taken. Just make sure you’ve got a great story to go along with it.

ABC Open will be at the fair from 10am until 3pm, a super day out in the beautiful village of Vacy, featuring the famous Jack Russell Races, as well as stalls, demonstrations, food and drinks.

ABC Open – What’s Your Story? http://abc.net.au/open

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September 2012

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September 2012

The All Go Gresford Rodeo

photos by Julie Hartigan

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September 2012

this page clockwise from left Anna Crisp lines up the poddy calf in the junior breakaway roping.

Adam Shorten puts Ballerina through her paces in the maiden campdraft.

Young Cassilis cowboy Oliver Towell had a strong run in the under-11 poddy ride before making a spectacular dismount.

opposite clockwise from top left Daniel Rogan in action in the juvenile steer ride.

Annah Sullivan in action in the juvenile barrel race.

Rookie cowboy Carl Schubert has success in the steer wrestling.

Cowboys watch the action.

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September 2012

q Gresford District Historical Society r Introducing - Max Oskar Theodore Groth

Many of us raised before TV dominated the dinner table will remember the stories that were told and re-told of characters, floods, fires, droughts, and encounters humorous and sometimes tragic.

These stories of the struggles of ordinary people who did extraordinary things – (their way), add the human factor to our history and we would like to ensure they are preserved for those that come after us.

If you have a story we would like to hear from you. Each month we plan to feature some of these stories in the Gresford News.

Now there must be just hundreds of stories out there that you know of that need preserving. So, please pick up your biro write them down and send them in.

Don’t worry if the facts have slipped a little or if your writing is a bit rusty. We will tidy them up and as an incentive will give a $10 “bounty” for every one we publish in the Gresford News.

So grab your biro and send them to: Gresford District Historical Society Inc. P.O. Box 88 East Gresford.

A caricature of Max Groth, thought to be drawn by John Boydell or Morris Bird (or possibly both), dates from the early 1940’s.

I would like to start by introducing Max Oskar Theodore Groth and two other well known Gresford identities, Nell Bird and Wal Everett.

Max was a Danish national (born in Copenhagen in 1885) who had “jumped ship” in Newcastle in October 1912. After spending time as a rabbit trapper in the Upper Hunter he had by the late 1930’s made his way to the Allyn valley where he very efficiently trapped rabbits on various farms for a living.

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q “Our Stories” Feature r Max was welcomed because all this was before the introduction of rabbit control through myxomatosis and rabbits were a serious pest. Back then, felt hats were essential wearing and rabbit skins, used to make the felt, were in demand, so a living could be made.

Even though he took up Australian citizenship in 1959 the “Christian” name he was given remained for the rest of his life.

Unfortunately we will have to wait until next month to answer the questions; Who officiated at his christening, where did it take place and what did the printing firm Pogonoski and Sons have to do with it?

He made his home initially at Allynbrook, living in a very modest abode attached to the cellar at Dick Boydell’s. The property was and still is named “Caergwrle”. His companion was a dachshund of doubtful breeding that he called “Heetla”.

Wal Everett docket dated June 1960

The other identity is Wal Everett, patriarch of the Everett family and well known Gresford shopkeeper. I recently came by one of Wal’s dockets dated June 1960 while researching this story and I was keen to see if they were printed by the Newcastle firm of Pogonoski and Sons.

In his later years he moved to a cabin on the banks of the Allyn River at Harry Sales property, near the first Eccleston bridge. He lived there till his death in 1962.

Nell Bird was born in 1871 and ran the Allynbrook Wine shop until the age of 93. She was extraordinary by any measure and gave an extremely perceptive interview about her life and times on the occasion of her 100th birthday in 1971. We will feature her interview in the Gresford News in coming months.

Now back to Max Groth... Being an “illegal” immigrant he wished to keep a low profile and questions about his identity were met with an angry “Non’s ye biznuz”.

This state of affairs could not however persist; everyone had to have a name and Max was set for a bush christening.

But luckily this has all been set down in verse, thought to have been written

by Morris Bird or John Boydell or perhaps both!

Gresford District Historical Society meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 2 p.m. in the RSL rooms at Gresford.

If you live in the District then you are already a part of its history, so why don’t you come and join us in our efforts to preserve something of this history.

Fully Licenced Café

Vacy Carnival Sun 16th Sep OPEN 9AM – 10PM Modern Country Cuisine Cheese n Antipasto Platter Ducks Bucket

The Flying Duck Café would like to wish the beautiful couple all the best on their Wedding Day 15th Sept 2012 Stephen and Jane Hitchings

MON–THUR SPECIAL NEW $10 DINNER MENU Full A la Carte Menu available 7 Days

Trading Hours Mon – Thurs 5pm – 10pm Fri – Sun 12 noon – 10pm

802 Gresford Road – Vacy Phone 02 4938 8305 E info@flyingduckcafe.com.au W www.flyingduckcafe.com.au

Before and After School Care Spaces Now Available Before School Care 7.00am until 8.45am After School Care 3.00pm until 6.00pm (Includes breakfast or afternoon tea)

Fully Accredited Ser vice With Both Child Care Benefit (CCB) And Child Care Rebate (CCR) Available

Enquire Today 02 49388450 Vacy Public School P&C Gresford Road, Vacy NSW 2421 vacybasc@gmail.com

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September 2012

September 2012

gresford CWA News

Flying Doctor, Far West Children’s Home, Bush Doctors Bursary. Money to the International Fund which has over 900 projects is spent where necessary e.g. The Bangladesh water and sanitation project, Doctors Without Borders etc.

Book Club Will be held on Saturday 8th September at 3pm.

Discussion will be on ‘The Help: a fictional story by Kathryn Stockett. All about the domestic help and what they thought of their white employers in Jackson in the 1960’s. All welcome to join in the discussion.

Scrabble After the last meeting, three members played Scrabble and really enjoyed the experience. They will be playing after lunch at our next meeting. You are welcome to join in. The Meeting will be held on Thursday, 6th September, commencing at 9:30am.

Robyn Thornton and Astrid Kriening, (Education and Audience Development Officer at the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery) with some of the wraps

Wraps with Love Members again knitted squares which were crocheted or stitched together. 11 wraps were taken to Wrap with Love Inc. at Lake Macquarie Art Gallery to be distributed worldwide with the help of organizations like Missions Without Borders, World Mission, World Vision and others.

Wraps cannot be bought, sold, raffled or exchanged. They are a free gift from the people of Australia to the cold and traumatized victims of poverty and disaster. One of the major recipients is the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Yearly Allocations Gresford Branch has donated to the following for 2012. Gresford News, Care Flight, Westpac Helicopter Service, Medical Research on Crohn’s Disease, Royal

Chinese proverb “The man or woman who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”

Valarie M. Smith, Publicity Officer.

‘CWA SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS To be held at CWA Rooms, 12 Durham Road East Gresford Bring your lunch - $5.00 each MAKING CARDS with Jan Godwin Tue 25th September, 9.30am to 2.30 or 3.00pm bring coloured pencils, textas, glue stick COOKING with Monica Boland Wed 26th September, 10am to 2pm bring your apron to make a yummy lunch.

RSVP ASAP to Marie Loveridge, Phone: 49389441.

Phill Flanagan's 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 is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 Durham Road East Gresford Please call 4938 9284 or go to www.addisonpartners.com.au Leona Clements (Bookkeeper) Westley Neilson (Director)

Earth Moving Bob cat Excavator Traxcavator Grader Roller Rockhammer Borer Truck hire + attachments

Slashing & mulching also available

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G resford News •

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September 2012

Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd

General Plumbing & Drainage Gas Plumbing Drain Cleaning New houses, renovations & extensions Transpiration areas – upgrades & new 3 t & 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker Bobcat 6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON

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Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

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

G resford News •

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September 2012

AGOG is Back Plumber Drainer Gas Fitter Roofer 3.5 t Excavator 8 t Tip Truck

Dear Foreign film fans, AGOG, the Feast of Foreign Films in Dungog, is back and will be running on Friday evening 21st September and all day Saturday 22nd September at the James Theatre Dungog.

There are six great films: Hugo, The Kid with a Bike, Elena, Silent Souls, Waste Land and Once apon a time in Anatolia.

From France, Brazil, Russia and Turkey they are a great selection, even if I say so myself, and you should be able to buy a ticket to all or some of them to suit your film needs.

Tickets, and especially the Early Bird tickets, are now available by either accessing the www.agog.net.au web site.

SERVICING ALL AREAS

Mitch Ulrick 0421 014 789 LIC. NO. 198606C

Again we will be having a Friday film and supper provided by the Dungog High School hospitality students with music from two special local performers Greg and Jackie so Friday promises to be a special night out. And Camry Allyn Wines will be on hand both nights.

VACY / ABN 67 123 581 183

EMAIL mju1@bigpond.com

We hope you will support our 2011 AGOG Feast of Foreign Films and in doing so you will support efforts to maintain the historic James Theatre and keep films screening and community events happening at the Theatre. All surplus will go towards efforts by The Friends of the James Theatre Inc to maintain the building.

Robert Pollock - Friends of the James Theatre

Gresford

HIRE Small Farm / Party Hire

Ph 4938 9505

Spring has sprung have we begun?

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Commencing Sat 1st September 2012 mobile coolrooms • stainless steel char grill • generators industrial fans • umbrellas & stands • makita power tools • B.B.Qs compressor • concrete mixers • wheel barrows • trailers (tip) assorted fencing, gardening and handy man equipment and much more Mobile - 0427 389 547 EFTPOS available

G resford News •

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September 2012

resford News G

The

2012 contract advertising rates & sizes prices incl gst

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Irrigation Installation and Maintenance Lawns – Gardens – Farm Irrigation New Systems or Upgrades Suppliers of Concrete & Poly Water Tanks, Poly/PVC Pipe & Poly/PVC Fittings Supplier of Grundfos Pumps Solar Water Pump Suppliers Servicing of all Pump types Subdivision water requirements advice.

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Casual ads add 15% to the above prices Formats EPS, PDF Design/ $44/half hour – billed separately Enquiries Brian Doherty

gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

Babysitter Available at my home in the Glendonbrook area.

Located 20mins from Singleton 10 to 15mins to Branxton and Gresford.

I am a mature Mother experienced with children of all ages.

Affordable rates and flexible hours catered for.

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Green Card (OH&S) Certified Reasonable Rates from a Local Bloke For all enquiries phone Ken or Terese on: Home 4938 9245 Fax 4938 9645 Mobile 0427 966 630 or 0428 351 498

Gresford Transport ABN - 76872263533

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

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

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

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

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

G resford News •

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Cutters Race to Vacy

September 2012

...by Penny Evans

Vacy Public School P&C will again be holding a two handed snaffle bit competition at ‘Riverside’ on 13 October 2012. It will be the fifth year running for the fun bush day out.

contact Adele Horn as soon as possible to secure a spot. There will be two rounds, followed by a top 10 final. There’s more than $1500 worth of prizes up for grabs.

All finalists will receive a prize, with special encouragement awards for top Over the last few years the event has junior rider and beginner. Spectators are become a major fundraiser for the school, welcome, with free entry on the gate. with organisers kindly donating part of There is always plenty of good food and the proceeds to the region’s Westpac drink on hand, expertly prepared by the Rescue Helicopter. Last year the school P&C, including the famous camp oven pocketed $3000 while $2000 was handed lamb and gravy rolls! over to the chopper. The school has put the funds towards new facilities including Again, the event wouldn’t happen without the help of numerous sponsors and in a vegetable patch and sandpit. particular the support of neighbours Only 40 nominations will be accepted so Gordon and Barbara Fraser, who along with the Jones and Evans’ families are the enthusiastic riders are being urged to

major cattle donors. The Jones family has teamed up with the local pony club this year to walk the cattle along Summerhill Road on October 12.

The event has top connections, with last year’s winner Kim Tahu from Clarencetown one of the owners of Lil Rey of Hope, which won the2012 NCHA Futurity at Tamworth earlier this year.

Organisers are looking forward to another great day and would love everyone including members of the school community to come along and support the event. Entries are now open.

For more information please check out the event’s Facebook page.

SEPTEMBER SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings

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

2

9

16

23

7.30 9

11.30

9.30

9.30

8

9.30

8.30 10

10.30

30

9

11.30

Wednesday–Friday Mornings St Anne’s, Gresford at 7.30am [Check weekly pew bulletin]

Gresford Post Office Store 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 –

Home of the Crossroads Cafe DVD Releases available in August

• MIB 3 • DARK SHADOWS • BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL • SAFE •

• THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT • MIRROR MIRROR • THE WOMAN IN BLACK • • PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS • THE LADY • BIG MIRACLE • W.E. • • THE WAY • BEL AMI • STREETDANCE 2 • JESUS HENRY CHRIST •

• HICK • 96 MINUTES • LOVELY MOLLY • GUNS, GIRLS AND GAMBLING • • OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI • GIRL IN PROGRESS •

G resford News •

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September 2012

A Great Year For Gresford Bowling Club

Gresford Bowling Club was runner-up in the state grade 6 pennant, beating four other clubs to get to the final against Crescent Head. Since the competition began in late February the team had nine wins and only two losses prior to going through to the zone final against Upper Hunter side Tuncurry-Forster on June 23 and 24.

At the state final, held at Wagga Wagga, the team beat Mona Vale in game one, Northmead in game two and in game three beat Potts Ville to go through to the semi final against Mayfield. They met Crescent Head in the final, unfortunately Gresford number 6 grade pennant team Errol Black, Leigh Collison, Keith Litchfield, reserve Cliff Dunford, going down 63 shots to 48.

Dave Osmond, Chris Sternbeck, Craig Lawrence, Riley Young, Graeme Smith, Ian Eyb, reserve Ross Edden, Team member Chris Sternbeck said Crescent Head only had 35 players to choose from. “We only had 20, so like us, they are only a small club too. So both teams beat a few of the bigger clubs on the way to the flag. It was a great achievement by the boys from Gresford to be runner up in grade six for 2012.”

“Many thanks go out to all the people who helped the team travel to Wagga Wagga by the way of running raffles, 100 clubs and donations. It will go down as a great year for Gresford Bowling Club.”

manager Beth Turnbull, Terry Doosey, Mick Minter and Don Chesworth. Absent Warren Eyb.

AGM REPORT - CLUB ON A ROLL! The AGM of the Gresford Bowls, Sport and Recreation Club held on the 17th August revealed amazing results all round in addition to the Pennants Bowls Team now being the second top No.6 penants team in NSW.

Management has been extremely active in improving the premises and Grounds.

A total of $45,000 has been invested in improvements during this period.

President Lionel Wilson listed details of the improvements including kitchen upgrade, roof repairs, removing old air conditioning The new board spent $4500 lazer levelling and replacing with new more efficient units, internal painting, cool-room the green in January, and this has produced an excellent playing surface for refrigeration unit replacement, 2 new hotwater units, Dining Room carpet our Champion Bowlers. During the last 12 months, the Club Board of replacement and storm water drainage

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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September 2012

Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc upgrade. All this work would have cost tens of thousands of dollars more if it had not been undertaken with an enormous amount of voluntary work (estimated at 300 days) by the Board and Members.

The Board recognised the outstanding contribution to the Club management

by Fay Ryan over a long period and awarded her with Life Membership. The Ball Committee hosted an excellent night in October, raising $12,000. The upgrade to the kitchen and Dining Room has resulted in excellent Asian and Australian meals being served in pleasant surroundings.

After achieving all these improvements to the Club, a profit of $29,800 was announced, which illustrates a most professional and thorough management by the Board. The result would not have been possible without the untiring efforts of the Voluntary Secretary/Manager, Steven Strong and voluntary cleaning and bar work by the Board Members. These amazing results were acknowledged by the Members , who elected the Board members ; Lionel Wilson, Kay Perram, Paul Fleming, Sharyne Noll, Gail Strong and Steven Strong to stand again for this financial year.

Finals Round Another season is coming to an end.

Our “Training Teams” (U6’s to U11’s) have already hung up their boots. With all the wet weather the younger members of our club haven’t had such a great season as they don’t get to replay washed out games.

They did, however, always enjoy their games and were keenly supported by family and friends. Hopefully next season will be drier and double the fun.

Hunter Valley Football Association that GVFC is a well managed club with well maintained facilities. The continuing program of improvements to our grounds and facilities is paying dividends. GVFC is grateful for the co-operation and support that it receives from the Gresford Sporting Complex Committee.

2012 Presentation Day And Agm

Gresford Vacy players and supporters are reminded that the 2012 Presentation will Among the seven “Competition Teams” take place on Sat September 22nd.

(U12’s to All-Age) only the Under 14’s will Starting at 10:30 a.m. sharp, the advance into the Final Round of the Inter- Presentation will be interwoven with the district Competition. Most of our teams Annual General Meeting. All players will were put in higher grades for 2012 as a receive a trophy and team photo. Lunch result of their 2010/11 successes. The will be provided for a small charge on U14’s have had a remarkable season and entry and all supporters will go in the have finished, undefeated, on the top of draw for a lucky door prize. Families are the ladder as Minor Premiers. They trained encouraged to bring along a cake/dessert hard and played with great determination. to share. Entertainment will be provided

by Tropo Entertainment with jumping This is a great result and we wish them the castles, Elvis the mechanical bucking best of luck in the finals. Go Scorpions! bull, an inflatable obstacle course and horse races. As well as; face painting, Inter-District Semi-Finals Gresford Vacy was, again, chosen to host tattoos, clowns, fairy floss and slushies.

All players, supporters, their families and six games of the soccer semi-finals at the friends are invited for a great day of fun.

Gresford Sporting Complex on Saturday GVFC would like to publicly thank all August 25th. This is quite an honour for our Club as it is recognition from the their valuable sponsors and supporters.

Clevedon Cottage Craft Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm

PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENT COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RURAL

An extensive range of machines and earthmoving equipment to suit every aspect of the Building & Construction Industry

Drop in for a relaxing cuppa or light meal

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Gresford Rd, East Gresford Ph 4938 9488

Paul Mastin 0418 499 471 Warren Chesworth 02 4938 9285 Head Office 02 4938 8135 DIVISION OF DREEGAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION BASED IN THE HUNTER VALLEY ABN: 56137525494

Groups catered for!

We stock a range of craft items incl: knitted baby wear, dolls, woodwork, stationery...

And we now stock a growing range of card making & scrapbooking supplies at ultra competitive prices.

G resford News •

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September 2012

Notes from the Gresford Community Group – August 2012 Post Office developments Australia Post had not responded to the Community Group’s letter of concern or to its invitation to attend its August meeting.

A second letter to be sent expressing disappointment, reaffirming AP’s responsibilities to the local community, and that changes may endanger services.

Skate Park All the steel has been delivered. The welding and crane were in hand. It was pointed out the quotes for the steel and shade cloth were three years old and probably out of date. Questions about the likelihood of replacing the shade cloth from wear and tear.

Landcare opportunities – St Anne’s Riverbank Landcare will consider the proposal at its August meeting. It is believed the St Anne’s site could be cleaned up by six or eight people in a day.

David Wells agreed to supervise the continuing maintenance of the site.

Labour will be sourced at the Community Group’s expense if Landcare is unavailable.

meeting. Noted that it was critical to have a maintenance program in place.

Community markets’ report The July market was successful and Kirkwoods had offered three prizes for the dog show at the August market.

Other reports GAPS AGM was held recently with the 2011 committee re-elected.

Rates DSC be re-approached to waive the annual rates on the hall.

group could also look at taking a headlease of the building and subsequently securing tenants. Robert Richardson and Kel Merriman to endeavour to join the shire’s health forum.

Next General Meeting Monday 3 September @ 7.30pm Hotel Beatty ALL WELCOME

Swimming pool steering committee Fr Stephen outlined the achievements of the working group in securing broad community support over the past 18 months, and sought the establishment of a sub-committee to seek funding. Moved that it be formed to further progress the pool proposal. Carried.

Community health centre prospects

Robert Richardson said he had met Helen Hall and Margaret Dent to discuss the future of the centre. Margaret spoke of the potential of the premises for the local historical society incorporating an Treasurer’s report tabled. Agreed to include the hall as an asset in the balance information centre and an op shop. The front two rooms could be left available for sheet based on a current valuation. medical services, with the remaining two Terese Doyle Hall Orchard options For rooms for local health support activities, discussion by Landcare at its August such as physiotherapy. The community

St Helen’s Catholic Parish Gresford WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 5.30pm (during winter) Local contact 4992 1477 Chisholm Region Office Contact 4933 8918

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

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

4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY & SERVICE Pick up and delivery

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

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

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September 2012

Gresford News September Crossword Dungog Shire Community Centre Celebrates 30yrs Service Dungog Shire Community Centre is celebrating 30 years service to the communities of Dungog Shire on Sunday 7 October. There will be afternoon tea, live music and an auction fundraiser followed by a twilight picnic.

Over the last 30 years the organisation has had a few name changes (some may remember it as DINS) but whatever the name its purpose has always been to provide services and create opportunities within Dungog Shire.

The organisation has an impressive resume of achievements, many of which are now taken for granted, including the establishment of Neighbourcare, Meals on Wheels, Tourist Information Centre, Tocal Field Days and Rural Anti Violence Network. Many of these initiatives have grown and developed to be separate services in their own right.

The DSCC currently provides a Centrelink Agency, Adult & Family Counselling, Tax Help, Emergency Relief Program, Dungog Community College establishment and Born to Read project to name just a few.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the garden party celebration, from 2 – 8pm at ‘Cairnsmore’ 182 Chichester Dam Rd, 1.5kms from Dungog Tickets are $35 and are available from Dungog Shire Community Centre, 103 Dowling St Dungog & Dungog Antique & Village Store.

Visit www.dins.org.au to find out more about what’s happening at the Dungog Shire Community Centre.

August 2012 crossword answers

Ph 49389368 Fax 49389165 Email gresfordbowlclub@bigpond.

CHINH and JIMS’

BISTRO OPEN 5-00pm WED to FRIDAY United Asian cuisine 12-noon SAT/SUN Australian Vietnamese. Thia and CHINIESE

13th OCTOBER Join in to Congratulate the Gresford Bowlers in their achieving the title of State Runners Up Further information at the Club

ITS TIME AGAIN, SHOWS ON Sun 16th, Weekends of the 21/22 and the 28/29 of September. Don’t miss out.

BAR FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE

RILEYS DAY BOWLS 27th OCTOBER ALL BOWLERS & GUESTS WELCOME

TWIGHLIGHT SOCIAL BOWLS Friday Evenings 5-30 for a 6-00pStart.

Come along and support a great cause

YOUTH OF THE STREETS

27th October

At the Gresford Bowls Sports & Recreation Club

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