Gresford News July 2015

resford News G

The

News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys July 2015

Burr Cutter Ball - Spreading Joy Annie McVay on the porch of her new cubby

T

he 2015 Burr Cutter Masquerade Ball at the Hotel Beatty helped to spread some joy by raising $7,500 for the Beyond Blue support service for depression and anxiety. And it also put a smile on the face of young Annie McVay, granddaughter of Tim and Helen Capp, who now gets to share the main auction prize of a beautiful timber kid’s cubby house with her pony, Nebraska.

Check out the pics from the night inside.

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

The Gresford News Community Diary Sat

4 Jul

Tues

14 Jul

Webby's Mud Run, Gresford Showground Agricultural and Environment Day, Gresford CWA hosts Hunter River Group members, Gresford Showground

Sun

19 Jul

Gresford markets - put on by the Gresford District Historical Society, grounds of the Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Tues

21 Jul

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat-Sun 25-26 Jul Back to Tocal weekend: Celebrate 50 years, Tocal Agricultural College and Homestead Sat

1 Aug Free Arts grant workshop, Vacy School of Arts, 10.00am

Sun

20 Sep Vacy Village Country Carnival

Sat

17 Oct

Gresford Public School P&C Association biennial fundraising ball, Las Vegas theme, Gresford School of Arts

SSat

17 Oct

Vacy Blues & Roots Ftival, The Farmers Hotel, Vacy

Sat

24 Oct

Youth off the Streets charity dinner and auction

Tuesdays 12 May, 11 Aug & 10 Nov Gresford School of Arts Meeting, Gresford School of Arts Hall, 7.30pm Tuesdays

Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mon/Tues

Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Friday afternoons Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts 1st Mon each month

Gresford Community Group Meeting, 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (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, 10.30am (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 Tues each month

Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month

Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Tues each month

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not Jan)

3rd Fri each month

Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

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 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories and ads 20th of the month.

For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word). 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.

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

finances resford News G

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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.

Name

Amount

Address

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERS AND HOBBY FARMERS

BR

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Small Square Bales Mowing and Raking

BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL

Whatever the job, get it done right and on time by your local bloke!

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

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PH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046 15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320 ACN: 109 886 419 ABN: 81 109 886 419 Lic No. 167289C

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

Phone 4938 9239

Mon – Wed Thurs – Sun

Trading Hours Shop Cafe

7 am – 5 pm 7 am – 7 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

Take Away

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks – Pizza also available from 5pm Thursday–Sunday

DVD Releases – July

• KINGSMAN – THE SECRET SERVICE • GET HARD • • SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL • SEVENTH SON • HOME • • RUN ALL NIGHT• INHERENT VICE • 71 • TINKER BELL: LEGEND OF NEVERBEAST • • THE LOFT • SPONGE BOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER •

Gresford News Notices Upgrade to Post Office Services at Gresford Store On June 5 Gresford General Stores Post Office facility was upgraded to a Flexipos site. This means our existing services have been improved and additional services are now available, including: • Bank@Post is available and allows deposits and withdrawals for customers with CBA passbook accounts.

• Bank@Post allows us to accept a number of banking transactions for various financial institutions for Card deposits, withdrawals and balance enquiries • Bank@Post also allows us to process Tabcorp deposits, withdrawals and balance enquiries • Bill Payments are now acknowledged and receipted on day of payment • Pre-paid Phone and Internet • Improved postage and article scanning • Load and Go cards available • Issue and pay Australian Money Orders These services are now available and we look forward to seeing you in the future.

on Saturday August 1. The workshop is free and a light lunch will be provided.

For more information and to register attendance call Arts Upper Hunter on Seeking arts funding can be a time consuming process and, at the end of it 6541 4776 or email rado@ all, there’s no guarantee of success. Help artsupperhunter.com.au is at hand. Arts Upper Hunter will be running a workshop in Vacy to make You are warmly invited to Gresford's the process less stressful and to improve Youth Off the Street Charity your chances of getting a grant.

Arts Grants Workshops in Vacy – August 1

The workshop will cover the most common arts funding sources but, in particular, the Country Arts Support Program which closes in early October.

CASP provides grants of up to $3,000 and has a high success rate.

As well as focusing on items where applications often fall down, participants will role-play being an assessment panel by assessing two applications. Previous participants in this activity have found it a valuable insight into the difficulties faced by assessment panels. Perticipants will leave plenty of time to share and develop project ideas.

Karin and Lisa, Gresford General Store, The workshop will be held at the Vacy Post Office and Crossroads Cafe School Of Arts from 10 am until 1.30pm

Gresford Market presented by Gresford District Historical Society Inc.

Sunday 19 July 9am to 1.30pm at the

Beatty Hotel

...........................

Features local stalls and produce, Great music Array of local goods and treats Attactions/local classic vehicles A little bit of history ...........................

Further information contact George Sales 49389639

Dinner & Art Auction at the Gresford School of Arts October 24th 2015 at 6.30pm Tickets $50 BYO Enquiries contact 4938 8019

STOP PRESS At Council meetings on Monday 29 June Dungog and Maitland Councils both voted against amalgamation. Dungog Shire will apply to increase rates.

Gresford News is available online – visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au

An audio version is also available for the visually impaired Phone 0412 372 687

KELZ carpet cleaning and cleaning services Domestic and Commercial carpets, lounges and rugs Friendly Service Call: Kelly Richardson Mobile 0437 395 585

G resford News • July

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Gresford CWA News

A big month for Gresford CWA. We are very proud to announce that we are the winners of the Nabo Community Grant for NSW/ACT. This is a $10,000 award towards a Community Care Kitchen. Our thanks to all the Gresford organisations who voted for us including the Gresford Vacy Soccer Club, GAPS, Gresford Agricultural Society members, Landcare Group, The Gresford Historical Society, Paterson Allyn Garden Club, Gresford Preschool, Gresford School P. & C., the Billycart Derby Committee, the gang at Gresford FoodWorks, the Yoga Group and many others. A huge “THANK YOU’. To our families and friends and friends of friends we really appreciated your votes.

The support we received from CWA NSW Head Office was amazing. They emailed every member of CWA in NSW with an CWA President Robyn Thornton and Cookery Officer Dotti Hilyard – "Thanks for your help!" email address. So many thanks for that CWA LIBRAY/BOOK CLUB The second support. We have made many new friends CAMYR ALLYN WINES HOSTS Saturday of each month at 3.00pm sees a and have now received offers from locals to NEWCASTLE JAZZ CLUB A very friendly group meet at the CWA rooms at purchase new appliances for our kitchen. pleasant morning of wine tasting, 3.00pm. A lively discussion and afternoon sipping tea and coffee and enjoying CWA of NSW HELPS DUNGOG Two CWA tea. The book for July is “The Invention of “scones, jam and cream” in the beautiful members one from Gresford and one from Wings” Sue Monk. Lyn Richards will lead grounds of Camyr Allyn. The bus load of the discussion. To borrow books from the Dungog Clarencetown Branch have happy Newcastle Jazz Club members received $1,000 each to help with library please phone Dotti Hilliard 4938 moved on to the Beatty for lunch and an 9483 or Robbie Thornton 4938 9566 to relocation expenses. $10,000 has been donated to the Dungog Flood Relief Fund. afternoon of jazz. arrange a time.

l EnOroW Starting in July

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G resford News • July

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2015, p 7

BANANA and DATE LOAF

Ingredients

2 cups self raising flour 1 teaspoon bicarb soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg ½ cup caster sugar ¾ cup chopped dates plus a few extra 1 cup mashed bananas 1 cup of milk 2 eggs lightly beaten

Method: Combine all ingredients together. Spoon into

Robyn Thornton with Camyr Allyn Wine hosts John and Judy Evers.

AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENT DAY The Gresford CWA will host the Hunter River Group members to the Gresford Showground on Tuesday 14th July. Pauline Graves the Group Ag/Environment Officer has planned for three guest speakers. An interesting day is planned at our beautiful showground.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Gresford CWA wwill be held in the rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford on Thursday 2nd July at 9.30am. Please come along and join us.

For further information call Jill Hancock on 4938 9718 Or look us up on http://greafordcwa.wordpress.com.

re-heat oven. Grease a 14 x 24 cm medium loaf pan, line with baking paper.

Sift flour, bicarb and spice into a large bowl. Stir in sugar and dates and make a well in the centre.

Add mashed banana, milk and eggs and stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Pour into prepared pan and top with a few extra dates.

Bake in moderate oven, 180 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until cooked in the centre. Stand loaf in pan for 5 mins. Before turning onto a wire rack to cool.

NOTE: Gresford Foodworks has ripe bananas out the back, Just ask the staff..

This recipe was contributed to the CWA COOK BOOK by Elaine Mayo. The CWA Cook Book is available at Gresford Foodworks and the Gresford Store $13.00 per copy.

Robyn Thornton, President

JuLY SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings 5 12 19 26

St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30

St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St John’s, Vacy 9.30

Glendonbrook Road St John’s, Lostock 11.30 Gresford NSW 2311 St James’, Martin’s Ck 8 Telephone (02) 4938 9313 St Mary’s, Allynbrook 10.30 gresfordparish@bigpond.com

G resford News • July

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What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Owen Marshall – Selected Stories ed. Vincent O'Sullivan This attractive volume (quality paper; nicely bound) contains a rich and poignant range of short stories.

Marshall is a prolific New Zealand writer, mostly of short stories, and presents human experience in a compassionate, but not blinkered way. There are some dark stories involving domestic violence and elder abuse, but all of the stories are informed by empathy and understanding of the human condition – in its full complexity. There is also a wryly comic awareness in many of the stories.

Marshall understands human strength and weakness, and explores them in a non-judgemental way. He is very effective in presenting a sense of loss, as seen in a couple of stories about farmers who have been persuaded to move into town; the power of imagination, most heartrendingly depicted in the story of an outsider who transforms the interior of his house into a tribute to Van Gogh’s paintings using coloured glass; and predominantly human decency, in spite of some characters who embody meanness.

These stories conjure up a strong sense of place, which is aligned with an Australian sensibility but is also distinctively different. Marshall has a deep and obvious appreciation of Nature and the land, as well as a passion for literature.

His stories will entertain, amuse, sadden, uplift and give insight into recognisable people and nearby places.

Gresford Police Report

- Kelvin Boak

I have had a look at the crime statistics for the Gresford/East Gresford area since the 1st of May and I can report that they are pretty good. In the last newsletter I warned of thefts from vehicles happing in the Maitland area. Unfortunately this type of offence has spread to the local area with two Stihl brand chain saws being stolen from a ute in Durham St, East Gresford over the night of Thursday, 11 June. If you have any information about the thefts please contact East Gresford or Maitland Police. Also be vigilant in removing property and locking vehicles when unattended.

A great way to help Police catch offenders is to engrave your licence detail on items that are easily stolen, such as power tools. This allows police to easily identify possible stolen goods and contact owners. What we would like engraved is, NSW (state), D/L (drivers licence) then the licence number, eg, “NSW, D/L, AB1234”. Businesses can engrave their ANB number if they wish, eg ABN, 1234. Recently Police raided a house where drugs were being exchanged for stolen property. When Police found engraved licensed details on tools, the owner could be contacted and the tools returned, as well as the offender being charged as police could prove the tools were stolen.

In another matter a local East Gresford business had pot plants stolen and sprinklers damaged after offenders entered their yard on the night of 2 June.

Of note, two fraud type matters were also reported. In one matter an offender got hold of a resident’s phone banking details and transferred money from a bank account. In another matter an offender tried to trick a resident into fraudulently sending monies via the internet after property was offered for sale online. It is a good time to think about your online security.

I am looking forward to meeting local residents at the meeting on 6 July.

G resford News • July

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Paterson Allyn Garden Group Thank you so much Janie and Andrew Stevenson for letting all 50 of us share your exquisite part of the world and your garden at Fishers Hill Rd. Andrew, I know that you put a huge amount of thought into your presentation. It was extremely informative, however it has left me a little green with envy so on Friday I'm going to search for one of those super boxes just like yours with all those gadgets in it!! You must have a spray for every occasion!!! Every season and every time of the day.

I must tell you the story of THE FIRESIDE SET. Peter Hayward lives in Singleton. He is not a member of PAGG and indeed he has never been to a meeting. However, he is a friend of Diane Greens and obviously Diane mentioned to him that later in the year, our November meeting in fact, that we are going to "Belltrees" out of Scone for a day excursion. Peter says to Diane.."I went there as a child and have never forgotten its beauty. Its where author Patrick White spent some of his life".

Peter then says he would love to join us on our excursion to Belltrees... a trip down memory lane for him. Then he says to Diane.." I'll make a fireside set that PAGG can raffle to raise some money for the trip... and bring the cost down so that it will be possible for ALL our members to manage financially.

Bus trips aren't cheap. Lunches and morningteas aren't cheap, but everyone probably would love to go. AND so we have this set to raffle as he has suggested. What an amazing man. Kind, considerate, thoughtful and caring. I have asked him to join us at our next meeting, but he is unable to because of work, but he is hopeful to make it to our Christmas meeting... and of course he will be on the BUS in November. How does that make you feel!

2015, p 9

Celebrate 50 Years of Education –Tocal Planning is well underway for this month’s Back to Tocal weekend to be held on the 25th and 26th July. It will be celebrating 50 years of agricultural education at Tocal that began in March 1965 with 15 young men and an enthusiastic and committed staff. A large property, virtually undeveloped and a great deal of enthusiasm and optimism by all were the key ingredients. As they say, the rest is history.

One continuing element of the last 50 years has been the involvement and support of the Paterson community with the College. Tocal staff have lived in the district, raised their families and been part of the community over the years. Some have moved on and some have stayed. Many others in the local community have worked for or been associated with Tocal during the past years.

The Back to Tocal weekend is for anyone with an association with the College to come back and help celebrate. There will be bus tours through the property, Tocal Homestead will be open, there will be archive displays, talks and some formalities on the Sunday at 11am from past students and some of the ‘first 15’ will be back at Tocal to celebrate.

The inaugural Principal, Rev Dr Colin Ford will be back on Sunday along with other early staff and students. A shindig has been arranged for Saturday night with entertainment, bonfire and fireworks. It promises to be a great get together and time to renew acquaintances.

Anyone wishing to attend needs to register to assist with catering and organisation of tours and the overall event. For Yours perennially, Janie Chandler details and to register go to www.tocal.com. Join us to help Paterson Allyn Garden Group (PAGG) celebrate 50 years of education at Tocal.

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.,

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G resford News • July

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Weather supports Gresford Markets

The June markets attracted 17 stall holders with the majority setting up in the Beatty Hotel car parking area due to the sodden ground underfoot. Rain through the week had GDHSI organisers somewhat concerned but by Sunday there was a fresh start to the day. Fine weather prevailed, the sun was out, and our local tennis club people came along with their great bar-be-que, coffee, tea and treats. I could not resist their slices of homemade sponge cakes. New stall holders included Carol and Con from Vacy. They had a large array of well priced jewellery. A table to draw and colour at was on hand for children and young people. Even some adults gave a sample of their drawing skills.

Little Charlie Hill was very enthused and loved the coloured finger-tip crayons. A colouring competition consisting of vintage vehicles was held. 1st prize to Sophie Crampton, 2nd prize Harrison Sellens and 3rd prize to Claire Lawrence.

Once again generous George 'GDHSI President' had two very nice raffle prizes.

A Classique Rose Gold Swiss Locket Watch was won by stall holder Elizabeth Myles. A Seiko Gold Bedside Clock was won by Helen Richardson. Great support

A welcome break in the rain for the June Gresford Market

was shown by locals and visitors overall.

St Anne's Anglican Guild did very well again selling their home-made cooking.

Fantastic music played by duo 'Rusty Bucket' came from the Beatty Hotel deck.

By the afternoon a party atmosphere had evolved. With lots of dancing 'Rusty Bucket' was encouraged to play on.

Further great ideas to help revamp these market events are welcomed. If you

Specials ~ July 6 to 18 Rump Steak - $18.99/kg Crumbed Steak- $9.99/kg 2 kg Lean Mince - $20

Ph 4938 9710

know of a helpful person to assist with marquee and table setup and event to assist with parking please let an historical member know or contact George Sales on Ph 4938 9639.

See you at the next Community Market Day at the hotel Beatty on Sunday 19th July (Xmas in July).

Lorraine Ashard, Secretary GDHSI

Cowlicks studio is a relaxing space where the staff love to pamper our clients.

Book for a cut & colour in July to receive $35 of beauty services for FREE. Call (02) 4938 8386 to book and be sure to mention the ad so you don't miss out.

803a Gresford Rd Vacy, NSW

www.cowlicksha

irstudio.com.au

G resford News • July

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Dungog Masked Ball: a big-top success

Welcome to Voci Stupende It would be hard to imagine a troupe of performers with more professionalism and enthusiasm for their “work” than these recent Sydney Conservatorium of Music graduates. Voci Stupende was formed in 2013 after Armidale succumbed to the magic spell of these singers who performed two sets of recitals there to considerable acclaim.

Jane and Hugh Fraser (from Wollomombi, east of Armidale) decided to incorporate Voci Stupende as a not for profit organisation and take these talented singers to multifarious places for performance opportunities. As the public have responded with invitations to visit new towns and introduced Voci Stupende to their music loving friends, the project has grown. Voci Stupende have now clocked up successful recitals around the state and will be coming to Dungog this month.

Thankyou to the Gresford crew who helped make this night a great success.

Our own Michael Winchester & John O'Brien were certainly splendid.

The objective is to enrich the lives of those in regional areas by bringing these Sydney based artists to local towns. Expect to be taken on a captivating musical journey as the singers present solos, duets, trios and ensemble pieces from some of the best loved operatic and classical repertoire. The recital format makes the performance diverse and kinetic.

The 2015 Dungog Masked Ball on Saturday 20 June was an “extravagantastic success” on so many levels. It raised over $7000 for the community college and adult education in the shire, for a start. As well as fundraising, it was a night of fun-raising. A huge effort went into guest's costumes. The evening was launched by a posse of clowns from Year 8 at Dungog High School performing Starring in this recital are Zoe Drummond (soprano), Rebecca acrobatic and colourful pratfalls and japes. The main floor show Moret (soprano), Hannah Fraser (mezzo soprano), Kaine garnered raves, with its “witty” jokes, suspect juggling and an Hayward (tenor) and Andrew O’Connor (bass baritone) accompanied by Viet-Anh Nguyen. Voci Stupende also welcomes OH&S approved tightrope show that had the added frisson of “no net”. MCs Joko and Moloko Ringadingadingling kept the local Kathryn Abbott for a guest appearance in Dungog. show moving. Highlights: extraordinary gyrations of the Voci Stupende will perform at the James Theatre, Brown St Australian Rubber Man, Celebrity auctioneer Cate Blanchett, who Dungog, 5.30pm July 25th. Visit www.vocistupende.com may have also been Michael Winchester & the dancing! See great Tickets can be purchased at the door, or book online with pics from the night on the Dungog Community College Dungog www.trybooking.com/141284.

FaceBook page.

VOCI STUPENDE

Operatic Recitals

DUNGOG

25th July 2015 5.30pm James Theatre Brown Street, NSW 2420 www.trybooking.com/141284

Young virtuosos of classical song

STROUD

26th July 2015 2.30pm St John’s Anglican Church Cowper Street, NSW 2425 www.trybooking.com/141283

Ticket Prices : Adults- $35.00 , Full Time students- $25.00, Family $100 (2 adults, 3 children) Children $15.00 (17 or under) Under 14 –Free Tickets can be purchased online or from Stroud Newsagency, McRaes Fashion in Gloucester or The Long Room Café in Dungog or at the door

www.vocistupende.com

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Burr Cutter Masquerade Ball 2015 for Beyond Blue On Saturday the 30th of May, the Hotel Beatty annual charity night, the Burr Cutter Ball, was held in the hotel’s lounge.

Seventy-five people raised $7,500 for this year’s charity, Beyond Blue.

Three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression. Beyond Blue is working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression, and suicide in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management, and resilience.

This year was the eighth Burr Cutter with MC and auctioneer, Paul Dooley presiding over the fun-loving crowd, who generously contributed $6000 to the auction with a further $1500 in ticket sales, raffles, and donations. The main auction prize, a beautiful timber kid’s cubby house was purchased by Tim and Helen Capp, for their granddaughter, Annie McVay. Bryan Hayes from East Maitland Rotary (who auspice all funds raised) was overwhelmed with the results and sent a letter to the East Maitland Rotary committee who very generously donated

Phill Flanagan's

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

4938 5153 Mob 0418 435 429 Duns Creek

G resford News • July

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a further $500 which brought the final total up to an impressive $8000. Kath Hines was crowned Bur Cutter Queen.

Maitland rock band, Huge Shoes, played all of the classic rock numbers till the wee hours; a great time was had by all.

The Burr Cutter committee would like to thank the major sponsors, East Maitland Rotary, Hotel Beatty, Tooheys and Hunter Concrete. Also, all the local businesses who very generously donated goods and services to the auction and raffle and helped to make this such a successful night for Beyond Blue.

As a note of interest, after last year’s Burr Cutter Ball for Cystic Fibrosis, the patrons of the Hotel Beatty continued their generosity by pinning money on the ceiling of the main bar.

After this year’s Burr Cutter the money was taken down and a further $1435 was raised for Cystic Fibrosis.

Anyone wanting to make a donation for Beyond Blue has the opportunity to pin a fiver to the bar ceiling over the next 12 months for this worthy cause.

Graeme Ferguson

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

* Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts

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

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421

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

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q Gresford District Historical Society r The old bush school – an unusual education

B

ack in the mid 1950s when the dairy and timber industries were in their heydays a lively community flourished along the Paterson and Allyn rivers.

Farmers’ and timber workers’ children filled the many small schools dotted along the rivers and these schools served as a multi purpose focus for the community.

funded public school and the parents were obliged to provide the school building and furniture. The Government however paid the teacher and supplied some resources in a “provisional” school, while the parents in a “subsidised” school paid the teacher and were assisted in this by a Government (per pupil) subsidy.

On the Allyn we had public schools at Upper Allyn, Eccleston, and Allynbrook.

On the Paterson there was Lostock, Mt Rivers, Gresford and Fisher’s Hill schools.

There was also a public school at Lewinsbrook. These were all fully government funded public schools of the mid 1950’s and all with appropriately qualified teachers. There had of course been other schools at Carrabolla, Strathisla and Coulston on the Paterson and at Halton (Ballington) on the Allyn and at Binglebrah (now Bingleburra).

Teaching qualifications and ability were not seen as important and essentially anyone willing to take on the task in a provisional or subsided school was welcome. The view was that some education was better then none! The government did provide some supervision however and the inspector of schools would often report in frustration on the shortcomings of the building and the teacher. Inspector Dwyer reporting on the first teacher at Allynbrook when the new building was opened in 1882 said of the teacher, “A man of good appearance and tolerable address. Never intended for or trained to teaching and having adopted it as a means of living at a rather advanced period of life, much cannot be expected as regards attainments or efficiency”

Most of these public schools had evolved from the early Church sponsored schools and what the government called “subsidised and provisional” schools.

These were schools were the enrolments were insufficient for a fully Government

My mother commenced her teaching career in a provisional school at Gulgong in the late 1930s as a teenager with a Leaving Certificate. The Inspector was horrified to discover that the building provided was a working butcher shop with a central chopping block and a rack of knives and cleavers beside the teacher’s desk. The building was used at weekends as a butcher’s shop by the family who had made it available for a school. He noted rather dryly that as a result she had no difficulty in maintaining discipline. He was however instrumental in encouraging her to continue her career by attending Teachers’ College.

All of these schools served as polling booths and meeting places and as many of the public schools had a residence attached the teacher in charge automatically acquired a leadership role in the community. In every case the local P & C was active in supporting the school as the parents intuitively understood that opportunities for their children on the family holding were limited and that most would need to

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G resford News • July

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q “Our Stories” Feature r seek alternative employment in the trades or as teachers, nurses and in many cases in the professions. A good basic education was the key to this!

Until the late 1950s however a good basic education was not guaranteed as most schools were very poorly resourced and this was largely left to the P & C to remedy. As Henry Lawson recounts in the ‘”The Old Bark School”.

And we learnt the world in scraps from some ancient dingy maps Long discarded by the public schools in town; And as nearly every book dated back to Captain Cook Our geography was somewhat upside-down I can recall on attending Allynbrook school in the early 1950’s that the situation was just as Lawson described with slates occasionally still in use and students perched up along high form benches. Bill Bendeich (at Allynbrook school from 1951-54) strove to remedy all this. He tossed out the slates and motivated the P & C into a massive fund raising drive. Chairs and tables actually built for children (from years 1 to 6) arrived and Bill had plans for a

Lewinsbrook school - training for school sports carnival

devastating “weapon of mass instruction“ (WMI) which would change the educational situation radically - and it did! Bill’s WMI was a Bell & Howell 16 mm movie projector which at the time cost as much as the very best Holden car.

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When it arrived Bill and his successor Bill Turnbull (1954-1964) promptly turned the school into a well fitted out movie theatre. The building (with annex) being rather long and narrow was ideally suited to this and a very large

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G resford News • July

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screen was able to be used.

Documentaries were sourced from libraries all over Australia and students lobbied for the right to carry the canisters of film down from the Allynbrook post office - speculating all the while about the adventures that might be inside.

was North and the Middle East was North West. It was many years before I solved this confusion by realising that the British in their inimitable way had placed themselves at the centre of the civilised world with naming rights & compass points taken from Britain.

There were other down sides as well as most kids went home dreaming about exotic places and people their parents had never heard off let alone seen.

Parents in those days were too concerned about practical matters such A large world map hung on the wall and as miking cows to allow day dreaming before each screening the route of the about such matters as ship building on grand world tour we were about to go on the Clyde, the French Alps, or the would be pointed out. It was very Pyramids of Egypt. There were comforting to note that most of the map consequences for me as well when I built was a reddish colour indicating the a dart blow pipe as seen in use by the British Commonwealth. Everyone felt Amazon Indians and promptly used it to rather smug to know that we were a part put a hole in a water tank. of this vast Commonwealth presided But there was more to come and on over by an apparently teenage Queen.

Friday afternoons we had a 3 hour film We were of course blissfully unaware of session which featured the latest the size distortions that a map using a newsreels. This was all pre TV and the Mercator’s projection produces. only news then was in print or from the There was a down side however. radio. These newsreels were narrated in Whenever Bill pointed to the West such a fast paced confident manner that Indies I would note that they were you were left in no doubt that they were absolutely gospel. We could not believe actually North East of us. The Far East The two Bills had no difficulty maintaining order as the slightest suggestion that a screening might not occur brought the most recalcitrant to heel immediately.

our luck to have been born in such a bountiful country as Australia which we were confidently assured was leading the world in agriculture, manufacturing, science, technology and the arts. If you still harboured any doubts they were instantly put to rest by the formidable eyebrows of our leader Robert (Ming) Menzies as he drove a new Holden car out of the factory in Victoria. You just knew that our destiny was in the most capable hands.

I often look back on this and recall a fabulously comprehensive if rather unorthodox education. To achieve this these days would require an expensive private education – but this was 60 years ago and it was at Allynbrook and it was free to all.

Saturday nights were when the community got their dividend. A movie night would be scheduled with feature films and the newsreels would be re-screened. The two Bill’s knew their audience and would also order in some cartoons. The entire school would be packed with families settling themselves contentedly on chairs designed for 8 year olds. Ladies “would provide” as they say and there would be an intermission

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G resford News • July

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2015, p 17

q “Our Stories” Feature r

to clear the tobacco smoke from the room and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. I was always amazed to see hard working serious men who only ever spoke in short sentences about the weather or cattle prices convulsing with laughter as they peered through the smoke haze at the antics of Moe, Curly and Larry –a.k.a the 3 Stooges. When the hat went round at the end of the evening it was always full and there were a surprising number of large denomination notes!

The district sports held on the showground at Gresford were a highlight of the school year. Every school fielded a team and every one had a go at an event - even if it was only in the sack race. The afternoon’s competition featured the team events, tunnel ball and captain ball where I suspect the competitors were actually the teachers from each school.

Teams would be drilled mercilessly for weeks before the big day and the trophy cup for the winning team took pride of place in the school.

The other big highlight of the year was the end of year school concert and again students would be rehearsed for weeks to put on some light entertainment and a nativity pageant. Great effort went into

promises. That same politician would arrive in his Government car and park outside the school fence for quite a while. Curious to know what he was doing I can now reveal that he had a card index and was using the time to On a typical warm December evening “brush up” on the issues and people of the local hall would be packed with the area. Suitably briefed he would then parents and relatives eager to see their plunge into an adoring crowd saying all family members “tread the boards”. The the “right things” with an endearing 3 wise men would appear on cue bearing familiarity. They don’t make politicians gifts and perspiring heavily in robes like they used to! made from old curtains while Joseph These small one teacher schools and Mary sweated it out in winter provided more than a basic education, dressing gowns. The only one not particularly stressed was the baby Jesus – they provided a strong sense of community and those who were once fortunately made of plastic. fortunate to experience this still retain An observer would wonder how 12 – 15 fond memories of an “old bush school”. children could generate a crowd of 200 or so parents and relatives until they The bounty is still $75 for a story appreciated that the school was the focal (with photos) which features local point for the community and you characters and events that have become attended whether or not you had a part of our history. It doesn’t have to be typed and it will be edited before it is children at the school. published. So please hunt out these old One well known local politician even photos and find a biro and paper. Please took to attending these events because send your contribution to the Historical he knew that all his constituents would Soc. PO Box 96 East Gresford – NOT to be there and that they were not likely (at the Gresford News. If published it will that time) to become volatile or ask be in the Gresford News later! awkward questions about broken these events to provide the stage props and outfits and there was quite some competition between the schools with a timing schedule constructed to ensure there were no “clashes”.

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G resford News • July

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2015, p 18

Upper Allyn Forest Walking Trails and Campsites

- Jane Chandler

There is one main route in to this idyllic part of the Hunter Valley at the base of the Barrington Mountains. It’s via East Gresford. The road is slow and suits a four wheel drive vehicle best. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour from East Gresford. The drive and the walks and campsites form a unique and stunningly beautiful “backyard” for those of us fortunate to live in the area.

Recently I had the good fortune to join forces with Penny Kater and meet with four Forestry Corporation Officers (including Pauline Stewart from our Maitland Branch), and 8 International Conservation Volunteers (ICV). For one week, these enthusiastic volunteers from USA and Canada had been constructing a magnificent 1.3km walk commencing at the Peach Tree picnic area and then Conservation Volunteers responsible for the new trail starting at the Peach Tree picnic area meandering along the hill next to the walk. Winter is a sublime time to take a creek. It’s a round trip of about 20 minutes and pushed barrow loads of blue metal picnic (and your own wood) for a camp into strategic areas along the walk. The and about as good as a walk can get. fire and breathe in the crystal clear air. rest was all hands on labour. The end Supervisor’s Clementine Watson and result is outstanding and a credit to all The tragedy is that fewer families will Sam Des Forges are based in Newcastle who participated. visit or camp there now. I have been and work for Conservation Volunteers asking locals if they visit or encourage To get to this walk you must drive for Australia and these two extremely friends to visit the area known as Ladies about five minutes beyond Ladies Well, capable young workers have guided the Well, the walk up to Mt. Allyn and the turn right over the little bridge and you team through the hardship and joys of will find the start of the new Peach Tree mystical Antarctic Beech forest walk at building a walk. They carried sleepers

G resford News • July

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2015, p 19

Delegation meets Michael Johnsen MP Burraga Swamp. Unfortunately they often say "NO WAY!" Incidents of aggresive behaviour and vandalism are casting a dark shadow over this beautiful area. Other issues also need to be addressed urgently like the inadequate garbage facilities and no wood for camp fires. I believe these are easily fixed issues.

The most important thing to implement would be the appointment of a caretaker/ ranger to exercise some control at the camp sites - especially during holiday periods. Hopefully then our Upper Allyn walks and camp sites will be fit for people to enjoy in safety.

Forestry Corporation representatives informed us that there are moves afoot to address the garbage collection system and firewood issue, so that campers won’t take to the trees with their chain saws. Other than that, well I guess it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the good oil, so we shall continue to lobby, to write letters, to contact the police department, to alert our local Council and Community Groups of serious issues arising. Above all, we must do everything in our power to preserve the stunningly beautiful Upper Allyn, the jewel at the top of our garden.

Gresford delegation with Michael Johnsen, member for Upper Hunter electorate.

L-R: Penny Kater, Michael Johnsen, Graham Murphy, Brian Doherty, Jane Chandler, Noel Brown

A delegation representing local organisations met with the member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen MP, on Tuesday 30 June to discuss concerns over the lack of supervision and management of camp sites at the Allyn River Forest Park. Mr Johnsen was presented with evidence of the poor state of facilities at the campsites and brought up to date with community concerns over safety

issues. The delegation argued strongly that some of the $15 million dollars provided annually by the NSW Government to Forestry Corporation for public amenity should be allocated towards a caretaker/ranger to supervise the Upper Allyn camp sites. Mr Johnsen gave a commitment to take the concerns to Forestry Corporation management and to the Minister for Primary Industries.

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The

2015, p 20

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G resford News • July

The

Gresford Community Group June 2015 Meeting Terese Doyle Community Hall Martin outlined the background of negotiations with the Gresford Historical Society (GHS) and advised that progress reports made to the April and May meetings, involving a lease of 30 or 40 years and the erection of a building by the GHS had been abandoned and a new proposal outlined below was now being negotiated. Martin reminded the meeting that the Gresford Community Group (GCG) had not been formed to run events in competition with other local organisations, but to assist local organisations with projects of their own and where appropriate to establish new projects or events which could be passed on to others to run.

GHS President George Sales reported that the GHS artifacts and archives have no official storage or display ‘home’ and the proposed use of the TDH would provide this. It would enable GHS to hold their meetings, to display and show the history of the district in a central location. He said that the GHS would be meeting on 8 June to consider how and when the GHS would be able to act in relation to the undernoted proposal and to finalise the terms of a proposed agreement with the GCG. Martin reported that he had met with

George Sales and Allan Hancock to discuss responsibilities of both the GCG and the GHS if the alternate proposal was to be adopted by members of the GCG.

The proposal by the GCG 1. The GHS would lease the TDH and grounds.

2. Lease will be for whole premises and grounds with the right to let or sub-let room to Misha Moon if she elects to stay. Lease will be 5 years with an option of another 5 years.

Lease Agreement: Rental of $1 per year + $4,000 annual ex-gratia payment.

Lease to be paid annually. Early termination, must give 6 months’ notice and $5 early termination fee.

3. GHS to be responsible for all minor maintenance, (gardening, cleaning, general maintenance, pest inspections, electricity and water). GCG would be responsible for major maintenance projects, and will ensure the current lists of repairs is completed before the lease begins.

4. Disputes committee of four (2 x GCG and 2 x HS). If unable to resolve any issue a licenced builder to be appointed as final arbitrator.

5. Security – locks to be changed and bars to be placed on all windows at joint cost.

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Meetings: First Monday of the month 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty 6. Insurance to be paid by GCG, all GHS members and support persons (workers, friends etc) to pay $2 annual membership to the GCG for insurance cover.

7. On the southern verandah the GCG will provide a tourist information map with corresponding brochures, general local information and similar related material.

8. Parking to continue as areas yet to be defined The meeting agreed that a decision on the Gresford, subject to a report by George Sales of the GHS intentions at the July meeting of the GCG. Members of the GCG offered to ‘keep an eye out’ for filing cabinets, shelves, computers, or items that may be of use by the HS to display or ‘file’ archives or artifacts.

Martin to speak to existing users of the TDH and advise them of proposed action.

General Business It was agreed that the following items be placed on the agenda for discussion at the July meeting.

1. Repair list for TDH include screen doors, doors, windows and painting.

2. Police Report – Noel. After the July meeting there will be a discussion with the local police representative to discuss how ‘policing’ is managed in this area and what the current situation is.

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2015, p 21

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G resford News • July

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2015, p 22

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart Summer Hill WEEKEND MASS TIMES St Helen’s Gresford Saturday Vigil 6.30pm 5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

Enquiries Parish Priest Fr. Paul Hopper 4992 1477

June 2015 crossword answers

Gresford News July Crossword

G resford News • July

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2015, p 23

Notification of Proposed NBN Co Radio Network Base Station Facilities The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a high speed broadband network designed to reach 100% of Australian premises and provide the communications infrastructure to help us stop falling behind in an increasingly online world.

NBN Co is committed to delivering leading edge broadband services to all Australians by leveraging the three types of technology available – fibre, fixed wireless and satellite, depending on location.

As part of the fixed radio (wireless) component of the Network, NBN Co has proposed to establish a fixed wireless network facility on the hill at Lot 13 DP650435 described as 2652 Glendonbrook Road, to provide high quality wireless broadband services to customers in the surrounding area.

The facilities proposed will involve the installation of – • 30m monopole • 4 panel antennas • 1 parabolic dish A development application has been lodged with Dungog Shire Council seeking development consent for the fixed wireless network facility.

Statutory notification and exhibition of the development application was undertaken by Council between 10 June 2015 and 25 June 2015. NBN also held a community information session for the proposal on the 1st June 2015.

Following the notification and exhibition period, Council will assess and determine the proposal.

NBN Co welcomes community feedback and will be pleased to answer further questions from the local community. Additional information regarding this specific proposal as well as the wider NBN rollout can be obtained from Tom Withers on 02 9465 5313 or Thomas.Withers@aurecongroup.com For general info on the NBN call the NBN Co Solutions Centre on 1800 881 816 email info@nbnco.com.au or visit our website at www.nbnco.com.au