Gresford News June 2015

resford News G

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

Torryburn Still Isolated

Access walkway and damaged temporary footbridge at the Torryburn Bridge site. Photos Peter Smith

T

orryburn continues to be isolated more than a month after the Torryburn Bridge collapsed in the April floods. A temporary footbridge installed in early May was badly damaged and almost washed away on

May 22nd. Supplies have to be carried across the footbridge and up/down the access paths. "...nothing substantial goes out or in." This month Peter Smith provides an insiders view of life in Torryburn.

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

The Gresford News Community Diary Tues

2 Jun

National Broadband Network Community Information Session, Gresford School of Arts Hall, 4.30-7.30pm

Sun

7 Jun

International Back to Back Wool Challenge, Tocal Homestead, 9.00am

Sat

13 Jun

Newcastle Jazz Club presents – Jim Lyons Jazz Band, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm

Sat

13 Jun

CWA Book Club, Gresford CWA Rooms, 9.30am

Tues

16 Jun

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat

20 Jun

Live music – Frohlich Brothers, Camyr Allyn Winery, 2.00pm Dungog Masked Ball, James Theatre, 6.30pm

Sat

20 Jun

Sun

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

Sun

21 Jun

Sat

4 Jul

Live music – Rusty Bucket, Hotel Beatty, 1.00pm Webby's Mud Run, Gresford Showground

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

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.

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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.

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resford News G

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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 – June

• TAKEN 3 • FOCUS • JUPITER ASCENDING • CHAPPIE • THE INTERVIEW • PAPER PLANES • CINDERELLA • THEORY OF EVERYTHING • WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY • STILL ALICE • THE COBBLER • SELMA •

Gresford Notices CALLING ALL SMALL POOCHES! SAVE THE DATE & GET TRAINING! Vacy Village Country Carnival is back 9am-3pm Sun Sept 20 To book a stall, lend a hand or Sponsor the event, please email vacycc@gmail.com or call Denis on 0418 678 411 NEW COMMITTEE, NEW TRUST FUND FOR LOCAL PROJECTS! All community groups eligible to apply

Hunter Floods 2015 Survey

Gresford Rural Fire Brigade AGM

3 June 2015 at 7.30pm Gresford Fire Station Durham Road, Gresford. All Welcome

The Gresford Country Women's Association is a finalist in the Nabo Community Awards.

International Back to Back Wool Challenge 2015

We are vying for a $10,000 grant to build a community kitchen.

Come along to Tocal Homestead for the Back to Back Wool Challenge!

(Shear a sheep; spin the wool; knit a jumper etc) 7 June 2015

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, in conjunction with the SES and local Councils are seeking input from the community relating to the recent flood event – complete an online survey and share your experiences and photos of flooding. The information collected will record the impacts of the recent flood event and also be used to inform future flood studies in our catchment area and will assist in managing risks in the future.

Entertainment & activities all day including blade shearing, blacksmithing, crafts for kids, knitting races, drop spindle demonstrations and beautiful handcrafts on sale.

Delicious refreshments available.

Sheep's back to beanie competition.

Join a team and have some fun!

Tocal Homestead open for viewing.

All proceeds from this event support Calvary Mater Cancer Research

* Compete the online survey www.surveymonkey.com/r/April_2015_ Hunter_Floods * Email your photos (with location details) april2015floods@wmawater.com.au

Join the Historical Society for a great day out at our local markets in the grounds of the Hotel Beatty Sunday 21 June

Gresford Market presented by Gresford District Historical Society Inc.

Sunday 21 June 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

We need your vote!

Gresford Market

This is our one-chance to build a commercial kitchen to serve the community.

We would need to make LOTS of scones and sell LOTS of jam to ever realise this dream!

1. You will need to join Nabo which is a fast and simple process. www.nabo.com.au 2. Once you’ve joined you follow this link and vote www.nabo.com.au/ communitygrants/voting 3. Click on Community Care Kitchen - to help the Gresford CWA Ladies build a community kitchen.

Share on social media with #NCG #NaboCommunityGrants

Voting closes June 7.

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2015, p 6

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Difficult Daughters Manju Kapur Kapur gives us three women in this novel who fit into Indian society in quite different ways. The stories of the grandmother, Katsuri, and the grand-daughter Ida, are peripheral to that of the central character Virmati, but they all create an excellent context for examining the roles of Indian women in changing times.

Katsuri’s fertility is seen as laudable by her wider family, but the writer shows the physical cost it entails – She had filled the house as her in-laws had wanted, but with another child there would be nothing left of her. – while illustrating the first of several traps her eldest daughter Virmati is drawn into caring for the younger children. Virmati wants the freedom that education should vouchsafe, but is led through her idolisation of a married Professor to a much more limited existence than she had imagined. There are some sympathetic male characters, but the Professor is not one of them.

This is Virmati’s story, but her mother haunts it and her daughter longs to know it. Ida is searching for the ‘true’ Virmati, who is gradually revealed to the reader in the course of the novel, but her daughter remains in the dark, feeling like a pencil notation on the margins of society. As well as the intricacy of these women’s lives, Kapur provides a detailed cultural and political background, including independence from Britain and Partition, and social attitudes, that make for fascinating and educational reading.

Vale Belinda Richards During May the Gresford Community Group lost a good friend and strong supporter. Belinda Richards was the person who conceived and brought to life the Gresford Markets at her home "Clevedon" just south of the Gresford Sporting Complex. Ellis, her husband gave her sterling support and David Wells put in many hours as the Community Group's representative working with Belinda to ensure everything was organised properly for each market day.

Belinda liked a challenge and will also be remembered for her tireless efforts to help the Gresford Bowls Sport and Recreation Club get its financial house in order. Not an easy task, but those who remember Belinda as the Administration Manager and Personal Assistant to the Hon. George Souris, M.L.A. in the days when George was half of Hudson, Souris, Accountants of Singleton, will know that she ran a very efficient operation. As George once told me, "She brought order to potential chaos".

Above all, Belinda cared for the community and its people. Many will know of the help and kindness she extended to others. May there be many more like her.

Martin Addison, Chair, Gresford Community Group

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2015, p 7

Paterson Allyn Garden Group Dear Garden Lovers, It is my wish that at each meeting we learn something new, that friendships are kindled and ideas embraced and nurtured. Francis Bacon once said “Gardening is the purest of human pleasures”. I totally agree.

The Allyn river in all its fury has left many of us shell shocked. However, this week at our PAGG meeting, we met in a garden on the banks of the Allyn, a five minute drive upstream from East Gresford. I think it must be one of the most spiritual and tranquil gardens in our valley, and a credit to Maree Monk and Graeme Walmsley for creating it. Maree mentioned in her chat that eliminating the Giant Reed on the banks of the river has been a daunting task, but she now just mows it, month after month, year after year. They have a beautiful sweep of grassy river flats and finally the rhizomes have broken down and she is winning the battle. What has been created in its place is a tireless planting of kikuyu grass, thousands of trees and a section of terraced garden with massive timber retaining walls. This of course you cannot see from the garden surrounding the house. Here lies an expanse of lawn and mature trees, a 20mt long pergola with

ONE wisteria at the end that covers the trellis in its entirety and reputed to be 80 years old and a captivating Indian Hawthorn walk. Completing this idyllic garden are magnificent Claret Ashes, Red Cedar, Swamp Cyprus, Sandpaper Fig, Cheese Trees and beautiful displays of sculptured Lillypilly.

Have you had a good look at your citrus trees lately? In summer and autumn they develop new growth. These young leaves are extremely vulnerable to Phyllocnistis citrella (leafminer). This is a small moth and damage is caused by larvae as they mine immature foliage. Twisted and curled leaves are usually the first sign of damage. Summer and autumn are the months these little pests attack. Cut off any damaged growth and then spray with white oil. The oil won’t kill the larvae, that’s why it’s important to remove the infested growth. The best time to spray is early morning . You can mix a cup of ordinary vegetable oil with a teaspoon of liquid detergent. Dilute 40 1 with water.

I was just about to purchase some Cadagi trees Corymbia torelliana), ( I love their form and are fast growing), then I opened my trusty ipad to do a bit of research and in doing so opened a can of poisonous

worms it would seem. These trees indirectly kill bees!!! After pollination, the seedpods begin to open and mature until February. This is a serious time for the bees. The native bees visit the pods to collect the resin that exudes from the seeds. Thousands of seeds are carried home by the bees, these seeds are up to 1.1/2 mm in diameter and have resin attached. A little bee can be seen carrying two home, one on each back leg. Then the trouble begins. Their front door to the hive can become clogged, preventing movement of air, and on a hot day the build up of resin fumes may kill a colony.

I have two of these beautiful trees in my garden. Here lies the problem. The tree or the bee?

Yours perennially, Janie Chandler Paterson Allyn Garden Group (PAGG)

Mobile Beauty Therapy

By Samantha Enright

.,

Eyelash Extensions • Tanning Waxing • Tinting Make-up • Manicure Pedicure & More Phone: 0400 035 451 ABN: 79 143 158 726

G resford News • June

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2015, p 8

Gresford CWA News thus close to the airport and bus stops nearby. The building was built in 2009 two of the five floors are not tenanted the remainder are already tenanted most on long term leases. There is a ground floor café.

Arrangements for accommodation have been made with the Metro Group which has accommodation in Pitt Street near Town Hall Station, Sydney Central, Darling Harbour and King Street. Members will have a code when booking it is a three year trial after August 1st.

We need your vote!

The Gresford Country Women’s Association is a finalist in the Nabo Community Awards. We are vying for a $10,000 grant to build a community kitchen. This is our one chance to build a commercial kitchen , we would need to make LOTS of scones jam and cream to ever realise this dream. You will need to join NABO www.nabo.com. au once you have joined follow this link and vote www.nabo.com.au/ communitygrants/voting Click on Community care kitchen to help us win the grant. Share on social media #NCG#NaboCommunityGrants.

Voting closes June 7.

CWA LIBRARY/BOOK CLUB The CWA has an extensive library open to all.

Glenda Smith reviews one of our books every month in the Gresford News. If you would like to peruse our library and borrow books please phone Robbie Thornton 49389 566 or Dotti Hilliard

49389 483 to arrange a time. Book Club is the second Saturday of each month.

This month we are reading “The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year” by Sue Townsend. We are very lucky to be led

by Glenda Smith. The group is from Gresford, Paterson and Bolwarra, we would love you to join us 3.00p.m.

Saturday 13th June, afternoon tea and a lively discussion.

NEWS FROM HEAD OFFICE The New

South Wales CWA has purchased a new Head Office, located at 244 Coward Street, Mascot. It is almost directly across the road from the Mascot suburban station

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

Direct Drilling

Slashing and Mulching

Cultivating and Discing

Tabletop Truck Hire

Fertilizer Spreading

Boomspraying

BR

DID YOU KNOW The Newcastle

Jazz Society will be visiting East Gresford on 13th June. Stopping in at Camyr Allyn wines for a wine tasting and a CWA morning tea. Everyone is invited to enjoy an afternoon of Jazz at the Beatty Hotel.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting of

the Gresford CWA will be held in the rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford on Thursday 4th June at 9.30a.m. We would love to see you. For further information call Jill Hancock on 4938 9718. Or look us up on http:// gresfordcwa.wordpress.com.

Robyn Thornton, President

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

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

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!

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

SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON

BRIAN & JULIE REIBEL 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

G resford News • June

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FINGER FOOD – CHEESE AND BACON PUFFS

Ingredients

½ cup (125mls) milk 1 egg lightly beaten 2 cups (250g) cheddar cheese, coarsely grated 2 medium (300g) finely chopped onions 1 cup (150g) self raising flour 1 teaspoon French mustard 3 bacon rasher, chopped

Method: Combine milk and egg in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mix well. Drop rounded teaspoons of mixture on baking paper lined oven trays. Bake in a hot oven (205C) for about 20 minutes. Makes about 40.

Can be made a day in advance.

Ingredients

CORN PASTRIES

2 x 60g packets Oyster Cases ½ cup sour cream 130g tin creamed corn 2 teaspoons French mustard 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Method: Combine all ingredients together. Spoon into oyster cases. Cook in moderate oven (180C) for 10 mins.

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

2015, p 9

Martins Creek Quarry Report The Martins Creek Quarry Community Consultative Committee (MCQCCC) has been voluntarily established by Daracon in consultation with Paterson Progress Association and Dungog Shire Council. The purpose of a Community Consultative Committee is to provide a forum for open discussion between representatives of the company, the community, Council and other stakeholders on issues relating to the Development Application, the quarry’s current operations and community relations.

Recent Meeting Activities: April Meeting A presentation on the draft rail study for the environmental impact statement was provided. The presentation outlined the current operations and limitations using rail. It also outlined investigations into future options for rail use. Currently only ballast is railed from the quarry. Updates on the status of various environmental impact studies were provided. May Meeting A presentation on the draft groundwater, surface water and air quality study for the environmental impact statement was provided. Details regarding existing and proposed groundwater monitoring and surface water management were provided. Details regarding current air quality monitoring and results were also outlined.

Updates on the status of various environmental impact studies were provided.

Daracon Website Daracon have established a website for the Martins Creek Quarry Project: http://www.daraconquarries.com.au Contacts: Daracon – http://www.daraconquarries.com.au, MCQCCC – Chair – 0414 389 519

June SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings 7 14 21 28

St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30 St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 9.30

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson St John’s, Vacy

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

G resford News • June

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2015, p 10

Life In Torryburn

...by Peter Smith

300 kilo bales travelling with a mind of their own! Photo Peter Smith

From that time, and for the next two Why didn't the chicken cross the Torryburn bridge? ...because it's not there! days, any understanding of what was occurring in Torryburn and the “outside That thought could have been world” relied on a battery operated uppermost in the minds of many people transistor radio, kept for such a purpose. living in the Torryburn area if in their On the Tuesday morning listening to the normal course of activity they accessed local ABC came the observation that the Gresford Road, and outwards, via the bridge had been swept away, and at the Torryburn bridge. same time looking out across our On Monday 20 April the rain paddocks was the realisation that the commenced and by that evening it had Allyn River had broken its banks and become extremely heavy with 226 mm was flooding back more than 700 metres. falling in just a few hours followed by We had water frontage! The power came another 76 mm the next day. back on for the night of 22 April before That was also the evening the electricity going off again on the 24 April, resuming on the 25 April. By that time went off. So too did the telephone landlines, mobile telephone services and the mobile telephone service and internet, for some, had been restored. the internet.

What I'm recounting was not unique to Torryburn. Many people in other locations had similar stories, and sadly people had died as a result of the weather. So too have livestock. But possibly what is unique to Torryburn residents is that 36 days later there is still extremely limited ability to move freely in and out of Torryburn and there is still no public access for vehicles. Not only for the residents, but for visitors and in particular trades people, and emergency services. Mail services and garbage collection ceased for the first couple of weeks, but are now in place albeit at a reduced level.

Occasional access to Clements Road has been available through a few properties

G resford News • June

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by four wheel drive only, however the slightest amount of rain makes the track impassible. As a result access ceases.

dairy – forget it, vehicles, tradespeople, fuel in large quantities, visitors – just about impossible.

During the week of 4 May the RMS put a footbridge across the Allyn River at the site of the destroyed bridge. This provides walking access to vehicles, parked on the other side of the now defunct bridge, which some people had managed to take out over the tracks to Clements Road. Using the footbridge allowed access to work, shopping etc.

However the walk down one side of the river bank and up the other side is not for every person in Torryburn.

It is possible of course to lug 20 litre containers of fuel down and then up the river bank or even use a makeshift flying fox! But not all people in Torryburn are able or want to do it. Food can be shipped in using the flying fox. As farming materials cannot be brought in the reconstruction of damaged fences and all other repairs are on hold until a road access is available.

The footbridge was almost washed away on Friday 22 May as result of more rain upstream on the Allyn.

On 25 May work recommenced on the access road to Clements Road following settlement of an agreement between the land owners and the Council.

Recent advice from the Council is that it will be completed within the next ten days. In the meantime, and for the last 5 weeks, nothing substantial goes out or in – cattle to market – forget it, daily milk collections from the local

As of today, 27 May, telephone landlines are still not working for a few residents,some of whom have been advised by Telstra that it will be July before a service is restored.

On a slightly humorous note one resident was contacted by a Telstra representative who advised that their land line was restored and ready for use.

He was somewhat disappointed by the resident's response which was that there were still two telephone poles missing and that the telephone would not work without them.

However the novelty has worn off.

2015, p 11

On 29 May Brigadier Naumann, Recovery Co-ordinator, and representatives from the Council and some State entities are due to return to Torryburn to provide an update on the situation. He will also respond to the residents request for a temporary bridge which is the only way to provide quick, safe all weather access to the Gresford Road. Else the drive out over a gravel road, single lane with passing bays, will add probably twenty minutes to each journey, to a non all weather road whilst waiting for a permanent bridge which is more likely than not to take more than two years to complete.

STOP PRESS The outcome of the May 29 meeting is that a tempory bridge will not be constructed. Council and RMS will push ahead with the development of a replacement permanent bridge, taking in their view around 12 months to complete. In the meantime work on the link track to Clements Road is continuing with an expected completion time for two wheel usage of ten days.

the fabulous

Frohlich Brothers perform at the cellar door

Sat 20 June, 2 – 4.30pm 65 Allyn River Road, East Gresford Weather permitting – Ph: 4938 9576 No cover charge

folk-rock, blues, boogie, jigs ‘n’ reels and originals www.camyrallynwines.com.au Frohlich Brothers or Celtic Beat: mfrohlich@gotalk.net.au

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2015, p 12

Support For Gresford Markets Whether it was just dropping in to have a look, purchasing an item and /or buying some GDHSI raffle tickets, this was all acknowledged as support to the re-start of our local Community Markets. A new venue, being in the grounds of the Hotel Beatty, was to see 16 stall holders arrive and set up. The weather was kind in giving us a fine day with sunshine. A big 'Thank you' to the local people that brought along their classic vehicles to have on display.

Generous George 'GDHSI President' had on hand marquees, tables, chairs and of course those great raffle prizes. Some local ladies had a hand in winning these – First prize: the small handy chainsaw to Angie Shoebridge and Andrew; Second prize: drill techgun to Lorraine Ashard and Greg; Third prize: screwdriver gun to Denise Sellens (and Jim).

Another big 'Thank you' is extended to Bernie Lawler and Helen Richardson for assisting this community event. Should anyone else with to assist in helping our local Historical Society in revamping this Market event with great ideas contact George Sales on 4938 9639.

The next Community Market Day will be on Sunday 21st June.

Lorraine Ashard, Secretary GDHSI

Phill Flanagan's

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

4938 5153 Mob 0418 435 429 Duns Creek

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2015, p 13

When Landcare and gardening meet

Noel Jupp discussing rare and important plants of the Hunter region

Participants had a chance to examine and ask questions about the rare plant selection

Before planting another camellia, conifer or jacaranda, stop and consider the extraordinary array of rare and special native species endemic to our local area.

Landcare, and with the assistance of the Paterson Allyn Garden Group, staged a most unusual field day at Riverdene Nurseries at East Gresford during May.

Native plants do not just include the ubiquitous grevilleas, bottlebrushes, lillypillys and melaleucas, but some truly flamboyant, exciting and different species which could make your garden a very special place and help in ensuring that these amazing and wonderful plants endure.

Run by iconic nurseryman Noel Jupp and ably assisted by his daughter Rosemary, almost 40 people were treated to a lecture and display of a wide variety of plants, most of which were unknown to the land carers and gardeners present and resulted in most of them carrying away large bags full of exciting treasures to plant in their gardens and, incidentally to assist in the preservation of these rare and beautiful plants.

To foster this development, Gresford Landcare, with funding from Hunter

Lomandra Hystrix perfect for stabilising creek margins

With rain coming down around them, the group assembled in the somewhat ambient atmosphere of a large greenhouse, with coffee and pastries from Fosterton Bakery, followed by delicious steak sandwiches for lunch, ensuring that the well fed and watered crowd had no trouble focussing on the fascinating information being fed to them.

When the rain temporarily stopped a walk along the riverbank to inspect larger specimens completed a very special day.

Lisa Connors

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

G resford News • June

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2015, p 14

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

•

F A M I LY O W N E D & O P E R A T E D

• P R O U D LY S E R V I N G T H E P E O P L E O F T H E H U N T E R V A L L E Y, P O R T S T E P H E N S & N E W C A S T L E •

C A L L T O N Y, M A R G A R E T O R L I N D S AY F R Y 2 4 H O U R S / 7 D AY S

•

PRE-ARRANGED FUNERALS

48 61

B A N K S S T, E A S T M A I T L A N D

P O R T S T E P H E N S S T, R AY M O N D T E R R A C E

97

N E W E N G L A N D H W Y, M A I T L A N D

WWW.FRYBROS.COM.AU

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G resford News • June

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2015, p 15

Gresford Charity Working Horse Competition

All of the Working Horse Competition competitors on Sunday

Over the weekend of May 15-17, the Gresford Charity Working Horse Competition took place, which raised $16,900 for the Leukaemia Foundation, thanks to the inspiration of Peter Doyle.

Friday night held a Cut Out and Saturday held a Team Penning Competition followed by a band and an auction.

Sunday held Gresford’s first ever Working Cow Horse Competition, which consisted of a 5-minute time-limit where the riders had to complete a reining pattern, work a single cow, then circle it. Through the help of the community and all of the competitors, we were able to raise this substantial amount of money. The credit for making the weekend take place is Paul Hugginson and Dianne Ryan with Valley Team Penning, Mick Doyle, Brenden Bailey, Brittany Crouch, and Bailey Doyle.

Bailey Doyle, Photos: Clare Darling

Winners of the Working Horse Competition: Judge Mick Doyle, Judge Phil Rodey, Jennifer Walker (2nd Junior Horse), Michelle Wilton (1st Senior Horse), Callie James (1st Junior Horse), Ray Barwick (3rd Senior Horse), Jamie Turner (3rd Junior Horse & 2nd Senior Horse).

Winners of the Team Penning on Saturday: Fiona Wysel, Leesa Priestly, Adel Horn, and Judge Allan Peterson

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G resford News • June

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2015, p 16

q Gresford District Historical Society r

T

The doctor is coming – a house call to Carrabolla

The note was dated Sunday and arrived at the surgery on Monday at about 11.00 am.

To set the scene properly I have to tell you a little bit about my father. He was a country boy who was educated in Forbes, The position in Australia which then had a Albury and Sydney. At the age of sixteen he population of four and a half million was went to Sydney University to do Medicine. bad. Our troops returning from the horrors By 1923 he had finished his degree and his of WW1 brought the Spanish Flu back with time as a resident and registrar at St. them. No doubt there are people reading Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney was over. this article whose family history records deaths from the Spanish Flu. Again, there is During his time as a university student no precise record of how many died. I have and then as a resident, he earned “extras” seen an estimate of 450,000 Australians (as he called them) by being an amateur dying from the flu or related illness. or “Gentleman” Jockey at Randwick, riding in hurdle and steeplechase events.

“Up until the 1930s if you lived at Mt. This background leads directly into a story He was a very good rider, but was not Rivers or Lostock or Eccleston, of the courage, character and determination supposed to get paid because this would summoning the Doctor was uncertain of a woman who lived at Carrabolla and stop him being a “gentleman rider”. and the doctor’s arrival was even more the arrival at my father’s surgery in East Apparently “extras” could be a couple of uncertain during those times when there Maitland of a handwritten note from the ducks, a new hat and if he placed in a big was no doctor in residence at Gresford, elderly midwife, (a retired nurse) who lived race something special. He told me that East Gresford or Paterson. at Lostock. The note read …. one horse’s owner bought him a bespoke The 1920s saw a great shortage of doctors suit at Peapes!! (a firm of Sydney tailors).

“Dear Doctor, as a result of the First World War. Then, at In 1923 Dad applied for the job as Your patient Mrs ... is due to give birth on the end of the war in 1918 the catastrophic Friday. I think you should come as …….

Resident Medical Superintendent of The Spanish Flu Pandemic which in two years Royal Newcastle Hospital and although (her husband) is droving and will be away spread throughout the world added to this until next month. only twenty six years of age got the job.

Your Obedient Servant” As he said to me, “I only got the job shortage. It is estimated that 42 million his month we have a story contributed

by Martin Addison. It is a wonderful story about a time when self reliance and mental toughness was necessary to deal with isolation and medical emergencies. It is also a very timely story since as a result of the recent flooding we have all experienced some of the isolation that families back in the 1920s endured on a daily basis.

However no matter how isolated we were during the flooding there was mostly still some mobile phone coverage and we had the back up of the rescue helicopter for emergencies. Over to Martin.

people died, but the statisticians admit that the number who died in Africa, Asia and South America was completely unknown and could only be a guess.

G resford News • June

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2015, p 17

q “Our Stories” Feature r because the older blokes who should have got it were dead”.

Three years as Superintendent gave him a yearning for private practice, so in early 1927 he joined Dr. Hollywood in his practice at East Maitland. Dr. Hollywood was elderly and needed a young partner who could drive or take a buggy or horse to see sick people at more distant places. As my father didn’t have a car and couldn’t drive, Dr. Hollywood provided him with an “Essex” car and a driver named Ernie.

The note which had arrived at the Surgery in East Maitland had been on an interesting journey. First, a boy had ridden from Carrabolla to Lostock to tell the midwife to contact the doctor. Then the note had been given to the driver of the cream collection cart which had taken it to Mt. Rivers where the cream cans (& the note) where put on the cream truck for transport to Gresford and East Gresford. At East Gresford some of the cream went to the local butter factory and some to Paterson to be loaded on the paddle steamer for shipping to the Morpeth butter factory. The note didn’t arrive in Morpeth until early on Monday morning and was then given to the express rider who took urgent dispatches

My father recalled to me the thoughts that went through his head as he packed his instruments and wondered if the midwife or Ernie could control the primitive anaesthetic if he had to do a caesarean delivery.

I said to Dad at this point “How much did you charge for a job like this?”

He replied “You don’t do jobs like this for the money son, there were two lives in the balance here”. Later, I asked him again and he told me seven shillings and sixpence, (seventy five cents). Seems tiny now, but a farm labourer’s weekly wage was then one pound eighteen shillings, (three dollars and eighty cents) for a forty-eight hour week. So the fee was about a day and a quarters pay.

With Ernie’s considerable help, a plan to get to Carrabolla was devised. It was too Dr Ken Addison slow to go to Paterson on the paddle steamer because it had to stop at every to Maitland and East Maitland by horse, as the road to East Maitland did not allow landing to drop off cream cans. The first stage was to drive the Essex to “Dunmore cars to go very fast.

House” at Woodville where the good road At last, the note arrived and the decision ended. Then, borrow the “Dunmore was made that Dad should go to House” sulky and go to Paterson via Carrabolla the next day. What the note Woodville and the bridge at “Duninald” didn’t say, but what Dr. Hollywood knew, and pick up one of the for hire sulkies or was that the midwife was clearly traps to go to Vacy where the horses concerned about a possible difficult birth. could be changed. From there to East

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G resford News • June

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2015, p 18

q “Our Stories” Feature r

fresh horses could be obtained at “Cawarra” what may have to be done, as he had been enjoying being back on a horse riding for the uphill climb to Mt. Rivers. through the beautiful Upper Paterson Mrs Lindeman greeted Dad, personally Valley so that life’s harsh realities had been gave them a much needed meal and a cup put to the back of his mind. He had spoken of tea and provided two first class horses. to the midwife while at Lostock and now Ernie explained to Dad that if there was During tea, Mrs Lindeman told Dad the knew what was concerning her and he was a truck or a car heading north they family had known his grandfather when hoping that mother nature may have fixed could ask for a lift if the driver would he was Gold Commissioner and still kept the potential problem. wait for them to drop off the horses and in touch with his father who had been the sulky. However he said that there was no manager of the Commercial Banking Co. Ernie and Dad rode up to the house, tarred road after “Dunmore House” and hitched the horses to the hitching rail in Maitland from 1905 to 1914. the gravel road to Gresford was not and walked across the front verandah.

Off to Carrabolla on a fairly bad road. No good. He thought the horses could Dad recalled that he and Ernie were average about twelve kilometres an hour unfortunate incidents on the way and into already worried because the dogs had set Lostock at about 3.00 pm. Readers should up a chorus, but no one had come out to which was only a couple of kilometres slower than the cream truck and that know that the road from “Cawarra” to greet them. Knock, Knock, Knock on the after “Cawarra” a car was not a reliable Lostock wasn’t where it is now. Large parts door. No answer. proposition. Doing it Ernie’s way would were relocated when the Lostock Dam was take about ten hours to Carrabolla, so an built in the 1960s. The old road had a few The house was a typical 1920s farm early start on Tuesday morning was the river and creek crossings to contend with. house with a central corridor ending in a kitchen, store room, washing and tack order of the day. Ernie had sent a rider At Lostock, good horses were saddled and room across the back and with a little to “Dunmore House to ensure a sulky was ready. A well shod spare horse to tie waiting as a rider had been sent ahead from outhouse about thirty yards away.

Mt. Rivers. Dad said a pack horse was ready behind the sulky was also ready.

“You go round the back Ernie and I’ll to take his medical bag and food for the Off they set from East Maitland on a fine horses, himself and Ernie, just in case they walk through and check each room. We’ll meet in the kitchen”, said Dad. Off he set summer morning at 5.00 am. Everything couldn’t get back to Lostock that night. and in the main bedroom Dad found went well until one of the horses got a bad By 5.00 pm the sun was starting to sink in evidence of a birth. As he was checking stone bruise just short of Gresford, so that the west and the farm house was in sight. for signs of trouble, Ernie’s voice rang out horse had to be left at the school and the spare horse harnessed. The hope was that The thoughts in Dad’s head were turning to “in the kitchen Doc. come and have a Gresford and Gresford where another change of horses could be organised, then to Mt. Rivers and Lostock, changing horses at Mt. Rivers. At Lostock, another change of horses and on to Carrabolla.

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G resford News • June

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2015, p 19

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Mrs Hullo Dr. Ken and Ernie. I’m feeling alright, but I get a bit dizzy.

Dad We saw the little chap. He’s in good shape and I’ll just fix a For those of you who have never seen couple of things when we get back one, new “walking out” shoes as they to the house. were called came in a really nice wooden Mrs I haven’t washed him yet Doctor. box. I can remember that Mum kept her The fire under the copper had Vacola Tops, clips and rings in these gone out by the time I got him shoe boxes. Well this box had a baby in settled and there were no wood it - sound asleep. The baby had been chips, so I thought I’d cut some, wiped but not washed and the umbilical get the fire going and wash him cord left quite long and tied with a with warm water. length of knitting wool. Dad estimated Dad Ernie will cut you plenty of chips the baby to be about an hour old. A little and bring up some more wood. boy – but where was Mrs …?

Let us go back to the house and I’ll have a good look at you and Ernie had checked the house again while the little chap.

Dad examined the baby. No sign of the Mrs Would you like a cup of tea? mother, so they decided to check the Dad Yes please and I’m sure you would outhouse and the Smithy’s shed and as as well. Ernie will fix everything, they did so they heard the sound of an give us our tea and then we’ll feed axe. With quickened stride they hurried and lock up the horses while you towards the sound and there at the feed the baby. If it’s alright, we’ll wood heap behind the outhouse was the stay the night as we brought food mother. with us and in the morning we’ll Dad told me the conversation went like wait until Mrs ….. (the midwife) this. arrives with Reverend …..

Mrs What about the mess Doctor, Dad Good evening Mrs … Are you I should clean up for you and feeling well? the visitors. look”. Dad ran down the hall and there on the kitchen table was a wooden shoe box with a new born baby in it.

Dad Don’t worry, Ernie and I are used to cleaning up. Did it take long for baby to come?

Mrs He started coming at first light I think, but seemed to sleep for a while. Around lunch time he really started to fight, so I kept pushing with each contraction and by about 4 o’clock there he was.

Dad Well done Mrs ... Now let’s see if he’s hungry while Ernie gets the tea.

Mrs ... lived to a very old age and is buried in a local cemetery.

Dad said that all through his life he always thought of her when he was feeling at the end of his tether and somehow things were not so bad after all.”

The bounty is still $75 for a story (with photos) which features local characters and events that have become a part of our history. It doesn’t have to be typed and it will be edited before it is published. So please hunt out these old photos and find a biro and paper. Please send your contribution to the Historical Soc. PO Box 96 East Gresford – NOT to the Gresford News. If published it will be in the Gresford News later!

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G resford News • June

The

2015, p 20

EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

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G resford News • June

The

Gresford Community Group May 2015 Meeting Skateboard Park Agreed that shade covering should no longer be considered.

Therese Doyle Hall Arrangements with historical society (HS) George Sales reported that the HS had met but had been unable to reach a final decision regarding the alternative proposals available. He said another meeting was to be held at which he hoped more HS members would be present.

Maintenance Graham Murphy provided a summary of action taken, cost so far and work yet to be done.

Management sub-committee It was agreed the sub-committee report tabled at the last meeting be considered when more members were present.

Noted that the future of the subcommittee should be discussed at the next meeting.

Purpose and philosophy of the GCG Decided that Brian and Martin should continue to plan a public meeting, but it should be held after TD Hall arrangements were known.

Police Report Noel reported conversations with policeman Kel Boek and it was agreed that a public meeting be held at the Hotel Beatty at 7pm on 1 June.

Next Meeting First Monday of the month 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty

Father Stephen Flies On ANZAC Day 2015 was the day many of us said goodbye to the Anglican Rector of the Gresford Paterson Parish and shook hands with Flight Lieutenant Stephen Moore of the Williamtown Australian Air Force Base.

Stephen Moore had been the very conscientious and imaginative Secretary of the Gresford Community Group for nearly ten years. As part of his duties he was a member of the Gresford News Management Sub-Committee, a small group made up of Stephen, Brian Doherty and Peter Smith. This group is responsible for the finance and operations of the Gresford News and it was Stephen Moore who led the change to colour production and sophisticated technology.

The task of trying to keep a Parish of seven churches viable is not an easy one, particularly when support for local churches is on the wane.

Stephen tried various ways to raise funds and the concept of Broughton Beef was one of them. It was successful and some of us well recall the gentle persuasion which caused the moths in our wallets to be disturbed.

Others may comment about the day to day religious activities Stephen was involved in. I want to mention his deep and sincere devotion to honouring and assisting those who fought for Australia in far flung places. Many died, many were wounded and many were traumatised.

Under Stephen's guidance our annual ANZAC Day Service has been transformed and is a must to attend. Similarly, Remembrance Day (The 11th of the 11th) is now a special event. By closely working with our local RSL Sub Branch and the Armed Services, we now properly honour those who served and for this we must thank Stephen Moore for the part he played. The recently established Grove of Remembrance at the showground is another mark of Stephen having lived among us.

May your flight be smooth and your pilot your guide.

Martin Addison, Chair, Gresford Community Group

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2015, p 21

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G resford News • June

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2015, p 22

Cricket Success for Locals Two local Gresford boys have had huge success in the Maitland Juniors Cricket Comp. In the Under 13's competition the boys played for Maitland City United and and were Major Premiers in their first season with the club.

Charlie Hojer scored the most runs for the season and Jack Hodges has the highest Batting Average for the club and received an award from the MDJCA for having the highest Batting Average in his age group for the entire Maitland District Cricket Competition.

Linda Hodges

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

May 2015 crossword answers

Gresford News June Crossword

G resford News • June

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2015, p 23