Gresford News July 2017

resford News G

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys July 2017

Barbara Birch, A Tale of Two Sisters, 2008

GAPS Turns 20!

Story and pictorial inside ‌

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

Gresford General Store and Post Office Home of the Crossroads Cafe 162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road) Phone 4938 9239

Trading

Shop

Mon – Thurs 7 am – 5 pm Fri – Sun 7 am – 7 pm

Cafe

Take Away

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 4 pm

8.30 am – 3 pm 8.30 am – 7 pm

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available – BBQ Chickens – Ice – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks – Pizza available from 4pm Friday–Sunday

✱

NEW! Freshly baked sourdough bread

FRESH SEAFOOD available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Order on Mondays for Tuesday delivery and Wednesday for Thursday delivery. Bon apetit!

NEW – Dry Cleaning service now available - ask Katie or Joe for details

Daniel and Jane Maroulis are the proud owners of Boydell’s Vineyard located at Camyr Allyn North, East Gresford.

The Boydells wine is available locally at Loveys IGA, Hotel Beatty and Gresford foodworks. You can also order directly from us www.boydells.com.au; 0417747454; daniel@Boydells.com.au Free local delivery. More exciting varieties to come this vintage!

The Gresford News Community Diary Fri-Sun 7-9 Jul Sat

8 Jul

Fri

14 Jul

Mud Run, Gresford Showground CWA book club, CWA rooms, 3.00pm Community Table Dinner – Indian curry night, Crossroads Café, 6.30pm (Booked out)

Sat

15 Jul

Christmas in July Karaoke, Hotel Beatty

Sun

16 Jul

Community Markets, Hotel Beatty, 9.00am

Tues

18 Jul

Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat

29 Jul

Live music – The Merkins, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Sun

6 Aug Dash & Dawdle, Dungog Showground, 9.00am

Tues

8 Aug CWA International Day – Nepal, St Anne's Hall, Gresford

Fri

11 Aug Community Table Dinner, Hotel Beatty, 6.30pm

Sat

19 Aug Live music – Amber Lawrence Up Close & Personal Concert for Paterson Red Cross,

Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Fri

25 Aug Live music – Lineburners, Gresford Sport & Recreation Club, 8.00pm

Sun

22 Oct Back To Gresford Day, Gresford District Historical Society Museum Grounds, Gresford Road

Mon/Tues

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

Tuesdays

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

Mondays

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Vacy School of Arts Hall

Tues, Wed, Thurs

Vacy and Gresford Dance Centre at Gresford School of Arts Hall

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, Therese Doyle Hall, 10.30am (not Dec, Jan or June)

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 (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.00am 49346725 Every Tue & Fri (school terms) Hunter Mobile Preschool, Gresford School of Arts, 9.00am 49346725 Every Thur

Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri

Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty

Every Wed & Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Wed–gentle, Fri–general, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.15am Every Wed

Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford School of Arts, 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.

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.

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• July

2017, p 5

Gresford News Notices PLEASE NOTE: GRESFORD NEWS CHANGES GST As from the 1 July 2017 the Gresford community Group will be registered for GST and accordingly all invoices to advertisers will be required to include GST. The new GST inclusive prices are below. Our wonderful advertisers in their turn will be able to recoup the cost on their BAS.

The August News Some people have been confused about whether there will be a Gresford News in August. Yes there will be – but it will be distributed in the second week of August not the first.

St Helens Catholic Church Has A New Priest

Gresford District Community Dinner

Volunteers Needed

Unfortunately, our next community dinner, an Indian curry night at Crossroads Café, is already booked out as there is only seating for 25.

The new priest is Father Derek Garner Phone 4992 1477.

There is an urgent need for volunteers to assist in the mowing and general care of the Gresford church and cemetery grounds. If you have a relative buried in the cemetery please discuss this matter with your family and nominate at least one family member to come forward and be available so that a roster can be organised. Mowers and fuel are available, all that is needed is some willing persons to share the load ! Contact for further information and/or suggestions Chris Dooley 49388041.

On 11 August we hope to have our dinner at the Hotel Beatty again.

I do hope you can join us for what is always an enjoyable night.

Our June dinner saw a few braving a wet night to enjoy a delicious meal at the Bowling Club where all the dinners arrived promptly and were eaten with gusto.

Carolyn Addison – Member of GDGC

The President & Members of Gresford Branch CWA Invite You to our '4 in 1' Day CWA will hold its International “4 in 1 Day” on Tuesday 8th August, 9.30 for 10am start.

Morning tea and a three course Nepalese inspired lunch. Featuring guest speakers & Presentations on Nepal and a performance by Gresford Public School students. $15 pay at the door. St.Anne’s Anglican parish Hall, Church Street, Gresford RSVP 1 August, Margaret Hill 0400 358 827 or email: gresfordcwa@gmail.com

G resford News

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Contract advertising rates & sizes

prices incl gst b/w colour

1/6 page

$36.30

$49.50

Gresford Market

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

129.5mm (h) x 59mm (w)

1/4 page

$41.80

$71.50

129.5mm (h) x 89mm (w)

1/3 page

$62.70

$95.70

129.5mm (h) x 118mm (w)

1/2 page

$82.50

$121.00

129.5mm (h) x 180mm (w)

Full page $121.00

$198.00

267mm (h) x 180mm (w) No bleed edges on full page ads

Inside front or back cover $220 267mm (h) x 180mm (w) File Formats EPS, Jpeg or PDF Design $44/half hour – billed separately Enquiries Brian Doherty gresfordnews@iinet.net.au

presented by Gresford District Historical Society Inc.

Sunday 16 July 9am to 1.30pm at the Beatty Hotel

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

Features local stalls and produce, Great music local goods, treats, attactions and a little bit of history ...........................

Further information contact George Sales 4938 9639

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

4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY & SERVICE Pick up and delivery

G resford News • July 2017

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Mayoral Update 26th June, 2017

Thank you! Thank you for the overwhelming number of support messages at my totally unexpected new role as Mayor – until the election. You make me all the more determined to make you not regret those good wishes.

It's good to wake up in the morning, look over the hills and see just why the vibrant and beautiful villages of Dungog Shire deserve the best – and I know my colleague Councillors share this vision.

Conversations before the poll: We're getting a few emails about when and how our community conversations are to take place before the Poll at the 9th September elections. To get full, accurate and objective information as possible, we are working hard in a changing world, eg. the NSW Upper House just passed a motion that any two Councils wanting to merge should hold a binding referendum (not just a poll) of all residents. Mmmm... will it pass the Lower House?

The face-to-face conversations with organisations and residents will take place in the last few weeks before the election and will be supplemented with information here as we go. We'll be

using many different methods of contact – if your organisation would like to be involved for a face-to-face conversation, please email me – nancyknudsen@ blackwattlestudios.com.

Busy Days: The days have been superbusy. In Singleton I met with the Premier, the Deputy Premier and the Minister for Local Government, pushing the Dungog 'barrow'. There have been sundry meetings with residents, with staff, with developers, some normal Council business, others undoing the damage that has been wreaked on our community by large amounts of misinformation, still others working for a better deal for Dungog.

Flooding Matters: Residents in the Paterson Valley will benefit from the justadopted new Flood Study by the Council.

Next is the development of a Risk Management Plan. The Draft Dungog Risk Management Study and Plan is now on public exhibition until 19th July. Like the Paterson Valley Study, this is vitally important and is available at Council Chambers. Don't forget the public meeting is 5th July at 6pm at the Doug Walters Pavilion. Your input is important.

attention young and old

Back To Gresford Day Sunday 22 October

Solutions mooted for Dungog Shire's roads and bridges: A flush State Government has just announced many forward grants for infrastructure for local governments in the budget.

Acting GM Shaun Chandler and Assets manager Steve Hitchens will be chasing all opportunities. More on this as time goes on...

There's another exciting potential development and it's Bravo to Hunter Councils for being proactive! Two initiatives by the Joint Organisation, comprising 10 Councils of the Hunter region, could see more funds flow to Dungog Shire for our roads and bridges in the future.

Bob Pynsent, Chair of Hunter Councils, has announced Hunter Councils have embarked on a Price Waterhouse study which could right the imbalance of funds that Dungog Shire receives from the Federal Government in Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs). (In 2016/17 Dungog Council received $850,000 for roads funding under the scheme while richer Councils received much more.

Lake Macquarie got $2.6m, Newcastle $1.74m, Cessnock $1.57m, Maitland

Jamie Atkins Rural Contracting 0427490547

at

Gresford District Historical Society Museum Grounds Gresford Road next to Sporting Complex

Round up your Ancestors, Family and Friends. Anyone who has been associated with our local area throughout time.

Help to celebrate our Local History Contact members of the Gresford District Historical Society Inc. George Sales, Delma Lawrence, Lorraine Ashard Allan Hancock, Paul & Gail Wright, David Wells, Katie Farrell

WEED CONTROL SPRAYING BOOM SPRAYING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE I have over 15 years experience in weed spraying, Over 20 years experience on property management & maintenance Public Liability insurance ABN: 14618007127

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G resford News

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$1.25m, Upper Hunter $1.8m, Port Stephens $1.18m, and Singleton $1.18m.)

He also indicated that they (Hunter Councils) could voluntarily transfer some federal roads funds to smaller Councils like Dungog. “Local government in the Hunter has a track record for cooperation and resource sharing,” he said. “We can certainly show leadership in identifying how, for example, a voluntary redistribution of grants within the region might lead to better outcomes for all of our communities.” That's talking the talk – which must happen first before walking the walk. Watch this space...

Rates Rates Rates – what will mine be? – dear to all our hearts. Two things must happen before a rate rise.

First, consultation with the community, then application by Council (proving consultation) to IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) for approval.

Here are some facts: Since 2011, 141 Councils across NSW have applied for 'special rate variations'. The average rise

allowed over 4-7 years has been about 2.65% a year (cumulative about 16.72%).

The highest ever were Parkes in 2013/4, 13% per year for 4 years (cumulative 63%) and in 14/15 Maitland, at 7.25% for 7 years (cumulative 63.22%). Only two were allowed a cumulative over 50% and 8 allowed over 40%.

• July

2017, p 7

through a unique rainforest planting right on the Williams River near the bridge. Congrats to all the volunteers who have been working so tirelessly.

There's no end to the inventiveness of our Dungog Shire families.

Dr Susan Graham, whose family are resident farmers in the Shire, is an So on those statistics, I am not worried engineer who has been testing a drone that IPART would ever approve 108%, as which could plant 1 billion trees every bandied about recently by well-meaning year to fight the world-wide catastrophic residents. It's never happened, and in my effects of deforestation. While normally resident in Britain, she's been testing it opinion is never likely to happen. The recently - you guessed it – in Dungog! next potential rate rise (apart from the rate peg at 1.5%) will be from July 2018, Read the full article: http://www.abc.net. au/news/2017-06-25/the-plan-to-plantand you'll hear much more about this nearly-100,000-trees-a-day-withbefore then. drones/8642766 Sustaining the Williams Valley: We've Dungog Shire Councillors long heard about the Upper-Allyn Restoration movement, but the new ‘A’ Ward 'Sustaining the Williams Valley' group is Councillor Tracy Norman up and running. Their 'River and ‘B’ Ward Rainforest' workshop on Saturday was Councillor Nancy Knudsen (Mayor) judged a resounding success, with 70 people attending. Renowned ‘C’ Ward environmentalist Glenn Albrecht spoke Councillor Linda Bowden (Deputy Mayor) (really relevant to Dungog Shire – http:// Councillor Robert Booth theconversation.com/the-age-ofWebsite: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au solastalgia-8337), and it included a walk

Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant 4938 8305

G resford News • July 2017

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G resford News • July 2017

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The green is back in action On Sunday 4th June we had the pleasure of hosting a social bowls day with Lorn Park Bowling Club. The weather was kind to us with the sun shining for a glorious day. We all enjoyed a BBQ lunch and then the games began. The green was packed to its limit with 48 people attending, Gresford won the friendly challenge only just though by 2 points. It was great hearing the cheers and laughter in the club again.

Gresford is hosting the Shire Bowls this year so if you want to represent your town come in and put your name down (must be minimum of a social member), this is a friendly competition between Clarencetown, Dungog & Gresford.

Open to men, women and junior members, there are a few competitions singles, pairs, triples, fours, mixed pairs and ladies, why not get a team together and come join in some fun $10 per person per game names must be down by 30th June competition starts on Sunday 9th July.

If you are interested in holding your own barefoot bowls day for a birthday party young or old, family get together, any reason at all give us a call and we can put a package together for you.

Winter is well and truly here and it's the perfect time to indulge with a Winter Warmer Package!

Enjoy a Bespoke 30min Facial with a Deluxe Foot Ritual including Hot Stone foot massage.

An hour of pure indulgence for only $75 available until the end of winter..

Looking forward to seeing you in the salon for a pamper or new hairdo!!!

From the Quaint Team.

Andrea, Josie, Annette, Kelly & Nicole 803A Gresford Rd Vacy.

Ph: 49 388 386

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Gresford CWA News Day” on Tuesday 8th August, 9.30 for 10am start. $15 pay at the door.

Morning tea and a three course Nepalese inspired lunch. Featuring guest speakers + Presentations on Nepal and a performance by Gresford Public School students. St.Anne’s Anglican parish Hall, Church Street, Gresford RSVP 1 August, Margaret Hill 0400 358 827 or email: gresfordcwa@gmail.com

discussion. The book for discussion, “Goodwood” by Holly Throsby, daughter of Margaret a very talented young woman.

This could be us Gresford, Dungog, Paterson a light and enjoyable read.

Gresford CWA meets on the first Thursday of the month at 9.30am. We are an eclectic bunch and have a lot of fun. Come and Join us. Next meeting July in the CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford.

BOOK CLUB Saturday 8th July 3pm in the All enquiries to secretary Marg Hill 0400 358 827 or gresfordcwa@gmail.com CWA rooms, 12 Durham Road, East Gresford, afternoon tea and lively Robyn Thornton President

Marcia Francis and Fiona Thomas.

WOOL’N’THINGS What a great morning we had. 13 people plus CWA members plus baby Frejya enjoyed the morning. Many thanks to CWA members Marcia Francis, Betty Kellehear, Joyce Earngey, Teena Inkster, Melissa plus Molly, Fiona Thomas, Marg Hill and Jill Hancock. We covered spinning, crochet and knitting. We will be holding a felting workshop in the future, our first one is already booked out.

INTERNATIONAL DAY The Gresford CWA will hold its International “4 in 1

Specials ~ July 3 to 15 Crumbed Steak – $11.99/kg Corned Silverside – $11.99/kg BBQ Pork Pieces – $11.99/kg

Ph 4938 9710

Anthony, Hendrix, Brodie and Melissa spinning with Betty Kellehear.

G resford News

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The Monger family with CWA members Teena Inkster & Jill Hancock.."crocheting".

Melissa and baby Freyja

• July

2017, p 11

Nartaya Scott, Lauren Shaw, Wendy Fursdon

CWA member Joyce Earngey with Chris Walker and Belinda Jordan.

G resford News • June 2017

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What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

One Life – My Mother’s Story Kate Grenville This is a fascinating account of a woman’s life in pre-feminist times.

Grenville’s mother, Nance Gee, was an energetic, intelligent woman who was forced into pharmacy by her parents when she matriculated, and later capitalised on her training by opening her own pharmacy at Narrabeen in 1945.

She also helped her husband build their house when owner-building was not the norm – ‘He (her husband Ken) had an idea even more outlandish than a woman starting a pharmacy: they’d build the house themselves.’

CARROT SOUP

give it up. She later opened another one at Balgowlah, which lasted longer, but ‘Again it was the lack of child care that beat her.’

Grenville’s admiration of her mother comes through the engaging narrative.

Before Nance’s marriage finally ended she embarked on a life of academic stimulation and travel. She did an Arts degree, majoring in French and Italian and became a teacher, which is what she had originally wanted to do, and travelled to Europe several times. This book gives an insight into domestic life before and during World War 2, where Although Ken wasn’t an ideal husband Nance lost a beloved brother, but also and the marriage eventually foundered, shows that there were relatively unsung he was supportive in theory, if not in pioneers defying the strictures of many practical ways, of her pharmacy – ‘He was women’s lives. proud of her and respected her for throwing aside convention.’ However, she All books reviewed are from the CWA found it difficult to maintain the shop, which was very successful, while carrying library. They are put on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus full responsibility for their house and the reviews are in a folder. children and was eventually forced to

Ingredients: 1 onion peeled and chopped 800 g sweet young carrots peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger ½ teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 1 litre stock vegetable, chicken or beef Finely chopped chives to garnish

Method: Place all ingredients except chives in a large soup pot.

Bring to the boil, cover and simmer until the vegetables are soft. Remove the soup from heat and puree until smooth and creamy. Serve garnished with chives. Serves 4-6.

   •

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

•

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G resford News • July 2017

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Getting to know the locals...

The Story of ‘Gresford Belle’

by Noel Jupp OAM, Dip Hort, QP Dept Ag & Fisheries

One of the frequently asked questions that I have to deal with is how do you keep producing new varieties of plants.

The answer has several strings - Firstly some arise from deliberate hybridisation and others occur as sports or mutations.

Because we raise thousands of seedlings each year some just appear as significant variations and others occur naturally and you have to be in the right place at the right time. This is exactly how Gresford Belle came to be.

colour of the flowers. We tried everything but nothing came out right.

Our trial showed up one unusual feature in that as the first flush of flowers start to fade, a second flush comes out giving two contrasting shades. The flowering stems are densely packed, so much so that you can barely see the leaves. It has proved to be hardy to frost, drought and heatwaves when established and it just loves a good trim. Unfortunately, Hardenbergia Gresford Belle the original plant has been wiped out What was I going to do about it? The by the grader.

My daughter came home from town one gravel is so hard that it is impossible to day and said “What is the little shrub The last question that my daughter dig it up however if the grader comes with the bright purple flowers on the side along it will be gone forever. So let’s take asked was “What are you going to call of the road near the council quarry?” I it?” My reply? Well, there is only one a gamble and take half the plant to replied that I had no idea! So down the name for it, Hardenbergia Gresford Belle. propagate and leave the other half as road we went and as she pulled up I said back up and pray the grader doesn’t It starts to flower at the end of winter so they were Hardenbergia's… “No, no, not come along soon. will be released for sale on the 27 Jul those ones! The little one right near the We struck 15 cuttings from the first half 2017. Do not miss out, but if you do edge of the tar.” There is was, a small s& Θ E :ƵƉƉ Ε ZŝǀĞƌĚĞŶĞ EƵƌƐĞƌŝĞƐ and for the past two years we have been please remember that the Gresford Belle plant with the most vivid violet/purple ϴϬ ůůLJŶ ZŝǀĞƌ ZŽĂĚ͕ ĂƐƚ 'ƌĞƐĨŽƌĚ Ϯϯϭϭ will be in continued production. We are up stocks and trial growing flowers I have ever seen. I replied “Well, building ŵĂŝů͗ ƌŝǀĞƌĚĞŶĞ͘ũƵƉƉΛďŝŐƉŽŶĚ͘ĐŽŵ also growing it from seed to see if any of them.

One problem we had was getting it is a Hardenbergia but not one that I WŚ ϬϮ ϰϵϯϴϵϮϴϬ E͗ ϱϳ ϰϴϳ ϳϭϮ Ϭϵϳ the children are better than the mum. have ever seen before.” a photograph to exactly match the

Hardenbergia ‘Gresford Belle’ EĞǁ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ^ĐĞŶĞ͊ Ŷ KƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĞĂƵƚLJ͊ dƵďĞƐƚŽĐŬ ƉůĂŶƚƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƐĂůĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ Ϯϳ :ƵůLJ ϮϬϭϳ

Hardenbergia ‘Gresford Belle’ EĞǁ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ^ĐĞŶĞ͊ Ŷ KƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĞĂƵƚLJ͊ dƵďĞƐƚŽĐŬ ƉůĂŶƚƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƐĂůĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ Ϯϳ :ƵůLJ ϮϬϭϳ s& Θ E :ƵƉƉ Ε ZŝǀĞƌĚĞŶĞ EƵƌƐĞƌŝĞƐ ϴϬ ůůLJŶ ZŝǀĞƌ ZŽĂĚ͕ ĂƐƚ 'ƌĞƐĨŽƌĚ Ϯϯϭϭ ŵĂŝů͗ ƌŝǀĞƌĚĞŶĞ͘ũƵƉƉΛďŝŐƉŽŶĚ͘ĐŽŵ WŚ ϬϮ ϰϵϯϴϵϮϴϬ E͗ ϱϳ ϰϴϳ ϳϭϮ Ϭϵϳ

G resford News • July 2017

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GAPS –20 Years On!

The Gresford Amateur Performing Society recently celebrated its twentieth year of existence with a nostalgic gettogether of past and current members and friends in the School of Arts – location of so many exuberant performances, and beneficiary of much of the fund-raising. The hall was decorated with a dazzling array of costumes and banners from all the different productions, and there were also photographic montages from each play, as well as programs, props and background videos.

In 1996 Clem Varley took up the challenge of enriching the cultural life of Gresford by hosting a public meeting to start a performing society, and GAPS took off from there, with a rough and ready musical melodrama, Thick or Thin. From then on, a steady run of biennial plays has brought us up to this anniversary, with last year’s Cirque Solamé being the latest offering. The theatre-restaurant style of production has proved to be both popular and enduring, but GAPS has also contributed to the community in other ways by putting on Christmas Carols in both Gresford and Paterson, Cabaret nights at the Bowling Club, and

entertaining in such informal venues as the Gresford Markets. GAPS members are always on the lookout for ‘new blood’ as Dragula from The Witches of Greasywick would have put it – new members are always welcome.

‘inner child’ of the performers, giving them the opportunity to have fun and express themselves in a larger-than-life way. This was soon demonstrated when members gave some rousing karaoke renditions of past performances.

Attendees on the day were welcomed by President Sharon Lawrence before enjoying a picnic-style lunch, and then before the karaoke kicked in, Glenda Smith gave an overview of the value of GAPS. As well as the obvious benefit of entertaining the public and fund-raising for local facilities, she pointed out that GAPS gave the participants an opportunity to express their various talents, whether they were dramatic, musical, choreographical, technical, creative or organisational, in a way that lit up their own and others’ lives. She also commended their vitality, commitment and attention to detail which have contributed so much to the success of the plays.

Former members who have passed away – Darcy Bogan, Colin Sellens and Bob Wood - were fondly remembered.

It has been mentioned by audience members in the past that GAPS has lifted morale in the village, especially in hard times, but it is also clear that a performing group can bring out the

Gresford Front

20 Years of GAPS PRODUCTIONS 1997 – Thick Or Thin 1997 – Where Did Santa Put It? 1998 – Greaseford Fever 2000 – The Witches Of Greasywick 2002 – A Fork In The Hay 2004 – House Of The Shining Gunn 2006 – Mutiny On The Bouncy 2008 – A Tale Of Two Sisters 2010 – All Quiet On The 2012 – Carry On Up The Nile 2014 – Frost In Space 2016 – Cirque Solamé

Graeme Ferguson

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G resford News

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• July

2017, p 15

Colleen & Allyn Litchfield at GAPS 20th

Michael & Donna Chisholm at GAPS 20th

Paul Wilson, at GAPS 20th Margaret Dent, at GAPS 20th

Denise Sellens, at GAPS 20th

Barbara Merriman, at GAPS 20th Sharon Lawrence , Cirque Solame, 2016

G resford News • July 2017

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, p 16 Cirque SolamĂŠ, 2016

Kel Merriman, Rosita Richardson at GAPS 20th

Glenda Smith Rohan & Ross Staines at GAPS 20th Greaseford Fever, 1998

All Quiet On The Gresford Front, 2010

Tony & Mary Schultz at GAPS 20th

PEST CONTROL SERVICES locally owned and operated

General household pests: spiders, cockroaches, rodents.

Termite inspections and treatment using environmentally friendly low odour chemicals and baits.

Call Barry Wilson 0429 317 154 pest management certificate number

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JET Security Services 0458915902 Email: jason@jetss.com.au www.jetss.com.au Security & Investigative Services ML: 000101174 Security Services

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Mobile Patrols Accounting Fraud Crowd Control Insurance Fraud CIT (Cash In Transit) Employee Fraud Static Work Accidents K9 Units Bodyguard Other Services Risk Assessments Security Audits Event & Project Management First Aid Units Call Jason for a free no obligation quote for your security needs

Frost In Space, 2014

G resford News

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• July

Jake, Lyndell, & Ella Osmond at GAPS 20th

Courtney & Claire Lawrence at GAPS 20th

2017, p 17

A Fork In The Hay, 2002

The Witches Of Greasywick, 2000

Stewart Everett Mitsubishi Your local Fuel Caltex Service Station

All Mechanical repairs Rego Inspections & blue slips Origin Gas Agent Maxxis Tyres and Speedy Wheels agent Stockist of all oils for your car and gardening equipment Bulk Fuel deliveries to you/farm

Also stocking: Stihl Chainsaws, brush cutters, vacuums and accessories Thunderbird Electric Fencing Fencing supplies Large Animal First Aid Cattle Vaccines, Drenches & Pour ons Motor Vehicle accessories Philmac Poly pipe fittings Apparent Weed control chemicals Bare-co/Farming equipment suppliers Masport Mowers Agent NRMA agent

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G resford News • July 2017

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, p 18

Heritage Grant Success

Dungog Shire Council has been successful in obtaining a grant for $9,800 under the 2016-17 Community Heritage and Icons Grants program for a project titled ‘Promoting Barrington Tops – increasing the visibility of a World Heritage area’.

The aim of the project is to produce a short video which showcases the international heritage aspects of Barrington Tops and can be uploaded across various social media channels.

The video will also showcase the Barrington Tops National Park including the Corker and Rocky Crossing Trails, Blue Gum Loop in the Upper Williams, and Jerusalem Creek not far from Chichester Dam. It will help to show local residents what is in their own backyard, and attract more visitors to the area.

Links to the video will also be included on various websites including the recently re-developed visitdungog.com.au, the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce website, and other sites.

The video will touch on how our towns and villages act as the southern gateway to the Barrington Tops and the world heritage area, and how very accessible these assets are to the large population living within a three hours drive.

We appreciate the support provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and in particular Anthony Signor, Area Manager, Barrington Tops National Park, as the owner of this asset.

For more information about this grant please contact me on 4995 7777 or 0428 258 464.

Ivan Skaines, Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator, Dungog Shire Council

Paterson Allyn Garden Group Dear Garden Lovers, Inclement weather did not keep 50 enthusiastic gardeners from a fabulous morning at Penny Kater’s garden where she demonstrated the art of pruning. In particular pruning fig trees to encourage growth and reduce height of tree.

As Penny pointed out, fig trees only bear fruit on new wood and as many of us are not as youthful as we used to be, the thought of climbing to the top of a fig tree is not on the agenda! Of course continual pruning year after year will drastically alter the natural shape of the tree and create rather unsightly ‘pollards’ (round bulbous looking stumps), but from these pollards will sprout many new shoots that will produce figs.

Mid-winter is a perfect time to prune every branch on your tree that you would like to bear fruit, being careful not to cut into the branch collar..ie where the branch joins the main trunk.

Have any of you noticed rust on your Daylily leaves? This will look like small yellow dots and the spores are carried from plant to plant in the air. If you have a serious infestation as I have, then you will need to cut all affected leaves off to the crown. Make sure that you then spray your plant as soon as you see any sign of rust with Mangozeb which is not systemic or any fungus based spray. The discarded leaves must be bagged for several weeks or burned. A good frost may kill the spores, however what does encourage them is a temperature of 15 to 30 degrees and humidity.

BR

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Dungog Dash and Dawdle The Dungog Dash and Dawdle is in fact 3 great Cross-Country Fun-Runs that you can choose from – There is the 21 km Half Marathon, or the 12 km Dash or a 6 km Dawdle. Or you could just come along for support and enjoy the face painting, jumping castle and sausage sizzle.

Apart from guaranteeing a good night's sleep it's all about helping to raise much-needed funds for the Dungog Shire Community Centre Inc. Needed more now then ever to support the recovery effort in the Dungog Shire after that terrible super storm two years ago, there’s still an on-going need for individuals and families in the community.

So if you can’t Run or Walk you can support by making a donation – see the website on how to donate: Registration is open NOW – https:// register.canbook.me/dungog-dash-dawdle-2017 D&D website – http://www.dscc.net.au/ dash-n-dawdle/ WHERE: 57 Abelard Street, Dungog WHEN: Sun 6 August, 9am to 1pm

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TO BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL EMAIL – brookedance@bigpond.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @ VGDC

G resford News • July 2017

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, p 20

Diesel Refueling – ON SITE West Tankers are a family owned and operated business servicing Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding areas.

We are able to meet the requirements of specialised and remote customers.

Your fuel will be delivered on-site when you need it. We arrange our schedule to suit you. It doesn’t matter how remote you are, we pride ourselves in supporting remote customers and providing diesel when you need it – with delivery 7 days a week • Competitive Rates – reliable & efficient service • Servicing Earthmoving, Construction, Marine and Farming Industries • 11 Trucks – 7 Days • Emergency Service Available

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Phone: 4955 1620 Fax: 4995 1729 Or visit our web site

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EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

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• July

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Visit to Tocal by Governor of New South Wales Tocal College was pleased to host the Governor of NSW, David Hurley and his wife this week. The two hour visit included demonstrations and discussion on precision agriculture and technology, beekeeping, beef cattle and quad bike safety. The day concluded with tours of the campus and Tocal Homestead.

College Principal Darren Bayley said “Tocal was proud to showcase our student training and knowledge to the Governor. He particularly enjoyed hearing about our beekeeping training program, being a keen amateur beekeeper himself”. Mr Bayley said “it was great to see the Governor spending time with our students and hearing directly from them on what they are learning and what they hope to do in the future. The Governor was also interested in the way technology is now being used in agriculture to reduce input costs and maximise yields”.

The Governor’s visit to Tocal generated a great deal of media interest, with journalists asking him about his views on agriculture and the importance of a skilled workforce. The NSW Governor's visit to Tocal College was part of a wider tour of the Hunter region.

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Tax Relief

Dungog

Costs of doing business and costs of living will be eased due to a range of tax cuts from the NSW Government’s Budget. As part of the 2017-18 Budget, $1.6 Billion worth of taxes will be cut including stamp duty for first home buyers, Lenders Mortgage Insurance duties and duties on crop and livestock insurance. “As a Government always looking at how to better support farmers across the state, I’m proud that duties on crop and livestock insurance will be abolished from the start of next year.”

Mr MacDonald said.

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

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

“To help people looking to buy their first home, our housing affordability package includes stamp duty exemptions for houses up to $650,000 and discounts for purchases up to $800,000 for both existing and new homes.

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

From 1 January 2018, the NSW Government will abolish insurance duties for small businesses on commercial vehicle insurance (including aircraft), professional indemnity insurance, and product and public liability insurance. The changes will apply to businesses with aggregated turnover of less than $2 million.

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

NW Hitchcock local water carrier Carpentry & CASSO’S WATER Tiling Service CARTAGE Wall & Floor Tiling Home Maintenance & Repairs Renovations Over 25 years experience Phone Neal 0418 684 985 49389125 ABN 95 790 884 781 Licence no. 111201C

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DOMESTIC & RURAL WATER SUPPLIES TANKS & POOLS FILLED CONTACT 0400 294 436

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

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

G resford News

• July 2017, p 23 Gresford News July Crossword The

Anglican Parish of Gresford Paterson ph 0458 146 152

church times are: Paterson 8.30am every Sunday Gresford 10.30am every Sunday Allynbrook 12 noon on the 4th Sunday of the month

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 crossword answers

Your Readymixed Concrete Supplier Locally Owned Independently Operated Supporting the Gresford Community

54 Glenwood Drive, Thornton Phone (02) 4966 3711 www.hunterreadymixedconcrete.com.au