Banjo's in town

Molong is about to celebrate the fun of Banjo Paterson's stories of the bush and the fabulous (funny, humorous, interesting) characters he sat and talked to as he wandered through villages, farming lands and towns.

"Salt of the earth" Banjo would describe early bush families as he wrote about their lives - living and working in isolated bush landscapes.

Did Banjo find his way to Molong, or maybe Cudal, Manildra, Boree Creek, Cumnock, Yeoval, Buckinbah Creek?

Yes, he did! That's why we're celebrating on Saturday 18th Feb and Sunday 19th.

What's On this weekend

Sunday 12 Feb Molong Bowling Club noon FREE Sausage Sizzle 1 pm Public Meeting to update members and guests 'where to from now' for the Bowlo in-house trial for members and guests prior to Pennants starting 19 February. Refreshments available beer on ice.

Food

@ The Telegraph, RSL Bistro, Kaye & Philip's Chinese Restaurant, IGA Supermarket (See Ad. inside); Wildflower (Gidley Street Sat/Sun Breakfast & Lunch); Lime & Stone (Bank Street Saturday)

Shopping:

Carolyn's Caneware/Gifts (Sat/Sun Bank St); Molong Yarn Market (Sat/Sun Bank St. ); Booful (Sat Bank St.); Summerhill (Sat/Sun Gidley St); Molong Florist (Sat Bank St), Molong Newsagency (Sat morning), H Hardware (Sat Morning) Molong Pharmacy (Sat morning)

Kids are back at school - many mums and dads are back into the ‘juggling act’ of getting the kids to school on time, or childminding, or pre-school, (or all three), lunches packed, bags packed, the right clothing for the day, school pick-ups, after school care, shopping, organising dinner, homework, washing, ironing, cleaning ... reading, bath, bedtime, sleep ... The arrival of the new day ... and the same routine starts over again. Somehow mums and dads of today also have to fit in career, employment, their own sporting and leisure times (if any). I don’t envy today’s families. It’s a busy and very fast life. Remembering back ... when my sons (now in their 40’s) and I faced the same routine ... and ‘that’ tiredness of racing here, racing there ... I observe my two today as dad’s following a similar pattern with their own.

by Rozzi and contributors

The only difference between their generation and mine?

Their lives and that of their kids are busier, faster, each day (including weekends) filled to the brim with a much busier life than I can remember. Why are our lives so busy?

Which brings me to the story of John (see photo below) a gentle man in his 60’s who has spent 44 years walking and living rough in the bush. Why? “I’m content” he told the Express.

Looking for John on his current long walk on the road between Cumnock and Yeoval - my driver, Jane Lyons-Miller of Molong and I found ourselves in Yeoval - where we happened to come across a stunning Welsh Mountain Pony called ‘Jonah’ harnessed to a gig - travelling along the main street in a training session. Read inside pages for John’s story ... Enjoy!

A street scene last Saturday in Yeoval. An interesting local story coming to Express readers soon.

(Above) Ken Harley training ‘Yarrandale Jonah’ a gorgeous three year old Welsh Mountain Pony. There are some interesting programs coming together at the Yeoval Central School, and Peak Hill Central that maybe heading to the Brisbane Royal. More about that soon.

Interestingly, we found Ken and Jonah outside Alf and Sharon Cantrell’s Banjo Paterson More than a Poet Museum - and Banjo’s brilliant statue of his time during wartime.

Check out the great program at Alf and Sharon’s tribute (museum) to the life and times of the great Banjo Paterson - and enjoy the delicious foods at Clancy’s Cafe in the museum. Sunday 19 will see a poetry/ballad and special event at Yeoval organised by Alf and Sharon. Well worth a visit.

The Express asks Cabonne Council ... What is happening to this now empty building in Bank Street? A question that is surely, one of the most asked questions in Molong right now - given the site (out of the flood area) of a substantial building that was the result of the Molong community coming together to fundraise/seek grants and to build as a Dr’s surgery (before HealthONE came about). Cabonne Council assumed responsibility of this building on behalf of the local community. What now?

One of Molong’s most gracious historical homes, Boree Nyrang, will be open on Sunday 19 February for visitors to view.

This is a rare opportunity to visit the bluestone home and gardens on a property on the Peabody Road, one that was once owned by the Barton family (Banjo Paterson’s grandparents). A delicious high tea will be served in the gardens by the Molong Historical Society. Poetry, music, entertainment. See inside pages.

(Above) Meet ‘Kit’ the Express Pet of the Week. Bred by Olivia Greenwood - Kit came to live with the Express a few weeks back. But, is currently ‘boarding’ with the Boyan’s until we return to the Gatekeeper’s cottage.

Sadly, we lost our beloved Gatekeeper cat, ‘Tommy’ during the November flood. Olivia came to the rescue with ‘Kit’ from her mother cat’s litter.

Now settled well and truly with the BoyansKit is very happy in all aspects of home living.

(Above) “What’s for dinner?”

Do you have a photo of your pet to share with Express readers?

Forsale

3 bed, 1 bath, 1 car

Price: $425,000 - $450,000

Agent: Stephen Townsend

Cottage like character

Currently tenanted at $425.00 per week until October 2023, this property would be ideal as the perfect investment.

With three large bedrooms, all with decorative cornices, the home takes on a country cottage-like charm. Enjoy a newly renovated kitchen and beautiful views of Molong from the windows in the large living room area.

Located in the higher part of the heart of Molong, the property is within walking distance of both schools, adjacent to a park and just three short blocks away from Molong's main street, shops & cafes.

Contact Stephen Townsend today to arrange an inspection of this fantastic property!

Upcoming Auction – Contact Agent

185 Acres. Agent: Stephen Townsend

Just the most beautiful block you'll ever find! Just over 185 Acres of flood free country with some amazing homesites offering views over the district and up to Mount Canobolas, "Top Oaks", is the real deal. All heavy Basalt soils and sub-divided into four paddocks with a solar powered bore down 60 Meters tested at 1400 gallons per hour (6300ltrs/hr with a Standing Water Level of 8 metres) pumping to a 5,000 Gallon Poly tank via 2" Poly Pipe that in-turn reticulates to 4 concrete troughs plus one big dam, "Top Oaks" is ready to start earning the new owner an income. Currently running a big mob of shedding sheep, the lambs have to be seen to be believed. Still boasting great stands of White Box and other species, shade & shelter along with up to 90 acres of cultivation country "Top Oaks" boasts a great balance of grazing and farming country

Inspection is by appointment with an Auction date set of 25th March.

Forsale

3 bed, 1 bath, 1 car | just over 233 Acres

Price: Contact Agent

Agent: Stephen Townsend

An absolute gem between Molong & Orange

25 kilometres out of Orange via the Mitchell Highway and less than 12 kilometres from Molong is "Karina".

With just over 233 Acres of top-quality Basalt country, "Karina", offers the Trifecta of location, soil & water. Sub-divided into 10 main paddocks. Situated at the entrance to this beautiful property stands a sweet cottage that is around 100 years old.

‘Karina’ Strathmore Lane, Molong

Comprising of three bedrooms as well as a bonus room that could be converted into an ensuite or walk in closet this home offers plenty of character!

TOWNSEND PRINCIPAL 0427 631 957