April 2023 -Stratford Town Crier

WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND STRATFORD

DAY 01

Visit the Stratford Museum (Hobson St, Stratford)

Open Tuesday & the 4th Sunday of the month

Bike ride along the Rail Trail to Maffra (10km each way).

Drive to Briagolong Quarries (20 km return)

DAY 02

Walk/Ride the Arts Trail through the streets of Stratford. More information at Segue.

Drive to Sale (20 km each way) and walk/ride around Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt.

DAY 03

Walk/Ride the Blackall Creek Reserve alongside Merrick St, Stratford.

Drive to the Glenmaggie Weir (BYO Barbeque or Picnic).

DAY 04

Walk/Ride to The Knob Reserve (Old Redbank Rd, Stratford).

Drive to the Blue Pool, Briagolong for a swim.

DAY 05

Walk/Ride to the Apex Park (Tyers St)

Memorial Park (Tyers St)

Market Reserve (Hobson St)

Mary Treasure Reserve (Hobson St)

Visit the Maffra Car Museum

PRESIDENT’S SAY

The Stratford Town Crier team was excited to bring you last month’s issue in full colour! We are very happy to announce that this will be a permanent feature of future issues. This is a huge milestone for our community newspaper. It is something we have long desired and we are so pleased to be able to bring it to you, our readers, advertisers and contributors. Clearly the entire paper, photos and advertisements will be more eye catching and attractive as a result. We are proud of this achievement, at a time of rapidly rising publication costs, and when so many other local

RCH GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL

With Easter fast approaching I am still looking for people to help with the Annual Door Knock. If you have some time to help please contact me on 0400 682 294

STRATFORWARD

Stratforward, our incorporated association for building a stronger community by supporting residents, businesses and community organisations, decided on the new committee at the Annual General Meeting on Monday 20 March 2023:

President

Shayne Hyman 0417 330 081 Vice President Kiah Cashman, Avon River Bakehouse

papers have unfortunately failed, in the face of both rising costs and diminishing advertising revenue.

Advertising and a few very welcome donations are our only sources of income, so we are very grateful to our loyal advertisers and donors. In return to our advertisers, the new publishing agreement we have made means that we are now able to offer full colour ads at an even more attractive rate than previously, so please contact us by email at stratfordtowncrier@gmail.com if you are interested in promoting your business. We print and distribute 2,000 copies each month,

and I will allocate an area for you. My bus trip to Merimbula will be held on 18 May. If you would like come please don’t hesitate to contact me as depending on numbers will determine if it goes ahead.

Val Mildenhall

Secretary

Julie Goepel, Stratford Post Office

Treasurer

Louise Perrett, Stratford On The River Tourist Park

Committee Members are Sam Forbes, Jessica Darvill, Marg Robbins, Beth Ripper, Jen Wrigley, Jim Forsyth. There are three vacancies on the Committee. We're hoping to make it representative and inclusive, so if you're interested give Shayne a call to discuss on 0417 330 081. More news next month!

Shayne Hyman

with delivery to every household in Stratford, by mail to outlying areas, and by volunteer delivery to numerous distribution locations in Stratford, Maffra, Briagolong and Sale. Each issue is also published online at www.issuu.com, with the link posted on the Stratford Town Crier and Stratford Community Notice Board Facebook pages. Advertising enquiries, written articles and photos are all welcome to be submitted at the above email address.

Judy Donoghue

TELEPHONE WIRING

STRATFORD SISTER CITIES

Our AGM was held on 28 February, Jillian Anderson was elected president, Jacqui Ingram Vice President, Hilary Rash

Treasurer, Sandra Meredith

Secretary with committee members Jean Downs, Peter Hibbert, Sylvia Bishoff, Marion Kristeff.

It has been a very busy month, 11 delegates have been very busy planning their trips to Stratford Ontario.

We were very lucky to be visited by Clive Rahn from Stratford on Avon, he is planning to visit all six Stratfords in one

STRATFORD LIONS CLUB

Lions Clubs working together

Club Secretary Ben Davies was watching Channel 9 News when an article attracted his attention. Lions Club of Parramatta were looking for assistance for the young boy who was injured in the helicopter accident at Sea World. He contacted the Parramatta Club and offered the use of our person

STRATFORD COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Well, that’s another Country Women’s Association of Vic North Gippsland Group Art and Craft exhibition done for another year. You could hear the collective sigh of relief as the exhibition came to a close after opening to the public on Saturday.

Our Branch had some great successes with the Junior members Kaitlin, Felicity, Chelsea, and Charlie taking out many first prizes and Best Article in their respective age groups, while Charlie was able to enter in the ‘Child or Grandchild of a Member’ section. Other members, Wendy, Emma, Nola, Pat, Mary, Heather, and Dianne took out a considerable number of first prizes and Best Articles over a wide range of sections including cooking, photography, card making, over 80, and scrapbooking.

Avon CWA came third in the Branch entries for the Handicraft Challenge using Rocks as the theme and the Cooking Challenge

year, this was attempted by him in 2020 but Covid sadly got in the way. Let’s hope he can achieve it this year.

We had a lovely meal at the Avon Hotel, lots of laughter and plans made for the upcoming trip.

Sandra Meredith

SSTRATFORD RED CROSS

On behalf of Stratford Friends of Red Cross we wish to thank all who donated to our 2023 March Appeal Bingo night which was held at the Sale Greyhound Club on 2 March. Big thanks to local business houses who generously donated your support is greatly appreciated and members and volunteers who assisted in setting up etc.

STRATFORD ANZAC DAY CEREMONIES

An amount of $600.00 plus a private donation of $30.00 was raised. We are planning to run a pub raffle later in the year date not yet set.

Next meeting date will be at the Avon Hotel on Tuesday 4 April at 11.30am followed by lunch. New and old members most welcomemembership is $10 per year.

Dianne Semmens

At the time of this article the Club is still waiting for a reply. The Stratford Club has a range of medical equipment from over the toilet seats, shower seats, adjustable height chairs, wheelie walkers, mobility scooters and more. These can be provided by contacting Laurel Davies; home telephone number 03 5145 6489 or mobile number 0418 586 459.

Paul Wager

consisting of Peaches, Pears, and Potatoes. It’s been a while since we’ve been placed in the challenges and the members were delighted, especially as they were placed before some of the larger Branches in the Group.

There is a Junior Branch connected to the Avon CWA Branch which meets on the second Saturday of each month while the Senior members meet on the third Monday of the month in the Senior Citizens rooms in Hobson Street. Everyone is welcome to come along for a cuppa and chat. For more information please phone Emma on 0409 865 047.

Dianne Honey

We are now about three weeks from ANZAC Day. The Stratford RSL Sub Branch is making every effort to make sure that the community of Stratford and surrounding district has the opportunity to reflect on the significance of this national day of remembrance and commemoration. Our Dawn Service will take place at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park beginning at 0550hrs, with a “Gunfire Breakfast “ at the Avon Hotel following.

The main Town March, stepping off at 0845hrs will be led as usual by the Sale City Band down Tyers Street from the Endeavour service station corner to Memorial Park. We have applied to the ADF for support with a catafalque party and a guest speaker, as the sub branch has done for many years, and we have always been appreciative of the assistance provide by RAAF Base East Sale. Token badge sales will be set up in the shopping strip for the week prior to ANZAC Day, with RSL members and auxiliary members helping to raise money for the Patriotic Welfare Fund, which nationally does a crucial job in supporting the needs of veterans, widows and their families who are in need of all kinds of assistance. Last year, the Sub Branch, through the generosity of the local community raised something in the order of three thousand dollars in a week.

A reminder too, that the highway will be closed in both directions for three hours from 0800hrs until 1100hrs for the safety of everybody attending the March and the ANZAC Ceremony.

Eastbound traffic must turn left at the swimming pool and proceed along McMillan and

via the Police station roundabout, and on to Bairnsdale. Westbound traffic from Bairnsdale and East Gippsland, will detour left into Wellsford Street, then right into Hobson Street which is suitably wide enough for large vehicles, then left into Macfarlane parallel with the railway line to McAlister, then a right turn back to the Tyers Street roundabout to exit towards Sale. All local traffic coming in from Sale will need to follow the same circuit during the deviation period. Emergency services have all been notified of the VicRoads approved alteration through this three hour time slot.

welcome the support of all our regular community groups and schools on this important national, civic day.

Michael Hutchison

STRATFORD LAWN BOWLS

As the last edition went to print our Tuesday pennant teams played off in the Division 2 and Division 3 finals in Heyfield. Division 3 went down by 4 shots to Maffra and Division 2 had a nail biting draw with West Sale. Stratford won the tie breaking extra end with a top … (I mean miracle) shot from Mick Dee with his final bowl.

Gippsland area title to Stratford. The following Tuesday Stratford played Lakes Entrance at Bairnsdale for the Gippsland title and came home with the flag. Division 2 Tuesday team Back L to R Ivan Cartledge, Ray Potter, Col Russell, Ian Johns, Wayne Marsden, Jason White, Rita Potter, Mick Dee, John Marshall. Front Leonie Flynn, Anne Renehan, Marg Robbins. There will be lots to celebrate at our Presentation night on 23 April. Margaret Robbins

STRATFORD FOOTBALL AND NETBALL CLUB Past Players & Officials

The Stratford Football and Netball Past Players and Officials cordially invite all Stratford Football Club past players and officials to our annual reunion day on Saturday 13 May (Stratford V Orbost game).

The day’s activities will include sausage sizzle and refreshments commencing from 12.00pm onwards and afternoon tea at half time of the seniors game. This is going to be annual event each year. It will be a great day and you never know who you may catch up with. To assist with catering could you please RSVP by 9 May through our Facebook page, email pastplayersandofficalssfnc@gmail.com, or text 0499 456 390. Even if you don’t RSVP and can attend ‘just turn up anyway’.

We will also be hosting the Avon Hotel Friday night raffle on Friday 28 April to raise funds to fund our activities. Great idea to come for dinner or a few drinks and maybe win some great prizes. To book a table in the dining room please book on 03 5145 6205.

Thank you to the Avon Hotel for their support. We will also be celebrating our 1998 Seconds and Thirds premierships (25 year anniversary) and 2003 Senior and Thirds premierships (20 year anniversary) on Saturday 3 June.

We have already had a successful membership drive with already over well over 300 past netball and football players and officials but we are still looking for new members.

To join please contact Daryl Cooper 0499 456 390 email pastplayersandofficalssfnc@gmail.com or join our Facebook community group by searching “past player Stratford” and request to become member.

SFNC Past Players and Officials 2023 Calendar of Events

Raffle and Social Night – Avon Hotel Stratford

- 28 April 2023

Past Players and Officials Social Day

- 13 May 2023

2003 (20 Year) Senior and Thirds Premiership Reunion

- 3 June 2023

1998 (25 Year) Seconds and Thirds Premiership Reunion

- 3 June 2023

Raffle and Social Night – Avon Hotel Stratford

-18 August 2023

Raffle and Social Night – Avon Hotel Stratford

10 November 2023

Daryl Cooper

STRATFORD S.E.S.

One should not mention that things are going quietly!

Towards the end of February around 6.30pm in the evening the Unit was paged to assist the Ambulance service with a casualty on a bush track about 40 km north of Dargo. The paramedics were not sure if their vehicle could travel the track and needed ‘back up’ with some 4wd vehicles. Two crews met up with paramedics around 9pm and all was well. Members arrived back in Stratford shortly before midnight.

Two days later and we were back to Dargo. Around 5.00am, a local resident observed a flashing light and thought that a person had activated a distress beacon. Two crews travelled to the area and conducted a search in the locality but could not find any evidence of anyone in distress. Back in Stratford just after 1.00pm.

Three days later and another call to assist ambulance. This time it was to a track way north of Ben Cruachan. We set off a little after 7.00pm and were about 45min into the journey when the operation was cancelled.

and the Unit was paged to a road crash on the Princes Highway near Fernbank. Three vehicles were reported to be involved. Both Bairnsdale and Stratford SES were dispatched. One driver was trapped in a vehicle which was on its side, and was extracted by the two crews.

Early March and Stratford was paged twice to assist at crashes in the Heyfield area. Both callouts were cancelled before crash scenes were reached.

Friday evening of the long weekend and Stratford members were running Driver Reviver. Plenty of free coffee, tea and biscuits dispensed.

On Saturday 18 March, Tony Pearce Chair of Emergency Services Foundation walked through Stratford. He is on a solo trek of over 50 days, covering over 1440 kms in the areas worst affected by the 2019/20 summer fires. He wants to raise awareness about the terrible toll emergency service work can inflect on to peoples mental health. Tony was met and escorted by members of VicPol, SES and CFA, and spent some time in conversation with members of emergency services and local residents explaining his mission.

David Smith

FISHING

By Cooper Miller

I’m always hoping and wishing

To catch the big one

The one that got away last time

Last time

I take my fishing rod

The flexible one (like me!)

When the fish aren’t bitting

I sit

I sit with my good reel

Feeling ‘real’

The fish start eating

All my worms

Biting them at the end

I start coughing on the Sandwich that I’m eating

Hoping this day will never end

STRATFORD IGA & LIQUOR

Deli - Licensed Grocery - Produce

Kids Club - Frequent Customer Club

Every Wednesday ‘Seniors Day’ 5% off Groceries WEEKLY

DEB BALL POSTSCRIPT

Last month we ran a story about a Debutante Ball held in Stratford in the 1940s. In July 1951 the CWA held a Deb Ball in Stratford and in 1963 the Fire Brigade Ladies held their first Ball. Many of you will know Hilary Rash. She was a flower girls for the Ball in 1951 and has just recently donated her dress to the Historical Society. I encourage you to visit the Museum where there is plenty to see from the past.

Jen Wrigley

Servicing all Brands, Suzuki, Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, Evenrude, Tohatsu, Mercruiser and more !!!

AVON LANDCARE

Thanks Stratford for helping Clean up Australia!

On Sunday 5 March Avon Landcare hosted a Clean Up Australia day event at Apex Park, the Rail Trail and along the banks of our beautiful river. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this day a success. We collected a huge trailer load full of rubbish which was then sorted to ensure plastics, cardboard and glass were recycled.

Clean Up Australia Day occurs annually, it’s a chance for the community to come together and clean up around our town. Every year this event helps keep tonnes of plastic, bottles, cans, cigarette butts and other waste out of our parks, rivers and waterways. It is a fun and effective way to make a difference, but it also doesn’t have to be limited to one day a year! If you see rubbish – please pick it up – let’s Keep Stratford Beautiful!

Upcoming Avon Landcare Events

STRATFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Our home, the old Methodist Church, is about to turn 150 this year and we will be celebrating this at the Shakespeare Festival. We are also hoping that the shed exhibition space should be erected by then.

We are sad to have just lost another long-time member, Shirley McNally. Her daughter Trudy has given us permission to publish some of the recollections that Robyn Poon helped to record for a booklet called "Growing up in Stratford".

Shirley (nee Maxwell) born in 1928, married a local lad Geoff McNally in 1948. He had spent time in the Navy around New Guinea, and they always lived in the Stratford and Perry Bridge area. Her maternal grandparents, Bertha and Joseph Dossett lived in the shop and residence next door to the Mechanics Hall, opposite the Methodist Church which is now the Stratford Historical Society Museum. When they passed away, her parents Harley and Nell Maxwell took over the shop and became caretakers of the Mechanics Hall.

AIRLY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Airly students have enjoyed getting out and about this month and were super excited to come first in a draw with Cowwarr at the Sale Rural Cluster swimming carnival.

30 April: Car Boot Faire

9.00am to 12.00pm in Dixon Street: Up cycle

swap, sell, buy second hand goods. Only $10 per car boot.

Registration via Avon Landcare FB link or phone Beth 0427 456 094

June: Antiechinus & Owls - Who’s that? Education & Nature Walk.

October: Frog Night – Which croak is that? Education & Nature Walk.

Useful Links

Clean up Australia website https://www.cleanup.org.au/ Recycle Right Mate: https://www.cleanup.org.au/recycle-right-mate Plastic Free Challenge: http://plasticfree.lauratrotta.com/ Wellington Shire Recycling information: https://www.wellington.vic.gov.au/environment/ waste-and-recycling-guide

Anna Roberts

Every Saturday night there was a dance and euchre was also held there. Every two weeks movies were shown, and concerts, balls and bazaars (flower shows) were regularly held.

In the next chapter, Shirley is 10 and takes us on a walk along Tyers Street 80 years ago. Then the 1939 bushfire raged across the state and on our doorstep. Between 1930-1940 Stratford had 3 banks, 3 tennis courts, 2 saleyards, 4 churches, 2 sawmills and a busy rail network.

To be continued

The next opening of the Museum will be on Sunday 23 April, between 2.00 - 4.00pm. This gives you plenty of time to call in and enjoy looking at our well displayed memorabilia. We are sure you will find something of interest!

The next meeting will be held on Monday 24 April at 7.30pm at the Museum. Visitors are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.

In the meantime, please have a look at our Facebook page which is regularly being updated.

Jane Spice

filled Bug Blitz day where they got to paint a model chestnut teal duck with local artist Bill Payne, study bones and taxidermized animals with Australia Day award winner Gary Howard, sample local waterways for invertebrates with Scientist

STRATFORD CEMETERY

Thanks to our cemetery research person Alan Neeves for this story from the Gippsland Times, Saturday 31 August 1867.

“Dr. Arbuckle, the District Coroner held an inquest at Stratford yesterday upon the body of William Wilkinson Rawling, aged 39 years, who died at his residence, the Tannery, Stratford, on the preceding day.

It appeared from the evidence adduced at the inquiry, that the deceased left his home on Thursday, the 2nd inst., and remained absent a few days, but feeling indisposed on Wednesday last he returned; from this period his indisposition rapidly increased, and a number of domestic medicines were administered, but no professional gentleman was summoned.

A post mortem examination made by Dr. Forbes disclosed that the cause of death was Pleuro-pneumonia and inflammation of the stomach, accelerated by intemperance. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.”

William is buried in an unmarked grave in Monumental Row I number 42. This tannery was located near the original bridge coming into town across the Avon, corner of Merrick and Blackburn Streets. In the 1891 flood sections were washed away in the flood.

Later owners of the Tannery were the Kennelly’s, who sadly lost 3 sons in World War 1. Leon and Paul were killed in action and Cecil who died from wounds soon after his return home in 1919. Their memorial is in Row 5 no 22

Marg Robbins

Olivia Lay, take a bird trail with Dr Caldow and discuss Aboriginal sustainability with Electra Green.

’ve also been raiding our

pumpkins and strawberries whose mad tendrils have filled several gardens.

Geraldine Carter

Morass for a memory-

ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Primary School

recently celebrated St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick is one of the most well-known and popular saints throughout the world. St Patrick’ Day is an important event in our school’s calendar and is always a special occasion. This year was no different, with the students adding a touch of green to their school uniform. There were a number of events throughout the day, starting with a whole school mass in the church. Following mass, all of the students travelled by bus to the Sale Cinema where they watched the Lion King movie. Whilst watching the movie, the students were treated to some popcorn, a freddo frog and a bottle of water. After the movie, they headed to the Sale Fauna Park where they had lunch and a play in the park. This was a great fun day for the students and signified the importance of St Patrick’s feast day to our school.

the importance of First Aid and what to do in the event of an emergency. Throughout the program there is a focus on the DRSABCD, and the students are empowered to act in an emergency situation if needed. The sessions were fun and interactive and the students learnt a lot.

Aid in Schools Program

The students at St Patrick’s recently participated in the St John Ambulance First Aid in Schools Program. This free

Two St Patrick s students have been preparing for the Sacrament of Frist Communion. First Communion is the 3rd Sacrament received by Catholics. First Communion is when a person receives the body and blood of Jesus for the very first time. This is considered a very holy and significant event. Paige Fischer and Chase Shaw celebrated their First Communion on Saturday 25 March at the Cathedral in Sale. We congratulate them on taking this next step in their faith journey.

Joel Brayshaw

STRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDRENS’ REVIEWS

Stratford Primary School is amazing because of my experience with my first day of school. All my friends were great and it’s a good school and in my opinion it is 9 out of 10.

By Ethan

Stratford Primary School is the best because we have an amazing cooking program. We have kind, supportive staff and helpful students. We go to amazing camps and big days out. We have a Shakespeare performance put on by our lovely Grade 6 students.

By Chelsea

Stratford Primary School is the best because you get a choice in activities. We are welcoming to new kids.

By Bailiah

STRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

“Hi. My name is Kylie and I am one of Stratford Primary School’s Captains for 2023. This term has been absolutely amazing! We have had our swimming carnival, Home Learning Expos, Buddies, Fundraising, antibullying and violence day, Maffra Mardi Gras and many other things. Our school even welcomed a new puppy – Bee. She will help with everyone ’s wellbeing.

We are all super excited for the Easter Holidays, but first we will draw our Easter Raffle on Thursday 6 April at school.”

Stratford Primary School is the best because it is wonderful, joyful and worth coming to. You get to come to school and play with all of your friends.

By Maggie

Stratford Primary School is the best because all the students get to participate in specialist activities. These give them unique learning opportunities for their life.

By Ruby

Stratford Primary School is the best

It keeps you safe and happy

It is like a huge nest

Of welcome and grace

Our school is just simply great.

If you were to choose

A school is clean and nice

It’s nice and warm unlike ice

It is the place to be

So come enrol and see.

By Kylie

emotions. Currently she is learning her job, but she is a keen participant and loves her Stratford

ANZAC BISCUIT RECIPE

We love eating the modern baking company's delicious ANZAC biscuits, but sometimes it's simply more fun to make your own from scratch!

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Serves

25 Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup plain flour

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

½ cup desiccated coconut

125g butter

2 tablespoons golden syrup

1 tablespoon water

½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

In a short period of time, they have raised over $500 with the Hot Cross Buns drive, and then organised a wonderful walking float to represent our school at the Maffra Mardi Gras. Coming up our F&F Association will be running a Bunnings Barbecue on Sunday 26th March. Please come along, have a chat and buy a sausage to

Method

• Preheat the oven to 160°C.

• Grease two oven trays and line them with baking paper.

• Combine oats, flour, sugar and coconut.

• Stir butter, syrup and water in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth, then add the bicarbonate of soda.

• Stir wet mixture into dry mixture until well-combined.

• Spoon level teaspoons of the combined mixture onto baking trays, flattening slightly and leaving about three inches of space between each.

• Bake for 20 minutes, allow to cool and enjoy!

great time visiting the Sale Botanic Gardens and Art Gallery.

I would like to begin by welcoming our newest staff member to Stratford Primary School. Bee the Cavoodle is our unofficial Assistant Principal in charge of bringing joy and helping everyone to regulate their

students represent our school at the Heyfield and District Swimming Sports. All our students demonstrated their growth mindset, literally jumping in and trying their best! Congratulations to Charlotte Lowe who came 3rd in backstroke for her age group.

blessed to have such a proactive

Primary School in 2023 is the promotion of Student Voice, Agency and Leadership. Our student leadership team have been actively contributing to our assemblies and organising House activities every week. They also held a meeting to organise the first Buddies Day for 2023. The theme of our day was “Be Yourself –Come As You Are”. All students came dressed in any outfit that made them feel good, and they donated a gold coin to the Good Friday Appeal. Students in multi age Buddy groups then completed activities that focused on building strategies to combat bullying and violence in the community. Saturday the 18 March was

Bullying and Violence. student leadership team and I decided this was an important issue, so our day was spent educating our students to be “

students from Years 3 to Sale to experience Wild

Coming up, they will also have a fortnight of the Bike Education program and to begin Term 2 they had to Camp at Koonawarra. Before this issue of the Town Crier goes to print, we are hosting a Family Picnic after hours on 27 March for our whole school community. We hope the evening will be filled with family fun and community!

Kate Steele

AVON SHIRE SHORT HISTORIES SERIES “COBAINS”

Located in the South-east of the former Avon Shire, Cobains is situated between Clydebank and the East Sale RAAF base, just out of Sale. The locality was originally part of William Montgomery’s “Heart Run” until in 1908 part of the run was divided to form the locality known as Cobains. Successful applicants were James Cobains (allotment 7), William Glass (allotment 2), Evelyn Glen (allotment 1), Alexander Glover (allotment 3), John Murray (allotment 4), Norman Murray (allotment 5), George Ware (allotment 6) and Frederick Weber (allotment 8).

By 1922 the Closer Settlement Board established the “Cobains Estate” under the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act 1917 had divided over 1500 acres for settlement. Successful applicants were Thomas Adams (allotment 10), William Arnold (allotment 7, later became part of allotment 6), James Broomfield (allotment 14 and 14a), George Currie (allotment 22), John Findlay (allotment 4), Ethel Findlay (allotment

1, purchased from Evelyn Glenn), William Fryer, Frank Garner (allotment 13), Joseph Glen (allotment 1), G. Jones (allotment 15 and 16), Clement Kingswell (allotment 3 and 6, later sold to J. Boyce), John Lamb (allotment 22), Edward Leitch (allotment 12, later divided into 12 and 12 a, sold to J. Wakely), Arthur Martin (allotment 17, later sold to W. Maynard), John Murphy (allotment 2), Julian Punch, Francis Ronalds (allotment 20 and 8a), William Smith (allotment 21 and 21a, later sold to E. Hill and allotment 23), James Smirfitt (allotment 19), Patrick Sukroo (allotment 9, later purchased allotment 10), Wallace Swarbrick (allotment 11), John Wakely (allotment 12, 13 and 13a) and George White (allotment 5 and 8). Initially there was a lack of water as channels were not complete until after 1925. In 1926 Cobains officially opened for settlers. In 1928 due to the demand of local families the Cobains Estate School 4387 opened. After 1947 the Llowalong hall was moved to Cobains (pictured), where it remains currently. In recent year the Cobains Hall was sold. The school continues to operate surrounded by private farmland.

Daniel Parker-Estoppey

ANGLICAN PARISH

Our Annual Parish Harvest Festival celebrations ('for all things bright and beautiful') were very well supported by parishioners from Stratford, Briagolong and Munro. Their generosity and thankfulness to God allows us to donate food supplies to help others through the Salvation Army.

Last month's Mothering Sunday service follows an old tradition of giving thanks for Mother Church and all mothers and mother figures and is symbolized with the making of a Simnel Cake. Fortunately, parishioner Judy Kelly has the recipe and made the cake; everyone attending each received a small slice.

Parish Op Shop – With Easter approaching, the Easter Raffle basket with all sorts of Easter fare is now on display at the Op Shop plus raffle tickets on sale. The Op shop is continuing to hold its Super Saturdays. Watch out for this month's date at the Op Shop or on social media. These Saturday morning openings are proving very popular.

March's Family Movie Night featured the movie 'Puss in Boots' and a very enjoyable time was had by all who attended!

The Parish's retiring offertory for April is in support of Eye Care Vanuatu, a much valued mission in which several of our local people are involved.

Worship Services - Our regular Sunday services continue to be streamed via Facebook and Zoom as follows: For Facebook search for ‘Anglican Parish of Avon’; services go live 5 minutes before commencement. Please email Priest Dave Perryman (email: davidjrperryman@gmail.com) for details to join via Zoom. Copies of our Order of Service are available at our parish website http:// anglicanavon.org.au/parishbulletin/ and Facebook.

The Avon Parish Easter Services

Sunday 2nd Palm Sunday 9.30 am Service Holy Trinity Stratford then 11.00am - Ecumenical Walk of Witness, Procession & Prayer. DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

Thursday 6 Maundy Thursday Service, 7.30pm at Holy Trinity

Friday 7 - Good Friday Service 9.00am at Holy Trinity

Saturday 8 Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil at the Cathedral

Sunday 9 Easter Sunday. (Easter chocolate for the Parish) 8.30am Holy Communion at All Saints Briagolong, 10.00am at Holy Trinity Stratford, and 2.00pm at St Mary's Munro.

Parish Dates – April

Thursdays Mainly Music 9.30am in Parish Hall during School Term

Fridays 9.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity. Mondays 7.30pm Bible Study (via Zoom) School Holidays 7 April - 23 April

Sunday 2 DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

Monday 10 - Easter Monday

Saturday 15 - Men's Breakfast

Sunday 16 - Second Sunday of Easter. Healing Service

Sunday 23 Third Sunday of Easter. 4.30pm Shakespearian Celebration of Evensong. Followed by a light tea. All welcome. Tuesday 25 ANZAC Day

Friday 28 Family Movie Night

Saturday 29 Avon Parish Women's Craft Day

(Advance notice: Family Fun Fair on Saturday 27 May )

BOOKS BY TURN THE PAGE

The Nutmeg Trail by Eleanor Ford

The bright pink cover of this book was certainly eye catching and the title had me wondering about the story within. On closer inspection I found it wasn’t a thriller set in Asian markets but an in depth and readable history of how spices came from their places of origin to be in our pantry. Not only that but there are recipes from easy to those a little more complex using all these wonderful tasting and smelling spices.

Do yourself a favour and go into one of the amazingly stocked Asian, African, or Indian shops to smell the spices and come home with a couple of new ones to try. We are lucky to have these shops locally or there is Hindustan Spice Market in Dandenong, plus a lot of smaller ones there too.

Plain Old Peppercorns

In ancient times it was considered as precious as bullion. Pharaohs were embalmed with it. So precious was it that Roman Caesars kept it in their treasuries. In the Middle Ages 90% of the spice going to Europe was pepper. Emperors of the Han Dynasty used ground Sichuan Pepper to scent the rooms of their concubines. (They also required courtiers to chew cloves to sweeten their breath.)

There were 2 main ways Asian spices were spread to Europe and the Middle East. There were the maritime routes from ‘the Spice Islands’. It was said the sailors could smell the spices long before they saw the land.

The Ancient Silk Road incorporated Spice Routes overland. The Islamic Uyghur people lived in Xi’an China which is on the centuries old Silk Road, and this saw a blending of Chinese and Islamic foods and spices.

Nutmeg

• It originated on the Indonesian Islands of Banda (known as the Spice Islands) and reached the West in the 8th Century.

• Nutmeg was/is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

• Consumed in large quantities nutmeg is a hallucinogen.

• In Zanzibar brides grate nutmeg into their porridge on their wedding day.

• In 1667 the extremely high value of nutmeg enabled the British to “buy” Manhattan from the Dutch in exchange for Rhun, the Indonesian home of nutmeg.

• In one voyage Ferdinand Magellan lost 5 ships and 250 men but was considered successful as he returned home with 20 000 kgs of nutmeg.

• In the 21st century spices, which were once the rarest produce, are now an everyday commodity.

• Believe it or not, science is proving the health benefits of spices, that the ancients had known about and used since 50 000 BC!

• Who would have known that the nutmeg I sprinkle on my baked custard had such an intriguing past! Hopefully this has whetted your appetite to borrow this book from our library and try a recipe or 2 or just enjoy reading more about the wonderful world of spices.

ST ANDREWS UNITING CHURCH

Its always great to join with our friends from the other churches in town. Back on 3 March we got together at the Uniting Church to celebrate World Day of Prayer. Amazing to think that people all over the world met on the same day and used the same service as we did.

Over many years the Stratford Uniting Church has been involved in the Prison Fellowship Easter Biscuit Bake. The aim is to deliver a pack of home made biscuits to every inmate in the State. To do this 79,000 home

STRATFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

2023-2024 Committee

Area co-ordinator Julie Brown0413 139 413

Assistant Thelma Keeley

Secretary Shelley Hochen

Treasurer Jordyn Grant

Publicity Officer Jen Eaton0427 196 038

Our second raffle at the Avon Hotel went ahead on 24 March. Our goal is to have CCTV installed in the town. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 26 April at 7.00pm. We have four formal meetings per year. Please come and join us and have an input on future strategies, ideas, meeting times and dates, we would greatly appreciate it.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Raise funds for the installation of CCTV in the Stratford Business area, eventually including the Industrial area and sports ground areas.

made biscuits are needed across Vicoria. Many church denominations are involved. In this area the local churches need about 8,300 to cover Fullum Correctional Centre.

Included with the biscuits is a short explanation of the Easter Story. Maybe you would like to know more about the Easter Story? There are 3 churches in Stratford that will welcome you. The Uniting Church will be meeting on Good Friday 9.30am and Easter Sunday 9.30am.

Jen Wrigley

Why CCTV?

CCTV will assist in identifying offenders and vehicles involved in criminal activity within the town precincts.

To assist in holding offenders to account.

To provide traders/residents with an increased level of security within in the town and provide video footage in the event of burglary and criminal damage.

We need the community members to assist us meet our goals and aims.

Private CCTV.

If you have CCTV at home, please register it with S/C Kim Kell at Sale Police Station and in the event of a police matter, your CCTV may assist in the identification and apprehension of those involved. Phone 5142 2200 to register. Contact Jen Eaton, Publicity Officer on 0427 196 038 if you would like to know more, help, or donate towards project.

LET’S WATCH OUR FOR EACH OTHER

Jen Eaton

OCEAN

By Fletcher Thomas

Ocean Beautiful Blowing

Crashing Building Splashing

Water Lakes Rivers Pools

Banging Waving Crashing

Bright Colourful Waves

Stratford Library

Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10.00am - 1.30pm 3.00pm - 6.00pm

Saturday: 10.00am - 12.00pm

Closed Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday

Phone: 03 5145 6403

DYSONGROUPCOACHES

STRATFORD PLAYGROUP

March 23-30 was National Playgroup Week, so to celebrate, we had a special messy sensory play session. This sort of play is great for young kids because they learn through exploring the materials (rice, goop, water beads, dried beans, sand etc). Sensory play helps develop language and fine motor skills, builds nerve connections in the brain and most of all, it's lots of fun!

We will finish this term with Easter crafts on Tues 4 April. Perhaps the Easter bunny will hop by and leave us some treats to hunt for!

We've enjoyed meeting lots of new families this term. New families are

our sessions. There's no need to book. You'll find us at 15 Dixon Street between 9.30am 11.30am on Tuesday mornings during term time. Our first session for term two will be on 2 May. You can contact us or find out more via our Facebook page: Stratford Playgroup Victoria.

Wishing all of our families a very happy Easter!

Kerry Muir

STRATFORD AUTHOR

Renee Conoulty, prolific author and Gippsland Section Winner of the 2021 Sheila Malady Short Story Competition, has recently published two picture books inspired by local cafes. The books, titled The Ticklish Turtle and The Badger and the Hare, are aimed at children and explore themes of friendship, communication, safe touch, and consent.

Renee, who moved to Stratford with her family in 2020 when her husband was posted here with the RAAF, has always been inspired by the world around her. Living in Stratford has given her a wealth of inspiration for her writing, and the local cafes were no exception.

“When I visited Ticklish Turtle and Badger & Hare cafes, I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere, and I thought their quirky names would make great titles for children’s books”, Renee said.

aide. Shehas also developed teaching resources to accompany The Ticklish Turtle, as well as several other picture books she has published this year. For Renee, writing is not just a hobby but a passion that she plans to continue pursuing. “I plan to continue writing stories that are inspired by the world around me”, she said. “I hope to continue creating stories that are not only fun to read but also have positive messages and opportunities to learn.”

SSHAKESPEARE ASSOCIATION SPECIAL DELIGHTS FOR 2023

From its very beginning our Festival has given us all the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful language English has to offer. And some of the most popular plays to appear on the public stage, including, apparently, on one occasion, aboard a fully rigged sailing ship. And, on many occasions, in our Courthouse Theatre.

The Community Players, central participants each year, will be presenting one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies, “Twelfth Night.” Written probably in 1601 or 1602, it explores the themes popular in English comedies: unrequited love, mistaken identity, escape. And, of course, a happy ending. Much later, Oscar Wilde explored these in “The Importance Of Being Earnest.” Many other playwrights and film makers have done the same.

The characters and themes are as lively today as when audiences

the time of the Bard. Much confusion and fun. Fun and confusion for us four centuries later.

Our production will be directed by Helen Waddington. The sixth grade students from the two Stratford primary schools will, under the direction of Meg Weatherley, perform “Romeo and Juliet,” one of Shakespeare’s most loved plays. If we talk about tragic love stories, we almost immediately turn to these two doomed young lovers. This is certainly a challenge for such young performers. But the primary schools have become a very established part of our program over many years now. And this beautiful play gives our young actors, perhaps for the first time, the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of Shakespeare. And for the community the chance to see these young people venture on to the public stage.

And what of our short quiz? More of that next time.

Bill Cotter

BARRY & ANNETTE LETT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

The Ticklish Turtle tells the story of a turtle who goes on a search for someone to play tickle games with her. The book explores themes of making friends, safe touch, and consent. The Badger and the Hare, on the other hand, is a story about a badger and a hare who become friends and explores themes of friendship and communication. Both books have received positive feedback from the community, and from the staff and students at Sale

STRATFORD COURTHOUSE THEATRE

March saw the Courthouse hosting awesome music from The Weeping Willows/Great Aunt, Daniel Champagne and Mick Harrington. My highlight for the month was the sublime harmonies of the combined forces of The Weeping Willows and Great Aunt when they unplugged for the last song of the night, excluding the encore. What a pity only a small audience supported these talented artists. It was rewarding to see the theatre full for Mick Harrington’s performance with lots of audience members who hadn’t been to our wonderful, intimate venue before, some of whom travelled long distances to attend.

If you’re looking for a delightful and inspiring read for your children, be sure to check out The Ticklish Turtle and The Badger and the Hare, as well as the many other books Renee Conoulty has published, all available for purchase online. Paperback copies of The Badger and the Hare are also available to buy at Badger & Hare in Stratford.

April sees the Courthouse playing host to the Shakespeare on the River Festival, with opening night on 28 April.

Community News

SHAKESPEARE ON THE RIVER FESTIVAL

Welcome to Shakes“pair” 2023

Prepare to be entertained by our star-crossed lovers, mistaken twins or witty fools as 2023 is all about what happens when two characters collide, frolic or unite on stage. The Bards famous plays Twelfth Night, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Romeo and Juliet will come to life featuring some of the most renowned ' ‘Pairs' ' in Shakespair. Coupled (pun intended) with our Medieval Faire, Banquet and some wonderfully devised works you will be entertained across three weekends with artful happenings on and off our stages.

Will you peer on said tasty pear? Will a pair of twins crash their boat against that mortal pier and disappear? Or maybe, this year we have gone too far? We welcome you to our 2023 festival, come along and bring a friend, it’s more fun in PAIRS!

LOCAL PRODUCTIONS:

COMMUNITY PLAY - TWELTH NIGHT

"If music be the food of love, play on" Our Community Players bring you one of Shakespeare's most loved comedies. A tale of ship-wrecked twins lost on the shores of Illyria, full of mistaken identities, messy love triangles and unrequited love. Come see the ensemble cast of local performers have fun with puns, pratfalls and pranks aplenty.

GROUNDWORK YOUTH THEATRE

Intrigued? Want to know more? You’ll just have to come along and see for yourself.

STRATFORD SCHOOLS GRADE 6 COMBINED CHILDRENS PLAY - ROMEO & JULIET

A tale of forbidden love between the son and daughter of two powerful, warring families. Romeo and Juliet are two star crossed lovers who risk their lives to be together. How will it end? Join the talented combined Stratford schools cast for this stunning, heart-warming performance.

COURTHOUSE KIDS & YOUNG GIPPSLAND

THEATRE

Come along either Monday to support our two kids theatre companies. Performances by The Stratford’s Courthouse Kids and Maffra’s Young Gippsland Theatre are always a delight and embrace the essence of what theatre is about, fun, friendship, confidence and teamwork.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND TOURING SHOWS: The Bard’s Banquet: Lust & Lovers

Calling all Bohemians and Creatures of the underworld - dance, feast, find truth, beauty and maybe a little romance. Come What May, this Moulin Rouge inspired event promises to be Spectacular Spectacular! Featuring an exclusive short performance of the comedy ‘Love’s Labor’s Lost’ by The Australian Shakespeare Company Graduate Players. As always, we encourage you to come dressed to the theme Because you Can Can.

In 2023 there will be a grand variety of traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages, fresh produce, together with exhibitions and displays.

Features of the day:

• Children’s games on the “Village Green”

• Local stalls and demonstrations

• Street performers, exhibitions, and buskers

• Instrumental and vocal ensembles

Sailors Grave brewery bar and music stage open until 4.00pm at the Art Colt 20 Dixon Street

DRAMAWERKZ YOUTH HOLD FAST

A bunch of sailors wind up shipwrecked on an island, and for some odd reason, any attempt at escape is suddenly thwarted. Combining fools and fairies from Shakespeare’s most famous plays, this original work by Dramawerkz Youth Theatre sees this small bunch of sailors meet a whole cast of strange characters while they’re stuck on the island.

THE EAST GIPPSLAND GEEZERS“NO

HOLDS BARD”

A mash up of Shakespeare’s cheekiest momentswoven into a relatively seamless ‘love‘ plot. The characters Globe, Rose and Swan become engaged in a “A salvo of Shakespearean tiffs, taunts and tête -à-têtes”. The script is unique in that it utilises at least one line from every one of Shakespeare’s plays in a shape and structure that stands alone as a piece of entertainment. It is The Bard at its most accessible!

TRADITIONAL EVENSONG