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STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC
MEMBER 2019
February 2022 Volume 29—No 1 ABN 61 052 673 443 ISSN 1836-3830
Facebook: Stratford Town Crier
REG No: A0052373W
Email: stratfordtowncrier@gmail.com
Editor: Leanne Dugan
Co-Editor: Shakira Dugan
Online: issuu.com/stratfordtowncrier/
2.2 Community News
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RESIDENT’S REPORT
Welcome to our first issue for 2022! On behalf of the Crier committee I wish all our readers, advertisers, contributors and deliverers all the very best for the year ahead. We are holding our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 8 February at 7.00 pm. We enthusiastically invite you to consider coming along to the meeting if you appreciate this community newspaper and
WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND DAY 01
STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC
STRATFORD
Visit the Stratford Museum (Hobson St, Stratford) Open Tues & Sun 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
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Walk/Ride the Blackall Creek Reserve alongside Merrick St, Stratford.
feel you have something to contribute. We need writers, photographers, sports reporters, advertiser support, treasurer support, fresh ideas. We want 2022 to be a year of renewal and review. We want feedback on what we are doing and what can be added or improved. To do this, we need new interested members of the community. Be assured, you will not be pressured into an executive committee role if you do not want that. And also be assured that our meetings are welcoming, friendly and
TRATFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
(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)
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Market Reserve (Hobson St) Margaret Treasure Reserve (Hobson St) Visit the Maffra Car Museum Peruse the local shops and food outlets in the main street of Stratford.
SEGUE COMMUNITY HUB
‘COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION 2022’
SEGUE COMMUNITY HUB GALLERY AND CAFÉ ARE PLEASED TO INVITE YOU TO EXHIBIT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK DURING OUR COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION 2022
The Segue Community Hub is excited to provide an opportunity for professional and amateur photographers to exhibit their work within a professional gallery space. Monday 14 February through to Friday 25 March 2022 This is a Community Event and entry is FREE. For details including entry conditions please contact Steve Hall (Curator) stevephall742@gmail.com or Jess Darvill (Manager) manager@segue.org.au
TRATFORD POLICE REPORT
January has generally been pretty quiet in relation to crime in Stratford. There was a couple of reports of damage to Christmas lights and a letter box in Dixon Street which Maffra Police are investigating. We also had a report of an attempted theft from a motor vehicle in Bolden street and again, Maffra Police are investigating this matter. This is also a timely reminder to residents that by
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stratfordtowncrier@gmail.com.
In summary for your diary – Stratford Town Crier AGM 7.00 pm Tuesday 8 February. The venue will be the Community Hub in the Library building. Enter from Tyers Street or find safe parking and an alternative entrance at the rear of the building. Judy Donoghue
There is always something new to be learned at every meeting. So, whether you are a new or long-time resident, if you are interested in the safety of our community and how to protect yourself from crime, come along to the Community Hub in the Library building, entry from Tyers Street or from the rear of the building, for 7.30pm on Wednesday 23 February for this opportunity. You will be warmly welcomed and guaranteed to leave knowing something you didn’t know before!
The Stratford Neighbourhood Watch Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 23 February at 7.30 pm. Why should you be interested you may wonder? What does Neighbourhood Watch do anyway? We are fortunate to retain NHW in Stratford as many localities have lost theirs through lack of support. The meetings are a unique opportunity for residents to gather, usually with our local police officer, duties allowing. Issues are raised, suggestions are made and questions asked and answered.
Drive to the Glenmaggie Weir
relaxed. If you want to know more ahead of the meeting, email us at
Judy Donoghue
making sure vehicles are locked whilst parked in driveways at night can go a long way to preventing thefts from motor vehicles and the theft of motor vehicles. I also wish to advise the Stratford Community that Leading Senior Constable Richard CHRISP will be away on indefinite leave for the foreseeable future. In an endeavour to continue to provide a police presence within the community while Richard is away, a process is currently underway where police members from Maffra and Sale will be attending
TRATFORD SISTER CITIES
the Stratford Police station at various times for any police assistance we can give. Once these dates and times are confirmed the community will be notified. In the interim, any urgent police requests can be made in the usual way by calling 000. Any Non Urgent police reports can be made by calling the Police Assistance Line on 13 14 44. Both these services can be accessed 24 hours/7 days a week. Anthony Dessent
Everyone is welcome to attend, you must be a paid up member to vote or nominate for a position, please contact Sandra Meredith 0406 983 503 for further information or to RSVP.
The Annual General Meeting of Stratford Victoria Sister Cities Inc., will be held on Tuesday 29 March, 2022 7.00pm at Holy Trinity church 26 McFarlane Street, Stratford, 3862.
Sandra Meredith
Stratford on the River
Tourist Park
Resident Owners—Shaun & Louise Perrett 16 McMillan Street, Stratford Victoria 3862
Ph/Fax: 03 5145 6588
www.stratfordontheriver.com.au hosts@stratfordontheriver.com.au
STRATFORD MONTHLY RAINFALL FROM THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY NOV/20
DEC/20
JAN/21
FEB/21
MAR/21
APR/21
MAY/21
JUN/21
JUL/21
AUG/21
SEP/21
OCT/21
NOV/21
DEC/21
31.3
61
55.9
15
100.8
16.7
73.8
129.7
9.5
62.6
81.6
91.2
145.8
61.3
2021 = 843.9
2020 = 822.9
2019 = 368.2
2018 = 361.9
2017 = 436.6
2016 = 592.9
2015 = 593.3
3.3 Community News
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TRATFORDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The first meeting for the year was well attended and plans are already underway for the start of the year! We have guest speakers arranged for our next 2 meetings. On Monday 28 February a long time resident of Perry Bridge, George Hoffman will be our guest speaker. The following month on Monday 28 March, our guest speaker will be Maurie Killeen speaking about sawmills in our area. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings held at the Museum at 7.30pm and we always find our guest speakers are very informative. Thanks to our members who have successfully obtained a Grant helping us to continue moving forward at the Museum, as this will enable us to install LED lighting and some solar panels. We are looking for information regarding the old homestead “Inverbroom”, which was built by the Little family and was located at the bottom of the Inverbroom Road. The new
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SE IT OR LOSE IT
I wonder how many of us made New Year resolutions and how many of them were to do with exercise? A group of, shall I say mature women in town, made the decision in 2021 to “use it or lose it”. Their ages range from 69 to 80 and three times a week they get up early and car pool and head up to the Stratford gym. There are countless studies that prove the important health benefits associated with exercise for all ages – but especially as we move into the Senior years. Regular physical activity helps improve mental and physical health, which in turn improves quality of life, reduces the impact of illness and chronic disease and will hopefully help to maintain independence in later years. So … back to our local ladies whose motto is, “Another day out of the nursing home”! They all agree that the key to their ongoing commitment and success, is the fact that they exercise together. The social aspect is just as important as the physical -
owners would appreciate your help with any photos and information that you could give us at the Museum. Sadly, we heard of the recent sudden passing of one of our well liked and respected members, Ian Laurie of Cobbannah. Ian was with a friend at the time and fell down a disused mine shaft in the Dargo area. Ian started his career as an Army Apprentice and later was in the Military Police. He served in Vietnam and for many years spent time catching up with his military mates and attending Anzac Day services. Ian and his wife Anh were wildlife carers for rescued wombats in their area. They spent a lot of time caring for and rehabilitating them so they could be released back into the wild. Ian often travelled from Cobbannah to Stratford to attend our meetings. He was soon to celebrate his 83rd birthday. Our condolences to his family. Looking forward to seeing you soon at one of our meetings.
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STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC EEPING STRATFORD TIDY
For some years Thelma and John Keeley have mowed the grass along both sides of the highway as you approach the railway viaduct on your way into Stratford from the Sale side. It has been much appreciated. Well I am pleased to report that a new resident in Stratford, Mark Seddon, has also taken up the challenge. Recently Mark did a good job on his big mower and the viaduct entrance into Stratford is looking clean and tidy. Thanks Mark. Gavan Donoghue
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TRATFORD COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
A lot has happened since our last article with members from Avon CWA enjoying the North Gippsland Group Christmas break up at The Knob Reserve. Christmas decorations added a great touch to the pavilion and it was an ideal place for a relaxed luncheon with members bringing their own picnic Jane Spice lunch. Fun and devious games were enjoyed by those who attended. Our apparently there is a lot of laughing Branch Christmas break up was that goes on! held at the Strathfieldsaye When they first began there were Homestead where we enjoyed a comments like, “I can’t do that!” delicious meal and explored the and “No way!” when they were grounds and the historic homestead. asked to try a new exercise in their Our thanks go to our members and workout routine, but now it is members of the public for their “Okay, let’s give it a go”. fabulous support of the cake stall These ladies are not going to that was held on 11 December enter the next Iron Woman outside Segue which raised over competition, but they all agree that $300. Further street stalls will be the benefits of regular exercise are held during the year and be evident in normal day to day life. advertised on the Stratford For example, bending down to community Facebook page, our pick up something from the floor own Facebook page, and the involves a lot less moaning and Stratford Town Crier. groaning and a lot more of “I can Avon CWA commenced their do that – I go to the gym!” year with a craft session focusing The word from HC Fitness is on making a carry bag for keep that it’s fabulous to see the ladies cups. This is one of the challenges so enthusiastic about health and for the North Gippsland Group Art well being. They are enjoying the and Craft show which is open to the benefits both physically and public on Saturday 19 March at the socially. Sale Showgrounds. The committee So come on Stratty seniors. for the NGG Art and Craft show These ladies want to put out the have introduced a new section for challenge. Being fit and healthy is non-members who are missing the not just for the young! Check out opportunity to exhibit in the the gym or even just go for a walk traditional shows that are usually and check out what is around the run through the district! If you’d block. There are at least 4 women like to have a schedule, please in town who highly recommend it! contact our Branch secretary Lyn. Jennifer Wrigley
34-38 Princes Highway Sale
Group craft is held on the first Thursday of the month and February’s craft will be an introduction to knitting. Come along if you’re interested in learning how to knit and please contact Branch secretary Lyn to let her know if you’re coming and for further details. The Junior CWA members will meet in February where they will prepare their photos for exhibition in the North Gippsland Group Art and Craft show.
Our meetings usually commence at 10.00am for craft followed by our meeting at 1pm on the third Monday of each month. Please bring your own lunch while tea and coffee is provided. If you’re a newcomer to Stratford and would like to see what our Branch does, please phone Lyn on 0408 393 338 and let her know you’re coming. Juniors usually meet between 1.00pm - 4.00pm, on the second Saturday of each month and must be accompanied by an adult and bring a small plate of afternoon tea to share. There is a small cost involved as they do a craft activity each month. This is to assist Emma and ensure she has enough equipment for everyone, please RSVP by phoning her on 0409 865 047. Dianne Honey
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4.4 Community News BARRY & ANNETTE LETT FUNERAL DIRECTORS Care, compassion and service With dignity, for the people of Gippsland 67 Macarthur Street, Sale, 3850
Tel: 5143 1232
Member Australian Funeral Directors Association Email:bja-lett@nex.net.au
Private Killings Bulk Packs Smoked Meat BBQ Packs Cooked Roast Meats ALL PRODUCTS TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY
David & Michelle Shaw
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STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC TRATFORD LAWN BOWLS
The Christmas Dinner on 18 December was very well attended and lots of laughter and good food was shared. A Special Meeting has been called for all members on Sunday 27 February. Members are invited to come along for a sausage sizzle at 1.30 with the meeting to follow at 2pm. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a proposal not to fill separate mens and ladies section positions for season 2022 – 2023 and elect Bowls Committee to replace them for one season trial. A discussion paper outlining the reasons behind the proposal are on the noticeboard. It would be great to have as many members as possible present to share in the discussions and cast a vote. Pennant on Saturdays and Tuesdays has progressed past the halfway mark with our teams in Section 4 Saturdays and Section 2 Tuesdays the best chance of making the finals.
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DOUBLE HAT TRICK AT PINE LODGE
On Saturday 22 January afternoon Judy and I wandered down to Pine Lodge and noticed that a cricket game between Stratford fourths and Nambrok Cricket Club was underway. The scores indicated a very close game. However when ‘Sandi’ for Nambrok came on to bowl things changed rather dramatically. Sandi bowling his
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PHONE: 5145 6058 MOBILE: 0419 874 765
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Margaret Robbins
‘off break spinners’ took a hat trick but then immediately took another wicket. I have never seen a bowler take four wickets in a row and I’m told it is called a ‘Double Hat Trick’. It is very rare at any level in cricket. I remember I bowled Justin out 3 times in a row in our back yard once but he was only 7 years old at the time! Anyway Nambrok went on to win and Sandi took 6 wickets for 21 in a match winning effort.
TRATFORD FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
In December 2021, the Stratford Football Netball Club was recognised at the annual Gippstar Awards as the Gippsland Club of the Year for 2020/21. This award is traditionally judged based on sporting achievement however, the club’s nomination for the award was received based on our strong initiative in raising awareness for mental health and creating a safer environment for people to talk about their feelings. This award is testament to the strong family and supportive nature our club embodies, and it is with tremendous pride to have been recognised for these efforts. Thank you to the club committee, players, Boisdale/Briagolong Football Netball Club, EGFNL, Tackle Your Feelings Australia and Beyond Blue for your contributions to the collective effort that has resulted in this acknowledgement. The coaching positions for 2022 have been filled and all teams and grades are back training in preparation for a huge season to come. There is a wealth of loyalty and experience within the coaching ranks, and as a club we are so fortunate to have a group of people of such exemplary character to lead our teams for the 2022 season. The coaching team consists of: Seniors - Jarryd Clohesy (with assistant coaches Luke Clohesy and Rowan Marsden)
TELEPHONE WIRING
Club Championship events are underway with the first round of the Mens’ Singles held on Sunday. The 4 remaining contenders are Tim Dare, Robert Grant, Ian Johns and Wayne Marsden. In the Ladies Championships, 6 players are still in the running for the title – all of them new names for an eventual winner on the Honour Board. Club Ladies Triples will be played as a one day event on Wednesday 2 February. Crackerjack has 3 more rounds to go with finals on 2 and 9 March. Crackerjack has proved to be a fun night out on a Wednesday for people of all ages. It is a great social atmosphere and spectators are treated to some ripper bowling feats at one end of the scale as well as some comic antics when an odd wayward bowls calls for quick action on the rink next door. Happy bowling!!
TRAFORD RED CROSS
Welcome to 2022 - trust our forthcoming year is a good one. Our meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month and usually held at the Avon Hotel 12 noon for lunch. All attendees must meet COVID regulations - double vaccinated as per government and Red Cross guidelines. All members and anyone wanting to become a new member very welcome to come along and enjoy a face to face catch up. Our first meeting is planned for Tuesday 1 February. The next meeting will be Tuesday 1 March. The zone meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 2 March at
Gavan Donoghue
Reserves - Glenn van Ruiswyk U17’s - Mark Nicholls A Grade - Ash Higgins B Grade - Emma Nowak C Grade - Sarah Boyd D Grade - Alannah Boyd U17 - Emily Morrison U15 - Alex Telling Netball tryouts are fast approaching and we can’t wait to welcome some new faces to our club. For all interested new and returning players, please head to our Facebook page ‘Stratford Football & Netball Club Page’ and fill in the registration form prior to attending tryouts. Tryout dates are as follows: - Tuesday 1 February - Thursday 3 February - Tuesday 8 February U15/U17 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm and Seniors from 6:00pm – 7:00pm For any questions regarding netball tryouts, contact Netball President Alex on 0458 490 776. Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page ‘Stratford Football & Netball Club Page’ to keep up with the happenings at the club and to find out about pre-season training dates and times for all our teams. Reg Tait Eagle Point Hall - please note change of venue not Paynesville. The Sale Greyhound club have kindly allocated Thursday 24 March for our BINGO night. All welcome to attend this charity event. Those making Trauma Teddies this project is still happening and very much welcomed by those who receive them. Well done - keep those needles clicking away!!!! Many thanks to all who support Red Cross - it is truly appreciated. Dianne Semmens
5.5 Community News
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VON LANDCARE Importance of restoring grass lands as seed production areas
Natural temperate grasslands are considered to be one of the most threated Australian ecosystems. Nationally there has been a critical decline in naturally occurring temperate grasslands leading to a loss in biodiversity of plants and animal species due to lack of habitat. Maffra Districts Landcare Network has received a grant through the Victorian Government’s Community Volunteer Action Grants program to establish a seed bank to help with restoring Gippsland’s native grasslands. This exciting project will train up volunteers in plant identification, seed collection, seed storage and plant propagation. Volunteers will be able to help set up and maintain seed production areas (SPAs) - a central, in-ground SPA and/or small, portable, backyard SPAs. A native seed collection workshop was held before Christmas in Upper Maffra, it covered a variety of skills such as plant identification, harvesting techniques and record keeping, as well as some genetic basics to consider when collecting. If this is something that interests you, there will be further opportunities to get involved.
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TRATFORD S.E.S.
Callouts have been too numerous to detail each of them. There were also many callouts to fallen trees, some of which required an arborist and aerial equipment. Bad weather continued in November. A crew was paged to a tree which had fallen onto a boundary fence. This falls outside the responsibility of SES. If it had fallen onto a structure or stopped access, then we could have assisted but a tree fallen onto a fence is the property owner’s responsibility. A call to assist a driver who had driven into flood water. SES personnel are not allowed to enter flood water to retrieve vehicles. This rescue was carried out by Water Police, with SES assistance. Next day and two Stratford members who have specialist training for land based swift water rescue responded late that night to a camping ground north of Lake Glenmaggie where children were stranded on the wrong side of the Macalister River. With emergency services, rescue was completed around 3.00am.
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TRATFORD CUB SCOUTS
On 3 January, four Cub Scouts and one Leader from 1st Stratford Scout Troop joined 5 other Cubs and 3 other leaders from Wellington District Scouts and ventured to Elmore Victoria. It was a long four hour bus journey from Sale to Rowallan Scout Camp for an overnight stay before venturing to the VIC JAM site on 4 January at Elmore Events Centre, the host location for VICJAM. VIC JAM was a scaled down version of the 26th Australian Jamboree. It ran for 10 days from 29 December to 8 January 2022. The national Jamboree was cancelled due to COVID restrictions in February 2021 but Scouting Victoria pushed on for the scaled down VIC JAM to continue for Victorian Scouts only.
STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC You can register by emailing info@mdln.vic.gov.au Participants at the seed collecting workshop at the Sandhill Road Flora and Fauna Reserve which was officially opened prior to Christmas has significant natural temperate grasslands. If you follow the path through the reserve, you will see many of the native grasses in seed at the moment and for those wanting to learn more the field guide on the grasslands website http://grasslands.ecolinc.vic.edu.au/fieldguide is excellent. If you are interested in getting involved in Landcare work to restore and conserve our natural spaces around Stratford contact Cath from Avon Landcare Group on: 0414 604 048 or email: avonlandcare@gmail.com You can also follow us on Facebook @avonlandcare for regular updates.
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Anna Roberts
Authorised by Tim Bull, 143 Main St, Bairnsdale Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications Budget
Christmas Eve, late evening, crews were called to a local town where a garage roof had collapsed. Nothing could be done that night as the building was unsafe. The area was barricaded off for a surveyor’s inspection another day. Boxing Day and Stratford members were called to assist Ambulance Victoria with a casualty at Den of Nargun. They with other emergency service crews carried the casualty to a clearer area, to be winched to safety by Air Ambulance. Myrtlebank Road crash with a vehicle on fire. When SES arrived, CFA fire crew were extinguishing the fire. With the fire out, the crash scene was now safe, police had completed their investigation into the fatal crash and SES members finished their task. Two days later Stratford area was hit with rain and winds. Late in the evening, members were paged to a local shop where there was rain water entering the building from a damaged drainpipe. A temporary repair was completed to stop the water inundation. David Smith
A Jamboree is held every 3 or 4 years and is a gathering of scouts (ages 11-14) from all over Australia and occasionally the world to participate in various scouting activities both on site and offsite, this year there were offsite activities at Echuca, Lake Nagambie, Whittlesea, Melbourne City, Bendigo, Geelong, Harcourt and Torrumbarry. VIC JAM had over 3000 scouts plus Venturers (ages 1518) and numerous support personnel including medics, fire fighters, cooks, cleaners, etc. CUB JAM was a one day opportunity for Cubs to get an idea of what a Jamboree is all about and to participate in age appropriate challenges and experiences in the dedicated CUB JAM site. The activities for the Cubs included building a car out of Lego and racing it, a Harry Potter themed Escape Room, Woggle making, cornflour and
water mix walking, Viking boat challenge, air guitar ‘rock off’, plus various other activities. All the Cubs learnt something about themselves and each other under the watchful eye and leadership from other scouting leaders and venturers plus the four leaders from Wellington District. After a day in the sun including not just the activities listed above plus a water park with waterslides and obstacle courses and exploring the VIC JAM site they then boarded our bus for the long journey back to Sale with a stop along the way for dinner. It was a long exhausting day (up at 6.00am home by 10.00pm) but a fun memorable one with potentially life long friendships and memories made with the highlight from all the Cub Scouts being the waterslides/adventure park. Jeremy Duncis
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6.6 Community News
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IRLY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Happy New Year
Airly Primary School is excited to see what 2022 brings us. January’s cycle of rain and sunny days saw our grass grow phenomenally and our vegetable garden is bursting with overgrown cucumbers, the freshest sweet cherry tomatoes and towers of corn.
We will have a wheelbarrow under the Feijoa tree with excess produce. Our garden was added to recently with the addition of a peach tree. This was chosen as the grade six tree for the 2021 graduates.
The end of 2021 was a busy time for Airly PS families as we celebrated an outdoors picnic concert, graduation on a green at the bowls club, and pizza from Big Al’s for everyone who turned up on the last day. Then, a week later,
STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC TRATFORWARD
What an effort community members made to brighten up our town for Christmas. A big thank you to the individual and community groups who made anything to cause people to smile, to stop and take photos, and to remember their drive through Stratford. Raymond Street residents got together and their variety of Santas doing all sorts of things was a winner.
Christmas Trees on the Bowls Club fence were made by volunteers, including the scouts and the Petty family.
we were represented at the final round of the Twilight Soccer Series. Our team was made up of students from grades 2-6, who doggedly faced other teams made up of grades 5-6! Geraldine Carter
A new sleigh and Santa made from an old lemonade cart, with the sleigh being pulled along by the mower from Stratford Mowers and Chainsaws – thank you Peter. A big shout out to all the helpers who put things in place. Men’s
Shed members, Thursday quilters made those amazing bunting Christmas trees, Lions club members, the Overcoming Obstacles group, and community volunteers.
The citizens of the town who decorated their homes and front yards added a great level of excitement for residents and visitors. Finally a big thank you to the Wellington Shire for the grant to assist with the costs of the decorations. Margaret Robbins
7.7 Community News
STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier
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TRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL Stratford Primary School had a great end to 2021, winding up the year with our grade 6 graduation, our Awards and Presentation assemblies, our 2022 student leader elections and a special activities day which was enjoyed by all our students.
As part of our Student Leader elections candidates submitted a written application, presented a speech to the other students and took part in an interview. A student vote played a major role in the decision making process and we were proud to announce that Emma Beechey and Alex Ognew were elected as our 2022 School Captains. Emma and Alex will work closely with a fantastic team of students including Chelsea Brooks, Kylie Beechey, Immy Davill, Felicty Brooks, Sophia Collins and Jewel MacFarlane, who form the School Initiative Team, and Olivia, Koby MacFarlane and Ruby Wright who are this year’s House Captains. Our student leaders work selflessly to
support other students and make our school an even better place to be and we know they will do a great job in 2022. Our grade 6 Awards were announced at our Presentation night. We would like to thank the Town Crier, the Shakespeare Committee, the Lions’ Club and the Stratford RSL for the continuing support in providing these awards again in 2021. Congratulations to: Zakyrah Duncis – The Town Crier Literacy Award and The Lions’ Club Mathematics Award Emma Mac Krell – The Shakespeare Committee Shakespeare Award Addy Russell – The Stratford RSL Improved Learner Award Piper O’Keefe – The Lions’ Club Citizenship Award Mikayla Pendrick – Stratford Primary School Council Sportsmanship Award In addition to our year 6 awards the 2021 School Spirit Award was presented to Millie Wilson. Congratulations to all our awardees. We are very excited to
have been successful in receiving a grant which has allowed us to establish a before and after school care program for students at our school. This year TheirCare will be providing our families with much needed support, allowing greater options for employment opportunities. We are looking forward to the program beginning on the first day of school this year. This year we welcome sixteen Foundation students. We are very much looking forward to working with the families of our new students, and continuing to work with families of continuing students, throughout this coming. We have everything crossed that there will be fewer COVID related disruptions but know that our school community has managed and will manage again should the need arise.
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T PATRICKS PRIMARY SCHOOL Grade 6 Mass and Graduation Ceremony
St Patrick’s Primary School Stratford farewelled its 2021 Grade 6 students on Monday 13 December with a Mass and Graduation Ceremony, followed by a family picnic. The event was a great way to celebrate the contribution that these students and their families have made at St Patrick’s over many years. As a part of the celebration, awards were presented to those students who excelled in a variety of areas across their time at the school. Xavier Stringer was awarded the Lion’s Club Shield for Academic Achievement and the Stratford Town Crier award in recognition of his talent for creative writing.
Oliver Witt was awarded the Tom Supplitt Award for Academic Endeavour.
We welcome two new staff members this year. Kate Steele and Kate Steinmann will be working with us as Jenny Nowak and Sophie Keen head in different directions for the year. We are excited to be able to share the successes and learn together over the coming year. School began for students on Monday 31 January. New enrolments are welcome. Debra Nichols Marli Coney was awarded the P & F Encouragement Award for her contribution to school life, in and out of the classroom.
Harry Bartlett and Mac Pendergast were joint winners of the Tom Fleming Sports Award for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm, as well as their achievements in sport over a number of years. Emily Nock was awarded the Shakespeare Arts Award for the creative flair she displays in the areas of Performing and Visual Arts.
Callum Scicluna was awarded the Lion’s Club Citizenship Award for demonstrating the many qualities of a good citizen – leadership, a willingness to take on responsibilities, consideration of others, participation in community activities and academic endeavour. Charlie Duncan was awarded the RSL Award for demonstrating the values of the RSL – Compassion, Patriotism and Mateship. St Partick’s Primary School would like to congratulate all our 2021 Grade 6 Graduates and wish them the best of luck for the future. Joel Brayshaw
8.8
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Local Voices
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AST GIPPSLAND HISTORICAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB COFFEE RUN
The December Coffee Natter and Nibble Run for the East Gippsland Historical Automobile Club was to the Avon Hotel at Stratford. The day was already hot and sunny when the group left their clubrooms in Macarthur Street Bairnsdale and travelled in convoy along the Princes Highway to Stratford. Many wished that their historic cars were fitted with modern day air conditioning as a slow trip was encountered with the centre road barriers and road works along the way.
attending. The dining room was set up and ready with tea, coffee and cold drinks, and the staff commenced bringing out a wonderful array of delicious foods – savoury finger food, small cakes, scones with jam and cream and fruit platters. Members made short work of most of it but even the most dedicated eaters were stumped. President Mike Gaffney, on behalf of the group, thanked the staff for providing the venue and the wonderful service and array of food. Brigitte Gibson
Arriving at the hotel the group were met by members who travelled from the Sale area, making a total of 38 people
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EGUE COMMUNITY HUB AND ARTS CAFÉ
Café Our social enterprise café has well and truly been buzzing with locals and visitors, the volunteers have been keeping all of our guests well supplied with tasty scones and beautiful local tea and coffee. As the warmer and longer days approach we are looking forward to special occasions where we have an opportunity to support events happening in Stratford, one of these is the Singer Songwriters/Storytellers held at the Stratford courthouse. It’s a long running event and is always such a pleasure to be a part of. Next singers songwriters event is in March. In addition to welcoming locals/ visitors and supporting events, the Segue café offers a huge array of possibilities for those who are volunteers. Work skills - gaining on site training and building confidence in a customer service/hospitality setting. Social interaction - participating in volunteer work opens up opportunities to meet people in the local community and engage in projects/workshops happening at Segue. We currently have volunteer positions available in our gallery space/café space and garden, if you are interested in becoming a regular/casual volunteer please feel free to pop into Segue 9.30am - 2.30pm Monday – Saturday or contact our manager jess on 0426 207 484/manager@segue.org.au All ages and abilities welcome. Workshops/Projects Upcoming workshops include clay/pottery and watercolour painting. Any and all happenings at Segue will be published on our Facebook page – and in flyers from January 2022 available at the Stratford post office – and Segue. Gallery The Segue gallery space is filled to the brim with beautiful creations from local makers and creators from all over Gippsland. We
STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC TRATFORD HISTORY SAW MILLS OF THE FORMER AVON SHIRE
Ross Smith and Maurie Killeen have been thinking. How many saw mills have operated over the years in the former Avon Shire and surrounds? Unfortunately there is little record of local Bark Strippers, such as William Buckley, who operated from 1898-1917 at his property on the Freestone Creek. Nevertheless I could think of the following Saw Mills ……… AVON SHIRE SAW MILLS ALF DUNCAN’S MILL Fitzroy Street, Stratford. Operated about 1939-1979 COOPER’S MILL Fitzroy Street, Stratford DAVID MUNRO’S MILL Munro. Operated from 1888 LAKES ROAD MILL Near Perry Bridge LITTLE’S MILL Blackall Creek, near Stratford SURROUNDING AREAS BOISDALE MILL Near Avon River at Boisdale
have pottery and local photography/ handmade cards and handstitched tote bags/ candles and crystal dangles/the. best. sticky. Chai./vegan bath products, polymer earrings and more…. We also have a gallery space for large painted or sculptural exhibitions. Currently on display are the students of Rhonda Gray with the ‘painted lyrics’ exhibition. This is a clever play on song titles with many wellknown hits as a stand out. This is the second time students from Rhonda Gray have displayed their work with us and we are delighted to have them back again. Coming up next – community photography exhibition. Have you taken a photo you would like to share? Please pop it into the exhibition. Garden If you have been down the alleyway, you would have noticed we have been busy whipping and trimming and tidying up ready to enjoy the warmer weather and offer everyone a calm and beautiful place to sit and sip. With the rain we have had of late the garden (and the weeds) are looking better than ever again this is only possible by the hard work of our volunteers!! The garden group are friendly and helpful keen to swap a seedling sort of group, they are a treasure trove of knowledge. We welcome extra hands and smiles in the garden in the garden anytime. Coming up – completion of the kitchen garden project – and community open day! Free Food Fridays With thanks to second bite/donations from many local businesses and the amazing kitchen garden volunteers Lyn and Sue, the Segue community kitchen is open every Friday with a selection of fresh fruit and veg and also frozen readymade meals. Open 9.30am -12.30pm Fridays See you at Segue. Jessica Darvill
STRATFORD STEAM MILL Middle Creek near Briagolong, George McGrouther and William Forbes operated 1865-1868, then William Forbes from 1868-1871 VICTORIA MILL Briagolong, William Forbes operated from 1871
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Anyone with any information or photos of Saw Mills please contact the Stratford museum on Facebook “Stratford Museum” or email the museum at stratfordhs.museum@gmail.com Daniel Parker-Estoppey
CH GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and that this year will be much better than the last. Again last year John and Thelma Keeley put many hours of work in to their Christmas Light Display which was magnificent and much appreciated by all who took the time to have a look. Donations made for the Good Friday Appeal raised $3,000 which, over the years, have raised nearly $10,000.00. Unfortunately this will be the last time they will be doing the display as they have decided to call it a day as the work load starts to make things all that much harder. I would like to thank them for their generosity in making a wonderful contribution to this wonderful cause. It will be sadly missed!!!! The Good Friday door knock is most likely not going ahead as I am struggling to find helpers apart from the collecting the Fire Brigade do for the appeal. I will have to give it away if I can’t get some help. I think it would be more viable if a committee was formed. Let me know what you think!!! Once again I am running our annual bus trip to Merimbula, details have not been finalised but if you are interested in coming please contact me on 0400 682 294 to make sure you have a seat. Val Mildenhall
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UNRO PUBLIC HALL NEWS
The Munro Hall has just got better! Recently heating/cooling units have been installed in the hall, two in the main hall and one in the kitchen area. The installation of these units was made possible due to the community receiving a Community Assistance Grant from Wellington Shire to value of $5000. We wish to acknowledge Wellington Shire for this wonderful contribution to the heating/cooling system. Munro Hall is a great venue. Have you considered using this venue for your next function? Bookings welcome! Jenny Dunsmuir
9.9 Community News
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STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC
T ANDREWS UNITING CHURCH
We wish all of you a New Year that gives you hope and fulfilment. We have navigated the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic with resilience through all the ups and downs and uncertainties and find ourselves at the start of a third year where Covid still factors into our psyche and decision-making, affecting our whole community. During this period, people have banded together and helped each other with multiple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. Our community spirit has remained strong and we give thanks for the people around us in Stratford and our region. We acknowledge with gratitude our many volunteers, as well as those running businesses, who keep our town and community activies functioning well even in adversity. We
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NGLICAN PARISH OF AVON
We hope that everyone had a happy and safe Christmas and New Year particularly after what was a most difficult year. The Christmas services were blessed by the able leadership of Priest Dave in celebrating the birth of Jesus in an almost normal manner. This we all greatly appreciated after the restrictions we had to undergo during the year. One highlight was the Baptism of Luciana Mary Perryman and Confirmation of Lance Perryman on Sunday 5 December at Holy Trinity with Bishop Richard Treloar Preaching and Presiding. A joyous occasion for Priest Dave and Emma, together with their families, and the wonderful support of many parishioners (the occasion had been postponed several times
give thanks for this Stratford Town Crier community newspaper, the Editor and all who contribute news, articles and items of interest to make it a special publication. The people at St Andrew’s wish everyone a good year ahead, where you remain healthy and are able to connect with your loved ones and significant people. Weekly Worship Services Following a lessening of Government restrictions, our worship is again open to everyone, whether or not you are vaccinated. There are now no designated density limits, but the need to wear masks inside and to check in via the QR code is still essential. You are very welcome to join with us at 9.30am each Sunday. Morning tea is provided in a Covid-safe way after worship.
Games night On Wednesday 2 February, the weekly games night will resume for 2022 and is being run in a Covid-safe way. All who are fully vaccinated are welcome. Even better if you have had your booster shot. BYO supper. One person will be serving drinks. Please come for a time of fun and fellowship. Aged Care Worship Members of St Andrew’s continue to provide monthly worship for those in Stretton Park and McDonald Wing at Maffra Hospital and this is much appreciated by the residents. The extra Christmas worship led on 22 December by Meg was received as a special gift by those present. The next service will be on 23 February 2022.
due to Covid-19 restrictions). Men’s Breakfast Group – The Christmas break-up was hosted by the Tulloch family at their property and the group enjoyed a very festive breakfast followed by an interesting talk given by Moira Tulloch on her experiences of nursing in Western Australia particularly caring for the indigenous communities there. Our December Retiring Offertory was in support of the Christmas Bowl appeal and for January we supported A Better Life for Foster Kids Sale. February will be in aid of MAF. Parish Op Shop is now open again after the Christmas break with the usual operating days and hours. Checking-in via the QR code and mask wearing remain obligatory. Our Christmas raffle hamper was won by Nola Adams and the 2nd prize was won by Julie
Ferguson. Congratulations go to both winners who were most appreciative. Our next All Age Family Worship Service is scheduled for Sunday 6 February. All welcome to this family friendly occasion. 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.
Thursdays mainly music 9.30am in Parish Hall during School Term Fridays 9.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Mondays 7.30pm Bible Study Wednesday 2 - Presentation of Jesus in the Temple Sunday 6 - 5th Sunday after Epiphany. 10.00am All Age Family Worship at Holy Trinity Sunday 6 - 6pm Ecumenical BBQ at Holy Trinity T.B.C. Thursday 10 - mainly music commences for term 1
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LESSON IN PATIENCE
What’s harder than a workout? Getting out of bed at 0400hrs in an attempt to obtain an Adonis body. My gym attire is on, protein shake in hand, let’s do this. Heavy, sleepy eyes on my brief commute to the gym make way for steely determination as I near the roundabout. I see a semi- trailer approaching the same roundabout and at my current pace I would have to give way. Not on my clock, I have a workout to get through and I’m in no mood to wait an additional 13 seconds to get to the gym. My competitive edge kicks in and I begin to speed up. But it is quickly evident that my expectations outweigh my driving capabilities as the truck beats me to the roundabout causing me to give way. DAMMIT. This has awoken the inner Jamie Whincup in me and I think to myself, you’ve still gotta go through 256 gears before you hit 50kms an hour pal. I’m rounding you up and overtaking. And overtake I did in triumphant glory with a raised fist and a cocky chuckle to finalise my motor skills. Take that truck driver.
I near the T intersection to turn right and there are a pair of headlights by the railway tracks. I’m in the mood to continue my Fast and the Furious moment with what seemed to be a Tokyo drift around the corner. Yeah! I say aloud as I am now in front of both the truck and a random car that is now in my rear-view mirror. My premature celebration made way with a hot flush as the blackness of dawn was filled with blue and red lights. The game was up and I pulled over quickly and legally. The policeman comes to my window and asks “Do you know why I pulled you over?”, I reply foolishly, “Because it’s 4.10 in the morning and you need to stay awake somehow?”. Just quietly, that’s the wrong answer. He says, “No, you have a headlight out”. Now before I could say a thing, I hear a heavy vehicle from behind going up through his 256 gears and all I could do was smile as he tooted his air horn twice briefly. The cop then continues, “Someone you know?”. I say “Yeah, we shared a moment earlier”. Well played Mr Truck Driver, well played. You beat me. Matt Battley
Barbara Strickland
Gail Wager
Saturday 12 - Lorraine Lea Linen Party at the Holy Trinity Church/hall precinct Sunday 13 - 6th Sunday after The Epiphany. 4 pm Healing Service Saturday 19 - Men’s Breakfast 8.30am Parish Hall Sunday 20 - 7th Sunday after Epiphany. UN World Day of Social Justice Friday 25 - Family Movie Night T.B.C. Saturday 26 - 10.00am – 3.30pm Women’s Craft Group Parish Hall Sunday 27 - Last Sunday after Epiphany
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T’S A GIRL’S LIFE
OMS… Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. It is recognized as dancing eyes and dancing feet syndrome. It is very rare, as little as 1 per 1,000,000 people are diagnosed worldwide. Unfortunately Annalyse, my youngest sister, is a part of that rare percentage. I say unfortunately because this illness has brought a lot of struggles to not only Annalyse’s entire existence but our families dynamic. We aren’t an ordinary family, and if you know us personally then you may have some understanding. However many people lack understanding and that's okay, honestly they should be grateful they don’t understand because that means they do not have to deal with the constant battles. But this brings on its own issues, many people are shut off to anyone who doesn’t fit their neurotypical functioning idea, and that’s how they have been raised, but it's time people take a step back and learn. Annalyse struggles with social anxiety, how to behave in public, how to control her emotions. She deals with an immune system that attacks her own brain, she has severe impaired
vision, constant uncontrollable shaking. Everyday is a fight in itself. From afar people may assume she is a regular kid, but little do they know. Sometimes it gets really hard and there aren't many places to turn to, because there is only so much knowledge on her condition and the effects. This is a topic I could go on for days writing about. However I must acknowledge that amongst the never ending battles, sometimes I do take a step back and realize that maybe this is something I can be grateful for. I have more understanding and knowledge of those who are not so neurotypical than many people I know. This has helped me in social aspects and allowed me to bring more awareness to people. Including my friends who lack knowledge, understanding and awareness, which is not a negative thing, they just have not been exposed or experienced such struggles. I would like to start a conversation, bringing light to topics such as these, especially this one which sits close to my heart. Creating awareness is important and encourages people to take a moment to listen and learn. Ella-Rose Spence
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STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC
Community Information
Effective 31 January 2021 Leaving Stratford going to Melbourne Monday - Friday 5.07am (bus) 6.51am 1.32pm 3.55pm (bus) 6.44pm Saturday 6.51am 1.32pm 5.31pm 6.56am Sunday 8.11am 1.34pm (bus) 5.31pm
Arriving from Melbourne in Stratford Monday – Friday
COPY FOR MARCH 2022 ISSUE Deadline for ARTICLES and ADVERTISING WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2022 by 5.00pm Delivery starts 1 MARCH 2022 Articles and adverts are to be submitted to: Leanne Dugan, Editor at: 1-3 Bolden Street, Stratford Phone: 0419 518 277 Email: stratfordtowncrier@gmail.com Facebook: Stratford Town Crier All articles must have a contact name and phone number. All payments to: The Treasurer Stratford Town Crier P.O. Box 70, Stratford VIC 3862
Stratford S.E.S Duty phone 047 091 951
10.34am 12.03pm (bus) 4.39pm 8.32pm (bus) 9.49pm Saturday 10.58am 3.38pm 9.37pm Sunday 10.58am 2.20pm (bus) 9.37pm
Tickets available for purchase at the Stratford Post Office.
Stratford Library Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10.00am - 1.30pm 3.00pm - 6.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 12.00pm
Phone: 03 5145 6403
Stratford Pharmacy, Tyers St
Closed Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday
Stratford Op Shop
Stratford Men’s Shed Peter Vranek 0401 151 187 Stratford Cemetery Trust Donna Roberts 0408 525 991
Mark Jones 0428 179 826
Gavin Roberts 0419 323 219
Stratford Junior Netball Club Rachel Nicholls 5145 6677 Stratford Kindergarten Nina Adams 5145 6446 Stratford Courthouse Theatre Steve Laws 0431 513 579
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STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC
11. Community News
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AFFRA MUNICIPAL BAND
We welcome people from Stratford and all surrounding areas who play, or would like to play, an instrument. We have members from Briagolong through Stratford to Sale and Denison as well as Maffra. Our new program for 2022 consists of a Training Band, a String Orchestra, Concert Band and Stage Band.
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ROUNDWORK YOUTH THEATRE
Shake off your inhibitions and flex those vocals -
The Concert Band rehearses on Wednesdays from 6.30 to 7.45 with the Stage Band following on at 8.00. On Tuesday evenings from 6.30 to 7.30 the Maffra Music Academy welcomes anyone who plays, or would like to learn to play, a woodwind or brass instrument or percussion. Beginners are welcome, as are those who perhaps played many years ago, are a bit rusty, or need a bit more practice before joining the Concert Band. We have a lot of fun!
Groundwork Youth Theatre group is inviting locals between the ages of 15 – 25 years to join the ensemble on Thursdays from 6.00pm to 8.00pm starting on 3 February at the Stratford Courthouse Theatre. The group will start 2022 with the welcomed challenge of reimagining a Shakespearean classic for the town’s Shakespeare Festival and true to tradition the group are planning an unexpected twist peppered with surprise and intrigue. If you have a desire to be on stage or an interest in theatre this group is for you! No experience needed. This group will give you the opportunity to attend
New this is year is a String Orchestra, for people who already play violin, viola, cello and double bass, on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. All ensembles rehearse in the Band Rooms at the far end of the Maffra Recreation Reserve main building, 146–148 Maffra Newry Road. Please feel welcome to come along and listen to whichever group or groups you would like to join, or to just come along and play! Claire Cochrane
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workshops, expand your performance and technical theatre skills as well as make amazing friends along the way. For further information check out the Facebook page @groundworkyouththeatre or come along on 3 February at 6.00pm. Anna Roberts
TRATFORD COURTHOUSE THEATRE
Things are a little quiet at the Courthouse at present as Covid has once again prevented most of the shows we had scheduled from going ahead. Please bear with us as we work our way through this and please support the performances we are able to stage. With the exception of The Courthouse Film Society’s screening of Antoinette in the Cévennes all performances scheduled for February have been cancelled by the artists as tours have fallen victim to the dreaded virus. An Official Selection of the 2020 Cannes International Film Festival, writer/director Caroline Vignal’s hilarious and life-affirming romantic comedy stars the wonderful Laure Calamy (Call My Agent!, Sibyl) as a woman who finds herself on a journey of self-discovery in somewhat unexpected circumstances. Antoinette, a school teacher, is looking forward to her long planned summer holidays with her secret lover Vladimir, the father of one of her pupils. When learning that Vladimir cannot come because his wife organized a
surprise trekking holiday in the Cévennes National Park with their daughter and a donkey to carry their load, Antoinette decides to follow their track, by herself, with Patrick, a protective donkey. We’re very excited to be able to announce that we’ve secured a Small Regional Presenters Grant through Creative Victoria. This grant will help fund our kickstART program, an ambitious, year-long, community focussed program of vibrant, professional performances for your entertainment. While we’re still in the process of finalising dates we’re pleased to be able to announce that we’ll be hosting works from Lab Kelpie Theatre Company and La Mama Theatre, as well as music from multi-award winning, contemporary folk outfit, The Maes. Keep an eye on our web page, Facebook page and future editions of the Town Crier for more announcements. For more information and bookings go to stratfordcourthouse.com.au
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TRATFORD SHAKESPEARE ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS IN THE TIME OF THE BARD.
Christmas and its celebrations have a long history in Western society. But the actual form of the celebrations has changed over the years. In the 19th century celebrating Christmas Day had slumped to some extent. It was revived partly when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert introduced some vibrant traditions from Germany. Probably more particularly when Charles Dickens, already famous as a writer who championed the conditions of the poor, published "A Christmas Carol" in 1843. For a number of years he wrote one short story to do with Christmas. Almost certainly, the most enduring has been "A Christmas Carol". Most of us know of Scrooge, the tight fisted old man who is changed into a generous benefactor of the poor. A truly wonderful story that apparently did much to arouse sympathy in the English population. In Shakespeare's time, the twelve days of Christmas were given more prominence than Christmas Day itself. It was the one period in the year when kindness was expected from all. At least for that period social distinctions were set aside. Many activities, games and dancing were undertaken where the wealthy and the poor could meet on level terms. King James encouraged the theatre and invited Shakespeare's Players to perform for his court. Plays included "The Merry Wives Of Windsor," "The Comedy Of Errors," "Measure For Measure" and "Love's Labours Lost." Given this encouragement, it is curious, perhaps, that Shakespeare uses the word "Christmas" only three times in all of his work. In fact, any mention of religion is very brief in his plays. This may well be because the times were very turbulent. There were times when people were expected to be Protestant, other times when Catholicism was the established religion. James was a Protestant and, although Shakespeare might have been a secret Catholic, to make this known to authorities would have placed him in real danger. But, it seems that, throughout the twelve days of Christmas, there was much rejoicing throughout the Kingdom. Willian Cotter
Steve Laws
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Stratford Town Crier INC
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12. Community News
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HAKESPEARE ON THE RIVER FESTIVAL
Call for Stallholders Sunday May 1 the Medieval Market & Faire Day returns to Stratford in 2022. After a hugely successful day in 2021 the fun returns to our new site adjacent to the train station including the ArtCOLT (community of lost trades) and the Village Green alongside the kindergarten. “Last year was brilliant,” says Gav Roberts, Shakespeare committee president, “ We were so lucky with great weather and big crowds. The kid's sword making stall sold out in an hour!” This year Faire Day goers can join in the fun of the children’s games run by Groundwork Youth Theatre, craft their own sword and see other lost trade demonstrations. There will be local stalls, Stratford Historical Society’s famous Avonshire Teas, street performers and exhibitions. The Shakespeare on the River Festival is currently looking for stall holders to join our day. The Faire Day & Market is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and individuals to have their products displayed and get involved in an excellent community festival. If you are an artist, food vendor or entertainer and would like to know more, please contact Faire Day coordinator Aynslie Watson on 0405 633 456 or email: shakespearefaireday@gmail.com
STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC
Stratford Town Crier INC has experienced over the past 18 months perhaps there is a less apocalyptic and brighter future to look forward to! Send us your best original work of 2000 words or less. With thanks to our major sponsor The Sister Cities of Stratford - Victoria and Collins Booksellers in Sale, we are able to offer prizes across three categories. First prize includes $300 cash, two tickets to a performance of the community play, Macbeth and a beautiful wooden quill crafted by local artist Gavin Roberts. The local prize for a writer residing in Gippsland includes a Collins book voucher plus two tickets to a performance of the community play. The final category is for a young writer aged under 18, who will receive a Collins book voucher. Closing date for entries is Friday 25 March 2022 at 11.59pm AEDT. There is a five dollar entry fee. Winners will be announced at the opening night of the Shakespeare on the River Festival on Thursday 28 April, 2022. For all competition conditions and entry form please visit: stratfordshakespeare.com.au
Photo credit: Gavin Roberts - SOASA president at the sword crafting workshop and crowds enjoying the fantastic weather in May 2021. Lisa Hayman Photo & Film
Photo supplied - Lisa Hayman, SOASA secretary & Hilary Rash from Stratford Victoria’s Sister City organisation present The Sheila Malady Short story award of 2021
What Will Be? The Sheila Malady Short Story competition is on again. Now in its ninth year, organisers are keen to hear from writers and their take on events set in the future; with our theme What Will Be? Shakespeare himself had many prophetic characters that sought to tell the audience what was to come. From the three witches of Macbeth “something wicked this way comes” to the Soothsayer warning Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March”, the bard’s characters seem to bring only foreboding omens. After what the world
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The Shakespeare on the River Festival is sponsored by The Wellington Shire Council through a Community Assistance Grant, the festival gratefully acknowledges this support. Helen Waddington
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HE STRATFORD ELEPHANT MURAL
As most people might have noticed the Elephant Mural at the Princes Highway viaduct was completed only a month or so before Christmas. It was painted by Jeremy Kasper of Sale and I want to thank him for his patience and understanding as things didn’t always run smoothly in respect of weather and the requirements set by the government authorities concerned. Initial negotiations with Wellington Shire, V/Line and VicRoads commenced about 6 months earlier and it turned out to be much harder (and more expensive) to get permission to go ahead with the mural than I had expected. Thanks must go to Wellington Shire in helping me in my negotiations with V/Line and particular thanks to Rod Hayes for his administrative skills and positive approach.
The mural has provoked a lot of interest in the legendary story of our Stratford Elephant. Former and current circus people have contacted me with all sorts of interesting personal stories while copies of the updated book ‘The Stratford Elephant Mystety’ have gone interstate and even to Paris France and Phnom Penh Cambodia. I note there is talk of a song being composed to acknowledge the legend of the elephant. In addition to the mural, there are some elephant bones now held at the Stratford Museum. The bones are not those of our ‘Stratford Elephant’. A 1960s circus elephant head dress is also on display at the museum with the bones. The donor said his name was Indiana Jones! The Stratford Elephant Mystery book is available at Badger & Hare, Ticklish Turtle, Murphy & Co and Stratty Post Office. Also Collins Book Shop Sale, Maffra Book Shoppe and Stratford Museum. Gavan Donoghue