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
Despite the less than perfect weather, the Crier and Segue combined stall at the Shakespeare Festival Faire Day was a success. Congratulations to our Mother’s Day raffle winner Pam Merlo. Thank you to the volunteers who staffed the stall. On the day, we launched our long awaited “Welcome Packs”, currently labelled “Much Ado About Stratford”. If you or someone you know is new to the area, visiting, or thinking about moving here, please call in to Segue and collect one.
STRATFORD POLICE REPORT
Sometime between 5.00pm on Saturday 20 May, and 7.30am on Sunday 21 May, unknown offenders had forced entry into the Stratford Bowls Club by cutting the metal bars covering a window, offenders have taken keys to the sheds and left, no other items have been reported as stolen.
Sometime between 10.00pm on Thursday 11 May and 7.00am on Friday 12 May, an unknown offender had forced entry into a building located at the Stratford Railway Station by jemmying the metal bars covering a window. Once entry was gained it appears the unknown offender has removed a canvas marque and a carpet mat. It appears due to low temperatures overnight the
They are free. In addition, we made available for the first time, the Stratford Town Crier Book of Poetry, compiled from original poems submitted to the Crier. We are very excited about this initiative, as a major goal of our paper is to encourage writing. The poetry book is also available free (small donation welcome but not necessary) at Segue, which is open 9.30am to 2.30pm each week day.
Stratford Town Crier and Segue Community Hub and Arts Café (Stratford’s Neighbourhood House), frequently work together on relevant projects via an informal partnership. In a small town such as ours, many
offender has used these items for a heat source and has slept on the bench seat located on the platform as the items were located on this seat.
Sometime between Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May, an unknown offender has forced entry into the Meerleiu CFA building by forcing the side entry door, once entry gained the offender has rummaged through the fire truck and cabinets and taking a chainsaw and fuel can.
groups aim to serve the same community members, so partnering in this manner is an efficient way to ensure we can serve as effectively as possible. You may notice many of the same names and faces in multiple local volunteer groups. If you are motivated to contribute to your community and have a few hours to spare say once a month, please reach out to any of the local community groups that interest you. Don’t be shy. You will be welcome and you may be surprised how rewarding such involvement can be.
Judy DonoghueCommitted to Community – Stratforward Inc.
Stratforward, our residents, business and community organizations incorporated association, was on ABC Local Radio recently with Mim Hook, and we shared a marquee with Stratford Neighbourhood Watch at the Shakes ‘Pair’ Medieval Faire Day and Makers Market. Our name, ‘Stratforward’ is under review at the moment and while Mim really likes it, community members are saying it isn’t descriptive enough. If you have a view, share it with a Committee Member. Or pop along to the next meeting on Monday 5 June at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed on Stratford Community Notice Board, Facebook).
Our Autumn Raffle, to raise funds for signage, had NINE donated prizes valued at more than $550. The Committee warmly thanks donors Shaw’s Butchers, Stratford on the River Tourist Park, Stratford Licensed Post Office, Christine Pitt - Tupperware Consultant, and, Keepers & Best.
Our Postmistress, Julie Goepel, is Secretary of Stratforward. Many Stratfordians would recognize Julie as being the owner of the Stratford Post Office. Julie grew up in Melbourne and after holidaying in Stratford, decided to move here, with her young family. Julie has worked at Stratford Primary School and was involved with the Stratford Junior Netball & Football Clubs. She purchased the Post Office in 2020 and has been making changes to upgrade the Post Office in appearance and services. Julie is committed to community.
Treasurer, Louise Perrett, is one of the owners/managers of the Stratford on the River Tourist Park. Louise grew up in New Zealand and arrived in Australia in 1988 on holiday and never left.
STRATFORD RED CROSS
Stratford friends of Red Cross continue to have a monthly catch up at the Avon hotel first Tuesday of the month. Next meeting will be Tuesday 6 June at 11.30am meeting followed by lunch. We have recruited some
and travelling around Australia, she settled in Melbourne. In 2004, Louise and her husband (Shaun) made the tree change and purchased the Stratford Tourist Park. Over the past 19 years they have expanded and developed the Park including adding additional cabins, a new residence and office. They have seen visitor/guest occupancy increase year upon year with over 10,000 guests in the last financial year. Louise has been involved in the Stratford Primary School Council, Stratford Junior Netball Club, Stratford 1st Scouts Group, and been a Stratforward committee member since 2005. Louise is also committed to community.
Shayne HymanSTRATFORD CFA
It has been a while since the Stratford CFA has written an article, so we will provide ongoing updates on what we are up
This month has seen our volunteers testing our hoses on our appliances to ensure they are fit for use when needed. We have been using a specialised hose-testing trailer purchased with community donations to benefit all brigades across the district. This has saved our volunteers a lot of time and effort.
We have also had a training session at the CFA training complex at West Sale involving live fire for our firefighters to hone their skills and learn new skills. Fire call attendance is also increasing, with our volunteers
STRATFORD SISTER CITIES
We were pleased to sponsor the Sheila Malady award yet again. Our president Jillian Anderson attended the opening to make the presentation.
Time is moving quickly.
STRATFORD CWA
Avon Branch of the Country Women’s Association of Vic Inc. members have been busy knitting wee teddies for inclusion in this year’s CWA showbags which will be available at the Royal Melbourne Show in October. CWA of Vic Inc encourages members from all over Victoria to knit or crochet a different item each year to make every show bag unique.
responding to 12 calls in the past eight weeks. 1 x hazardous condition event, 3 x not specified, 2 fire and explosions, 2 x motor vehicle accidents, 2 x good intent calls, 2 x false alarms and 1 deemed other call.
A good save very early in the morning to Gooch Road for a wood pile against a shed was a job well done by our team and a good result for the resident.
The Stratford brigade is a fully volunteer-operated brigade responding to approximately 100 callouts per year. We are always happy to show potential new members around on Tuesday nights from 7.30pm at the fire station on the corner of Hobson and McFarlane Streets.
Don’t forget to test your smoke alarm weekly folks!
Steve O’SheaNot long until we head off on our trip to Canada. Our delegates are busy making gifts to take with them to Ontario. Thank you to everyone who made suggestions, they were greatly received.
We would love more members everyone is welcome.
Sandra MeredithSeveral of our members travelled to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne recently to view the Red Sand Garden and the Rockpool Waterway but firstly there was a trip around the Gardens via the Explorer bus. It was a fantastic way to get an overview of the Garden!
Our Members are involved in the new committee to organise next year’s art and craft exhibition. It’s a big task and as they say, ‘many hands make light work.’
anyone who wishes to come along are more than welcome to hear about our group.
Thanks to all support our small but active group.
Dianne Semmens
If you’d like to become involved with CWA for crafting, cooking, organising or socialising please don’t hesitate to come along to our next meeting on Monday 19 June, in the Senior Citizens rooms in Dixon Street. Avon Branch also has a Junior CWA Branch which meets on a Saturday. Everyone is welcome to come along. For more information please phone Emma on 0409 865 047. The photo is of some of the wee teddies that were knitted by members.
Dianne HoneySTRATFORD TENNIS CLUB
Well the season is officially over and what a season it was. We had 5 teams who made it through to Grand Finals across Juniors and Seniors. What a beautiful day it turned out to be to play tennis.
Juniors grand finals were held at Maffra with the following results:
Section 3 Stratford Swans won 6 sets 44 games to 2 sets 23 games against Sale Popyrin.
Section 4 Stratford Magpies lost by the narrowest of margins against Sale Kubla. Each team won 4 sets & we won 36 games to their 37.
Section 5 Stratford
Kookaburras also lost in a tight match to Sale Gadecki. sets were ties 3 all but we lost on games 24 to 31.
Stratford hosted the Seniors Grand Final and we showed that we can host finals as good as the larger clubs. Stratford had a great day winning Seniors Section 2 and Section 3.
Seniors : Chrissy Shingles
Club Highest % : Umut Cetin
If you are looking for a hit of tennis Nicole Bauer offers tennis coaching services at the Stratford Tennis courts for juniors and seniors activities that suit everybody. Contact Nic Bauer on 0409 692 852.
The club also offers Monday morning Ladies tennis, Wednesday Night tennis and Saturday afternoon competition in the summer months. If you would like more information contact Mark Kennedy on 0408 130 061
Daryl Cooper
Stratford Tennis Club 0499 456 390
AVON LANDCARE GROUP We Need Bees
Bees are important to our livelihood as they help to pollinate most of the crops we eat and many that feed farm animals. Nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from bee pollination. There are over 20,000 species of bee that exist globally, and Australia is home to around 2,000 species of native bee. Native bees have co-evolved with our unique native flora over thousands of years.
Bees are keystone species that play a vital role in preserving ecosystem health, providing essential pollination services for plants.
World Bee Day was celebrated on 20 May in Australia. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to spread awareness of the significance of bees and other pollinators for our survival.
There are many ways you can look after the bees.
• Plant a bee friendly garden
• Don’t use pesticides
• Buy locally organic grown vegetables
• Buy local honey
• Use organic seeds
• Grow your own herb garden
• Install an insect hotel in your garden
• Save bee swamps, don’t exterminate them –www.swarmpatrol.com
For more information on how to help save the bees go to: www.beethecure.com.au
Anna Roberts
Stratford Section 2 won 7 sets 67 games to 2-43 against Longford.
Stratford Section 3 won 6 sets to 3 against Maffra Stobies.
The club also held its presentation night with the following awards presented: Best Club Person : Christine Shingles.
Highest Winner percentage for all teams were:
Sec 3 : Umut Cetin
Sec 4 : Xavier Grosveld
Sec 5 : Jessica Boyd
Sec 6 : Kingfishers : Kailin Smith
Sec 6 : Cockatoos : Rocky Barberio
Sec 7 : Charlie McKinley
STRATFORD MEN’S SHED
Many people think, understandably, that the men’s shed is all about building things out of wood and, whilst this is a significant part of our work, it certainly doesn’t define us. Whilst this perception of our group being totally made up of old tradesmen who show interest in membership there is certainly good reasons for any man to become a member.
Firstly, there is a need for members to act in administrative positions. Very few of our members have the computer skills necessary to carry out the duties of Secretary or Treasurer let alone an ability to access important information from the internet. As a result, many of our members are disadvantaged by the new technological age. Assistance in using the internet to access information on holiday destinations, real estate, cars, world maps or a other information that, to this point remains inaccessible. Interested parties could develop a training program for interested members for instance.
STRATFORD IGA & LIQUOR
Deli - Licensed Grocery - Produce Kids Club - Frequent Customer Club
Every Wednesday ‘Seniors Day’ 5% off Groceries
As regards activities, wood and metal crafts are both active pursuits at present but there is no reason that other interests such as leathercraft, art, pottery or any activity could be pursued. We also have access to a snooker table and cards should there be more of an interest shown in social pursuits.
In summary, the Men’s Shed is about socializing and, in some cases, serving some useful purpose for the local community. We have, over the past thirteen years proven to be a most valuable community resource but we do need to replenish our membership with new ideas and energy. This is true of any successful organization. So, if you happen to be sitting home just pondering life and wondering what to do, give us a call. It could be life changing?
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Peter Vranek (President)
Ph 0401 151 187
Col Counsell (Secretary)
Ph 0409 552 378
STRATFORD CEMETERY TRUST
Gippsland Times, Thursday 23 January 1873 p 3
DEATH OF W. T. DAWSON, ESQUIRE.
Intelligence reached Sale on Tuesday morning that Mr W. T. Dawson, District Surveyor, had been found dead on the Port Albert road. The news spread with rapidity, and wherever it reached communicated a shock to the hearer’s such as has never before been experienced by the residents of Gippsland, to all of whom Mr Dawson was well known, by everyone respected, and by a large circle of friends beloved.
Mr Dawson left Sale on Thursday last to visit Port Albert on official duty. On Monday he started to return home and reached Salter’s public house about half-past nine in the evening.
He stopped there about an hour to feed his horse and left again about half-past ten, saying that he preferred riding in the cooler atmosphere of the night. The day had been intensely hot and the evening was sultry, with vivid and almost incessant lightning, but no rain fell here and the storm was too distant for the thunder to be heard. Mr Dawson was not seen again alive. On Tuesday morning a carrier named Watson who had stopped for the night at Salter’s, and proceeded on his journey to Sale early in the morning, found him lying upon the road, quite dead, about two miles front the public house. The face was buried in the sand, the hands stretched
AIRLY PRIMARY SCHOOL
For the third year running, Airly Primary School won the Sale Rural Cluster Cross Country. Evidence that our daily running program works, we took one quarter of the school to the Wellington Division competition at Yarram and had three students reach the next level at Drouin.
out backwards, and no sign of any struggle could be detected. Watson returned at once to Salter’s and made arrangements for the protection of the body while he came on to Sale to inform the authorities. On his road, at the Hill-top, he found Mr Dawson’s horse, with the valise on the saddle, the bridle, stirrups and saddle bore no traces of a fall. The horse was fresh and in good condition, and usually a little nervous and fidgety, but Mr Dawson was an excellent rider and there is no ground for conjecturing that he had been thrown. On the receipt of the sad intelligence, Dr Arbuckle, the coroner, with the superintendent of police, Mr Furnell, Dr Rees and others started for the spot, where a jury was empanelled, for the purpose of enquiring into the cause of death. Mr Dawson was for so many years connected in an official capacity with Gippsland, was so identified with every movement for the promotion of his prosperity, and was so respected and beloved by all classes, that it is impossible in this brief notice to do justice to his memory. In our next issue we purpose publishing a memoir, in which we can enter more fully into the details of his life. The funeral which took place yesterday afternoon was very numerously attended rarely have so large a concourse of people been seen on a similar occasion in Gippsland. Among those present were Sir Francis Murphy, M.L.C. and Mr Mason, M.L.A.
STRATFORD CEMETERY
Our cemetery continues to expand the lawn area as demand for this type of interment grows and people choose to reserve a space for burial. The photo shows the latest plinths and beams which were put in place at the end of May.
Shakespeare Festival was a great success once again and we thank the generosity of those who braved the icy air and donated to our school’s cake stall and firewood raffle.
with include Walk to School Day, Life Ed, an Art Gallery incursion, transition day at Sale College for our grade sixes, and planting a winter crop.
Geraldine Cartercan be gathered and shared is occurring in cemeteries in Victoria and other Australian states and territories. Database companies have realised there is scope to provide the community with maps and information to assist with family research. In addition, the life story of a person can be shared if the family offer information, such as obituaries and copies of eulogies.
It will be a great source of historical information for future generations, and an opportunity for the important life story of each person to be available to descendants and, if permitted, to the public. Stratford Cemetery has negotiated to have this information available in the future, and more details will be shared in the next Town Crier.
Marion Stothers
STRATFORD PLAYGROUP
No session is ever quite the same at Stratford Playgroup. Sunny days we love outside play. We especially love getting messy and cooking up goopy mixtures, trying out ride-on toys, digging in the sand pit, picking grass for Kinder's chickens and enjoying morning tea picnics.
On rainy days, we love to play shops, take our dolls to the doctor, dress up, paint, make crafts, squish Play-Doh, zoom cars around and build giant block towers!
No matter the weather, there is always plenty to do at playgroup and it's a great place to connect with other families in our community. All kids from birth to
need to book.
We meet at 15 Dixon Street Stratford on Tuesdays during school terms from 9.30am11.30am. $2 per family, first session is free. More information can be found on our Facebook page: Stratford Playgroup Victoria. We look forward to meeting you!
STRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL
The month of May is always a busy one in a government school, and we have had a lot of opportunity for learning and fun at Stratford Primary.
Our Year 3-6 students had a wonderful time camping at Coonawarra Farm resort. Students demonstrated our ARCH values and growth mindset, taking on challenges like the Giant Swing and Flying Fox. We were able to provide this opportunity free of charge through
ANZAC Day
St Patrick’s again took part in this year’s Stratford ANZAC Day march and ceremony. The importance of this event is not lost on our school community with it being well supported by our students and families. As always, it was a very respectful ceremony where the community reflected on and recognised the contribution of many Australian and New Zealand army personnel.
was a raging success. Students from Stratford Primary and St Pat’s took on the challenge of performing “Romeo and Juliet” to riveted audiences. The culminating Friday evening show was magnificent! Many thanks to the Shakespeare Committee and Meg Weatherley for supporting our students.
We had a visit from AFL Victoria, who provided clinics from Foundation to Year 6. The tackle bags were very popular!
Our Cross Country event ran successfully, with all our students giving 100% effort. Antonio were the House winners of our Cross Country Carnival. We then sent a team of 9 runners to the HDSSA Cross Country. All students represented our school with pride, with Sophia C placing 5th in the Under 11 girls and going to compete at the Wellington Cross Country.
Our Family and Friends Association have been busy fundraising. Many thanks to them for volunteering their time to run our Mother’s Day stall. Shakespeare Faire Day BBQ and Tuckshop.
Education Week has been the highlight of our month. To begin, families visited our student on Monday 15 May from 5.00pm - 7.00pm to join our Learning Celebration. The students hosted this event, sharing their excitement about their learning with their visitors. We even had family visit from Italy!
We then welcomed many potential enrolments to our tours and Foundation Information Evening. As always, Stratford Primary School welcomes all enrolments. Tours and information can be arranged at any time.
The culmination of Education week was a highly successful Walk Safely to School in your Crazy Socks with Crazy Hair Day. We had around 30 students, their families and 3 representatives from the Victorian Police walk together from Stratford Memorial Park to our school. We also managed to raise around $70 in gold coin donations on the day for the Footprints Foundation in Sale.
We have plenty more coming up to finish our term in June. Students will be planting trees at the new skatepark, Year 5will compete in Winter Sports and everyone will receive a visit from the Responsible Pet Ownership speakers.
Kate Steele
The Grade 6 students from St Patrick’s recently joined forces with the Grade 6’s from Stratford Primary School to present three performances of Romeo and Juliet as a part of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The students had been practicing weekly for most of the year and it showed, with them being able to present three outstanding performances. Each and every year, the combined schools performance is an event that the St Patrick’s school community values and respects. Congratulations to all the students involved, you should be really proud of yourselves!
Two St Patrick Grade 6 students, Sonny Johnson and Ella Patrick, recently attended the Wellington Primary Schools Leadership Day. All primary schools in the Wellington Shire were invited to send some students to participate in the day, which was held at Gippsland Grammar. Ben Righetti, the Founder and Director of WELS (Wellbeing, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Sustainability) facilitated the day, where he taught the students about Leadership. Much of the day centred around deepening an understanding of Leadership of Self, Leadership of Others and Leadership of Service, through a variety of games and activities. Sonny and Ella learnt a lot throughout the day and will plan a leadership project for the school community to get involved in.
On Friday 19 May, St Patrick’s participated in Dress Like a Pirate Day. Dress Like a Pirate Day is a Kids’ Cancer Project to raise awareness and much-needed funds for childhood brain cancer. The students really got into the spirit of the day and we were able to raise $217.
Joel Brayshaw
AVON SHIRE SHORT HISTORIES SERIES “CROOKED RIVER”
Located in the north of the former Avon Shire, Crooked River is the area around the 26 km long Crooked River which is situated north east of Dargo.
In 1860 a government prospecting party led by Mr. A. W. Howitt explored the area around Crooked River. In 1864 quartz reefs were discovered between the Crooked and Dargo rivers, only fuelling the areas popularity with miners. In June 1864 the first official report of gold was recorded in the Mining Register at Buckland, the “Pioneer”, “Jeff Davis”, “Good Luck Reefs”, “Oriental” and the “Golden Bar” were officially recorded as operating with 100 miners living in the area which became known as the Crooked River Goldfield. Initially miners were supplied from nearby Dargo, however by the end of 1864 there were 467 miners, working 180 claims and 92 separate reefs, and many communities were
STRATFORD RSL SUB BRANCH
Stratford RSL Sub Branch got off to a bit of a shaky start at the beginning of the year. At our AGM advertised for the second week in February, there were no nominations for President, even though nominations should have been posted three weeks before. Hence, we had to give notice of an adjournment of the AGM until the end of March, find a nominee, and post on public display the names of prospective candidates.
Finally, Ben Davies was appointed President, and Lindsay Ross, Vice President with Mal Nicholls remaining in the Treasurer’s position, and Michael Hutchison Secretary.
All of this procedural stuff of course interfered with the early preparations for ANZAC Day arrangements, but we got on with it all. While the membership is standing at 25 Service members and 27 affiliates which has been stable for a while, we are always looking for younger serving and ex service members to join.
formed. By 1875 the goldfield had waned with a population of 120 people, and by 1880 most settlements along the Crooked River had been abandoned.
In 1905 five separate reefs were being worked on the Crooked River, the following year a bucket dredge operated on the river near Winchester. In its heyday Crooked River had a school, football team, post office and several small independent communities such as Hogtown, Bulltown (Naaran) and Talbotville,
Our ANZAC Appeal workforce came down to twelve members who shared a number of shifts down the street for six and a half days. We were really pleased with the result and around $3,200 was sent off to the Patriotic Welfare Agency Account.
which lasted the longest and was abandoned in the 1940s. The area is now used by four wheel drivers, fishing and camping.
“CULLHANE”
Located in the north of the former Avon Shire, Culhane is situated near the junction of the Wongungarra and Crooked rivers, between the former townships of Howittville and Winchester.
Michael Culhane came to the area initially prospecting at Harrietville before going to Grant. In 1869 he married fellow Irish native Mary Kirk. In 1870 the couple selected the land at which became “Culhane” (pictured). The couple had 10 children, all born at Crooked River and educated at nearby Talbotville. Michael died in 1904 on his 35th wedding anniversary, at their home, and was buried at Talbotville. Mary died in 1926 at their daughters home in Stratford.
disability service provider now based in Stratford, and they rent the hall four days per week, which has assisted the finances considerably, along with positive community service involvement.
The Sub Branch is grateful for the support given to our national commemoration day by the whole community. The numbers are certainly swelling.
sunny day, and there were good crowds present at both the Dawn Service, and the main Town March and Commemorative Ceremony at the cenotaph. The support we had from RAAF Base East Sale and the Sale City Band was fantastic; especially the dedicated catafalque party, and the address by WGCDR Melanie Buswell, who spoke on the air force career of FLTLT Denis ‘Jack’ Uncles who was from Sale, and who sadly was shot down after only two weeks flying in New Guinea. Our service was lead by our senior member, Harry Jacobs, who himself along with his brother served in Korea. The highway closure and traffic deviation went off without a hitch, thank goodness.
The sub branch has made considerable effort to get members to attend our low key social
month we cook sausages and hamburgers from Shaw’s Meats, and members bring a salad or a sweet. Then we natter until the Ode at 6.00pm, then eat together for another hour or so. The third Friday of the month is similar, natterings and mumblings, but without the meal.
In November, on the day after Remembrance Day, we will be involved with the Stratford Cemetery Trust to acknowledge the one hundred and sixty odd ADF members who returned from WW2 and are interred in the Stratford Cemetery. Covid put a stop to plans we had a couple of years ago, and many families were disappointed that it could not go ahead.
travelling reasonably comfortably. Overcoming Obstacles is a
into contacting relatives and getting family stories related to the service of these returned members, especially the work done by Marg Robbins.
Michael Hutchison
STRATFORD LIONS CLUB
Lions Cub of Stratford is holding Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday 14 June. It will be held in the meeting room at the Stratford Mechanics Hall from 10.00am until 12.00pm. There will be cakes and other nibbles, tea, coffee and soft drinks. The cost will be $10.00 per person and a raffle will be held. All proceeds will be donated to Cancer Council that does a good job supporting the 1 in 2 Australians affected by cancer. Please would
SEGUE COMMUNITY ARTS HUB
POWER SAVING BONUS
Do you need help to claim your $250? Drop in sessions are held on Friday mornings in the Community Hub Building (in the Library building, to the left). Just bring in your bill!
you contact me if you are able to attend so that we can organise the numbers for catering. The Lions Club was involved in the Black Dog Institute walk on 13 May and it was a great success with over $25,000.00 raised. Thank you to Cal, Tegan, Leonie and Emily and their team for a job well done. The entertainment was enjoyed by the children especially the jumping castles and the bubbles that flew into the sky. Some of them were quite large before they burst.
Paul WagerCOMMUNITY KITCHEN/GARDEN
Segue has a long history of sustainability and environment being at the forefront of its focus. Each and every day we strive to put this focus into practice. The community kitchen/garden is an example of this and also shows the dedication and hard work put in by all the volunteer groups at Segue.
FREE FOOD FRIDAY
9.30am to 12.30pm. All Welcome
Free Food Friday is made possible with thanks to donations from local gardens, our own community garden and local businesses. Our Free Food Friday is provided to the community by volunteers. Located in the community hub/library building. Entry via the alleyway behind the library building.
ANGLICAN PARISH
By the time this edition is printed, our Family Fun Fair will be over and, we trust, enjoyed by many of our local families. Hopefully, we will be blessed with favourable autumn weather. A big thankyou to all our terrific supporters!
Due to the Family Fun Fair taking place on the last Saturday in May, the Parish Women’s Fellowship and Craft Day has been postponed to Saturday 3 June. In April we had a much larger than usual group of ‘crafters’ who greatly enjoyed their time of craft, fellowship and fun, plus supporting the Stratford Lions BBQ for lunch. There will be the usual meeting at the end of June – twice in one month!!
Parish Op Shop – Last month’s Super Saturday was well supported and the shop buzzed with many customers. Watch out for this month’s Super Saturday advertised at the shop and on social media. Always many bargains!
The Men’s Breakfast Group met as usual in April and, apart from the great breakfast, welcomed special guest speaker Mr Mouli Balaraman, a physiotherapist from True Care in Maffra. He spoke about the purpose of ’pain’; and how to best manage it.
The Parish’s retiring offertory for June is in support of School Chaplaincy.
STRATFORD LAWN BOWLS
“COBBANNAH
A well attended Annual General Meeting was recently held with the re-election of Marg Robbins as Board Chairperson. Congratulations to Marg who works tirelessly for the club and we wish her and the Board well for the 2023/24 Season.
was the awarding of three Life memberships to Bev Thatcher, Ian Johns and Ivan Cartledge. Over the years they have made significant contributions to the club and their Life Memberships are well deserved.
If you are interested in trying bowls we have social days every Sunday. It is a great way to get into the game. You do not need your own bowls there are plenty available at the club. Have your name in by 12.30 for an enjoyable afternoon.
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.
Gail Wager
Parish Dates –June
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) during School Term School Term 2 Holidays (Winter) Saturday 24 June to Sunday 9 July
Saturday 3 - Anglican Parish Women’s Fellowship & Craft Day (postponed from last Saturday in May due to the Family Fun Day)
Sunday 4 - Trinity Sunday. First Sunday in Pentecost. 10.00am All Age Family
Worship at Holy Trinity and 2.00pm at All Saints
Sunday 11 - Second Sunday in Pentecost. Healing Service
Monday 12 - King’s Birthday
Saturday 17 - Men’s Breakfast 8.30am Parish Hall
Friday 23 Family Movie Night
Saturday 24 - Anglican Parish Women’s Fellowship and Craft Day Grace and Peace.
Gail Wager, Parish of Avon – All Saints Church Briagolong, Dargo District, St Mary’s Church Munro, Holy Trinity Church Stratford. More news and service times on our parish web site: www.anglicanavon.org.au
STRATFORD SCOUT GROUP
It has been a busy month ‘outside the hall’ for the 1st Stratford Scout Group. The committee was busy catering for the Stratford Dog Agility over the weekend of 29 and 30 April.
This is our biggest fundraising activity for the year and we are already planning on how to support the dog trials committee to better cater for their needs.
We also manned a stall at the “Shakespeare Faire Day”. It was a challenging day setting up in the rain and embracing the cold but an enjoyable one.
The highlight for the Cubs that helped man the market was their battle with a knight.
We were overwhelmed with the support for our ‘Show Bags’. We will be improving on these and hope to be able to support a lot more local businesses in our show bags in the future, if you are a local business and want to get some free advertising please contact us and we can arrange how we can support each other in the future.
The Cubs completed their Billy Karts and made some lovely succulent gifts for Mothers Day and the Scouts are working on skits for the annual Wellington Wonder in June and have been developing their construction technique with bridge building.
Some scouts and leaders participated in the 20km walk from Stratford to Briagolong in support of the Black Dog Institute, they had a great time on the gentle stroll to Briag.
like to thank our volunteers, not just on the committee for their tireless and thankless work but also our Leaders and other personnel who mow our lawns plus our community members who donate goods that we are able to use which help make the scouting experience at Stratford as fun and rewarding as it should be. Your support does not go unnoticed.
If you feel you have certain skills or are looking at ways to support your community or are after any more information about the scouting movement please contact the Group via email stratfordscouts1st@gmail.com”.
Jeremy DuncisStratford 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
YOUTH COUNCIL VOLUNTEER TO WASH AGAINST WASTE
6 members of Wellington Shire Youth Council did our best to help reduce the rubbish going into landfill at this year’s Shakespeare Faire Day. Charli, Darcie, Kiri, Malk, Willow and Zanelle rugged up on Sunday 7 May and found the best way to stay warm on the wet windy day was to keep their hands in warm soapy water!
Fools Folly Coffee van. We hope we can come back and do it again next year. Thanks to the Shakespeare committee and Avon Landcare for inviting us. If there are other groups in the community who need volunteers, we are always looking for ways we can help out. We meet fortnightly in Sale and can be contacted at youthcouncil@wellington.vic. gov.au or check out our Instagram @wellingtonyouthvic
TEN QUESTIONS FOR SIXY2SUE CURRENT EXHIBITOR AT SEGUE
Each piece of Sue’s art reflects very personal emotions and feelings, and there’s a good chance some of the viewer while looking at this wonderfully creative collection.
3. How would you describe your artistic style?
Definitely not realistic! My images are based on ideas, colour, shapes and emotions.
4. Has your style changed over time? I don’t think my style has changed much over time.
5. What does your art mean to you? My art is like my food. It is sustenance for my soul. If I am not creating, I feel poorly and undernourished.
6. What surprises you the most about your art?
I am often surprised how an entity is born on my page. It’s like when you have a child, and can’t really comprehend that they hadn’t existed before they had been born.
7. Why do you think art is important to society?
There are many rules in society, but with art, you can throw rules out the window and let your hair down!
8. How do you define success as an artist?
Success implies accomplishment of a goal, but that’s not how I make art. The art makes itself; it’s a part of me and an inner journey that meanders where it will.
and vans they were kept busy washing plastic plates, bowls
STRATFORD COURTHOUSE THEATRE
Well! The Shakespeare on the River Festival is done and dusted for another year. We’re pleased to have been able to host many of the associated performances. The Community Players’ hilarious performance of Twelfth Night was certainly a highlight.
After more than 12 months planning and wrangling we have finally completed construction of an outdoor stage at the tear of the Courthouse. We’re indebted to local Federal member, Darren Chester, for his assistance in making this happening. All we need now is for the weather to warm up so we can hold some outdoor events.
Kline, the man responsible for converting the Courthouse into a theatre, returns for a one man show on Saturday, June 10.
In The Organ Grinder, a short, self-written play, Kline is the organ grinder’s monkey. Described as funny and different, the play tells the story of the organ grinder, the family and their tattoos. Tickets are $20 ($15 concession). Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm show.
art?
In my early teens. At 26 I formalised my interest in art by completing a Bachelor Degree in Visual Arts.
2. What inspires you to be creative? The act of living and being human inspires me to try and capture ideas and emotions in quirky ways.
9. What advice would you give a beginner artist?
Be open to new ways of seeing the world and explore, grow and learn. Expression, not expectation.
10. What artistic plans do you have for the future?
Corn Nut Creek
We’re thrilled to welcome back Corn Nut Creek on Saturday, 17 June.
These award-winning folkies, hailing from New York and Melbourne, will transport you with their lush three-part vocal harmonies and toetapping fiddle and banjo. Once again Kimberley Wheeler will join them on double bass, guitar and vocals. As those who saw them last year will attest Danielle Vita and Tanya Bradley are storytellers whose spellbinding original songs draw upon the traditions of Appalachian music. Tickets are $25 ($20 conc). Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
Dani and Tanya will run a separately ticketed fiddle workshop at 5.30 pm.
For more information and bookings go to stratfordcourthouse.com.au
Steve Laws
SHAKESPEARE ON THE RIVER FESTIVAL Stratford Shakespeare Festival Wrap
Another great festival comes to a close and we have so many people, groups and businesses to thank for such a successful three week event. The Anglican Church once more held Evensong to commemorate The Bard’s recognized Birth/Death Day 23 April.
The fun officially kicked off at the end of April with the opening by Wellington Shire Councillor Carolyn Crossley and a witty performance by Groundwork Youth Theatre that wove together a parody of some well known locals with three ShakesPEARean tragedies and the puns flowed from there. The official opening also saw the announcement of this year’s writing competition winners and we were so excited to have all three category winners come along on the night. Congratulations to Frazer Burnet - Open Winner, Barbara Fulton - Gippsland Winner and Charlotte Lewis winner of the youth section. You can read all their stories on our website. Thanks to our major sponsors Sister Cities Stratford Victoria and Collins Booksellers Sale. Our other perpetual award winners were Rachael Nicholls for Best Actor in the Community Play for her amazing Lady Macbeth. Claire Flack and Emma Gough received The Joan McCloud Best Costuming award for their dystopian creations in The
all her contributions to our festival.
The annual Medieval Faire Day has always been set for the first Sunday of May and whilst organizers may well have claimed “it never rains on Faire Day” this year it certainly did! It was an impressive show of community spirit to see over 50 stallholders commit to setting up in freezing rain at 7.00am. Thankfully the community also showed up when the weather had improved by 10.00am and were treated to unique stalls, entertainment and plenty of sweet, warm food to comfort them. Our thanks to Wellington Real Estate for extra tents to help keep folk dry and for all those who help throughout the day. It takes so many more hands than just our small organizing committee to run days like this.
Over 30 grade six students from St Patrick's Primary School and Stratford Primary came together for one of Shakespeare’s most loved plays Romeo and Juliet. They were guided by the experienced hand of Meg Weatherly, who returned to our festival after being on these stages
when she was a young person. The committee thanks Meg, the teachers and families of the students who all help to keep this amazing, cooperative production between the two schools running after so many
festival stage included youth drama troupe Dramawerkz and local Gippsland GeezerS who both performed original work based on the words and characters of William Shakespeare. The Community Players continued the tradition of locals producing full length productions of his works by tackling Twelfth Night. It was a riotously funny show with great performances from a strong ensemble cast. To have a nearly full house to end the season was testament to the hard work of the cast and crew. The efforts of talented, committed local creatives is why these productions continue to be the heart of our festival since it was first attempted way back in 1996.
The year’s festival ended with a bang indeed at the Bard’s Banquet. Love was in the air as people rushed to buy tickets and dress up for our Moulin Rouge inspired final event. A team of volunteers in the kitchen produced a feast for over 100 guests and entertainers in a beautifully transformed Mechanics Hall. Big thanks to local vendors Shaw’s Butchers, Stratford Bakery, Albert & Joy, and to our stunning entertainment by Cara Shaefer and the Australian Shakespeare Company - Graduate Players. Thank you also to the venues used throughout the three weeks Stratford Mechanics Hall, Segue Cafe, The ArtCOLT and Stratford Courthouse Theatre, we acknowledge the work of the committees that run these spaces which are so vital to our festival.
So that is all for another year! We would love to hear from the community how you see our festival. Please use this link to comment on any or all of the events you took part in this year. Suggestions for what we could tackle in 2024 are always welcome. If you would like to know how to get involved our AGM is held in August. The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is sponsored by The Wellington Shire Council through a Community Assistance Grant, the festival gratefully acknowledges this support.
Helen Waddington