Stratford Town Crier - March 2023 issue

DAY 01

WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND STRATFORD

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

STRATFORD CEMETERY

The Stratford Cemetery is undergoing some extension of the watering system in preparation for more lawn graves to be available for reservation and burial. Before the Lawn Section of graves was opened in the 1970’s the only option for burial was in the Monumental Section.

The ground was at the mercy of the seasons with no green grass in the summer. Headstones and memorials were also very expensive to build.

PRESIDENT’S SAY

In February it was gratifying to share in the “changing of the guard” at Stratford Neighbourhood Watch’s annual general meeting. All committee members resolved to retire in order to strongly encourage new committee members with new energy and ideas. It is a credit to the “old guard” that the Stratford group has been maintained for all these years, when volunteers have at times been very thin on the ground. So it was wonderful to witness the positions being rapidly filled and for the very next day to have their first fundraising effort conducted in the form of a Friday night raffle at the Avon Hotel. Credit to all past members for your service, to new

Once the Lawn Section became established, it became the most popular choice for interring and creating memorials for loved ones. This has continued despite the introduction of the niche walls for ashes and other options.

Our cemetery is fortunate to have an active group of Trustees, and caretakers and a community who take pride in the graves and surroundings. Friends of the cemetery are able to assist with the presentation and improvements by attending working bees and offering to assist with keeping the weeds in check and the gardens pruned.

members for your enthusiasm, and to the hotel for your generosity. The new committee will keep the community advised of meeting dates and initiatives, so watch this paper and the Stratford Community Notice Board Facebook page.

The Crier committee is excited that the promised “Stratford Book of Poetry” is nearing completion. You will recall that last year we invited original poems to be contributed, many of which were published in issues of the Crier. Time and space did not permit all poems to be shared in the paper but the booklet, which will be launched in coming weeks, should include most if not all submitted poems.

Judy Donoghue

Your next opportunity to assist is at the Working Bee planned for Sunday 26 March. Bring your gloves, secateurs and a hat and volunteer your time between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Afternoon tea is provided.

It is also pleasing to report that our Secretary Kerry Townsend is in the process of upgrading our database to enable extra features such as obituaries to be recorded and stored.

Marion Stothers

TELEPHONE WIRING

STRATFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

We are very pleased that the concrete slab for the extension to “George’s Shed” has finally been poured. Sincere thanks to those helping in many ways with this project, as it will help us to preserve our old agricultural items.

We are currently working on items that we have discovered in suitcases. Leigh is sorting through slides and transferring 36 to a memory stick. They are taken in the early 60s (we think) and show pictures of town buildings, Weir’s Crossing and depict unsealed roads in the area. The people mentioned are Mrs Shingles, Percy Redman, the Olsens and Sims.

Another “gem” we found is a document written by Albert Samuel Penglase, born in 1898. In this document he reminiscences about his childhood at Providence Ponds/Fernbank and talks about

STRATFORD COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Did you know the Country Women’s Association of Vic Inc is an organisation with Branches for both country and city women living in Victoria and border towns?

Country Women’s Association of Vic Inc is a vibrant organisation aiming ‘to improve conditions by community service, more especially as they affect the welfare of women and children’ with a focus on friendship, personal development and advocacy.

Here in Stratford we enjoying meeting new women, supporting the local community first, then the region, the state of Victoria, Australia and overseas through our various projects. In the past this has included a scone challenge, Bake for Babies, knitted items such as trauma teddies, mittens and beanies for Victorians, and overseas sailors at the Seafarers Mission.

Members enjoy crafts such as knitting, sewing, card making, photography, writing and cooking to name a few. At the moment members are preparing items for inclusion in the North Gippsland Group CWA arts and craft

the rabbit trapping, school teachers and seeing the first fox in the area! Older brothers, Ted and Bill left home at 10, returned at 12.30 and in that time had shot 13 black snakes!!

Daniel is compiling a booklet on the “History of Stratford and Nuntin Racecourse, Stratford Nuntin Racing Club and Pine Lodge.” We would appreciate any photos you may have to contribute to this booklet.

The Museum is open every Tuesday between 10.00am3.00pm so please call in and see us working on our latest projects. Also on Sunday 26 March the Museum will be open from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. There is always lots to have a look at during your visit. We are happy to answer questions and look in our historical files for any information that especially interests you.

Jane Spice

STRATFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Vehicle and property theft

• Never leave vehicles and homes unlocked

• Never leave keys in vehicles

• Don’t keep your address details on keys

• Don’t leave valuables in vehicles

• Don’t leave children or animals in vehicles

Thieves are generally opportunistic, if they see it, they want it, and will gain entry to your home or vehicle to take it.

STRATFORD LIONS CLUB Australia Day Celebration Awards BBQ

The celebration was presented by the Lions Club of Stratford and Wellington Shire Council in Stratford Mechanics Hall. President Lindsay Ross welcomed those attending the celebration and

The other group of thieves are professionals often targeting a specific vehicle or items, they are profiteers in an organized structured group, well organized and generally work in teams.

NEVER CONFRONT THIEVES REPORT TO POLICE 000 GIVE AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY ASAP

Jen Eaton

The Stratford Australian Young Citizen of the Year was presented to Dane Nicholls. Dane has been involved in the community as an actor, musician and sportsperson. He has been a volunteer and performer at the Shakespeare festival for the past 14 years. He is now assistant of the Stratford Courthouse Kids Drama Group and also part of the leadership group at Stratford’s Groundwork Theatre.

Skeen Pavilion in the Sale Show Grounds on the Sale Maffra Road. Judging is on Friday 17 March and the exhibition is open to the public on Saturday 18 March from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

Avon Branch (Stratford) have a Junior Branch which meet on the second Saturday of each month while the Senior members meet on the third Monday of the month in the Senior Citizens rooms in Hobson Street. For more information please phone Emma on 0409 865 047.

Dianne Honey

said a few words on behalf of the Wellington Shire Council. The Stratford Australian Citizen of the Year was presented to Michael Hutchison.

Michael has been the Secretary of the Stratford RSL SubBranch for the past 20 years. He has been responsible for helping to coordinate the annual services on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. He has spent countless hours fundraising that provides a valuable support for families of service men and women and Legacy families. Michael has been a member of the Stratford Fire Brigade for the past 20 years. He and other members of the Brigade were awarded the ‘National Emergency Medal’ for their efforts over the 2019/2022 Black Summer bushfire campaign.

Community Event of the Year was presented to Black Dog Institute Walk Committee Chairman Cal Coleman. The walk was from the football ground at Stratford to Briagolong oval (20kms) Over 100 people participated in the walk and over $11,000.00 was raised from the event.

Sale City Band provide the music entertainment and the Lions Club of Stratford provided the free BBQ.

Paul Wager 0457 329 919

Dealers of Honda Marine & SeaJay Boats

Call Matt 0439 069 781

40-46 Dawson Street, Stratford

STRATFORD IGA & LIQUOR

Deli - Licensed Grocery - Produce

Kids Club - Frequent Customer Club

Every Wednesday ‘Seniors Day’

5% off Groceries

WEEKLY SPECIALS

OPEN SEVEN DAYS

PHONE 5145 6788

STRATFORD LAWN BOWLS

Pictured are our players at the final night of Crackerjack.

Robbinettes gained the title from Vic Silos and all the other teams played their nearest rivals for bragging rights. It has been a successful season ages enjoying their Wednesday evenings on and off the green.

A big thank you to sponsors Brown Wigg Hardware for their continuing support. Pennant season finished for the Saturday Competition with Stratford runners up in the North Gippsland Division 1 and 3 sections. Despite the disappointment of not taking out the flags, it was a great club building season and as

Tuesday pennant teams are playing in the Division 2 and 3 finals in Heyfield.

Mens Fours Champions for the season are (left to right) Ivan Cartledge, Wayne Marsden, Jason White and Mick Dee.

There will be lots to celebrate at our Presentation night in April.

Margaret Robbins

SPLAYGROUP

Playgroup for 2023 has taken off in leaps and bounds and we have seen some really large numbers at the first two sessions which is fantastic. We always welcome new families as well as returning families. We have been starting our sessions outdoors before coming inside for morning tea, arts/craft and indoor play.

On Friday 17 February our committee held their first fundraiser for the year by hosting the raffles at the Avon Hotel and successfully

AVON LANDCARE

Clean Up Australia Day Event: Sunday 5 March at 9.00am in Apex Park

Are you concerned about the world we live in but often feel frustrated and unsure about how to make a positive impact? Clean Up Australia Day is a great opportunity to work together and take practical action.

As our world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, Australians are

STRATFORD S.E.S.

raised $686 which will help purchase new resources for our playgroup. We thank local businesses, the Avon Hotel and Stratford community for their support during this fundraiser. If you’re wishing to come along to playgroup you can find us there on Tuesdays between 9.30am -11.30am. Our building is at 15 Dixon Street.

Sandy Bechaz

together to take positive action to address the ever-growing volume of waste which leaks into our natural and marine environment.

You can take action by joining Avon Landcare at the Clean Up Australia Day Event on Sunday 5 March at 9.00am

The month of February started very quietly. Members returned on the first Tuesday of the month with road crash rescue training after our Christmas break.

In the middle of the month, the Unit was paged to a tree, which had fallen and partly blocked a road in a nearby town.

The next public holiday long weekend is fast approaching and SES will again be running a Driver Site in Memorial Park on the Friday evening.

Some news. In March, Tony Pearce, Chair of Emergency Services Foundation and Victoria’s Inspector General for Emergency Management is embarking on a solo trek over 50 days. He will walk 1440 kms. Part of this walk will cover areas worst affected by the 2019/20

and effective morning cleaning up our beautiful river, creeks and town so that we can continue to have an amazing place to live in and share with the animals that make it their home too.

We’ll finish with a free BBQ and activities. Hope to see you there!

Together we can all make a real difference.

Anna Roberts

black summer fires. His aim is to raise awareness about the terrible toll emergency service work can take.

Tony’s plan is to walk around 30 kms a day. His start point is East Melbourne, walking the Princes Highway to East Gippsland then over Hotham to Wodonga then back to Melbourne. The schedule is to overnight in Stratford on 18 March.

David Smith

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

STRATFORD COURTHOUSE THEATRE

February saw some excellent audiences for Killing Katie (Court in the Act, A Prudent Man (Lab Kelpie) and God of Carnage (Maffra Dramatic Society). There was also great support for the monologe workshops conducted by Lyall Brooks of Lab Kelpie. March sees us focussing on music while the thespians among us prepare for another Shakespeare on the River festival. We have some talented acts performing in our intimate venue.

guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a 5-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft and developing the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road without looking back.

The following decade has seen him release 6 studio albums, tour relentlessly around the globe with upwards of 300 shows per year, play some of the biggest festivals under the sun and share stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela. Daniel Champagne lives and breathes music and after 15 years on the road he is now regarded as a leading light in acoustic music.

Thursday 9 March from 7.00 pm. $37.36 per head.

Mick Harrington

The Weeping Willows/Great Aunt

With 3 Golden Guitars to their name The Weeping Willows (Laura Coates and Andrew Wrigglesworth) are a couple of old souls, steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. They regale their audiences with stories of sunshine and romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay. Andrew is a talented guitarist and Laura has a sweet, powerful voice.

Recently returned from touring the USA, there's a buzz about Great Aunt. Theirs is a joyous and eclectic approach to making music. Songwriter/instrumentalists Megan Bird and Chelsea Allen draw inspiration from the traditions of old-time, bluegrass and gospel music, and their diverse backgrounds in punk and jazz, to craft modern musical stories. The duo has delighted audiences at some of Australia's finest music and arts festivals. Friday 3 March from 7.30 pm. $30 ($25 concession).

Daniel Champagne

Daniel returns for one night only, after two sell out shows in 2022.

The young singer-songwriter and one of a kind

We are thrilled to be able to bring you the powerful and gripping vocals of local boy and runner up in the 2021 season of The Voice, Mick “The Mower Man” Harrington. Influenced by Australian songwriting from an early age, Mick delivers a powerful show you won’t forget, featuring an intimate take on many of your favourite Australian songs from artists such as Redgum, Paul Kelly, Crowded House, Goanna and others. Take the opportunity to hear this talented local in our intimate theatre without the background noise of a pub crowd. He may even throw in a couple of Irish standards in honour of St Paddy. Bring a friend for free (see our advertisement elsewhere in this issue) on Friday 17 March from 7.30 pm.

Steve Laws

TEN QUESTIONS FOR TAMS

Tams is an outstanding professional artist and we are lucky to have her ‘Soul Stories’ exhibition at Segue in Stratford. Her original artwork is a colourful and creative collection of inspiring and thought provoking pictures and words. Soul Stories is at Segue until 30 March.

1. When did you become interested in art?

At a young age I fell into ballet dancing and loved being able to express my emotions through movement and to move others. l became aware of beautiful words and quotes and started to write my own words and stories. One day I picked up a packet of soft pastels and started playing around, which became the beginning of Soul Stories.

2. What inspires you to be creative?

We are all born creative, we just have to keep being curious and playing with what sets our heart on fire. I love listening to songwriters, people’s stories and tapping into my emotions. And Mother Nature, that’s a given.

3. How would you describe your artistic style? Soul Stories are insightful creations that capture the sensitive and vulnerable pieces of your soul.

4. How has your style changed over time? At first my creations were as perfect as can be. But now I love all the variations and styles I have these days. I love leaning into the unknown and pushing boundaries.

5. What does your art mean to you? Art is an extension of our mind, body and soul. It’s a way of life - my life. It’s simply like breathing - without it, I would surely die.

6. Describe the best piece of art you’ve created? As an artist you’re forever evolving, so each new piece tends to be your favourite until the next piece ends up before you.

7. Why do you think art is important to society? We have learned over the last few crazy covid years how truly important the arts are to humanity. It’s innate, a part of us. It connects us in so many ways.

How do you define success as an artist? Being able to move people, connect with them through emotions. To keep doing something that brings you joy, makes you happy and does the same for others.

What advice would you give a beginning artist?

Never stop playing, being curious. Keep coming back to what’s true to you. Be gentle on yourself art is not for you to judge, you are merely the channel for it to pass through and gift to others in many ways.

future?

To keep my heart open to possibilities and trusting my intuitions. To not be afraid to pivot and leap when it feels right.

Steve Hall

STRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Stratford Primary School has made an excellent start to our school year in 2023.

We welcome 3 new staff members – Nancy McIntosh (Grade 1-2), Amelia Ward (Grade 3-4) and Louise Hattam (Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader/ Kitchen Garden Specialist).

At Stratford Primary we pride ourselves on the fact that we can offer a range of specialist subject areas. This year we will offer Indonesian, Physical Education, The Arts, Integrated Studies, Kitchen Garden and Mental Health and Wellbeing. These areas are accessed weekly by all children from Foundation to Year 6.

During Week 3 we hosted Parent/Teacher “Getting to Know

You” Interviews, an opportunity most of our parent community took in order to build positive relationships across our school.

fundraising activities, organising a Hot Cross Bun drive. Orders are open until the 1st of March. If you are keen, I am sure we could sneak one or two more orders in.

junior students enjoyed taking part in novelty events in the smaller pool. Although Ariel and Antonio impressed the crowds with their cheering and banners, Touchstone during the Hockey Roadshow visit, with one of our school leaders commenting “I didn’t know that I could be good at hockey”. This is why we offer every opportunity we can at Stratford Primary – so everyone can experience something new!

Shakespeare rehearsals are underway. This year

Meg Weatherly. Our Year 6 students are full of enthusiasm and

have settled into school life. We welcome Freddy, Jack, Matilda, Ruby, Evie, Ashden, Macy, Tray and Lucy to our school.

The highlight of the term so far has been our Stratford Primary School Swimming Carnival. The students competed in the best of spirits, cheering for each other and representing their houses. Our

9&Under Boys – Riley Bartlett

SPRIMARY SCHOOL St Patrick’s Primary School Swimming Carnival

On Friday 17 February, St Patrick’s held their annual school swimming carnival. The students swam in 50m or 25m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke races. A small number of students also competed in the 50m butterfly event. The students were awarded points for their team for their efforts in each race. The final results were:

148 Points 127 Points 96 Points

The best performing students in each age group were recognised with the Age Champion Awards and each received a medal. The Age Champion winners were:

12&Under Boys – Jack Bartlett

12&Under Girls – Layla

Richardson

11&Under Boys – Josh Morton

11&Under Girls – Tenesha Fieldsend

10&Under Boys – Koby Dorning

10&Under Girls- Isla Dorning

9&Under Girls – Jemma Pattison

The Grade 1 and 2 students also competed throughout the day. They too competed in freestyle and backstroke, as well as doing some novelty events. They show great confidence and determination with many of them swimming the full length of the 25m pool.

Despite the predicted 38 degrees, we managed to avoid the heat for the most part and the event was a huge success. It was great to see so many parents and family members come along and support the students, which was really appreciated by the children.

A small team of the Grade 36 students will now go on and represent St Patrick’s at the Heyfield and District School Swimming Carnival. We wish them all the best of luck.

Joel Brayshaw

AAirly Primary School has had a great start to the year with students settling back into the classroom with the ease of fitting a well worn glove.

We have much to look forward to over the next 6 weeks –students from Years 3-6 will travel to Sale to experience “Art in the Wild”. They will also have a fortnight of the Bike Education program. We are hosting a Family Picnic after hours on the 27th March for our whole school plenty more to come for our school

returning to school to find strawberries and beans blooming outside the classroom. It has been amazing to watch students across the grades raiding and watering the plants in their own time. Not only are they stuffing beans in their mouths, they have discovered a Velcro effect with the slightly

shirts.

The veggie patch is also full of fruit with sweet red tomatoes and a giant pumpkin patch. We recently picked some tomatoes and following a student suggestion, juiced them. It was delightful to see a large majority of students eager to try it. The tomatoes have also starred as still life in our art classes and students have drawn, coloured, sculptured and collaged them.

Geraldine Carter

MacKillop Brice Ryan 1st 2nd 3rd

AVON SHIRE SHORT HISTORIES SERIES “CLYDEBANK”

Located in the south-east of the former Avon Shire, Clydebank is situated on the banks of the Avon River.

Established initially as the “Clydebank Run” in 1844 by Robert Cunningham and Robert Thompson, covering 26,880 acres. The first dwelling was a bark roofed, wattle and daub hut, Mrs. Margaret Thomson is said to have had a nerve racking experience watching the local indigenous people performing a Corroboree on the opposite side of the Avon River around this time. In 1846 Louis Jensen began work on the current house, made of bricks from local clay and bricks which came from Geelong as ballast. The house was completed in 1849. Further editions and outbuildings were completed in 1852. By 1882, the property is reported to have had a croquet lawn, well kept gardens, 4 acre orchard, stable and a coach house.

In 1856, Tarraville architect Mr. Petitt drew new plans for a grand homestead, however this never eventuated and in the same year Thomson commenced service as a member of the Legislative Council for Eastern Gippsland, a position which he held until he died at Clydebank in 1863. After his death some of the property was divided and

MAFFRA MUNICIPAL BAND

The Maffra Municipal Band now has nearly 100 members spread over five different musical groups: stage band, concert band, training band, string orchestra and ukulele group. Members come from all over the Wellington Shire – from Sale, Briagolong, Stratford, Denison, etc.

New members are welcome in the string orchestra, if you already play violin, viola, cello or double bass. The rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm during school terms. Contact Rosemary Iversen on 0413 010 047.

The ukulele group meets on a Wednesday morning from 9.00am to 10.30am with a view

1860s and 1870s Clydebank was used as a landing point for cargo and passengers delivered via steamer. In the early 1880s artesian water was discovered on the “Charlcotte” property at Clydebank, chicory was grown and possibly even arrowroot. In 1919, the Avon River Punt was replaced by Chinn’s Bridge (named after W. J. Chinn, President of Avon Shire at the time). Clydebank also consisted of a Wesleyan Church (est. 1873), Clydebank School (est. 1875), Post Office (est. early 1880s), Avondale Condensed Milk Factory (est. 1895, closed 1913), Hall (est.1905, moved to Airly 1955), Cheese Factory and the Clydebank Morass Wildlife reserve. The area is now private property and farmland.

Daniel Parker-Estoppey

least one training band rehearsal to see where they are best placed. Contact Rob Woodhouse on 0411 434 520.

ADEBUTANTE BALL IN STRATFORD

Debutante Balls are semi regularly held in Sale and Maffra but did you know that in years gone by Stratford had its very own Debutante Balls organised by various local groups. Around 1945 a Deb Ball was held in Stratford where most of the young ladies were partnered by servicemen from the RAAF Base in Sale and the next year the Youth Club ran a Ball.

Before the big night the girls met at the RSL Hall to have hair and makeup done and photos taken by Ronald Gorman from Sale. The Debutants then walked around to the Mechanics Hall.

The event attracted one of the biggest crowds to ever gather in the Hall. A picture frame was erected on the stage and each Deb stood in it before proceeding down from the stage to meet their partners. The Debutants were presented to Sir Albert Lind and his wife Lady Lind. Sir Albert was a former Deputy Premier and Member of the Victoria Legislative Assembly for Gippsland East.

The couples then performed The Pride of Erin. After the formal presentation everyone enjoyed supper then back into the hall for lots more dancing.

to performing at concerts, markets etc. The group welcomes new players who have a few chords under their belt and want to progress their ukulele skills at the same time as having fun. Contact Julie Bradley on 0456 455 595.

The concert band is for woodwind and brass instruments and percussion, and only for experienced players. New members are asked to attend at

MAFFRA MARDI GRAS

Everything is gearing up towards the Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras 2023! The entrants are busy fundraising, the committee is busy organising the musical entertainment, street stalls and food stalls, the FREE KIDS’ CORNER! and of course the floats for the big parade.

The theme this year is THE CIRCUS, and the Community Bank Maffra and District are making sure that everyone has the opportunity to win some big prize money by entering a float. The best float will win $3,000, second prize $2,000, third prize $1000 and there are three big cash prizes for schools of $1500, $750 and $500. In addition there are three trophies, for the best overall float, the best community float and the best business float. So get busy organising your floats! Application forms, for floats and market stalls, are available from rcmafframardigras@gmail.com. The poster for the event is by talented young designer Sharni Elizabeth, www.facebook.com/ SharniElizabethDesign.

The training band also consists of woodwind and brass instruments and percussion (not drumkit). It is designed for people who are either just starting to learn, who have a reasonable standard but want to improve, and those who used to learn a long time ago and would like to take it up again.

We can also cater for complete beginners and there are instruments available for loan. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays during school terms, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Contact Claire Cochrane on 0408 036 627.

Betty Wrigglesworth (Stewart) was awarded Belle of the Ball. Muriel Cartledge and Nell Maxwell trained the girls and their partners to dance. Bev Meynard (Blanks) and Pam Bourbaud (Brown) were the flowergirls.

The Debutants included Jean McGrigor, Shirley Maxwell (McNally), Aisla Hamlyn, Glenys Ripper ,Edie Swan (Holland), Norma Swan, Joan Hollingsworth, Grace Hollingsworth, Dorothy Redman, Gladys Redman, Margaret Brown (McLaughlan), Sylvia Barrett, Elaine Light and Norma Swan. A memorable night was had by all. I wonder, will the Stratford Mechanics Hall ever see another Debutante Ball?

Jennifer Wrigley

The event takes place on Saturday 18 March from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. The parade will start at 6.00pm, but before this there will be plenty of musical entertainment, street market and food stalls. The free Kids’ Corner will have face painting, a petting zoo and large floor games including mini golf and will be located in the grass area behind Southern Rural Water, (near the toilets).

The Rotary Club of Maffra is indebted to our many sponsors including Wellington Shire Council, Maffra Hot Bake, Platinum Plumbing, Aurora Dairies, AG Warehouse, Semmens Hatch and Anderson, Woolworths, Maffra, Stobies Land and Surf, Wellington Real Estate, Future Dairies and Adams Accounting, as well as many other local businesses who have given sponsorship ‘In Kind’.

Come along for a wonderful family evening of entertainment. See if you can pick the winning floats!

Claire Cochrane

TWO STRATFORD LOCALS VISIT STRATFORD

As a year of traveling came to an end we had one free weekend left and decided we could not leave the UK without visiting

houses, took a pic in front of the statue and visited a butterfly farm where one friendly butterfly landed on my beanie and proceeded to stay there until I called for help to get it off.

away and strolling into the town it was picturesque, a lot of beautiful British houses along the river, then the town itself again was beautiful with Tudor style shops. We were surprised that it wasn't more touristy, one statue in the middle of town and pubs named after Shakespeare.

town for a lovely day out and grab lunch at Cox’s Yard as it was delicious.

We also had a chuckle to ourselves once back in Stratford that we as a town have just as many statues and references to Shakespeare as the original town does.

Madison Murphy

ANGLICAN PARISH OF AVON

Parish priest Dave and family, plus members from Stratford, Briagolong and Munro churches, enjoyed a time of fun and fellowship over dinner together at the Briagolong Hotel early in February – our first parish dinner of the year.

With the enjoyment of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the start of the holy season of Lent with the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, the parish is now fully in Lent. Priest Dave and parishioners delivered many servings of pancakes for morning tea to local businesses, friends and supporters of our parish. All much appreciated!

We were delighted to welcome retired CMS (Church Missionary Society) missionaries, David and Prue Boyd to Sunday morning worship service at Holy Trinity, where they updated the parish on their ministry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The parish has been supporting their work through CMS for many years. Sadly, the situation there is still very troubled both politically and socially. However, the work achieved by David and Prue in teaching and medical support was and is highly valued.

Our mainly music program commenced for the year last month and families with pre-school

POPULAR AUTHOR VISITS STRATFORD BOOK CLUB

Members of Stratford Book Club felt privileged to welcome author Lisa Ireland to their monthly meeting in February, particularly ahead of her latest book launch in the Sale Library later in the month.

for our Book Club was Lisa’s ‘The Shape of Us’ and Lisa had made time in her busy schedule to call in to Stratford’s Badger & Hare cafe to join the group for a breakfast meeting. Lisa was interested in the

ST ANDREWS UNITING CHURCH

Friday night 3 March will see the 3 churches in town get together at the Uniting Church to celebrate the annual World Day of Prayer Service. On the first Friday in March every year people gather in over 170 countries with the aim of a common day of prayer as well as closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year. Each year the focus is on a different country. In 2023 it is Taiwan.

Anyone from the community is most welcome to join us. We have resumed our monthly visits to Stretton Park and McDonald Wing to run a simple service with the residents. It is always a lovely time.

children are most welcome. It is an exciting and active program with a cuppa and a chat to follow the session.

The Family Movie Night started for the year last month with the showing of the movie ‘Strange World’ with those attending enjoying an evening of fun and enjoyment. The next movie night will be on 24 March.

Our Men’s Breakfast group and Women’s Craft group have started up and are being well supported. The Men’s group enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast and the Women’s Craft group supports the Lions Saturday BBQ with lunch orders!!

Parish Op Shop – is continuing to hold its Super Saturdays. Watch out for when at the Op Shop or on social media. These Saturday morning openings are proving very popular. With Easter next month, the Easter Raffle at the Op Shop will be on display soon plus raffle tickets.

Planning for the Parish annual Family Fun Fair has started with a date set for Saturday 27 May so as not to conflict with other community events earlier in the year. A date for diaries and more about this nearer the time.

The Parish’s retiring offertory for March is in support of the Anglican Church in Rwanda Worship Services: our regular Sunday services continue to be streamed via

with the issues of weight loss, body image and other women’s issues! She has written several previous books. Members of the group brought along their own copies of her books for signing and thanked Lisa for making their meeting a particularly special one. To our delight, Lisa shared she is now a recent Stratford resident and enjoying the life-style move!

Gail Wager

Every Wednesday night members of the community meet in the church hall to play games. We would really welcome anyone new who would like to come and join us. It’s a fun night and we end with supper.

Congratulations to Norman and Marjory Cameron – long time members of the church and local community who recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. 9.30am every Sunday morning is our weekly service. It is open to anyone. Come, and stay for morning tea afterwards.

Need to contact the church 5145 6565 uca.stratford@gmail.com Jennifer Wrigley

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 – March

Thursdays mainly music 9.30am in Parish Hall during School Term.

Fridays 9.30am - Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity.

Mondays 7.30pm Bible Study.

Friday 3 - Ecumenical World Day of Prayer hosted by St Andrews Uniting Church

Sunday 5 - All Age Family Worship at Holy Trinity and All Saints Briagolong with Harvest Festival

Sunday 12 - Harvest Festival at St Mary’s Munro and at Holy Trinity

Sunday 12 - Healing Service 4.00pm

Saturday 18 - Men’s Breakfast 8.30am

Sunday 19 - Mothering/Laetare Sunday with Simnel cake

Cultural Diversity Week 19 - 27 March

Friday 24 - Family Movie Night

Saturday 25 - Women’s Fellowship and Craft Day 10.00am - 3.00pm

Community Information

COPY FOR APRIL 2023 ISSUE

Deadline for ARTICLES and ADVERTISING

TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2023 by 5.00pm

Delivery starts 28 MARCH 2023

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

Effective 31 January 2021

Leaving

All articles must have a contact name and phone number. All payments to:

Stratford Library

STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Only one month left to get your entries in!

This year sees the tenth running of the Sheila Malady Short Story competition. Open to experienced authors or budding young writers, each year we receive entrants from across the country and occasionally the world.

Two’s Company is the writer's prompt set by judges this time. William Shakespeare loved to write about twins, lovers, couples and pairs of all kinds and now it is your turn. 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, Twelfth Night

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. There is a $5 entry fee and the deadline is 31 March at midnight - so get writing! Winners will be announced at our official festival opening at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre, 27 April.

application form and all things Shakespeare visit stratfordshakespeare.com.au

Photo Credit - Bill Cotter, Bairnsdale author and committee life member, awards the 2022 Sheila Malady winner. Image by Lisa Hayman Photo & Film

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is sponsored by The Wellington Shire Council through a Community Assistance Grant, the festival gratefully acknowledges this support.

For interview requests and media enquiries please contact Gavin Roberts on 0419 323 219 or shakespeareontheriverfestival@gm ail.com

Lisa Hayman

By Steve Hall

What can I give you on Valentine’s Day?

No present can show you and no words can say

How much I appreciate

What you give me each day

I wish that I was smarter

To write you a beautiful song

And have a better voice

To help me sing along

I wish that I was stronger

And definitely better looking Or maybe even French?

To help my cooking

I wish that I was fitter

Maybe a little more tall

With curly locks of luscious hair

Or any hair at all

I wish that I was better

But I’m sorry that I’m not

I haven’t got that much to give But what I have you’ve got So what can I give you

My best friend my wife

I can only give you me

Every day of my life

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 is –Tams Hesz Soul Stories. Beautifully crafted stories – must see exhibition Coming up nextTHROUGH FIRE & FLAME Ceramic exhibition

Garden -

SEGUE COMMUNITY HUB AND ARTS 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 are coming to an end we are looking forward to bringing exciting new opportunities

to Segue Community Hub and being ‘a welcoming place providing community connections.

Workshops -

Upcoming workshops include clay, pottery, watercolour painting, cooking, gardening and sustainability!

Any and all happenings at Segue will be published on our Facebook page – also keep an eye out for our booklet/programme available at Segue and the post office for all the upcoming happenings!!

Gallery -

The Segue gallery space is filled to the brim with beautiful creations from local makers and creators from all over Gippsland. We have

If you have been down the alleyway, you would have noticed we have been busy whipping and trimming and tidying up ready to 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 a friendly and helpful, keen to swap a seedling sort of group, they are a treasure trove of knowledge. Please drop in and join us at the garden swap meet each Thursday 10.00am. We welcome extra hands and smiles in the garden anytime.

Jessica Darvill

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 on the River Tourist Park

STRATFORD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

Registrations now open for the 2023 Football season!

Official Season Launch Wednesday 29 March 5.00pm at the Rec Reserve, meet the coaches and finalise! Registration Sausage Sizzle and Drink provided. Taking players for Under 9s, Under 11s, Under 13s and Under 15s Round 1 begins on 30 April 2023. For any further information please contact Hayley Bartlett 0419 314 096 or Kellie Gartung 0438 456 694.