September Issue of the Stratford Town Crier 2020

1

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC

MEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2020 Volume 27—No 8

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

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC

TOWN CRIER PRESIDENT’S SAY Online communities are a modern phenomenon and are growing rapidly in popularity. Their benefits have been increasingly highlighted in recent months during the first and second waves of the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time when physical proximity is limited, these online groups can help with keeping communities connected, maintaining social relationships, sharing information and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

The Stratford community Facebook page is Stratford Notice Board. Check it out if you haven’t already! I have been a member for some time and a volunteer administrator for several months.

The group is a great way to stay in touch with your community on all days at all hours, when you can’t get out and about as much as usual.

It’s a terrific place to share news and information, advise of community events, make suggestions, pay compliments, ask questions and seek

R

AILWAY BRIDGE UPGRADE

Construction continues to progress on the new bridge over the Avon River, with crews currently lifting the bridge’s massive beams into place.

These 60-tonne, 30-metrelong beams will form the superstructure of the new bridge.

Working with the beams currently in place, crews have been able to attach walls to the sides of the bridge and begin pouring the concrete deck slab.

Construction has been taking place under strict protocols to protect the health and safety of construction workers and the community.

In the coming months, almost 20 more beams will be lifted into place by 250-tonne and 450-tonne crawler cranes, then the remaining walls of the bridge will

VICTORIA POLICE recommendations. People also share acts of kindness, such as offering free excess fruit, vegetables and plants. The immediacy of information is a major attraction, especially in the case of any urgent situation arising.

Lost animal or property information is often shared with the animal or item being quickly located and returned as a result.

Slightly further afield on Facebook are 3850 Sale Community Group and Maffra Out N About.

Obviously, the usual social courtesies apply. In fact, in the absence of visual and verbal cues, extra caution should be applied to avoid misunderstanding. But otherwise, used wisely and constructively, these communication platforms are a true asset to our communities, especially at this time of enforced social isolation.

Judy Donoghue President

There has been a fair bit of talk on social media recently about traffic offending and suspicious behaviour around Stratford.

Police from Maffra and Sale have been assisting me to target these offenders recently. Here are some of the results: A 21 year old Wy Yung man was arrested when he was allegedly caught with drugs, a firearm and ammunition in his vehicle whilst travelling through Stratford late at night. His vehicle was also impounded due to his licence being cancelled.

A 24 year old Stratford man was arrested after allegedly brandishing a knife and driving erratically in Tyers Street. The learner driver is alleged to have not been displaying L plates, not having an experienced driver with him, driving an unregistered vehicle, possessing a dangerous article and possessing a drug of dependence. He will be charged by summons.

A 19 year old Stratford man

H

be attached and the concrete deck slab poured.

Crews have worked approximately 60,000 hours on the project since construction started in November last year.

The new bridge will be 504 metres long and will allow trains to travel at up to 90km/h in this section, a vast improvement on the current 10km/h speed limit in place on the existing bridge.

The new bridge is being delivered as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade and is targeted for completion in early 2021.

The project is being delivered as part of Regional Rail Revival. The Australian and Victorian governments have invested more than $2 billion in the Regional Rail Revival program, which is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating 1,000 jobs across the state.

ISTORICAL SOCIETY

We are still looking for more books for our Book Sale to be held later in the year. Due to the Covid situation this year our fundraising and visitors to the Museum have been non-existent.

We rely on these activities to cover our running costs, so we are appealing for any donation of books please. Although our Museum won’t be open until mid-September, please contact us for a drop off of books on 0419 744 320 or our Facebook site or Messenger, “Stratford Museum”.

It is interesting to know that Stratford had a couple of newspapers. The Stratford Sentinel was first printed in October 1911 and after a few changes of owners it was last published in September, 1916 at the offices in Raymond Street, Stratford. The Stratford Sentinel newspaper is now digitised on Trove.

had his car impounded and will be charged by summons after allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to stop when directed by police.

Another 19 year old Stratford man had his car impounded and will be charged by summons after allegedly driving with a cancelled learner permit and using an unregistered vehicle with false plates.

A number of fireworks were set off around town on Sunday night. It is an offence to possess or set off fireworks without authorisation. If anyone has information about this incident please let me know.

Quite often police find out local issues from social media platforms which causes a delay in response time. If you have information about any offending or suspicious behaviour please call 000 if it’s urgent or the police assistance line on 131 444 if it’s not.

Richard Chrisp We have only just discovered that there was a later newspaper, The Stratford Progress printed in January, 1925 firstly at offices located in Blackburn Street, Stratford, then Tyers Street and later in Johnson Street, Maffra. We believe the last issue was printed in February, 1939.

We thank Joy and Harry Nowak for their donation of some old newspapers to the Museum which will be a valuable resource in our collection and also Robert Yeates for providing us with this interesting newspaper history.

Our Annual General Meeting has been delayed and our Bulletin will soon be produced. As this is the time that the Society’s subscriptions are renewed, please contact Treasurer, Vicki on 0457 868 179 or Secretary, Marion on 0419 744 320 if you are keen to pay these now.

The amount is the same as last year, $40 family/couple and $25 single.

Jane Spice

34-38 Princes Highway Sale

Ph: 5144 4338  Private Killings  Bulk Packs  Smoked Meat  BBQ Packs  Cooked Roast Meats ALL PRODUCTS TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY

Locally Owned

David & Michelle Shaw

Delivery Available Garden Consultations Gift vouchers available

For all your Spring Gardening Needs!

You can’t go past a Grow Master

STRATFORD MONTHLY RAINFALL FROM THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY JUN/19

JUL/19

AUG/19

SEP/19

OCT/19

NOV/19

DEC/19

JAN/20

FEB/20

MAR/20

APR/20

MAY/20

JUN/20

JUL/20

30.8

33.2

23.0

35.6

23.1

50.5

7.1

210.6

113.3

40.9

91.8

24.5

21.5

75.7

2019 = 368.2

2018 = 361.9

2017 = 436.6

2016 = 592.9

2015 = 593.3

2014 = 647.2

2013 = 558.6

3.3 Community News

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC

STRATFORD LIBRARY– STRATFORD SISTER CITIES RSL SUB BRANCH - SEGUE

S

TRATFORD LIBRARY

Stratford Library is closed following the return to Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions.

However, you can still access our resources!

Below are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I still borrow books while the library is closed?

The Click and Deliver service is available to deliver books, magazines, DVDs, and other resources. Order items using our library catalogue, and staff will contact you to arrange delivery. Or, ring the library and ask staff to select or order something for you.

We also offer a great range of eBooks,

It has been a tough time for Sister Cities all over the world, our reunion in Ontario would now be over and we would all be on our way home, we had such plans and some amazing tours and cruises booked, but Covid came along and here we are in stage 3 lockdown.

We will organise a zoom

S

meeting soon.

There are 2020 t-shirts prepared for the reunion and we ordered a few extra. If you would like one let us know.

The other Stratfords have stayed in touch, all are much the same as us, they have had a lot of restrictions and a lot of changes to their way of life.

Sandra Meredith

TRATFORD RSL SUB BRANCH

As you would all be aware it is now 75 years since the end of WW2 and "Victory in the Pacific", although I sometimes wonder if the world has learnt anything from the death and destruction that war and conflict cause. Again we had to cancel any planned commemoration due to COVID19 restrictions. However, thanks to the genius of Susan Neeves, who made 200 poppies from recycled plastic bottle bases, we had a "Silent Tribute" by arranging the poppies on the RSL fence and in the median strip.

On a brighter note, anyone wandering past the Sub Branch hall will have noticed the building works in progress to replace the antiquated toilet facilities. We have been able to embark on this work through a generous grant from the State Government through The Latrobe Valley Authority and donations to our building fund from members to whom we are most grateful. We would hope to

be finished in time for the Remembrance Day commemoration on Nov 11, if indeed this is able to go ahead, and hopefully be able to celebrate our 100 year anniversary prior to the end of the year.

As with many other volunteer organisations we have an ageing membership and to ensure we remain well into the future we need a younger generation to take up the reins. Current and ex service personnel and descendants of veterans are encouraged to contact us for more details.

LEST WE FORGET Gary Tobin

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

Dealers of Honda Marine & SeaJay Boats

Call Matt 0439 069 781 40-46 Dawson Street, Stratford

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

S

TRATFORD SISTER CITIES

eAudio, and eMagazines that you can borrow anytime, anywhere, using your library card.

Are any children’s programs being offered?

Library staff will host special zoom Rock, Rhythm and Rhyme sessions while library branches are closed. Each session will run for 20-30 minutes. For more information and to register, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/pages/ childrens-library-programs Children's take-home Storytime packs are available for delivery with any children’s books request. The packs feature a new theme each week and contain a craft activities, colouring pages, and rhymes.

We also offer a take-home pack to run your own Rock, Rhythm and Rhyme session at home.

S

I have items out. Can I still return them?

Items can be returned in the book chute at any time. All loans have been extended until the 18th of September, so if you borrowed a book before restrictions were in place, you have some more time.

I don’t know my password or have misplaced my card.

If you have forgotten your password, need help using the catalogue, or have any other questions, please call the library on 5145 6403.

Staff will be present on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able!

Sarah Hurley

EGUE COMMUNITY ARTS HUB & NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

What a crazy few weeks it has been. I would like to start off by thanking the community for their support in our mask making project. We have had deliveries of material, elastic and offers of help cutting and sewing as we waded through what seemed to be a never ending wait list for mask orders.

We made it!! Thanks to an outstanding effort from Segue volunteers and community members getting on board, we have supplied hundreds of masks to

locals – well done!!

Special mentions must be made to Dawn and Shirley. Dawn came in regularly and sewed up a storm and often returned with armfuls of masks ready to go that she had made at home. Shirley also went above and beyond on the scissors, cutting countless amounts of material and preparing them into

packs to be sewn together. Amazing effort! We have prepared a golden bobbin (Dawn) and golden scissor (Shirley) award to be presented to them for acknowledgement of their contribution.

Coming up at Segue we have the Stratford combined school’s art competition!! 24th/10th – 31st/10th At this stage we are hoping to have this event at Segue, should we be overwhelmed with entries we have a larger venue. In addition to this should our situation change and we face restrictions at this time we will host an online art show!! All updates will be posted on our Facebook page as we get closer to the date.

Art must be representative of one of the following categories but can be any medium Portrait - Landscape - Still life Abstract - Street art - Photography Sculpture - Lego Entry forms can be found at the Stratford post office Or Email manager@segue.org.au for a copy.

Each entry will need its own form attached.

Jessica Darvill

4.4 Community News

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC

TELEPHONE WIRING *PHONE SOCKETS *MODEMS *FAXES *INTERNET *TV ANTENNAE INSTALLATION Wiring in advance for *NEW HOMES *RENOVATIONS *EXTENSIONS ROGER & MEG PENDRICK

PHONE: 5145 6058 MOBILE: 0419 874 765 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

MAFFRA TYRE & MECHANICAL REPAIRS 169 Johnson Street,

Maffra 3860

Darren & Emma Nowak SERVICING ALL MAKES & MODELS (including Warranty Servicing)

R/W/C, Tyres, Batteries, 4x4 Parts & Accessories

5147 1550

Free Pick Up & Delivery of Your Car in Stratford Area

VACC Accredited Repairer

ADVERTISEMENT

Authorised by Tim Bull, 143 Main St, Bairnsdale Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications Budget

STRATFORD CEMETERY - STRATFORD PIPER

S

TRATFORD CEMETERY

Some good news. We were successful in obtaining a Department of Health grant to upgrade the toilets facilities at the cemetery.

The changes include widening the doorway to allow wheelchair access, a wider path at the entrance and new toilets and handbasins.

Barring any delays the upgrade will be finished in time for Father’s Day. Extensions to the lawn graves will also be completed in the coming month.

Cemetery Trust Member Susan Neeves has been making poppies from the bases of plastic bottles. They were on display as part of the 75 year anniversary for the end of WW2 and we plan to use them for our Community Day. It seems very unlikely that we will be able to gather on October 11th so a new date will be planned when conditions are suitable.

Gippsland Times October 16th 1950 page 1 “It is with regret that we record the sudden passing of Mr. Harland Jesse Maxwell, of Stratford, which occurred on Thursday morning. Aged 47 years, Mr. Maxwell complained that he was not feeling well and died a few minutes later. In his youth, he was a wellknown participant at most local sports meetings.

He trained and schooled show ponies and was one of the most favorably known Stratford people. He was keenly interested in Stratford

S

TRATFORD PIPER’S MUSICAL JOURNEY Around the World with Bagpipes and Kilt When I asked David Hynd if he would talk to the Crier, he said “if I can wear a kilt around the world you know I’m not shy”. And what David has to tell about his musical driven travels is captivating and could fill a book.

David’s family brought him to Australia at age six from Irvine, Ayreshire, on Scotland’s west coast. Heavily influenced by his father’s musical talents, experience and circle of musical friends, David progressively took up bugle and trumpet. As David says and is often the case, teenage hormones drew him away from his music for a time. But in 1993, by then living and working locally, David turned to bagpipes when he joined the Macalister Highlanders band in Maffra and later the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums band in Melbourne.

David must have been an exceptionally quick learner, because in 1997 he performed with the Rats of Tobruk band at his first of what would eventually total a remarkable seven Edinburgh Military Tattoos in Scotland. David

affairs. Born at Maffra, he was a footballer of no mean ability. He played with Briagolong and then with Stratford in the Gippsland League. As a young man Mr. Maxwell attained some success as an amateur rider. In fact he was the leading amateur rider of Gippsland. His love of horses led him to this form of recreation, and in it he earned the highest respect of all associated with racing. He "played the game" in every avenue of his connection with it. Of recent years he took out a trainer's licence, and won several races in Gippsland. About six months ago he took a team of horses to Melbourne to try his fortune on Melbourne courses, and he was almost immediately successful with Nelangie with which he won a hurdle race at Caulfield.

He continued to train at Flemington and had gathered together a formidable string of horses.

Recently, with some youngsters he returned to Stratford, and he was looking forward to taking part in the racing in this part of the State. He was always pleasant and had many friends who were shocked to hear of his death. To Mrs. Maxwell and the three children, sincere sympathy of a large number of Gippsland people will be extended. The funeral took place at the Nuntin cemetery on Friday. There was a lengthy cortege and a large number of floral tributes which bore testimony to the esteem in which he was held in the district.”

Margaret Robbins

described the experience as very moving, all the more so because his grandfather had at one time been stationed at Edinburgh Castle.

Fascinatingly, David and the Rats of Tobruk band have also performed at the famous Basel International Military Tattoo in Switzerland three times, at the inaugural Russian Kremlin Zoria in Moscow in 2007 and at the Military Music Festival in Libya in 2009. In Moscow, the band literally marched out of the Kremlin into Red Square, the only non-Russian troops to do that. For the Tobruk journey, incredible as it was, Libya’s then leader, Colonel Gaddafi, paid in full for the members of the Rats of Tobruk’s travel and accommodation. When the band members visited the Tobruk battlefield, including the famous fig tree and the trenches, Colonel Gaddafi put a jet at their disposal.

Closer to home were performances at the Shanghai

International Tourism Festival with the Glenbrae Celtic Dancers in 2016 and at four Andre Rieu concerts in Melbourne. The Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney in 2019 was David’s and the band’s last major performance, as sadly the Tattoo in Edinburgh this year had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

David and his wife Christine remain heavily involved with Sale RSL Pipe Band, of which David is the Pipe Major, and with the “Rats” band. David emphasised how supportive and influential Christine has been over the years, including as “Rats” band Secretary, Sale RSL Treasurer and Quartermaster, arranging travel and being instrumental in organising the 2016 Edinburgh Tattoo in Melbourne. David is a familiar face performing at local events and dining-in nights at East Sale RAAF Base. He is passionate about his Bianchi bike, and in acknowledgement of his Scottish family origins, raises Highland cattle on their property at Llowalong.

Judy Donoghue

5.5 Community News

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC

LAWN BOWLS - TENNIS CLUB FOOTBALL CLUB - WELLINGTON SHIRE

S

TRATFORD BOWLS CLUB

Nola Wheeler and Des Phillips (pictured) are our Mixed Pairs Champions. In the window of opportunity to play matches between the 2 lots of suspended play they defeated Alan and Carmel Boyd in the play off. It means Nola has added this title to the many others she has won this season.

Des has been a previous winner, teaming with Jannie Giles in the 2012-2013 to take the title that year. Des also has his name on the Honour Board in other successful titles, and as Chairman of the Board for 3 years. In this

S

TRATFORD TENNIS CLUB

As we are now under stage 3 Covid19 restrictions there isn’t much activity happening at the Stratford Tennis Club as the only tennis that can be played now is individuals or household playing for exercise. You will need to comply with current Covid19 restrictions.

S

The Stratford Football Netball Club and general community are devasted at the sudden loss of Lachie Heywood on 10 August 2020.

Lachie was a much loved person around club who got on with everybody and was always willing to help others . He left a lasting legacy on our club which will continue on forever.

As well as being a great person Lachie wasn’t a bad footballer either. Lachie came to the club to play thirds having not played football at all.

He was a quick learner and showed great promise. Lachie soon progressed to senior football and really showed how good he was.

He was a member of our 2014 and 2018 premiership sides, 2018 League Best and

W

Generation Z is stepping up and leading the way to a brighter future around the world ­– including here in Wellington Shire, where 17 of our inspired young minds have come together to form the latest Wellington Shire Youth Council.

Wellington Shire Council welcomed its new team of Youth Councillors on July 13. But due to Covid-19, the group has only been able to

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

Margaret Robbins

The Wellington Tennis Association summer season is still scheduled to commence in October 2020. There will be a review of the Covid19 restrictions in mid-September and there is a real hope that there will a relaxation of Covid19 restrictions.

Competitions can only occur at stage 2 Covid19 restrictions or less (with restrictions). There is a real possibility we will

TRATFORD FOOTBALL CLUB

ELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL

capacity he worked hard to make lasting improvements at the Club. He spent long hours negotiating grants and was the driving force in obtaining the LVA grant which meant we could replace the corella damaged green. We thank him sincerely for all he did both on and off the green. We wish him every success as he moves to play at West Sale Bowls Club which is so much closer to his home.

Play at the green has been limited to practice only. 2 players per rink and face masks must be worn. A maximum of 10 players at any one time. Please sign in and out and follow any other conditions listed on the whiteboard.

STRATFORD

play but as we have seen things can change.

We are looking for any players who are interested in playing tennis for junior and seniors. Could anybody interested please contact Mark Kennedy Club President on 0408 130 061 Daryl Cooper

Fairest and 2018 Club Best and Fairest.

Our deepest condolences to Lachie’s family, Russell, Christine and Sophie. We understand that no words can lessen your loss but Lachie will always have a place in our hearts at the Stratford Football Netball Club. You will always be welcome at our club so that we can all share our great memories of Lachie.

Our thoughts are also with Lachie’s girlfriend Britney. It is a tragedy that your time with Lachie was cut so short. Please take comfort that all of your friends are there for you at this sad time.

As a community we are all hurting and need to get around each other to support each other and ease the loss we all feel.

Daryl Cooper

meet face to face once, on July 29, when they gathered at the Port of Sale to meet Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall and discuss issues that are important to them. Subsequent meetings have been held online.

The new Youth Council members, who range in age from 13 to 25, represent a broad cross-section of Wellington’s towns and school systems.

The team is comprised of seven continuing Youth Council members and 10 new members, and is headed by

Youth Mayor Orlando Davidson, Deputy Youth Mayor River Mayman and Youth Secretary Nicola Woolford.

Two key events that the group will focus on are next year’s NAIDOC Week and the Upswing: Youth Mental Health Festival, normally held in the Port of Sale in October.

Restrictions on social gatherings, however, has forced the festival online this year and made organising the event a challenge.

Gordon Knight

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

6.6 Community News

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier

AIRLY PRIMARY SCHOOL

A

IRLY PRIMARY SCHOOL

‘Use your imagination every day’ was the message our students heard from illustrator Marc McBride recently. He presented online, demonstrating how he spray paints his dragon illustrations for the Deltora Quest book series. Marc then guided students to draw their own dragons.

He reinforced that making mistakes was ok, and often his best pictures came from the mistakes he made.

National Schools Tree Day was a bit different this year.

Normally we would go planting out in the community with Wellington Shire Sustainability Officer, Raquel Harris. This year she supplied us with tree and grass seedlings to plant within our own school

grounds. Students compared the size of the seedlings with the trees we planted in 2009 and 2010 for Schools Tree Day.

evening. Recipes are posted in the school newsletter the week prior so that ingredients can be organised for the cooking session. So far, vegetarian meals have been prepared, just in case there is a meat shortage due to COVID-19 restrictions. Other afternoon sessions include Art, Photography using ICT, Sport, AUSLAN and MARC Library sessions.

Brenda Talbot

Remote learning is once again upon us. Airly PS has some students learning from home and some at school. Afternoon sessions are a combination of the two groups together, where students at home can connect virtually with what is happening at school.

Cooking sessions are being held each Tuesday which encourages families at home to cook their dinner for the

7.7 Community News

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier

STRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL - SINGER SONGWRITERS

S

TRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

What a whirlwind of a year we are all having. This month finds us back in the home learning cycle with everyone hoping to be back at school soon. Students are linking with staff through online lessons and working at home with prepared learning packs with a home adult during the day.

We have learned some lessons from the first time around and are working to keep our students connected to each other, their teacher and in a bit of a routine.

Although it is challenging we are very proud of our students who are doing their best at this time.

It has also been a time to be proud of the way our school community has worked to make

the situation the best for the students.

Earlier this term, while we were onsite, our students had an afternoon ‘skip off, showcasing the skipping skills and techniques learned throughout term 2. It was fantastic to see the improvement of the skippers with each having mastered the next challenging step. From being able to turn and jump the rope (a tricky skill for beginner skippers) to being able to twist, ski, cross ropes, double swing, use the long rope, and to even doing team jumping. It was a great afternoon of fitness and finesse. Funds raised from the afternoon were presented to the Heart Foundation for ongoing research.

Our Grade 4/5 students are enjoying our focus on being

Wow, what a night was had on 31 July for the Stratford Singer Songwriters at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre. We had 10 acts perform for our first live streamed event. We are extremely happy with the online support, reaching an audience far and wide.

Why haven’t we live streamed before?

Suddenly people who can’t physically attend the nights now can.

There was quite a buzz amongst the performers, for them

healthy this term.

Our topic is called ‘Embrace You’ and it not only emphasises physical health, but also the importance of good mental health. Students have regularly written about and shared things for which they are grateful. Students love writing acts of kindness up on their special classroom chalkboard wall!

this opportunity. Our school captains have been working on a virtual tour which will be available soon and we also invite people to call the school to ask any questions they may have. We understand that choosing a school for your family is very important and will do our best to paint a picture of what happens here.

We hope the Stratford community is managing throughout this time and we are looking forward to being able to invite people into our school very soon.

Debra Nicholls

By this time of the year we have usually been able to invite prospective families in to meet staff and tour the school.

Unfortunately with the many restrictions in place we are not able to do so this year and are working on alternative ways to allow people

being amongst likeminded people and being able to socialise with friends, which they had not been able to do for what feels like forever.

It showed how important these nights are for our community.

Depending on restrictions, we are hoping to run our next event on 25 September. Like the July event, only performers will be permitted to enter the venue at our September event. We would love our local community to support our event online. There will be lots of giveaways.

Lastly, we would like to say a huge thank you to The Stratford Courthouse committee

and the Segue Café crew who all supported us on the night.

Anita Hensen

8.8

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC

Local Voices

STRATFORD HISTORY - LOCAL BLOGS

S

TRATFORD HISTORY Stratford Tannery 1850 – 1900s FIRST TANNERY

John Shaksby Jones arrived with his family in Botany Bay (Sydney) in 1840. In 1842 he came to Gippsland as he was engaged by William Odell Raymond Esq. at the "Stratford Station", where he stayed for about 18 months. During 1847 he returned to Stratford after having served a Government deployment to Impression Bay, Tasmania. John secured employment at Blackall Creek, which he named after Blackall in England. The following year (1848) he moved to "Stratford Village" which at the time only consisted of the Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford Homestead (soon to be Duncan's Store) and a few huts occupied by a few locals.

A couple of years later in 1850 he opened a Tannery at Stratford. It was said to have been the first in Victoria. Located on the corner of Merrick and McMillan Streets, it was a simple

C

large hut at first, surrounded by the huts of Edward and Rebecca Hazlett, Lubin and Margaret Slater, Edward and Ellen Cliff and James and Tamar Dargan.

John Jones died in 1863. On 29 August in 1867 at his residence, the Tannery at Stratford, William Wilkinson Rawling died of Pneumonia.

He was only 39 years old. It is thought he operated the business after John's death in 1863, however after William’s death this Tannery ceased operating and was pulled down.

SECOND TANNERY In 1861 the Rowlands Bros. erected a new Tannery on what became known locally as “Tannery Flat” and operated for 18 years before they sold to James Bomford, for whom Alphonse Ducret acted as manager for 3 years. Alphonse was a native of France who came to Sydney in 1854 and spent 5 years there before coming to Stratford in about 1859 when he became engaged with Rowlands Bros.

In 1881, Alphonse along with James Kennelly (a furrier) and John Fitzpatrick (a blacksmith) purchased the business from James Bomford and started their own partnership.

However, during the 1891 floods the Avon River swept away great sections of its banks.

Much of the tannery, stock and hides was

HATTING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

This month I am having a chat with Peter, who runs and owns the Stratford Mower & Chainsaw Repairs. Peter and his wife Helen moved from Warragul to Stratford in 2016.

They owned a bush block at Hollands Landing for a number of years. Whilst driving through Stratford, over time, they both commented on what a nice a place it would be to move to. So they did. Seeing that the town did not have a small engine repair business, they decided to start the Stratford Mower & Chainsaw Repairs business in June 2017.

Peter said at first it was slow, we were in drought and not much lawn, along with people getting to know that a new business was established in the Industrial Estate of Stratford. Peter said the locals from the Stratford and surrounding district have been very supportive and encouraging, so Peter and Helen say a big thank you.

Peter started his career in small engine repairs as an apprentice over 44 years ago which makes him a veteran in the industry. Peter worked at a number of businesses, gaining further experience. Peter owned his own business known as Bloomfield’s Mechanical Repairs in Nilma, before moving to Stratford, specialising in repairs to all makes and models of push, ride on mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters and firefighting pumps. Along with being Agents for Rover mowers, Bushranger power equipment,

Gentech generators, Archer chainsaws and hydraulic log splitters.

Peter told me a funny story from years gone by: A customer who had his chainsaw repaired in the morning, picked it up at 1.00pm, returned back at 2.00pm, saying it went great for the first tank of fuel, but won’t start now.

So Peter checked it over, only to reveal that the customer had put the fuel in the oil tank and oil in the fuel tank. This is more common than you think.

A mower and chainsaw tip from Peter, on a four stroke machine, always check oil level before starting, two stroke, mix oil and fuel correctly; these two tips will prolong the life of your machine.

So now is the time to have you mowers serviced, as lawns will be starting to grow like Topsy, there is nothing worse than listening to someone trying to start their lawn mower, early on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Having it serviced on a regular basis, also keeps neighbours happy too.

Carmel Ripper

I

washed miles down downstream. John Fitzpatrick spent weeks searching for hides in the sand the river had deposited on the flats south of Stratford.

THIRD TANNERY To prevent another catastrophe soon after Alphonse Ducret and James Kennelly shifted the buildings and equipment that survived the flood to a new site. John Fitzpatrick bought the tannery at Heyfield and moved his family there leaving Alphonse and James with the Stratford Tannery. The new location was a 5 acre block leased from George Poole, near the current Stratford Tip, where they erected a new Tannery complex. After some years John Kennelly took full ownership of the Tannery and it operated into the 1900s. In the 1950s remains of the claylined tanning pits, leather straps and pieces of metal pipe could still be seem.

What is a Tannery?

A Tannery is the location where the process of tanning is carried out. Tanning is the process of preparing and treating animal skins to be turned into products, mainly leather.

Daniel Parker-Estoppey

T’S A GIRL’S LIFE ELLA-ROSE SPENCE

Smoking… I have been writing in the Town Crier for almost three years now and very rarely do I write an opinionated/ informative/persuasive piece and that’s because I like to keep them as positive and non opinionated as possible. But, smoking is very much an opinion of mine and I do not think of anyone who smokes as any less of a person but I do ask why, and although I don’t have the experience of knowing what it does and what it is like but I do know the experience of worry and wishing someone wouldn’t harm their bodies like they do when they smoke.

Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, I mean if you look at the box when you smoke it is right there in front of you showing the effects. Tobacco contains over 7,000 different chemicals and over 70 of those can cause cancer. People in their 40’s and 50’s were the most likely age group to smoke daily in 2019, meaning most likely parents, who have a family, children. 9.6% of women were smoking at some point during their pregnancy. These figures show parents who I’m sure don’t mean any harm, but are putting themselves at risk to leave their children alone, to have them struggle with the grief they’ll experience when you’re laying in a hospital bed. Smoking is the leading, MOST preventable death in Australia, basically saying you can stop these deaths. If you just stopped wasting your

money on expensive cigarettes which can kill you and put it towards your family or your health.

I know many people who smoke because it is an addiction or for stress relief. In the long run paying for expensive people to talk to and rehab is much better than paying for cigarettes weekly.

Within the first 10 seconds of your first puff the toxic chemicals in tobacco have already reached your brain and heart. You purposely put your own foot in the grave, which might not be your intention but it's not just you and your body that you hurt but everyone close to you. Not only can it affect them mentally but physically as they breathe in your second hand smoke meaning they breathe in the same toxic chemicals and cancer causing chemicals.

Almost 21,000 Australians died from tobacco use in 2015. This equates to one tobacco-related death every 25 minutes. QUIT FOR FAMILY, QUIT FOR YOU. Ella-Rose Spence

9.9 Community News

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC Stratford Town Crier INC

ST ANDREWS UNITING CHURCH - ANGLICAN PARISH

S

T ANDREWS UNITING CHURCH

Hello to everyone in our community.

Well, we said last time that we were grateful not to be in lockdown, but have since been placed back in Stage 3, while Melbourne is under Stage 4. We commiserate with all of you who were so enjoying being able to join in welcome social activities like bowls and Men’s Shed, which are now shut again. On a brighter note, it is wonderful that the Op Shop is still permitted to operate. Our adaptability and resilience is being tested further in this uncertain time of strangeness.

It is heartening to see people thinking of others and working for their community. Many have honed their talents and shown great community spirit in making a myriad of masks, which are both practical and which inject fun

A

NGLICAN PARISH OF AVON

The Parish has had a long tradition of supporting missions both local and further afield with a specific mission chosen for each month. The parish and its parishioners make donations and then donations are sent to the relevant mission body.

For the month of September we are supporting the Bible Society and a guest speaker with be at our morning worship service on Sunday 27th September to speak about the work and mission of the Bible Society. Our revenue from the parish’s op shop helps us to be generous with our monthly donations.

Worship Services With the latest stage 3 restrictions, we are back to streaming our regular Sunday services 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:

Parish Diary - September Wednesday 2 - Holy Trinity Anniversary. Licensed 1868 Sunday 6 - Fourteenth Sunday in Pentecost. All Age Family Worship at Holy Trinity - Father’s Day Sunday 13 Fifteenth Sunday in Pentecost and Healing Service Thursday 17 - Parish Diary Planning Meeting at 11.00am

and creativity into the requirement for face coverings.

Perhaps in this period you are attending to matters of maintenance or rejuvenation. At St Andrew’s we have taken the opportunity to put a new bright roof on our hall, do some repair work in the garden and plant two claret ash trees which will bring beauty in due season.

We have joined in a congregational Zoom get-together and plan to continue this regularly.

Although we would much prefer to be together in person, it is really good to see treasured faces and be able to talk.

Some tips that are offered to those meeting online may be helpful to consider in a broader context during this pandemic experience.

davidjrperryman@gmail.com ) for details to join via Zoom. Copies of our Order of Service for both are available at our parish website http://anglicanavon.org.au/ parishbulletin/ Our next All Age Worship Service will be on Sunday 6th September when we will be celebrating Father’s Day. All welcome to this family friendly occasion. As this will be streamed, anyone interested needs to contact Priest Dave (contacts above) beforehand.

Parish Op Shop We are continuing to operate our parish’s op shop but with reduced days. We are open for customers and donations Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only from 10.00am to 3.30pm. We continue to operate with strict observation of our COVID-19 policy. COVID19 wardens continue to ensure compliance in the interest of public safety with strict hygiene, hand sanitizing and keeping social distance.

Gail Wager Sunday 20 - Sixteenth Sunday in Pentecost. Child Protection Sunday Tuesday 22 Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm via Zoom Friday 25 - Spring Parish Dinner and Raffle at Stratford Hotel t.b.c.

Sunday 27 - Seventeenth Sunday in Pentecost - Guest Speaker from the Bible Society

1) “Be mindful of background noise” could translate to “limit your exposure to news items, especially those that are negative or inaccurate”.

2) “Position your camera properly” could be read as “make sure your focus includes only what is pleasing and beneficial”.

3) “Limit distractions” could further point us to “be mindful of your thoughts”. In the Christian Scriptures, in St Paul’s letter to the Philippians (chapter 4, verse 8) , he writes “Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Such practices give us encouragement and hope in all that life brings.

We pray for each of you and for our community as we travel this time together.

Barbara Strickland

10

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC

Community Information COPY FOR OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE Deadline for ARTICLES and ADVERTISING WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2020 by 5.00 pm Delivery starts 29 SEPTEMBER 2020 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

11

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC

11. Community Artistic Associations

Stratford Town Crier INC

SHAKESPEARE ASSOCIATION - POETRY WRITINGS PUZZLES

S

HAKESPEARE ASSOCIATION THE MODERN GLOBE

Few people who have an interest in stagecraft and the living theatre will not at least have heard of the Globe theatre in London.

Shakespeare's original Globe theatre has become very much part of literary folklore. Shakespeare, as part owner, had many of his plays presented there and its memory is very much bound up with the famous playwright.

However, we know surprisingly little about the original Globe.

Immensely popular though it was in Shakespeare's time, the Puritans who ruled England in the sixteen forties banned the public theatre and ordered that the Globe be pulled down.

Until late in the twentieth century no one was even sure of its location. Only one sketch of the original exists. So, when Sam Wanamaker and his fellow enthusiasts began thinking of building a second Globe, there was not much detail to go on. However, work began on a site about two hundred metres

from the newly located original site, using information about other theatres of the seventeenth century.

Permission had to be granted to use wood in the construction. After the devastating Great Fire that destroyed much of the city, legislation was passed that forbade the construction of wooden buildings in London.

Needless to say, the building must conform to all standards of safety.

However, as far as possible, original materials and techniques were used.

Sadly, Sam Wanamaker died before the official opening in 1997.

The modern Globe holds only about sixteen hundred patrons, about half of Shakespeare's original. The "Groundlings" still exist, paying little, but standing through any production.

Even the layout of the stage is a copy of the original. So some of the traditions are carried on.

The actual theatre now is part of a large education complex, one that looks at many aspects of drama and its history.

Bill Cotter

M

ORE ABOUT IMAGERY

Creating pictures images - have always been a central part in all forms of creative writing. And in poetry, the most intense form of creative writing, we want to make use of all of our senses: sight, sound, touch and smell. Writing that makes good use of imagery will always interest a reader. Also, he or she will be more involved if there is a sense that the writer is involved. Mechanical descriptions quickly become boring. So, it is worth considering, What feelings am I having here? What images help me to establish them? If we can do this effectively, we are more likely to draw a response from a reader.

It is important to be specific in our observations. If our descriptions are too general, probably a reader will switch off fairly quickly. Most likely, we are all acquainted with

ACROSS 1. Acquires 5. Highway exits 10. Yaks 14. Great Lake 15. Fool 16. Burn-soothing plant 17. Legal hold 18. Ownership 20. Skin abrasion 22. Use a keyboard 23. In addition to 24. Vocalist ____ Turner 26. Talks back 28. Mechanical man 31. Vacation spot 34. "Carmen," e.g.

35. Downpour 36. Sharp bark 40. Certain grain 41. Ceremonies 42. Commit perjury 43. Envelope part 45. December 24 and 31 46. ____ dot 48. Climb 50. Map detail 51. Suit maker 54. Teen skin problem 56. Tax agency (abbr.)

Wordsworth's famous description of daffodils. The imagery is precise. We also get a clear sense of the impact this experience has had upon him, as the writer.

Bringing experiences to life for another person takes practice, of course. But it should always be enjoyable. So let's make a start. Looking first at SIGHT. Write a few sentences about each of these.

1. Dawn on a calm morning.

2. Dawn during a storm.

3. A deserted street as seen by a child.

4. Midnight.

5. A car moving through a fog.

6. A railway station during peak time.

In doing these, ask yourself, What feelings am I endeavouring to convey here?

Good scribbling.

Bill Cotter

57. Astronaut ____ Armstrong 60. Shrewd 64. Group of representatives 67. "____ dead people!"

(2 wds.)

68. Again 69. Musical pace 70. Lunch, e.g.

71. Not punctual 72. Ham it up 73. Is mistaken DOWN 1. Hardens 2. Musician ____ Clapton 3. Layer 4. Member of Congress 5. Mature 6. Ruckus 7. Fine spray 8. Flower 9. New spouse's boys 10. Tank filler 11. Pseudonym 12. Pioneer Daniel ____ 13. Transmits 19. Broil

21. Flat bread 25. Reach a destination 27. Pig's abode 28. Mouth part 29. Colorful gem 30. Alpha's follower 32. Dined 33. Afternoon snooze 37. Building extensions 38. Enjoy 39. Soil enricher 41. Produce again 44. Chum 46. Metal fasteners 47. Former (hyph.)

49. Ditty 51. Wave type 52. Sports locale 53. Tiny landmass 55. Narrow boat 58. Gossip bit 59. Chauffeured car 61. Consumer 62. Eye drop 63. Snaky swimmers 65. Woolly mama 66. Make a selection

12

STRATFORD TOWN CRIER INC

12. Community News

S

TRATFORD S.E.S.

Rural Victoria is now back in restricted times. But, SES members and our friends CFA are still here for the community. All emergencies will be responded to as usual.

Late in July about 1.30 in the morning Stratford were paged to assist Bairnsdale at a road crash in Lindenow. Just after 2 am both Stratford crews were cancelled.

A few days later and our area was hit with a lot of rain and wind.

A report of a tree on a road in Briagolong, followed later in the day by a request to clear a tree that had fallen and blocked the Freestone Creek Road near Blue Pool. A crew responded and cut up and moved the tree to clear the road.

Stratford Town Crier INC and when arrived found the tree had fallen across both lanes and was lying on the barrier. There was a truck and semi-trailer on the south bound lane waiting. The crews set about cutting and moving the tree off the road. Until the road was cleared, a number of trucks and other late night travellers were waiting for the road to open.

A week later and SES were called to another fallen tree on Freestone Creek Road. This again was a complete tree and had fully blocked the road. The crew had cut the tree up and had moved a large amount of the wood when a grader from Forest Fire Management arrived and pushed the remaining trunk off the road.

Next day crews were called to assist a casualty who was trapped in machinery in a nearby town. We were nearly at the scene when the person was released.

At night, in stormy conditions any road could have a fallen tree. In the dark, a tree, debris or animal on the road are very hard to see. Please drive carefully and remember to only drive at a speed that you can stop if an obstruction is seen.

David Smith

Next day not long after midnight there was another request to clear a fallen tree. This tree was obstructing the highway near the Munro intersection. Two crews were dispatched