Tatura Bulletin April Edition 2023

COMING EVENTS OLIVE & VINE CAFE

Rodney CWA Scone Day Scones $1.50 each, $18 per dozen

Yo-yos 6 for $10

Anzac Biscuits 6 for $6 Pickup at 51 Gowrie Street, Tatura between 10 am and 12 noon on

Saturday May 6

Other delights available for sale on the day.

To pre-order contact either

Janette Mason 0408 194 638

Gwen Ranson 0427 241 251

Monster Garage Sale

Saturday 6 May From 8am

Maps available from the Community House on the day

Better Beef pasture management workshop

Monday 15 May

At the Harston Hall. For more information and to register please contact Nick on 0438 321 528.

Fashion Parade

Kaye’s Classic Fashion

Friday 26 May 1pm

At ‘Olive and Vine’

INFORMATION WANTED

Information (including current location and photos) regarding an old Bunker oil engine. Sold from the farm ‘Kalamunda’ in 1968, to a dairy farm in the Kyabram/ Girgarre district to use with a water bore. Please reply to Mr R.S.Wheeler, Flat 1/23 Myrtle Street, Bendigo, Victoria, 3551

Hussln Charity Car Show

THE OLIVE & VINE CAFÉ is open Wednesday 10 am -2pm

Join us for Morning Tea/Lunch You will be made very welcome.

MERRIGUM HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Merrigum Museum is open on the second Saturday of each month 10am to 3pm. Other times by arrangement. Entry Adults $5.00 each Children $2.00 Group Bookings welcome. Ph. Flo on 5855 2330

TATURA BOWLS CLUB

The Tatura Bowls Club AGM will be held on Sunday, May 7 at 1pm. Nomination for positions on noticeboard.

TATURA MEN'S SHED

The Tatura Men’s Shed is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am. Don’t forget the Tuesday lunches. Drop in for a chat and a cuppa on these days.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

Accommodation wanted by a person who has moved from NZ to Tatura for a food technology job. Currently living in Shepparton but would like to rent a room in a shared house in Tatura.

Ph Sookie on 0477 249 382

Hussln once again held their spectacular annual Charity Car Show. The event was well attended with over 350 people enjoying the great spectacle. The feedback from the town was extremely positive. There were 105 cars in a wide variety of classes along with 40 bikes. The event raised $4100 for mental health research, and this was donated to Beyond Blue. It was a wonderful day and Hussln is definitely planning on holding this again next year. There are many major sponsors to thank for supporting this event:

M1 Traffic And Labour

Foodworks Tatura

Shannon’s Insurance

Foott Waste

7 Sins Apparel

Certified Printing

Zf Racing

Cactus Country

Inklink Screen Printing

Wisely Automotive

Lyster Inc

Mad Nats

Butter Factory Cafe

Strathmerton Drilling

Aenso Car Care

- Cam, Hussln Auto Detailing

MOYOLA LODGE RAFFLE

Thank you sincerely to all those who supported our Easter Raffle.

Over $1300 was raised to support the wellbeing and lifestyle of Moyola Lodge residents. Congratulations to the winners:

1st Prize: Pat Wilson,

2nd Prize: Polly Devine,

3rd Prize: Margaret Foord

- Mignon Campbell, Secretary

Tatura Area Community Bulletin

WEBSITE: www.taturabulletin.com.au info@tatbulletin.com.au

HUSSLN CHARITY CAR SHOW

TATURA MUSEUM

SPECIAL MEDAL PRESENTATION

On March 18, Tatura Fire Brigade members and their families gathered for a special medal presentation, timed to coincide with the State Championships in Mooroopna.

The medals were presented by CFA Board Member, Peter Shaw AFSM and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Chief Executive Adam Barnett.

Also present were VFBV State Councilors Cara Disint (Mooroopna) Phill Slender (Tatura) together with VFBV District President Len Balfour (Mooroopna) and representing CFA HQ Shepparton, Commander Peter Dedman.

These Awards recognized the significant contributions the Brigade and Auxiliary members make to the community.

Conservation Project

The Discovered Painting

On October 6, 2022, Heritage Victoria Living Heritage Grant representatives Evelina Ericsson and Anne-Louise Muir met with the Tatura and University of Melbourne representatives to formalize the Living Heritage Grant agreement timeline and deliverables.

It was acknowledged that the work to be undertaken would require the items to be transported to the University’s conservation labs in Melbourne and agreed that the project would commence in early 2023.

A full project plan was completed and approved by Heritage Victoria on December 8, 2022, and a formal Permit Exemption approving the conservation works to proceed was received on December 16, 2022. The photo shows a proud conservator revealing a painting conserved in the last grant. This painting was discovered by the late Ken Gray in the wall of their shearing shed that was an ex-camp hut.

Memorabilia

The museum recently received a sterling silver

medallion, about 35mm in diameter with an interesting inscription:

R.C. Sports, Tatura. 1st Prize – Hose & Coupling. Won by L. Martin – 11 April 1898. The medal was given to the museum by the granddaughter of Mr. Martin who was part of the Martin Bros who ran the Saddlery store near the corner of Fryers and Wyndham streets, Shepparton. There is a plaque on the corner building indicating the original place of business. It is noted in the Tatura Fire Brigade book ‘Rungs in the Ladder’ that Mr. Martin was a member of the Tatura Brigade 1897 – 1899.

Dunera Day

The annual ‘Dunera Day’ was held at the Tatura Museum on Sunday, April 16. The guests were addressed by current camp site owners David Mallinder and Jeff Reed and also witnessed the unveiling of the ‘Sergeant Snow White Scroll’ recently conserved by ‘Beyond the Mount’ – Fine Art Conservation, Castlemaine. Afternoon Tea was enjoyed prior to a tour of the Camp 2 site.

CFA Board Member Peter Shaw presented a National Medal to Alan Tyson.

National Medal 10 Year clasps were also presented to Captain Trevor Franklin, Phil Slender and P Fiddes (third clasp), P Bevan, Bill Stockdale, (first clasp).

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria CEO Adam Barnett awarded Phil Hawkey ASM (Euroa) & Bill Stockdale (Tatura) with the VFBV Gold Star Medal for 30 years of exemplary service to the Association.

CFA Commander Peter Dedman presented Ryan and Hayden Fremantle with 5-year service certificates.

Captain Trevor Franklin was presented with a 50-year CFA Service medal.

Martin Rennie accepted a medal awarded to his father Ray Rennie recognizing 55 years’ service to the Brigade and CFA.

VFBV District Councilor Phil Slender officiated in awarding Jenny Bordett with a 45-year badge recognizing her long service to the Brigade Ladies Auxiliary Fire Call. During the proceedings the Brigade was paged to attend a traffic accident on the Midland Highway, and, demonstrating that the Brigade is always available in emergencies, a crew comprising Graeme Johnson, Peter Bevan Josh Johnson and Alan Tyson responded in Tatura Tanker. - Bill Stockdale, Secretary

- George Ferguson, Tatura Museum

THE PASSING OF A GOLFING LEGEND

It is with great sadness that Hill Top Golf and Country Club acknowledges the death of Jan Dunlop.

Trying to acknowledge great champions is a hard task. How we judge champion golfers and discuss who was best is difficult. However, there can be no doubt that in terms of achievement, Jan Dunlop rates as the best ever Hill Top golfer and one of the greatest golfers, from our district, to ever play the game.

Jan Dunlop commenced playing golf as a child, in the farm paddocks. Her parents were keen golfers, and her father, Alan Tweddle was a capable golfer, mentor, and coach.

Jan commenced her golfing career at Murchison Golf Club, a sand-green course that was only open six months of the year. At the urging of Joyce Elsworthy, Jan entered the Victorian Junior Championships, once in 1965, which she won. She was then selected in the Victorian Junior Team and travelled to Perth.

Jan won the Murchison Golf Club Championship seven times. She also joined Hill Top in 1969 and won the club championship there for 23 consecutive years, which is one of the greatest records of club championships in Australia.

She was a dedicated Country Teams player, being a member of the Goulburn Valley team for 26 years, winning the Alice Coltman Cup many times with Jan as a daunting team player. Jan held many course records at district clubs over years. She also held the position of District President in 1981 and 1982. In the first photo, Jan is shown centre with one of her many Championship Cups. The second photo shows Jan holding the shield at a recent presentation to the winners of the Hill Top event held in her honour.

Some of Jan’s achievements include-

1969 - R/Up Country Championships at Kingston Heath, on the 22nd hole.

1970 -Winner Country Tournament Cobram/Barooga

1971 - Winner Country Tournament Swan Hill.

1972 - Champion of Champions at Keysborough winning 6/5

1976 - Country Champion at Woodlands Golf Club.

1979 - Victorian Sand-green Championship at Kialla.

1979 - Country Champion at Amstel Golf Club

1987 - Gwenda Anderson Trophy- best nett C.C. and Champion of Champions.

Jan also won many Districts Singles, Foursomes and Mixed Championships. A legend of our game has left us and long shall Jan be remembered.

An open event in her honour is still played annually at Hill Top. Members extend their condolences to her family and friends at this sad time. At Jan’s request the wake of her funeral was held at Hill Top on Friday 24 March.

- Hilltop Golf

EASTER WINNERS

Meet the winners of the Puppa & Gaehl Real Estate Easter Coloring Competition.

The colouring competition has kept Tatura Primary students busy with a hands-on activity away from the screen prior to Easter with many varied and creative entries received.

The three prize winners, classified by age, were announced by the School Principal Susanne Gill during assembly on their ‘Crazy Hat and Sock Day’ and presented by Emma Aldridge, Manager and Sales Agent from the Tatura Puppa &

Jan with Her Shield

Jan with a Championship Cup

Gaehl Office.

The Easter Winners

BLESSING OF THE BIKES

An open invitation was extended to the local community, all riders and their bikes for the fourth annual event in Tatura of ‘Blessing of the Bikes’. This free event included a BBQ with a coffee cart in attendance. There were more than twenty bikes there, including Northern Victoria Spyder Riders. The short outdoor service seeking God's blessing over bike riders for safety on the road was performed by Rev. Simba Musvamhiri. The sound of roaring engines and wind blowing through hair as one cruises the open road is a feeling only a true biker can appreciate but we all know this experience can be dangerous. That's why the church hosted the unique event called the Anointing of the Boneshakers, which certainly brought together like-minded people who love riding the open road.

- Janice Dreyer

The Bikes Awaiting Blessing

GOULBURN VALLEY TREE GROUP

There are many reasons to put in a windbreak on your property.

Firstly, it reduces wind speed and wind chill. This has been shown to reduce lamb mortality by 10%, increasing wool production by 30% and lamb weight by 20%.

A windbreak can increase pasture production by 8%, increase water infiltration and decrease soil erosion. Your stock will have summer shade. As well as these benefits, you have the opportunity to store large quantities of carbon on your land.

Your native plantation will support a large range of native species and animals bringing in natural pest control and pollinating insects. Birds such as rosellas, wrens honeyeaters, robins and even owls are likely to inhabit your corridor.

An ideal windbreak should have taller native species through the centre, lower species next with the lowest to the outside making sure stock are not able to reach them through the fence. If your plantation is next to existing or nearby natural vegetation this will create a corridor for support species to move through. The wider your windbreak the more effective. 30 metres is a good width.

Including flowering species of native plants will attract nectar loving birds and insects.

Fencing your area will keep out stock and use tree guards and stakes to deter nibbling rabbits and hares.

Ensure you plant only enough plants you know you can manage to water each summer and plan more for the following year or years. Ideally water the first summer and a little less the second summer. They should not need more watering after that.

Your property will be more attractive and you'll be rewarded in so many ways.

The Goulburn Valley Tree Group is at 6 Kerford Street, Tatura and open Tuesday mornings and also on Saturday mornings from April 15.

- Happy planting! Deb

COINCIDENCES

Sole Survivors

On December 5,1664, the first event in the greatest series of coincidences in history occurred. On this date a ship in the Menai Strait off North Wales, sank with eighty-one passengers on board. There was only one survivor, a man name Hugh Williams. On the same date in 1785, a ship sank in the Menai Strait with sixty passengers. There was only one survivor, a man named Hugh Williams. On the very same date in 1860 in exactly the same area, a ship sank with twenty-five passengers on board, and you

A STUDY OF CHARACTER

I am righteously indignant; you are annoyed; he is making a fuss about nothing – New Statesman Magazine

He was always hovering somewhere, waiting to be offended – Peter Ustinov

Some of us are like wheelbarrows, only useful when pushed, and very easily upset – Jack Herbert

Watching sex on telly with Mum and Dad, that’s embarrassing. I didn’t even know they knew how to use the camcorder – Jimmy Carr

The English instinctively admire any man who has no talent and is modest about it – James Agate

Perfection has one grave defect: it is apt to be dull – W. Somerset Maugham

Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves – Queen Victoria

The degree of one’s emotions varies inversely with one’s knowledge of the facts, the less you know the hotter you get – Bertrand Russell I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing – Oscar Wilde

Bores can be divided into two classes; those who have their own particular subject, and those who don’t need a subject – A. A. Milne I am one of those unfortunate people who inspires bores to the greatest flights of art –Edith Sitwell

guessed it, there was only one survivor and it was a man named Hugh Williams. Next time you’re thinking of going on a cruise it may pay to officially change your name to Hugh Williams.

Brotherly Fate

In Bermuda in 1975 and 1976, two brothers were killed in strikingly similar accidents. The first was riding a moped when he was struck and killed by a taxi. One year later, the man’s brother, riding the same moped, was struck by the same taxi driver who had killed the first man, and the taxi was carrying the same passenger.

I am not conceited. It is just that I have a fondness for the good things in life and I happen to be one of them – Kenneth Williams

A gentleman need not know Latin, but he should at least have forgotten it – Brander Matthews

If you are foolish enough to be contented, don’t show it, but grumble with the rest –Jerome K. Jerome

Don’t forget about what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he wanted. He lived happily ever after – Roald Dahl

Winning is everything. The only ones who remember when you came second are your wife and your dog – Damon Hill

“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous,” Albert Einstein

RUSHWORTH EASTER HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival (the town celebration of yesteryear) was most successful this year. It was a friendly and welcoming environment day, with many people in attendance and a great variety of market stalls, some local businesses and stores open, live music, kid's entertainment, raffles, and lovely food. The highlight to many, of course, was the street parade of vintage and historic vehicles and horses. Rushworth and district is a culturally diverse community, with many interesting and unique businesses and tourist attractions. The Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival committee have a commitment to promote the area to visitors and residents alike, not just at Easter, but throughout the year, organizing activities, displays and events.

Their main event is holding the Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival every year on Easter Saturday.

Unfortunately, the Moora Working Draught Horse Muster on the Sunday did not go ahead this year, due to lack of volunteers, which is a great shame, as it was always a tremendous show for young and old alike. The street parade did go ahead though, with Police, The Rushworth Vintage Engine and Machinery Preservation Group, SES (with Paddy Platypus), Rushworth Historical Society, CFA, the kindergarten, and the Echuca Truck Club all participating.

The Bendigo Building Society supports this and many other events in the area and was represented by their mascot leading the kindergarten children. To name just a couple of unusual vehicles in the long line up, was the first crude oil tractor that replaced twelve horses and an over 100-year-old De Dion Bouton, which was built by a French automobile and railcar manufacturer which operated from 1881 to 1953.

It was so pleasing to see such a good turn out after Covid diminishing such events for such a long time.

RODNEY CWA

At the Junior’s April meeting, the girls completed their felt Easter rabbits, then they baked pikelets which they enjoyed for supper.

At our April meeting, we will be organising our Morning Coffee for April 20, and the Scone Day for May 6. For May we expect a speaker from the SES. Competition will be a photo of Mother.

We meet at the Tatura Bowls Club Rooms at 1:30 pm on the second Thursday of the month. All are welcome.

Scone Day: Rodney CWA Branch in Tatura will be selling pre-ordered Scones, Yo-Yos and ANZAC biscuits.

On Saturday, May 6.

Cost: Scones $1.50 each, $18 per dozen

Yo-yos 6 for $10, Anzac biscuits 6 for $6

Pre-order: by contacting Janette Mason 0408194638 or Gwen Ranson 0427241251.

Pick up from Gwen Ranson’s driveway, 51 Gowrie Street, Tatura between 10.00am and 12.00 noon on Saturday, May 6.

Other delights will be available for sale on the day.

- Beatrice Greaves, Publicity Officer

- Janice Dreyer

The De Dion

The Crude Oil Tractor

TATURA COMMUNITY HOUSE

Power Saving Bonus – every household is eligible! Get $250 in ten minutes!

The community house can process your power saving bonus application quickly and ensure that all documents are uploaded. Bookings essential – 5824 1315.

Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee – up to 38 hours of sick pay for casual workers paid by the Victorian Government!

TATURA FIRE BRIGADE

The Mooroopna sporting complex again paid host to the CFA VFBV State fire fighter Championship on the last weekend in March. Tatura Brigade was well represented and figured in event placings over the two days of competition with the highlight being the win by Matt Rennie in the Hydrant Race for one competitor. This event requires the competitors to sprint approximately 70 metres with the fire hydrant and set the hydrant into the plug and run over the finish line. The competitors have to win through two heats, with the final run against time. The person with fastest time in the final is crowned the Champion. Matt Rennie has won this event for the last three years to become the only person to have accomplished this. All eyes were on the track for the final and Matt did not disappoint with a blistering time of 11.41 seconds beating his rivals by over a second with Harvey WA (12.67) 2nd and Swan Hill (12.69) 3rd. His winning time is the 8th fastest winning time ever recorded and has him re-writing the record books with four consecutive wins.

Tatura’s Jeremy Withall, the defending champion in the ‘1 Competitor Marshall’ again showed his skill by taking out the event. His time was the quickest time over all sections and bettered his previous winning time. Jeremy teamed up with Nathan Rennie to record the fastest time in the ‘2 Competitor Marshall’ for another first place to the Tatura team.

The introduction of female events within the Championships gives ladies the opportunity to pit their skills against each other with some fine performances over the weekend. Hayley Rennie and Charlotte Freemantle combined well in the Marshall events for Ladies placing 2nd and 3rd in their two events. Hayley competed in the ‘1 Competitor Marshall’ and her time of 32.10 seconds placed her 3rd behind Euroa (31.29) and Swan Hill (31.38). Another notable performance was Nathan Rennie finishing 2nd in the Ladder Race with a personal best time of 6.54 seconds behind eventual winner from Osborne Park who recorded a time of 6.50 seconds and Harvey WA 3rd with 6.56.

Competitors skills are also put the test with events involving fire trucks designed to replicate real life fire situations where they are required to attach hoses and branches and squirt discs in the fastest time. Teamwork and co-ordination of roles is critical and the Freemantle family (Ryan, Charlotte and Hayden) together with Fraser McCarty combined well to record some competitive times in each of these events.

At the end of the two days of competition Tatura brigade had recorded the most points in all Dry events and won the Aggregate Trophy for the 2nd year in a row and the ladies were 3rd in the Female aggregate behind Euroa and Melton B.

If you are a casual worker in hospitality, food trades and food preparation, supermarkets, retail or sale, aged care and disability, cleaning and laundry, then you may be entitled to 38 hours of paid sick pay per year. You need to work an average of 7.6 hours or more per week, be older than 15 years and work in Victoria. The community house can register you and support you in claiming your sick pay. Bookings essential – 5824 1315.

Women’s Health Clinic – Free Bulk Billing

In partnership with GV Health, a Women’s Health Clinic will be available at the Community House for women and LGBTIQA+ people of all ages. The clinic will provide information, support, clinical services ad appropriate specialist referral services in an informal and relaxed environment. The clinic runs every first Tuesday of the month during school terms from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Give us a call

Digital Essentials – Expressions of Interest

Would you like to learn the basics of how to operate your smartphone or tablet in a small and friendly group setting with plenty of time to learn and apply your knowledge straight asway? Then these 10-session classes are the thing for you! Each session is three hours, course fee is $130 full fee and $103 concession. Please call the community house to express your interest 5824 1315.

Phyll’s Fashion Parade

Join us on a journey of fashion throughout the decades in memory of Phyll Bramley. Tuesday 23 May at 1:30pm. Drinks and finger food provided. Dress up and bring a friend. Donations will go towards something to remember Phyll Bramley by.

If you have clothes or dresses from the last century and are willing to lend them to the community house to present on the runway, give us a call on 5824 1315.

Monster Garage Sale

The Monster is back! Register your Garage Sale with the community house from Monday 3rd April – registrations are $20. Town wide garage sale on Saturday 6 May from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Maps are being sold at the community house from 8:00am sharp for $2.00. Coffee, tea and bacon & egg sandwiches available from 7:30am.

Coming Soon – Tatura Community House Walkway Gallery – Volunteers needed

We are transforming our hallways and foyer into a community gallery. We are looking for art loving volunteers for the gallery committee. Give us a call to inquire and have a chat.

Volunteers Needed - If you would like to get involved, give the Community House a call on 5824 1315.

- Nadine and Tom

- Nadine Freemantle, Community Safety Coordinator.

The Tatura Fire Brigade Team

LAKE BARTLETT OVER THE YEARS

TATURA RSL

By the time of publication of the April edition of the Bulletin, Anzac Day will have come and gone. It is hopeful that all will have gone well.

In March, Tatura RSL, got the green light to relocate to the building within the Private Robert Mactier VC Memorial Gardens. This building is well known as the Senior Citizens and is part of the assets belonging to the Shepparton Council. This is a shared facility with the Senior Citz, that Council not only endorsed but is also in keeping with their philosophy of sharing buildings. Other committees and clubs also use this facility for meetings. The Tatura RSL membership look forward to this new venture, having what is considered to be many advantages. The Tatura RSL once again is being progressive in its outlook to better enhance its profile in a unsurpassed location and within the precinct of the statue of Private Robert Mactier VC. The shared Senior Citizens and RSL building is located at the physical and postal address of number 2 Memorial Place where there is a mailbox located adjacent the footpath. Please feel free to place correspondence therein for both tenants to receive.

The Tatura RSL membership is very mindful of the Mechanics building being its club rooms for many years. This building was erected in 1881 and since then has had many and varied occupants. An RSL honour board indicates in 1920 the president was A. Rettick, with the secretary being D. Mactier. In the past there has been a change of locations for the Tatura RSL within the Mechanics building, however I am not aware of any other locations where the Tatura RSL clubrooms were located. It appears the Tatura RSL has had its club rooms at the Mechanics’ building for over 100 years. I feel a little nostalgic, however the RSL Club itself is still here in Tatura and must take every advantage to encourage new membership and keep positive and continue. The Tatura RSL has always had a good respectful relationship with the Civic Halls committee which is a caretaker of that facility for and on behalf of the Tatura citizens. This committee (all volunteers) is worthy of the Tatura community’s support. The Tatura RSL gives thanks and appreciation for that respectful relationship.

I trust everyone had a happy and safe Easter. Lest we forget.

Depending on who you speak to, Lake Bartlett in its current form receives a variety of comments. Speaking to locals, Lake Bartlett has had a multitude of activities performed in, on and surrounding its position in the Tatura township. When completely dry in earlier days, it was the venue for kids on motor scooters to be riding through the dried up lakebed. When full, it has been the venue for regular water activities, including remote control boats and canoeing, particularly by the scouting group. The small island was the venue for wedding photos, parties and who knows how many after dark activities.

Presently, the lake’s boundary is a highly popular walking track (about 1.7km around both lakes) for people and particularly the dog walking fraternity. Now, with a newly established toilet and a free BBQ, it is a popular spot for locals and visitors. Fishing enthusiasts have some success because the lakes are regularly stocked with fingerlings and there have been some good size catches, often caught and released. The Columns Park Walk beside the lake has 26 concrete colonnades depicting town organisations and the 100-year history and lifestyles of Tatura and District, with some having inserted time capsules to be opened on Australia Day, 2050.

One of the biggest issues with the lake is the proliferation of the sedges and grasses taking control over large areas of the lake and particularly the Azolla Red Water Fern. The full coverage of this water fern can stop oxygen diffusion, thus shading out aquatic plants and causing fish and other aquatic death, therefore this issue needs to be addressed to ensure the long-term health of the lake.

The Lake Bartlett 1990's photo was submitted by Ian Deaville - John Crilly

Lake Bartlett 2023

Lake Bartlett 1990's

- Mal Watts Tatura RSL

TATURA BOWLS CLUB

BETTER BEEF PASTURE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

Beef farmers, learn how to maximise pasture productivity and utilisation at a free one-day workshop with leading pasture expert Phil Shannon. This workshop delivers the latest information on grazing guidelines for main pasture and crop types and provides a unique and practical approach to managing grazing rotations. The simple and effective customized Rotation Right tool is introduced. This practical approach to grazing allows you to pro-actively manage both rotation length and daily pasture allocation to the stock in order to optimize pasture harvest.

There is a practical emphasis on farm layout and paddock size required for profitable grazing control and even feed allocation. Recent advancements clearly indicate that paddock size can play a key role in managing flatter feed supply and getting pasture residuals right more often.

The ‘peg’ system is introduced, and this greatly simplifies the challenge of working out where the herd should graze next – and as importantly can help with the challenge of establishing a rotation when the season breaks and identifying the true farm surplus in spring.

So, whether you are:

• new to the industry and looking for the latest approach to gain key skills and tools to optimize home grown feed and feed cows profitably or • an experience farmer looking to check that your current approach is on track and take the opportunity to explore new approaches, this program is for you.

The workshop is free and open to all beef farmers and will be held on Monday, May 15, at the Harston Hall. For more information and to register, please contact Nick on 0438 321 528.

This workshop is supported by Agriculture Victoria. Information about a range of support measures for flood and storm-affected farmers can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods.

Tatura Bowls Club events have now all concluded. A Two Bowls championship event is held annually at the Tatura Bowls Club and in the Championship final Paul Nowland, who had led his opponent Keith Smith through most of the match, was caught on the last end to force a draw and an extra end playoff which Smith won.

In the 100Up final, Darryn Carpenter led from the outset but was headed for a time by Peter Wallis. The game was in contention with the scores Carpenter 84 and Wallis 81. In the next 3 ends Carpenter scored 20 to Wallis' 10 to win the 100Up Championship.

Carpenter has possibly created club history by winning in the one pennant year, the Men's Singles Club Championship, the 21Up Championship and now the 100Up championship.

In the B Grade championship between Julian Robson and Mitch Reeves, Robson had what seemed an insurmountable lead to the 21 target when up 19 to 5. However, Reeves with some fine draw bowling won 10 consecutive ends to be just 3 shots behind 19 to 16. Robson with much relief scored the next two singles to take out the B Grade Championship for this pennant season.

- John Crilly

GOULBURN VALLEY WEST CWA –CRAFT GROUP

Members of the Echuca Group CWA organised an invitation to Goulburn Valley West and Eastern Goulburn Valley Group Craft members to join them in a day of many craft activities.

A delicious morning tea started off the day creating and renewing friendships from past CWA crafting events. All 37 members enjoyed a shared lunch with lovely food and together, ladies spoke about what was happening within their local Branches.

There were different crafts to try including Chicken Scratch, Ribbon Work, Embroidery, Crochet, Crewel embroidery and UFOs to work on. Many ladies seem to have much of the above types of craft in our personal ‘To Do Box’, or as labelled as UFO, Unfinished Object.

There was ‘Show and Tell’ with many wonderful items displayed and explained, giving groups new ideas and new crafts to explore. Lots of useful freebies were given to members to take home.

Everybody enjoyed this wonderful day and the ladies from Echuca Group were thanked for their kindness in sharing and also for organising this invitation for the wonderful get together.

- Barbara Carter

Darryn Carpenter and Peter Wallis

Mitch Reeves, Julian Robson and John Crilly

Recipes

PAVLOVA

A commercially bought pavlova just doesn't compare with a homemade one and most people don't realize how simple it can be to do it yourself.

Ingredients:

4 Egg Whites

1 Cup Castor Sugar

1 Heaped Tablespoon Cornflour

Whipped Cream and Fruit of choice for topping

Method:

Beat egg whites slowly until frothy.

Add cornflour and beat quickly until stiff.

Put in two spoonfuls of the sugar and beat for three minutes.

Add the rest of sugar and fold quickly into mixture. Spoon mixture on a baking tray in circular shape.

Bake at 100 degrees for four hours.

When cool, cover with whipped cream and fruit of choice.

- Janice Dreyer

TATURA POOL COMPETITION

The Tatura Bowls Club, in the off season, are making use of their pool table by entering a team in the Merrigum and District Pool competition playing against teams from Rochester, Kyabram, Tatura, Rushworth

and Mooroopna.

The Tatura Bowls Club's pool players in a photo are out to intimidate their opposition but please note it is not a requirement to shave one's head to play.

- John Crilly

The Tatura Pool Team

EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST!

No one knows the Tatura Market like Ray White Tatura!

We dont get our results by chance! We have the best local people using their experience, local knowledge and professionalism to get you the best result for your Real Estate needs.

DEMAND IS STILL STRONG

DEMAND IS STILL STRONG

DEMAND IS STILL STRONG

We

We are needing houses in all areas of

WE STILL HAVE BUYERS DESPERATE FOR WELL PRESENTED PROPERTIES ACROSS ALL AREAS

WE STILL HAVE BUYERS DESPERATE FOR WELL PRESENTED PROPERTIES ACROSS ALL AREAS

WE STILL HAVE BUYERS DESPERATE FOR WELL PRESENTED PROPERTIES ACROSS ALL AREAS

Considering selling your property? Contact Ray White for a no obligation fee evaluation of your property! There is no better time to sell.

Considering selling your property? Contact Ray White for a no obligation fee evaluation of your property! There is no better time to sell.

Considering selling your property? Contact Ray White for a no obligation fee evaluation of your property! There is no better time to sell.

There is no better time to sell.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY

WHAT

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY

FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH..

MURCHISON PRESBYTERIAN UNITING CHURCH

From 1859 the Rev. A. McNicol was the first Presbyterian minister at Rushworth, travelling to Murchison and to Whroo to conduct services there. A building made of slab walls and a shingle roof was built in Murchison as the church, close to where the present-day Uniting Church stands now. The Presbyterian congregation used the building for social gatherings and a day school as well.

After Rev. McNicol moved to Wallan in 1861, Murchison was without a long-term Minister and by 1870 the Presbyterian community worshipped with the United Methodist Free Church, swelling the numbers there considerably.

The Methodist minister was Rev. T.B. Swift at that time. ln 1873 Rev. Swift fell out of favour with the Methodist Elders and a move was afoot to transfer him to another area. However, the Presbyterian Church reformed and approached Rev. Swift to minister to the Presbyterians and he accepted the position, much to the disapproval of the Methodists!

By October 1876, the building of the brick church commenced, designed by notable architect Charles Webb. William Brown, the town’s saddler and active community member laid the foundation stone in November 1877. In April 1878 the church building was completed and officially opened by Rev. James Nish, clerk of the General Assembly.

Rev. Swift proved a popular minister and when he moved on in 1882, he was presented with a farewell gift of 200 sovereigns, a very large amount of money at the time. During the years he cared for the Presbyterian flock in Murchison, he also established churches at Tatura and at Mooroopna. He was replaced by Rev. William Matthew and then after two years, Murchison became attached to Tatura where Rev. Chambers was the minister. By 1901 Murchison and Goulburn Weir joined together to become a distinct charge.

The Presbyterian Manse was built at No. 3 Stevenson Street in 1902 and the weatherboard hall constructed next to the church in 1926.

In June 1977 the Presbyterian Church at Murchison became part of the Uniting Church. Rev. W. Higgins was inducted as the first Uniting Church minister and moved into the new manse which had been built in Meteorite Street.

The current minister, Rev. Brian Spencer, lives on his own property out of Colbinabbin.

The Parish, known as Waranga Uniting Churches, now consists of preaching places in Colbinabbin, Rushworth, Tatura, and Murchison.

Sadly, the Stanhope, Goulburn Weir and Toolamba buildings have closed, and congregation members now join with Rushworth, Murchison, and Tatura.

Today, to keep up with modern technology, the church services are presented via Zoom to each congregation from the host church which rotates around the parish weekly. These services are also viewed online by folk who live outside the Parish.

- Kay Ball

Recipes

CWA RECIPE BANANA & CHICKEN CURRY

500g chicken fillets cut into bite size pieces

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons plain flour

2 onions cut into wedges

2 cups chicken stock

Ground pepper to taste 1 cup sultanas

2 apples, grated

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 or 2 tablespoons curry powder

2 bay leaves ½ teaspoon turmeric

5 bananas sliced ½ cup thickened cream

Melt butter and cook chicken 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from pan.

Add extra butter and onions, cook 1 minute.

Add flour to pan and mix well.

Gradually pour in chicken stock, stirring continually.

Add the remaining ingredients except bananas and cream, cover and simmer for 10 mins.

Simmer uncovered for a further 5 mins. Stir in bananas and cream and heat for 3 minutes.

Serve with rice.

Uniting Church and Hall 2023

Presbyterian Church 1908

Tatura Presbyterian Church

Minister: Kalpan Vasa Worship Services

Tatura 10:30 am

Rushworth 9:00 am.

Weekly Bible study and Fellowship Groups

Contact 0477 241 042

All Saints Tatura

Anglican Church

Minister: Rev. Simba Musvamhiri

Family Worship Service

Including Little Saints Children’s Program

Sundays at 9.30am

Contact 0497 597 127

www.allsaintstatura.org.au

Tatura Uniting Church

“Olive & Vine”

115 Hogan Street, Tatura

Minister: Brian Spencer 0400 274 482 Service 9.30am every Sunday.

May 7 Rev B Spencer zoom from Colbinabbin

Communion/McTaggart plaque.

May 14 Rev B Spencer zoom from Murchison.

May 21 Gereldine Leonard zoom from Rushworth.

May 28 Rev B Spencer Tatura Communion/Pentecost

June 4 Rev B Spencer zoom from Colbinabbin.

See Waranga Uniting Churches Web site for Zoom links

Sacred Heart Church Tatura

Minister: Rev Fr John Paul Pasala

Worship Services: Weekends

Saturday 6pm (1st & 3rd of the month)

Sunday 10.30am

Weekdays

Wednesday 9.15am & Friday 9.15am

Reconciliation:

1st Saturday of the month at 11.30am

Contact: Ph. 5824 1049

Email: Tatura@cdos.org.au www.sacredheartparishtatura.com.au

Generations Church Tatura

Senior Pastor: Ps Jeremy Burr 10am Service

03 58243240

295 Dhurringile Rd

www.generations.org.au

TATURA LIONS CLUB

The Lions Club of Tatura would like to thank our community for their generous donations to the Good Friday appeal.

A total of $9,927.00 was collected.

A big thank you to all those who collected for us:

Tatura CFA

Tatura SES

Tracy

Lyn Brontë

Also, to those who used the QR code to donate. Thanks also to all the businesses in Tatura who had had collection tins in their shops over the past year. Well done!

To Hill Top Golf club for running their golf day on Friday and raising $1,101 and for the use of the club for all our counting of monies!

Thankyou IGA for allowing us to run a successful Easter Raffle.

Winners were:

1st Prize Easter Eggs - Grant W

2nd Prize Drone - Jenny S

3rd Prize Voucher - Kryn C

Thanks also to the businesses who donated prizes for the raffle.

Hopefully next year we will be able to resume the street collections as in past years. Anyone willing to help please contact a Lions member. We look forward to next year’s Good Friday appeal. Any suggestions on how we can get more funds next year would be appreciated.

FURPHY LITERARY AWARDS

Write your Furphy Literary Awards entry these school holidays.

Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Furphy Foundation, La Trobe University and the GV Library Group, would like to remind young people that now is the perfect time to write and submit a story for the 2023 Furphy Literary Awards.

Entries are open for the four youth categories, which are made up of Junior Short Story, Junior Poetry for writers 12 and under, Youth Short Story and Youth Poetry for writers aged 13 to 17 years.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged writers to use the school holidays to develop and refine their stories.

“The school holidays are a great time to work on your entry for the Furphy Literary Awards. There are options to submit a short story or poetry piece in both the Junior and Youth categories,” he said. “As the saying goes, everyone can write at least one good story. The Awards are a great way for our local young people to express their creativity, individuality, and voices.”

Each category has a first-place prize of $300, followed by second of $100 and third of $50. Entries close on Wednesday, May 31 at 11.59pm. For more information on the awards and who is eligible to enter, please visit http://www.furphyliteraryaward.com. au/junioryouth

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

The quote this month is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American philosopher and poet who lived in the mid-19th century.

“What is success?

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest

critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”

DRIVING THE CONVERSATION

“Excuse me, Grandpa,” said Sam, my 19-year-old grandson, as we were having a cup of tea at his parent’s house.

“Yes, Sam,” I replied. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s more about what I can do for you, Grandpa,” replied Sam. “We’ve been doing assertive training in the Business Studies course I’ve been doing at university, and we’ve learned that if a difficult conversation is necessary then we should have sufficient integrity to undertake it.”

“Well, good for you, Sam,” I replied. “I’ve always believed it’s important to speak your mind if the situation warrants it.”

Sam looked away for a moment as he tried to gather his thoughts. “It’s just that I read something recently,” he suddenly declared, “and it got me thinking about you.”

“That’s nice,” I replied. “I suppose I should be flattered.”

“This is serious, Grandpa,” chided Sam.

“I’m sorry, Sam. What was it that you read?”

“Well, you know how you turned seventy recently.”

“Yes,” I replied. “My memory still serves me well about that event. We had a great party.”

Sam nodded. “It’s just that the article I was reading said that by the time you turn seventy, a lot of your faculties such as your eyesight and hearing will have diminished significantly and your reaction times will have slowed down greatly. The article suggested that people over seventy should have their licences revoked in order to make the roads safer for everyone.”

“I see,” I replied slowly. “So, you’re saying I shouldn’t be allowed to drive anymore.”

“It’s not me saying it, Grandpa,” replied Sam a touch defensively. “It was the professor who wrote the article. I’m just having the difficult conversation with you.”

“And I do appreciate that, Sam. It can’t have been easy for you to bring the subject up.”

Sam shrugged. “There’s no point learning about something if you don’t have the courage to implement it.”

“Quite right, Sam,” I replied. “You’ve brought up a very interesting point so here is what I’ll do for you. I will play you at table tennis and at chess which will test both my physical and mental abilities. With your young reflexes and mental acuity pitted against my general decrepitude, according to your professor, it should be a doddle for you. If you beat me at both, then I will gladly hand in my licence. Is that fair?”

Sam studied me for a moment, looking for a trap, then not having found one, smiled. “That sounds fair to me Grandpa.”

“Very good,” I replied. “However, to make it truly fair, if I beat you at both then you will hand in your licence and you will never drive again.” I held out my hand. “Is that a deal?”

Sam looked slightly shocked. “Wait a minute, Grandpa, this is about you not driving anymore. It’s not about me. I need my licence to get to university, and what happens when I get a job and eventually have a family? I can’t agree to that.”

“But I’m seventy,” I reminded him. “According to your professor, I’ve become decrepit. Beating me at table tennis and chess should be a walk in the park for someone as young as you. This is your chance to get me off the road.”

Sam shook his head. “I know you’re still pretty good at table tennis, even at your age, because you’ve got all those weird spins and such, and I don’t think anybody has beaten you at chess for years. I can’t take the risk of losing.”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “According to your article, because I’ve turned

seventy, I’m now a danger on the road, both to myself and to other road users. Surely anybody I can beat at table tennis and chess is even less fit to be on the road.”

“Well, perhaps you’re the exception to the rule,” conceded Sam, “but I still think the article has merit.”

“Of course it has merit,” I agreed, “but you can’t make a blanket rule based upon an arbitrary chronological point in time that some professor has plucked out of thin air. Why not 71 years or 69 years? Anyway, it’s not us older drivers that are the danger on the roads. Your grandmother and I were driving down to Lorne last week and most of the older drivers on the road were either sitting in the left-hand lane driving along at a sensible 95kph or keeping up with the traffic in the other lanes sitting on 100kph. They weren’t the ones cutting in and out of the traffic and aggressively tailgating the other drivers. Do you know who these drivers were?”

“I suppose you’re going to say they were P-plate drivers,” replied Sam with a touch of annoyance.

“They certainly were, Sam. So, it seems to me that perhaps we should raise the driving age to twenty-one in order to give these idiots a chance to mature. If you want to save lives then I think this should be the way to go.”

“You can’t judge all young drivers because of the actions of a few idiots,” said Sam.

“Hmm, I’m not so sure,” I replied. “I wonder how many older drivers get pulled over for texting while they’re driving or talking on their phones?”

“Now you’re not being fair at all,” complained Sam.

“Of course I’m not being fair,” I replied, “just as it’s not fair to make a mandatory rule about people just because they’ve turned seventy. Each case should be taken on its merits. Just because we’re old doesn’t mean we’re stupid. We leave that to the young folk.”

“Hey!” exclaimed Sam.

“I’m just kidding,” I replied. “We’re smart enough to know that if we’re on medication that affects our driving then we stay off the road and get somebody else to drive us. If we’re incapable of making that decision then it’s up to our family and friends, or our doctor to intervene, just like you have today, if you truly believe that someone has become a danger on the road, but you can’t do it based simply on someone’s age. There has to be a medical or intellectual reason. Our independence is very important to us, particularly out in the country where there is no public transport. If you take away my car then you take away my ability to play sport, to socialise, to go shopping, to visit my family, to go to sporting events, to the cinema or even to go the doctor or chemist. It would be a short cut to an early grave for most of us.”

“No-one is saying that Grandpa,” replied Sam defensively.

“No, Sam, that is exactly what you are saying,” I replied. “Starting a conversation is easy. The difficult part is resolving the issues that are raised by that conversation.”

- John Kriesfeld

WITH KERRY…

The Tilt

By Chris Hammer

Newly-minted homicide detective Nell Buchanan returns to her home town, annoyed at being assigned a decades-old murder – a ‘file and forget’.

But this is no ordinary cold case, as the discovery of more bodies triggers a chain of escalating events in the present day. As Nell starts to join the pieces together, when begins to question how well she truly knows those closest to her.

The nearer Nell comes to uncovering the secrets of the past, the more dangerous the present becomes for her.

Having read all of Chris Hammer’s previous books I was really looking forward to his latest. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as the others.

It is set in and around the Barmah forest which brought it closer to home but I got bogged down with the amount of characters and plots. You may feel differently when you read it.

- Kerry Gardner

See page 23 for answers

1. How many degrees in a circle?

a. 45

b. 90

c. 180

d. 360

2. Where in your body is the patella?

a. Shoulder blades

b. Foot

c. Knee

d. Elbow

3.What is the capital city of Portugal?

a. Madrid

b. Barcelona

c. Prague

d. Lisbon

4. When is Easter celebrated each year?

a. On the first Sunday after the full moon

b. Two weeks after Palm Sunday

c. Three days after Passover

d. The last Sunday of the school holidays

5. Which is the closest planet to the Earth?

a. Venus

b. Mercury

c. Mars

d. The Moon

6. What is the sailor’s dance known as?

a. The Boogie-woogie

b. The Hornpipe

c. The Charleston

d. The Flamenco

7. Where was Napoleon born?

a. Sardinia

b. Malta

c. Sicily

d. Corsica

8. What is the name of the straight edge of the border between NSW and Victoria?

a. Wentworth Way

b. Sturt-Wylie Marker

c. Black-Allan Line

d. Ludwig Leichardt Line

9. Who created the imaginary land of Narnia?

a. Enid Blyton

b. C.S. Lewis

c. Ruth Park

d. Roald Dahl

10. How many valves does a trumpet have?

a. Three

b. Four

c. Five

d. Six

HOLIDAY WORD SEARCH

Find and circle all of the hidden words about the holiday season The left over letters reveal a secret message

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Greater Shepparton City Council Heritage Open Days will be held on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13.

There will be many heritage buildings and precincts open for your inspection and there will also be ten free bus tours held throughout the City of Greater Shepparton area.

Guided walking tours will also be held in five municipal areas.

Illustrated brochures will be available at the libraries and museums to give you further information.

All of this will be free, but booking is essential. Telephone 58 329730 to make your booking or to find out further information.

- George Ferguson, Tatura Museum

WORLD EVENTS in May

May 1 – May Day. May Day is usually celebrated on May 1. It is an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival. It is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures and includes dancing, singing, and mountains of food and drink. In the late 19th century, May Day was chosen as the date for International Workers’ Day by the Socialist International, a loose collaboration of socialist, labour and communist groups.

May 2 – World Asthma Day. This is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.

May 3 – Two Different Coloured Shoes Day. This day recognizes the uniqueness and diversity of humanity. The simple act of purposely wearing two different colored shoes demonstrates the courage to take a risk and step outside one’s comfort zone. This probably won’t be too difficult for most women who seem to have a multitude of colourful shoes to choose from, but for the average man who only has a couple of pairs of shoes, and usually they’re the same colour, this could be quite difficult.

May 4 – Star Wars Day. Yes, yes, “May the Fourth be with you”. This was quite clever when it was first bandied around seventeen years ago but it’s getting rather tired now. Perhaps you can respond with, “And May the Fist be with you.”

May 5 – International Tuba Day. The stereotype for tuba players is that they have no real musical talent, no personality, just big, fat bodies with puffy cheeks and powerful lungs. Apparently, tuba players are feeling a little unloved as we now have a tuba appreciation day. As far as I’m concerned, I think the Beatles summed it up best in one of their songs where the line was “Oompah, oompah, stick it up your joompah!”

May 8 – No Socks Day. For those of you who are hard of reading, the word is socks not jocks. I just thought it would be good to clarify that important point. Why we would be told to wear no socks when winter is just around the corner is a little baffling so it must be a northern hemisphere day that has crept south. “What’s the reason?” I hear you ask. It’s a good question because there isn’t one.

May 9 – Public Gardens Day. Public gardens, which we could easily take for granted, provides a place for people to play and relax and also give a town an air of serenity. They break up what would otherwise be an endless row of buildings with a colourful, floral centrepiece

May 10 – Windmill Day. Quaint, rustic windmills slowly turning with the wind are a pleasant, relaxing sight to behold. The giant wind turbine monstrosities that tower over the landscape aren’t. I suppose it’s a choice between eye pollution or air pollution.

May 11 – Eat What You Want Day. Fact No. 1 – You’re never going to look like the models on the cover of the magazines. Even they don’t look like themselves (courtesy of air brushing). Fact No. 2 – A gluten free diet is only useful if you’re allergic to gluten. Fact No. 3 – Our bodies require protein and fat to function properly. Fact No. 4 – Celebrities make a lot of money promoting the latest fad diet. So, on this day, kick all of that to the kerb and eat something that you really want without the slightest feeling of guilt. Enjoy!

May 13 – Leprechaun Day. Leprechauns are well-known for hiding their gold and are notoriously hard to see, let alone catch. So, forget about getting rich by catching a leprechaun and instead start saving for your own pot of gold. If you saved the money you spent on that $5 cup of coffee each day you would have $1,300 in your pot at the end of the year. May 14 – Chicken Dance Day. This song by a struggling Dutch band was originally called ‘The Duck Dance’ but when it was brought to Okterberfest in 1981 (because alcohol and the dance were made for each other), there was a complete lack of duck costumes, so it became ‘The Chicken Dance’. Anyway, let’s see some courageous, sober, chickens dancing around Tatura on this day, and rest assured, we’ll be laughing with you, not at you, truly.

May 16 – Drawing Day. Drawing Day is all about sharing your inner creativity with the world. Whether it is crayon, pencil, or charcoal, just let it all out and have fun, and best of all, there are no batteries required. Unfortunately, some of us are artistically challenged, and as I’m one of them, I’ll leave the drawing to others. My drawing ability was so bad at school, my grade six teacher brought in the school psychiatrist to have a chat with me in order to find out if I was disturbed. Fortunately, I didn’t tell him about the voices in my head and was released back into society. May 19 – Bike to Work Day. This is a good idea for a bit of exercise and clean, fresh air in the lungs. Perhaps not such a good idea if you live in Melbourne.

May 24 – World Tiara Day. Why is it that only princesses get to wear tiaras? Let’s put an end to this royal snobbery and make it an everyday dressing accessory for the woman (or man) in the street. Don’t dream it, do it!

May 26 – World Lindy Hop Day. Requiring a great deal of fitness and energy, this dance originated in black communities in Harlem, in New York City during the ‘Roaring Twenties’. As we’re now living in the ‘Boring Twenties’, perhaps it’s time to put a little fun in our lives with this frenetic and occasionally frenzied dance that is likely to leave you exhausted, but don’t worry: you only need to do it once every year. Some say the name commemorates Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 ‘hop’ across the Atlantic in a plane.

May 29 – World Composting Day. Compost is an eco-friendly, cheap and effective option for fertilising your garden and plants but unfortunately not enough of us do it. This day serves as a reminder to recycle your waste food and scraps and get back closer to nature. If it was good enough for our ancestors, then it should be good enough for us.

May 30 – World No Tobacco Day. The title speaks for itself. If you’ve been thinking about giving up the smokes, then perhaps this is the catalyst you’ve been waiting for. As I said before, don’t dream it, do it! Your body will thank you and so will everyone else.

- John Kriesfeld

SUDOKU No. 81

Send ‘er down Hughie.

The Bureau of Meteorology was caught in a storm of its own making recently when it issued a press release requesting people no longer refer to them as either “BoM” or the Weather Bureau.

They requested to either be referred to by their full name or alternatively, “The Bureau”. The staff at the BoM are scientists, not weather forecasters or the weathermen, and believe they need a nickname reflecting their status.

Their request was greeted by scorn and more than a little mirth by people who perceived, both, that spending around $200,000 was a waste of money and that the BoM had failed to understand what every schoolchild knows: you do not get to choose your own nickname. In Australia, you are given a nickname by a third party. Friends, enemies, sometimes schoolteachers, will isolate something in your appearance, behaviour or name and assign you a nickname that reflects that. Sometimes the nickname sticks and sometimes it doesn’t, but one thing is certain and that is that asking people to stop calling you that nickname will almost guarantee that the nickname will be yours forever!

Under no circumstances can someone request a cool-sounding nickname and “The Bureau” clearly falls into this category. It’s like the new guy at the footy club trying to establish a nickname like ‘Maverick’ or ‘Diesel.’ It is not going to happen. Whether you love or hate them, nicknames stick.

If you look at the team sheet of any local football club, posted in the window of the community’s General Store, you will be hard pressed to identify half the team, unless you are familiar with their nicknames.

Some nicknames are given because of behaviour: Autumn Leaves: always falling down; Killer, the local butcher, Sherlock, the smart, nerdy bloke or Knuckles, tough guy. Some nicknames are based on appearance: Curly, the owner of this nickname can have either curly or straight hair, or none! Slab, appearance or drinking prowess, or Slim, normally a tall person but it can be ironic, ditto Shorty. And of course, redheads can become Bloodnut or Bluey or Ranga.

Some nicknames come from peoples’ profession or passion: Tractors or Toot and some just arise from the Australian habit of adding a “y” or an “azza” to the first part of any name at all: Bazza, Shazza, Spenny, Davy. The Bible is full of people who became known by their nicknames. In the Old Testament it was usually God who gave out the nicknames. After some mystical encounter or incident, the subject would be renamed, often based on a pun of their name or that reflected the nature of the encounter.

The great patriarch of Israel, originally called Abram, meaning ‘Father’, becomes Abraham,

‘Father of a Multitude’, signalling his new role as heir of many nations.

Jacob was a twin who, according to the biblical story, was born holding on to his brother’s heel. Jacob means “supplanter, deceiver” and, true to his name, Jacob grew up as a conniver, deceiver, and cheat, eventually through those means, steals his brother’s position as heir to the birthright.

Much later in life Jacob wrestles with a man, who was possibly God, at a key transition point in his life. God gives Jacob a new name: Israel, saying “Because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

(Genesis 32:28)

In the New Testament, Jesus was fond of giving nicknames to his disciples. Most famously Simon the fisherman is named “Rocky” (Peter means Rock) because of his strong and stubborn nature. James and John were call the “Sons of Thunder”. There was also Simon, “The Zealot” and Thomas, “The Twin”.

The important thing with a nickname is to lean into them, like a rip. By that I mean don’t fight it. You may not like it but fighting it will only make it stick harder.

At their best, a nickname reveals to us something that others see in us that we may not see in ourselves. While it can seem like they will be with us forever, most will fade away as we get older, move away and our friendships and jobs change.

My father wasn’t a particularly religious man. He rarely went to church, and he said the evening grace before our meal at a breakneck speed but he always said a prayer as it started to rain. There would be dark clouds building, growing higher and higher in the summer sky. Thunder would rumble in the distance, the wind would blow harder, gusting through the trees and then the crack of nearby lightning would signal the start of a summer downpour. As the big drops of rain would start to pound on the corrugated roof, my father would exclaim, “Send ‘er down Hughie!”

I am not sure why God got the nickname ‘Hughie’ but it’s a name that has stuck for many Australians. I like to think it’s an affectionate name for a benevolent God. It may sound a little disrespectful, but it is in keeping with Jesus advising us to begin our prayers, not with the big, formal names for God, but with the informal family name ‘Abba, Daddy’. It’s a nickname that deserves to stick!

This is the gospel, and it’s good news.

Brian Spencer, Minister, Tatura Uniting Church

Have some news to share? Send it to

info@tatbulletin.com.au

I wish Covid-19 had started in Las Vegas. Because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

I asked my date to meet me at the gym, but she never showed up. I guess the two of us aren't going to work out.

When I was a kid, my mother told me I could be anyone I wanted to be. Turns out, identity theft is a crime.

ministry in different contexts, I have always begun each Sunday by thanking God for the opportunity and freedom to meet together. I never once thought that this would change in a peaceful democratic country like Australia. These are exceptional times.

DHURRINGILE PRIMARY SCHOOL

9c – 2 (Phobos and Deimos) 10b – Baby

Scoring.

0–2. Struggle Street. Don’t feel too bad. In order for people to live on Bland Street, somebody has to be worse than that and I’m sorry to say that’s you. On the other hand, if you had guessed (c) for every answer you would have gotten four correct so perhaps you were just unl

On the Monday of the last week of term, we took part in our Annual Athletic Sports at McEwen Reserve, Shepparton. This year, three new schools joined with us taking the number of schools participating to nine. For first term, our physical education lessons focus on learning about the events at the athletic sports and then practicing them. To start our lessons, we have been running laps around the school each morning to assist in increasing our general fitness and to help in learning how to pace ourselves during the distance running events. Events the students participate in include distance running, sprints, shot put or vortex, discus, high jump, long jump, triple jump, and hurdles. The older students also have the chance to represent their school in the relays. The Dhurringile students didn’t manage to earn lots of ribbons at the sports however they thoroughly demonstrated our school values of respect, achievement and resilience through their efforts and sportsmanship. Well done.

3d

Whilst I understand the absolute necessity to protect one another from COVID-19 and ‘flatten the curve’, it is still extraordinary and unsettling to know that at a time when people are afraid, frustrated, worried and looking for answers, our church doors are shut. And yet… our church community remains active. Our message of hope in Christ and our love for community is being spread in new ways. All our parishioners are praying for our families and friends, our church, our town, our nation and the world. The leaders of our pastoral care groups call and check in on assigned members of the congregation every week, to see how they are and if they need any help. As the Minister, I also call a number of different parishioners each week to offer pastoral care and prayer.

- Lisa Wilson

3-5. Bland Street. The majority of the population fall into this category. After all, average is both normal and safe. If you stand out from the crowd you become a tall poppy and we know what happens to them so rejoice in your ordinariness.

6-7. Above Average (sort of). Well done on another abnormal performance. If you were normal you would have been living on Bland Street and being called unexceptional. So, according to the Oxford dictionary, you are exceptional, irregular and deviating from type. Ask your friends if that sounds like you.

4a – On the first Sunday after the full moon

5a – Venus

6b – The Hornpipe

7d – Corsica

8c – Black-Allan Line

9b – C.S. Lewis

10a – Three

SCORING

0–2. Struggle Street. First of all, congratulations on doing this quiz. That’s about it really. There’s not much else I can add.

3-5. Bland Street. There you go again, another average performance which is about average for people who perform averagely. As Mr Mediocre says, “It’s normal to be average.”

QUIZ answers

Every Sunday we upload an audio and transcript of the sermon to our website (https:// allsaintstatura.org.au/sermon/). We also produce a weekly newsletter which includes encouraging news, stories and photos from parishioners spending their days at home. For those at home with kids or grandkids, we put together a weekly ‘Little Saints’ kids pack which includes a kids bible teaching and some simple crafts to do as a family at home. The sermon, newsletter and kids pack are emailed to the congregation and for those who do not have internet access, is printed and left in letterboxes.

achieving a good score as a well-rounded knowledge was required to answer these questions correctly. Go you good thing!

8-9. Smarty Pants. Well done! You obviously paid attention at school and have been reading widely ever since. Those people with a score less than yours will no doubt whine that you had a couple of lucky guesses. The correct term should be educated guesses.

Over the Easter weekend, George Ferguson and I placed artwork by one of our parishioners, Kate Peachey, on display outside the church building along with three crosses. The portraits captured Jesus’ journey to the cross and his resurrection. We chose to put up this display to help our community reflect on the true meaning of Easter; the sacrifice that Jesus made dying on the cross to reconcile people to God. Many people doing their regular daily exercise in Tatura walked past the building and saw the paintings and crosses. Yes, the church building may be closed but as the bells ring each Sunday morning, please know that the church community are still here in Tatura, praying for you and believing we will come through this together.

6-7. Above Average (sort of). You are to be commended on

10. Genius. I made the quiz slightly easier this month in order to encourage the majority of people who struggle to reach the above average level. Still, credit where its due because there were a couple of difficult questions designed to separate the goats from the sheep. And you know what GOAT stands for don’t you? Greatest Of All Time. That’s you.

- Rev Simba Musvamhiri

TATURA PROBUS CLUB

The meeting held on March 23 was also the Annual General Meeting, presided over by Bill Purcell of Tatura Rotary Club, who lent a little levity to the occasion! Our newly elected President is Michael Shay with Chris Hughan elected as Secretary and Nancye Brisbane to retain her position as Treasurer. The various other positions will be decided at a Committee Meeting.

8-9. Smarty Pants. Excellent. Congratulations! You’re smarter than 95% of the population. Whether you choose to believe statistic is up to you. Oh, you do believe it. I thought you might. However, it also means you’re not as smart as 5%. Oh, I see. You don’t believe that particular statistic. 10. Genius. Every question correct! Go you! Lucky for you it was multiple choice because there were a couple you weren’t too sure about, weren’t there? However, you now have a month to bask in the glory by asking other people how they did on the quiz.

Our Guest Speaker, Loretta Lilford, was introduced by Jenny John who is co-ordinator of the District Health Service. Loretta spoke to us about Advanced Care Planning. “It’s about Life, living well,” she said. “The time is now, to make all the decisions necessary, for a well-structured life.” Loretta was a wonderful speaker, very clear and easy to understand. Her topic is one we all should think about, organise all the details to our satisfaction and then know that everything will be as you planned. We thanked Loretta and presented her with a Probus pen.

Nine members of the Tatura Probus Club, together with visitor Brian O’Meara, enjoyed a visit to the Kyabram Fauna Park on April 6. The weather was very kind to us, no wind or sun, just a pleasant temperature to enjoy the walk around the park, before partaking in a nice lunch at the café. Some members heard talks on koalas and the blue tongue lizard from staff members which was very interesting. A good day.

If you need to make enquires regarding the Probus Club, please contact our President Michael Shay on 0427 241 336.

- Wendy Wilson

SACRED HEART PRIMARY

During Term 1, students have been learning the letters and sounds of the alphabet from the Little Learners Love Literacy Program. Students were invited to dress up as one of Milo's friends from the book Milo's Birthday Surprise. During the day they celebrated Milo's Birthday with activities including guessing how many lollies in the lolly jar and writing their guess (a number activity), a Scavenger Hunt in which

NOT SURE HOW TO PLAN FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR ?

students needed to find Milo's friends and write the word that was on the back of the card (a reading activity) and drawing and recording who they dressed up as (writing activity). It was a fun way to learn.

Students also shared their Letter/Sound Craft book with families during the morning.

- Mrs Tartaglia and Miss Lagozzino, Foundation Teachers

“I simply cannot believe how many scams are out there these days Agnes,” I said as we sat at my dining table. We had decided to have our lunch at my house today due to the bad weather.

“What sort of scams Merle?” Agnes asked as she stuffed yet another ‘cream between’ biscuit into her mouth. It’s like she is eating for two these days, I thought to myself. She is packing everything in sight into her almost motorised mouth.

“Well,” I said, “you will simply not believe the scams we got when we put the washing machine on the market face. Young Jeoffrey from number forty-two, showed me how to recognise them. There was one after the other, after the other. People say they want to buy my item, but they are not really wanting to buy it. Jeoffrey showed me that when we replied to them, they asked me to send money to them so they could release the money they were sending me for the machine. They said it was a bank procedure. I actually thought we should send the money so that we could get paid, but I now realise that it’s a very cruel scam.”

“That is absolutely terrible Merle,” Agnes replied, clearly shocked by this. “Are you sure it’s a scam?”

“Yes, very much Agnes. Jeoffrey did the google thing and showed me how there were write ups about it and it has been on the telly as well. I simply had no idea. I was amazed that people could do that to someone else, but he said that is how they spend their time and it becomes worth it as so many people fall for it, which is rather sad. The poor people who don’t have anyone to help them don’t know the difference.”

“What sort of world do we live in now Merle?” Agnes asked looking sad but still gobbling up food.

I nodded wisely now that I had learnt to recognise this scam. “I know, do you remember when trust was a thing? We believed in people and trusted them to do the right thing. Well Jeoffrey says to trust no-one these days. What a shame that is. He said so many people have been caught by these awful people.”

“Well, I am both shocked and angry about this Merle,” Agnes stated sincerely, although she wasn’t too shocked to actually stop eating. “Did you sell the machine in the end?”

“Yes, a lovely couple came and bought it and gave me cash. I could not have sorted it without Jeoffrey, so I made him a chocolate cake and took it down to him. He loved it.”

Agnes replied that she would love a piece of chocolate cake and I should make one for next time we had lunch. Then she got up and went to put her much used plate in the sink and she looked out the window into the rear yard. “Merle is that the stray cat out there lying with Barney on the back veranda?” she said quite startled.

“Um, oh yes, well probably Agnes. Anyway, lets clear this table up.” I rushed over to the table grabbing at things.

“Well, hold on Merle. How come it is in your yard now and is friends with Barney? I am very confused. You said you would never have that stray cat stay around.” She peered more intently out the window. “Wait a minute. If I am not mistaken, there is a little bowl of food out there too. Am I mistaken Merle?” Agnes asked accusingly and disappointedly all at once.

“No, well I….” I started to stutter and look for words.”

“Well?” Said Agnes, still using a very accusing tone.

I decided to come clean. “Alright then, I’ll tell you. You know that Barney had chased the cat out of the yard dozens of times over the last few weeks?”

“Yes,” replied Agnes in a rather slow and drawn-out manner.

I hurried on. “Well, he started to think it was a game, and soon he and the little cat, Roger, started chasing each other around and playing. Barney was having so much fun and I realised he probably gets bored with just me as company.”

“Roger the cat,” replied Agnes.

“Yes, his name is Roger,” I replied.

“So, you let it stay. I see. And the food that you were never going to give it?” asked Agnes in a tone that suggested she would have made a good prosecutor in court.

“Well Agnes, in my defence it was eating Barney’s food, so I thought if I gave it some of its own that would sort that problem.”

“And did it?” asked Agnes as she stood there with her hands on hips attitude. I replied indignantly, “Yes it did Agnes. Now it does not steal Barneys food and he happily leaves Roger’s food alone too.”

Agnes shook her head. “Roger. I can’t believe you gave the stray cat a name, let the stray cat play outside and then fed the stray cat. The very same cat you were shoeing out and saying, most emphatically, that you would never feed.”

“I do remember saying all of that Agnes, but you know I am not a mean person, and it’s only a little pussy cat. I can be quite compassionate you know.”

“I am pleased that you can be Merle, I am just a little shocked that’s all,” Agnes said as she wandered over to the open packet of biscuits on the bench and took out another one.

“What on earth is up with your appetite Agnes? I will go broke feeding you if the weather stays wet and cold. You have not stopped eating since you got here. And without being rude, you have popped on a few pounds around the middle,” I said, pleased that Roger was no longer the topic of conversation.

“Thank you for your observations, Merle,” Agnes said in a tone that did not sound sincere. “My doctor has put me on some new medication to help me sleep and I can’t stop eating. Why is it every time they give you medications for one thing, it creates another problem?”

“It does seem that way Agnes. You are quite right,” I agreed “Well, you best go back to your doctor and see if there is yet another pill they can give you to sort this out. I simply can’t keep feeding you at this rate, and Fred will need to go back to work to support your hefty grocery bill.” I giggled at my own humour but Agnes did not. She has no sense of humour sometimes, I thought to myself.

Agnes stopped eating for a moment. “I guess if we run out of food, I can just hang out in your back yard and play with Barney and eventually you will feed me.” This time Agnes laughed raucously at herself.

Oh boy, that woman is strange I thought to myself. And what’s the harm in feeding a little pussy cat that is keeping my doggy company. I can’t see anything wrong with that. Why do people judge so much? Can someone please explain? Anyone?

CUBBY NEWS

The children at The Cubby had an exciting month with lots of activities. We made homemade scales out of strings and empty butter containers. The children learned about: too much, not enough, more and less. We have also introduced scales with numbers for the older kids and it has been a great learning experience.

We have turned ‘Milly the Cow’ into its own dairy project. The children milk a cow – picture of a cow, rubber glove filled with water – best activity ever and easy to try at home! They made butter from cream, had milkshakes and we will soon be making our own yoghurt. We also learned about what is happening on farms. Our outside shed was converted into a dress shop and children enjoyed putting on scarves, handbags and different clothes and costumes. After that, our shed became a hospital where the children could be patients or doctors. Our garden is growing nicely and the children got to harvest and eat the first batch of peas. We still have the compost going and our worm farm is thriving.

Our license to operate covers childcare for 15 children per day which gives us the opportunity and the joy to care for our families in a very individual and personal way – you become part of the Cubby family. We are here to support our parents above the regular services of childcare centres. We can help you with your Child Care Subsidy application with Centrelink, connect you to support services or just have an open ear for the days where it all seems a bit much.

We have a few spots left. Give us a call to inquire about vacancies, have a chat and book a time to get to know The Cubby and our staff. The Cubby Occasional Care is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8:30am – 4:00pm in the orange building on Kerferd Street. The Cubby is a Child Care Subsidy provider, making it an affordable choice for families. Give us a call on 5824 1315 or 0490 117 030 to have a chat with one of our friendly staff.

Opening

:

A Happy Gardener

Picking Strawberries

Kids Page

THE NIGHTSHADE FAMILY

The potato belongs to the Nightshade Family of plants, which also includes eggplant s, garden peppers, and tomatoes.

HISTORY

It is believed the ‘potato’ was first grown in the Andes Mountains (Peru) more than 7,000 years ago. In the mid-1500s sailing ships transported potatoes to Europe, where they became a popular food.

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR POTATOES?

Potatoes are often boiled, fried, or baked. They are served whole or mashed, cut up into fries, or made into potato chips.

POTATO JOKES

(With a little help from Alice & Harry)

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR POTATO?

What do you call a potato that grows in winter?

A Snow-tato.

What do you call a potato that shines brightly?

A Glow-tato.

What do you call a potato that takes care of your lawn?

A Mow-tato.

Yellow Potatoes have thin gold skin and yellow flesh.

White Potatoes have thin beige or tan skin with pale flesh.

Red Potatoes have thin red skin and pale flesh.

Purple or Blue Potatoes have dark purple or blue skin with matching purple flesh.

Colour the Potatoes and Slices correctly.

What do you call a potato that you wear in your hair?

A Bow-tato.

Draw your own amazing pictures of Snow-Tato, Glow-Tato, Mow-Tato and Bow-Tato.

What do you get when it rains potatoes? Spuddles.

What do tomatoes and potatoes have in common? Toes.

What do you call a reluctant potato? A hesitater.

Intimidation, suggestive jokes, exclusion...

Gendered violence comes in many forms. All are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.

Employers have an obligation to protect their workers.

WorkSafe Gendered Violence

Reducing workplace harm.