Tatura Bulletin January 2023

THE ORIGIN OF WEDDING TRADITIONS

With Easter just around the corner, and I know it must be because I’ve already seen Easter eggs on sale in our local shops, I thought it would be relevant to review the origins of many of our wedding traditions seeing as Easter is such a popular time for weddings.

Wedding History: Up until the Middle Ages, weddings were considered community affairs and were held in the house of the bride. The only thing needed to create a marriage was for both partners to state their consent to take one another as spouses. Witnesses were not necessary, nor were the presence of the clergy. The vows were as simple as, "Will you marry me?" "I will." The role of the clergy at a medieval wedding was simply to bless the couple. It wasn't official church policy until the council of Trent in the 15th century that a third party, a priest, as opposed to the couple themselves, was responsible for performing the wedding. In the later medieval period, the wedding ceremony moved from the house of the bride to the church and began with a procession to the church from the bride's house. Vows were exchanged outside the church and the bride was handed over to the groom. Once that was done, everyone moved inside for Mass and then the procession, accompanied by musicians, went back to the bride's house for a feast.

The Bridal Bouquet: Until modern times, both the bride and groom wore wreaths and garlands made from aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs and grains which had magical and meaningful properties that would drive away evil spirits and help the couple have a happy future. Over time, these were replaced with flowers, symbolizing fertility and everlasting love. Specific flowers have special meanings in many cultures. Flower girls carried sheaves of wheat, a symbol of growth, fertility, and renewal. Later, flowers replaced herbs and took on meanings all their own. Orange blossoms, for example, mean

happiness and fertility, ivy means fidelity and lilies symbolise purity.

The Best Man: Many centuries ago, men who had decided upon a wife often had to forcefully take her with him (or kidnap her) if her family did not approve of him. The tradition of a ‘best man’ probably has its origin with the Germanic Goths, when it was customary for a man to marry a woman from within his own community. When women came into short supply locally, young men would have to seek out and capture a bride from a neighbouring community. In order to ensure success, the future bridegroom would select the most capable (or best) man he knew to assist with the important task. Once the kidnapping had taken place, there remained a real threat that the bride's family would attempt to recapture her, so the best man remained at the groom's side throughout the marriage ceremony, alert and well-armed. He then continued his duties after the ceremony by standing guard as sentry outside the newlywed's home. Traditionally, the bride stands to the left side of the groom and this was done to both protect the captured bride and to allow the groom to keep his right hand, or sword hand free to use for defence. Giving Away the Bride: The father who gives away his daughter at her wedding ceremony is following an ancient tradition that has evolved over hundreds of years. The custom dates back to the time when a daughter was considered property, and the groom had to pay a price to her family before he could be permitted to marry his intended. Today, the act of giving the bride away is symbolic of her parents' blessing of the marriage to the chosen groom.

‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something New and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe’: This good luck saying dates back to Victorian times. Something old represents the link with the bride's family and the past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of

antique family jewellery, while something new represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item. Something borrowed, such as a lace handkerchief, is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. Something blue is the symbol of faithfulness and loyalty while a silver sixpence in her shoe is to wish the bride wealth.

Throwing the Garter: The garter from the bride comes from the ancient custom of witnesses at the marriage bed (to make sure the couple consummated the marriage); the witnesses would bring it forth as a sign of the witnessing. It became such a violation of privacy that eventually the bride would have the groom throw it to prove consummation. This is one of the oldest surviving wedding rituals.

Tossing the Bouquet: In years gone by, women would rip pieces from the bride's dress and try to grab some of her flowers in order to obtain a piece of her good luck. To escape from the boisterous crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet to distract them and then run away. Today the bouquet is tossed to single women with the belief that whoever catches it will be the next to marry.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The earliest tradition in bridesmaid fashion involved dressing the bridesmaids exactly the same as the bride. As with many older traditions, the idea was that by setting up lookalikes, any troublesome spirits in the area could not fixate on the bride. That custom gave way in Victorian times to dressing bridesmaids in white dresses but short veils, to contrast with the bride's voluminous veiling and train system. When society's fears of evil spirits diminished and commercial dyes became more available, ‘interesting’ dresses in colours such lime green, harvest gold, tangerine and fuchsia, made their appearance.

- John Kriesfeld

Tatura Area Community Bulletin

STORM STORIES

From the severe weather front that hit Tatura on the 22.12.22

Jenny Lagozzino: I opened the door to take a photo and the wind was so strong it was pushing me backwards into the door as I snapped the picture. I'm not a big person but I was nearly off my feet with the strength of the wind through this area. I love a good waterfall like anyone does........except when it's inside my pub’s function room!

Sherrie Frances: As a result of the storm, I was without power to my house for more than 24 hours and then due to a fault caused by the storm another 6 days without air conditioning during the extreme heat period. Luckily only minor damage to my home; torn fly wire and some loose tin, along with some smaller limbs down in the yard.

Bob Liccardo: My son drove me up to the back door of our house and I got out of the passenger door and walked back and opened the rear door to get out a couple of things. As I did so, a huge branch from a large gum tree next to the house came crashing down and landed right next to the passenger door where I had just been standing. I was extremely fortunate not to have been injured and my son was also lucky that his car was not damaged.

SIX YEARS ALREADY!

It’s hard to imagine that One4One Cafe has been up and running for six years in Tatura. Rita started this enterprise because she has always loved to cook and believes Tatura to be a beautiful place. Having grown up here, even when she lived in Lancaster she still travelled to work here and has since moved back. She’s obviously pretty much a local. Her daughter, Tara, has joined her now as an assistant, making it a family business.

Tara mainly manages out the front and takes bookings and this leaves Rita free to work in the kitchen as well as taking on the office role. Rita told me there has been a great deal of learning since first opening and lots of growth. Like so many businesses currently, there are the usual staff problems, but she still manages to do a lot of catering and is still looking for more. She offers catering for small functions outside

Trying to eat a more healthy and balanced diet in 2023? Join the FoodREDi program

of the shop, usually groups up to thirty people, supplying mainly canapes and finger food. Intimate groups are her real specialty, such as baby showers, and the groups she has catered for have worked well for both the business and clients.

Her next venture is to offer High Teas with a package of nine choices of items for food, as well as champagne, with sparkling water, tea and coffee included. The High Teas will be on site for two hours during the afternoon, preferably on weekends.

The outdoor area is going well and certainly a pleasant place to sit with friends while enjoying some of the many goods on offer. Recent painting of the building has certainly freshened up the outside, as well as the addition of flowerpots that stand out well. The breakfast menu has a terrific range and for lunch there are six choices which alter fortnightly to give regular customers variety.

One4One Cafe at 141 Hogan Street is open Tuesday to Friday 7a.m. - 3p.m., Saturdays 7a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sundays 8a.m. - 1 p.m. For any bookings or inquiries phone 0436 014 141 or contact via email on:

one4onecafe@bigpond.com.

Rita and Tara plan to continue growing their business by adding any new ideas they come up with. So, if you would like to plan some form of gathering, either in shop or outside, or even just meet up for a breakfast, lunch, or coffee, make sure you think of One4One. I know you won't be disappointed.

- Janice Dreyer

FoodREDi is a program developed by the Australian Red Cross and facilitated by health coaches from GV Health. The program supports participants to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to prepare and enjoy a healthy, balanced diet, while socialising and having fun!

The FoodREDi program includes 6 sessions. Each session will feature one hour of education and one hour of practical cooking. A different recipe will be chosen each week and all meals will be simple to prepare using a variety of fresh, dried and canned goods. The prepared meal will then be divided amongst participants and enjoyed as a group.

Dates: 22 February, 1 March, 8 March, 15 March, 22 March, 29 March

Time: 11am - 1pm

Venue: Tatura Community House, 12-16 Casey Street, Tatura

Cost: $42 per person (includes 6 sessions and 6 lunchtime meals)

Bookings are essential: Phone Leanne or Shelley on 1800 222 582 (select option 4), Monday - Friday

Tara and Rita

RODNEY CWA

The historic Byramine Homestead was our destination on Thursday November 24. A group of members and friends car-pooled for this lovely outing, organised by our Life Member, Gwen Ranson. On the way, we took time to admire the Silo Art. We enjoyed Devonshire morning tea at Devenish. At St James, we stopped to admire the Silos depicting G J Coles and his original store, driving past the store as we left the town. Tungamah’s information centre displayed beautiful local arts and crafts.

Byramine Homestead was built by the explorer Hamilton Hume in 1842. It is classified ‘A’ by the National Trust and is the centre of a massive vegetable farm. Lunch was held outdoors under the elms and was followed by a tour of the homestead and out-buildings. We learned that the Murray River is three kilometres away, but on that day was only 300 metres distant.

Next meeting, at the Tatura Bowls Clubrooms, Thursday February 9 at 1:30 pm. Competition: Article featuring a daffodil.

- Beatrice Greaves

CREATIVE ARTISTS SALE

A successful Weekend Open Studio and Art Sale was held in November by the Tatura Creative Artists with many paintings, craft items, calendars and cards sold. An amount of $300 was raised from the raffle for Victory Hall. The winner was Jeanette Milsom from Mooroopna.

Val Rokahr with Jeanette Milsom

The GJ Coles Silos at St James

Lunch at Byramine Homestead

MYSTICAL MURRAY GREYS AT TATURA

Mystical Murray Greys are a Stud and Commercial beef cattle farm. We are a family run business located south of Tatura, on the ToolambaRushworth Road.

Robert grew up at Undera, married a city girl Marilyn, and together they raised three sons.

Robert has been around cattle most of his life, milking house cows before he went to school. He worked for Mr. Brian Millar at Undera who had Hereford beef cattle. After Robert and Marilyn had their family, they purchased fifty acres at Burnside, and found their love for Murray Greys. In 2000 we purchased our first stud bull from a renowned stud name ‘Rockyleigh’ at Maiden Gully. Not only did we come away with an exceptional Bull, Mrs. Joan Heard sold us two stud cows, both with calves at foot, this was our beginnings to our own stud we called Mystical Murray Greys.

We purchased other land along the way, eventually buying we are where we are today at 1335-1345 Toolamba - Rushworth Road, Tatura, right beside the lovely No. 6 Channel.

The female matrons are based on Mt. View Murray Greys (the Late Mr. Allan Pate) after we purchased many good bloodlines at the dispersal sale at Echuca some years ago. After purchasing joined cows with a calf at foot from Monterey Murray Greys at Western Australia, we were able to buy the ‘Best from the West’. Luckily for us, the calves in utro (unborn) were bull calves. Both bull calves turned out to be herd improvers with the results we base our animals on. We have many other proven bloodlines. From 2005 to around 2012 we entered the agricultural show ring, winning many first prize ribbons with a bull called Cullenya Digby DBS D11. Another win we like to brag about was winning the light export class at Bendigo National Beef with a steer we bred and raised on grass. We have many ribbons and trophies to show for our hard work but we like to remember the friends we made along the way, and the fellow breeders who helped us, Mr. Allan Pate and Mrs. Joan Heard.

We registered our animals with the Murray Grey Society, but recently changed our registrations to The Murray Grey Australia Association based in Victoria for better communication. This Association is in its early beginnings but is more affordable and user friendly.

Over the years we have sold bulls to other beef breeders based on our reputation of standing by what we sell to return clients. We have found many dairy farmers now buy our bulls to gain a better price in the saleyards. We also have semen straws of low birth weight bulls in the tank to offer.

Cattle are sold structurally sound, and the bulls are assessed and Semen tested by Ovasem at Girgarre.

Our farm also sponsors the Rochester, Great Northern Show each year since their flood ten years ago.

On Thursday, February 1, we are open for the Stock and Land Beef Week. Light refreshments are available, and we welcome you to come along and check out our cattle from 9.30am to 4 pm.

This will be our tenth year involved with Beef Week, direction signs which will be posted at both ends of the road.

Robert, Mark and Marilyn look forward to welcoming you to our Farm.

- Marilyn Pell

Impressive Murray Grey Stock

Robert and Mark

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TATURA R.S.L.

Tatura R.S.L. members look forward to the 2023 year with some optimism as the year further unfolds. Long protracted discussions throughout 2022, between the R.S.L. and Shepparton Council, (boxes need to be ticked), will hopefully come to fruition. There will be more about that in later additions.

Tatura R.S.L. wishes to thank Mr. Peter Kennedy for his efforts and donation in providing landscaping material at the Water Tower pedestal site.

Further plaques have been installed along the Memorial Wall at the Private Robert Mactier V.C. Memorial Gardens, site. These plaques now complete the task of recognising all those who served in the forces, who were born or resided in the Tatura District. It has been a long journey that commenced in 2010, when a Projects Committee was formed and was named the ‘Private Robert Mactier V.C. Statue and War Memorial Enhancement Project.’ The Tatura R.S.L. thank all those who gave support with their time, fundraising, donations, and grants

along this journey to the eventual completion. Tatura R.S.L. members are reminded that all R.S.L. meetings for 2023 are now on the first Friday in the month commencing with the Annual General Meeting being on February 3. The 19th Anniversary for the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial at Ballarat, is to be held on Sunday, February 12. Wreath laying will commence at 11a.m. followed by a Service.

Tatura R.S.L. is hiring a coach to attend and invite Veterans, Affiliates, R.S.L. members and their partners along with community members and partners to join us. This trip is a free ride so let’s not waste a seat! A toilet is provided on the bus. I would suggest the departure time would be approximately 6.30am and the departure from Ballarat around 4pm, although times are yet to be finalized with the coach driver. Anybody wishing to come, should contact Mal Watts on 0438 678 025, e/mail malynta@bigpond.com or Garth McMahon Vice President, on 0438 242 886.

Lest we forget - Mal Watts

HARSTON BRANCH CWA

The Harston ladies were full of chatter and hugs as we welcomed back Mrs Margaret Hedges, Mrs Marie Wright, and Mrs Mary McGrath to our November Christmas lunch meeting at the Tatura Bowls Club. These ladies have been unwell of late but wanted to attend the Christmas lunch. The members thanked Mrs Freda Clement and Mrs Glenys Eberle for arranging a selection of IGA Grazing boxes for everyone to share.

Margaret Hedges was presented with her Ten years’ service badge and certificate by Branch President Mrs Glenys Eberle. Glenys was presented a lovely spray to pin onto her shirt to celebrate her Wedding Anniversary with Trevor of 54 years. Mrs Margaret Chance makes all the flower sprays from her garden each time there is a birthday or wedding anniversary to acknowledge.

Mrs Merle Krause and Mrs Josie Watson have the difficult task of judging the monthly competitions, the best bloom was 1st place Margaret Chance with an outstanding crimson Dalia and the Christmas broach was 1st place Marie Wright. It’s all in fun and often some of us forget to bring a flower or the item required for the syllabus competition.

January is the one month we don’t meet as members are often busy with their families holidaying.

The next meeting is on Monday, February 13. The competition is a little different as we are to bring items for our CWA Group Conference which will be held on Thursday March 2. The venue will be advised later. Welfare items will be sent to Melbourne for the work done by ACWW. Welfare items include Men and Ladies underwear, socks, bath towels, face washers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, as well as draw string bags to put these items in.

I often say to people, it costs to be a volunteer, volunteers are priceless, we love the work we do.

- Mrs Marilyn Pell

A NEW SEASON AT GV TREE GROUP

It was with sad hearts, our mentor and 'wealth of knowledge' of native plants, Nancy, has decided to retire from our Tree Group. Nancy has been the backbone of our friendly group of volunteers for 18 years. Her dedication and commitment to our group was second to none and her hours she spent behind the scenes was commendable. She will still be our 'go to' person for a while, while we work together producing strong healthy plants and trees for you.

Good luck Nancy and thanks so much from all of us, including many of you. I'm sure she has given wonderful advice about establishing your vegetation project, be it your garden or beautifying your farmland. We look forward to seeing you at 6 Kerford Street soon for your autumn planting project, and now is the perfect time to start your planning.

- Deb

100 LAP CHALLENGE ON AGAIN

On Saturday, February 25, the annual 100 lap challenge will be held at the Tatura swimming pool. The event has run for 28 years and originated from a bet in the pub about who could swim 100 laps. The event raises funds for the Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla Nursing Home. Over the years the event has evolved to include teams as well as individual swimmers. Several teams from the community, service clubs and families now enter each year along with the stalwart individuals who always swim the 100 laps. Each swimmer or team is expected to raise a minimum $100 sponsorship.

There are no costs involved in staging the event and all funds go directly to the Hospital and Parkvilla. Over the years $77,420 has been raised, recently funds from this event have provided new beds, new Ventolin pumps, a piano, an oxygen concentrator, bladder scanner and refurbishment of the front garden and fencing to improve the amenities for Parkvilla residents.

Anyone who would like to participate can contact Geoff Lipshut on 0417134929 or Gary Whyte on 58241461.

Nancy With Her Gift

The New Committee

WHEN THE PICTURE ON THE JIGSAW BOX IS WRONG

I’m not good at jigsaws. I find them tedious and frustrating. All those little bits and pieces cut into strange shapes with insufficient detail to make it clear what they are, let alone where they belong.

I don’t mind the puzzles that my grandchildren do. A dozen or so pieces, simple shapes and enough of the image on each piece to clearly show what it is and where it might go. The grandchildren clearly like the challenge of solving the problem and connecting pieces together to make a picture. But 1,000 piece puzzles represent a wall that that I cannot scale and I have little interest in doing so. I enjoy challenges but not seemingly impossible tasks! I understand the strategies for solving such puzzles: look for the edges and corners, find the high contrast features (people’s faces, printed text, chimneys, and windows) and leave the more featureless sections of the puzzle (sky, water, grass etc.) until the end.

Though it is often left unsaid in the advice people give about solving jigsaw puzzles, it is vital that the picture on the box matches the finished jigsaw and that there are no pieces missing. Indeed ‘finding the missing piece of the jigsaw’ has become a metaphor for understanding so many of life’s mysteries.

But what if the picture on the box is wrong? We would be trying to make pieces fit where they don’t belong. We’d be misinterpreting the indistinct shapes. We would be trying to force shapes together that are not meant to go together.

Just like jigsaw puzzles, life is confusing. Things happen: good things, pleasant things, bad things, awful things, and because we are such meaning-driven beings, many of us want to connect everything that happens to us and the people around us into a meaningful story or picture. Our understanding of God is often a key factor in how we seek to make sense of life’s events and mysteries, of how we seek to put the pieces of our broken ‘jigsaw puzzle’ lives together. But if the picture on the ‘box of our puzzled life’ is wrong we will have trouble fitting the pieces together. As a minister, one of the things that distresses me is how many people have a distorted view of God. This is important because the image we have in our heads and hearts about who God is and how God works in our lives and our world does matter. It matters because our image of God will determine how we make sense of the world and what conclusions we reach.

It will determine what meaning we find in our joys and sorrows. It will

TATURA SELF STORAGE

determine whether we feel persecuted or loved. It will determine how we understand our brokenness and the hope we have for healing. It will affect how we view ourselves and others. If we have an image of a harsh and judgemental God, we will interpret any misfortunes we suffer as signs of judgement. We will be more likely to be anxious and wary. It will affect our ability to love ourselves and be kind to ourselves, and thus effect our ability to love and be kind to others.

We have just been through the Christmas season, where we celebrated God entering our world as a vulnerable baby. Christians believe that when we look at Jesus, we see God.

“No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” John 1:19

In the life and teaching of Jesus including Jesus’ own experience of suffering and death, we learn that suffering is not a sign that we are being punished by God. In God’s love for the outcast, the sinner and the lost, we understand that we, too, are never cut off from the love of God. As a minister, my greatest experience of sadness is that so many people are trying to put the pieces of their lives together, but they have the wrong picture on their box and so their efforts are made much harder than they need to be.

I want to offer them a different picture. A picture that shows them a God who is loving and kind. A God who actually adores us, delights in us, blesses us. A God who loves and adores all of us, the public, well-behaved us and the not so well-behaved, sometimes even horrible us that we try to hide from others. The God who loves and adores us as we are on a good day, a not so good day, and a bloody awful day.

Social researcher, Brene Brown is well known for her work on vulnerability and shame. She says that being vulnerable is a form of strength, not weakness. Brene encourages us to be authentic, to be ourselves, to be willing to be real and open and honest. God loves the real us, whatever that looks like.

The author of The Gospel of John wrote:

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16) This is the gospel, and it’s good news.

- Brian Spencer, Minister, Tatura Uniting Church

CWA HARSTON BRANCH

Welcome to 2023, what a start to the year we’ve had! That tremendous hailstorm only two days prior to Christmas came as quite a shock to many of us, not only the personal damage to our homes and gardens but losing power for a day or so. I kept thinking at least it’s not Christmas Day.

This report is not about myself so I shouldn’t mention the hail that destroyed my trees and garden or the local tomato grower on Stewart Road, near my farm which lost their entire crop to the hail. To see a paddock of torn black plastic with only browned-off tomato stalks left is very confronting.

This brings to mind the CWA Emergency fund. If you should ever find yourself in need, please don’t hesitate to ask a CWA member for help.

Harston CWA Branch ladies, our next meeting is Monday, February 13 at the Tatura Bowls Club rooms. The meeting will mainly be about our CWA Group Conference on March 2 being held at the Harston Hall on the Girgarre East Road. The State Representative in attendance will be Mrs. Marilyn Tangey, the Chairperson of ACWW (Australian Country Women of the World) and Social Welfare. Marilyn is asking for donations towards the Seaman’s Mission (The Seaman’s Mission is a place the sailors who dock in Melbourne go for assistance) and items for the Homeless in Victoria.

Welfare items in need are small shampoos and conditioners, soap and deodorant, face washers, hairbrushes and combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste, drawstring bags - toiletry bags, ladies’ underwear and men’s jocks.

CWA Harston members, these items are also our Branch Competition for February, Yours in CWA Friendship

- Mrs. Marilyn Pell

TATURA PROBUS CLUB

The meeting held on November 24 was our 24th birthday and Secretary Wendy Wilson said it is wonderful that the Club is still going so well with members increasing this year. Rotary is the instigator of Probus in Tatura, which started with 68 Foundation Members at our first meeting in November 1998. Nadine Richter, Co-Manager of the Community House, was our guest speaker. Nadine started at the Community House in 2018 when Leeanne was manager, so Nadine had a very good example to follow, becoming manager with Tom Boocock in 2019. Before coming to Tatura, Nadine travelled to many countries, satisfying her wanderlust. She also worked packing fruit in Shepparton where she was fortunate to meet her future partner. They are now the loving parents of a little girl, Louisa. Nadine also explained to us the many advantages of the Community House and why it is an important attribute to the town. Nadine is a very accomplished and relaxed speaker and was most interesting and enjoyable. Well done Nadine, one of our

best! Michael Shay thanked Nadine on behalf of the Club.

Our Luncheon at Rushworth on November 10, at the historic Criterion Hotel, was a happy occasion with Bill Milner telling a few good jokes and there was also some poignant poetry reading. Ann Tee won the lucky ticket prize, a personal voucher donated by Craig Bramley, manager of Foodworks Tatura.

Our Christmas celebration was held at Myola Gardens and 33 people attended, which was a great rollup. Sue of the Chicken Shop catered for us a provided a lovely meal. The members received a colourful potted plant as a gift. Ev Leahy thanked everyone who helped to make it so enjoyable.

Lynette McMullen is pictured holding the Tatura Probus display board in conjunction with the celebration of the Community Houses’ 40th Birthday.

We hope you all had a happy holiday season and all the best for 2023!

- Barb Halliwell

Nadine Richter

The Probus Display

TATURA ROTARY CLUB

60th Celebration of Tatura Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club is holding a celebration dinner at the Ballantyne Centre on February 25 to mark this special milestone occasion. All past Rotarians, exchange students and those who wish to attend, please contact Tony Mason on 0407 094 642 or almblue@yahoo.com.au to make a booking.

The cost will be $50 per head and must be paid by February 11.

Rotary Congratulates Ritchies IGA on the New Store.

What a great vote of confidence in our town to have Ritchies IGA supermarkets commit to spending so much money on building a brand new store. We now have a first class facility to be proud of. This is further proof that our town has a great future and a town

TATURA FILM SOCIETY

The Tatura Film Society is a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive film club screening a diverse selection of films on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Mechanics Institute, 75 Hogan St Tatura. 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. New members are warmly welcomed. Our next screening will be “The Belier Family” on Monday, February 20, which is our last film of the 2022-23 season.

Our first screening for 2023-24 season is an Australian Comedy Drama ‘A Boat With No Name, filmed in 2022 in East Arnham Land, NT.

This will be on Monday, March 20.

Please contact: Barb Muller barbmuller@ bigpond.com, or Will McKie willmckie2711@ gmail.com

Recipes

RODNEY CWA RECIPE

our children can grow up in and make it their home in the future.

The Tatura Rotary Club is pleased to be considered on the list of preferred charities now for the Ritchies Community Benefit program. This is an opportunity to raise funds for our community in a new and exciting way. Rotary, being a voluntary organization, is well situated to distribute the funds raised across our community. The rules have changed slightly with the scheme now requiring a $2000 spend per month for each nominated charity. This may make it hard for some organisations to achieve this and qualify. The good thing is now you can check on what your charity has raised. If you find that your charity is not benefiting from your support, it’s easy to change to another.

- P.P. Bill Purcell, Media Director

As we enter the tomato season, we present a recipe from the CWA Preserves book.

Tomato Sauce

8 kg tomatoes

55g minced garlic

1.5kg sugar

900ml malt vinegar

4 tablespoons salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

30g whole cloves

Wash tomatoes and cut up roughly. Place in a large pan with the remaining ingredients.

Bring to the boil and boil for 3½ hours or longer according to thickness required, stirring occasionally. Sieve.

Pour into sterilized bottles and seal.

Ritchie’s CEO Fred Harrison with Bill Purcell

SHEPPARTON ADVENTURE CLUB

November 2022 Midweek walk: Big Hill Longwood.

Once again Justus Hagan treated us to a fantastic walk in the Strathbogie area. He really finds some real gems for us and this one didn’t let us down.

A group of nine walkers met at the Longwood store before organizing the car shuffle, leaving cars at the end of the walk, and then heading up the hill to the start at Alchera. Alchera is privately owned, with four households sharing this spectacular property. We walked in perfect mild overcast weather through the granite bush landscape with many trees, boulders, high green grass, and wonderful wildflower glades scattered throughout our walk.

First, we walked downhill to Winding Creek at the bottom of the valley and then followed this delightful creek, managing three boulder hopping crossings as we went. Once the creek started to descend through open farmland, we left it and scrambled through four fences and over a dry-stone wall, ready to tackle the serious uphill climb. We took this section gently as we managed the steep slope to the ridgeline; at times crawling between rocks

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and around huge boulders, but mostly going straight up. Once at the top we walked up and down as we traversed the ridgeline until we reached the peak of Big Hill.

The views with colourful wildflowers and dramatic boulders in the foreground, then across the undulating farmland and beyond to the flats and hills, were amazing; walkers even spotting the faint Shepparton CBD tower on the horizon as well as Mt Major TV masts. Somewhat reluctantly we left the heights and ventured down the steepish slope to our cars at the bottom. This crazy weather of late meant the area was still wonderfully green and we walked amongst a beautiful carpet of wildflowers, despite being the end of November.

The general feeling of the group was of gratitude for being able to spend a day in this wonderful environment.

Many thanks to Justus for sharing this beautiful part of Victoria with us.

- Dianne Hanna

Having a Well Earned Rest

February 1 – Serpent Day. Serpent day is a day of reflection and coming to grips with our fears. Serpents have often been associated with wisdom and cunning and we all need to stop and take stock at different times in our life and contemplate what our life lessons have taught us so far.

February 2 – Groundhog Day. Didn’t we celebrate this last year and again the year before that? I have a strong sense of déjà vu about this.

February 3 – World Wetlands Day. Wetlands absorb rainfall thereby reducing floods and droughts. They also provide a safe habitat for a wide variety of birds, many of them endangered. Our very own wetlands, Cussen Park, adds a further layer of interest and complexity to the Tatura environment so get out there and enjoy these interesting surrounds. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent and watch out for the occasional snake.

February 4 – World Cancer Day – This day is to help people around the world to imagine a better way of doing things and to build a fairer vision of the future, a future where people live healthier lives and have better access to health and cancer services, no matter where they are born, grow, age, work or live. We tend to live a sheltered life in Australia and unfortunately, not everyone is as fortunate as we are.

February 8 – World Propose Day. This is the second day in the Valentine Week and has more to do with marriage rather than simply proposing that you pop down to the pub for a nice cold beer.

February 9 – Read in The Bathtub Day. This is an opportunity to spend some relaxing time in the bath with a few scented candles, some aromatic bubble bath, your rubber ducky and your favourite book. My advice is just to spend half an hour in the evening rather than the whole day as you could emerge looking quite wrinkled, and unfortunately, some of us have more than enough already.

February 10 – Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. It is what it is, so don’t stress about

it, simply clean up the mess and move on. You can’t change the past so the best way to celebrate this day is to forgive yourself for past mistakes and get on with your life. Your future has yet to be written.

February 11 – Get A Different Name Day. We identify with our names because we’ve always had them but do they really suit us? Taking on a new name can help affirm a new identity or the future path we plan to tread now that we’ve reached a fork in the road. You don’t have to change it legally, just make it known that this is now the new you. Some of the worst baby names for 2022 were; (Boys) Hitler, Satan, Arson, Sadman, Inspektor, (Girls) Ahmiracle, Appaloosa, Baby, Boomquifa, Tu Morrow.

February 12 – Charles Darwin Day. The purpose of the day is to inspire people throughout the globe to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity, scientific thinking, and hunger for truth, as embodied in Charles Darwin. Although this day has been around for a while, it’s still evolving.

February 14 – Valentine’s Day. To all the men folk reading this, give her something on this day, anything at all. Flowers are always a winner and dinner at a nice restaurant goes over just as well. I’m warning you, do nothing at your peril. They may say you don’t need to do anything for them but that’s just an insidious test which will herald the next ice age if you fail to pass. Actually, if we all decide not to buy anything, this could be the end of Global Warming.

February 17 – International Random Acts of Kindness Day. The fact that we need to contemplate such a day speaks volumes for our current society. Some people have become so insular that their whole focus is based upon a small 10cm screen held immediately in front of their face and they’re completely unware of what is happening around them. For those readers who still have a life, research has shown that the giver of the good deed receives just as many benefits as the receiver. An actual

win-win situation. Remember, what comes around, goes around, karma and all of that.

February 18 – Clean Out Your Bookcase Day. Just do it. Why read the same book twice? It just means that’s one less book you will read over the course of your life. Donate them to the Op Shop and let somebody else get the pleasure from reading them.

February 21 – World Mother Tongue Day. Rest easy. This is not a day reserved for a welldeserved tongue lashing from your mother for all those stupid things you have done during the past twelve months, and there have been quite a few haven’t there? This is yet another awareness raising day that promotes linguistic and cultural diversity. There are now so many awareness raising days that I think we should have an international blasé day just so we can recover our equilibrium.

February 22 – World Humble Day. According to C.S. Lewis, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” However, I prefer the quote from philosopher Criss Jami, “The biggest challenge after success is shutting up about it.” Please note that you cannot actually claim to be a humble person as that will be seen as an act of pride.

February 23 – International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day – This has nothing to do with pensioners struggling on their meagre government handout. This is all about rewarding your faithful dog for their unremitting, non-judgemental loyalty and devotion. They are the ones who will truly appreciate a tasty dog biscuit.

February 27 – No Brainer Day. This is basically a chill-out day where you do all the little things that are simple, obvious and logical. If a job requires thinking, study or analysis then put it off until tomorrow. Give your brain a rest. Please note that this is entirely different to International Procrastination Day, although only a true master of the art of laziness can tell the difference.

- John Kriesfeld

CWA GOULBURN WEST GROUP

We hope all the Bulletin readers enjoyed a very Merry Christmas with family and friends and we all look forward to a happy and healthy 2023.

CWA Group and branch activities are put on hold over the Christmas/January holidays and most of the six branches of our Group resume their meetings in February. Branches make up a syllabus for the year, outlining speakers or activities at their meetings as well as day trips, fund raising efforts.

Group craft commences on Wednesday, February 15 at the Tatura Community House and is held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The Group Conference and Annual General Meeting is to be held on Thursday, March 2, at the Harston Hall. State Representative Marilyn Tangey, Chair of the ACWW and Social Welfare Committees will be in attendance. At Conference members donate welfare items of towels, toiletries, clothing, draw string bags for the toiletries and these goods are distributed locally, as well as to organisations in Melbourne and to the overseas communities that CWA supports.

CWA members work quietly behind the scenes in their local area providing support to those in need with goods, donating money they have raised to local hospitals, SES, Fire Brigade and many more groups. Our ‘newest’ branch in the Goulburn Valley West Group, the Toolamba Wrens, is testament to this, having recently donated two scholarships each to Murchison Primary School and Toolamba Primary School of $100 each scholarship for Collin’s bookstores, to encourage reading. A cheque for $500 was also donated to the Toolamba Primary School for the school’s ‘Little Learners Love Literary’ reading program. Pictured is Heather Kennedy principal of Toolamba Primary School receiving the $500 cheque from Kristy Fasano from the Toolamba Wrens. All branches in the Group would welcome new members to come along and join in with the friendship and community service CWA stands for. Contact Janette Mason on jamason2@bigpond.com or 0408 194 638.

- Janice Barrette, Publicity

Watches & Diamonds

Heather Kennedy with Kristy Fasano

1c – Tony Lockett

2a – Andes, South America

3b – Ottawa

4d – George Orwell

5a – Emerald

6b – Vines

7c – Tchaikovsky

8c – Signs and Symbols

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 unlucky.

GENERATIONS OP SHOP

In the last half of 2022, Generations Op Shop was able to donate a couple of financial gifts to Moyola Aged and Tatura Hospital. Both cheques were for $2000, and the finances were raised from sales at the op shop. A grateful Polly Devine received the cheque and said it would be put into the wish list which is always there for the upgrades within the Aged Care facility.

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.

Neville Crow also presented a cheque to Wendy Cann at Tatura Hospital who was very thankful for the ongoing support from the op shop. Wendy said it would be going into funds for upgrades of beds within the hospital. Generations Op Shop is a ministry of Generations Church and finances raised go back into the community.

Donations can be dropped into the op shop via Douglas Street back entrance in opening hours, or pick-ups can be arranged.

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.

Phone 0358243059 for pick-ups or queries. Please be aware that you do need to book ahead if items are to be picked up.

A big thank you to all in the community who supported and donated items to the shop from staff and volunteers at Generations Op Shop.

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.

- Neville Crow

DINKUM! FAIR DINKUM! FAIR Dennis Booth's

PHRASES AND WORDS SHAKESPEARE INVENTED

Most of us are more cultured than we give ourselves credit for. We quote William Shakespeare on a regular basis without even realising it. Here are some phrases he created for his plays that have found their way into our everyday language.

Fair Dinkum! Are we the lucky country or not?

All that glitters isn’t gold – Merchant of Venice. The original was ‘all that glisters isn’t gold.’

In the 1960’s acclaimed author Donald Horne described Australia as the lucky country, but he did it very much tongue in cheek rather suggesting were we in fact the/a lucky country.

Well since those days, the term has been used a fair bit, particularly by politicians and media journalists.

Be-all and end-all – Macbeth. ‘This blow might be the be-all and end-all’. (Every) Dog will have its day – Hamlet. ‘Let Hercules himself do what he may. The cat will mew and dog will have its day.’

However, I cannot help but see that we are indeed a lucky country and never more so than in the last twelve months.

Eat out of house and home – Henry IV Part II. ‘He hath eaten me out of house and home. He hath put all my substance into that fat belly of his.’ Foregone conclusion – Othello. ‘But this denoted a foregone conclusion: ‘tis a shrewd doubt, though it may be a dream.’

Green-eyed monster – Othello. ‘O beware, my lord, of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds on.’

Now that may seem strange considering that we have had a drought many have said is the worst this country has seen, we have seen terrible bushfires ravage our country and leave untold misery as a result, and now we have the Corona Virus halting life as we once knew it.

So how can we say we are a lucky country?

Heart of gold – Henry V. The king’s a bawcock (fine fellow) and a heart of gold, a lad of life, an imp of fame.’

It’s (all) Greek to me – Julius Caesar. The original was ‘it was Greek to me.’

Well, suddenly rain began to come when least expected and that has been followed up by some wonderful sustaining rain to fill dams, create sub-soil moisture so that crops can be sown.

Even the once dead Darling River is flowing again!

And the rain has put an end to possible continuing bushfires.

Knock, knock. Who’s there? – Macbeth. ‘Knock, knock, knock. Who’s there in the name of Beelzebub?’

Yet there is still so much misery so again, why are we a lucky country? Because we have men and women who have a spirit within them that makes us so proud of who we are.

Method in his madness – Hamlet. ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in it.’

Strange bedfellows – The Tempest. ‘Misery acquaints strange bedfellows.’ Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve – Othello. ‘But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws (birds) to peck at.’

I am talking about the SES, Rural Fire Brigades…all of those who went day through night to help keep bushfires under control and who did so with some losing their own homes, and so many putting themselves in harm’s way.

I am talking about the convoy truckies who day through night and drove countless kilometres to take hay bales to farmers really struggling.

I am talking about the unsung, unseen heroes who went out of their way to drive to properties doing it tough with supplies of food and needed essentials.

And now we have the virus and we are seeing Australians learn to turn their business into helping others.

And now we are seeing health professionals and those who work daily in our hospitals putting themselves at risk because it is their job and the same can be said for those at airports, particularly those processing incoming passengers from overseas.

William Shakespeare used more than 20,000 words in his plays and poems, and his works provide the first recorded use of over 1,700 words in the English language. It is believed that he may have invented or introduced many of these words himself, often by combining words, changing nouns into verbs, adding prefixes or suffixes, and so on. Many of these words have remained in common use today. The following words have all been attributed to Shakespeare: accommodation, aerial, amazement, apostrophe, assassination, auspicious, baseless, bloody, bump, castigate, changeful, clangour, control, countless, courtship, critic, critical, dexterously, dishearten, dislocate, dwindle, eventful, exposure, fitful, frugal, generous, gloomy, gnarled, hurry, impartial, inauspicious, indistinguishable, invulnerable, lapse, laughable, lonely, majestic, misplaced, monumental, multitudinous, obscene, palmy, perusal, pious, premeditated, radiance, reliance, road, sanctimonious, seamy, sportive, submerge, suspicious.

We are seeing what friendship, mateship and dedication is all about on a grand scale.

Yes, we are a lucky country in the true sense.

Finally let’s all still remember those who have gone in the drought, the bushfires and this virus.

When you measure Shakespeare’s influence on the English language and the theatre arts, I find it amazing that he was never knighted, especially when you compare his genius with some of our more recent knights such as Sir Michael Caine, Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Paul McCartney.

Surely remembering makes us want to ensure they are not forgotten by doing what we can to keep Australia the lucky country.

- John Kriesfeld

Neville Crow with Wendy Cann

WHAT’S IN A NAME? (Episode 4) by John Kriesfeld

You may remember that James and Samantha Peabody have travelled back in time to have a chat to William Shakespeare and after watching one of his plays, have spotted him talking to one of his actors and have decided to go and meet him. Will Shakespeare agree to talk to them or has the whole trip been a waste of time?

James and Samantha climbed up on to the stage and then waited patiently while Shakespeare discussed a scene he wasn’t entirely happy about with his leading actor. Once the discussion ended, James and Samantha stepped forward and politely introduced themselves.

Shakespeare studied them curiously for a moment. “I must say,” he said, “thou hast the strangest manner of speaking I hast ever heard.”

James smiled and explained once more about having come from Bulgaria and learning English from a book.

“Thous hast come a fair distance to see my play,” replied Shakespeare. “I would also like to travel but time is not kind to me.” He gave a small bow and began to walk away and Samantha quickly hurried after him. “Excuseth me,” she said hurriedly. “We have a small question we’d like to ask you.”

Shakespeare stopped and turned. “A small question? Do questions have sizes?” He shrugged. “Please ask your small question and then I must be off. I have a play that is vexing me most greatly. It isn’t coming together like I hoped it would.”

“Oh, a new play,” replied Samantha as she clapped her hands in delight. “What’s it called?”

Shakespeare shook his head. “I’ve called it ‘Giuseppe and Maria’ but it’s just not flowing for me.”

“Giuseppe and Maria?” said Samantha. “I’ve never heard of that one.”

Shakespeare looked at the curiously. “And why would you? I haven’t finished it yet, let alone performed it.”

“Hmm,” replied Samantha thoughtfully. “What’s this new play about?”

“I’ve set it in Italy as I wanted an exotic location for my play. My audience like it when I choose a country far away from England. Perhaps I’ll locate a play in Bulgaria. That would be most mysterious. Anyway, it’s about two young lovers from two families that have been feuding for several generations. They meet each other and fall in love but naturally, their families are very much opposed to the union.”

“Oh, you mean Romeo and Juliet!” exclaimed Samantha.

“I mean no such thing,” replied Shakespeare irritably. “My play is called Giuseppe and Maria. I’m not sure that Romeo is even a proper name. I’ve never heard that name mentioned by any of my Italian friends.”

“I think I know why you’re stuck at the moment with this play. Back in Bulgaria, we call this ‘writer’s block’. You’re writing a love story, aren’t you?” continued Samantha.

“Obviously,” replied Shakespeare. “Listen

to this:

‘Oh Giuseppe, Giuseppe, wherefore art thou Giuseppe, Deny they father and refuse thy name Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.’”

Shakespeare shook his head. “It should work, but it doesn’t.”

“I think I can help you to make it work,” replied Samantha. “It’s the names that you’ve chosen that’s holding you back. The concept of love is an abstract thing, but we normally associate the names Giuseppe and Maria with the salt of the earth. These are the names of people who get up at dawn, feed the animals, plough the earth and plant the crops. They go to bed when the sun goes down and then do the same thing the next day and the next day after that. Giuseppe and Maria are solid people, the backbone of society.”

“So?” declared Shakespeare. “What does that matter? The majority of my audience are solid people.”

“Exactly,” replied Samantha. “Your audience don’t want to be reminded of their dull and dreary lives. They want their spirits to soar with love and joy. These are abstract feelings, so you need names that evoke this spiritual freedom. Giuseppe and Maria don’t soar, they plod. On the other hand, the names Romeo and Juliet whisk your audience away, far from their own mundane lives.”

“Possibly,” conceded Shakespeare, “but I can’t just make up a name because it sounds spiritual.”

“Of course you can,” cried Samantha. “You can make up any word you like and insert it into one of your plays and once people start to use it, it becomes a real word.”

Shakespeare looked at her thoughtfully. “Yes,” he said after a moment.” Perhaps you are correct. Who’s to say it isn’t a real word. If it’s in my play then it must be a real word. That’s quite brilliant. So, what were those two names again?”

“Romeo and Juliet,” replied Samantha.

“Hmm, I’ll give it some consideration. You said you had a question for me.”

“Ah yes,” said James. “Now, I don’t want to seem impolite, but there has been some contention in Bulgaria that the real author of your plays is Sir Francis Bacon.”

Shakespeare laughed loudly. “Francis is a ‘sir’ now is he. Perhaps in his own mind. That’s quite comical. Francis and I occasionally discuss ideas as he has quite a brilliant mind but the poor man couldn’t write a play to save his life. Your Bulgaria seems to be a very strange place to come up with ideas like this. Now, I really must be off and give our discussion some more thought.”

Samantha struck a dramatical pose and said, “Farewell dear Shakespeare. Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Shakespeare stopped and looked at her. “What did you say?”

“She said nothing,” replied James as he took Samantha firmly by the arm and dragged her away. “Come along dear. I think you’ve already tested the Butterfly Effect enough. If our world has changed substantially when we return, it will be your fault.”

“At least we know that Shakespeare wrote his own plays,” panted Samantha as she hurried after him.

For those readers who need a refresher on The Butterfly Effect, I have included a small article in this edition of the Bulletin

A BOOST FOR HELPING OTHERS

town. On being presented with the card he replied, "We can't help everyone but try where we can. This is a blessing for us, and we thank you very much."

Rev. Simba is passionate about sharing and pastorally caring for the community, which is obvious from his many actions.

See page 20 for answers

1.Who was the first mayor of the Shire of Rodney?

a. Martin Cussen

b. William Baldwin

c. Charles Wilson

d. Thomas Hogan

Rev. Simba Musvamhiri, of the All Saints Anglican Church in Tatura was extremely pleased and grateful to the Tatura Hotel Social Club for a donation of $500 to assist him when he buys coffees etc. to all who knock on his door.

Everything he gives out is from his own pocket and therefore the group at the social club felt what better place to put their funds raised than to someone who is helping others around the

The Tatura Hotel Social Club was formed nine months ago and as a non-profit group, have a meat raffle every Friday night, as well as board of 100 squares in the pub at $5 per square. When it is full, they draw the winner who receives $300, and they take $200 for their donation account. When they have sufficient funds, they make a donation to a worthy person or group in the town.

So next time you're having a meal or drink at the Tatura Hotel, think about purchasing a square on their board, knowing the proceeds will go to a worthy cause.

- Janice Dreyer

VICTORY HALL AIR-CONDITIONING

A fantastic milestone was reached on January 4 with the installation of 6 x 9.5 kw split-systems air–conditioners.

This large job was made possible by the generous State Government Grant, ‘Living Local Regional Grant Program’ of $22,000 plus substantial local monetary input. The new Split Systems will ensure comfortable temperatures able to be maintained inside the hall with minimal visual disturbance inside and outside. This completes the airconditioning project for Tatura Civic Halls with the Mechanics’ Hall having had 2 x 9.5 kw units installed last year.

George Ferguson

2. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 will the year of which animal?

a. Rooster

b. Monkey

c. Rabbit

d. Ox

3. What is the origin of ‘January’?

a. From the Saxon word ‘Janitor’ meaning a clean beginning.

b. Named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings.

c. From the Turkish word Janissary meaning to guard the year.

d. Named after Janute, the Greek god of resolutions.

4. Which country has the largest population of camels?

a. Australia

b. Egypt

c. Libya

d. Morocco

5. What is the capital city of Morocco?

a. Rabat

b. Libreville

c. Nairobi

d. Kampala

6. Who discovered the laws of levers and pulleys?

a. Benjamin Franklin

b. Humphry Davy

c. Johannes Kepler

d. Archimedes

7. What is the collective noun for trainers?

a. Team

b. Squad

c. Muscle

d. Torment

8. Which of these is the deadliest creature in Australia?

a. White Pointer Shark

b. Box Jelly Fish

c. Tiger Snake

d. Saltwater Crocodile

9. Who was Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop?

a. 4th Australian Prime Minister.

b. Surgeon in WW2

c. Olympic marathon runner

d. Founded the Flying Doctor.

10. Which of these songs did Banjo Patterson write?

a. Waltzing Matilda

b. Advance Australia Fair

c. I Still Call Australia Home

d. Down Under

Rev. Simba with Jonesy and Peter Warburton

Installing the Air-Conditioners

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

When you read my time travelling serials in the Bulletin, you will come across the term, the ‘Butterfly Effect’. For those of you who are not entirely familiar with this theory, here is how James Peabody explained it to his wife, Samantha.

James: Butterfly Effect was a term originally coined by Professor Edward Lorenz to explain changes in weather patterns. However, his original term has now been broadened to encompass any small change in an initial condition that leads to a significantly different outcome.

Samantha: I’m sorry dear, but your explanation has left me no wiser.

James: Okay, let me give you a couple of examples and I’ll start with an actual butterfly. It’s 1914 in Bavaria, World War One has broken out and Otto Schmitt is feeling a little lazy. He usually walks to work but this morning he decides to take his car. On the short drive into town, a butterfly smashes into his windscreen and immediately departs for insect heaven. This event has absolutely no effect on our current history. However, if Otto had overcome his laziness and walked to work then the world today would be completely and utterly different. The butterfly would have been able to continue its leisurely flight and eventually come across two young soldiers, Adolph Hitler and Hans Gruber on their way to attend rifle practice. As the butterfly flew in front of Hans Gruber’s face, momentarily startling him, he steps back into a small hole, loses his balance and accidently shoots young Adolph in the thigh. How the hole in the ground came to be there is another butterfly effect as without the hole, Hans would not have lost his balance. The circumstances that led him to carry a loaded rifle is another effect. Anyway, after six months in hospital, young Adolph is sent home to Austria where he becomes a fairly successful landscape artist. He later marries his childhood sweetheart, has three children and dies in a mountaineering accident in 1937.

Samantha: So, because he killed the butterfly, Otto Schmitt was responsible for World War Two.

James: Indirectly yes, but he would never have known it.

Samantha: Therefore, what you’re saying is that we shouldn’t kill anything at all when we travel back in time?

James: Well, the Butterfly Effect is much more than that. The past has actually happened. Every small event has interacted exactly and precisely with every other small event to produce our present situation. Unfortunately, our very presence will upset the timeline in a myriad of small ways. Just say that we decide to line up at a café for a cup of coffee and it takes the barista four minutes to serve the two of us. In the original timeline, the man behind us was served four minutes earlier. Every event in his life for the remainder of that day will now be four minutes out of synchronisation with the events that shaped our present life. He will now be encountering different people and possibly saying different things or making different decisions, no matter how small, until he climbs into bed that night and his timeline resets. Every other person he meets will also be behaving slightly differently due to that four minute time difference and it snowballs from there.

Samantha: That’s a lot of butterflies flying through time.

James: If we travel back in time and then return to the present and things are significantly different then there’s a good chance that we’re responsible for it. However, the thing about the Butterfly Effect is that it’s impossible to know when one has occurred in our present time. Here’s a final example. Henry Miller usually kisses his wife good-bye before he goes to work but on this day she’s still in the bathroom when he’s ready to leave, and as he’s feeling a bit grumpy, he decides not to wait another thirty seconds, hops in his car and drives off.

Samantha: Are cars always involved?

James: Of course not, now stop interrupting. As he drives through an intersection, an unlicensed driver, high on drugs and probably out on parole, speeds through a red light and smashes into Henry’s car, killing him instantly.

Samantha: That’s not much of a Butterfly Effect.

James: Unfortunately, the unlicensed driver out on parole has just doomed the entire world. If Henry had waited another thirty seconds to kiss his wife, the unlicensed driver would have smashed into a different car and Henry would have arrived at the crash scene thirty seconds after it happened, done a bit of rubber-necking and continued onto work.

Samantha: How does that save the world?

James: Two years later, Henry and his wife bring a baby girl into the world. She goes on to become the greatest physicist ever, greater than Newton and Einstein combined. She reinvigorates string theory by eradicating all the errors and explaining the inconsistencies, and is able to scientifically prove the existence of the fifth dimension. This promotes the development of worm hole theory, making space travel to distant galaxies possible, thereby enabling the overcrowded population of a ravaged Earth to escape its confines and disperse into the universe and beyond. Without her brilliant mind to lead the way, the Earth, and humanity, are doomed.

Samantha: So, in reality, the judge who allowed the unlicensed druggie back on the streets effectively doomed the world.

James: Oh, you can trace the Butterfly Effect through a large number of iterations. If the judge had chosen a different career or was sick when the cases were being handed out then the outcome would probably have been quite different. However, the point I was making is that we never know about things that don’t eventuate.

Samantha: If you don’t take out the rubbish, I certainly know about that.

James: You’re quite right, but that would lead to an entirely different effect.

Samantha: How so?

James: I believe it’s called Nagging Wife Syndrome.

Samantha: Wives only nag when husbands become lazy.

James: (Glancing at his watch). My goodness! Look at the time! I really must get back to my work. Bye!

- John Kriesfeld

CHICKEN, CRANBERRY AND BRIE TARTLETS

Lovely finger food while waiting for main dinner or just with a drink......or two.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Sheets of frozen Puff Pastry, just thawed

1 small smoked chicken breast, finely chopped 100g of brie, cut into 24 even pieces 100g (1/4 cup) of cranberry sauce

1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives

VALENTINE’S DAY WORD SEARCH

Method:

Cut the whole pastry sheet into 16 even squares and the half sheet into 8 even squares.

Line a mini muffin pan with these squares and place in freezer for 15 minutes to make sure they're firm. Bake the pastry for ten minutes at 220 degrees and using a spoon gently press down to flatten slightly before filling each hole.

Fill with chicken, a piece of brie and some cranberry sauce.

Bake for another 5 minutes or until they're golden brown and the cheese has melted slightly before sprinkling with chives.

Find and circle all of the hidden words about this romantic day. The leftover letters reveal a secret message For those of you who think I make up words in order to make the Word Search work, ninon is a lightweight silk dress fabric.

VALENTINE’S DAY WORD SEARCH

Find and circle all of the hidden words about this romantic day The leftover letters reveal a secret message. For those of you who think I make up words in order to make the Word Search work, ninon is a lightweight silk dress fabric.

QUIZ answers

1a – Martin Cussen

2c – Rabbit

3b – Janus

4a – Australia (Yes, it’s true)

5a – Rabat

6d – Archimedes

7d – Torment

8b – Box Jelly fish

9b – WW2 Surgeon

10a – Waltzing Matilda

Scoring.

0–2. Struggle Street. Don’t feel too bad. In order for people to be mediocre, somebody has to be worse than that and I’m sorry to say that’s you.

3-5. Bland Street. The majority of the population fall into this category, so you are now officially part of the mob, the faceless crowd. It’s interesting that we also call a large group of sheep a mob.

POETRY

GIFT PROPOSAL CARDS GIRL RED CAKE HAPPY RIBBONS CANDLELIT DINNER HOLIDAY ROSES

CHARM HONEY SAINT

CHOCOLATE HUGS SCENT

CORK HUSBAND SECRET ADMIRER

CUPID JEWELLERY SENTIMENTAL

DANCE JOY SERENADE

DEAR KISS SHY

DECOR LACE SING

DIAMOND LAUGHTER SPECIAL

DIAMOND LAUGHTER SPECIAL

DOVES LIKE STUFFED ANIMALS

DOVES LIKE STUFFED ANIMALS

ENGAGEMENT RING LOVEBIRDS SWEET

ENGAGEMENT RING LOVEBIRDS SWEET

FAMILY LOVERS TEDDY BEAR

FAMILY LOVERS TEDDY BEAR

FATE

FATE MOONLIGHT

MOONLIGHT

FEBRUARY MUSIC

VALENTINE

VALENTINE

VIOLIN

FEBRUARY MUSIC VIOLIN

FIANCE NINON WIFE

FIANCE

FLOWERS NOTES

6-7. Above Average (sort of). As my mum used to say, “Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better best.” You deserve a pat on the back for rising above the faceless riff-raff.

8-9. Smarty Pants. An excellent result because there were a couple of tricky questions this month although, if you’re being completely honest, luck probably played a part.

10. Genius. Well done!! Unfortunately, this rating doesn’t last very long, as next month you have to prove yourself all over again and we both know what your chances are of getting all ten correct again, don’t we? So, bask in your glory while you can.

Have some news to share?

Send it to info@tatbulletin.com.au

- Janice Dreyer The Yummy Tartlets

TATURA BOWLS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Tatura Bowls Club's Christmas Party was held at the clubrooms and 50 members and guests enjoyed a BBQ meal, salads, and Christmas pudding. President Terry Gale welcomed all for the festive occasion and encouraged everybody to enjoy the evenings proceedings.

The club's most capable BBQ cooks in Col Johnson and Charles Lawson were ably assisted by other members and their partners in the kitchen.

The organising committee held a number of raffle draws with winners including Paul Hussey (twice), Darren Bathman, Shane McIntish (major winner), Leigh Bathman, Ken Cornell, Dianne Downie (Hill Top's new Ladies Bowls Club Champion) and Maureen Shepherd. The hampers were won by Keith Smith and Brian O'Meara. John Attwood took home the lucky door prize and was also the winner of the "Guess the number of M and M's" free competition. An enjoyable night held by all.

- John Crilly

Jason Carter and John Crilly

The Stayers

The Dress-up Group

MOYOLA GARDENS PRESENTATION

Moyola Gardens residents held a dinner at their community hall on Tuesday, January 10. Noel Daniels was presented with a plaque that will be mounted in the hall, in recognition of his services to the gardens over many years. Noel, with his partner Trish, were one of the first people to sign up and move into Moyola Gardens in 2001.

The new Moyola Gardens site was an exdairy farm bare paddock, so we could call him a pioneer.

After moving into his new house, he was always there to help in any way he could. He got involved with the installation and maintenance of all the automatic irrigation

systems and the planting of the new lawns, saving Moyola an enormous amount of money.

He has also maintained, erected and lowered the flag daily. Noel has always volunteered at Moyola Lodge, reading and helping out where possible.

Three of the original committee members who had been involved with the development of Moyola Gardens were invited to witness this well-deserved presentation.

Noel turned 94 last December. Well done and congratulations.

- Richard and Did Russell

CUBBY NEWS

We wish all our Cubby families and the Tatura Community a Happy New Year.

And what an exciting new year it will be! After a year of preparation, our childcare centre will extend its hours to respond to the growing need for childcare in our town.

Our new opening hours are:

Tuesday 8:30am to 4:00pm Wednesday 8:30am to 4:00pm Thursday 8:30am to 4:00pm Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm Fees are $105 per day. Parents can and should apply for Childcare Subsidy (CCS) with Centrelink to reduce the amount of money they pay out of pocket.

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 bigger Cubby family. We are here to support our parents above the regular services of childcare centres. We can help you with your CCS application, connect you to support services or just have an open ear for the days where it all seems a bit much. We have only a few spots left but created a waiting list for this term’s applications for enrolment. Give us a call to inquire about vacancies, have a chat and book a time to get to know The Cubby and our staff.

At the end of last year, we said Goodbye to our beautiful childcare workers Karen and Janenne who have been with us for many years. Thank you for your commitment and for caring for so many children over the years. We will miss you! Karen and Janenne might step in as relievers from time to time, we’re looking forward to catching up with them then.

Our Cubby will be staffed with three educators. Tarja, our childcare coordinator, will continue to do a fantastic job with her caring attitude and her sense of humour. She will be supported by Lucy who has worked in childcare for over 13 years. Heather, who just completed her Diploma successfully, will join them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and our new staff member Katy will join them on Thursdays and Fridays. Our second new staff member Emma will complete the team and be there as a lunchtime reliever every day from Tuesday to Friday. Thank you to all our staff members, old and new, for making more childcare possible!

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.

TATURA PRIMARY SCHOOL Getting Ready for School.

It seems like a long time ago, but the storm in Tatura just before Christmas came as a bit of a shock to all of us (and some of our trees!). We hope that all our families stayed safe and well during this time and over the holiday period. The storm caused some damage to our school, but fortunately, we were able to use the break to have the garden restored, the damaged shade sail removed for replacement and the water damage attended to. All will be spick-and-span for our return to school next week. We have also arranged for a new tree assessment and management plan to ensure that our trees are safe as we begin the school year in 2023.

I remind families that school resumes for all classes on Tuesday, January 31 at 8:55am. Our office will be open between 9am and 4pm on Friday, January 27 and Monday, January 30 so that families can collect their books and see the office staff with any enquiries.

We look forward to welcoming everyone on the 31st, especially our new students and families.

- Susanne Gill, Principal

BOATING HAZARDS

With summer under way, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is reminding people to stay safe and to be mindful of the potential hazards the high water levels can present.

Many of GMW’s waterways and storages are fuller than usual after significant rainfall through October and November.

“Many of our storages have received high inflows in recent months. Often these inflows carry debris into our dams and lakes that can cause problems for boaters,” GMW Water Storage Services general manager Martina Cusack said.

“The high water levels will also cover vegetation that would normally be above the waterline,” she said.

“The flooding will have also changed riverbeds. There may be snags and sandbars where there previously weren’t any, so it is important people are wary that not all hazards will be visible.”

GMW manages several water storages that are still spilling. Boating is not permitted at these waterways, as the water running through them can create strong currents and can often drag people over the spillway where the water is particularly turbulent.

“To avoid disappointment, people should head to our website before visiting a storage to see what restrictions are in place,” Ms Cusack said.

“We will review our storages closely until they return to ‘Safe Boating Levels’, so we are eager for people to be able to enjoy them as soon as it is safe to do so.”

- Ivy Jensen, Media Officer

Laurie Merritt and Noel Daniels

Ma Merle

I had so wished that Garry had completely forgotten about any ideas about all of us going away together on a holiday, but in he bounced a few weeks ago spouting news about discount cruises here and great value cruises there. All of this accompanied by a grin from ear to ear. I just did not know how to put a stop to his ideas. It only made matters worse that Fred and Agnes were excited, in fact, beyond excited, at the thought of the four of us going off on a cruise.

“The Awesome Foursome,” Agnes chortled every time the topic came up. The idea of cruising seemed to be the winner with everyone, except me of course. Firstly, I did not want to go anywhere at all, and secondly, I did not want to be part of any foursome, let alone being squashed into some tiny ship with hundreds of other people. However, I didn’t feel right being responsible for stopping the joy of three other people who clearly saw me as their dear friend. I mean, maybe one or two, but all three of them just felt wrong, so I very reluctantly agreed to go. Naturally, I set down some important rules and conditions. Rule one; I will do as I please, when I please, and at all times. Rule two: Garry is not to come to my room for any reason what so ever. If he needs to see me, he can either wait, or message me to meet him somewhere public on the ship. I am most certainly not entertaining men in my cabin, I can tell you, especially Garry with his modern ideas. And needless to say, rule three, Fred is not to speak to me for any reason.”

So here we are sailing away from the shore on our cruise to Fiji.

“Aren’t you just loving this already Merle,” Agnes said, bursting with excitement and clapping her hands like a mad woman.

I sniffed disdainfully. “Love is a very strong word Agnes, but I suppose it is not quite as squashy as I thought, and the weather has been rather pleasant so far, but that could easily change. And let’s just see what the food’s like and the people. You know I am not that fond of people, so I don’t really want them around me.”

Agnes looked slightly surprised. “That might be a bit tricky Merle, they really have nowhere else to go, but I am sure you will be just fine. The three of us will take care of you. Fred and I have done this before so we are basically old hands at it.”

“Yes, old hands Agnes, I am sure you know all about cruises, and what you don’t know, I bet Fred will.” Unfortunately, my sarcasm was lost on Agnes who simply beamed with happiness.

“Let’s go find the boys, Merle,” Agnes announced as she bounded off, dragging me by the hand like a small child and heading in the direction of the crowd.

We did eventually find the ‘boys’ amongst the milling throngs meandering aimlessly along the decks and then we set off to find our rooms. We managed to find them too, along with every other passenger trying to find their own rooms. The rooms were far from spacious, but I reminded myself that it was only for sleeping, and dodging people, so it would do just fine.

We made plans to meet up on level three at two pm for afternoon tea. However, I arrived an hour late after getting lost all over the jolly place, up and down levels, around corridors, it was endless. I left my phone in my cabin so I could not call Agnes who had also been searching for me all over the ship when I did not turn up. I was red in the face and in a very bad mood when I did arrive and explained what had happened. Luckily for them they all sat very quietly and let me vent.

Garry patted me on the arm and said, “I will get you a nice cool drink love, you just sit right here.” He almost bowed to me before walking away. It was obvious that I was not in a good frame of mind.

Garry eventually popped back and said, “This will make you relax love, and it is nice and refreshing too.”

I was so thirsty that I drank it straight down. I only then thought to ask what it was.

“Oh, it’s just a bit of a mixture really, a bit of this and a bit of that with a lot of soda water and some nice lemon, but you seemed to enjoy it, I

thought you would. Would you like me to get you another?” he asked somewhat timidly.

“Yes, well it did have a very nice taste to it thank you, and I am still thirsty, so yes please Garry, that is very kind of you.”

We all relaxed into general conversation and I began to feel a lot better. We ate some food as there were copious amounts of it, in every direction. I did manage to take on a couple more of those refreshing drinks too and Garry was right, they were very relaxing.

I stood up to go to the bathroom and a lovely young lady behind the bar told me where it was. I saw that her name tag said ‘Tara’, so I thanked her by name and smiled. I noticed that I was feeling quite relaxed now. A little while later Garry, Agnes and I stood up and went to the bar to order coffee. We needed four coffees, and they were all different, one with full milk, one half strength, one double shot and so forth.

“We are a foursome you know,” Agnes announced as the waiter was writing down the order.

“I see,” he said with a smile. “How lovely Madam.”

Tara was at the coffee machine and the man went over and passed her the order. He looked squarely at Tara and then glanced back at us and said, “Menage a trois.”

I was shocked. “What?” I yelled out as I pointed an accusing finger at the waiter. “How dare you say such a thing. What? Why on earth would you be so rude? This is my best friend Agnes and my friend Garry. I simply do not know what to say to you, you rude man.”

Both Garry and Agnes stood there in stunned silence with their mouths gaping and their eyes bulging.

“What?” I said as I looked at them. “Didn’t you hear what he just? You go around spouting about foursomes Agnes and look how people respond.”

“Yes,” replied Garry calmly as they both nodded at me at the same time. “We did hear what he said love. He asked Tara if she could manage that order. He simply said, “Can you manage Tara?” I have no idea what you think he said Merle, but you best come and sit back down, and it’s probably best if you don’t have any more refreshing drinks tonight love.”

I was momentarily confused. “Oh, oh, I see, yes, so that’s what he said, I see. Okay, well I will go and sit back down now.” I glanced at the waiter who was still standing in the same spot with a look of horror. “Yes, well I am terribly sorry about that then.”

“Come on Merle,” Agnes said as she took me by the arm. “May be an early night for you? Let me walk you back to your cabin and we can bring the coffee to you. How does that sound?”

“Yes, very good, but you bring the coffee, not Garry. He is not allowed in my cabin.”

“Of course, I remember,” replied Agnes as she began to steer me away. “I will bring it to you, and then maybe a nice lay down for you.”

The whole thing was so confusing. What just happened? What was in those drinks? Can someone please explain? Anyone?

LOCAL ARTISTS – LOUISE CARTER

My name is Louise Carter, and I was born in Shepparton in 1974 to Alex and Joyce Carter. I am the youngest child with two older brothers. I went to Tatura Primary School and North Shepparton Tech. I was always learning and making things at school and home. I always enjoyed cake decorating for special family occasions.

My dad owns his own business (Tatura Engineering) and I grew up learning a lot of skills in the family business from my dad and two brothers.

My mum was a seamstress in her early adult life before having children and this may be where I picked up my creativity from.

I create a wide variety of crafts that I think of and then bring to life. I collect many of my supplies by up-cycling from opportunity shops. eBay is a useful and convenient supplier of items for my craft supplies along with local craft stores.

My passion is teapots that I decorate and then plant up with succulents. Diamond art is my favourite craft to do as it’s easy to create at minimal cost. I'm self-taught with my items and designs.

I've made dreamcatchers and fairy wands, just to name a few. I love making my designs come to life and have been fortunate enough to sell them through Tinker’s Twist in Tatura. I love the enjoyment I get from creating and sharing items with family, friends and the public.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

The Tatura Hospital & Parkvilla Ladies Auxiliary held their annual Christmas Hamper Raffle and raised the grand total of $1,470. This will go a long way to help with requests from the hospital and aged care facility. The first prize winner was Barbara Watts, and our committee member Mary Kenny, won the second prize. As always, we greatly appreciate the many people who purchased tickets to support this good cause.

The committee also supplied each resident with a lolly cup for Christmas and a platter was purchased for the staff.

- Janice Dreyer, President

Louise Carter Outside Tinker’s Twist.

The Christmas Hamper

TATURA COMMUNITY HOUSE

Welcome to 2023, we hope you all had a great break and are ready to do with another fun year of activities, creativity, education, fitness and supporting our community.

2022 was finished off with our annual Christmas Party. Thank you to all who came and contributed the amazing food and entertainment. It was great to catch up with everyone and hear their stories of the year.

We thank GV Health for bringing Jabba the Bus to the Community House in December. It was a great opportunity for our community to get vaccinated without traveling too far. Here at the Community House, we are starting off the year with a ‘School Holidays - Games Afternoon’ in the library. Come down, meet new people, and play one of the many board or card games available. If you want to play a particular game, please feel free to bring it along. Parental supervision is required. This is a free event for all ages.

In partnership with GV Health, a Women’s Health Clinic will be available at the Community House. This will be a monthly, free, and confidential sexual and reproductive health service which will be for women of all ages. The first Women’s Health Clinic will

be held on Tuesday, February 7, 10:00am2:00pm.

The clinic will provide information, support, clinical services, and appropriate specialist referral services for issues surrounding:

• Cervical screening (Pap smears)

• Contraception

• Continence issues

• Counselling

• Sexual Health concerns

• Genital pain and discomfort

For appointments, please contact Tatura Community House on 5824 1315.

GV Health will also be running the FoodREDi™ program. The FoodREDi™ 6-week program helps people aged 18+ years to:

• Choose healthy foods and drinks

• Plan to buy affordable food when shopping

• Make healthy meals for 1 or more. Contact GV Health, Health Coaches Shelley or Leanne 1800 222 582 (select option 4) for more information.

If you would like to get involved in 2023 give the Community House a call on 5824 1315.

ZERO CARBON TATURA

Did you know there up to three different rebates and incentives available to reduce the upfront cost of solar and heat pump hot water systems?

These rebates are designed to encourage a switch from inefficient electric systems to energy efficient electric appliances and thereby reduce carbon emissions and operational cost by up to 50%. Rebates are also available for solar panels.

A heat pump hot water system uses a heat exchanger similar to modern split-system air conditioners to heat water that is then stored in a conventional tank. The heat exchanger in some models is very similar to the outside unit of an air conditioner, while in others it is built onto the tank. Instead of heating water with an element like an electric kettle, a heat exchanger

pulls warmth from the air and uses refrigerants to heat water, a bit like a fridge in reverse. The rebates and incentives available are:

1. STC - Small-scale technology certificates

2. VEEC - Victorian energy efficiency certificates

3. Vic Solar Homes rebate – to replace an existing system at least 3 years old, means tested (income <$180k), approved products list.

High efficiency 315 litre systems cost $5000 to $6000, these rebates can potentially halve the purchase cost.

There are smaller capacity units can be installed at zero cost when all rebates are available

As heat pumps use much less energy than conventional electric element hot water systems, they don’t need to be restricted to off-peak periods (night rate) so you may find a smaller tank is adequate.

When shopping around for a new system, ask retailers about all these rebates, as not every installer is familiar with them.

The rebates do change at times or may cease, so check the government websites too, especially solar.vic.gov.au.

GV Community Energy can assist in the selection and supply of a suitable hot water system.

- Terry Court

TATURA FIRE BRIGADE STORM RESPONSE

Tatura Fire Brigade was quick to respond after the massive wind and hailstorm on December 22.

The pumper, tanker and field command vehicle were all deployed with minimal delay, notwithstanding the dangerous road conditions encountered attending to the station and on route to the various locations.

Initially manpower was limited as many volunteer members sustained storm damage on their own properties or had roads blocked. The priority was to attend to multiple fire alarms activated at premises across the town. This is a common occurrence when heavy rain

activates detectors and places warning systems in alarm within buildings. All such alarms must be investigated without delay to ensure the safety of the property and its occupants. Priorities for responding to these alarms were determined prior to turn-out and given the multiple alarms activated, support was requested from Mooroopna CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) in Shepparton.

These extra resources provided the brigade with the ability to broaden its response in identifying hazards, assisting in traffic control where powerlines were down, monitoring flooding in streets, and identifying where trees were blocking roads.

SES resources were being escalated at the same time as that authority is the lead agency in responding to storm and flood events. Communication arrangements were therefore quickly set up with Tatura SES to coordinate support to all storm damage requests through their HQ in Russell St Tatura.

Brigade crews were not stood down until later in the evening when Powercor attended to downed powerlines.

Overall, it was an effective and timely response from your local volunteer emergency organisations.

- Bill Stockdale, Secretary

- Nadine and Tom

Bev Preparing Christmas Party Dinner

INDIGENOUS ART FOR TATURA

A new and unique artwork has been produced by Mooroopna artist Tammy Lee-Atkinson and it has been installed in a central location in Tatura, behind the fountain and murals and near the public toilets in Stuart Mock Place. The two by one metre painting was commissioned specifically for Tatura and the country surrounding it to depict some of our indigenous heritage.

Greater Shepparton City Council liaised with the Tatura Community Plan Committee to commission the work and to find a suitable location. After considering several locations, we asked Geoff Lipshut from Lipshut Law if we could use his wall to display the painting. Geoff agreed to donate the space and to fund the weatherproof board it is painted on. To complete the project the Men’s Shed stepped in and provided the bolts and labour to securely fasten the painting to the wall just before Christmas day. This project has allowed our diverse community to come together to cooperate and provide another small but significant asset for Tatura. For more information on indigenous art, contact Kaiela Arts Shepparton (03 5821 9842).

- Sam Lolicato

The Tatura Ladies Bowls Club Championship has resulted in Dot Best winning her 10th club championship with her victory over Freda Clement.

Men’s Shed Installing the Artwork

TATURA BOWLS CLUB

Dot Best, with Terry Gale and Freda Clement.

Kids Page

Join the Dots in Number Order.

Dragon Jokes

Q: What’s a hungry dragon’s favourite day of the week

A: Chewsday

Q: What do you do with a green dragon?

A: Wait until it ripens!

Q: Why can’t dragons play ice hockey?

A: If they breathe fire, the ice melts.

Q: What do you call a dragon who is fantastic at juggling?

A: Talon-ted.

Q: What does a dragon eat for a snack?

A: Firecrackers

Q: What’s the most stressful thing about being a dragon?

A: Trying to blow out the candles on your birthday cake.

Uroboros

The Tail-Biting Dragon, symbolizes the Eternal Circle of Life.

The Dragon is a legendary creature belonging to the world of mythology, storytelling, and fantasy.

There are stories about Dragons in many cultures including Chinese, European and South American

Imagine what it would happen if Santa’s Sleigh was pulled by Dragons!

‘If dragons were real’ asked my son, ‘Would I be able to keep one? He could stay with me in my room. Saturday morning we'd watch cartoons I could take him with me to school, And play Marco Polo in the pool.’

‘But what would you feed him?’ asked I? ‘He'd need to fly high in the sky

If you catch one, they get pretty mean Dragons live in our wildest dreams.’

My Pet Dragon by Elijah Johnson