FYI March 1

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• Entry to our Thursday night racing as always is free

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Cover Story

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HOMAGE TO THE PLACE SETH CALLS HIS HOME Nathan Taylor chats with English multi award-winning folk singer-songwriter, Seth Lakeman, about making an album down a copper mine and his upcoming tour, which includes a gig at Katoomba...

I

f you’ve never heard of folk singersongwriter Seth Lakeman, it won’t be too long before you do.

The 35-year-old Englishman is one of the biggest stars in the UK right now, and he’s set to take Australia by storm when he touches down here for the Blue Mountains Music Festival next month.

Along with his incredible soaring vocals, Seth’s primary musical instruments are the violin, the tenor guitar, the banjo and viola.

But perhaps what makes Seth so interesting, is the way he incorporates his hometown of Devon, England, into his music.

For his latest album ‘Tales From The Barrel House’, Seth could not have dug deeper into his Devon roots.

He even descended into a disused West Country copper mine to record one track.

The rest of the songs on the album were laid down in the co-operage, the old smithy and other workshops at the ghostly Morwellham Quay mining port on the north bank of the River Tamar.

In his boldest musical statement of his career, Seth not only wrote all the songs but played every musical contribution himself, as well as producing and mixing the album.

Seth explains why he went down that path of doing everything himself.

“I was cutting back on costs, it was more of a concept record,” he said.

“The whole kind of reasoning was about people who work with their hands, the old trades, industrial revolution and the heart of England – it was quite an intense project and the way to make it work was to almost do it yourself.

“I wouldn’t make another record like that

FYi Issue 124 Editor Troy Dodds Troy.Dodds@mediaview.com.au

Printed at Spot Press Pty Ltd

again but it seemed to work for what it was. It was definitely fun to make.”

Seth said it was refreshing making a record where he didn’t have A&R men looking over his shoulder or record bosses influencing him in any way.

“The thing is it’s a dangerous balance that goes on in music,” he said.

“Obviously you’re selling a product, a brand, so you have to honour and acknowledge that but you have to stay true to your artistic integrity.”

Folk music in Australia has always been somewhat of a niche market but these days the genre is slowly making inroads amongst mainstream Aussie music lovers.

Seth hopes his new-wave style of folk music will get fans on their feet during the Katoomba-based festival on March 16 and 17.

“I think the reason we’ve been so successful in the UK is because we have that ability to stand out, be unique and get people on their feet,” he said.

“A lot of British music from the folk scene tends to be quite static, so in a way we’ve fused quite a lot of influences together but kept it quite organic.

“Even bands from Australia like John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Xavier Rudd, all these jam bands are some of the best performers in the world because they show us how to whip up a crowd and I think that’s why it’s connecting in Australia.”

Seth grew up in a folk music loving family with his brothers Sean and Sam in the village of Buckland Monachorum in West Devon.

He began playing music with his parents and two brothers at an early age.

“I think I got into folk music through a few

Phone: 4722 2998 Fax: 4731 6255

FYi Advertising Manager Cameron Wallace Cameron.Wallace@mediaview.com.au

Content Nathan Taylor

Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Steet Jamisontown, NSW 2750 Production Irene Adams Maddy Searle

We have that ability to stand out, be unique and get people on their feet different ways,” Seth said.

“The first, is my mum and dad ran a folk club and I was taken along to the Plymouth Folk Club since I was baby.

“Where I was born and bred has also responded and inspired my writing. Devon is such a beautiful part of the world and that has made quite an impact on me. I think this area works quite well with instruments and the sounds I’ve been trying to create.”

Also joining Seth at March’s Blue Mountains Music Festival is none other than ARIA-award winner Gurrumul, Kate MillerHeidke, Chris Smither, Luka Bloom, Zoe Keating and a host other high-profile folk, blues and roots artists.

Seth has played at many of the world’s

greatest festivals, including Glastonbury, but is genuinely thrilled at visiting and playing in the Blue Mountains for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Blue Mountains, it’s something I’ve read about and can’t wait to go there to soak it up,” he said.

Catch the mesmerising Seth Lakeman with his band at the 18th annual Blue Mountains Music Festival from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to book call 1800 651 322 or visit www. bmff.org.au

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Live

DAME KIRI’S ONE NIGHT AT THE JOAN

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elebrated opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will use her enchanting voice for a good cause when she performs for charity in Penrith.

The New Zealand born soprano will star in a gala charity benefit concert held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Friday, March 15. The event will be her only performance in Sydney.

Funds raised at the concert will go towards the charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia and Penrith Performing and Visual Arts who will use it to extend their work providing music for disadvantaged children, people with special needs, early intervention and aged care programs.

Dame Kiri proved herself a natural performer from her youth and won all the major vocal prizes available in the South Pacific by the time she turned 20-years-old.

She then rose to prominence in London’s opera scene in the early 1970’s after her debut as the Countess in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

and has since been recognised as one of the world’s most talented sopranos.

The opera diva has lit up the stage in opera houses across the globe including the Covent Garden, the Metropolitan, the Chicago Lyric Opera, Paris Opera, the Sydney Opera House, the Vienna State, La Scala, and in San Francisco, Munich and Cologne.

She has performed under the direction of some of the world’s finest conductors with major orchestral ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and London Symphony.

After a long and distinguished career, Dame Kiri continues to thrill audiences with her stage presence and vocal beauty which she will bring to Penrith, accompanied by renowned pianist Terence Dennis.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will perform at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Friday, March 15 at 8pm. Tickets are $150 each and include drinks, a post-show champagne supper and a program. Bookings: 4723 7600 or www.jspac.com.au.

IRISH DUO TEAM UP FOR SECOND HOME

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hey may have been born in the green hills of Ireland but pop sensations Ronan Keating and Brian McFadden consider themselves Aussies and now they’re touring their second home.

The pair will unite to perform at the Evan Theatre in Penrith as part of their Australian tour this month.

While their music may be unique, they have had remarkably similar careers – both musicians rose to stardom in Irish boy bands and are now successful in Australia as judges on rival reality TV shows.

Ronan, who is a mentor on the hit show ‘The X-Factor’, achieved fame as the lead singer of Boyzone and later as a solo artist with soulful hits such as top three single ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ and ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’.

He released his latest album ‘Fires’ last year and is also due to reunite with his old Boyzone bandmates for a 20th anniversary tour.

“I can’t wait to play songs from my new album ‘Fires’ to my Australian fans,” Ronan said.

“And to go on tour with one of my best mates is just a bonus!”

Ronan has described his new album as having that ‘Life is a Rollercoaster’ feel about it and being more fun than his traditional folk vibe.

Fellow Irishman Brian McFadden, a judge on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, will be accompanying Ronan on tour.

Brian is a former member of the band Westlife and has since carved out a solo career for himself, releasing pop singles such as ‘Like Only A Woman Can’ and collaborating with rapper Kevin Rudolf for the dance-pop hit ‘Just Say So’.

His latest album ‘The Irish Connection’, which features covers of Irish hits, was released late 2012.

Like Ronan, Brian said he was excited to take to the stage.

“My favourite thing to do is perform,” he said.

“I can’t wait to play some new songs, some old songs and some classic favourites to Australian audiences.”

Ronan Keating’s ‘Fires’ Tour is set to be an up close and personal performance that fans

of this Irish duo will not want to miss.

Ronan Keating with special guest Brian McFadden will perform at the Evan Theatre at Penrith Panthers on Saturday, March 9 at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are $112.

For more information or bookings visit www. penrith.panthers.com.au.

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www.stmarysbandclub.com.au 411 Great Western Highway, ST MARYS for further information call 9623 1211

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in the Keller Lounge

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Starring Scot Robin- star of stage musical “BUDDY”- All the hits from Buddy Holly including “Oh Boy”, “Peggy Sue”, “True Love Ways” and “Maybe Baby”

KARAOKE SUNDAY NIGHTS

Sing-offs from 6pm every Sunday Night in The Keller Lounge

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Saturday 9th March Doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm start Tickets- Members $8.00 |Guests- $12.00

Join us every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

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Live

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BHOY OH BHOY YOU WILL BE IN STITCHES

A

fter becoming pretty much a household name in Australia thanks to a slew of sold out national tours, three highly successful live DVDs and more TV appearances than you can poke a stick at, Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is back and this time he’s not happy.

The normally affable Bhoy will be bringing his latest show ‘Dear Epson’ to Sydney in April but be warned, some spleen will be vented.

Bhoy, who described the show as “some stand-up with some sitting down” said the show would revolve around Bhoy’s recent spate of letter-writing to big companies complaining about the little things that really get under all of our noses.

“F**k yes, I’m going in hard on this one,” he told FYI. “I had a bit of what you might call a breakdown recently and I wrote a letter to Epson about the disparity between the price of their printers and price of their printer cartridges. I mean, honestly, you can buy a

new printer for the price of one cartridge – it’s ridiculous.

“Anyway, I’ve expanded this to form the basis of the show where I’ll be reading out letters that I’ve written, not just to these big companies, but to anyone that p***es me off – it really is quite a cathartic experience.”

Australia was one of the first places that cottoned on to Bhoy’s laconic style of humour after he first performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2003.

Such is Bhoy’s popularity here that he has released two stand-up DVDs that were filmed here – ‘Live at the Sydney Opera House’ and ‘Live at the Athenaeum’ – with a third, ‘Subject to Change’ recorded in Canada.

So, what is it about his style of comedy that appeals to Aussie audiences so much?

“I think that basically, it’s because both Australian audiences and Scottish audiences are very similar in terms of what they think is funny,” he said.

“Also my style of comedy is very story

based, more in the tradition of Billy Connolly than any type of set up and punch-line comedy, and because both Scottish and Australian people both seem to really love hearing a guy tell a great story, normally in a pub, and that’s why I think it’s easier for an Australian audience to relate rather than, say and American one.”

Bhoy said that one of the most interesting places he has toured is India.

“I don’t think they’d even seen standup before – they were more used to the whole Bollywood song and dance type of entertainment.”

So for such a seasoned pro, performing on stage should be easy right?

“It’s amazing how nervous I am still before I go out onstage,” he said.

Catch Danny Bhoy when he plays at the State Theatre in Sydney on April 23, 24 and 26.

commentator Mark Bosnich, Olympic Gold medallist Steve Hooker, cricketing legend Michael Slater, channel 9 reporters Emma Freedman, Erin Molan and Roz Kelly and ‘Bondi Rescue’ stars Maxi and Gonzo.

Other attractions include extreme stunt shows and driving classes, drifting sessions and a family fun zone for the kids to enjoy all weekend long.

You can even enjoy the Festival by booking

a Sydney Helicopters ride for $89 and get a bird’s eye view of all the racing action and mayhem.

Top Gear Festival Sydney will be held on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 from 8am to 6pm.

Tickets are $29 for children, $79 for adults or $180 for a family pass. For bookings or more information, call 132 849 or visit www. topgearfestivalsydney.com.au.

GET INTO TOP GEAR FOR OZ FESTIVAL

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he stars of the British TV show ‘Top Gear’ are set to thrill Australian car lovers when they burn rubber in Eastern Creek this year.

Hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May will bring their passion for cars down under during the Top Gear Festival Sydney in March.

Top Gear Festival Sydney offers a truly awesome experience for visitors, expanding it from theatre shows of the past to an outdoor motoring festival spectacular where all corners of the Park will be ablaze with action all weekend long.

Complete with two live race circuits, the world’s most expensive and powerful supercars, high risk stunts, heart thumping time trials and thrilling challenges, we expect we’ll be mopping up your drool at the end of it.

The British duo will put an Australian twist on their unique humour, settling the great debate of ‘Ford or Holden’ and speeding up snail mail in the ‘Postie Bike Challenge’, while the mysterious Stig will set power laps in

impressive supercars.

The speed of three of Australia’s top motor sportsmen will be tested when Casey Stoner gets on a bike for the first time since his retirement to race against Red Bull Racing F1 team member Mark Webber and reigning V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup.

Celebrity speed demons also have a chance at glory on the track when they compete in Top Gear’s famed ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’ challenge.

The stars will put their pedal to the metal in a Lexus CT200h in an attempt to achieve the fastest timed lap on a tight 1.8km circuit at Sydney Motorsport Park.

There will be a battle of the breakfast hosts when shock jock Kyle Sandilands, host of Sydney’s highest rated breakfast show, battles with WSFM’s Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones to get to the top of the leader board.

Other famous revheads who are rising to the challenge include NSW politician Andrew Fraser, Socceroo Brett Emerton, soccer

Live

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THE SEARCHERS

March 1 Rooty Hill RSL $20

THE MCCLYMONTS

March 2 Rooty Hill RSL $30 Adults, $20 Children

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

The Searchers Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $20 8pm 9625 5500 The Frocks Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry 9pm 9677 7777 Retro Friday Night Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 8.30pm 9623 1211 Nuclear Buddha Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry 8.30pm 4577 3396 Club Envy Venue: Penrith Hotel $10 9pm 4721 2060 Live Entertainment Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry 7.30pm 4737 4600 Stellar Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry 9pm 4728 5200

Australian Bee Gees Trilogy Direct from Las Vegas Venue: Penrith Panthers $36.50 7.30pm 4720 5555 The McClymonts Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $30 Adults/$20 Children 12 and under 8pm 9625 5500 New Horizon Band Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry 9pm 9677 7777 Rock and Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 8.30pm 9623 1211 Manpower Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $30 8pm 9830 0600 Triple Grip Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry 9pm 9830 0673 Rough Stock Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry 8.30pm

4577 3396 Country Band Venue: Nepean Rowing Club Free entry 1.30pm 4731 2255 Live Entertainment Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry 7.30pm 4737 4600 Live Entertainment Venue: Penrith Paceway Free entry 6.30pm 4721 2375 Back to the 80’s Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry 9pm 4728 5200 Welcome Home Lightning Stone Venue: Upper Castlereagh Church Adults $20, Concession $10 7.30pm 0468 424 000

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 6pm 9623 1211 Rockin’ Mustangs Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry 2pm

UNMISSABLE TRILOGY OF THE BEE GEES

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fter playing for audiences in Las Vegas, the Australian Bee Gees show is coming home and bringing their spectacular tribute show with them.

The band will perform their brand new ‘Trilogy Tour’ at Penrith’s Evan Theatre on Saturday, March 2.

The dazzling career of the Bee Gees is covered in ‘Trilogy’, which includes music from the band’s earliest years through to their legendary ‘One Night Only’ concert in Las Vegas.

The harmonies and disco pop beats which made the Bee Gees such a success will be authentically replicated on stage by these veteran performers.

Dedicated to providing an authentic experience for audiences, the Australian Bee Gees Show is made up of seasoned musicians Michael Cliff, David Scott, Wayne Hosking, Tony Richards and Rick Powell.

Together they have taken their show around the world and, since 2011, have been

wowing audiences at The Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Michael Clift performs as Barry Gibb on guitar and vocals and draws experience from performing in his own band, Red Tape, which was listed in the ‘Who’s Who of Australian Rock’.

Playing Robin Gibb on vocals is David Scott, but he also nkows how to play the guitar and was part of the Eagles Tribute show, Hotel California.

Wayne Hosking is Maurice Gibb on the keyboard, guitar and vocals and has extensive musical experience – he has even written an opera.

Tony Richards helps out on bass guitar and Rick Powell on the drums.

Fans will be astounded to hear the men of the Australian Bee Gees show capture the style and essence of their favourite band as they perform all their greatest hits including ‘More Than A Woman’, ‘Massachusetts’, ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ and ‘You Should Be

Dancing’.

The show will also tell the story of the Gibb brothers in a multi-media display that captures the mood and memories of the era.

After 16 years, the show has racked up over 2,000 performances in 40 countries and are still impressing with their magical take on the Bee Gees music.

Here’s your chance to relive the best of the Bee Gees so don’t miss out on this exciting

performance.

The Australian Bee Gees Trilogy will be performing at the Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers on Saturday, March 2 at 8pm and doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets are $36.50 for members and visitors or $66.45 including a meal at the stylish Osso restaurant.

To book or for more information, call 4720 5555 or visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au.

Live FRIDAY, MARCH 8

THIN LIZZY

March 8 Evan Theatre, Panthers $76.50

KEATING & MCFADDEN

March 9 Evan Theatre, Panthers $112

Thin Lizzy Venue: Penrith Panthers $76.50 8pm 4720 5555 Swanee Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $5 members/$12 visitors 8pm Adults only 9625 5500 Out of Salem Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry 8.30pm 9625 5500 Hogan’s Heroes Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry 9pm 9677 7777 Retro Friday Night Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 8.30pm 9623 1211 Backlash Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry 8pm 4722 8180 A Girls A Gun Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry 8.30pm

4577 3396 Club Envy Venue: Penrith Hotel $10 9pm 4721 2060 Live Entertainment Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry 7.30pm 4737 4600 The Blacklist Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry 9pm 4728 5200

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Ronan Keating & Brian McFadden Venue: Penrith Panthers $112 8pm 4720 5555 Big Night Out Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry 9pm The Cover Agents Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry 8.30pm 9625 5500 Rock and Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 8.30pm 9623 1211

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Buddy’s Back Venue: St Marys Band Club $8 members/$12 visitors 8pm 9623 1211 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 3pm 9623 1211 Reach Out: A Motown Journey Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $30 members/$35 visitors 8pm 9830 0600 Franky Valentyn Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry 9pm 9830 0600 Joe Grima Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry 8pm 4722 8180

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry 6pm 9623 1211 Feral Swing Katz Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry 2pm 4728 5200

SUNDOWNER: FAMILY, LOVE AND LOSS

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lzheimer’s is a disease that affects an increasingly large percentage of the population and now its devastating impacts are being explored in the play ‘Sundowner’.

‘Sundowner’, produced by the theatre company KAGE in association with Alzheimer’s Australia, chronicles the experience of Peggy who is diagnosed with early onset dementia.

It tells the story from the point of view of three generations in Peggy’s family and presents the way that sufferers and their loved ones are affected by dementia.

This eye-opening play was written by David Denborough and is directed by Kate Denborough.

The play draws on the real life experiences of Australian families and combines dance, drama and original musical composition to create a sophisticated and sensitive portrayal of the pain associated with dementia.

The feelings and fears of Peggy and her family are presented in an authentic

manner, and the play is the result of two years of research and community engagement including focus groups and discussions with Alzheimer’s sufferers and their carers.

‘Sundowner’ is brought to life by a talented cast, including veteran performer Helen Morse who stars as Peggy.

Morse, an Australian Film Institute Award winner, is renowned for her roles in films including ‘Caddie’, ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ and ‘A Town Like Alice’ as well as recent leading roles in theatre productions such as ‘The Aunt’s Story’ and ‘Frozen’.

She is joined by fellow actors Jackie Rees, Timothy Ohl, Gabrielle Nankivell and Craig Bary.

The production features original compositions by beloved Australian musicians Paul Kelly, Megan Washington and Kelly Ryall while the family’s journey is represented by the movement of dancers, the Tivoli Lovelies.

With its touching depiction of illness and its exploration of love and loss, ‘Sundowner’

has a powerful impact on audiences and brings awareness of dementia to the wider community.

Well-received by critics, the play was praised by The Australian newspaper who wrote that “‘Sundowner’ succeeds in what it sets out to do; engage, educate and entertain”.

‘Sundowner’ will be performed at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta on a number of dates.

Schedules performances include on Tuesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 6 at 8pm or Thursday, March 7 at 6.30pm. The play runs for 80 minutes.

Tickets are $56 for adults, $51 for concessions, $39 for students and $46 for youth, classified as aged 30 and under.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 8839 3399 or visiting www. riversideparramatta.com.au.

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What’s On The...

SMALL SCREEN

BIG SCREEN

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ith its star-studded cast, complex plot and stunning visuals the easiest way to describe ‘Cloud Atlas’ would be to say it’s a big, ambitious film.

Based on David Mitchell’s 2004 novel of the same name, the plot consists of six interrelated stories that take place in varying places and eras.

The audience is taken on a mindtripping journey beginning in the imperialistic 19th century then makes a few stops on the way to the present day.

The film then becomes speculative, first portraying a stereotypical sci-fi future complete with clone servants and finally stopping with a primitive society that has recouped after an apocalypse.

As if that wasn’t complex enough, the film’s main actors make repeat appearances as different characters in each story. The plot’s threads come together to create an overarching story which explores the way distant actions from one generation can have a profound impact on the future.

While some critics have judged ‘Cloud Atlas’ as being overly long and

convoluted, its impressive cinematography and intellectual plot is sure to dwell in the mind of movie-goers long after they’ve left the theatre.

‘CLOUD ATLAS’ (Rated MA15+) Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving

CONSOLE

With masterful use of suspense, the film will keep audiences on the edge of their seats as the escapees face hurdle after hurdle in their quest to break free.

‘ARGO’ (Rated M) Starring: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman

STEREO

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R

eleased in 2010, ‘Sid Meier’s Civilization V’ received overwhelmingly positive reviews with critics, and now fans will be able to experience it to the full with all of the game’s add on content available in one package.

‘Civilisation V’, which is part of a popular strategy series, involves players taking on the part of God as they control a civilisation from its primitive beginnings and oversee its development over thousands of years.

Details are important in the game as players manage units which represent different fundamental roles in society such as the military, agriculture and technology.

The quest to conquer the world makes for an engrossing experience and success requires dedication and planning. The graphics are impressive and user experience is enhanced by the option to play online, while helpful tutorial setting allow new players to adapt to gameplay quickly. Hardcore players and history junkies will love the extra features in the recently released ‘Gold Edition’.

B

en Affleck is actor, director and producer in the critically acclaimed ‘Argo’.

Based on a true story, the film follows the struggle of six Americans who narrowly escape being taken hostage when Iranian militants storm the US Embassy.

With the clock ticking they find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador but, fearing their inevitable capture and death, the US State Department brainstorms ways to help them flee Iran. CIA extraction specialist Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is called to assist and hatches a daring plan that seems too farcical to be true.

A smash hit with audiences and critics alike, ‘Argo’ has won several major film awards including ‘Best Film’ at the British Academy Film Awards and ‘Best Director’ at the Critics Choice Awards.

Veteran film critic Roger Ebert named it as his pick for the best movie released last year, praising the delicate balance ‘Argo’ toes by being a heartstopping thriller while also including light comic moments.

‘SID MEIER’S CIVILIZATION V: Gold Edition’ PC

fter years of anticipation, English musician Dido has finally released her fourth album ‘Girl Who Got Away’, which will surprise fans with its vibrant, electro-pop feel.

The songstress, who rose to prominence after her single ‘Thank You’ was sampled in Eminem’s hit song ‘Stan’, is better known for her soft, ethereal music and self-reflective lyrics but has stated publicly that she aimed to make a more fun record this time round.

The result is an album which has a brighter, more optimistic tone with feel good tracks such as lead single ‘No Freedom’ and ‘Let Us Move On’.

As with her previous albums, Dido is credited on all of the tracks and her elder brother Rollo Armstrong was also heavily involved in the production process.

Veteran musician Brian Eno, famed for his role in Roxy Music, makes a star appearance as producer on ‘Day Before We Went to War’.

Despite having shied away from public performances for over four years, Dido’s live preview of the album

in London last month was met with praise from music magazine Billboard.

‘Girl Who Got Away’ combines uplifting themes, talented producers and strong vocals to create a record, which promises to be a triumphant return to the music scene for Dido.

‘GIRL WHO GOT AWAY’ Dido

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Richmond Inn Hotel and Motel NIGHTS THURSDAY araoke K g n i S 2 U 4

rize $100TilCl Laatesh P

FREE - Talent competition for emerging artists.

Two categories - Individual and Group.

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Finals - March 2nd, 7pm at the Penrith Gaels Club The winner gets the opportunity to play on the main stage at the 2013 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day on Sunday 17th March.

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Starts at 7pm Tickets on Sale from 5pm A variety of prizes including Meat Trays

Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink (members only). 7 to choose from.

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u n e M w e Exciting N

ESTAURANT KEMPS CREEK NEW RESTAURANT

Now offering a wide variety of choice including seafood, hearty steaks, pasta, salads as well as traditional CzechoSlovakian meals which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

ANNUAL GALA BENEFIT AN ENCHANGTING EVENING WITH

DAME KIRI TE KANAWA

In her only Sydney concert, legendary soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will perform highlights from her extensive operatic and award winning career. She will be accompanied by renowned New Zealand pianist Terence Dennis.

Meals from $9.90

with all main meals offering generous servings, with plenty of choice for children as well.

All funds raised at this event will assist Penrith Performing & Visual Arts and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia to extend their work providing music for disadvantaged children, people with special needs, early intervention and aged care programs.

Great for any occassion

Our restaurant is great place for lunch, dinner and celebrating special occassions, be it an intimate dinner, family meal or a large gathering for family and friends.

Dress Elegant

Opening hours Friday 6pm-9pm • Saturday 4pm-9pm • Sunday 12pm-4pm

Why not come try us out?

Bookings can be made in advance on 02 9606 8703.

CzechSlovakian Country Club 320 Devonshire Rd, Kemps Creek www.cscountryclub-sydney.com.au

FRIDAY 15 MARCH AT 8PM

Tickets $150 each including drinks on arrival and at interval, post show supper and performance program BOOK NOW 4723 7600 or jspac.com.au Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street Penrith

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CHOCOLATE HEAVEN SAN CHURRO BRINGS THE BEST OF THE SPANISH NISH CHOCOLATE TRADITION TO PENRITH. Our menu is full of premium chocolate treats, eats, te, churros os including traditional Spanish hot chocolate, te shakes, (Spanish doughnuts), couverture chocolate de co c ffee. ice creams, desserts and delicious fair trade coffee.

Stop by for a chocolate fix that will leave you smiling.

Firstname* tname*

SAN CHURRO PENRITH

Lastname* Last La stname*

Westfield Penrith Plaza, Riley Street, Penrith NSW 2750 Ph: 02 4722 5525 Email: penrith@sanchurro.com.au

Email* Day/month of birth*

Present this voucher at San Churro Penrith when purchasing any menu item to receive $5 OFF!

Gender*

Terms and conditions: Complete this form to validate voucher. The $5 chocolate cash voucher is valid for menu item purchases only. Not redeemable for cash or valid with any other offer or discount. By cpmpleting this form you consent to the use of your personal information for direct marketing purposes.

*mandatory

EXPIRY: 30 APRIL 2013

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Relax

EATING OUT

F

SILVER SPUR

COOL AND CRISP FROM THE SNOWY'S FOOTHILLS

by David Ellis

E

ven though its heartland is the Hunter Valley, boutique family-owned Hungerford Hill draws on cool-climate fruit from the foothills of the NSW Snowy Mountains for their Classic range Tumbarumba Chardonnay.

The latest release, from 2010, is one for those who truly enjoy their Chardonnays, with the Tumbarumba region providing high elevation to grow cool, crisp fruit for a rewarding wine that’s got everything going for it.

Pale straw in colour with green highlights, this is a wine with nice, ripe stone fruit, ruby red grapefruit, cherry oak and nutty-bready elements on the palate, all nicely rich and mouth filling.

Add some tight acid structure and oak tannins and you’ve got a wine that’s for buying now and drinking now.

And interestingly the company’s gone back to its roots, creating a label for this 2010 wine that was inspired by the first Hungerford Hill

Chardonnay label back in 1971. Pay $30 and you’ll find it will sit really well with poultry, pork or seafood dishes accompanied by cream or butter-based sauces.

One to note: Shaw Vineyard Estate at Murrumbateman, around a 25-minute drive north of Canberra, has an interesting loweralcohol wine it labels as Riscato. It is very much in the mould of Italy’s Moscato as it is sweetish, yet not overly so, and is at just nine per cent alcohol – around two-thirds of the norm.

A predominantly Riesling/Semillon blend with a touch of Shiraz that gives it its rose-pink hue, this non-vintage release is very refreshing on the palate, and makes for an ideal beverage when partnered with well-chilled with spicy main course dishes, or with a good cheese and fruit platter.

Pay an easy $15 and appreciate why it’s a favourite with visitors to Shaw’s Murrumbateman cellar door. See www. vintnews.com for more great ideas!

rom the moment you walk through the doors of Silver Spur you’ll feel at home, with the friendly waitresses stepping forward cheerfully to greet you and provide customer service that’s second to none.

The atmosphere is fun and lively, with bright native American themed decor and catchy pop music blaring from the stereo.

If you’re a fan of fancy dress then this restaurant is right up your alley with the staff donning their best costumes for a themed dress-up night on the last Friday of each month.

Parents need not worry about boredom or temper tantrums as children are given colouring-in sheets and crayons on arrival.

The little ones will also be in heaven when they enter the specially-made kids’ room, complete with TV and game consoles to keep young minds entertained and ensure that the grown-ups can enjoy a quiet, stress-free meal.

A delicious assortment of starters are on offer, ranging from the classics such as cheesy garlic bread to spicier Mexican foods for diners who like it hot. The quesadillas are especially good; they’re crisp and golden with the perfect amount of cheese and come with three sauces.

The mains are generously portioned and good value for money, and the menu includes salads, steaks, burgers and more – so there’s

a dish for even the fussiest of diners. The calorie-conscious will be thankful for the light sides available such as hot vegetables.

If you’re looking for an option that’s somewhere in between the big juicy steaks and leafy green salads, the Spur club sandwich might be for you. This isn’t the average sandwich you’d find in a lunch box – it is filled with grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato, and is sure to satisfy your hunger.

Even though Silver Spur is a steak house, vegetarians can enjoy their meals too. The crumbed vegetarian burger is tasty, with a filling vegie patty and lettuce, tomato and onion on top. Other meat-free meals include fajitas, nachos and salads.

Most of the burgers come with your pick of a baked potato or lightly seasoned chips.

If all that hearty food hasn’t filled you up yet, the tantalising desserts will.

The light and fluffy chocolate mousse served with ice-cream is a delight for sweet tooths and comes presented in a cute sundae glass with a cherry on top.

The crepes are served warm with banana, chocolate syrup and ice-cream to add sweetness and flavour.

With its great food, good value and fun, family-friendly atmosphere Silver Spur is a restaurant worth booking a table for. To book or for more information, call 4732 1700.

– Reviewed by Shannon Cochrane

15

FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

Every Saturday from 7.30pm

FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BJ’S BRASSERIE

ACOUSTICS ON THE TERRACE

Under New Management & a New Delicious Menu Open for Lunch and Dinner • 7days a week

... The Perfect Space for your next Event

$10.00 LUNCH SPECIAL

Every Sunday Afternoon from 3pm on our Outdoor Terrace

Monday – Friday

Why not do it here in style and take the stress out of planning your next big thing

Plus $2.00 Cash Back and a complimentary Middy of Beer, Soft drink or House Wine. *Selected Menu Items Only.

For more information: kirsties@kcsb.com.au

Kemps Creek Sporting & Bowling Club Elizabeth Drive, Kemps Creek Ph: 9826 1375 info@kcsb.com.au | www.kcsb.com.au WW1340

25th Anniversary Season opens with

1001 Nights 8pm, Saturday 16 March 2013 Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Conductor Paul Terracini Soloist Rosamund Plummer

2013

TCHAIKOVSKY

NUTCRACKER SUITE NUT REIN REINECKE

FLU FLUTE CONCERTO

25

CONCERT SEASON

Years Penrith Symphony Our Orchestra

RIMS RIMSKY-KORSAKOV

SHE SHEHERAZADE Subscribe now!

Support PSO in its 25th year Subscriptions $58–$140

01 1001 Nights 02 Carmina Burana

25th Anniversary Jubilaeum

Tickets: $20–$45

Bookings: www.jspac.com.au or 02 4723 7600

Season Details: www.pso.org.au

Free pre-concert talk at 7.20pm

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03 Liszt and Schumann 04 Romantic Forces

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ENTERTAINMENT every Saturday night BISTRO Lunch & Dinner RACING

Every Thursday Night - FREE ENTRY

PARTIES & WEDDINGS

3 x Function Rooms, the largest can cater for up to 300 ppl, great wedding packages available

KENO & PLATINUM TAB Facilities

e w hav We no

a

Play Ki d srea A Showground Markets Every Wednesday From 8.30am-1.30pm

CASH HOUSIE

Wednesday’s From 10.30am & Friday’s 6.30pm

ECONOMY BUSTER MONDAYS

FRIDAY NIGHT BADGE DRAW First draw 6.30pm

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$2.50 Morning Tea from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Plus mini raffles, strips of 10 numbers for only @ $2.

Mothers Groups more than welcome.

Club Paceway, Cnr Station & Ransley Sts, Penrith

www.clubpacewaypenrith.com.au 4721 2375 75

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Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

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CHATTER ON THE BOX with Nathan Taylor

R

ugby league returns to our television screens next week and you can be sure to see some new innovations.

Last Friday in the Charity Shield match between the Rabbitohs and Dragons, Fox Sports used the “Cornerpost Cam” for the first time. Cornerpost Cam features a GoPro Hero 3 Camera imbedded in the lower part of the post padding, capturing stunning vision of flying wingers leaping over the try-line. It looked great last Friday and I am sure we will see a lot more of it during the NRL season.

Channel 10 is sinking further into crisis with the Board of Ten Network Holdings sacking CEO James Warburton.

Warburton was poached in 2011 from rival Channel Seven, but the network is still struggling to make an impact.

He has been replaced by Hamish McLennan.

Everyone knows how much I love ‘Home and Away’ so it was exciting this week to see that Katie Ritchie, aka Sally Fletcher, is back on the beach!

The 34-year-old’s return is being worked into storylines that revolve around the show’s 25th anniversary on air.

The five-part BBC masterpiece ‘Parade’s End’ premieres on the Nine Network with a

movie-length double episode on Wednesday, March 6 at 8.30pm. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall, as well as Australia’s Adelaide Clemens, this is an epic story of love and betrayal amid the twists and turns of the First World War. It’s set to be a ratings winner for Nine.

Talking of ratings winners ‘My Kitchen Rules’ continues to do unbelievable numbers for Channel Seven. This show has really hit it out of the park this year.

Many regular viewers would have noticed the return of ‘60 Minutes’. This is one of the great news programs on Australian TV and

the interview with former Prime Minister John Howard was a highlight last week. The show continues to lead the way in current affairs television, and still has it over Seven’s ‘Sunday Night’ offering in my opinion.

Yes, it’s back. My favourite show and yours, ‘Big Brother’ is back for another year.

And Big Brother himself is ready to cast his all-seeing eye over Australia again to search for housemates. Big Brother will once again be touring the country to give everyone a chance to have face-time with the producers.

Those wanting to audition can register online in advance at www.bigbrother.com.au. Don’t regret it: give it a go!

18

Relax

DELVING INTO THE CHARMS OF VIETNAM’S HOI AN

by David Ellis

T

here are just two Westerners among 40 or so locals on the ferry – in truth just an open barge – crossing the river from Hoi An’s bustling Old Quarter to Cam Kim, a rural commune where village life still dominates on Vietnam’s South Central Coast.

Those Westerners are my travel-writing colleague, John Rozentals and his partner Sandra, who are heading with their tour guide to the home of the guide’s father-in-law.

John takes up the story: Most of the locals are returning home from work, with just about all having a motorbike or a bicycle they somehow jam onto the ferry with them.

The chat to us seems pretty ordinary, but an elderly woman remonstrates vociferously with a public-service type about the evils of government corruption. Her candidness is potentially dangerous, our guide tells us, for despite new-found economic freedom, Vietnam is still a totalitarian country, and even small commuter ferries can have ears.

We cycle among market gardens, passed recently harvested paddy fields with water buffalo grazing on the stubble, until we reach the father-in-law’s home. His face was badly disfigured when he stumbled on a landmine

while harvesting the family’s sweet potatoes during what the Vietnamese call “the American War”.

Yet he’s quite happy to sit with us on his veranda, sharing a pot of tea and memories.

Perhaps it’s a Buddhist thing, but the Vietnamese seem much more forgiving than we towards past enemies.

It’s a moving and intimate chat, a bonus reward for booking an independent tour with a personal guide and driver, and which we’d done in Australia through Footsteps in Style, a recent upscale off-shoot of budget travel operator Footsteps in Asia. They provide airport pick-up and drop-off, organise accommodation and guided activities, and probably best of all, pre-tailored itineraries can generally be changed on the spot if something more appealing crops up.

We go just up the road to Kim Bong, a village whose craftsmen helped fashion many of the magnificent historic buildings in the nearby ancient capital of Hue, and which is reemerging as a significant woodworking centre.

Huynh Ri, a 15th generation master craftsman, has used his studio to train hundreds of artisans, whose projects have included the restoration and maintenance

of Hoi An’s Old Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects the port’s status as a major trading centre from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The Old Quarter is compact and best covered on foot. You could easily spend several days here exploring the narrow streets and alleys and discovering fine old structures – the Japanese Covered Bridge, which dates from 1593 and incorporates a Vietnamese temple; the Cantonese Assembly Hall, with its many fine Chinese artworks; the Museum of Trading Ceramics; and the extravagant Phuc Kien Assembly Hall with its elaborate facade and temple to Thien Hau, goddess of the sea and protector of sailors.

There are also several family homes and chapels open for inspection. My favourite was the House of Quan Thang, a single-storey shop-house built by a Chinese trader in the 1700’s and still occupied by fourth generation ancestors.

The current great-grandmother must be well into her 90’s yet wanders around as spritely as ever, sharing jokes with other family members, many of them sitting at the large kitchen table making banh bao vac, a local specialty shrimp dumpling also known as

white rose.

The 30 kilometre stretch of road to here from Da Nang Airport includes China Beach – named by American soldiers on R&R – and offers plenty of resort-style tourist accommodation.

But our interest in culture rather than beach culture drew us to the Hoi An Historic Hotel which in a previous life served as headquarters for French, American and Vietnamese administrators.

This charming, rambling property is literally a couple of minutes from the Old Quarter, has a reasonable restaurant and offers most of the creature comforts, though as in many older Vietnamese hotels, the plumbing can be a bit temperamental.

Hoi An’s waterfront contains a plethora of dining opportunities at ridiculously cheap prices by Australian standards. Spend up, and you’ll quickly appreciate the rewards of parting with those extra few dollars.

DETAILS: Footsteps in Style: www. footstepsinstyle.com; Hoi An Hotel: www. hoianhotel.com.vn.

John Rozentals is a travel writer and publisher of OzBabyBoomers, a lifestyle e-zine for over 50’s: www.ozbabyboomers.com.au.

19

King Henry’s Court Café/Restaurant

Catering • Gift Shop • Function Centre

It is all about great coffee

Friendly service

Chicken schnitzel with lettuce & mayo on Turkish bread with wedges

BOOK NOW FOR PARTIES & FUNCTIONS!

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

$

10995

Christening, Birthdays, Hens Nights, High Tea’s, Fundraising Events, Wedding & Engagement Bacon, eggs, tomato & toast

$

995

Packages from

$20 Per Head 40% OFF ALL GIFTSHOP ITEMS

Cake & coffee special

Splosh, Kelly-Lane, Gibson, Artie-Fartie and more!

$

6

Make it your meeting place Come & enjoy our great coffee with a wide variety of cakes.

• Breakfast all day.

• Home made meals.

• Warm friendly service

OPENING HOURS Monday-Sunday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Monday – Friday 8.30am till late • Saturday 10.30am till late Sunday 8.30am till 3pm www.facebook.com/kinghenryscourtrestaurant

74 Henry St Penrith | Ph 4721 1155 | Fax: 4722 9989 www.kinghenryscourt.com.au • luke@kinghenryscourt.com.au WW1375

Shop 8, Westfield Penrith Plaza Penrith 4721 8142 WW1306

20

Relax

HAVE A WILD DAY OUT!

W

hether you’ve come from the other side of the world or just the other side of Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo offers a unique animal adventure for all.

Guests will embark on an amazing Australian journey, travelling into one of the country’s most famous and well-loved locations without having to leave the comfort of Darling Harbour’s Aquarium Wharf.

Over a two hour adventure, visitors will walk through 10 classic Aussie habitats and see our most iconic animals from cuddly marsupials to ferocious, deadly reptiles.

Visitors will travel through the landscapes of Kakadu Gorge, Kangaroo Walk-about, Gum Tree Valley, Devil’s Den, Daintree Rainforest, Butterfly Tropics and more.

Koala Encounter lets visitors get up close and personal with Australia’s iconic furry animals, allowing them to pat the koalas and purchase a souvenir photo.

There will also be twice daily interactive wildlife shows where kangaroos, emu chicks, echidnas and kookaburras will be on display.

If you’re not afraid of creepy crawlies, the Bugs Garden is the perfect opportunity to meet some of Australia’s less-loved residents including locusts, bees, cockroaches, stick insects and spiders.

The Kakadu Gorge section of WILD LIFE Sydney will make you feel like you’re really in Australia’s Top End with its very deep gorges, grasslands and floodplains.

There’s lots to see here, including freshwater turtles, stunning birds and the mighty saltwater crocodile which is the world’s largest reptile.

Learn from engaging, interactive displays and discover unbelievable walk-through habitats replicating Australia’s bushes and rainforest while still in the beating heart of Sydney.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is located at Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour and opens from 9am to 8pm daily.

It is a great day out for the entire family, and an absolute must if you’ve got overseas or interstate visitors who want to experience all of the wonderful things Australia has to offer.

To buy tickets or for more information, visit www. wild-life.com.au.

FYI has two family passes to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo to give away.

For your chance to win one, send an email with the code word ‘WILDLIFE’ in the subject line along with your name and phone number to competitions@mediaview.com.au Entries close Wednesday, March 6. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138. Terms and conditions at www. westernweekender.com.au

HOW TO KEEP A BOY FROM KISSING YOU

BY TARA EGLINGTON

Q

uirky, lovable heroine Aurora Skye navigates the rocky road of adolescence in the new young adult novel How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You. Like most teenage girls, Aurora’s life is filled with drama – she’s sweet 16 and never been kissed but unlike her classmates she’s happy with that.

Instead she’s more occupied with playing matchmaker, executing her soon-to-be-famous ‘Find A Prince Program’ for her two best friends.

Beyond her love guru duties, Aurora has to deal with the more serious matter of her family.

She is counseling her sensitive New Age dad and trying to cope when her estranged mum suddenly comes back on the scene.

There’s also the annoying matter of Hayden Paris.

He’s the boy next door who is cast opposite Aurora in the school play – possibly jeopardising her plan to save her precious first kiss for a secret admirer who sent her Valentine’s Day gifts.

The debut novel from 29-year-old Sydneysider Tara Eglington, ‘How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You’ is touching, witty and relatable.

Ms Eglington grew up in Byron Bay, surrounded by “crystals, chakras and sound-based healing”.

Her official biography reads: “Tara’s only option for teen

rebellion was to complete a non-arts degree and move to Sydney for a ‘normal career’. She ended up following a creative pursuit anyway and wrote freelance stories for the bridal industry, risking life and limb at Wedding Expos as she battled bridezillas for free champagne castings, all in the name of delivering a good story”.

She wrote How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You as a 21-year-old but it wasn’t until she began working as a sales assistant at HarperCollins Publishers that her talents were brought to the attention of the publishing department and the rest, as they say, is history.

FYI has five copies of ‘How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You’ to give away. For your chance to win one, SMS the code word KISSBOOK to 19 19 18 along with your best contact phone number.

Entries close Wednesday, March 6. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138.

Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender. com.au

21

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MARCH FRIDAY 1ST STELLAR FRIDAY 8TH THE BLACKLIST FRIDAY 15TH 80s FLASHBACK FRIDAY 22ND ELEVEN HOURS FRIDAY 29TH SEATTLE SOUND

9PM

MARCH

M 9PM 9PM

2ND LAURIE BENNETT

9PM

16TH GREG FOSTER’S JAZZ GROUP

9TH JELLYBEAN JAM

23RD MIKE HALLAM HOT FIVE

16TH SHY GUYS

9PM

9TH ERROL BUDDLE QUINTET

30TH JOHN MACKI-

YUKI KUMAGAI JAZZ BAND

2ND BACK TO THE 80s

23RD THE HITMIX 30TH AFTER PARTY BAND

3RD 10TH 17TH 24TH 31ST

ROCKIN MUSTANGS FERAL SWING KATZ DWAYNE ELIX MCCAULEY RAIDERS THE SHUFFLE BOYS

Please note all Entertainment is correct at time of printing. Please check the Penrith RSL website for the up to date Entertainment list.

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Social Scene

COUNCIL GETS BEHIND THE PANTHERS

T

he Penrith Panthers will kick off their NRL season next weekend, and Penrith City Council are well and truly behind the team.

The Council held a Civic Reception to help launch the season, attended by numerous councillors as well as Mayor, Mark Davies.

The ‘Kitty Cats’ kicked off proceedings with a great dance routine, before the Mayor welcomed guests and confirmed that Council was confident the club would have a good year.

The first grade players stayed around to sign autographs for young fans who were in attendance at the function.

• ENTERTAINMENT every Saturday night • BISTRO Lunch & Dinner • RACING Every Thursday Night - FREE ENTRY • PARTIES & WEDDINGS 3 x Function Rooms • KENO & PLATINUM TAB Facilities Club Paceway, Cnr Station & Ransley Sts, PenrithWW1381

Social Scene

23

EASTER RACE NIGHT Thursday 28th March Fun for the whole family including,

WW1382 WW1382 W

• Face painting • Jumping castle.

• A surprise visit from The Easter Bunny.

• Entry to our Thursday night racing as always is free

www.clubpacewaypenrith.com.au 4721 2375

WW1382 W WW W1 W 13 38 8

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✁

Cut out and present to receive offer

✁

✁

24

Valid till March 31st 2013