PULL OUT AND KEEP! PENRITH’S NUMBER ONE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
ISSUE 163 29.11.13
GIVEAWAY FABER-CASTELL GIFT PACKS
CHRISTMAS GIGS ALL THE LATEST ON PAGES 4 TO 9
TALK THE TALK
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PLENTY OF BUZZ ABOUT THE ANGELS’ NEW ALBUM
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Everything for your Home and more.... Penrith Harmony Will be performing your favourite Christmas Carols & Songs at these time
Every Thursday Night from 28th Nov 6.30pm - 7.30pm Every Saturday from 30th Nov 10.30am - 11.30am
The Giving Tree Bring a wrapped gift for a child less fortunate this Christmas and place it at the Giving Tree, The Spirit of Christmas. Please place wrapped gift in the basket provided and mark on the card for a girl or boy and suitable age
Great
SAVINGS CENTRE WIDE
Over 30 stores to choose with all the leading brands in ONE location Just off the M4 on Mulgoa Rd • OPEN 7 DAYS www.penrithhomemakercentre.com.au
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Cover Story
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A BIT OF SPARK AND MAGIC FOR NEW ALBUM The Angels are all about talking the talk when it comes to their brilliant new album. SHANNON COCHRANE speaks to founder John Brewster about the band’s four decades of success...
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hey’ve been through highs and lows, but iconic Australian band The Angels are still kicking 40 years after they first burst onto the scene. The rock group is set to release their new studio album ‘Talk The Talk’ early next year, with a special album preview being held on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11 2014 at The Bridge Hotel in Sydney. Fans have already gotten a taste of the new material, with the album’s lead and title single already released on iTunes and played by radio stations. Band founder and guitarist John Brewster said that he was incredibly happy with the result of ‘Talk The Talk’, which represents The Angels’ quintessential sound. “We certainly want to make something special and you go into the studio and in a way you never know how it’s going to turn out… sometimes you make an album and you mix it and master it, and sit back and listen to it and go ‘you know what, it’s a bit disappointing’. Then other times you get a bit of spark and magic,” he said. While there have been plenty of line-up changes over the decades, the past few years have seen the introduction of The Screaming Jets lead singer Dave Gleeson. “We get on great, Dave’s a really good guy, he’s just really straight up, doesn’t have tickets on himself. A lot of mutual respect, he’s a huge Angels fan and always has been so coming into the band for him was an absolute honour,” Brewster said. “But what we’ve discovered in the two and a half years we’ve been playing together now is that he’s also very creative. We gave him some rhythm tracks and he came back with some
FYi Issue 163 Editor Troy Dodds Troy.Dodds@mediaview.com.au
fantastic songs, great melodies, great words.” The addition of Gleeson has been accompanied by losses – long-time member Chris Bailey passed away earlier in the year after a battle with cancer. “My son Sam’s playing bass, that’s for kind of sad reasons because we lost Chris Bailey back in April to cancer… so it’s been a pretty sad year for us, and it’s also been a really happy year because Chris did actually manage to come into the studio and play on five of the tracks, Sam played on the other seven,” Brewster said. Music has always been a family-oriented experience for Brewster, who grew up around musicians and began The Angels in its earliest form with his brother Rick. “We grew up in a musical family, our grandfather was a concert pianist… dad was the lead cellist for the Symphony Orchestra and he was director of music for the ABC so we had musicians around us the whole time. I was sort of always into rock and roll, Rick was learning classical piano and doing brilliantly but he came over to my side of the fence in the end,” he said. Working as brothers so closely, the Brewsters used to have the odd tiff although these days they have learned how to resolve their differences in a civil manner. “We’re fairly passionate about music that we wrote and songs, we didn’t always see things the same way but we’ve come out 40 years now and we’re probably having the best time we’ve ever had actually, right now,” Brewster said. From their humble beginnings as a local band who played at university gigs, The Angels rose up quickly and had plenty of hits, inspiring
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FYi Advertising Manager Paulette Adams Paulette.Adams@mediaview.com.au
Phone: 4722 2998 Fax: 4731 6255 Content Shannon Cochrane Nathan Taylor
Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Steet Jamisontown, NSW 2750 Production Irene Adams Maddy Searle
Keith Richards said in an interview that he was a fan, for me, that’s huge the next generation of rock bands. “It’s a great feeling, fantastic that some of these American bands that came out of Seattle like Nirvana for example, we were told that Kurt Cobain was a fan of the band. That would make sense because we were really big in Seattle, a lot of people don’t realise how well The Angels did in America,” Brewster said. “Keith Richards said in an interview that he was a fan of The Angels, for me, that’s huge.” Although Brewster could never have imagined that he would one day have a group of famous fans, he attributes the band’s popularity to time transcending songs. “I think we’re a great live band, I think there’s no trickery, it’s just how we play, we play great and we wrote songs that are
reasonably timeless,” he said. “I think if you listen to ‘Take A Long Line’ or ‘Comin’ Down’ or ‘Marseilles’, these songs weren’t written about a particular era and I think they still sound fresh and talented and that’s one of the reasons why we get so many young people coming to our gigs.”
The Angels will release their album ‘Talk The Talk’ in January 2014, with a special album preview held at The Bridge Hotel in Sydney on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11. For more information, visit www. thebridgehotel.com.au or www. theangels.com.au.
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Live
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS
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hristmas spirit is alive in Penrith, with the holiday season ushered in by a concert full of classic festive music. The Penrith City Choir and Blue Mountains Concert Band will present ‘Christmas Crackers’ at the Q Theatre on Sunday, December 1. More than 100 local singers, instrumentalists and dancers will lend their skills to make ‘Christmas Crackers’ a joyful celebration for families in Penrith. The concert will cover everything from traditional carols to beloved seasonal favourites such as ‘Let It Snow’, ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ and ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, guaranteed to get audiences into the festive spirit. The Penrith City Choir and Blue Mountains Concert Band will be accompanied by special guests the Sydney Conservatorium Brass Quintet, whose beautiful brass instruments will be a stirring addition. The quintet features five music
performance students from the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and has recently toured in regional New South Wales. The concert will also incorporate the talents of local youngsters from Penrith City Children’s Choir, who will show off their vocals in spirited renditions of ‘The Cowboy Carol’ and ‘Away in a Manger’ before joining the rest of the ensemble for a dazzling finale. Stunning choreography will accompany the music, with two young dance students performing a routine designed especially for ‘Christmas Crackers’ by local dance teacher Genevieve Morris. Choral Director Lucy McAlary, who conducts Penrith City Choir and the Children’s Choir has enjoyed a long career in music both locally and in the United Kingdom. She worked on the concert with Blue Mountains Concert Band conductor Garry Clark, who said ‘Christmas Crackers’ was a great chance for the local music groups to collaborate.
“This concert is a wonderful opportunity for the band and choirs to work together, something that doesn’t happen very often,” he said.
‘Christmas Crackers’ will be held at the Q Theatre on Sunday, December 1 at 3pm. Tickets range from $15 to $25. For bookings call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.
the Examiner in the USA writing: “Her live show garners an A rating. Her vocals were sultry and captivating and she possessed great stage presence”.
Ellie Goulding will play at the Hordern Pavilion, Sydney on Tuesday, June 3. For bookings or more information, call 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au.
GOULDING CONTINUES DOMINATION
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llie Goulding’s unusual mix of indie pop and electronica has dominated the airwaves of late and is just as impressive live, as the songstress will prove on tour next year. The English singer-songwriter will be touring Australia in May and June 2014, performing at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Tuesday, June 3. Her tour will mark her second trip to Australia within one year, after her performance at the Future Music Festival in 2013 and her headline side shows that received rave reviews from audience members. Since her debut album ‘Lights’ was released in early 2010, Goulding has risen to stratospheric levels of success, having sold over 15 million singles and 4 million albums across the globe. Her sophomore album ‘Halcyon’, which was released in October 2012, featured her smash hit single ‘Anything Could Happen’, which was number 20 on the ARIA singles
chart and number one on the US Hot Dance Club Songs Chart. Goulding’s collaboration with Calvin Harris on ‘I Need Your Love’ reached number three on the ARIA Charts and was one of the hottest tracks of the year, while her best-selling hit ‘Burn’ was a number one single in the UK and in the top 10 in charts across Europe. The song was produced by LA pop genius Greg Kurstin, who has previously worked with Lily Allen and Kylie Minogue, and its official video clip has had more than 70 million views to date. On top of her solo shows, Goulding has toured with Bruno Mars in the United States and performed with Katy Perry at the Hollywood Bowl. She was recently awarded the title of Best Solo artist by the UK publication Q Magazine, beating out talented artists such as David Bowie and Jake Bugg. Known for her stellar stage performances, Goulding’s concerts have wowed critics, with
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Hollywood Spectacular Christmas Show
Christmas Day Lunch
Christmas Dinner & Show SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER TICKETS $53 includes Three Course Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings
@ Buffet Palace Restaurant Traditional Christmas Menu with all the trimmings & seafood Bookings essential. Adults (Visitors, Members & Seniors) $41.50, Children 3-7 yrs $18.50, 8-12 yrs $28.50…First Seating 11.00am-1.00pm, Second seating 1.30pm-3.30pm
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
Doors Open 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
THE MIDNIGHT DRIFTERS
with DJ Laurie “D” Legend Saturday 30 November
Fabulous entertainment PLUS a Complimentary glass of champagne on arrival BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - CALL 9623 1211 to book your seat today
in The Keller Lounge *images may not reflect actual prizes
Christmas Toy Raffle Monday 9th December
OVER $4000 in TOYS Tickets on sale 5.30 for a 7pm start
411 Great Western Highway, ST MARYS, 9623 1211 www.stmarysbandclub.com.au WW3876
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BJ’S BRASSERIE Open for Lunch and Dinner • 7days a week
60 BRAND NAME TOYS PER WEEK TO BE WON
Christmas TOY MARKET OUR FAMOUS CHRISTMAS TOY MARKET IS BACK!
60 fantastic brand name toys per week to be won, PLUS a $300 Bonus Draw prize each week! Starting Friday Night November 15th and continuing through until Friday Night December 20th 2013 at 7.00pm in the Auditorium Bonus draw will be held on December 20th 2013, you must be present to win!
Kemps Creek Sporting & Bowling Club Elizabeth Drive, Kemps Creek Ph: 9826 1375 info@kcsb.com.au | www.kcsb.com.au WW3808
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SOMETHING IS BREWING AT WINDSOR
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hen he was a kid, Liam Brew longed to imitate the country musicians he idolised and now the young singer is set to live out his
dreams. The 21-year-old singer songwriter, who was born in Sydney’s western suburbs but later moved to the Sunshine Coast, grew up in a house filled with country music and dreamed of being a musician in his youth. He is well on the way to achieving his goals of glory, and western Sydney country fans will get to see this star in the making when he performs at the Fitzroy Hotel on Saturday, November 30. Inspired by country music legends Adam Brand and Lee Kernaghan, who he met after a concert, Brew chased his passion for country music, learning to play the guitar that his father bought him. 15 years on, Brew had a taste of success when he was named the 30th Toyota Star Maker in January 2009, a prize that has
previously been bestowed on many prestigious musicians including Lee Kernaghan, Keith Urban and James Blundell. Later that year, Brew released his debut album ‘Wild Heart’ and his singles ‘Girls with Girlfriends’, ‘Doghouse’ and ‘Like I’m Famous’ made an impact on the charts. The album earned Brew a finalist placement in the ‘New Talent of the Year’ category at the 2010 CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia. He has already achieved two top 10 video clips on the Country Music Channel, top 10 singles on Country Tracks Top 30 and has received airplay on many radio stations. His second album ‘Faster’ was released this year, featuring 10 tracks with three selfwritten songs and a duet with the current Toyota Star Maker Kaylee Bell. After worshipping him as a kid, Brew has had the opportunity to tour with wellestablished country artist Adam Brand, who had nothing but praise for the young singer.
“I think he has all the tools you need to be a successful country artist in Australia – talent, he has his own unique style, humble and just enough cheekiness,” Brand said.
Liam Brew will perform at the Fitzroy Hotel in Windsor on Saturday, November 30 at 8.30pm. For more information, visit www. fitzroyhotel.com.au.
of the Di Heaton Dancers, who will enchant audiences with their fun, colourful costumes and upbeat routines. ‘Peter Byrne’s Christmas Show’ will be
held at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday, December 6 at 11am. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for visitors. For bookings or more information, call 9625 5500 or visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au.
CHRISTMAS SHOW UNLIKE ANY OTHER
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ariety entertainer Peter Byrne will pour all of his well-known energy and talent into a fun Christmas Show that will welcome the festive season in style. Accompanied by comedienne Maggie Scott and an array of talented dancers, Byrne will put on Peter Byrne’s Christmas Show at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday, December 6. This is no ordinary Christmas shindig and instead, Byrne brings to the stage a fascinating mixture of Irish, American, English and Aussie Christmas traditions along with good music and light-hearted comedy. Byrne has been performing for audiences across Australia for the past 20 years, having made fame for himself with his excellent Neil Diamond impersonation and relatable sense of humour. The Irish performer began his career singing in pubs in Dublin then moved to Sydney, where he would eventually create his show ‘Forever Diamond’ as well as other tribute and variety shows.
Throughout his career, Byrne has travelled across the world, performing in the UK, South Africa and on cruise ships. He has also appeared on television programs such as ‘Good Morning Australia’ and ‘The Midday Show’ and received seven ACE Awards. Humour will play a massive part in the evening’s entertainment, with engaging comedienne and singer Maggie Scott of ‘Laughs and Larrikins’ fame bringing her hilarious comedy routines to the stage. The performer might make a big impression with her comedy, but Scott has a long background in theatre, having played Velma Kelly in ‘Chicago’ at the Forum Theatre in Manchester and creating the hugely successful show ‘Life’s a Lemon’. While Byrne and Scott’s stage presence may front the show, the work of the Rooty Hill Orchestra and director George Bruno provides a stunning musical backdrop to all the songs. The music, humour and seasonal atmosphere will be completed by the presence
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
EL CIRCO BLANC
Friday, November 29 Rooty Hill RSL $80 members / $90 visitors
MANILA BY NIGHT
Saturday, November 30 Rooty Hill RSL $5 members / $12 visitors
El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 The Cover Agents Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 The Frocks Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Yum Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Project Blue Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 The Blacklist Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Manila By Night Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $5 members/$12 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Stellar Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Transatlantica Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $7.50 members/$10.50 visitors, 8pm, 9830 0600 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Akinga Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Best Kept Secret Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm
9830 0600 Soul Deep Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Koppen Terrace Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Liam Brew Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Yianna Nicholas Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Di Bird Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Liam McAlary Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555
RED SUITS AND BEARDS AT THE READY
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anta surfs into Darling Harbour this weekend to kick off a month long line up of events in Sydney this festive season. Santa Fest in Sydney showcases a host of free Christmas celebrations unlike any other event in Australia, taking place from Saturday, November 30 to Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December 2013. Saturday, November 30 is the opening night of the festival in Darling Harbour. The pre-show festivities from 7.30pm will include roving street performers and the angelic voices of the carolling Australian Girls Choir. There will also be daredevil stunts by Sky Ski Santa on Cockle Bay and you can catch Santa sailing, water skiing, dragon-boating and singing throughout the harbour as part of the opening night. The main event from 8pm will see the debut entrance of ‘21 Santas on the Bay’, 21 five-metre tall inflatable Santas that will remain at Darling Harbour until Christmas Day.
The real Santa Claus will officially light the 21-metre tall Darling Harbour Christmas Tree of Light and Laughter on the opening night as well as a Christmas Fireworks display at 9pm. The very next day, Sunday, December 1, thousands of Santas will swap their boots for their running shoes and meet at Darling Harbour’s Palm Grove at 8am for the 2013 Variety Santa Fun Run to help raise money for sick, disadvantaged and special needs children. Santa Fest 2013 will also showcase Sydney’s finest a capella groups to perform live Carols by the Tree from 7pm to 9pm every Thursday to Sunday between December 5-22 and on Christmas Eve. Stunning Harbourside Fireworks from 9pm on Saturdays, December 7, 14 and 21 will also captivate visitors and offer a preview of the magical kaleidoscope of fireworks to explode over Cockle Bay on Christmas Eve. Visitors to Darling Harbour will also have the chance to ‘Snap a Santa to Win’ by tagging
their photos with one of the giant inflatable Santas on the Darling Harbour Facebook page www.facebook.com/DarlingHarbourSydney or on Instagram using #santafest or
#darlingharbour. For information about Santa Fest 2013 and other festivities across Darling Harbour, visit darlingharbour.com.
Live FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
RODNEY RUDE
Friday, December 6 St Marys Band Club $55
CLOSURE IN MOSCOW
Saturday, December 7 Tattersalls Hotel Free entry
Peter Byrne’s Christmas Show Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $15 members/$20 visitors, 11am 9625 5500 El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Beat Crazy Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 Rodney Rude Venue: St Marys Band Club $55, 7.30pm 9623 1211 Time Machine Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Talk It Up Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Blackened Beneath
Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4732 6373 The Velveteen Rabbit Venue: Windsor Function Centre $25, 8pm 4577 9799
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 Rikki Organ Venue: Penrith Panthers $70 members/$75 visitors, 8pm 4720 5555 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Dirty Dicks Theatre Restaurant Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $59, 6.30pm 9830 0600 New Horizon Band Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 The Frocks Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Chris Drummond Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club
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Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 The Nuts Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Singles Night Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 7pm 4577 3396 Closure in Moscow Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 The Velveteen Rabbit Venue: Windsor Function Centre $25, 2pm and 8pm 4577 9799
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 Imogen Clark Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm, 9623 6555
SPECTACULAR RUSSIAN ‘EL CIRCO BLANC’
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e prepared to be immersed in a colourful world of wonder with the spectacular circus show ‘El Circo Blanc’. The festive-themed Russian fairytale features a wide range of impressive circus performers, who will be coming to Rooty Hill RSL and performing on Friday, November 29 and then throughout December. With an amazingly talented cast and stunning set and costume designs, El Circo Blanc will transform Rooty Hill RSL into a winter wonderland and introduce audience members to a white Christmas, Russian-style. Hosted by the vivacious, hilarious Verushka Darling, ‘El Circo Blanc’ is filled with circus acts with a strong cabaret influence. This show is truly a feast for all the senses, with a delicious five course degustation menu being served for guests to accompany the enchanting five act pantomime, with dramatic and heart-wrenching stories. Former ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ aerialist
Emma Goh makes a starring appearance, showing off her graceful airborne stunts. The performer began her career as a classical ballet dancer, before exploring aerialist acts and has since played in roles for Opera Australia, the Jean Ann Ryan Production Company and others. She will be joined on stage by Catherine Alcorn, a Sydney-based singer who is wellknown on the cabaret scene and received rave reviews for her shows ‘The Divine Miss Bette’ and ‘Go Your Own Way: The Story of Christine McVie’. Other cast members include circus performers Mr Gorski and Skye Gellman, dancer and showgirl Missy and stunt performer Jesse Rowles. The show has already been performed at sold out venues across the city, with the Sydney Morning Herald proclaiming: “an average night out this is not”. With a combination of beautiful vocals, graceful and precise dancing, aerial moves
and impassioned plotlines, ‘El Circo Blanc’ is a unique and fascinating performance experience. ‘El Circo Blanc’ will show at Rooty Hill
RSL on Friday, November 29 and throughout December. Tickets are $80 for members and $90 for visitors. For bookings call 9625 5500 or visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au.
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What’s On The...
SMALL SCREEN
BIG SCREEN
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he film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel ‘Carrie’ haunted many a teenager when it was released in the 70’s, and now a re-make will introduce the classic horror story to another generation of teenagers. Sweet but painfully shy Carrie White is socially isolated at her suburban high school, shunned by her classmates and stuck under the overbearing influence of her maniacally religious mother Margaret. After Carrie has an unfortunate, embarrassing incident in the showers after gym class one day, the bullying against her escalates and a humiliating video of her is uploaded to the internet by a fellow student. Deeply unsettled by the traumatising scene, Carrie reaches breaking point and discovers that she has unusual, violent telekinetic powers that she fights to control. Meanwhile, Carrie is shocked by an invitation to the prom she receives from one of the school’s ‘cool’ boys. News about the prom upsets her mother, who tries to stop her from going while the bullies plot to make the evening a nightmare for her.
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CARRIE [ Rated MA15+] Starring: Julianne Moore, Chloe Grace Moretz & Judy Greer
CONSOLE
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY [ Rated G] Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman & Steve Buscemi
STEREO
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G
et ready to release your inner revhead with ‘Need for Speed Rivals’, the new racing game that pits players against the police with explosive, thrilling results. The game is set in Redview County, a town where there is a serious streetracing culture and drivers are constantly trying to escape the local cops. Both sides compete in a heated war to exert their influence while the drivers strive to get the coolest cars and mods and the latest automotive technology. Players have the opportunity to switch roles, going from a lone racer out to protect themselves on the streets to a police officer backed up by the force in pursuit of justice. Fun modifications are available depending on which side of the law you’re on – racers can get jammers and other cop-evading technology while police can fix up their cars with shockwaves, roadblocks and helicopter support. A point-scoring system lets players accrue speed points and earn rewards for their skills, while a range of fast luxury cars are available.
n amazing 12 years after the wildly popular ‘Monsters Inc’ film came out, a prequel was released that takes audiences back into the history of characters Mike and Sulley. The movie is set a decade prior to the events of its predecessor, showing us what the monsters were like when they were just college students. While the adorable duo’s camaraderie was legendary in ‘Monsters Inc’, when they were still at school the odd couple had a slightly more complicated relationship. Mike is geeky, quiet and intelligent, taking his classes and life at university very seriously. He is over the moon when he begins learning about his major in scaring, but struggles when he gets put into the same fraternity as his fellow student Sulley, whose brawny, jokester ways are completely opposite to Mike’s. The strong personalities clash almost instantly, even drawing their classmates into the drama, but ultimately the two monsters are forced to re-assess their vendetta and try to work together.
NEED FOR SPEED RIVALS XBOX ONE
azz lovers will enjoy Albare’s latest album ‘The Road Ahead’, which features a unique combination of jazz, blues and soul while also incorporating exotic influences. Albare and his quartet recorded the album in New York in early 2013 and already ‘The Road Ahead’ has received plenty of airplay and positive reviews. Albare, who is known for his skillful playing of the jazz guitar, has created an album that builds on his strengths by mixing in his Moroccan roots into smooth jazz music full of groove. A range of influences are drawn on, from Wes Montgomery to George Benson, resulting in an eclectic yet thoroughly listenable record. The album’s title song has a strong Middle Eastern feel that is both enchanting and reflective. The songs were composed mostly by Albare himself and pianist Phil Turcio, with only one unoriginal track, a cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Overjoyed’ arranged by the duo. Albare’s brilliance on the guitar is
complemented by piano work of Turcio, Cuban-born bassist Yunior Terry and Venezuelan drummer Pablo Bencid. Singer Allan Harris provides the sole vocals on the CD, with his strong baritone voice perfectly suiting the music.
ALBARE THE ROAD AHEAD
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CITY COUNTRY
Pets and Supplies
FREE oto’s SantYOaURpPhET
XMAS Party Sunday 1st December 10am to 2pm FREE SLUSHIES, POPCORN, FARM YARD ANIMALS & FACE PAINTING + MORE
WW5885
BRING MERA. & YOUR CA
FUNDRAISER BBQ LUNCH Hosted by Sydney Wildlife Rescue, with all proceeds going to the organisation WW3879
56-60 Preston St South Penrith
4704 8322
Local family owned business
Here comes the Christmas Pause BOOK Early to get SANTA CLAUSE SANTA will deliver presents to your home on Christmas Eve till Midnight or Christmas Morning from 2am - 6am
Vicary’s Famous Woolshed Sing & dance the night away with our Famous Bush Band including a Delicious 3 Course Dinner & FREE Wine Tasting!
- Bookings Essential -
Call
Northern Road, LUDDENHAM
15 mins South of Penrith
on 1800 256 967 WW6006
Carouselclowns.com.au
4773 4161
WW3818
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WW967
WW5886
WHERE TO... EAT! [ADVERTORIAL]
BJ’S BRASSERIE
$10.00 LUNCH SPECIAL Monday – Friday Plus $2.00 Cash Back and a complimentary Middy of Beer, Soft drink or House Wine. *Selected Menu Items Only.
Open for Lunch & Dinner 7days a week Kemps Creek Sporting & Bowling Club Elizabeth Drive, Kemps Creek Ph: 9826 1375 | www.kcsb.com.au
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Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks for our ‘Riley Street Eats’.
ENJOY our great Spur taste with mouthwatering burgers, delicious steaks and ribs, healthy salads.
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tonegrill is the unique interactive dining experience that presents your meal cooking on a heatretaining volcanic stone at your
table. Stonegrill enables you to enjoy a meal freshly grilled to personal taste, whether rare, medium or well done. The unique method and high temperature used, sears in all the natural juices and nutrients, enhancing the full flavours and tenderness of your meal. For the perfect Stonegrill experience, simply turn over your fresh food selection when it arrives, then cut and side-lay two to
three portions, allowing these to sear and cook to your liking. Your meal will remain hot and enjoyable, allowing you to dine at leisure, with every bite as hot and delicious as the first. It is also one of the healthiest methods of cooking. Stonegrill caters for the family with a great kids menu, as well as the boardroom for business meals and also have the outdoor courtyard area for dining. They are open Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sun from 12pm until 3pm with their $16 lunch special menu, as well as dinner from Tues through to Sun from 6pm.
KIDS EAT FREE Monday & Tuesday* *Terms and Conditions apply, please contact for further details.
Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week until late. Takeaways available. Fully Licensed.
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If you want to advertise within ‘Where to’ give Paulette a call on 02 4722 2998 or email paulette.adams@ westernweekender. com.au
Where to...
SILVER SPUR 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Tel: 4732 1700 www.spurgroup.com.au WW3480
WW3482
THE ALL NEW BLUEY’S BISTRO OPENING SPECIAL’S AVAILABLE DAILY MONDAY $10 Roast TUESDAY $10 Rump (300g) WEDNESDAY $10 Kiev THURSDAY $10 Schnitzel MON – THURS Kids Eat Free LUNCHTIMES $10 Counter Lunch
Trading days are: LUNCH: Wednesday to Friday and Sunday DINNER: Tuesday to Sunday. The lunch special is Wednesday to Friday only and is $16.00 including a selected beer, soft drink or house red or White.
OPEN 7 DAYS Lunch Tues - Fri 12-3pm
(CHOICE OF 7 MEALS)
Dinner 7 Nights from 6pm
Cnr Banks Drive & Mamre Rd St Clair NSW 2759 Phone:- (02) 9670 3050 www.bluecattledoghotel.com.au WW3481
Ristorante Trevi New Tasty Menu Coming Soon
WW3478
20-22 Woodriff Street, PENRITH
2/80 Henry Street, Penrith T: 4722 5141
WW3495
www.trevi.net.au
T: 4732 5377 WW3478
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Wine and Dine
EAT OUT THIS WEEKEND
D
O
on’t be turned off by the stereotype – Hooters is a great place to eat and you’re guaranteed to have a fun time. Whether it be their famous chicken wings or one of their great burgers, the Hooters menu has something for everyone – and there’s a great range of drinks, too. They have a great, upbeat atmosphere and if you’re a sports fan, you’ll love the atmosphere with multiple big screen TVs to watch plenty of live sport every single weekend. With excellent service and reasonable prices, give Hooters a try today.
HOOTERS
261 Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 4733 5428.
THE UNION
Union Lane, Penrith. Phone 4721 4501.
I
O
t can be easy to forget the great food that Nando’s has on offer, but quietly tucked away in the Centro Nepean complex, chicken and chips doesn’t get much better than this! Plus the range on the menu will simply amaze you but don’t forget to try the Portuguese flame grilled butterfly cut peri peri chicken! With sit-in or take-away options, Nando’s is a great choice for the entire family or for your next party. You’ll love the spices, the flavour and the great prices… there’s very little not to love about Nando’s. They even do catering!
NANDO’S
Centro Nepean, Station Street, Penrith. Phone 4732 6464.
A YEARLING HOT OUT OF THE STARTING GATES by David Ellis
H
aving enjoyed a vintage in 2012 that most Coonawarra growers and winemakers agree was excellent, Rymill have released a Shiraz under their The Yearling label that certainly backs up what all have had to say of that year. Rymill’s Senior Winemaker, Sandrine Gimon says the ideal fruit from the vintage was perfect for The Yearling reds, the label named after one-year-old thoroughbreds as it’s designed to be enjoyed young, or as Sandrine says “hot out of the starting gates”. “2012 gave us low yields and smaller berries with lots of concentration of flavour, for those who can remember, it was very reminiscent of the exceptional 2004 vintage in Coonawarra,” she said. “It’s meant that the 2012 The Yearling Shiraz shows lots of dark red fruit character complexity, while also offering caramel, vanilla, cedar box and liquorice as well.” This is a very generous wine with quickly recognisable plum, dark cherry and blackberry
to the fore, nice soft tannins and a subtle Shiraz spiciness on the finish. Pay just $15.95 and enjoy with baked lamb shanks, osso bucco or roast beef. One to note: Chenn Blanc is often dubbed a “fruit salad” wine for its fruitiness and sweetness, and while vineyard areas in Australia that planted the variety have actually diminished in size in recent years, it’s still a popular wine to put on the table with mildlyspiced Asian dishes and equally with summery seafood salads or platters. Western Australia’s Voyager Estate has an exceptional 2013 Chenin Blanc that truly suits those suggested food matches above, the company having some of the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the Margaret River region dating back to the late 1970’s. This wine has tropical papaya and melon to the fore, with suggestions of citrus and red apple giving it that typical Chenin Blanc “fruit salad” flavour. Pay $20 and enjoy with those mildly-spiced Asian dishes.
ne of Penrith’s best kept secrets, The Union is a hidden gem of dining! This tapas restaurant does very little advertising and its website is modest to say the least, but word of mouth has clearly ensured it’s a winner in the local area. Without a booking you’ll struggle to get a table on a Friday or Saturday night. The menu is huge – you simply won’t know what to pick! We certainly recommend the empanadas but you won’t go wrong no matter what you order… just be prepared for an argument at your table over what to select! Top off your meal with the specialty of the house – the sangria!
ne of Penrith’s newest restaurants, Rashay’s is perfect for the entire family with a spacious layout and casual atmosphere. Located on Mulgoa Road, the huge restaurant has a variety of dishes ranging from pizza to steak, seafood and chicken – which is their specialty. There’s a range of starters, main courses and some beautiful desserts, so make sure you turn up to Rashay’s hungry! If you haven’t tried Rashay’s yet, make some time with the family and head there this weekend for affordable, good quality food.
RASHAY’S
Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 1300 013 000.
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AUSTRALIA’S FIRST & ONLY SALT CHAMBER
SPECIFIC PACKAGES
Coffee Sandwiches
Omelettes
Pancakes
Steaks
Cakes
Chicken
Soups
Seafood
Pasta
Available to suit everybody’s need 100% Natural and Drug Free alternative to treat skin and respiratory symptoms
Burgers
It is all about great coffee
Friendly service
BOOK NOW FOR YOUR CHRISMAS LUNCH OR DINNER Breakfast Special
$
THE SALT ROOM SPECIAL
995
Lunch Special Pasta, Garlic Bread & P Soft Drink
$
90 For the month of December. 3 sessions for
Gelato
1295
$
*Conditions apply
Cake & coffee special
$
Shop 1, 214-216 Great Western Hwy, Kingswood • Ph: 4732 4040 info@saltastic.com.au www.saltastic.com.au
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 OPEN 7 DAYS 7am - 5.30pm • Thurs till 9pm
WW6005
Helping you to relieve your symptoms more naturally
Shop 8, Westfield Penrith Plaza Penrith 4721 8142 WW5625
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Spotlight [ADVERTORIAL]
THE MOST DELICIOUS BOUQUETS!
S
weet tooths and romantics have a new favourite shop in Penrith, with the arrival of the new Chok Art pop-up shop. Arriving just in time for Christmas shopping, Chok Art offers a delicious range of chocolate bouquets, bonbonnieres and other sweet creations. The store also specialises in setting up candy buffets and chocolate fondue packages, and has glass wares and event décor for hire. Creator and owner Nasim Dadgar began making chocolate bouquets and bonbonnieres three years ago, and when her confectionery creations were a hit at her nephew’s birthday party she decided to go into business. She has since opened pop-up shops during special occasions such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day at a range of locations including Glenmore Park Shopping Centre, Richmond, Stanhope and Norwest. The local businesswoman will be operating the Chok Art shop in High Street for three months and said she is glad that her business
has a home in Penrith. There has been plenty of interest in the shop since Chok Art opened last week, and Ms Dadgar said the idea of chocolate bouquets is still a novelty to many people. “It’s a bouquet so it’s an arrangement that looks like flowers but it’s even better because you can eat it, so it looks great, it’s colourful, vibrant, bright and you can enjoy eating and pulling it apart,” she said. Chok Art prides itself on having an affordable range, with products starting at just four dollars and chocolate bouquets available for significantly cheaper prices than competitors, making it the perfect place to go gift shopping. “There’s gifts for all occasions, for babies, children through to adults. A lot of the ranges that I have at the moment are Christmas, but I can also customise them… people can create their own too,” Ms Dadgar said. Chok Art is located at Shop 2/552 High Street, Penrith.
CHOK ART
GRAND OPENING Friday 29th November
Ph: 0412 784 524
Shop 2/552 High Street, Penrith (opposite the pop up park)
Corporate Gifts
WW5958
Relax ACROSS
Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.
1. 4. 8. 11. 13. 15. 17. 18. 20. 21. 24. 27. 28. 30. 31.
Solution to last week’s mind benders
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79. Tennis champ, ... Sharapova 81. ... chi (1’2) 82. Flooded by waves 84. Evaporate (3,2) 85. Arctic creature, ... bear 86. Space flight agency 87. Comes into view 88. Eyelid inflammation
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Old witch Ice-cream holders Settle (debt) Royal home Protective cover Mausoleum, Taj ... Geeks Separated
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CHATTER ON THE BOX with Nathan Taylor
W
hen I opened up my Hotmail late last week I received one of those “Important Information About Your Foxtel” emails. Hmm what could it be I thought to myself? Free movies? Extra channels? Nope, none of the above. Instead it was a friendly email to tell me my subscription would increase by $2 per month from February. Thank you very much Foxtel, that’s just what I needed! Since I connected Foxtel in 2008 I have experienced a price rise every single year. When I initially joined six years ago I recall paying $75 a month. From February I’ll be paying $97 per month, without any change to my initial subscription package. Foxtel did try and justify the price rise by saying they’ll be adding eight new channels to their ‘GO’ iPad app and “revamping” their 24/7 music service.
There’s some chatter Aussie songstress Jessica Mauboy wants a talent show judging gig. It’s rumoured the former ‘Idol’ contestant is in line for a role on ‘The X-Factor’ panel in 2014. There won’t be word until next year as to who will make up the judging panel but it’s likely Mauboy will pop up somewhere, if not ‘X-Factor’, ‘The Voice’ and ‘The Voice Kids’ are all possibilities. Speaking of talent shows, ‘America’s Got Talent’ will return to our screens from Saturday, December 7 on FOX8. Joining the judging panel this year is Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Howard Stern. Following the completion of ‘Ja’mie Private Schoolgirl’ on the ABC this week, talk has
turned to which Chris Lilley character will return in his next series to air early 2014. The hot favourite is bad boy Tongan student Jonah Takalua followed by Mr.G who both appeared in the 2007 hit ‘Summer Heights High’. A series based on Jonah is the more likely due to Lilley tweeting a photo of an air ticket to Fiji in July. In other Lilley news, the man himself will be signing copies of his new ‘Ja’mie’ DVD at Westfield Penrith on Sunday, December 8 from 11am to 1pm.
year after a broadcasting deal with Channel Ten ended. The Hopman Cup begins on December 28.
Tennis lovers rejoice! Channel Seven has signed a deal to air every Hopman Cup match live this summer. For the first time, every match will be broadcast live and free-to-air nationally on Seven and 7Mate. There were fears tennis fans would miss their Hopman Cup fix this
Lastly, former AFL footballer Michael Voss has signed on as coach of Foxtel’s new football competition series, ‘The Recruit’. The 10-part reality series is a global search for someone to land a guaranteed spot on an AFL club’s roster. The series will air in 2014.
You know it’s Christmas time again when Nine starts airing the traditional Australian’s Women’s Weekly specials. This Sunday, Shelley Craft will host ‘Summer with the Australian Women’s Weekly’ followed by ‘Christmas with the Australian Women’s Weekly’ on December 8, both at 6.30pm.
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Relax
TASMANIA SHOWS THE WORLD IT HAS GOT THE SPIRIT by David Ellis
W
e’ve all heard rollicking yarns of illegal whisky makers and smugglers in Scotland’s days of yore. As well as of the government’s Excisemen, or “gaugers” as they were also known, who tracked down and closed these miscreant booze-makers before wide-spread distilling was finally legalised in the UK in 1823. And later of the daring-do across the Atlantic of Eliott Ness and his “Untouchables” who battled the notorious Al Capone during America’s 1930’s Prohibition, while also tackling other widespread illegal hoochmakers as far afield as the wild “Moonshine Mountains” of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee… But how many know that Australia’s own “whisky isle” – Tasmania – rose through an almost equally-colourful past, to now be winning acclaim for exceptional single malts and other whiskies… and not just here, but worldwide? Tasmania’s first European settlers were convicts and their guards sent in 1804 from NSW to what was to become Hobart, followed by others further afield to Macquarie Harbour and soon notorious Port Arthur.
These were some of the worst of convicts who had also committed crimes in NSW soon after arrival from England; whilst also amongst them were Irish political prisoners, as well as boys as young as nine convicted of simply stealing food and clothing. On their release in Tasmania many exconvicts took up farming, and making homegrown whisky on the side from their grains. By the mid-1820s, 16 legal distilleries – and plenty of illegal ones as well – were in operation around mainly Hobart, which was not bad for a population of fewer than 50,000 ex-convicts, guards, soldiers and free settlers including wives and children. Also, as many as one-in-20 Hobart houses operated as forms of pubs selling home-made whiskies and beers – the latter often laced with legal (in those days) opium. So drunk was a vast proportion of the population for much of the time, that Tasmanian Governor Sir John Franklin’s wife, Lady Jane complained that “she would rather have farm grain fed to the pigs, than see it turn men into swine”. As a result of such cajoling, Sir John imposed a Prohibition Order banning the distillation of alcohol “for the betterment of the fledgling Tasmanian colony”.
It simply drove the making of whisky and other spirits underground, until 154 years later Hobart businessman, Bill Lark in 1992 succeeded in having Franklin’s 1838 edict repealed and small-scale making of distilled products declared legal once more. As a result Lark Distillery was the first into business, with a-now nine other distilleries in operation in Tasmania today. Amongst them is Hellyers Road near Burnie in the island’s north-west, Australia’s largest single malt whisky maker that released its first drop in 2006 under the stewardship of General Manager and Distiller, Mark Littler. The company currently enjoys sales of around $2 million a year, sells in France that’s one of the world’s largest consumers of single malt whiskies, is anticipating sales soon in the United States, and has a bottling capacity of 9,000 a week. It also attracts 25,000 whisky aficionados annually to its Visitor Centre, where an informative guided distillery “Whisky Walk” takes 40-minutes and costs $16. Participants can also fill their own bottle of “Distillers Choice” single malt at additional cost, wax seal it and get a Personalised Certificate of Authenticity… then adjourn to the Distillery
Café for a Whisky Beef Burger or Whisky Flavoured Ice Cream. The Hellyers Road Distillery is named after Henry Hellyer who was a pioneer into Tasmania’s ruggedly wild north-west in 1825, with just a bullock gang and hand-tools carving a road to link Emu Bay – now Burnie – with agricultural lands being opened-up by the then Van Dieman’s Land Company. Although officially Old Surrey Road, the distillery still honours it as Hellyers Road and makes five different Hellyers Road malt whiskies by traditional methods, taking advantage of Tasmania’s pure, unpolluted water, its quality barley, abundant peat and the island’s cool climate – all vital to quality whisky production. In 2010 it was recognised for producing Australia’s best single malt, and last year released its first 10 Year Old Single Malt. It also makes an Original, a Coffee and a Hazelnut Whisky Cream, and a selection of Southern Light Vodkas. And it forecasts sales growth of its single malts alone at 100 per cent a year… now that’s the spirit. For where to buy and how to visit, see their website: www.hellyersroaddistillery. com.au.
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$25 Christmas Party Lunch Special ROASTED PORK LOIN & SIRLOIN STEAK CHRISTMAS PUDDING & MINI PAVLOVA Served alternate for your guests
OSSO
BOOK NOW 4720 5588
DID YOU FORGET TO BOOK YOUR STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY? $25 Christmas Party Lunch Special PRAWN & CRAB COCKTAIL CUPS BASIL PESTO BREAD GRILLED SALMON & ROASTED PORK LOIN Served alternate for your guests
BOOK NOW 4720 5652 WW5977
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I
Relax
GIVEAWAY: FABERCASTELL
f you are stuck for creative Christmas gifts this year, surprise your loved ones with a unique gift from Faber-Castell. Faber-Castell are the oldest pencil makers in the world, having a 250 year history dedicated to the making of their mix media sets, pens, pencils and accessories. Their products are recognised as premium writing and drawing implements and have an amazing reputation. They have been used by many famous creative minds including Vinvent van Gogh and designer Karl Lagerfeld. As well as using the highest quality materials available in their ergonomically designed products, Faber-Castell also prides itself on its stance as a pioneer of sustainability. The family-originated company has been named by the United Nations as the first private company in the world to deal in carbon dioxide certificates from managed forests, making it a trend-setter. From amateur artists to professionals, young and old alike, Faber-Castell has always been known for quality. Even if you aren’t an artist or designer the Faber-Castell brand is second to none for value and
excellence. Whether you want to inspire some artistic ideas in a child and help them make their first creations with a set of colour pencils, or you want to reignite a seasoned passion for drawing with professional artistic tools, there’s a gift to suit your needs with Faber-Castell. The Faber-Castell Mixed Media Sets are the perfect gift for mums looking to reignite their creative flare and dads will love the Deluxe Faber-Castell E-motion Pure Black Ball Pen. The Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Water Colour Pencils are a staple in any teen’s pencil case alongside the Faber-Castell Sparkle Pencils, while the Faber Castell Colour GRIP Pencils and GRIP scissors are perfect for all of the little one’s first creative ventures, being easy to hold and safe to learn with. Perhaps the most popular and multi-functional of all the Faber-Castell gifts are the Faber-Castell Connector Pens that would often double as swords or towers, built when the pens weren’t being used. So if you’re looking for a gift this year with a more creative flair, Faber-Castell has a range of inspiring present ideas perfect for the whole family.
FYI has five gift packs to give away with more than $40 worth of Faber-Castell goodies in each. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘PENCIL’ to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Wednesday, December 4. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender. com.au.
A GIFT TO REMEMBER By Melissa Hill
I
f you like smart yet sweet romantic comedies, you’ll love Melissa Hill’s latest book A Gift to Remember. The novel, which is Hill’s first book with publishing company Simon and Schuster, is a witty, sentimental love story about the relationship between two book lovers. Main character Darcy Archer will be instantly relatable for most readers – she’s a daydreamer who works in a small, friendly bookstore on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. A bookworm since childhood, she possesses encyclopaedic literary knowledge and will go to the ends of the earth to seek out unusual and challenging customer requests. Beloved by her boss and co-workers, she tends to live her life according to the philosophy of her favourite characters in literature. Darcy secretly longs to be swept off her feet by her ideal man and wishes to find true love like the heroines in her favourite novels do. On an average day cycling to work, Darcy’s life takes an adventurous turn when she accidentally collides with a well dressed man who is walking his dog. While the mysterious man is knocked unconscious and gets rushed to the local hospital, his dog gets left behind in the chaos and Darcy guiltily decides to take care of the pet and reunite him with his owner. She also discovers a small, carefully wrapped package left behind on the scene, which looks curiously like a book
and draws Darcy into further intrigue, leading her to learn all about the man’s exciting life filled with books, adventure and travel. Sensing that they are kindred spirits, Darcy begins to dream about the stranger and builds up a picture of his life, vowing to make things right by trying to be there for her fantasy man. She sets out on the challenge that might lead to her happy ending, but Darcy has to face up to the imperfect reality of life and still has hurdles to jump when the man wakes up and recovers from the accident. Author Melissa Hill has written bestselling novels that have been published around the world, with her characteristic style of modern chick lit containing a sweet emotional core, similar to other authors like Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Lauren Weisberger. She has achieved many number one selling books in her native country of Ireland, and her novels have been translated into 23 languages. Her novel Something From Tiffany’s was recently optioned to be made into a major Hollywood movie, and Hill’s books have been well received in magazines such as New Idea, Famous, Woman’s Day, OK, NW and Who. Hill lives with her husband, daughter and their dog in Blackrock, Dublin.
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STARTS 5.30PM
SAT 14TH & SUN 15TH DEC A FREE EVENT PACKED WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, CAROLS, GAMES, PRIZES AND A VISIT FROM SANTA! FOLLOWED BY A COMPLIMENTRY PHOTOBOOTH & SWEET TREATS! TWO FAMILY PASSES TO WET & WILD TO GIVE AWAY! BBQ, DRINKS & BATTERY CANDLES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WESTCARE COMMUNITY SERVICES ImagineNations Church CNR OF THE NORTHERN ROAD AND M4 PENRITH INCHURCH.COM.AU .AU PH: 4736 3000
WW5985
22
Social Scene
MAGICAL NIGHT LENDS A HAND
T
he Penrith community gathered together for ‘Raise Me Up’, a special New South Wales Bushfire Benefit Concert held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Monday, November 18. The concert was organised by Grant Jones and Penrith Musical Comedy Company. It was an approved fundraiser event for The Salvation Army, to provide assistance to people impacted by the recent bushfire crisis, which damaged and destroyed many homes in the Blue Mountains. Performers in attendance included ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ winner Mark Vincent, Golden Guitar winner Tamara Stewart and multi-award winning musical theatre star Wayne Scott Kermond. Producers wish to thank Packemin Productions, Ross Hutchison, Jordan Vassallo and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre for their help with the event. Thanks also goes to the Penrith Homemaker Centre, Western Sydney Wanderers and others who donated raffle and auction prizes on the night. Photos: Mark Martirez
WW5998
Social Scene
2 GAMES & A REGULAR CUP OF
18
$
for
valid after 6pm Thursday and Friday nights
WW5997
DIPPIN DOTS
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24
HUGE TOY & HAM RAFFLE
Sunday December 8th
$1 per ticket or 6 for $5. Drawn 6.30pm. Includes toys, hams, bicycles, 3DS & WII consoles.
FREE Entertainment Friday November 29th- 8pm
YUM
Saturday November 30th- 7pm
Saturday December 14th 7.30pm
KOPPEN TERRACE
Members $25 Non Members $30 with
TIME MACHINE
PETER BYRNE
$5,000
Friday December 6th- 8pm
Saturday December 7th- 7pm
THE NUTS
MEMBERS BADGE DRAW SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER
Starts after Raffle. Draws approximately every 15 minutes till 9.30pm unless won.
FULL $10 LUNCH MENU Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink (members only). 7 to choose from.
Schmidy's catering - the Best Food in Penrith Schmidy’s have introduced a stylish, contemporary menu, delivering a high standard using fresh produce. Taste the difference, open daily for Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm and dinner from 5.30pm
Monday-Friday Only
SUNDAY MONSTER RAFFLE
Starts at 6.30pm Tickets on Sale from 5pm A variety of prizes including Meat Trays
Cnr Glebe Pl & Richmond Rd Kingswood phone 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au
WW5988