Gresford News November 2014

TheG resford NewsNews of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys

November 2014

The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you!

Aliens Invade Gresforth!

This year the members of GAPS invited the public to join them in a Space romp – with a tale of alien invasion. But don't worry the aliens were no match for the inhabitants of Gresforth.

Read more inside

Front- Paul, Sharon, Kel, Donna. Back- Dotti, Allyn, Tony, Barbara, Doll & Rosita

Above - Donna, Tony, Dotti & Sharon Right - Sharon & Kel.

Visit www.gresfordnsw.com.au for local information and the ‘Gresford News’ online.Gresford News audio version available for visually impaired. Phone 0412 372 687 for this service.

The Gresford News Community DiarySat 8 Nov CWA Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm

Mon 10 Nov Allyn, Paterson, Williams Wild Dog Control Association AGM, RSL Club Dungog, 7.30pm

Tues 11 Nov Service of remembrance & wreath-laying commemoration, The Cenotaph, East Gresford, 10.45am

Tues 11 Nov Gresford School of Arts AGM (rescheduled), Gresford School of Arts Hall, 7.30pm

Thurs 13 Nov GDBCA Annual General Meeting, Gresford Bowling Club, 7.30pm

Sat 15 Nov Gresford District Landcare Group Annual Field Day & Dinner, Allynbrook 9.30am & St Anne's Hall, 7.00pm

Sat 15 Nov Beauty from Natural Ingredients workshop with renowned herbalist Pat Collins

Sun 16 Nov Gresford Community Markets, Therese Doyle Hall, East Gresford

Mon 19 Nov SPECIAL MEETING: THE FuTuRE oF THE GRESFoRD MARkETS, Therese Doyle Hall, 5.30pm

Tues 18 Nov Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat 22 Nov Italian Cooking with Marisa Groves workshop, Dungog Showground

Wed 26 Nov Vacy Country Carnival special meeting, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 6.00pm

Fri 28 Nov Planet Dungog Express progressive dinner to aid the 2015 Planet Dungog Music Festival

Tues 4 Dec CWA Christmas partyl

Tuesdays Spring/summer mixed Tuesday nights tennis, 7.30–9.30pm

Mon/Tues Social ladies tennis starts, Mon or Tues mornings, Gresford Tennis Courts, 9.30–11.00am

Friday afternoons Junior tennis coaching, Gresford Tennis Courts

1st Mon each month Gresford Community Group Meeting, 5.30pm, Hotel Beatty, all welcome! (not Jan)

1st Wed each month Gresford Rural Fire Brigade meeting, station, 7.30pm

1st Thurs each month CWA Gresford Branch Meeting, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 9.30am (not Jan)

2nd Mon each month Gresford Historical Society Meeting, RSL Rooms, 11.00am (not Dec, Jan or June)

2nd & 4th Mon each month Family & Child Health Clinic, Paterson school of Arts Hall, 4932 9768 for appt’s

2nd Tues each month Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, Hotel Beatty, 7.30pm (not Jan)

2nd Sat each month Book Club, CWA rooms, East Gresford, 3.00pm (not Dec or Jan)

3rd Fri each month Gresford Public School P&C Meeting, school library, 10.00am

3rd Sun each month Gresford Community Market, Therese Doyle Hall, 9 til 2 (not Dec, Christmas Fair 1st Sat)

Last Thurs each month Gresford District Agricultural Society Meeting, Showground Luncheon Pavilion, 7.30pm

Every Wed, Fri & Sun Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club Raffles, from 6.30pm

Every Mon & Fri (school terms) Gresford Pre-School, Gresford Community Hall, 4938 9288, 9.00am

Every Thur Happy hour and free pool and jukebox at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles at the Hotel Beatty

Every Fri (school terms) Yoga for active bodies with Donna Cavanough, Therese Doyle Youth Hall, 9.00 – 10.30am

Every Wed Gresford PlayTime, children 0-5 & carers, Gresford Community Hall, 4992 2401, 10.00am

Every Sunday The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am

To contact Gresford News: email [email protected] or call Brian Doherty on 0412 372 687 or Jane Richens on 0425 339 856. Postal Address: Po Box 73 East Gresford 2311. Deadline for stories and ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word). Please keep us informed about activities in the area – a paragraph or two and photo.

✃Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford. I would like to make an annual donation to the Gresford News:

Name Amount

Address

financesThe resford NewsG

Gresford General StoreHome of the Crossroads Cafe162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road)

New Trading HoursGENERAL STORE

Mon – Wed • 7am – 5pmThur – Sun • 7am – 7pm

TAKE AWAY Mon – Wed • 8am – 3pmThur- Sun • 8am – 7pm

CAFÉMon – Wed • 8.30am – 3pmThu – Sun • 8.30am – 4pm

(if trade warrants kitchen will close at 7.30pm thursday to sunday.)

Xmas/New Year Public Holiday TradingWEdNESdAY (Xmas Eve)

7am – 4pm (T/Away & Cafe closed at 2.30pm)

THuRSdAY (Xmas day) CLOSEdFRidAY (Boxing day)

8am – 11am (T/Away & Cafe closed)

WEdNESdAY (New Years Eve) 7am – 4pm (T/Away & Cafe closed at 2.30pm)

THuRSdAY (New Years day) 8am – 4pm (T/Away & Cafe closed at 2.30pm)

**WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON**

Gresford Notices

AGMsAllyn Paterson Williams Wild Dog Control Assoc

AGM will be held at 7:30 pm on Monday 10 November

at the RSL Club Dungog

Gresford School of ArtsAGM (rescheduled)

will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday the 11th November

at the Gresford School of Arts Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Gresford District Bushmans Carnival

AssociationAnnual General Meeting

to be held at the Gresford Bowling Club

7.30pm Thursday 13th November.

Public Meeting To Determine The Future

Of The Gresford Community Market

Therese Doyle HallMonday 17 November

at 5.30pm.

If you would like to see the Gresford Community Market continue in 2015 please attend this important meeting

to form a group that will organise and run the market.

If you are interested but can't get to the meeting please call Judy Grant on 4938 9505

Letters To The EditorKath Williams Gillis

My late Grandmother Alice Elizabeth Eveleigh was born on Guygallon at Gresford she married my grandfather in 1899 his name was William John Williams.

I could not find Guygallon we searched everywhere then we asked my husband’s Uncle if he knew where it was located.

Once we found out where it was situated we did a drive & found the property – some of the old buildings are still standing. My cousin Joy Eveleigh Married Gary Bird. She suggested I contact you. I never felt more at home than what I did that day standing on my Great Grandparents property.

Thank youKath Williams Gillis

Gresford News welcomes letters and community stories. Please send your contributions to Gresford News, PO Box 73, East Gresford, NSW 2311

Everyone is welcome to join the Planet Dungog Express for a progressive dinner on Friday 28th November to aid the 2015 Planet Dungog Music Festival.

You can have a fantastic night out with your friends by boarding the free bus then enjoying a beautiful three-course meal and a glass of wine at surprise venues. The last location for the night will have dessert and great music for dancing.

A ticket for this wonderful night out is only $80 per head and the proceeds will help pay for the second Planet Dungog Music Festival to be held on 29, 30 and 31st May 2015.

Planet Dungog Music Festival is a not-for-profit festival, put on by local people and they would welcome your support.

The progressive dinner is one of several events planned during the run-up to the festival. Be quick to book your tickets. Call Erika Thorsby 0429185794 or Dianne Pope 0408113468 to reserve your place.

Progressive Dinner to Support Music Festival

TheG resford News • November 2014, p 6

Gresford District Landcare Group Annual Field Day & Dinner

Saturday 15th November 2014All landholders are invited. The free field day will begin at 9.30am at St Mary’s

Hall, Allynbrook and proceed to a nearby field site.At the field day you will hear internationally certified natural grazing management expert

Dick Richardson talk on balancing animal production with ecological improvement.

Following the field day the annual Landcare dinner will be held at St Anne’s Hall, Church Street, Gresford at 7pm.

$40 Per person – byo (soft drinks & a free glass of wine included)

The dinner will be followed by a talk by our field day facilitator Dick Richardson on the ups and downs of farming in South Africa

We hope you can join us for this important and informative annual event.

RSVP Penny 49389365, Peter 49315257Email: [email protected]

A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE &

WREATH-LAYING COMMEMORATIONAn invitation to the residents of Gresford and our District

to join together in respect to our fallen.

R E M E M B R AN C E DAY11 November, 10.45am

The Cenotaph, Gresford

An initiative of the Gresford Community Groupand held in conjunction with Gresford Public School and the Gresford sub-branch of the RSL


What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

Flanagan is in the news at the moment as winner of the Booker prize for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, so his earlier works may inspire curiosity if they have not been read. This novel will not be to everyone’s taste, as the subject matter is grim and almost unrelenting – involving suicide, despair, alcoholism and domestic abuse – and the style is flamboyant, with a fractured narrative structure and elaborately poetic style at times. However, there is qualified redemption and the prose can be both beautiful and mystical. It also gives a searing insight into the experience of some New Australians.

The plot concerns the attempt by Sonja Buloh and her father, Bojan, to come to terms with the suicide of their mother and wife, Maria. The Bulohs were Eastern European immigrants who came to Tasmania to work on the Hydroelectric Scheme. They carried a tragic past with them, and their life in the Tasmanian wilderness was harsh and bleak, but Maria’s suicide is not given any further explanation till later in the book, when Sonja learns more about her family’s past.

It is clear from Flanagan’s comments about his work that writing involves his whole being, and that is borne out by this novel. The enigmatic title comes from a Zen riddle and indicates that there are no easy answers in some situations. For the patient reader, this is a very rewarding novel.

The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan

Gresford General Store and Post OfficeHome of the Crossroads Cafe

162 Durham Road Gresford (Cnr Lostock & Durham Road)Phone 4938 9239

Open 7 days from 7.00 am

TAKE AWAY FOOd OPEN dAiLY ANd uNTiL 7Pm THuRS–SuNdAY

Gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and real Milkshakes available

– BBQ Chickens – Ice – DVDs – Grocery – Ice Creams – Drinks –

Pizza also available from 5pm Thursday–Sunday

dVd Releases available in November• TRANSFORMERS’; AGE OF EXTINCTION • DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES •

• 22 JUMP STREET • HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 • JERSEY BOYS •

• WORDS AND PICTURES • DEVIL’S KNOT •

•HOME ALONE: HOLIDAY HEIST •

Local Learning OpportunitiesBeauty from Natural Ingredients with renowned herbalist Pat Collins. Saturday 15 Nov. Get ready for xmas with this great hands-on workshop. Create your own herbal soaps, shampoos, moisturisers. You may have seen some of Pat's books. She is a natural health therapist, bush medicine guru and runs dynamic workshops. $95 incl ingredients.

Italian Cooking with Marisa Groves. Saturday 22 Nov. Back by popular demand. Roll up your sleeves for gnocchi, parmigiana, tiramisu, Sardinian biscotti and more. Aromatic, healthy, and crowd pleasing. $89 cooks, $39 diners.

Qualifications in a range of fields are on the cards for 2015. Diploma of Management will help you run your own business, manage people, understand financials, or rise up the ranks of your company. Certificate IV Bookkeeping lets you “do the books” and is the qualification for BAS Agents. Cert III Aged Care is the minimum entry to be an aged care worker in a growing industry. Cert IV Disability is the standard qualification for people working with the disabled, and is becoming more important since the National Disabilities Insurance Scheme was introduced. Cert III Events is proposed to give more people the skills for the many events (volunteer & professional) that are run in our shire. Diploma of Counselling is a quality course for community service workers and volunteers. Cert II Construction Pathways from working with bricks and pavers to simple concreting: skills in building, landscaping, construction.

If you are interested in any of these courses put your name on the list. Contact [email protected] or visit www.dungogcommunitycollege.org.au


Sharon Lawrence grew up in a small community and witnessed her parents and extended family respect and support their community in very active ways. Sharon has continued to support her community from a young age and now she and her own family are great advocates for our town.

Sharon was born at Lostock in 1972 and started her first year of schooling in 1978 at Lostock Public School. With the closure of Lostock School, Sharon then went to Mt Rivers School for the next 3 years. Mt Rivers was next on the list of local small schools to close and Sharon completed her primary school education at Gresford. She then went on to high school at Dungog and her leadership skills came to the fore there where she was Vice President of the School and President of the Student Representative Council in her senior years.

In 1994, Sharon completed a 4 year degree in Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) at Newcastle University before spending 6 months at Young Hospital as the School Canteen Project Officer. Her first full time position was at Belmont Hospital as the sole Dietitian before she moved to Maitland Hospital in 1996 for the next 3 years. In 1999 Sharon became the Community Dietitian for the Lower Hunter Community Health Service and expanded her Dietetic team in 2008 when she secured the first and only

commonwealth funding for a Home and Community Care Dietetic Service outside of the Sydney area. Sharon currently has many roles within Hunter New England Local Health District including East Maitland Community Health Site Senior Dietitian, Lower Hunter Home and Community Care Senior Dietitian and most recently the Head of Discipline for Dietetics for the Lower Hunter Cluster. Throughout her Dietetic career, Sharon has been a strong advocate for good nutrition in ageing and now represents the National Dietitians Association of Australia on the National Age Care Alliance and the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

If not busy enough in her professional life, Sharon has managed to fit in a whole range of other activities into her personal and community life. In 1992 Sharon was crowned Miss Gresford Showgirl and went on to the Zone final in Newcastle. Sharon and the Miss Lithgow showgirl were selected to represent the Zone, and both were Showgirl finalists at the following year’s

Mitch Ulrick 0421 014 789

VACY LIC. NO. 198606C / ABN 67 123 581 183

EMAIL [email protected]

Plumber Drainer

Gas Fitter Roofer

3.5 t Excavator 8 t Tip Truck

SERVICING ALL AREAS

Community featureSharon Lawrence ...by Rowena Dillon


Fully Licenced Café / Restaurant4938 8305

Sydney Royal Easter Show which was a great experience for both girls.

Sharon was a founding member of GAPS (Gresford Amateur Performing Society) which began informally in 1996 before their first production in 1997 of “Thick or Thin”. Sharon has had a leading role both on stage and behind the scenes as Music Director ever since then and President since 2005. GAPS have produced a show every two years since 1998 and are still going strong with this year’s production “Frost in Space” just completed. GAPS have also organised our local Carols by Candlelight for many years.

In 1998 the idea of the Easter Billy Cart Derby was born from Sharon’s childhood memories of riding billy carts down the hills of Lostock with her brothers. The idea of the derby and fair was also to utilise the influx of tourists visiting Gresford over the Easter break and pull all the fund raising for different community organisations into one event. In 2001 Sharon took over as President of the Derby Committee and ran the event from her hospital bed at Christo Road where she was also busy

giving birth to daughter Courtney. Sharon continued on as a President until 2008 when she handed over the reins, but remains involved in helping out where she can each year.

In 2002 Sharon was nominated by Paterson Rotary and selected to represent the Australian District 9670 on a 4 week professional group study exchange to Poland. Finally, in 2004 she was President of the Gresford 175th Anniversary celebrations. Sharon was deservedly nominated for a Dungog Shire Council Australia Day award in 2005 for her outstanding citizenship along with two Gresford Community Group Awards in 2001 and 2010. Sharon has also managed to find time during all this busyness to marry Scott in1996 and have two beautiful daughters Courtney and Claire.

When asked about the positives of Gresford, Sharon was quick to mention the strong sense of community. She feels that people are willing to get in and do something when they see a need and are not afraid of getting involved. Sharon also feels that people aren’t involved in the

community projects or committees for their own self gain but more for the benefit of the whole community. Sharon herself, and her family, have certainly demonstrated these qualities on many occasions.

Sharon feels that the lack of public transport restricts opportunities for residents of the Gresford community. It makes it difficult for people to access services and limits their involvement in community and wider events. Also, the lack of reliable technology facilities such as mobile phone service, internet and poor TV reception are also drawbacks for our area. These things combine to deter people from living and settling here.

As for the future of Gresford, Sharon would like to see more business prospects in the area to attract people back to the town. She believes Gresford will still grow and develop but will never be a huge town which may not be a bad thing. Sharon hopes that Gresford will always keep its sense of community and its ethos of helping each other and helping itself. With people like Sharon and her family in our area a positive future for Gresford is assured.

Mobile Beauty Therapy

By Samantha Enright

.,Eyelash Extensions • Tanning

Waxing • TintingMake-up • Manicure

Pedicure & More

Phone: 0400 035 451ABN: 79 143 158 726


Dungog ChiropraCtiC

CliniCI treat most musculoskeletal

complaints including back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines

and limb pain and pins and needles.

HiCaps and eftpos facility is available so patients can claim

direct from their healthfund and just pay the gap.

Located at Dungog Community Hospital on Hospital Road in Dungog

phone no: 4992 3766

Shane Moss B.Sc. M.Chiro.

MIKE DOYLE HORSEMANSHIPHorse Starting (breaking)

Problem Horses

Starting horses on cattle to give them confidence

Low stress and effective cattle handling

LessonsDemonstrations

Clinics

Mike Doyle 0418 503 939

PETER EVANS & ASSOCIATES

SOLICITORS

‘Looking after people in business is our business’

Peter Evans is descended from a farming family located in the Gresford area prior to 1840 and is keen to assist

residents, farmers and business in the area with all their legal needs.

We can help you with:

Conveyancing, Subdivisions,

Family Law, Business Law,

Wills, Powers of Attorney,

Probate and more

PHONE: 4926 4788

www.evanslaw.com.au

Dungog Shire one of the next areas in regional NSW to receive the NBNThis article was prepared by NBN Co and local comment has been provided by Ivan Skaines, Economic Development, Tourism and Events, Dungog Shire Council

More communities across regional NSW will soon get access to fast broadband as NBN Co begin consulting with local communities about the construction of new fixed wireless facilities in several Local Government Areas including parts of Dungog Shire.

This marks the beginning of the consultation process with the community and at this point the number of fixed wireless facilities and their locations are yet to be finalised however in Dungog Shire Gresford, Martins Creek and Paterson have been mentioned as the next localities to receive the fixed wireless service (Dungog already has the service).

NBN Co spokesperson, Tony Gibbs has announced that the rollout of the NBN is continuing momentum in regional NSW – and with it comes many economic and social opportunities for local communities. Fast broadband helps give residents access to e-health services, distance education and entertainment on demand and we have seen examples of businesses

demonstrating an increase in productivity, reduction of costs and access new markets.

NBN Co’s fixed wireless service offers wholesale download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second and wholesale upload speeds of up to five megabits per second to telephone and internet service providers.

Unlike a mobile wireless service, where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving into and out of the area, NBN Co's fixed wireless network is engineered to deliver a consistent and reliable service to a fixed number of premises within a coverage area.

NSW currently has more than 83,100 homes, farms and businesses connected to the NBN with build preparation and construction activities are also underway for another 379,000.

Frequently Asked Questions1. Why fixed wireless? NBN Co’s fixed wireless facilities are designed to service less densely populated communities across Australia such as small towns and villages and the outer surrounds of major townships. Fixed wireless services are delivered by radio communications via antennas that transmit a signal direct to a small outdoor antenna

on your home or business.

2. Will my property be able to receive fixed wireless? Before the network equipment is installed a signal quality test will be carried out. Those premises which are unable to be served by fixed wireless may be able to receive NBN Co’s long term satellite service when it becomes available. Visit www.nbnco.com.au/satellite for more information.

3. Existing network? In fixed wireless areas copper phone lines will remain in place to provide a landline telephone service, if the end user chooses to use it.

4. Installation? A standard installation of NBN equipment is currently free of charge. Residents should ask their preferred service provider if they have any other fees.

5. Speed? NBN Co’s designing the NBN to provide the stated speeds to its wholesale customers, telephone and internet service providers. End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on some factors outside NBN Co’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service provider designs its network.


October – start of the CWA year30th September marks the end of the CWA year and as a result October is a busy month of organisation and preparation for the new year.

AGM The AGM was held on 2nd October and following office bearers were elected: President Robyn Thornton, Secretary Jill Hancock, Assistant secretary Valarie Smith, Treasurer Judy Daly, International and Cultural Officers Jan Godwin, Agriculture and Environment Officer Lyn tunin, Cookery Officer Dotti Hilliard, Handicraft Officer Berry Kelehear. Congratulations to all these ladies and many thanks to Valarie Smith who replaced Marie Loveridge as Secretary in March.

Group conference Gresford members will attend the 88th Hunter River Group Conference at Jerry's Plains on 15 October. Gresford is one of 26 Branches belonging to Hunter River Group, which is the largest of the 30 groups making up the CWA of NSW. At the conference, as well as the election of office bearers and the presentation of reports by all branches, voting is undertaken on resolutions put forward by branches to

be presented at the CWA of NSW Annual Conference in May.

Announcements of study topics The country of study and primary product as well as flora and fauna to be studied by all branches are announced in October and are eagerly awaited as these topics form the basis for many of the branch activities during the following year.

Payment of fees Membership fees are now due, please contact Judy Daly for details 4938 9624.

Other activitiesNew Post Office Box please send all mail for Gresford CWA to PO Box 93, East Gresford 2311.Christmas Party will be held after the meeting on Thursday 4th December.

Land Cookery Contest on Tuesday 3rd February 2015.Next monthly meeting is Thursday 6th November in the rooms at 9.30am.Next Book Club meeting is Saturday 8th November at 3pm in the rooms. Topic free choice. Also selection of books for 2015. Web for more information on activities http://gresfordcwa.wordpress.com

Judy Daly

Gresford CWA News

Gill Harris spake at the September CWA meeting about using recycled materials in craft which will be one of the new areas in the

craft section of the 2015 Gresford Show.


EAST GRESFORD MASSAGE CLINIC

LEANNE ATKINS 0427 389 72231 Durham Rd East Gresford

•Therapeutic Massage

Remedial Massage

Pregnancy Massage

Hot Rock Massage

Health Fund Rebates•

Member: AAMT DIP R M

The Gresford District Historical Society Inc. members, ex-members and friends celebrated the 25th anniversary on Sunday 12th October in the Therese Doyle Community Hall and grounds in conjunction with the Gresford Community Markets. A big 'Thankyou' to Mrs Judy Grant and her husband Lloyd for their great organisational help.

At short notice, GAP's performers were present to perform a diverse array of songs

throughout the day. They sang with enthusiasm and commitment for our special day. The weather was sunny and a few people were dancing on 'sunshine'. 'Many Thanks' to our local songsters.

The Vintage Farm Machinery Club (Mr Bob Lean) and Dungog Historic Motor Club (Mr Col Wilkinson) were there with great displays. Classic and familiarly know cars from Gresford included Stewart Everett's old shiny black Valiant, Bernie

Lawler's 1955 red Jaguar and his late grandmother's white Jaguar. Mrs Richardson purchased this car brand new in 1967. Mark (Womble) Hayward proudly displayed his 1966 V8 burgundy Valiant. Lynn and Paul Monger brought along their beautifully attired bay horse and buggy. 'Many Thanks' to all these people.

Inside the Therese Doyle Hall, Jill Hancock and Gail Wright served delicious treats with tea and coffee to visitors present. Our GDHSI Vice-President, Paul Wright had old photos wonderfully displayed all around the rooms. GDHSI Head Archivist, Delma Lawrence presented a wonderful display of items that included lovely ball gowns and wedding dresses (including her own). 'Many Thanks' to Misha Moon for her helpful assistance with this.

Gresford District Historical Society 25th Anniversary

GDHSI President, Mr George Sales, Secretary Lorraine Ashard, and 3 long term reigning members Mrs Margaret Dent, Mrs Freda Collison and Mrs Delma Lawrence with the anniversary cake.

Paul and Lynn Monger with their beautifully attired bay horse and buggy

ATTENTION: FARMERS, GRAZIERSAND HOBBY FARMERSARE YOU GETTING THE MOST

FROM YOUR ACREAGE?

Round Baling: Hay and Silage

Small Square Bales

Mowing and Raking

Whatever the job, get it done right and on timeby your local bloke!

Your Local Rural Services Specialist. Competitive Rates!Ring Rodney Richardson 'Penshurst' Mt Rivers Ph 02 4931 7125

Direct Drilling

Cultivating and Discing

Fertilizer Spreading

Slashing and Mulching

Tabletop Truck Hire

Boomspraying


GDHSI President, Mr George Sales had a very nice silverware display to help commemorate the Society’s 25th 'Silver' Anniversary. An anniversary cake was cut by three long term reigning members, Mrs Freda Collison, Mrs Margaret Dent and Mrs Delma Lawrence. President George presented flowers and special watches to Freda and Delma for their dedication to

the Society since commencing. Margaret had received hers at a previous time. Our GDHSI Raffle was drawn after receiving good support. The push lawn mower was won by Anne Skelding of Lorn. The landscaping wheelbarrow was wan by Greg Priestley. The McCulloch whipper snipper was won by Betty Murrell and Mrs Pat Litchfield won the small chainsaw.

Our dedicated GDHSI team wish to convey a very 'Big Thankyou' to all persons who assisted to make our day memorable and special. Obtaining our very own GDHSI building is very important to us all and through the support of the community at large this goal will be achievable.

Lorraine Ashard, Hon. Secretary, GDHSI

Some of the interesting historical society displays including ball gowns and the wedding dress of GDHSI Head Archivist, Delma Lawrence.


Order now for Christmas:Leg Hams, Bone Rolled Pork, Chicken

Turkey, Smoked ChickenSpecials ~ Nov 3 to 15

Pork Loin Chops - $12.99/kgLamb BBQ Chops - $10.99/kg

Ph 4938 9710

Phill Flanagan's Earth

MovingBob cat

ExcavatorTraxcavator

GraderRoller

RockhammerBorer

Truck hire+ attachments

4938 5153 Mob 0418 435 429

Duns Creek

Frost in SpaceThis year the members of GAPS invited the public to join them in a Space romp – with a tale of alien invasion. The audience was given a glimpse of Galacier, a planet suffering from global freezing, and witnessed Commander Freesia Freklov (a dazzling Sharon Lawrence) send Captain Arktikus Flux, a bumbling but ambitious space-pilot (portrayed with gusto by Paul Wilson) to Earth to capture the secret of our global warming.

On arrival in the village of Gresforth, Captain Flux took over the identity of Steward Everest, owner of the local service station, and proceeded to

infiltrate the population. Unfortunately for him, a local eccentric, Lotta Bollocks (Rosita Richardson in top form), had intercepted their transmissions through her computer and was able to alert the town. Her warnings were backed up by the enigmatic robot, (impeccably acted by Kel Merriman) created by her husband, Professor Willy Bollocks - the ever-reliable Allyn Litchfield.

Coming in on the act were con-artists Max Clearance and Agent 69, (a stalwart Tony Schultz and sexy Donna Graham) who attempted to take advantage of the situation for their own benefit. Backing up this ensemble

were Barbara Merriman and Dotti Hilliard who played sisters Sissy and Ophelia Bollocks with style and confidence; and crowd-pleaser Doll Watson, who was a joke-loving hairdresser.

Keeping the light and sound ball rolling

effectively were the father and son technos, Ross and Rohan Staines, while the tireless duo behind the curtains, Brianne Merriman and Malcolm Watson, helped keep the play moving smoothly. Director Glenda Smith kept the team humming along with a light hand; Sharon Lawrence showed her usual discernment in her selection of music, and Donna Graham kept the cast twisting with some great sixties-style choreography.

Audience members were greeted in the early part of the evening by the dulcet tones of Lyndell Osmond and Paul Wilson, before enjoying a sumptuous meal organised and prepared by Denise Sellens, Coleen Litchfield and

their helpers. Denise was also kept busy as house manager, with Coleen’s assistance. Bernie Lawler and his capable team


Graeme Ferguson

Registered SurveyorConsultant in surveying,

planning and engineering

* Portion Boundaries Remarked * Identification Survey Reports * House Setouts * Urban and Rural Subdivisions * Engineering Survey and Design * Topographic Surveys * Urban and Rural Road Design * Control Surveys

“Yatta” Torryburn Via Paterson 2421Tel 4938 9448 Fax 4938 9626

Email [email protected]

Gresford Amateur Performing Society 2014manned the bar, and Scott Lawrence did a sterling job as MC. The hall was

enhanced by new stage curtains which give the stage a classier appearance, and were purchased by GAPS from the proceeds of the last production in 2012. This acquisition is in accord with the group’s stated aim of continuing to help improve the School of Arts, which is a wonderful community asset.

GAPS deeply appreciated the warmth and generosity of those who attended to support and encourage local talent, and contribute to the community spirit that GAPS feels so much a part of. With the singing and dancing; the corn and the cleverness; the food and drink; the fun and fellowship, an excellent night was had by all.

Review by Glenda Smith (Director). Thanks to Rosita Richardson for

the photos.

Rosita, Paul, Donna, Allyn, Doll & Sharon

Cast & Crew Front- (L to R) Colleen Litchfield, Rosita Richardson, Doll Watson, Barbara Merriman, Sharon Lawrence, Kel Merriman, Donna Graham, Glenda Smith, Dotti Hilliard & Denise Sellens, Back Row Allyn Litchfield, Malcolm Watson, Rohan Staines, Ross Staines, Paul Wilson, Tony Schultz & Briane Merriman


Paterson Rail Motor SocietyWhat a great day excursion!On Saturday 18th October, a number of Gresford folk joined with Paterson to have a wonderful day excursion on the Motor Rail (The Rail Motor Society at Paterson ) from Paterson to Woy Woy, then a cruise and lunch on Brisbane Waters and then back to Paterson . Lovely folk, lovely weather, great fun and money raised will support both the Anglican and Catholic parishes.

Readers may be interested to know the Paterson Rail Motor Society is having their 30th anniversary open day on the 8th November and providing local train rides and depot tours. For a gold coin donation you can enjoy a ride to Wallarobba and return on the 1920 heritage train. There will be no bookings just arrive at the Paterson depot yard 30 minutes before the departure times – which are 9.36am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. The depot tours are at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, enter top gate Webbers Creek Road Paterson. For further enquiries contact the secretary on 4954 4904.

Photos and story: Kel MerrimanTrain passengers

Disembarking at Paterson

Horn family

RICHARD WELLS UPHOLSTERY

LoungesAutomotive

Antique RestorationFrench PolishingCanvas Annexes

Horse Rug Repairs

For all your upholstery needs ring Richard on 4938 9324

GUARANTEED QUALITY& SERVICE

Pick up and delivery

Gresford Transport

ABN - 76872263533

"Serving The Small Man On The Land"

Livestock, Hayand general, 8 ton

capacity, fully insuredGresford, Dungog Maitland, Singleton

Stephen Hillfor friendly and personal service

Home - 02 49 389 349Mobile - 0429389349

CASSO’S WATER CARTAGE

DOMESTIC & RURAL WATER SUPPLIES

TANKS & POOLS FILLED

CONTACT BRAD4995 6053

0425 236 188

local water carrier


Debt Collection Solutions AND ALL YOUR CREDIT MANAGEMENT NEEDS

David Cains - 0419 215 782• Ph: 4926 2499 • Fax: 4929 5298 [email protected]• Level 4, 6 Bolton Street Newcastle 2300 www.gcsarms.com

c8929022-9May

Annual “Trevallyn” to “Riverside” Cattle Drive

The Gresford Pony Club members turned out in great style and numbers to move the 150 head of cattle down Fishers Hill Road and into Summer Hill Road and ultimately through to “Riverside”where the Annual Snaffle Bit and Cutting Competition take place on Saturday 11th October 2014. Confidence was brimming out of the face of Rebekah, the Nurseryman from Duninald, she rode alongside the Pony Club riders each boosting oneanothers horsemanship, great to see.

28 riders made the drive with again the “Master of the Horse”, local identity Brad Brooker, leading and co-coordinating the muster. Former buck jump rider, Denis Jenkins, rode wide on the wing and the former Australian Representative, Shaun Thompson together with Mick, the Union Rep, Holtz kept up the steady pace pushing up helped by Sandra and Emily past riders on the drive.

Grant Eldridge, the president of the Pony Club had great assistance from Baily and Jack who both cut a fine figures in the saddle. Local identity Andrew Clode, stood out in a bright green cattleman’s shirt. Horse breaker and President of the Wirragulla Polo Club, Beau Blundell was imacually turned out on a big bay horse and supported by Karla Brown and Beau lent a couple of well prepared and turned out horses to former Australian Gold Medal winning Surf Boat sweep Chris Flemming

who was accompanied by his lovely wife Lyndall both of whom are Life Members of South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club, this really bought the surf to the bush.

The spirited horse of the day had to go in a shared prize to local identity Bob Doyle and Courtney Gould both of whom didn’t stop the entire ride keeping their respective mounts under control. All the way from Carlow in Ireland, Elaine Bray and her husband Steve, the Gonze, Bray stayed upright the entire ride which pleased their daughter Caylie, who rode in the support vehicle and helped in serving the morning tea.

Former South Sydney forward and Coonamble lad, Mick Ecob had a buster when the girth broke on his saddle suffering a couple of broken ribs but fortunately everyone’s friend and mentor Susan Doyle was on hand and helped Mick into her vehicle and gave him the necessary encouragement to keep his resolve. Former Dubbo footballer and now a Manly tragic Chris Meredith finished the ride despite loosing his mate “Big Mick” but did wish him a speedy recovery with a couple of brown milkshakes at the conclusion of the ride.

It was nice see Sophie Falk working the cattle as an experienced horsewoman and Jess Litchfield another of the local girls who helped make the muster what it was.

Everyone’s mate, Jade Cornish who is probably better known as the “Insulguard Insulation Specialist from Lochinvar” was accompanied by his beautiful daughter Tegan, and wait for it, he also bought along his lovely mother in law Brigit Taylor, now that is foresight. Local horsewoman Daisey Brunwin showed a few of the male riders on just how to ride cutting a fine figure in the saddle.

Two very experienced horsewomen, Bailey Doyle and Brittney Crouch epitomised just what horsemanship is all about exhibiting good composure and horse control and when inside “Riverside” let their steeds have their head and cantered and galloped without missing a beat.

Upon dismounting the ladies of the Vacy P&C, under the stewardship of Lisa Priestly, had lunch prepared for the riders. The day was a great success and showed just how a community is able to work together for a common goal. Well done riders.

Darren Jones

PS. It seems the only person Darren forgot to include was himself but his effort should be

acknowledged. Darren is the instigator of the event on an annual basis. On the day, he provided and

cooked a fantastic breakfast BBQ at his beautiful property ‘Trevallyn’ for all the riders and their

helpers prior to the ride and again provided the lunch at ‘Riverside’ at the end of the ride (via the

Vacy P&C). He drove the support vehicle and provided the half way morning tea. As he does each year, Darren donated the cattle for the drive - these

were then used in the cutting competition.Editor


q Gresford District Historical Society rPender & Foster’s - Allyn river timbertown

WW2 saw the State forests opened up as the war effort and

restrictions on imported softwoods had created a high demand for Australian timbers. Pender & Foster, a Maitland based sawmilling firm saw the opportunity to access Crown forest reserves on the Allyn and Williams catchments and commenced construction of a mill on the Upper Allyn in the early 1940s.

Like most mills at that time the mill was located close to the forest as road transport of logs to mills better located to markets was not yet feasible. The mill was powered by steam using a converted marine engine with machinery and engine set up by the Maitland engineering firm – “PWG Kings”. Electricity as a power source was not an

option as the electricity network was not to reach this location until 1953.

To accommodate the workforce an almost instant village was created of 15 (family) cottages and a single mens’ barracks. A community hall and separate billiard hall were added as was a shop, and in 1949 a new school building was constructed. A cricket pitch catered for the enthusiasts and there was also a nearby tennis court.

All of this had been carved out of extremely dense forest on the Allyn river almost immediately across the river from the Hancock Bros sawmill. One man who watched the development of the Pender and Foster mill and village with great interest was Bill Bates. Readers may recall in an earlier story that Bill had commenced with Hancock Bros in the early 1930s and was to make his modest

cabin there his home for the next 48 years. Bill provides a most readable history of the Pender & Foster Allyn river mill and village in his book titled, “Little Village in the Foothills” published by the Dungog Historical Society and also available from the Gresford Historical Society.

The cottages in the Allyn river timbertown were small and basic but reputed to be superior to those made available by other mill owners. Families were supplied with plentiful water from the Allyn and there was of course an abundance of wood for heating. Remoteness and isolation from services was the biggest issue but there were compensations as this produced a strong sense of community. Life in the village was friendly and everyone turned out for the sporting and social activities.

Anglican Parish of Gresford PatersonGlendonbrook Road Gresford NSW 2311

Telephone (02) 4938 [email protected]

NOVEMbEr SErVICE TIMES

Sunday Mornings 2 9 16 23 30

St Anne’s, Gresford 7.30 9.30 8.30 St Paul’s, Paterson 9.30 9.30 9 St John’s, Vacy 9.00 St John’s, Lostock 11.30 St James’, Martin’s Ck 8.00 St Mary’s, Allynbrook 10.30 St Paul’s, Eccleston 11.30

Weekdays St Paul’s, Paterson – Wednesday and Friday 7.30am; Thursday 6pm

Pender & Foster’s timbertown on the Upper Allyn. Courtesy Grace Lister


q “Our Stories” Feature r

Then, as now the Allyn river road and its causeways was always problematic and during wet weather the flooded causeways on the road would see the village completely cut off. Supplies for the village would be delivered to the first causeway down at Eccleston and drivers risked their lives attempting to ford the river in heavy trucks to collect them. On occasion there was no alternative but to take a very full and strenuous day to do a return walk along the ridges down to the first causeway to collect the groceries, meat and bread.

For the men, forest operations and saw milling was hard and dangerous and this environment attracted tough and resourceful characters known for their dry humour and practical jokes. Over the years the mill operated, (1944-1970) Bill Bates recorded the names of some 160 men who at some time worked at the mill or for the various contractors. There were of course incidents, some serious and one fatal but given the number of men and the nature of their work over 26 years it was clear the men had looked after each other.

One family “the Listers” (Charlie, Ted, Henry & Jimmy) was particularly active in the operation of the mill, Charlie was the mill manager for many years and it is a fitting tribute to the family that the village is now known as the Lister village. There is also a Lister forest park set aside in the State forest just a few kms further up the river.

In the early 1950s conservation and scientific groups were beginning to press for a limit to the roads being cut through the forest and the Forestry Commission was starting to think about resource sustainability. Pressure was also mounting for a National park on the Williams catchment and in 1956 the Forestry Commission restrained Pender & Foster from logging there. Alvin Foster who was one of the principals in the firm was keen to protect his investment and saw the development of tourism as a means to “head off” the “Park movement”. He took it upon himself to push in a 4 wheel drive road along the old Lagoon Pinch/Corker trail to Carey’s peak on the Barrington Tops – and even added a ski

run! This was a major and dangerous achievement for his dozer operators and although the project had wide local, Council and union support the State Government did not endorse his initiative. Tempers ran hot when the Forestry Commission blasted the road –

STEWART EVERETTmiTSuBiSHi

ACN 000 905 395

For friendly service! Agent for ◆ Mitsubishi Motor Vehicles ◆ NRMA Service Centre ◆ Caltex Distributors, Fuels, Oils ◆ Stihl Chainsaws and Accessories ◆ General Vet & Chemical Merchandise

We welcome all your NRMA insurance payments –let our staff look after you personally!

Contact Stewart or Scott26 Durham Road, East Gresford NSW 2311

Ph. 4938 9204 Facsimile 4938 9517

PLANT HIRE & EQUIPMENTCoMMERCIAL INDuSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RuRAL

An extensive range of machines

and earthmoving equipment

to suit every aspect of the

Building & Construction Industry

Supply all forms of quarry product

Contact:

Paul Mastin 0418 499 471Head office 02 4938 8135

DIVISIoN oF DREEGAN BuILDING & CoNSTRuCTIoNBASED IN THE HuNTER VALLEY

ABN: 56137525494

Charlie Lister, mill manager


several times. Eventually the park movement won out and two initial Park areas were set aside in 1959.

In 1964 Pender & Foster was bought by Earp Woodcock & Beverage (EWB) a Newcastle firm. This brought a change in direction as EWB put the forestry operations on the Allyn (falling and hauling) out to contract. The writing was also on the wall for the Allyn river mill as maintaining a labour intensive steam mill and village was proving costly. EWB could also see that a new generation of heavy trucks made the road transport of logs to their more efficient electrically powered Maitland mill a more economical proposition.

Hardwood timbers were also on the way out as hardwood sustainability issues and builders’ preferences were switching demand to plantation radiata pine. The irony is that hardwood sawmilllers saw the low stress grade plantation radiata as a product suitable only for packing cases and white ants!

The mill closed in December 1970 and the cottages in the village were leased as holiday accommodation to various people including city professionals and academics. In 1978 the cottages were sold for $60,000

to a group of tenants who had formed themselves into a company known as the “Upper Allyn Lister Village”. Meanwhile at Wauchope a local group saw the tourism potential of a timbertown and with the aid of Federal Government money bought much of the Allyn river saw mill machinery. The Gresford / Dungog community lost what should have been a quite unique tourist facility. It was all there & operational – just needing only a ticket office and some vision to get started! As they say; “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”.

In 1979 Hollywood came to the Upper Allyn to make an unremarkable movie called “The Earthling”. This was scheduled to be made in Colorado for an American audience but had been transferred to Australia to take advantage of various tax concessions then on offer. The village was given a “makeover” although this was somewhat at the expense of its authenticity.

Due to safety concerns, the mill building, an imposing structure some 174 feet long and 57 feet wide was demolished in 1985. The site was rehabilitated and the line shafting tunnels which transferred power

from the steam engine to the machinery were filled in. The mill had long dominated the village and while it remained it served as a focus to remind of the efforts of the many men who had worked there; the busy enterprise that it had once been and the families & community that had surrounded it.

These days anyone passing along the Upper Allyn Rd to enter the forest and who is not aware of the history would not recognise the village as a timbertown and would be left to speculate widely as to its origins.

Our 2015 WW1 Commemorative calendar is now available This features men from local families who served during WW1 and contains unique historical pictures and details. As befitting the commemoration it is designed to be a collectable and will make an excellent Xmas present. Available from local stores in Gresford, McDonald Bros Maitland or contact George Sales (president) on 49389639

Note: Next meeting of the Historical Society is on Mon 10th Nov at 10:30am in the RSL hall.

q “Our Stories” Feature r

West Tankers are a family owned and operated business servicing Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding areas. We are able to meet the requirements of specialised and remote customers.

Your fuel will be delivered on-site when you need it. We arrange our schedule to suit you. It doesn’t matter how remote you are, we pride ourselves in supporting remote customers and providing diesel when you need it – with delivery 7 days a week

• CompetitiveRates–reliable&efficientservice• ServicingEarthmoving,Construction,

Marine and Farming Industries• 11Trucks–7Days• EmergencyServiceAvailable

Diesel Refueling – ON SITE

Contact us on:

Phone: 4955 1620Fax: 4995 1729Or visit our web site

www.westtankers.com.au


• FAM I LY OWNED & OPERATED

• PROUDLY S ERV ING THE P EOPLE O F THE HUNTER VALLEY, PORT ST EPHENS & NEWCASTLE

• CALL TONY, MARGARET OR L INDSAY FRY 24 HOURS/7DAYS

• PRE - ARRANGED FUNERALS

48 BANKS ST, EAST MA I T LAND

61 PORT ST EPHENS ST, RAYMOND T ERRACE

97 NEW ENGLAND HWY, MA I T LAND

W W W . F R Y B R O S . C O M . A U 4933 6155

Come into our friendly local salon today and enjoy one of our many services we offer. From amazing cut and colours to beautiful long lasting gel nails and amazing bridal packages. We stock a large range of retail from the amazing keune and ghd to the new and fabulous silk eyelash extending mascara.

Come in today, you will be amazed!!

49388386

Open: Tue,Thurs,Fri 9-‐5 -‐Wed 9-‐8 Sat 8-‐12 Call today for your appointment!!!

Cowlicks is a quaint salon with a passionate team of hairdressers that love creating the most beautiful version of you. Andrea can take care of all your hair, makeup and spray tan needs while Lyn has over 30 yrs hairdressing experience and will make you look and feel fantastic. Kayla will also be joining us to work one day a month.

Paterson Allyn Garden GroupAfter last week’s mammoth gardening effort, I now can’t get plants out of my mind. It’s not that I have been achieving anything worth noting in my own garden, it is all the magnificent gardens that I have seen.Last weekend 45 enthusiastic gardeners travelled to the Blue Mountains for two days of wandering some of the best gardens you could wish to see. “Mayfield” at Oberon is a work of art..all 160acres of it! There are about 30 full time gardeners and craftsmen building anything from arched stone bridges, lakes, a chapel. Monuments, obelisk, arches and stunning walled gardens. I’ve never seen anything like it in Australia and would love to see it in 30 years time when the trees are mature. We also visited two beautiful gardens at Mt. Wilson. One garden there...Wynstay blooms around a lovely old sandstone home built in 1880, with views to Singleton on a clear day. There is a Turkish bath house in the grounds and an old coach house and stables circ. 1890. Our second garden at Merry Garth was simply stunning with azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias all in full bloom. I struggle to keep one of these bushes alive and yet there they were in their hundreds.With one day to collect our thoughts, we garden lovers then greeted the Adamstown garden group at Julia and Chris Wokes lovely garden at Duninald, Paterson. We were so fortunate to have Meredith Kirton with us for the day. Meredith is one of our most noted garden authors and she introduced us to her new book Dig Deeper. Meredith’s love of gardening is boundless and her knowledge endless.We spent the afternoon with Louise and Noel Brown at their magnificent garden on the upper reaches of the Allyn River. In

such a short time they have created a gem. A garden beautifully designed and cared for. It’s an absolute credit to them for their enthusiasm and drive. I would love a vegetable garden just as they have. So exquisitely set out and nurtured.It was such a pleasure to showcase our lovely valley to almost 100 garden lovers. To wander the very old, the very new and then the very, very old at St Mary’s on Allyn Church. A wonderful day to remember.

Janie Chandler

Louise and Noel Brown’s stunning garden at Halton


Plumbing& Excavations Pty Ltd

General Plumbing & Drainage

Gas Plumbing

Drain Cleaning

New houses, renovations & extensions

Transpiration areas – upgrades & new

3 t & 5.5 t excavator with augers & rock breaker

Bobcat

6 t & 13.9 t GVM tippers

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

SERVICING AREAS BETWEEN

MAITLAND - SINGLETON - GRESFORD - VACY - PATERSON

BRIAN & JULIE REIBELPH: 02 4930 9047 FAX: 4930 9046

15 Lerra Road, WINDELLA NSW 2320ACN: 109 886 419 ABN: 81 109 886 419 Lic No. 167289C

BR

Glendon Brook riparian project generates local interestLandholders in the Glendon Brook catchment have an opportunity to apply for funding for on-ground works to improve water quality. The Glendon Brook Riparian Enhancement Program is a new small grants project funded by Glencore and managed by Hunter Local Land Services (LLS). Its aim is to deliver support to landholders to implement on-ground works which will improve water quality, aquatic health, stream-bank stability and riparian vegetation condition.

Landholders can also apply for funding for projects which improve grazing management and groundcover on erodible soils if they can demonstrate the project will lead to an overall improvement in water quality.

Landholders in the Glendon Brook catchment are invited to apply for up to $15,000 of funding to assist them in on-ground works to make these improvements. Works could include fencing out creeks and streams, stabilising eroding banks and natural regeneration of native vegetation or planting. The Glendon Brook Catchment has been identified as a priority catchment as soils in some areas are highly susceptible to

degradation due to the parent geology and land management practices.

Steve Clarkson, Project Manager, said ‘We have found that landholders in the Glendon Brook catchment are keen to seek advice on sustainable agriculture issues and are very receptive to improving their farming properties while finding ways to increase productivity.’

The project was launched at a field day on Friday, 19 September, which over 40 landholders attended.

The field day commenced in Glendonbrook Hall where participants learnt about the importance of riparian protection. The presentation was

followed by a tour of existing, successful riparian restoration sites at John and Anne Drinan’s property, ‘Wahgunyah’.

Glencore’s Community Relations Manager, Craig Strudwick, said, ‘the good response to the field day suggests that this program will be strongly supported, and we’re delighted to be able to support the local community in partnership with Hunter LLS’.

Landholders who are interested in obtaining funding for on-ground works to improve riparian areas are invited to contact Mr Clarkson by email: [email protected] or by phone: (02) 6578 7346.

John Drinan discussing riparian restoration with field day attendees


Roads To Recovery Funding

Federal Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin announced that councils in the electorate of Paterson will receive $13.8 million for local road construction and street repairs. “Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss is writing to all councils advising them of their full allocations for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 Roads to Recovery programme.” The Government announced it was doubling Roads to Recovery payments to councils next year (2015-16) to $700 million, in the 2014 Federal Budget. The programme will allow councils to make road spending decisions based on local needs to ensure that funding is truly directed to where it is most needed in the community. Mr Baldwin said four local councils in Paterson will be receiving their funding allocations in November. The funding breakdown is:·Dungog Shire Council $2,408,822·Great Lakes Council $4,514,033·Maitland City Council $3,556,948·Port Stephens Council $3,322,368

Gresford Market ReportThe October markets were moved to the 12th to accommodate the Gresford Historical Society's 25th Anniversary. Those gathered really enjoyed and appreciated the enormous effort by the Historical Society members, for the many displays and history of the last 25 years and beyond. This small band of dedicated people keep the valuable history of our great town very much alive. Thank you to you one and all for all your hard work!!!

Stall holders were down, reasons vary from change of date to other markets on the 2nd Sunday. There seems to be a glut of markets at the moment, every weekend of the month seems to have markets to attend.

November is the last market for 2014. November the 16th is the

Annual 'Pet Show Markets'. Just a reminder there are 7 categories: Best Behaved, Best Groomed, Best Vocal, Best Dressed, Most Unusual and Cutest.

Trophies and ribbons will be presented on the day. Also there will be runners-up ribbons. "All the more the merrier" a saying that wouldn't normally apply to pets, but on Sunday 16th November we

hope to see all our four legged, funny friends at the markets.

A special treat for November markets – our local GAPS singers will once again entertain us as they did at the October markets. So many voiced their delight on how they helped make the day.

This wonderful group of volunteers go out of their way to entertain us. I really hope everyone out there knows how lucky Gresford is to have the men and women of GAPS to call our own.

Mark the dateNovember 16th 2014

Gresford MarketThe place to be!!!

Market info - contact 4938 9505 or Facebook page

(courtesy Kirby Armstrong Conn)

If you would like to see the market continue in 2015 please come to the public meeting to be held at the Therese Doyle Hall on Monday 17 November at 5.30pm. This is an important meeting to form a group that will organise and run the market. If you are interested but can't get to the meeting please call Judy Grant on 4938 9505


Jamie Atkins Rural Contracting 0427490547

WEED CONTROL SPRAYING

BOOM SPRAYING

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

PROPERTY MAINTENANCEI have over 15 years experience in weed spraying,Over 20 years experience on property management & maintenance Public Liability insurance ABN: 14618007127

NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL

Call Jamie on 0427490547

Gresford School of ArtsAs the year comes to an end, it is timely to reflect on how important the Gresford School of Arts facility is to our Gresford community.

The present Gresford School of Arts complex is located at 42 Park Street, East Gresford on land that had been part of the Crown land grant to George Townshend in 1836. In 1929 the land was transferred to Arthur Holden Lindeman, Henry George Crew and Denis Smith.

The School of Arts building was built in 1930 using proceeds from the Gresford District’s Centenary Celebrations in 1929. The complex now consists of the main hall, a supper room with kitchen, RSL meeting room, a set of public toilets located between the two buildings, a large storage shed located at the rear of the Hall and the cenotaph at the front of the main building.

Trusteeship of the Complex was vested with Dungog Shire Council in 1970. The School of Arts is managed by a local Section 355 Management Committee of Council. This Management Committee consists of publically elected members of our local community. It is vital that local

people are active and willing to be involved in the management of the School of Arts.

The Gresford School of Arts has featured heavily in the lives of many of our local residents. The Gresford Historical Society has numerous photographs of people attending the many dances, debutante balls, weddings, etc that have been held in the hall in the past.

It is heartening to see that the Gresford School of Arts is still in such demand for today’s residents. The facilities are used for playgroup and preschool services; dance classes; RSL meetings and functions; health and education programs; numerous birthday parties and wedding receptions; fund raising dinners and auctions; meeting venue; polling place for government elections; and of course, the venue for the various GAPS (Gresford Amateur Performing Society) productions.

In addition to the hiring of the rooms, people can also hire tables, chairs and crockery for private functions. All monies raised are used to maintain and enhance the facilities. The management plan has recently been

updated thanks to the efforts of community members and representatives of facility user groups.

The latest improvements have been the installation of new fire retardant stage curtains (funded and organised by GAPS) and improved safety items/equipment. Dungog Shire Council recently arranged for the replacement of all the emergency exit signs, emergency lights, fire-extinguishers and smoke detector. DSC has also indicated that the emergency door exit mechanisms are on their task list to be replaced. They have also arranged to repair all the window sashes in the main hall.

Bookings and/or equipment hire can be made by phoning Rosalie Lawrence (49315257) or Kel Merriman (49389564); or writing to Gresford School of Arts, PO Box 110, East Gresford NSW 2311.

The next meeting of the management committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday the 11th November 2014. This will also be an AGM. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Kel Merriman, Secretary, Gresford School of Arts Management Committee (A Section 355

Committee of Dungog Shire Council)


Successful year for Community GroupThe President of the Gresford Community Group, Martin Addison, reported a successful year’s activities at the Group’s recent annual meeting. He said some of the year’s highlights included: the ongoing discussion with the Historical Society regarding the proposed Historical Society building, the erection of the new fence at the front of the Terese Doyle Hall, in Gresford Road, the continued improvements and maintenance of the Terese Doyle Community Group and Youth Hall grounds, and the growth of the tree planting in and around the Gresford and East Gresford streets. However he was disappointed to report that the shade cloth over the skating park will not go ahead but hopefully the trees will grow quickly to provide much needed shade.

New committeeThe newly elected Gresford Community Group committee for 2012-15 is:President: Martin Addison. Vice-President: Kel Merriman. Secretary: Liz Jones.Treasurer: Peter Smith.

Community supportAmong local activities the Members of the Community Group agreed to the

continued support of The Gresford Public School Senior Young Artist Award at their presentation night, Gresford News, Gresford Youth Group, Remembrance Day Service Lunch and the December Carol Service.

Gresford Market assistance neededThe members accepted the resignation of Judy Grant as Gresford Market Co-Ordinator and thanked her for the excellent job she had done, especially as there are now 11 monthly markets within the region. Judy suggested to assist with the running of the Gresford Markets, a sub-committee be formed to assist. Anyone interested in being involved with the Gresford Market sub-committee please come to the Therese Doyle Hall at 5.30pm on 17 November.

Community Group UpdatesJane and Brian at the Gresford News are delighted with the new photocopier which is more effective and easier for managing and putting out the Gresford News. Brian told members that the Gresford News was unique to our community, but as a community magazine it relied on the community for contributions. “We would love to hear

and see what everyone in the area is up to. Photos are easy to take and an excellent way for people to tell their stories” The Gresford News is also available on line and there is a high quality audio version available free of charge for any visually impaired persons – just contact the Gresford News.

Among the activities Kirby Armstrong has been organising for the Gresford Youth Group, was the successful visit to the Vacy Carnival – the kids had a terrific time and were very well behaved. She felt it was unfortunate that the shade cloth would not be erected, as the cost and engineering requirements place it out of reach for the Community.

Group’s finances.Discussion is continuing with the Gresford Historical Society for a building that Paul Wright, member of both the Gresford Community Group and the Gresford Historical Society said ‘the building would be a meeting place for the Historical Society and it would enable the society to hold occasional fund raising activities, store archives and include a small museum with a permanent display’.


Gresford News November Crossword

October 2014 crossword answers

St Helen’s Catholic Parish Gresford

WEEKEND MASS TIMESSt Helen’s GresfordSaturday Vigil 6.30pmLocal contact 4992 1477 Chisholm Region Office

Contact 4933 8918

NW HitchcockCarpentry &

Tiling ServiceWall & Floor Tiling

Home Maintenance

& RepairsRenovations

Over 25 years experiencePhone Neal

0418 684 98549389125

ABN 95 790 884 781Licence no. 111201C

Gresford News November 2014

Documents

Transcript of Gresford News November 2014