gresford news april 2015

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The G resford News News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys April 2015 The Gresford News is a Gresford Community Group project. Circulation 800 – Donations appreciated and most welcome. Thank you! 2015 Gresford Show G resford Show was this year thrilled to host five young women competing in the Junior Showgirl Competition. The girls aged between 12 and 16 were immaculately presented and a credit to themselves and their families. Each girl had a short interview with the judges, Isabella Winchester and Tamara Ward followed by a delicious morning tea of scones in the CWA lunch room. The girls were then put to work, helping out the stewards in the horse rings, and touring the pavilions. They even got to get up close and personal with the Angora Goat judging! The girls then travelled the showground in style for the Grand Parade, riding in vintage sulkies. Olivia Key from Vacy was judged the winner, with Ellen Hodges from Lostock the runner up. A big thanks to Cowlick Hair Studio of Vacy for sponsoring gift vouchers for the prizes, and to Heather Williams who donated magnificent bunches of roses to the winners. It's great to see such wonderful ambassadors for our community coming through, we hope the girls enjoyed the experience and will consider becoming senior Showgirls once they reach 18. We will alternate the junior competition with the traditional senior event every two years, to encourage more local young women to become actively involved in the show and our community. Penny Evans More Show pics and story inside. Junior Showgirl competition winner Olivia Key with runner up Ellen Hodges. Photo courtesy of Dungog Chronicle.

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News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys, NSW, Australia. Published by Gresford Community Group.

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Page 1: Gresford News April 2015

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

April 2015

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

2015 Gresford ShowGresford Show was this year thrilled to host five

young women competing in the Junior Showgirl Competition. The girls aged between 12 and 16 were immaculately presented and a credit to themselves and their families.

Each girl had a short interview with the judges, Isabella Winchester and Tamara Ward followed by a delicious morning tea of scones in the CWA lunch room. The girls were then put to work, helping out the stewards in the horse rings, and touring the pavilions. They even got to get up close and personal with the Angora Goat judging! The girls then travelled the showground in style for the Grand Parade, riding in vintage sulkies.

Olivia Key from Vacy was judged the winner, with Ellen Hodges from Lostock the runner up. A big thanks to Cowlick Hair Studio of Vacy for sponsoring gift vouchers for the prizes, and to Heather Williams who donated magnificent bunches of roses to the winners.

It's great to see such wonderful ambassadors for our community coming through, we hope the girls enjoyed the experience and will consider becoming senior Showgirls once they reach 18. We will alternate the junior competition with the traditional senior event every two years, to encourage more local young women to become actively involved in the show and our community.

Penny Evans

More Show pics and story inside.

Junior Showgirl competition winner Olivia Key with runner up Ellen Hodges. Photo courtesy of Dungog Chronicle.

Page 2: Gresford News April 2015
Page 3: Gresford News April 2015

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 4 Apr 2015 Gresford Billy Cart Derby, Park Street, East Gresford – hold onto your hats!!!

Sat 4 Apr Live music – Plastic Spurs, Hotel Beatty, after the last race

Sat 11 Apr CWA Book Club, Gresford CWA Rooms, 9.30am (change of date due to the show)

Sun 12 Apr Harvest festival, St Mary-on-Allyn, Allynbrook, 9.30am

Sun 12 Apr Live music – Marriah, Hotel Beatty, 3.00pm

Tues-Wed 14-15 Apr FREE Sports Gala Event during the school holidays, Gresford Sports Fields, 9.00am

Fri 17 Apr Live music – Newcastle's The Leadbellies, Hotel Beatty

Sun 19 Apr Farewell service & picnic for Fr Stephen, St Paul's, Paterson, 9.30am

Sun 19 Apr Olivia Everett benefit day, Gresford Bowls, Sports & Recreation Club

Tues 21 Apr Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am

Sat 25 Apr ANZAC day commemorations & community picnic, East Gresford, from 10.30am

Sat 16 May Landcare fieldday - rare plants with Noel Jupp, Riverdene Nursery East Gresford, 9.30am

Sat-Sun 16-17 May Gresford Working Hourse Competition & Team Penning, Gresford Showground

Sat 30 May 2015 Burr cutter's ball, Hotel Beatty

Sat 24 Oct (Claim the date) Youth off the Streets charity dinner and auction

Tuesdays 12 May, 11 Aug & 10 Nov Gresford School of Arts Meeting, Gresford School of Arts Hall, 7.30pm

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, 10.30am (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 Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not 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.

Name Amount

Address

financesThe resford NewsG Please support your local newsletter and contribute anonymously or use the slip below and place your donations in the boxes provided in Gresford.

Page 4: Gresford News April 2015

Gresford District Landcare Group RARE PLANTS OF THE HUNTER REGIONFREE FIELD DAY – SAT 16th MAY 2015

The free field day will begin at 9.30am at Riverdene Nursery, East Gresford.World renowned horticulturist and nurseryman

Noel Jupp will guide us through identification, growth habits and propagation of rare

and important plants of the hunter region. You will also be treated to a guided tour of a rainforest planting near the Allyn River. Wish to know the name of that unfamiliar tree or shrub?

Bring a piece along for identification

Morning tea and lunch will be provided free of charge. Please bring a chair and mug.

RSVP Penny Kater 49389365 or Ken Chandler 49389189Email: [email protected]

St Mary-on-Allyn, Allynbrook

Sunday 12th April9.30am join in a Thanksgiving Service.

Followed by an Auction (10.30am approx)of local farm produce, cakes, jams, plants & some special items. BBQ lunch will be available.

Come along and join us for a great day! Details (02) 49315257 AH

Page 5: Gresford News April 2015

Gresford Notices

Farwell Service and Picnic for Fr. Stephen

To Friends of Gresford Paterson Anglican Parish You are invited to a Farwell Service followed by Picnic Lunch at St Paul’s Paterson Sunday 19th April at 9.30am. Fr. Stephen is

retiring. Both Fr. Stephen and Lee have made a huge contribution to our

spiritual, social and pastoral life of Gresford Paterson Please RSVP by 10th April to: Dorothy Priestley 49385116

or [email protected]

Vacy Village Country Carnival

Calling all small pooches! Save the date and get training the Vacy Village

Country Carnival will be back 9am–3pm Sunday 20th September this year. There is a new committee and a new trust fund for local projects - all community groups eligible to apply.

To book a stall, lend a hand or sponsor the event please email

[email protected] or Call Denis on 0418 678 411

Gresford District Bushman’s Carnival Association Inc

Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo wish to thank everyone for the success of

our 2014 event. We were able to donate to the Westpac rescue

helicopter as well as our local charity the Gresford parents group fundraising

for preschool and playgroup.

Our 2015 event is fast approaching and we are again looking for

Expression of interestLocal charity and/or kiosk operator

Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo August 28th and 29th 2015.

Please apply in writing to the secretary

Tracy Merchant PO Box 67 East Gresford NSW 2311

Applications close 30/4/14

Gresford Marketwill no longer be run by the Gresford

Community Group. The Historical Society have advised they will take on the task of organising the Market and

it is expected to be located in the grounds of the Beatty Hotel.

KELZcarpet cleaning

and cleaning services

Domestic and Commercial

carpets, lounges and rugs

Friendly Service

Call: Kelly RichardsonMobile 0437 395 585

Films at the JamesMon 6 April, 1pm 'Paper Planes' (G)

Mon 6 April, 4pm 'The Second Best Exotic

Marigold Hotel' (PG)

Sat 11 April, 3pm 'Where do Eagles Dare'

Sun 19 April, 7pm Film Society'Locke' (MA 15+)

Page 6: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 6

Greetings to Gresford News readers.Local art lovers recently attended two official exhibition openings at Maitland Regional Art Gallery – Facetime “An exhibition which aims to focus on Kerrie Lester’s particular strength to paint faces, those known and familiar and those dredged or dragged from her memory and her subconscious”.

Artist Kerrie Lester has been exhibiting her distinctive scenes of fleeting moments in everyday life, since the 1970s. Lester is “approaching 40 years as an exhibiting artist and with 31 solo exhibitions to her name, including winning the prestigious Mosman Art Prize in 2011, Sydney.

Adrian Lockhart’s exhibition Bookmark “As a mid-career artist, Lockhart presents to his audience where he is ‘creatively’ today; with his art and his motivations. Lockhart’s love of the line, drawing and printmaking is well represented in this exhibition but his more recent discovery of art books and their various forms is the heart.”

Lockhart studied art at Launceston Technical College, Tasmania and eventually moved to Sydney to work in

graphic design while he continued to paint. He became a full time practicing artist in the mid-eighties and since then he has held solo shows nearly every year.

The Cultural Director Joe Eisenberg OAM of Maitland Regional Art Gallery is to retire mid-year. “In recognition of his magnanimous contribution to the visual arts here and afar, MRAG staff will narrate the celebratory tale of the last decade of the Gallery under Joe’s stewardship across seven exhibitions, forums, events and public art installations.

The exhibitions and events will run from

26 April until 12 July 2015, culminating in a grand gesture by 160 artists of significance who have generously donated their work to MRAG for the collection.” (Maitland Art Gallery.)

Local artists Shirley Cameron Roberts & Brian Roberts, Judy Henry and Eric & Robyn Werkhoven have works featured in the works on paper collection – The Piano’s Been Drinking.

“For your diaries, please note the Gala Weekend on 1 – 3 May which will include the official opening launch on 2 May, 2-4pm. We are

delighted that the Professor, the Hon Dame Maria Bashir AD CVO, will officially launch this exciting season at this event”. (Brigette Uren – Deputy Director MRAG.)

ART NEWS: March issue arts & literary magazine STUDIO LA PRIMITIVE ARTS ZINE is available online: http://issuu.com/robynwerkhoven/docs/slp_arts_zine_march_2015 The ARTS ZINE IS NOW AVAILBLE on website: www.studiolaprimitive.net Also it is available on Facebook and LinkedIn and can be downloaded FREE from www.issuu.com

CULTURE VULTURE ART NEWS

Kerri Lester with Carolyn Addison at the 'Facetime' opening

Page 7: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 7

Mobile Beauty Therapy

By Samantha Enright

.,Eyelash Extensions • Tanning

Waxing • TintingMake-up • Manicure

Pedicure & More

Phone: 0400 035 451ABN: 79 143 158 726

What’s on the Shelves?

by Glenda Smith

A Reliable Wife Robert Goolrick

The interpretive notes at the end of this novel describe it as Gothic, and this is a fair description. It is an overwrought tale of desperate people in a dismal landscape – Wisconsin in the winter of 1908 – and it plays out very dramatically. It is well done, but definitely larger than life.

The protagonists are a wealthy widower, Ralph Truitt, and a woman, Catherine Land, who has answered his advertisement for a reliable wife. She describes herself as ‘a simple honest woman’, the daughter of a missionary, but her past is much more colourful. She plans to take advantage of Truitt and his wealth in an extraordinary manner.

As the narrative develops we learn their back stories and grow to understand both characters much more, as the writer presents them in a non-judgemental way. The prose is beautifully written at times, with a strongly sensuous flavour. Catherine’s growing interest in rebuilding Truitt’s wife’s ‘secret garden’ gives the writer an avenue to escape the snow and ice, as does the more cosmopolitan descriptions of Saint Louis. The implication is that the harshness of the Midwestern winter is enough to make people unhinged. This is an entertaining but melodramatic book.

Once again our Gresford talent are pooling their resources to put on a fun-filled event – ROLL UP!! To the 2015 DUNGOG MASKED BALL UNDER THE BIG TOP – Clowns! Laughter! Unpredictable tightrope walkers taming lions eating ringmasters circling DANGEROUSLY UNDERTRAINED trapeze artists! MEGARIFFIC dancing with live band! Featuring the STUPENDOUS Ringadingadingling Bros DIRECT from Upper West Side Dungog Shire (Michael Winchester & John O’Brien). With special guest STARLETS. 3-course meal from Magic Marisa Groves. Get your table together, ADORN yourself with disguise for the night of nights in the James Theatre, raising funds for the Dungog Community College and lifelong learning in our shire. Sat 20 June, James Theatre. Book a table with your besties: www.dungogcommunitycollege.org.au, tickets $80 or 45 early bird tickets available $65 each – on-line only from 9am Mon 13 Apr.

Diploma of Counselling Information session: 12.30pm, Wed 8 April, Dungog CWA. Come and find out about this popular course, designed to give you the skills and knowledge to undertake counselling work in a variety of areas, using high-level communication. Bring your questions, find out about employment opportunities, costs, payment plan (this course qualifies for VET Fee-Help student loans), schedule and study level. And meet the trainer!

Managing Money In Small Business The essential course for anyone who does the books in their business – or would like to be a freelance bookkeeper. And it’s a fully accredited course (Cert IV in Bookkeeping) recognised Australia-wide. Understand the terms and concepts. Get to grips with financial records, tax and BAS, accounting software, Excel spreadsheets, customer service and more. Turn up at your accountant’s with everything in great shape, including a serious knowledge of where the money’s going and where it’s coming from. Brought to you by BCA National. Starting late April.

Interested? Contact: 4992 1133, [email protected]

Masked Ball Supports Local Learning

Page 8: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 8

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 - April

• INSTELLAR • HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 • EXODUS: GODS & KINGS • ST VINCENT •• NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB • NIGHTCRAWLER •

• PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR • WILD CARD • ANNIE • PADDINGTON •• ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY •

• A GOOD MARRIAGE • DYING OF THE LIGHT • YOU’RE NOT YOU • LAGGIES •

Vacy, Gresford & surrounding areas It is my pleasure to be asked by Noel Brown to contribute to your newsletter. I am Senior Constable Peta Hulbert and I am currently relieving as the Crime Prevention Officer for the Central Hunter Local Area Command. Senior Constable Kel Boak usually holds this position but is currently on annual leave.

I have included the crime statistics for the Gresford, Vacy, Eccleston, Cross Keys

and Lostock area for the month of January 2015.

You can see from this information that crime in your area is very low, with traffic offences being detected making up the majority of the statistics, which means that Police have been actively enforcing traffic legislation in your area in an effort to reduce road trauma.

Firearms licences Most firearms are kept and used in a safe and legal manner, although unfortunately there

are exceptions. On occasions Police will attend a residence and find firearms not stored correctly or illegally possessed. To give people some knowledge on firearms I am going to give a quick rundown on the law.

To possess or use firearms in NSW a licence or permit is required. The body which overseas firearm control in NSW is the NSW Firearms Registry. There are a number of different firearm licence types, depending on usage and type of firearms. For example a single shot .22 rifle needs a different licence to a semi-automatic high powered rifle.

To apply for a licence all shooters must have completed an approved Firearms Safety Course and gained a certificate indicating this. In addition prospective shooters must have a genuine reason for having a licence. Those reasons include sport and target shooting, vermin control and primary production. There are a number of other genuine reasons so check with the Registry.

Once a prospective shooter has obtain a Firearms Safety Certificate and has their genuine reason an application

Police report for the Gresford areas

Crime statistics for January 2015

category a ddress suburb date

Assault Gresford Showground Gresford 25.1.15

Assault Gresford Showground Gresford 25.1.15

Drug detection 312 Moonabung Rd Vacy 20.1.15

Drug detection 312 Moonabung Rd Vacy 20.1.15

Major traffic crash Glendonbrook Rd & Glebe Rd Gresford 18.1.15

Traffic Durham Rd Gresford 3.1.15

Traffic Durham Rd Gresford 3.1.15

Traffic Durham Rd Gresford 3.1.15

Traffic Glendonbrook Rd & Glebe Rd Gresford 5.1.15

Traffic Gresford Rd & Summer Hill Rd Vacy 9.1.15

Traffic Tocal Rd & Dungog Rd Vacy 26.1.15

Page 9: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 9

The day commences at 10.30am with the CENTENARY OF ANZAC DAY MARCH and procession. Starting at Everett’s Garage in Durham Rd and finishing at the Cenotaph at the Gresford School of Arts Hall in Park St in East Gresford.

Following the service of commemoration we will follow the catafalque party to the gates at the entry to the show ground and adjacent to Orana Park for the dedication ceremony and unveiling of a plaque for the Grove of Remembrance during which the Pony Club will file past in single file in a silent tribute.

But there’s more…• Everybodyisinvitedtoafreeevent,a

COMMUNITY PICNIC in Orana Park.

• Bringyourfamilyforawonderfulafternoon of entertainment (1 to 4 pm)

• BringapicniclunchorpurchaseaBBQ lunch from Gresford volunteers.

• Musical Entertainment will be provided by very talented local artists. They will include: Megan Edwards, Sally Hunt; John Kember; Gresford Primary School students; and of course members of our very own Gresford Amateur Performing Society

• MusicwillrangefromthesongsofWWI, later conflicts and more popular songs (both recent and past).

• Visualdisplayswillalsobeprovidedby the Gresford Historical Society and the Gresford Public School.

• Joininthesingingorjustsitbackandenjoy the day.

Centenary Of Anzac Day Celebrationform is submitted to the Firearms Registry. This form is obtained from the registry by ringing 1300 362 562 or from their website www.nsw.police.nsw.gov.au/firearms.

All applicants for shooters licences are screened in relation to criminal record and for being a fit and proper person.

Once all these requirements are satisfied a licence may be issued to use and possess firearms. If firearms are possessed by a shooter, strict regulations apply to their storage. The Firearms Registry has a very detailed website containing all the information needed.

If you do have firearms just remember the 4 keys to weapon safety:

1 Treat all firearms as if they are loaded;

2 Always point your firearm in a safe direction (never allow the muzzle of your firearm to point at another person);

3 Never load a live round in to the chamber of a firearm until you are ready to shoot;

4 Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Page 10: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 10

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Billy carts are a real family affair for this Vacy family. Oliver Rampling, 14, will be racing his billy cart in the Glencore sponsored Gresford Billy Cart Derby at Easter and dad had better watch out.

Every Easter Oliver would cheer on his favourite billy cart but never believed he would ever get a chance to actually compete in his own cart. The dream seemed further away than ever when his mum and dad moved into Vacy Acres and were busy building their dream home.

However dad Jason hadn’t forgotten Oliver’s dream and by chance found an old billy cart on Gumtree. The pair drove out to Seaham to have a look and Oliver fell in love with the old wreck, while all dad could see was a lot of work. After some discussion they settled on a price and loaded the far too long billy cart into the trailer and headed for home. Jason knew they had a task in front of them to have it ready by Easter Saturday but he says: “it’s exciting to be working with Oliver and doing something together, that is very special for me. Even if we come last these past few months have been exciting for both of us.”

“The billy cart was a metre too long, so we had to cut it down and strip off all of

the old timber panelling. We had to redesign the steering, brakes and put in a roll bar. We checked the Billy Cart Derby website and made sure all of the work we had done met with the specifications. We then started to build the new body with light sheet steel and construct a laid back seat to minimise air flow over the billy cart. We are now up to the stage of putting our signwriting on and this will be revealed on race day.”

Luckily they live in a cul-de-sac and there have been many practice runs to ensure everything is working for the big event. Jason has a Hot Wheels speed camera and records Oliver’s speed as they make

modifications to get that little extra out of the cart. Jason will use the same cart to race in the senior’s heats but so far Oliver’s times are faster so the rivalry is heating up between father and son.

The Gresford Billy Cart Derby is sponsored again this year by Glencore and heat timing will be more accurate than ever with Jaycar building an electronic finishing line with a digital read out. This will make this year’s event even more exciting and professional.

The Gresford Billy Cart Derby is on Easter Saturday 4 April in the main street of Easter Gresford starting at 9am. Watch the variety of strange and very stylish billy carts, shop at the many markets and if you have a good arm have a throw in gumboot throwing competition, grab a steak sanger from the Rural Fire Brigade BBQ and don’t forget to buy a ticket in the Blackwoods tool box monster raffle.

At the end of the day just relax and listen to the live music at the Beatty Hotel while the kids are entertained by the magician and juggler. Visit the website on http//: gresfordbillycartderby.wordpress.com or contact Graham Murphy for more details on 0416 116 009.

Father And Son Head For The Hill

14 year old Oliver Rampling with his Dad Jason

Page 11: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 11

THE GRESFORD SHOW What a difference a day makes. Friday raining, misty all day, Saturday sunny and bright. A huge thank you to all our members and friends of CWA who made “The Tea Rooms” a financial success. From set up to pull down we had the help of our men. Could not have managed without them even down to the cooking of the “white sauce”. Donations of cakes, slices, scones etc., helped make a “cuppa” very popular on Friday a haven out of the rain. On Saturday , eat in and take away were very popular. We thank our patrons for your support.

COOKERY Entries into the Hunter River Group Land Cookery final, at Tocal. Anne Marie Lole has her Noah’s Ark decorated cake going to Muswellbrook for the Land Cookery final in May at the N.S.W. CWA Annual General Meeting.

BOOK CLUB The next Book Club meeting is on April 11th. “The Light Between the Oceans” by M.L. Stedman is being discussed. She is an Australian author born in Western Australia and now living in London. New members are very welcome a lively discussion and afternoon tea 3.00pm at the CWA rooms.

ANZAC DAY Poppies are being knitted and crocheted by many members of the community so hopefully we will have lots of people wearing our knitted poppies. For more information on the poppies go to: www.5000poppies.wordpress.com it is a very interesting site. Please join us for a picnic in the park after the ceremony.

DID YOU KNOW This year CWA of NSW is studying Italy. International Day will be Tuesday 11th of August in St. Anne’s Parish Hall. Save the date.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Gresford CWA will be held in the rooms 12 Durham Road, East Gresford at 9.30am on Thursday 2nd April.

See you at the Billycart Derby Easter Saturday. Jams, Pickles and chutneys for sale. Ice cold drinks and a wide range of Bric a Brac. WEB For more information on our activities http://gresfordcwa.wordpress.com or telephone secretary Jill Hancock 4938 9718. We welcome all visitors come and see what we are about.

Robyn Thornton, President

Gresford CWA News

LEMONADE SCONESIngredients4 cups self raising flour (add more if needed)1 x 375ml can lemonade300 mls cream Method: Combine lemonade and cream (do not allow to stand or it will go flat). Pour onto flour. Stir with a knife. Knead gently on a well floured board, and press out. Lightly cut out Scones, place on a scone tray and glaze with milk. Place in a 220C oven for 12 mins. or until cooked. Turn out onto a tea towel covered cake cooler.

This recipe was contributed to the CWA COOK BOOK by Valarie Smith. The CWA COOK BOOK is available at Gresford Foodworks and the Gresford Store $13 per copy.

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Page 12: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 12

Friday the 13th turned out to be a bit of bad luck for the Gresford Show

with overcast and showery weather all day. Regardless of the not so ideal weather the camp draft and horse events valiantly continued through the showers, although there were a few very wet stewards and competitors wandering around the grounds. The Open camp draft was won by Steven Hufnagl on Rivet and the Novice was won by Mick Alchin on Top Gun.

Saturday saw a perfect day with warm sunny weather and the crowds came out to enjoy a wonderful day. The ring entertainment included Horse Carriage races; post splitting competition; Ag & Quad bike demonstrations and the KAOS Fmx Bike Team. The show was opened by Mr George Souris, the retiring Member for Upper Hunter, who has been a long time supporter of the Gresford Show. Presentations for more than 50 years service to the Gresford Show were also made to two fantastic workers of the Show, Mrs Margot Capp and Mr Chris

Dooley at the opening ceremony.The pavilions were once again magnificent with amazing displays of flowers; plants; sewing; cooking; jams; crafts; photography and art. The winner of the inaugural Mary Kealy Memorial Trophy for the most successful exhibitor

in the Main pavilion (percentage based) was Mrs Denise Sellens, Even though the growing season has been less than perfect there was a great display of fruit and vegetable with huge watermelons and pumpkin. The heaviest watermelon was produced by Peter Lawrence at a

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With the smell of sawdust and the fumes from the chainsaws you witness the skill and muscle power of each participant of the very popular Post Splitting event.

2015 Gresford Show

Page 13: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 13

whopping 28kgs who also claimed the Darrell Lawrence Memorial Trophy.

The night was finished off with a Kids Disco before the fantastic display of fireworks which is always popular with the young and young at heart. Visitors and regulars continue to be impressed and amazed by our great little country show which is a credit to all those who work so hard to make it happen. Thanks goes to all who help in any way to make the Gresford Show the success it is and continues to be.

Rosalie Lawrence

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The Grand Parade is quit unique as not many district shows have this. Here we have a selection of the many participants of the Gresford 2015 Show.Photos and captions - Rosita Richardson

There was a wonderful display of plants and flowers this year given the irregular climate conditions we have been experiencing.

Page 14: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 14

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Cake Section of the show. This photo shows entries of the first time ever cooking section for Men only. The three Classes were to make a fruit cake, a White Wings

chocolate brownie slice or a Bushman’s Damper (which with beer as one of it’s ingredients). This division was sponsored by Leon Groves and was well supported with 17 entries which attained a very good standard. The Stewards would love to

see even more entries next year.

The Art Section was supported well by local artists from the shire. The feedback was positive and some works were bought by art

admirers. The Pre Exhibition Cocktail Party was well attended. This was an opportunity for attendees to vote for ‘the Peoples Choice’, buy art pieces or simply to help raise money for prizes and to improve this

facility for The Gresford Show. Photo showing Diane Thornton-Smith and Helen Russell-Brown discussing art works with Malcolm Leake.

Historical Machinery on show. Malcolm Leake stands proudly beside the H.P. Southern Cross engine which he restored. The engine belonged to the

Threadgate family of Gresford and was used to run the milking machines while the power was cut due to the flood. It was later bought by the Brown

family of Bowthorne, Allynbrook. It had not been going since 1955.

Page 15: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 15

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The attending judge of the poultry, Robert Johnston with Lawrence Thorssell. The Poultry Section has been run for a few years now and is

well supported.

A 2015 GRESFORD SHOW BBQ THANKYOU

Good food, good company and a good time. This was especially the case at the 2015 Gresford Show BBQ where members of our community catered not only to the public but also made sure that the hard workers in the ring, etc were not forgotten. A big thankyou to all the people at Gresford Meats, Gresford Foodworks and Dungog Bakery for making the ordering and supplying of the essentials as easy as possible.

I especially wish to thank the following people for volunteering their time, their cooking skills and their wonderful community spirit: Helen Russell Brown, Rick Cannon, Ailsa Cant, Ashley Clements, John Collison, Doug Daly, Rod Fletcher, David Fryer, Donna Graham, Judith Grant, Sharon Halpin, Naomi Horn, David Jefferson, Louise Jefferson, Allyn Litchfield, Coleen Litchfield, Chris Lynch, Elly McKinnon, Tim Martin, Bree Merriman, Cheryl Murrel, Christ Richardson, Robert Richardson, Rosita Richardson, Tony Schultz, Karen Turnbull, Ken Turnbull, Dimity Webb, Howard Webb, Linda Willis, Jennie Wilson and Paul Wilson.

Again, a big thankyou to our 2015 Gresford Show BBQ volunteers.

Kel Merriman ( 2015 BBQ Co-ordinator)

Page 16: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 16

q Gresford District Historical Society rA thin blue line – law & order in Gresford

A nation founded on the transportation of convicts has a

vested interest in law and order and by August 1789 Arthur Philip was obliged to establish the first police force in NSW. It wasn’t exactly the police force he would have liked as his recruits were the 8 best behaved convicts in the colony!

As the colony expanded a more sophisticated structure for maintaining social order was called for and from 1862 when the Police Regulation Act was passed the various police units were combined into a single cohesive force under the command of the Inspector General for Police. This title has now been changed to Commissioner of Police. By 1872 there were 70 police stations throughout NSW and Gresford no doubt due to its early agricultural prominence and timber resources was among these.

It is believed that the first officer stationed at Gresford was Thomas Forrest and that this was in the late 1860’s early 1870s. Surprisingly enough we cannot

obtain an accurate list from the Government as our enquiry has met with the response, “that such records were not maintained”. We do however have the memoirs of Martin Prentice who was stationed at East Gresford from late 1884. We also have newspaper records of the time showing police movements and the reports of various incidents and investigations involving the local officer. From these we can piece together the names and sequence of service of the 20 or so officers who have been stationed at Gresford to date. See the table of serving officers. You will note from the list that it took well over 100 years before our first female officer arrived!

There is anecdotal evidence of an earlier police presence at West Gresford and it may be that Forrest was originally located there. Prentice recalls that the original police station was established in the 1870s near to where the present building stands.

Thomas Forrest was born in Ireland in 1844 and joined the force in 1863. He

seems to have found Gresford a law abiding community as there is little reporting of his policing except for an incident in 1875 at the Junction Inn – the forerunner of the Victoria/Beatty

List of Serving officers at GresfordThomas Forrest George MorrowMartin PrenticeSamuel DanksAlfred Capp

Edgar HoneysettFred Gorman

Clarence LonsdaleArthur Toovey

Arnold GarlandWilliam King

Peter KellyGeoff Sergeant

Glen ForbesGary O’Dwyer

Greg BillinghamDavid SalmonGeoff BeardScott RussellLeah Hughes

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Page 17: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 17

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Hotel. In evidence to the Court, Forrest complained that he was required to break up a fight (three times) between a drunk & disorderly William White and a similarly affected Matthew McMahon. For their trouble they were both fined £1 with 2s 6d court costs. Nothing more is heard from Forrest until the Governor Bros rampage during July – Oct 1900 when Forrest by now a Snr Sergeant is reported as leading a heavily armed posse out of Muswellbrook on the trail of the brothers.

The police station of the time is described by Martin Prentice as being, “built of rough slabs and rented from James Boydell (Charles’ son) at a yearly rental of £12. Shingle roof, windows provided with shutters of a sort which were suspended on straps of leather. The

kitchen and naughty Boys’ department were detached and under one roof. There was a partition of sort separating the cookery from the cage and partition being of the here and there pattern the Bird

could gaze at will and see the belly comforts being prepared”.

There had long been agitation for a Court of Petty sessions at Gresford to avoid the inconvenience of having to

A water colour of the Gresford police station complex in Sam Dank's time – c1890s

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Page 18: Gresford News April 2015

travel down to Paterson. In 1883 a room at the Junction Inn was leased to serve as a court and this was to sit every 2 weeks. The magistrates however found the inability of the premises to provide safe custody for prisoners brought up from Paterson an even greater inconvenience and this led to work beginning in 1884 on the present building which served as Police Station, residence, lockup and Court house. Martin Prentice was the last to live in the old building and had the privilege of being the first in the new. Gresford’s Court of Petty Sessions continued from 6/4/1883 to 31/7/1971.

George Morrow, our 2nd officer arrived around 1882. George seems to have either stumbled on a minor crime wave or perhaps was particularly astute because the newspapers of the time show him as being quite active. His forensic work achieved convictions for “the concealed birth and death” of a part aboriginal baby and similar forensic skills discovered the true owners of various vealers being served at the dinner table. Either way he was well regarded and his farewell and presentation in 1885 was well subscribed. Among other things he had

the unpleasant task of attending and gathering statements at the death of James McCormick, the well regarded land owner of the large Clevedon estate. James had begun to suffer from mental illness and had slashed his throat with an aptly named cut throat razor – rather inexpertly. As a result he was to suffer a lingering death. Dr Park of Lewinsbrook was called and recognising that he could do nothing administered the standard “cure all” of a shot of brandy. The good doctor can’t have been thinking all that clearly as he reported to the inquest that the unfortunate man was unable to swallow and would have suffered further.

Martin Prentice followed George Morrow in late 1884. His daughter (Rita Muriel) married into the Smith dynasty of “Whitfield” becoming Mrs Harold Smith Snr. As a result Martin retained a long association with the Gresford district and his memoirs are one of the few first hand accounts of early Gresford and the farms on the Allyn and Paterson.

Samuel Danks followed Martin Prentice sometime around the 1890s and no doubt impressed by his new situation

commissioned a water colour painting of the present building. The painting shows Sam on horseback with his young son Barney on the pony. Sharp eyed readers may notice the flag is not the NSW flag of the time. Barney Danks had a long friendship with my family and presented this painting to us late in his life. It has been restored and preserved.

As the police force gradually moved to motor vehicles, the motorbike & side car became the standard means of transport. I can just recall in the early 1950s seeing Clarrie Lonsdale bouncing over the ruts on our dirt roads. A Feb 1950 report from the Maitland Mercury has Clarrie rounding up an escapee from East Maitland gaol. The escapee, Alfred Roeth (on a 3 month sentence) had slipped away from a working party in the gaol market garden and had “hitched” a lift on the jinker pole of a log truck returning to the Upper Allyn.

Somewhere around Vacy, Roeth who must have had an uncomfortable trip had lost his grip, fallen off and was seen wandering about dazed. Clarrie quickly bundled him into the side car and had him returned to custody in time for

TheG resford News • March 2015, p 18

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Page 19: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 19

dinner. His big day “out” earned another Court appearance.

For nearly 100 years Gresford enjoyed relative stability with the police officer occupying a high profile respected position in the community. The officer’s role also extended to acting as a mini registry office for licences and permits and he was called on to provide leadership in all manner of rescues, fires

and emergencies. This was all pre RFS and SES! Officers also were able to exercise a certain “discretion” and this was used wisely with people then more generally accepting that rights come with responsibilities. The community genuinely appreciated the stability that came from this benign policing and were highly supportive of police efforts.

All this was violently upset at 6:45pm on 13/8/1971 when Snr Constable William King went home to the police station residence for dinner. When he answered a knock on the door he was shot in the

chest by a disturbed local man and died shortly afterwards. Enquiries revealed that the man, Arthur Clement “Buzz” Warr had been arrested the previous year for a drink driving offence and had harboured resentment against King. The community was devastated that one of their own could have so callously breached the covenant between the

police and the community that had given the community stability for the past 100 years. Warr was sentenced to life imprisonment and died in the Peat Island institution at Brooklyn.

Next month we will publish excerpts from Martin Prentice’s memoirs. Written in 1929 for the Gresford Centenary when he was in his seventies Martin’s memoirs reveal his clear memories of the people and events of his days at Gresford. They are a revealing look at a life and times in the Gresford community from over 100 years ago.

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The bounty is still $75 for a story (with photos) which features local characters and events that have become a part of our history. It doesn’t have to be typed and it will be edited before it is published. So please hunt out these old photos and find a biro and paper.

Please send your contribution to the Historical Soc. PO Box 96 East Gresford – NOT to the Gresford News. If published it will be in the Gresford News later!

q “Our Stories” Feature r

Snr Constable William King

Page 20: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 20

Dear Garden Lovers,Penny and I drove home together after our meeting on Tuesday and didn't draw breath the whole way. Of course, the subject was Jill and her exquisite home and garden in Wallis Street. It is so rare to get the complete package in one morning. Jill's lovely historical home, the wonderful garden with so many plants that appealed to all of us. We are so grateful to Jill for having us there for our meeting. I love what she has achieved in the garden..so sensible

considering she is away so much.Isn't it interesting how small spaces can be so inviting, such as the courtyard at the back of the house where we gathered for our meeting. I loved the sense of intimacy and it just goes to show that some of the very best spaces in our gardens can be the smallest.I hope you enjoy the attached photos and Eileen's great minutes. Thank you all for making it such a happy walk and talk,

Yours perennially, Janie

PAGG MEETING EAST MAITLANDJanie welcomed us all to Jill Nyquist's home at East Maitland.Questions and Answers Pests on native plants e.g. spitfire caterpillars. This native pest can defoliate entire trees. If the tree is small, they can be removed by hand taking care not to touch them as they spray nasty liquid when disturbed.

If the tree is large however all you can do is make sure you give it an extra

Paterson Allyn Garden Group (PAGG) March meeting

Page 21: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 21

watering to help it re-leaf. Caterpillar attacks on Clivias were discussed again . Penny said unless you catch them early they will destroy the plant but the consensus is they will grow back.

The seedling tree presented was identified as a Cheese Tree, Glochidion ferdinandii which grows to 5 - 8m. A well shaped evergreen tree which is native to our local area and suitable for a shade tree.

Concern for a Frangipanni that had neat holes eaten out of the leaves. The bug was identified as a leaf cutter bee, which does little harm besides the holes it makes in the leaves.

Jill had a beautiful specimen of a Salvia which should be tip pruned after flowering, someone said it could be cut back hard without damage.

If Crepe Myrtle suckers can be dug out with roots attached they may produce satisfactory trees. However some Crepe Myrtles are grafted and a sucker may not produce the same flowers as the mature tree.

Penny showed us a cutting from her Heritage Raspberries purchased from Daley's at Kyogle; she has a good crop each year with little care she doesn't feed

them but mows them down after fruiting. Her liquid fertiliser was made in a barrel with cow manure, comfrey, river weed and the odd carp from the river. This is left to stand for a few weeks before watering on as is, to the roots or watered down to the colour of weak tea if sprayed on foliage.

Libby wanted to know the possibility of saving Macadamia nuts that were brought down in the wind. She can take the green skin off or wait for it to crack open and they are ready when she can hear the nut rattle inside the nut casing.

Gail wanted to know how long a Bunya nut would last out of the cone. Peter said you can put it in the freezer but do keep dry.

PETERS TIPS FOR ECO FRIENDLY SPRAYSWe should strive to use non toxic fungicide and insecticides sprays. He produced the following for consideration.

Organic Multiguard for snails. Eco oil for crop protection on citrus for leaf miner. Eco also make Neem oil which is also natural and pyrethrum spray should not be used on hot sunny days. Dipel is also good. Pine oil can be used

on soft weeds or white vinegar is a good killer for weeds. There are many organic products out there for use against pests and fungus.

Raffle of a Brazilian Plume Flower was won by Sue Murphy. Our thanks to Judith Clarke once again.

Jill told us of her beautiful house and garden purchased 3 years ago which was built in 1835 known as Government Cottage or Old Home this is the 4th house on this site, it has history plus heritage listed. The Moreton Bay Fig in the front was here before the house and the Bunya Nut tree could be over 150 years old. At one stage in history (about 1965) a policeman by the nameof Danny Day lived here and was notorious for arresting criminals in the district.

In June Paul Wright will have a CD with 3 discs on our gardens visited in 2014 for sale for $10, to help raise money for the Historical Society of Gresford to help build a home for the Society to house their memorabilia.

Jill took us on a guided tour of her garden. Thank you Jill for another wonderful garden and day.

Yours perennially, Janie Chandler

Anglican Parish of Gresford PatersonGlendonbrook Road Gresford NSW 2311Telephone (02) 4938 [email protected]

APRIL SERVICE TIMES Sunday Mornings 5 12 19 26 St Anne’s, Gresford 9.30 8.30 St Paul’s, Paterson 7i 9.30 9.30 St John’s, Vacy St John’s, Lostock 11.30 St James’, Martin’s Ck 8 St Mary’s, Allynbrook 9.30 10.30

HOLY WEEK 2 3 4 Maundy Good Holy Thursday Friday Saturday

St Paul’s, Paterson 7.30pmii St Anne’s, Gresford 10.30amiii St John’s, Vacy 2.30pmiv St Paul’s, Paterson 7.30amv

i Sunrise liturgy for the Proclamation of Easterii Evening Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper, including the Reception of Holy Oils, Washing of Feet,

Reservation of the Sacrament, Stripping of the Altariii Liturgy of the Passion, including Veneration of the Cross and Liturgy of Forgivenessiv Stations of the Cross and Litany for the Ninth Hourv Confession and Reconciliation, followed by Litany of the Word

Page 22: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 22

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Well, 2015 is looking like an exciting year, with 22 teams registered, compared to 18 last year. We have 231 players registered, aging from 5 years to 50+, including 23 parents. Our All Age Women’s team has 4 mother – daughter combinations, and 33 players in the All Age Men’s teams have played junior soccer with the Scorpions. The teams are:4 Under 6’s3 Under 7s3 Under 8s1 Under 9’s1 Under 10’s1 Under 12’s1 Under 13s1 Under 15’s1 Under 17’s1 All Age Women5 All Age Men (3 in Friday night comp, & 2 Saturday teams)

Teams in Friday night comp are graded in A, B and D Division which is the highest grading we have ever had.

Our Under 6’s and 7’s get free registration and have so for the past 3 years. Our Club President Damien Crouch was one of the foundation players, and 11 out of 13 on the committee still play.

Coaching CourseNorthern NSW Football ran a very successful Grass Roots coaching course on the 18th of March with 27 attendees. Although the course was focused on the younger teams, all coaches managers were encouraged to attend.

Gala dayOn the 28th of March the Scorpions ran its 4th annual Gala day. We had teams from 5 visiting clubs: Singleton, Greta Branxton, Lochinvar, Tenambit and Maitland. (No reports on the day at time of going to press.)

New fencing behind GoalsThanks to a big donation from the Billy Cart Derby, the committee was able to construct fences behind the goal posts to stop stray balls disappearing in the paddocks.

The best Egg and Bacon burgers.Our Egg and bacon burgers are legendary and people often make the comment how they remember our egg and bacon from previous years. We welcome all to come and try them. Our canteen is our major fund raiser and we appreciate if you come along and enjoy our food.

Friday night Football.On a home game we will be having 3 games on Friday nights and all are welcome to come and watch. We have a sausage sizzle and drinks are available.

Season Start The season starts on the weekend of the 18th of April. Our main aim is for everyone to have fun.

Gresford Vacy Football Club Inc

Page 23: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 23

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Martins Creek Quarry Community Consultative Committee (MCQCCC)The MCQCCC has been voluntarily established by Daracon in consultation with Paterson Progress Association and Dungog Shire Council.

The purpose of a Community Consultative Committee is to provide a forum for open discussion between representatives of the company, the community, Council and other stakeholders on issues relating to the Development Application, the quarry’s current operations and community relations.

Membership of the MCQCCC consists of representatives from: Paterson Progress Association, Brandy Hill Action Group, Bolwarra Heights Action Group, Martins Creek Quarry Action Group, Dungog Shire Council (Mayor and General Manager), Martins Creek Representative (Diane Steward), Voice of Wallalong and Woodville, Daracon

Recent Meeting Activities:December Meeting – Representatives from Roads and Maritime Services, Maitland City Council and Port Stephens Council provided presentations to the MCQCCC focussed upon roads, responsibility for maintenance, road funding, the role of

state and local governments regarding roads within the three council areas.

February Meeting – Presentations were provided by Daracon’s blasting consultant and blasting contractor. Issues covered included noise, vibration, discussion on blasting results from Martins Creek Quarry, details of blast planning and operation, techniques and on-going improvements.

March Meeting – community members indicated to cancel March meeting in anticipation of EIS sub-sections being presented at the April meeting. Upcoming meetings will focus upon presentations of sub-sections of the EIS document currently being prepared.

Daracon Website – Daracon have established a website for the Martins Creek Quarry Project: http://www.daraconquarries.com.au The website will contain minutes of the MCQCCC meetings, details of the progress of theenvironmental impact statement and general project information.

Contacts: Daracon – http://www.daraconquarries.com.au, MCQCCC – Chair – 0414 389 519

Martins Creek Quarry Consultative Committee

Gresford News is available

online – visitwww.gresfordnsw.com.au

An audio version is also available

for the visually impaired

Phone0412 372 687

Page 24: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 24

Eleven members attended the monthly meeting of the Gresford Community Group that was held on Monday 2 March at the Beatty Hotel, Martin Addison chaired the meeting.

At the commencement of the meeting Martin gave an interesting history of the acquisition of the Therese Doyle Hall (TDH). In summary:1971 – Lostock dam was completed and the TDH building was purchased by the Gresford Community and registered in the name NSW Girl Guide Association who operated the TDH until early 2000. During 2003, as the number of guides diminished, the association elected to sell the building, even though they hadn’t contributed to purchase, for $40K. Well-known local identity Peter Doyle offered to loan the Gresford Community Group $40K to purchase the TDH, if the Girl Guide Association accepted the offer, and with a caveat, that the Hall be used as a Youth Centre, with someone to run it as a Youth Hall. The Gresford Community raised funds, including all profits from 2003 Rodeo donated, $4K was organised through John Price from NSW Government, who also organised a grant of $20,720 from the

NSW State government, with a further $10K being anonymously donated. By 2004, the Gresford Community had raised $30K which Peter Doyle accepted and donated the remaining $10K. Remaining funds were used to purchase equipment and establish the Youth Centre. While it was agree there was a moral obligation to use the TDH as a Youth Centre, there is no legal binding condition. The Gresford Community can sell the TDH if required.

Gresford Community Markets After a lengthy discussion regarding alternative projects that benefit the community, including moving the Gresford Markets to the grounds around Beatty Hotel, having a Car Boot Sale, or Public Event Weekend it was generally agreed that the Gresford Markets be abandoned. A number of options as replacements for the Markets were discussed including the Beatty Hotel hosting events that could add benefits to the community. The Community Group appreciated all the work to establish and manage the markets and was sure there will be some interesting community events in the future.

Pedestrian Crossing at IGA Martin will be contacting the Dungog Council for

an update on the proposed pedestrian crossing at the IGA.

Gresford News Brian Doherty reported that the Gresford News will publish replies from the local candidates for the upcoming NSW State election. All candidates were contacted, and except for the Christian Democrats, each supplied answers. This has supplied the community with a written record and the successful candidate will be held to account.

ANZAC Centenary Report In the absence of Stephen Moore and Robert Richardson, the report was given with key points being:• 2brassplaquescommissionedfrom

Phoenix Foundry at Uralla. These plaques will be mounted at Gresford Showground and Paterson Cenotaph

• AssistancefortheplantingoftheRemembrance trees will be provided by the Landcare and Paterson Allyn Garden Groups and will commence after the Gresford Show

• OrderofServiceisbeingpreparedandprinted by Gresford News, with the cost being met equally by the Community Group and Gresford RSL Sub-branch.

Gresford Community Group March 2015 Meeting

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Page 25: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 25

Don’t get bored these school holidays – get active!Come and try, learn new skills,

get active and make new friends.Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 April at the Gresford

Sports Field & surrounding venues.Both days will run from 9am to 2.30pm. Day registration and

sign in opens at 8.30am. Sports over the 2 days will include: Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Cricket, Gymnastics, AFL, Bowls, Boot Camp

with more to be announced!! Children will try each sport offered on the day and will walk, accompanied, between each sport. A free sausage sizzle will be provided, plus the canteen will be open to buy other snacks. Please bring snacks, water bottle and a hat. Open to all children aged 5 to 16 yrs. Pick

up a registration form, fill it in and drop it back to Foodworks at Gresford, Paterson IGA, Dungog Shire Community Centre

OR email to: [email protected], by 6th April. For more information find us on facebook

The Gala Sports Days. The Hunter Sports Academy together with local sports associations

are proud to present this unique sporting event. All volunteers at this event must satisfy the

requirements of the Working With Children Checks.

FREE SPORTS GALA EVENT

Police Report Noel Brown provided the first Police Report from Senior Constable Peta Hulbert for the Gresford, Vacy, Eccleston, Cross Keys and Lostock area for January. The report showed there was little crime in the area, with traffic offences making up the majority of statistics.

Therese Doyle Hall An update on the maintenance and repairs for the TDH was provided by Brian. Graham Murphy will provide an update at the next meeting for the total costs including quotes (and comments) for the building inspection, plumbing, painting, gutter guard, screens for doors and windows, and white ant treatment. Graham is still maintaining the grounds until the Soccer Club mower is repaired.

Historical Society Building update George Sales reported that the proposals were in the hands of the solicitors and that Allan Hancock was acting as intermediary.

Community Group Projects Noel led a good discussion, which will continue next month on what realistically the GCG can do to benefit the community. While the Gresford Community Group is currently reviewing a number of projects, Noel would like all members and interested members of the Gresford community to report next month on a worthwhile activity required and/or service required within the community.

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

NW HitchcockCarpentry &

Tiling ServiceWall & Floor Tiling

Home Maintenance

& RepairsRenovations

Over 25 years experiencePhone Neal

0418 684 98549389125

ABN 95 790 884 781Licence no. 111201C

Next Meetings Community Group Mon 13 April, 7.30pm, Hotel

Beatty; Therese Doyle Hall sub-committee – Mon 30 March, 5.30pm at TDH

Page 26: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 26

Gresford News April Crossword

March 2015 crossword answers

St Helen’s Catholic Parish of Gresford and Sacred Heart

Summer Hill

WEEKEND MASS TIMESSt Helen’s GresfordSaturday Vigil 6.30pm

5th Sunday of the Month, no Mass at Gresford but Sacred

Heart Church Summer Hill, time to be advised.

Enquiries Parish Priest Fr. Paul Hopper

4992 1477

Page 27: Gresford News April 2015

TheG resford News • April 2015, p 27

Page 28: Gresford News April 2015