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We are the ONLY Hunter station broadcasting the SUMMER OF SPORTS - Saturday &

Sundays, from noon until 4pm. Covering all major sports with the team’s usual blend of

merciless humour and serious comment.

Thursday 27th February, 2014 Missed an issue? www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/Pages/Entertainer.php

YOUR WEEKLY GUIDEThe only way to find out what’s going on!Serving the Hunter for over 20 years with a readership of over 4,000 weekly!

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Visit us online to view our extensive party hire range or contact us for more information on how we can help you with your next celebration, however large or small.

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Unpowered camping available

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Kids under 12 years – FREEBook early to avoid disappointment

EASTER SPECIAL EASTER SPECIAL EASTER SPECIAL

One concert only!Thursday 13 March 2014 @ 7pm

Sacred Spaces in SingletonAdults: $20 Concessions: $15

Tickets and information contact: Phone 6541 [email protected] www.uhcm.com.au

The Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music

presents

SEVEN HARP ENSEMBLE

ONE HUGE NIGHT

SATURDAY MARCH 8SATURDAY MARCH 8WHITE PARK, SCONE

ON SALE NOW!Tickets www.upperhuntertourism.com.au

Gates open - 5.30pm Shows start 7.30pm

Adult $30 • Child 5-17 $15 • Family $75 • VIP $70.00

pbraustralia.com

WIN !a double pass to Majestic Cinemas.

See page 2 for details

www.facebook.com/EntertainerPublication

Pink Stumps Drought Breaker a huge successThe McGrath Foundation will receive in the vicinity of $10,000 thanks to the Belltrees Cricket Club’s Pink Stumps Day fundraiser which was held last Saturday. “We are immensely stoked with the results and thank all of those who attended the day as well as all of our sponsors and supporters,” says the organiser, Katrina McCosker. See next week’s Entertainer for a full pictorial.

Image: Anne Davies and Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Michael Johnsen.

2 - The Entertainer - Thursday 27th February, 2014 www.facebook.com/EntertainerPublication

Program information Thurs 27th Feb to Wed 5th March

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The Entertainer in conjunction with Majestic Cinemas are giving away two double passes each week to two lucky readers.

Look for the handwritten word “WINNER” along with the editor’s signature on this page above HVP logo.

Present the winning Entertainer edition to the Muswellbrook office of Hunter Valley Printing, 6 Wilkins Street Muswellbrook and collect your passes.

(must be claimed within one week of publication date)

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Look out Scone - PBR is heading your way!The exhilarating world of professional bull riding will be unleashed over the course of three hours of no-holds-barred extremity when 40 of Australia’s top young-gun bull riders compete at the Hunter Mutual PBR – Scone 2014 PBR Touring Pro Series next month.Current Australian champion, Chris Lowe from Barraba NSW heads the star-studded lineup as a red-hot contender at the event and will arrive in Scone with a superb resume of bull rides under his Australian championship belt including competing at the World Finals in Las Vegas last October along with a highest-marked ride of 91.5 points out of a possible 100 on John Gill & Sons ‘Buck Owens’.

Lowe will be joined by an upper echelon of pro bullriders riding for the winning position and prizemoney pool of over $9,000 plus a Montana Silversmith handcrafted trophy buckle.

Standing between these cowboys and a slice of the cash is a pen of the toughest bucking bulls New South Wales could muster. Cocane, Bring It and Mud Bomb just to name a few will provide a night of high scores and spectacular buck-offs.

The event will be held at White Park in Scone on Saturday 8 March with gates opening at 5.30pm and the show blasting off at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.upperhuntertourism.com.au Adults - $30; Child 5 – 7 years $15; Family $75 and VIP $70

This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Image: Chris Lowe on MudBomb (Photo courtesy PBR Australia).

Thursday 27th February, 2014 - The Entertainer - 3www.huntervalleyprinting.com.au/Pages/Entertainer.php

Could you be the next winner of the ‘Bluey’?By Laura Sykes

Young and old, professionals and amateurs, it’s time to get your video cameras out and get filming. Yes, that’s right; the Blue Heeler Film Festival is on again.While Muswellbrookians are still screaming out for a cinema of their very own, relief is provided in the form of the very popular Blue Heeler Film Festival, which promotes all your favourite professional films as well as offering the rest of us a chance to play director for a day. Or the starring role, your choice.

Entries are now open for short films to be judged in both senior and junior categories as part of the competition in the lead up to the festival, which showcases a number of evening screenings of both professional films and some amateur local talent. Entries close March 14th 2014, so if you haven’t got your film together yet and want to enter, now is your time to shine in the spotlight and attempt to win that prestigious award, ‘the Bluey’.

Running between April 13 and 16, there will be plenty offered up to audiences over the course of the festival. Muswellbrook Shire Council, who hosts the event, has been successful in obtaining funds from Screen NSW for this year’s event, which will allow the 2014 festival to be even bigger and better than ever! So far several attractions have been added to the program, with short film workshops in the lead up to the festival, the ability to vote for your favourite short film entry and a whole range of great prizes to be won. This year will feature regional entries from all over the Hunter, so buckle up for a great film ride ahead.

You can find out more about the Blue Heeler Film Festival by checking out the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BlueHeelerFilmFestival, or my heading onto www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

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The countdown is on for this year’s Muswellbrook show! By Laura Sykes

For those brave enough to enter the competitive agricultural show world, the Muswellbrook event is one of the finest. It may seem like early days yet, but the countdown is on to the 124th Upper Hunter Regional Show.

To be held on the 4 and 5 of April this year the Upper Hunter Show has been held in Muswellbrook for around 130 years now, and is celebrated as a family-friendly, fun event showcasing the diversity and integrity of the agricultural and industrial sectors with many attractions for competitors and spectators alike.

Whether you need points to qualify for the Sydney Royal, or just want to go along and enjoy the sights, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From horses to cattle, campdrafting to polocrosse, live entertainment to the ever colourful sideshow alley, as well as the pavilions showing off local craft, poultry and much more, people of all ages can always find something to tempt their fancy. And then there’s the fan favourite, the rodeo, an adrenaline-packed, fun-filled, all thrills and spills array of bulls, broncs, barrels, ropes and everything in between.

There’s more information on the program and line-up of events to come as the days tick closer; you can keep up to date on all the latest information on the 124th Upper Hunter Regional Show at http://upperhuntershow.com.au/


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SHE’s heaven sentSingleton and the Upper Hunter are in for a heavenly treat when the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music presents SHE (Seven Harp Ensemble) who will perform for one concert only on Thursday 13 March at Sacred Spaces in Singleton commencing at 7pm. This performance is one in a series of concerts and workshops planned for four regional centres including Bathurst, Parkes, Coolah, Gunnedah, Grafton and Coffs Harbour. Presented by the Upper Hunter Conservatorium, this concert features the Seven Harp Ensemble in concert and a special ‘Meet the Harp’ workshop. In 2013, SHE toured regional NSW and Victoria, including Young, Temora, Albury, Woodend, Ballarat, Warragul, Stratford, Bathurst, Parkes, Coolah, Gunnedah, Grafton and Coffs Harbour. The ensemble also presented a Musica Viva Coffee Concert in Melbourne, and performed as part of the Canberra ABC Classic FM Sunday Live program.

The harp is the most captivating and irresistible of instruments. Imagine then, seven harps playing together in heavenly consort. The beauty of the harps’ visual form and the graceful gestures of the harpists combine with the enchanting sound of this most ancient instrument to transport the listener away from the everyday. SHE was founded by Artistic Director Alice Giles, world renowned performer, teacher and advocate for the harp. The remaining members of SHE comprise some of the best young talent from around Australia, with several members currently studying and working internationally. SHE was born out of the summer harp courses directed by Ms Giles on the east coast of Australia.

SHE was honoured to be invited to tour to China in January last year, performing at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing. The group was also the guest of Beijing Television as part of its highly prestigious Spring Festival Global Gala, one of the most viewed TV events in China.

For this tour, SHE will perform a broad repertoire of music including Australian works specially commissioned by the ensemble from composers Andrew Schultz, Martin Wesley- Smith, Larry Sitsky and Ross Edwards. Many of the specially commissioned works feature on their debut CD, Bolmimerie, released on the Tall Poppies label in 2010.

Tickets and more information: P: (02) 6541 4888 E: [email protected] W: uhcm.com.au

Past tours have attracted critical acclaim: ‘What a magnificent concert it was! . . . excellent playing, with, at times, effortless virtuosity. All in all, it’s difficult to image a more delightful musical evening.’

‘If the sound of one harp is joy to the senses, then seven harps must be sevenfold joy.’

Images: Members of Seven Harp Ensemble.


Born and bred in Muswellbrook, 13 year old Sophie discovered her talent for singing in 2005, when her kindergarten teacher recognised her voice and told her she would be going places with it. With the compliment in her pocket, Sophie started singing everyday and never looked back.

Sophie’s father was her inspiration to become a singer. He sang everyday around the house, and it didn’t take long for her to start singing with him. She started getting singing lessons with Dallas Stubbings and Tim Pan every week which kick started her career in the music industry.

“My goals in life are simply to have my voice heard and get noticed, and to bring a smile to people’s faces when they hear my voice. My ultimate goal is to become a professional singer. I’d love for one of my friends to hear me on the radio and say, “Hey, that’s Sophie! I knew her!’” Sophie laughs.

Scriven has written and composed five original songs with her most popular song, Fallen Too Long, which will soon be available on iTunes. It also accredited her with winning the GATS high school division at Muswellbrook High School. The GATS (Gifted and Talented Students) program identifies gifted and talented students from many different fields and assists in maximising their learning outcomes.

Sophie’s GATS success is the first half of a two-part plan, with last year focusing on her writing and performances followed by releasing it online through iTunes and on CD in 2014.

“Some of the simplest things motivate me. If I’m in a sad mood, I’ll write a sad song. If I’m feeling happy, I’ll write a happy song.” says Sophie.

In 2009, Sophie sang at the Sydney Opera House for the ‘Count Us In’ program which was lead by Guy Sebastian.

Sophie auditioned for Star Struck in 2013, and managed to get to the second round out of three. Star Struck is a performing arts extravaganza presented by the New South Wales Department of Education and communities. Sophie has also been a winner of the Aberdeen Karaoke Idol Competition and is also an accomplished musician playing both the guitar and piano.

When asked if there was any advice to give to our readers about becoming a singer, Sophie states, “Always believe in yourself, because anyone can pursue their dreams.”

Sophie has her own Facebook page, Sophie Scriven Covers, that she posts often with her own original songs and covers of other songs.

To hear her singing voice in action, with Fallen Too Long, visit her Facebook page – you will definitely give it the thumbs up!

Image: Sophie Scriven – 2013 winner of the Muswellbrook High School GATS program for composing her own song.

creative arts

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Sophie sets sights for future stardom By Zack Phillips

Muswellbrook High School student Sophie Scriven is striving to follow her dreams of becoming a professional singer. Sophie tells us how she discovered her wonderful talent.


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Nundle Country Picnic this March By Zack Phillips

On Sunday 16 March, the Nundle Woollen Mill invites you to relax with friends and family at the annual Nundle Country Picnic. The event will commence at midday.You can enjoy a delicious two-course lunch featuring Nundle and the region’s best produce while listening to swing, blues and rockabilly music with Katie Lou and the Southern Stallions. There will also be Irish folksongs by Jeff Gibson in honour of St Patrick’s Day.

As well as a delicious picnic, you will get to preview some of the new season winter fashion in a fashion parade, provided by the Nundle Woollen Mill and Sacs on Jenkins. There will also be a boutique-produce market, plus the village’s antiques, art, craft and hardware stores. There will also be children’s activities on offer.

This is a free-entry event; however, you can pre-pay $35 for an adult’s lunch or $40 at the gate, which provides a two-course lunch and a complimentary drink on arrival. Children’s lunches will cost $10, and will consist of sandwiches, a slice, jelly snake, cheese and juice.

You can purchase your picnic through www.stickytickets.com.au/15275, or at Sacs on Jenkins, Nundle. If you’re interested in a market stall, contact Teresa Eather on 0418866072. For more information on this event, visit www.nundle.com.au/events/picnic/

Image: Katie Lou will be performing at the Nundle Country Picnic.


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Agriculture-related books in big demandSales of agriculture-related books are booming, defying the shift to digital e-reading, according to Dr Cameron Archer, Principal at the Department of Primary Industries Tocal College.

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“Sales of books from Tocal have never been higher and are up significantly on last year,” Dr Archer said.

“In 2013 Tocal printed and distributed 13,000 publications Australia-wide and internationally on agriculture and related matters.

“The range of books includes more than 100 titles, covering topics as diverse as Organic Farming, Weed Management and Electric Fencing to mention a few.

“Sales have gradually grown over the years through both strong demand and the addition of new titles.”

Six new national publications were produced in 2013. These were the titles ‘Managing Weeds’, ‘Using Compost in Agriculture’, ‘A Field Guide to Four-Wheel Driving’, ‘Machinery Hygiene’, ‘Pig Production: The Basics’ and ‘Grasses of the NSW Tablelands’.

The top selling books for Tocal in 2013 were Bee Agskills, Tractor Agskills, Beef Agskills and Grasses of coastal NSW.

Dr Archer said the books were used in a wide range of applications and

were of great value as educational tools.

“One of our titles ‘Photography for field work’ has been used for a training course on Pest and Disease Collections as part of a research project on mangoes in Cambodia,” Dr Archer said.

“Most of our other titles are helping to improve the knowledge and skills base of our farming community.”

Dr Archer said 65 DPI e-publications were also currently available through the Apple ibookstore.

“We are certainly part of the growth of digital media but there seems to be the need to have both - and the book certainly is not dying,” he said.

“Tocal College has been able to combine its publications program in association with its distance learning program and this strategy commenced over 20 years ago has worked well.

“We are now combining our publications into our e-Learning and digital media.”

Image: Dr Cameron Archer.


equine trend & more

198 Kelly Street SconeTel +612 6540 1200 | Fax +612 6545 2687 | www.maccalluminglis.com.au

MacCallum Inglis the Upper Hunters Leading Stock & Station Agency providing you with a wealth of local experience combined with the strength of Australia’s foremost Bloodstock Auctioneers William Inglis. Specialising in the following areas:

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Scone Jump ClubMarcia 0407 403 802 [email protected] www.sconehorsetrials.com.au

Upper Hunter Riding for the DisabledPresident: Chris Hayes (02) 6541 3847 Anne-Marie Williams [email protected] Riding & carriage driving: Muswellbrook centre Tuesdays and Thursdays (3rd and 4th school terms). Open to all children and adults with a disability. Volunteers welcomed and always needed. Look for us on Facebook.

Premier sales record double bonus yearlingsBy Brian RussellThe Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale scheduled for March 2, 3, 4 and 5 appears as one of the strongest in depth for future racing excellence which has ever been assembled for Victorian selling. The strength has been boosted by the appearance of some 433 lots among the 775 in the catalogue that were gained by sires in the great reservoir of talent - the Hunter Valley.

Over fifty of the sires used in the Hunter Valley supply yearlings to this catalogue, many of them resulting from patronage of Victorian breeders. A big bonus from the Victorian use is the appearance of 170 lots who are each eligible for the rich additional rewards flowing from both the New South Wales (Bobs) and Victorian (Super Vobis) incentive schemes.

This has increased value now with many leading Sydney and Melbourne trainers commuting more regularly between both cities.

The Hunter Valley sires represented include six who have each taken out the Champion Australian Sire title on earnings. They are Encosta de Lago (20 lots), Exceed and Excel (12), Fastnet Rock (10), Flying Spur (10), Lonhro (12) and Redoute’s Choice (10).

Also among the Hunter Valley sires represented are current Australian Leading Sire (2013-14) Snitzel (18), prolific source of winner Commands (6), highly successful shuttlers More Than Ready (2) and High Chaparral (25), current leading juvenile sire Testa Rossa (10),

first season sire I Am Invincible (6) and Widden Stud’s last year’s outstanding debut sires Northern Meteor (8) and Sebring (25).

Other established Hunter Valley sires with four or more lots are Ad Valorem (4), Al Maher (6), Bernardini (13), Casino Prince (4), Charge Forward (5), Choisir (10), Dane Shadow (8), Excellent Art (4), Haradasun (6), Magic Albert (6), Not a Single Doubt (29), Starcraft (23), Stratum (10), Street Cry (4) and Teofilo (4).

Besides I Am Invincible, Hunter Valley sires represented whose first crops are two or yearlings include All American (13), Beneteau (7), Congrats (8), Denman (19), Dupont (5), Hinchinbrook (6), Lope de Vega (6), Manhattan Rain (16), Nicconi (12) and Onemorenomore (4).

Hunter Valley breeding organisations providing Melbourne yearlings are Arrowfield (26 lots), Coolmore (17), Emirates Park (21), Fairhill Farm (5), Glastonbury Farms (12), Kia –Ora (10), Kitchwin Hills (5), Rothwell Park (8), Widden (16) and Yarraman Park (10).

Other NSW studs contributing yearlings by Hunter Valley sires include Bell River Thoroughbreds (7), Bowness (13), Lomar Park (2), Manx Park (4), Meredith Park (4), Milburn Creek (8), Monarch Stud (3), Rheinwood (14) and Tyreel (5).

Images: Two of Kitchwin Hills yearlings travelling to the Melbourne sale. [Left] Colt, Testa Rossa x Margherita [Right] Filly, Duporth x She Can Again. Photos by Georgie Lomax Photography.


Kassie Furness shares her story on becoming a JockeySee story page 11

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human interest

Image: [Above] Kassie Furness on Piamimi - first provincial winner at Newcastle.Supporting Rural PeopleThe Scone Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with Upper Hunter Shire Council is planning two rural support workshops in the Upper Hunter on Wednesday, 5th March in Timor and Rouchel.The impact of the drought conditions being experienced across the Upper Hunter are hitting people hard, placing severe strain on their emotional and financial reserves. The recent rain is welcome but doesn’t end the drought.

The workshops will offer an opportunity for people to gain information about how to better manage their circumstances and will feature guest speaker Allan Sparkes and representatives from groups providing rural support including, the Department of Primary Industries, Hunter New England Health, Upper Hunter Shire Council and the Local Lands Service.

Guest speaker Allan Sparkes, served for 20 years as a frontline police officer where he experienced major traumatic events. A beyondblue Ambassador, Allan speaks openly and honestly about the devastating effects of mental illness which can affect anyone.

Lee Watts, manager of the Scone and Aberdeen Neighbourhood Centres said, “As I speak to people right across the shire I hear many stories of hardship being experienced because of the drought conditions. Being able to access information and hear how others have overcome adversity is valuable in developing the resilience necessary to get through tough times. Farmers often find it difficult attending support services during normal business hours, so we are helping make it easier by bringing those services to them.”

The workshops will be at Timor Hall from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and at Rouchel Hall from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Catering is provided.

Image: Allan Sparkes.


Kassie Furness shares her story on becoming a Jockey By Zack Phillips

Working in a typically-male oriented career, jockey Kassie Furness brings a breath of fresh air into the horse racing industry. To help kick off 2014, Kassie is assisting young women into the career of becoming a jockey by sharing with us how she became one herself.Born in Melbourne, Kassie worked as a bar attendant at night whilst attending to her university studies. In order to supplement her income, Kassie commenced working at Patrick Payne’s racing stables during the day. She started riding horses, and never looked back.

Later moving to Port Macquarie Kassie trained under the coaching of Jenny Graham in which she spent a year followed by her employment now in Scone with trainer, Greg Bennett of Greg Bennett Racing.

“I’m only new in the Hunter, it’s quite hot here, but I am not looking too forward to the winters either,” Kassie jokes.

Kassie has been a jockey for two years, and reveals that the secret is all about fitness and dedication. “It’s more fitness, and a lot of dedication, plus repetitive work. We have a horse equicizer, and you have to get on that a fair bit, just to practise style and rhythm and the basics of a horse. You also have to eat well.

“It was very hard to break into the career at first, especially when you first start. I had to build up a reputation, and quite a bit of trackwork as it was very different from my original racing stables, but as soon as you start ‘kicking’ a little bit, and your name gets out there, things start to flow a little bit easier.” Kassie states.

Height and weight are definitely two priorities a jockey has to keep control over and there are many restrictions that are imposed on this. In order to stay fit and healthy for the sport, many jockeys follow a strict diet that keeps their weight under control. Jockeys that struggle with their weight have to do more exercise to keep their weight level and balanced.

Being a more physically demanding sport, there tends to be some minor and major injuries. Kassie is one of the lucky ones who has had no major injuries so far.

Early starts at 5am, cleaning horse boxes, sweeping stables, saddling mounts, riding trackwork are just some of the components involved in an apprentice jockey’s timetable, but the adrenalin rush for Kassie as she waits for the starting gate to open makes it all worth it.

“Over the last two years, there has been an increase in females coming into the apprentice jockey ranks, and they are starting to make an impression. “There are so many young girls, and I would say the numbers of girls at our general race meetings have doubled in the past two years.” stated Sarah Wills, CEO Scone Race Club.

When Kassie was asked to give our readers any tips for those who may be thinking of pursuing a career as a jockey, she states, “You have to be willing to be very dedicated and give up a lot of social life to join this career. If you want it enough, you’ll do it.”

Image: Kassie Furness.

human interest

Phone: 02 6545 1100 Fax: 02 6545 1750 Email: [email protected] www.isismotelscone.com.au

Isis Motel is the best value place to stay in Scone and offers ideal accommodation for travellers, families and workers. The Isis Motel is conveniently located on the New England Highway at the southern entrance to Scone.

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WIN A DOUBLE PASS!WIN A DOUBLE PASS!

What do you LOVE about The Gum Ball? Send us your response in 50 words or less to

[email protected]

for a chance to win one double pass valued at $400 which is valid for the two days of the festival.

The winner will be notified on Thursday 3 April via email.


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Royal Hotel, MuswellbrookFriday 28 February Damage Brothers @ 8pm Free admissionWhite Hart Hotel, MurrurundiSaturday 1 March Fat Man Don’t Dance @ 8pm Free admissionRailway Hotel, MuswellbrookSunday 2 March Allison Forbes @ 4.30pm Free admissionRoyal Hotel, MuswellbrookFriday 7 March Funked Up Friday with DJ ‘Shots Fired’ @ 8pm Free admissionRoyal Hotel, MuswellbrookSaturday 8 March THE RADIATORS @ 8.30pm (support act – Shay Burgess Tickets now on sale $30 each

White Hart Hotel, MurrurundiSaturday 8 March Tickle-Me-Chookskin @ 8pm Free admissionRailway Hotel, MuswellbrookSunday 9 March Chris White @ 4.30pm Free admissionWhite Hart Hotel, MurrurundiSaturday 15 March Good Corn Liquor @ 8pm Free admissionRailway Hotel, MuswellbrookSunday 16 March Ryan Sampson @ 4.30pm Free admissionThe GumBall Music Festival11 and 12 April 2014 Featuring Hoodoo Gurus plus 20 more artists Belford, Hunter Valley www.thegumball.com.au

Look out ‘The Rads’ are coming!The Radiators, Australia’s kings of rock continue to show why they are still going strong after three decades with ticket sales at their upcoming show at the Royal Hotel in Muswellbrook selling strongly.“We have been pleased with ticket sales to date, and it is great to see the local support. Patrons are reminded that it is a ticketed-only event, and we are encouraging people to get in quickly in pre-purchasing their tickets to avoid disappointment,” says Allan Moxham, licensee and organiser of the event.

‘The Rads’ still hugely popular, still producing quality music and showing no signs of slowing down are touring extensively with the Royal Hotel in Muswellbrook featuring the boys on Saturday 8 March @ 8.30pm – tickets are $30 each. Popular, local musician, Shay Burgess will be supporting The Radiators.

Don’t miss this fantastic night of three decades of radiation. For ticket sales and enquiries, contact the Royal Hotel on 6543 1070.

win · 129 kelly street / po box 517 scone phone 02 6543 7193 email: [email protected]...

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