Our Own News Issue 331

$2 Issue 331 ‐ February 2011 Se Non E Vero, E Molto Ben Trovato VALE TREVOR WINN
1947-2010
It was a hot Summer day in Wollombi. There were 400 people present at Trevor’s funeral at the Laguna Hall. Of the 400, there were at least 60
serving members of the Rural Fire Service who formed a Guard of Honour and accompanied the hearse bearing his body in one of the most
remarkable processions that the Wollombi Valley has probably ever seen.
After accompanying the hearse from the Laguna Hall following an extremely moving funeral service, and with the traffic managed by our local Police
Officer, the cortege with pipers, the RFS Chaplain, Trevor’s family, all of the Fire-fighting Vehicles in Sector 8 of the Hunter Region, and un-numbered
vehicles of family and friends moved past “Trevor’s lounge room” (the Annexe to the Laguna Wine Bar), while the hearse with Trevor’s body and
casket took a detour past his favourite watering hole. (who was driving that hearse?) The cortege then drove to the Wollombi General Store and took
up the procession again, where it marched to the tune of the Four Pipers to the gates of the Cemetery.
Accompanied by many who loved him his remains were placed on the gravesite. The Gravesite was blessed by the Chaplain and the remains were
lowered into the grave then committed to the earth with that ancient phrase,
Earth to earth
Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust.
Followed by the Lament from a Lone Piper, a period of reflection and much weeping, everyone retired to ”Trevor’s Lounge Room”. There we took part
in a magnificent Country Spread provided by his friends and in drinks by the generosity of the proprietor of the Lounge Room. The “Jam for Trevor”
was magnificent and was interspersed with many tributes.
Trevor, you were too young; you were so talented; you were a larrikin with many faults, but you had so many qualities that we loved.
FAREWELL, TREVOR WINN
Graham Jackson
Photo: Peter Ferminger Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 1 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 NOTE TO READERS
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Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 2 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 A TRIBUTE TO TREVOR WINN - (adapted from his LVBFB Eulogy)
Trevor Winn was a member of Laguna Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade for nineteen years and he was Captain for a total of nearly twelve
years. Trev also held the positions of Senior Deputy Captain, Secretary, Permit-issuing Officer and Training Officer at various points
in time. As Captain, Trev quickly earned the respect of everybody in what was then known as the Western Sector for his knowledge,
leadership and dedication. Trev’s knowledge of our area was unsurpassed. He knew every gully, every ridge and every track. He also
knew everybody - and where we lived! For when off-duty, Trev embraced the fellowship of the wine-bar, enjoying the company of
newcomers and old hands alike.
Trev was a fierce proponent of the ‘man on the spot’ and his local knowledge, combined with a profound understanding of fire
behaviour, saved the day - and homes and lives - on so many occasions. However, there was one small flaw in all of this. While he
always seemed to know exactly where the fire would be, with or without a grid reference, Trev was apt to say to a younger crew
member, ‘Let me know when you smell smoke, laddie!’ For in truth, our Trev was anosmatic – he had no sense of smell!
With or without a nose, Trev led the Brigade on and off the fire ground with care and compassion, valuing each of us for our
contribution and judging no-one. He looked out for his Brigade and for the community who were safe in his hands. Trevor warmly
encouraged newcomers to join the Brigade, including younger members of the community. He was a wonderful mentor to many
adolescents (now grown up) and a brilliant teacher of all Brigade members, whether the lesson was on fire behaviour, tanker driving,
map reading or on the eccentricities of fire-fighting equipment.
Every RFS and community member in Laguna Hall today, Trev’s friends from afar and of course his family, will have their own fond
memories of him. The presence of so many is a testament to the worth of this man. It seems to me that Trevor’s passing very much
marks the end of an era in Laguna. Our dear grey-bearded friend, you charmed us all with your wonderful nature and winning grin.
Rest in Peace.
Alister Wilkinson
Photo: Peter Ferminger Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 3 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 “Don’t take no wooden dimes” Saturday 8th January 2011 saw what may be the biggest traffic jam Laguna and Wollombi will ever experience when over 500 people
attended the funeral of Trevor Bernard Winn. It was a moving service conducted by Father Graham where tears were balanced by
laughter as family members recalled their memories of Trevor. A representative from the Rural Fire Service and another from Valley
Artists also spoke recalling contributions Trevor made to both these organizations after which a visual montage of Trevor’s life was
shown.
After the service Trevor’s casket passed through a Guard of Honor formed by members of the Rural Fire Service and he was then
piped from Laguna hall at the head of a walking procession followed by fire trucks and private vehicles. His hearse took a detour past
The Old Northern Trading Post repeatedly referred to as “Trevor’s lounge room” since he could be found there most days partaking of
his daily port and talking to anyone who passed through.
The funeral procession drove to Wollombi and reports put it at 7km long. At Wollombi there was a pause to allow the walking
procession to reform and Trevor was piped through the village to the cemetery where he has been laid to rest in his beloved valley.
Trevor’s Wake was unique - as was the man himself - with a musical “jam” taking place through the afternoon and into the
evening. While there were still tears shed this was more of a party to remember Trevor and his life, a chance to exchange memories
and share a glass of something with his friends and family. “Don’t take no wooden dimes” (one of Trevor’s favorite expressions) was
repeated often.
Trevor would have been astounded and probably embarrassed by the day as he was a quiet and unassuming man who lived life to
his own rules and probably had no idea how many lives he touched.
He would however have loved the “party” that followed and been quietly proud to
be the reason for it.
The following two quotes have been extracted from Trevor’s face book wall and
(for me) sum up this wonderful man who touched so many:
“spag boll...red wine...pipe tobacco.....bliss.
nighty nite youse all
lol. Trev xxxx”
“Sleep...perchance to dream?
Sweetly, all being well!
Night night youse all!”
Nightly night youse too Trevor you will be sorely missed. Love from us all
……. R.I.P.
Judy Waite
Photo: Courtesy of the Winn Family Dear People,
I’ve been overwhelmed. I wanted us to put on a funeral to show Trev’s dear children, Stan and Janet, not children any
longer, what a well loved and respected man their father was. You’ve done it in spades.
To all those who contributed to that spectacular event, Janine and all you mob at Valley Artists, Neville for his
microphone lesson, Paully, RFS members and big wigs, Ken Maurer and his company, Tim Williams and his associates
at the shop, all you folk who helped people get fed, you pall-bearers and others, and everyone who came, I thank you!
And you Pipers, you were special. And our dear friend, brother, Father Graham particularly.
All of you, Thank you so very much
Ken Winn
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 4 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 The Lockhart Awards - Wollombi !
In early November our Tidy Valleys team joined Cessnock Tidy Towns to travel to the Keep Australia Beautiful presentations in
Lockhart, about half an hour from Wagga Wagga.
Our first overnight stay was at Goulburn, with a “surprise dinner” at Goulburn Brewery, Australia’s oldest surviving brewery complex,
designed by Colonial Architect Francis Greenway, and now a boutique operation with ales brewed to traditional recipes and dinner
served in the Malting Room. Next morning on to Gundagai with its ever popular Dog on theTuckerbox, followed by another treat - a
morning tea stop at the National Gallery, Canberra, with the opportunity to briefly visit the newly opened and impressive Indigenous
Wing and the outside garden “Within Without” Sky Dome.
Our destination, Lockhart “the verandah town”, last year’s NSW KAB winner, welcomed us to our accommodation in “Tent City” set
up for the 300 plus visitors at the Sports Ground.
Lockhart had been inundated by flood waters only 3 weeks prior to our arrival with damage to crops, roads, bridges, parks and gardens
and Green Street, the main shopping thoroughfare. A metre of water had covered the area at the racecourse where now our white
pavilion tent was erected for the official presentation ceremony and dinner!
The town and organisers had worked frantically non-stop to overcome the many setbacks to proudly showcase Lockhart for all the
visitors from towns and villages throughout NSW. Their efforts, in good weather (that weekend) made all the planning fall into place.
The Awards dinner was a glamorous, enjoyable affair with many friends from previous years adding to the cordiality.
Wollombi Tidy Valleys achieved 3rd place in the NSW Overall Town entry, with Pleasant Hills and Rydal in first and second
place. Overall Town Assessment includes a mix of credentials – Beautification and General Appearance, Community Participation and
Awareness including Council support, Environmental Initiatives and Conservation and Volunteer Activities. A place in the first 3
Overall NSW Towns with a similar population was a great outcome for us.
Congratulations too for Bucketty, a winner in the Cultural Heritage category, for its Convict Wall Precinct.
Extracts from our Assessor’s comments include:
“The town has a rich history and well preserved heritage buildings and the community proudly respects its natural and indigenous
cultural environment.
The approaches to the town are exceptionally maintained and frame a picturesque entrance to the village.
The level of volunteer support is very strong and impressive and there are a number of active community groups.
The collection of material in the Wollombi Museum was amazing.
The local Chamber of Commerce maintains a website for the town and released a great 6 minute DVD on the locality showcasing its
many natural and cultural attractions magnificently, following the 2007 floods.
The Schools have a long history of involvement and lending a hand in community works, and are included in the comprehensive volume
of photographic and other documentation on Tidy Valleys projects over the last 20 years which is a valuable showcase asset.
The town has a very strong willed community which actively manages and promotes the natural and built assets for the
enjoyment of locals and visitors alike”
Gillian James
President, Wollombi Valley Tidy Towns
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 5 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 Valley Artists
Australia Day Markets @ Wollombi.
When times get tough, our true selves are
revealed.
In ‘Diving For Pearls’, Katherine
Thompson’s beautifully written play, set in the difficult
times facing the steel towns in the early 90’s, Den
and Barbara face their changing world.
Attention all Bakers and Cake-Makers!!!!!!!
In this attraction of opposites we see the struggle
between acceptance and control of the
circumstances of their lives.
With a
laconic
Australian humour, Thompson shows us that
character is destiny.
‘Diving for Pearls’ opens Fri 15th April and runs till
Sun 24th April at Laguna Hall.
Valley Artists calls for expressions of interest from
anyone in the community wishing to be involved at
any level from actor to stagehand and all in
between. Characters – 2 female 30’s/40’s, 2 male
40’s/50’s, 1 female 21.
Rehearsals start 31 January.
Call Micaela Elphick on 49983114
melphick@bigpond.com’ or
You can help support local community groups by
making your favorite cake, slice, pastry etc.
Deliver to the Tearoom Stall at the Markets
anytime after 8am on Wednesday 26th
where it will be gratefully received.
All proceeds from the day are shared between The Tennis & Croquet Club, Tidy Valleys, Saint
Michael's and Bucketty & Districts RFB.
Any questions? Ph: 4998 8272.
email
A GROTTO COMES TO WOLLOMBI
Next time you visit an old friend in the Wollombi
Cemetery, look at the rear corner, nearest the
village, and you will see a lovely memorial to John
Lees late of Ricketty Yards in Yango Creek Road,
who died in 2010.
Lovingly conceived and
designed by his long-term partner (who absolutely
forbad me to use her name in this article), the
grotto incorporates an antique statue of Mary
which belonged to John’s mother, and which he
too loved, now placed in a traditional Europeantype grotto (built by Albert Kraans). The large rock
it stands on was sourced from Ricketty Yards. In
time there will be a plaque attached which
dedicates the grotto to John and to his mother and
to all the settlers of this Valley. A group of John’s
friends and loved ones were there when Graham
Jackson recently blessed the Grotto, and quietly
remembered John. Whether or not you have a
space for Marian spirituality in your heart, this is a
quiet, loving and peaceful place to just be. We may
in time erect a bench there for people to sit with
their thoughts and memories in the green and
peaceful space of Wollombi. Kerry Lannoy
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 6 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 LAGUNA VILLAGE PEOPLE CRICKET
Rural Property Specialists
“For a Unique Lifestyle Opportunity”
Wollombi Real Estate
Proudly offering a full range of real estate
services to our local community for over
25 years. Our friendly team have the
knowledge, expertise and experience to help
you achieve the best results with the sale or
purchase of your next property.
PH: 4998 3219
www.contactus@wollombirealestate.com.au
Local Agent for
Bushman’s Water Tanks
While our Cricket Team competing in the
Cessnock competition remains undefeated a more
important match took place on Boxing Day.
The Annual Boxing Day Test was played at the
Laguna Village Green between Laguna and many
times winner Wollombi . Wollombi were the odds
on favourites , with on paper, a far superior batting
and bowling line up [ask them].
The underdogs Laguna won the toss and elected
to bat. Under the adjusted 20/20 rules Laguna
heroically reached a credible 78 runs against the
fearsome Wolombi speed attack.
Wollombi went into bat smugly confident of an
easy victory, particularly when their opening
bat made what appeared to be a winning starting
innings of 25. They suddenly lost their smiles as
Laguna countered, pinning down the next batsmen
to a few runs per over, and the best they could do
was a pretty pathetic 65 runs, resulting in a now
famous win for Laguna!
Next games at Laguna:
Sat 15 at 1PM v Supporters.
Sat 29 at 1PM v Pedans
John Forsyth
WOLLOMBI.
Supposed Case of Incendiaries.-We are sorry to have to
record that a serious destruction of property took place on the
farm of Charles Burgess, of Cockfighter's Creek, about 9
o'clock on Thursday night last, when his barn, containing
about 400 bushels of wheat belonging to himself, and 200
bushels the property of a man named Fletcher, was
discovered to be on fire, at which time the flames had made
such progress that any effort to save the property was entirely
useless. From circumstances which had publicly taken place
just before the occurrence of this painful event, the inhabitants
(Burgess and Fletcher included) are led to believe, on
reasonable grounds, that this destruction of the fruits of their
labour has been accomplished by an incendiary.
Influenced by this opinion, some of the leading and rightminded inhabitants have taken measures to raise a
subscription on behalf of the sufferers and surely if there are
generous hearts in Wollombi, they will come for- ward on this
occasion, and by their aid in the cause of humanity, put into
practice the first and greatest of Christian virtues. We turn
however in full reliance on the people and feel assured that
their charitable feeling will this time influence them to save
two families from want, and also induce them to frustrate the
design of their ruthless enemy. On Friday night a man named
Collins was placed in our lockup, on suspicion of having
committed the crime above mentioned. On the day following
he was brought up before Major Sullivan, who, after a strict
investigation of the case and examination of witnesses,
ordered the prisoner to be remanded for farther examination.
February 12,1850.
Steve Sullivan—from the Maitland Mercury
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 7 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 SPIRITUAL DIARY
th
th
The weekend of the 8 and 9 of January was a big one for me. On the Friday (7th) I joined with the Valley Artists who had taken on the load of work
to prepare the Laguna Hall for Trevor Winn’s funeral the next day. On the Saturday (8th) the sun was shining and the day fast became a hot one, but
not until we had done the sad but wonderful thing of sending off one of our own. One of the officers from Fire Control was overheard to say, “Well,
Trevor’s funeral will go down forever in the annals of the Laguna Fire Brigade.” It will.
There were well on 400 people present with at least 60 of them RFS members forming the most memorable Guard of Honour that I have ever seen.
Then, at the Wake in Trevor’s Lounge Room (the Annexe of the Laguna Wine Bar) amid the crowds at the “Jam for Trevor”, a family whom I had
spoken to in the previous week turned up to look at the Laguna Church for a wedding. Then one of the two new-born babies in the Valley turned up
on his mother’s arm. The mother was so filled with joy and the babe so protected that I had a lump in my throat. Sunday, in the Church Calendar,
was The Festival of the Baptism of Jesus and I preached about the way in which Jesus and John the Baptist used the event to rail against the Church
establishment and the Government of the day.
Following this Kerry and I went to the wonderful exhibition of Bridal Gowns at the Old Wollombi Fire Shed. There were many gowns of lovely people;
at some of whose weddings I had formally officiated. But, as well as this, there were so many photos and stories; photos and stories that showed up
some of the most handsome young people who have now raised children and who are now some of the most mellow and gorgeous human beings,
perhaps a little older, who now live in the Valley.
Then in the afternoon, once again at the Wine Bar, there was a large group discussing the subject matter of the day at Theology In The Pub. It was a
vigorous, if not sometimes heated, discussion. But it showed an unbelievable willingness of people in the Valley to take on any view and discuss it
with fervour.
The weekend pointed up a number of things for me. In the middle of a huge amount of grief, this Valley faced the unwelcome truth of the death of a
person who was loved incredibly deeply by many in the Valley. Everyone whom Trevor had known and worked with grasped the nettle: the family; the
Rural Fire Service; the Four Pipers piping; the Funeral Director’s family; the local School; the Wine Bar and so many other friends and family, some
local, some visiting.
The whole weekend taught me two lessons I shall never forget. The first is that this community has a spirituality where people of goodwill join
together, that is almost impossible to express in words. It is a spirituality that works and pulls together. The second is that, without even trying, we
expressed, in the complexities of the weekend, that inevitable truth of humanity and Creation, that we live and die in a huge cycle of birth, death, loss
and grief, rejoicing and weeping, people meeting together and committing to each other, people attempting to make sense of an extremely complex
world and people raising wonderful children, like Trevor’s, who in turn become our leaders in intellect, emotion and behaviour.
Thank you Wollombi Valley. You are one of the greatest teachers I have known.
Graham Jackson
February 2011
WOLLOMBI COMMUNITY GARDEN
At Wollombi Easter Saturday 23rd
April 2011 f ro m 8 – 2
Local produce, handmade
items, food, entertainment,
books, plants, tools, toys
and much more
Stall Holders—BOOKING REQUIRED
Please email easter-marketwollombi@live.com for
information and application form or
call
Market Coordinator on 0428863187
and leave a message
A common thread drawing people to a community garden is a love of gardening and the sharing in and exchanging of ideas. Wollombi Community Garden is a place where people can interact and share knoweledge where creativity and nutruring of the land can be a shared responsiblity. During 2011 we will provide our local community with education and experience through a range of workshops, talks and demonstrations on a wide range of gardening issues, concepts and ideas. We would also like to service the Wollombi Valley area with fresh local (organic where possible) fruit and veg. If you are interested in recieving a fresh local fruit and vege box please contact us . If you would like to come and help out during our working bees or would like to be kept informed by receiving updates please contact us. Membership to Wollombi Community Garden is $5 Single or $10 couple or family, Membership money is put straight back into growing the community garden. For more information contact Vanessa 4998 8532 or email wollombicommunitygarden@hotmail.com We get together monthly on the last Friday of the month Next meeting Feb 25th. Vanessa Miller Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 8 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Hunter Valley: gateway to World Heritage Listed Great North Road
Earlier this year seven kilometres of the 220km convict built Great North Road were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This Road links
Sydney to the Hunter Valley.
The Devine’s Hill and Finch’s Line sections of the Road, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) were listed as a World Heritage
Area, one of 11 historic places that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. They feature alongside very famous sites,
which include the Pyramids in Egypt, historic centres of Brugge and Salzburg, the Bridge of Mostar, Angkor in Cambodia, The Great Wall of China,
Notre Dame in Paris, the Acropolis in Athens and other jewels.
On this very prestigious list there are 911 sites though out the world with only 18 sites within Australia itself. Having the Great North Road in the
company of some of the magnificent structures around the world is an achievement that Australian can be proud of and at the same time an
acknowledgement of the cooperative work undertaken by the Federal and State Governments, the NPWS, the Convict Trail Project Inc. and others to
achieve this recognition. The listing process takes many years to substantiate the heritage significance and requires serious commitments from the State
Governments involved.
The Convict Trail Project has played an important role in this process by lifting the profile of the 220km-long road. Since 1990 this organisation has
been actively involved, through grassroots initiatives, in preservation and maintenance projects, as well as in the promotion of the Road.
The Convict Trail Project began with the communities of Bucketty and Wollombi but very quickly spread along the Road, with literally hundreds of
people involved in working bees, research and running the project in those all-important early days. Cessnock Council is a key stakeholder in this
organisation; others include the NSW Heritage Branch, NPWS, RTA and other local councils along the Road.
The listing doesn’t just offer prestige; far more important is the fact that it will now offer the Hunter Valley a great opportunity to promote itself as a
gateway to this World Heritage Site – and at the same time “Our Hunter“ will be able to highlight its own Great North Road and other heritage and
tourism assets that can be linked to the Road.
There is a large group of global tourists who specifically use this World Heritage Listing and plan their holidays based on it. There is even a group that
ranks those who have travelled to the most world heritage sites. This exciting listing will allow the Hunter Valley to develop its own tourism plans to
tap into this new economic resource. It has been estimated that 20% of the Hunter Valley tourism income - estimated at $500 million - is related to
heritage history and the Great Nord Road and the many sites along this road are a critical part of this.
Another major result of the listing is that there are now clear international obligations from the Government in relation to its responsibilities to these
listed sites, and the CTP together with its stakeholders are investigating the opportunities that this will bring.
For more information, contact:: www.convicttrail.org
·
Elizabeth Roberts, Executive Director Convict Trail Project
Tel:
02 9489 3603
Email:
earoberts@bigpond.com.au
·
Paul Budde Chairman Convict Trail Project
Tel:
0249 988144
Email:
paul@budde.com.au
Attached photo Devines hill showing road and buttress
Photos of sites in Wollombi valley available
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 9 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 Hear them Sing!!!
THE CHERRYNOSE CICADA
(Macrotristria angularis)
Plus... Fungi Findings
While keeping my eyes open for fungi, I have become sidetracked by the noisy cicadas. So noisy at the moment that I cannot work in my
bush garden, as you all know, for the volume can really hurt.
It is only the male who sings. After he breaks out of his nymphal skin, he flies higher in the tree and sits there and sings, hoping a female will
notice his loud song amongst all the other males.
The female, on the other hand, emerges and flies around the trees, and chooses one of them. Then she digs a slit in a soft branch and lays
her eggs. When they hatch (maybe one week later), they sprinkle to the ground and start burrowing.
Down they dig till they come across a juicy root, fasten onto it and start sucking. And suck and suck for one, two or many many years –
depending on the weather and species.
Now in the December, after extremely hot days, some adults seem to be dropping. Perhaps the males have done their bit in the story and
that’s it for them. As adults, they do continue to feed on the sap from the tree, and they can live this stage from a few days to a couple of
months, according to their species.
There are 220 species of Cicadas in Australia and I am interested in what I find here in the Valley.
In Laguna in November I have photographed two Double Drummers (Thopha saccata) as they emerged from their ‘shells’ – a magical sight
watching a pale ghostly creature gradually fill with colour. This species is the biggest and the loudest in Australia.
My latest photo shows the Cherrynose which is quite distinctive. It has a big red nose and so it also goes by the name “Whisky Drinker”. It
is a large handsome black one with yellow veined wings and many bright yellow circular markings on its body.
Anna Durkin
Fungi Findings No. 8
INK CAP (Coprinellus truncorum)
AN
Seen September 2010
last Spring is here and I am eagerly watching out
At
for
soft mushrooms which pop up after rain and a few
warm days, although early Autumn is a better season
Ink Caps ‘feed’ on decaying wood but on my paddock
there
were Ink Caps amongst the grass and no sign of
buried
wood.
The caps of my Coprinellus truncorum were only 2.5
cm diameter, a pale buff with the apex a soft yellowish
brown and tiny white grainy flecks.
Interestingly the gills were at first grey then changed
quickly to black. By the next morning they had all
disappeared except for one white limp stem, with a
snail trail winding about it.
You can fairly easily identify many species of the
Coprinus genus. Their gills are crowded and turn
black. The small cap is generally conical, which later
often
spreads
out
at
the
margins.
The caps striate or grooved, they can look like a
pleated lampshade. Within a day or two they blacken
and disintegrate, self digesting, after which there is no
sign of them at all, unlike other fungi which dry and
wither. And they shed black spores.
What happens to a Spore?
Each spore (like a seed) hopefully finds a cosy place to
germinate – not too hot, too cold or too dry. It can travel far
with the help of wind, an insect, a slug or even water. When it
settles in such a spot, it grows a tube which lengthens into a
long thread, a hypha. The hypha then will branch and branch
again until the result is a network, which is now called
mycelium. If you pull apart some old damp timber, you may
see the mycelium, the living body of a fungus.
Anna Durkin Contact 49988012
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 10 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Dispatch from Laguna Public School
New Year’s greetings to all from Laguna Public School! We are ready for another year of
challenges and excitement and, after saying farewell to our Year 6 students last year, are
looking forward to getting to know our new enrolments and new school families. One of the
interesting things about teaching is that each year brings a different student dynamic, and
it is fascinating to watch the transition of junior room students to the senior room, or the
new Year 6 cohort taking on leadership roles, or the first steps (in an school sense) made
by the new Kindergarten group. These changing dynamics, to a certain extent,
necessitate a re-evaluation of teaching practices to ensure each student receives the best
education possible according to their individual strengths and needs. This is part of what
makes teaching such an enjoyable and challenging profession.
New School Sign
A reminder for new and returning school families about the parent meeting, held
between 9.30 and 12.00 on the first day back at school, Monday 31st January. This
meeting provides parents with lots of information regarding the ins and outs of
school life for 2011, and is followed by a sumptuous morning tea provided by the
Laguna P&C committee.
We look forward to the installation of our new school sign in the coming weeks.
This project has been organised and funded through our P&C committee and as
you can see by the photos, the results look terrific.
Finally, school staff and parents acknowledge with sadness the passing away of
Trevor Winn earlier this month. Trevor was a Laguna school parent, and often gave
up his time to speak to students about fire safety, the role of the Rural Fire Service
and show them around the fire shed and the fire engines. He will be missed.
Close up
Craig Howe
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 11 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 WOLLOMBI VALLEY PONY CLUB
Registration Day/Working Bee/Rally Day
Date:
Registration:
Sunday 13 February 2011
8.00am – 9.00am
Gear Check:
Where:
9.00am
Recreation Ground
Our first Pony Club day will start with Memberships & Insurance Registration from 8.00 am followed by approximately 2
hours of riding activities. We will then be having a free sausage sizzle for all riders & parent helpers & finish the day with
a meeting to vote in our new Office Bearers & allocate volunteer jobs for 2011. All are welcome, please come along
whether or not you intend to bring a horse. For more information please phone Tanya on 49988319.
Wollombi Valley Tennis Club Wollombi Valley Tennis Club is looking to run coaching in
tennis after school at 4pm on a Tuesday in a block of four
lessons with a cost of $40 for the full session.
Would prefer a group of six for a session of ½ hour to
commence late February 2011.
Enquiries:- Jan 4998 8276 or David 4998 8270. Cheers Jan Local Candidate for State Elections
When people think of the NSW State elections, they
usually think of their local member in the Legislative
Assembly. However NSW also has an Upper House,
the Legislative Council. At those same elections, 21
members will be elected to it by people all over the
state. Next March, there will be at least one familiar
name on that ballot paper – Phil Douglas of
Kulnura has decided to stand for the Upper House
as an Independent.
Sue Douglas
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 12 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Fire Permits are required for
burning off in the
Bush Fire Period
Nov - March 2011
Who do you call?
Wine Bar, Cafe + General Store Open 8 til late 7 days Your local BFB Fire Permit Officer:
Laguna
Peter Herborn 4998 8349
Paul Milgate 4998 8356
Wollombi Tony Hawkins 0419 597 011
Ian Bawden 0427 983 226
Charles Smith 4998 3440
Millfield Des Kaminsky 4998 1723
Robert Baer 02 4998 1346
Bucketty Les Stewart 4376 1368
David Finnie 02 4998 8191
If you are uncertain about which area you are in, or
for other advice, call
Cessnock Fire Control on 02 4991 1733 (ask for Ian
Bell) to arrange an inspection and fire permit.
Don’t leave it to the last moment to call. The Permit
issuers are volunteers and can take a few days to
get issued Wombat Lawncare
Eats Grass and Leaves
Call Glenn on 4998 8150 or 0419 195 501
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Ride-on mowing for large areas
Lawnmowing
Brushcutting
Weed poisoning
Owner operated Fully insured
12 years local experience
In and out, no mucking about!
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 13 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 WOLLOMBI WAS NOT A GHOST TOWN DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON!!
THE BRIDAL DISPLAY WAS a wonderful piece of fashion and personal history of many people. The
collection of bridal dresses (from 1860 to the present time) was enjoyed by all visitors to Wollombi from the
23rd December till the 9th January.
Looking around the room you wondered about all the joy and hopes and splendid events crammed into the
small ex-fire station, the beginnings of married lives, the children, the separations and divorces and the
absolute nexus of human lives at a gorgeous moment.
The show could not have been put on without the help of many wonderful Wollombi people who looked after it
each day, and the girls who helped me put the show into the fire shed and bump it out.
I would like to thank them all. I would also like to thank all the people who donated dresses and told me about
their special day. I would like to thank a special person, Michael Young, who was there
every day to open up and chat to all.
Jane Young.
CONCRETOR
TONY O’DONOHUE - Lic: R93306
SHEDS, CARPORTS, DRIVEWAYS ETC
NO JOB TOO SMALL
3 TONNE TIPPER TRUCK HIRE
PH: 4998 3307
Mob: 0417 983307
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 14 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Coal Seam Gas remains under Wollombi
AGL retains the licence to explore for Coal Seam Methane Gas in the Wollombi Valley and elsewhere in the Hunter
Valley. The focal point of their gas field development is at Broke, just 14 kms away as the crow flies, which puts
Wollombi and Laguna well within the scope of a developed gas field. AGL has purchased significant parcels of land in
and around Broke in order to begin installing production wells.
According to AGL, about 3,000 wells have so far been drilled in Queensland where currently there are plans for a further
25,000 to 40,000 wells. These wells are generally spaced at 600 metre intervals with all the associated infrastructure
such as fencing, pipelines and roads. The potential for major environmental pollution and disruption to existing amenities
and lifestyle is irrefutable.
As it stands, NSW law gives the company holding a production licence the right to enter your property to develop a gas
field regardless of whether you want them to or not. You do have the right to stop them during the exploration licence
phase, however it only takes one landholder to give them access and set the ball rolling.
You will most likely have seen the increasing media coverage of Coal Seam Methane Gas fields in other parts of
Australia and particularly in Queensland. The people there are desperately trying to halt this cancerous development by
international corporations across their country, crippling livelihoods, destroying property values, ruining health, polluting
water tables and rivers, draining the Great Artesian Basin, excising agriculture, for ever devastating this country without
heed for Australia’s future and all at the behest of our governments. Glib, empty promises of thousands of jobs and
billions of dollars fill the airwaves, but at what cost? Long after those companies have packed up their equipment and
disappeared, this country will be ruined while our political leaders will have long retired with their pensions. Who to point
the finger at then? Us.
We are privileged to be living within a democratic system, this privilege is what many of our forefathers died protecting.
With this privilege comes a mutual responsibility. It is more than simply casting our vote at each election. We have a
responsibility to make sure our elected officials, the politicians, act in our best interests. For that to happen, we have to
make sure we fully understand what is going on and demand the changes that must be made.
The internationally acclaimed film “Gasland” provides a frightening understanding of what does happen when Coal
Seam Methane Gas fields are developed. Will and Cate Sadler have very kindly agreed to show the film in their hall on
the evenings of the 29th and 30th January. This will include a presentation followed by a question and answer session.
Seats are limited and we will be asking for voluntary donations toward the cost of hiring the film.
Register your intent to attend at the Wollombi General Store or the Laguna Wine Bar.
Sean Gough
WAGE
EASTER MARKET DAY 2011
Gasland
Venue
Wollombi Dance Hall
Dates
Saturday 29th January
Sunday 30th January
Doors open 5.30pm
Seats limited
Easter Market for 2011 has been set for
EASTER SATURDAY,
Yes we are holding the Market on a SATURDAY. The decision was made in respect
for ANZAC Day which also falls on Easter Monday.
We would like to see more local stores at this market, show casing the wonderful talents of the valley. If you would like to have a stall please contact
Market Coordinator
easter-market-wollombi@live.com Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 15 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 2011 Australia Day Celebrations
Kamahl will be celebrating the 2011 Australia Day in Cessnock and will entertain the audience at the official celebrations to be held at East Cessnock Bowling Club. "It gives me great pleasure to announce we will be joined by our Australia Day Ambassador, sponsored by Woolworths Limited, the legendary Kamahl," Mayor of Cessnock, Councillor Alison Davey said. "Kamahl will be singing throughout the celebration which will be a very special treat for our audience." Kandiah Kamalesvaran AM, better known as Kamahl, is the name which, for over four decades, has identified the music and the unforgettable voice of a man who is one of the most sensational recording stars in Australian history. Kamahl arrived in Adelaide from Malaysia as a Tamil Hindu schoolboy in the winter of 1953, after a tormented childhood under Japanese occupation. Shyly, he learned to sing, from pop to the classics, inspired by other great artists such as Nat King Cole, Paul Robeson and William Warfield, all of whom he met. The story of his life, which took him from a child in the cow paddocks of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to performing for Presidents and Royalty is one of the most extraordinary adventures in show business…. His philanthropy along the way is legendary, and for it he was made a Member of the Order of Australia and given the Centenary Medal. Kamahl was made Father of The Year in 1998 and included in Variety’s Entertainers of the Century. On the centenary of the birth of Sir Donald Bradman in August 2008, Kamahl paid tribute to his friend with a catchy novelty song 'I was a mate of Don
Bradman’ and more recently in January 2009, he paid tribute to another Australian icon and a dear friend, Nancy Bird Walton, by singing at her State Funeral. “I don’t think anything gives me greater sense of worth and wellbeing than singing,” Kamahl said. “I feel good and emotionally charged when I’m singing to an audience that wants to hear what I have to share with them. That you can reach out to people and be accepted in return, is the highest reward possible in performance and life.” Starting at 9.00am on Wednesday 26 January 2011 at East Cessnock Bowling Club, the Australia Day program includes the presentation of Australia Day Awards and a naturalisation ceremony to welcome our newest Australian citizens. Entry is free and people are encouraged to arrive early as a large crowd is expected. For further information please contact the Mayor’s office on 4993 4210. Council thanks Harrigan's Irish Pub and Accommodation, Hope Estate and East Cessnock Bowling Club as the major sponsors for the event. Contributing sponsors: Cessnock Achievement Centre, Cessnock Business & Professional Women's Club, Companion Credit Union – Cessnock, KFC – Cessnock, McDonalds Family Restaurant – Cessnock, Priceline Pharmacy Cessnock – Kurri Kurri and Woolworths Limited. Notices and advertising in THE OON
If you are interested in advertising in the OON or placing notices please contact the Co-Ordinator to
assess what costs are involved. Payments for Advertising and notices are what keeps the OON
going, and we are happy to provide a rate sheet on page 17 in this issue of OON. For our regular
advertisers, invoices will be going out shortly and your prompt payment would be appreciated.
Thank You
OON Co-ordinator
OON Subscription form
I would like a 12month Subscription to OON via
Name:
□
Email ($12) or
□ Post ($35)
Renewal ?
□ Yes □ No
PH:
Postal address:
Email address:
DATE:
Post this form and a cheque payable to WVPA Inc./OON to OON Subscription C/- Wollombi General Store NSW 2325 or enclose
this form and cash in an envelope and pop into the OON box at the Laguna or Wollombi General Stores.
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 16 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Advertising Rates for OON Ads and Public Notices
Trading without money!!
What is LETS?
LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) a simple non-profit system that allows you to trade services & goods with other local
people - without money!
You provide services to other members - in return for credits to your LETS account. Use your credits to “buy” services from other
members. We have a simple system to record these transactions.
LETS philosophy
LETS is seen as a “green economics” as it encourages LOCAL trading; shifting the emphasis from profit to PERSONAL trading based on people’s ENERGY; and it helps build
COMMUNITY NETWORKS. Community’s tap into the skills and energy of local people, regardless of whether they are working or unemployed, have a degree or left school at
fifteen. It allows those with no or low incomes to participate fully.
How much does it cost?
LETS is not for profit, charges are kept to a minimum. Memberships only $10. Hunter Lets currency units are “Mollys” named after a local identity.
What can I trade?
LETS is based on the idea that we all have something to offer. You could trade unwanted goods, homegrown produce, clean houses, sew, provide accommodation, tuition,
entertainment, gardening or repairs.
How do I start trading?
Call someone, ask for their services! Doesn’t matter if your LETS account goes into debit, as long as you’re willing to provide services to members later to bring your account
back into balance. With no interest on negative balances like with dollars and it is the best way to start your trading.
Trade Days
Trade days are held throughout the Hunter. Similar to any market except no cash is used; Mollies only. Members are encouraged to attend trade days, they are a great way to
meet other members and build our community.
Next trade day is 30th October in Cessnock.
For more information http://www.auslets.org/hunter/index.htm.
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 17 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 Bryony’s Every
Dog GroomING
Try before you buy!! LOSE WEIGHT NOW ! NOBEL PRIZE WINNING DOCTOR BEHIND OUR PROGRAMS 
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Our clients never feel hungry Feel energized and revitalized Personal success coaching Results guaranteed #1 Weight Loss Co. in the world Kylie Pile from Edgeworth, lost 2 dress sizes and 12kg in just 12 weeks.
FREE SAMPLING AT WOLLOMBI GENERAL STORE JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2011 (02) 4998 3197
www.bf.sampleshapeworks.com Summer, a great time to treat your dog
at Every Dog Grooming
Bathing, drying and de-shedding treatments.
Flea Baths
Smelly Dog treatments
Bath dry and Grooming out of long haired coats
Summer Clips for all sizes and breeds and sizes
Nail cutting
Colouring for canines
Dog of the
Month
Mozart
Saturday appointments from 9.00am to 5.00pm Appointments in evenings during the week by request 4998 3129
or
0413 673 475
Wollombi Valley Home & Garden
Mr Fix-It All aspects of building & maintenance
40 yrs experience
Endorsed by your local real-estate
Ph 4998 8358
Email: john.jackson4@bigpond.com
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 18 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Calling All Garden Lovers
Wollombi Garden Group is almost 15 years old. Marcia Hoipo first
advertised in this very magazine for interested people to meet on The
Common. About 20 people turned up in the pouring rain and since
then interest in the group has grown with people coming from many
areas, including Singleton, Cessnock, Ellalong, Paxton and
surrounding areas.
There is no membership fee, no treasurer’s reports, no bus trips and
no Happy Birthdays.
Well, you may ask, what do we do?
A programme of gardens to be visited is put together for the year
ahead, so you will always know where you are going. We visit private
properties and have BYO lunch or a glass of wine then wander with
the host around their garden, while they explain the age of the
garden, the successes and failures, and the tackling of issues such as
frost, severe heat, too much or too little rain and pests etc. The
visitors may have a garden in its infancy and can then relate plant
selection for their particular area and garden. Asking questions is how
we learn and I am sure someone in the group will be able to answer
them for you.
We always have a great social day. If you would like to join us or
could offer your garden or property for the group to visit, just come
along or phone me for information.
We meet the first Monday of each month, rain, hail or shine, but not
floods.
Our first visit for 2011 is on Feb 7th at 5pm at Barbara Gourlay’s
garden at Ellalong.
All Welcome.
Sandy McIntyre 49983345
Diary & Events Crafty Yarns
10am 3rd & 5th Monday monthly. Shea’s at Wollombi,
Wollombi 500 Card Group
7pm last Monday in the month. Wollombi Tennis Clubhouse
Wollombi Tennis & Croquet & 500 Card Club
Tennis Thursdays 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am
Croquet Wednesdays & Sundays 10am
500 Card Club—Last Monday each month 7pm Tennis Club
Garden Group
1st Monday monthly. Contact Sandy McIntyre (Draper)4998
3345
Laguna Fire Brigade
4pm in winter: 5pm in summer 1st Saturday even months,
Laguna Fire Station
Laguna Market Day
9.30am-1pm. 3rd Sunday, monthly. Old Northern Trading Post,
Laguna
Laguna P&C
2pm 1st Tuesday monthly. Laguna Public School
Meditation and spiritual development class
10am Friday every week. cost $5 Phone 4998 1475 Black
Crow
Playgroup (for all kids 5 and under)
10am every Tuesday, during school term, Rec Ground,
Wollombi
Stitch ‘N Bitch
11am 1st Saturday monthly from Feb at Shea’s Cafe Wollombi
St Johns Anglican Church Services
10am 2nd and 4th Sundays, St Johns, Wollombi
St Marks Anglican Church Services
10am 1st and 3rd Sundays, St Marks, Laguna
St Michaels Church Services
Mass 6pm, on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, St
Michaels, Wollombi
Toastmasters
Every Monday 6.45pm - 9pm. Cessnock Supporters Club
Contact Black Crow 4998 1475
Theology in the Pub
4-6pm second Sunday monthly. The Trading Post, Laguna
Wollombi Cattle Sales
1pm 2nd Saturday monthly, Wollombi Sale Yards Wollombi
Chamber of Commerce
6pm 2nd Monday of the month see www.wollombivalley.com
for venue or T: 4998 3322
Wollombi Fire BrigadeTraining:
2pm, 3rd Saturday monthly, Wollombi Fire Shed Meetings:
4pm, following training in even months
Wollombi Museum
6pm summer - 5pm winter, 1st Wednesday monthly except
January, Wollombi Cultural Centre
Wollombi P&C
2.30pm last Thursday monthly. Wollombi Public School
Wollombi Tidy Valleys
lpm Winter, 4pm Summer, 2nd Tuesday monthly, Wollombi
Tennis Club rooms. Enquiries 49983227
Wollombi Valley Arts Council
2pm, 1st Sunday monthly, Wollombi Cultural Centre
Wollombi Valley Landcare
3rd Saturday even months Contact Jane Mowatt 4998 8158
Wollombi Valley Pre-school
9.45am-3.15pm, Wed & Thurs at Wollombi Community
Cottage
Wollombi Valley Pony Club
Every 3 weeks contact President Simone 4998 8214 for details
Wollombi Valley Progress Association
10am, last Saturday monthly, Wollombi Hall
Yoga Classes re-commence Saturday 29th January 2011
Tues 6.30pm & Sat 8.30am.Wollombi Hall Enquiries: Lee
Duncombe ph 4998 8170
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 19 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 ARTS NEWS - Wollombi Valley Arts Council Jan/Feb events at the Wollombi Cultural Centre WVAC's January Artist in Residence - Denis Clarke
Denis is a lecturer in drawing at the National Art School and has studied, lived, exhibited and taught art in Paris, London and
Switzerland.
His art is represented in public and private European and Australian collections including the Art Gallery of NSW, Macquarie
University and Lloyds of London.
From January 10th until Feb 6th, he'll either be out and about sourcing local subject matter or in the gallery space, with pen/
paintbrush in hand, and available to have a chat with interested passers by... or budding artists.
We hope Wollombi will make Denis very welcome at the WCC and around town during January.
Structural by HARLEY TAIT
Opening Friday 11th February, 6pm
You are invited to the Opening of Harley Tait's second Wollombi exhibition, at the Old Fire Shed Gallery, for drinks and nibbles.
Harley, a classically trained concert pianist and fine artist, has been working and exhibiting in the Lower Hunter for 16 years.
"Structural" will feature architectural, lineal and angular abstractions using pure pigment oil on linen.
The works, ranging from medium to large, are inspired by scaffolding with the hard edges softened with the use of cool tones greens, blues and purples.
Harley's exhibition will run from Sat 12th to Sunday 27th February, weekends, 10am to 4pm
2011 Adult Jewelery Saturday Workshops
Local artist, Kes Harper will be continuing her innovative jewelery workshops in 2011.
Dates are Saturdays, 10am-4pm, Feb 19th, March 12th & 19th , and April 19th.
Attend one, or all sessions, as each workshop is a complete unit.
Contact Kes on 49988556, 0400477129 or kesharper@hotmail.com
The 2011 calendar is rapidly filling so if you want to be involved this year, please contact:
WCC Cultural/Arts Booking Enquiries: Bronnie (49988347) Fiona (49983339)
Email: wvac@wollombi.org
Harley Tait
Next WVAC Meeting - 4pm Sunday 6th February 2011 at the WCC
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 20 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 21 Issue 331 ‐ Our Own News ‐ February 011 Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 22 Issue 331‐ Our Own News ‐ February 2011 Rural Legal &
Business Services
( Planwise Pty Ltd t/as - ABN 41 053 512 146)
Lawyers & Consultants
PO Box 1299 Mona Vale NSW 1660
tel: (02) 9999-6212
fax: (02) 9999-6312
email: legal@planwise.com.au
Suite 12, 90 Mona Vale Raod, Warriewood NSW 2102
211 Warrawalong Road , Paynes Crossing NSW 2325
For all your legal and business needs:- conveyancing;
leases; business contracts; asset protection;
business structures; trusts; wills and probate; notary
public services; and more
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 23