Dec `08 / Jan ` - The Blackwood Times
Transcription
Dec `08 / Jan ` - The Blackwood Times
ISSN 1836-2710 Dec ‘08/Jan ‘09 vol 1 ~ issue 4 Free to a good home Inaugural Blackwood Art Show Those who weren’t obsessed with the footie over September Grand Final Weekend were treated to the 1st Blackwood Arts Society Art Show at the Blackwood Hall. The show was opened with a gala event on the Friday night where awards were presented in 9 categories by Moorabool Mayor Di McAuliffe & BAS president/show organiser Phillipa Osborne Smith. Winners Chris Moule (left) & Callum Webb (right) with their winning entries Congratulations to all the Art Show Winners ... ACRYLIC 1st Kath Petschel, 2nd Phillipa Smith, 3rd Carol Morris, *4th Helen Cottle OILS 1st Brian Lawrence, 2nd Charles Lyle, 3rd Chris Moule, *4th Lyn Ellis WATER COLOUR 1st Tony Ryan, 2nd Helen Cottle, 3rd Jon Crawley, *4th Denise Martin PHOTOGRAPHY 1st Kris Reichel, 2nd Kris Reichel, 3rd Julian Pulma, *4th Marnie Tole SCULPTURE 1st Gordon Tait, 2nd John Fox, 3rd Greg Cassidy, *4th Greg Cassidy MIXED MEDIUM 1st Bruno Callori, 2nd Leonie Auhl, 3rd Juliette Bradley, *4th K. Maddaford PASTELS 1st Louise Otten, 2nd Helen Cottle, 3rd Louise Otten, *4th Lyn Ellis UNDER 21 1st Laura Davidson, 2nd Naomi Carr, 3rd Laura Davidson, *4th Kate Mooney UNDER 10 1st Callum Webb, 2nd Oscar McFlanagan, 3rd Justin E O Smith * Barbara Rosman Encouragement Award A new family moves into Blackwood ... read more on page17 Merry Christmas Blackwood! blaCKWOOD DIGS DEEP The Blackwood community was shocked to hear of the fire in Thompon’s Road which destroyed a Blackwoodians home in late October but it wasn’t long before a handful of volunteers met to plan a fundraiser to lend a helping hand. Donation tins were distributed to each business in town & the call went out for donations of plants & cakes for a fete. On Melbourne Cup Saturday over 100 people gathered at the Blackwood Fire Fete behind the CFA shed, proving again the community spirit is strong. Visitors to the fete were treated to live music while they enjoyed a BBQ, cake & plant stall, auction, kids games, tarot & flower essence readings. Over $2000 was raised between the donation tins & the Fete. Thanks go to the following businesses, groups & committees who contributed either cash or goods: Blackwood CFA & Special School, Blackwood General Store, Antique Merchant & Blackwood Hotel, Brian Rainford Electrical, Brian Moore Plumbing, Garden of St Erth, Blackwood Art Society, Catherine King MP & Trentham, Ballan & Daylesford Lions Clubs. Raffle tickets for a night at “Suite Blackwood” can be purchased at the General Store until mid December. Matilda Cassidy tests out the chair she won for $10 at the Fire Fete auction 2 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 editors thoughts ... What a busy couple of months it’s been - with the grand final (what will we do with our Saturday afternoons now?) & Melbourne Cup (haven’t met too many winners this year!) & in our small village our emergency services have been kept busy with a house fire, a lost bush- walker & road fatality - all sobering realities particularly with the silly season upon us. I was thrilled to, yet again, experience the empathy & kind spirit of our community at the Fire Fair - reminds me of Tom Cochranes quote ‘Very often out of adversity that’s when the best work comes.’ This issue, along with all our regular features, we have lots of dates to note - Christmas Carols, New Year Celebrations, a book launch & a new event “Blackwood Bohemia” being planned for Valentines Day. Enjoy reading the musings of a bush-basher contemplating the hidden wonders of our bush & a new ‘Sustainability’ column. I welcome articles of interest & subjects for ‘Where are they now?’, ‘Blackwoofs’ & ‘Pop the Fizz!’ - if you would like to contribute please call me on 5368 6444, email blackwood@centralvic.com.au, post c/o Blackwood PO or use the drop box out the front of the general store. Finally, I wish Blackwood a Happy Christmas & all the best for 2009. Thank-you for your support & encouragement over the year. ~ Jinny Coyle, editor Blackwood News info Blackwood News welcomes submissions from the community. If you are at a local event please take a photo or two & write a few lines the share in our community newspaper. DEADLINES for the February/March issue are Advertisers: book space by January 13 Regular features & contributors: January13 One-off Features & Items of Interest: January 15 Community Groups & Club Updates: January 15 Display Ad Artwork/content: January 18 News & Classifieds: January 20 Please email submissions, display ads & articles to blackwood@centralvic.com.au, put them in the ‘drop box’ outside the Blackwood General Store or post to c/o Blackwood PO, Blackwood 3458 2009 Advertising rate card & booking form can be downloaded from www.blackwood.centralvic.com.au Blackwood News reserves the right to edit or refuse any article or advertising. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily those of the editor. Blackwood News is produced as a community service by Jinny Coyle of FLUX New Media Solutions 9687 3744 / 5368 6444 © 2008 Jinny Coyle how’s the WEATHER been? Month & Year Rainfall (mm) Rainfall Minimum Maximum Average (mm) Temperature deg C Temperature deg C 1879-2007 September 2008 34.2 104.0 -1.4 25.3 October 2008 19.8 94.1 -1.3 27.8 Note: Rainfall data is obtained from Bureau of Meteorology data. Temperatures are personal recordings from measuring device accurate to ± 0.5 deg but its location isn’t exactly what is required for an officially recognised site. Things are indeed looking grim for Blackwood rainfall this year so we can only hope that we get decent rainfall in November and December. So far this year (Jan to Oct inclusive) we have only received 438.4mm. This is a lot worse than 2007, which was 702.1mm, and even worse than 2006 which was only 515.5mm. The long-term average (Jan to Oct inclusive) is 839.6mm so 2008 is only a whisker over half of normal rainfall. ~ Don Owen PENCIL these dates INto your 2009 diary ... Greendale Drive in Once again the Greendale Outdoor Drive-in is being planned for March 28th at Egan’s Reserve. The movie is yet to be decided however we wanted to get the date out into the community so you can “Lock it in Eddie!!”. The movie will commence at dusk. Any enquiries should be directed to Karen White 0418 109 140 or Triss O’Keefe 53 687 525 KARATE in Blackwood They’ve been doing it in Ballan for quite a while, now Blackbelt Shodan Simon Ross is bringing his karate classes to Blackwood. From Tuesday February 3rd, classes will be held from 7.30pm each week at the hall. $5 per person or $10 for a family. All ages welcome, classes will be paced to suit. BLACKWOOD NEWS with colour photos can be downloaded free from www.blackwood.centralvic.com.au & while you are there be sure to subscribe to our eList so you are the first to see new issues! ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH 8am ~1st & 3rd Sunday December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 3 Christmas Carols Trentham Lions Christmas Carols in the Park Quarry St Reserve Friday 5th December Food From 6.30pm Carols from 7.30pm A Family evening set amongst the gardens of the Quarry St Reserve in the Heart of Trentham. Carols featuring a number of fantastic local performers including Trentham Primary School, Hayden Evans, Marcie Jones, Lauren Lee Williams and more.. Plus a special visit from Santa Claus and maybe a reindeer too…… On Saturday 20th December there will be a BBQ at 5:00pm and low key carols at 6:00pm Blackwood Uniting Church. All are very welcome. Blackwood Uniting Church also offers meditation on the first Monday of the month from 5:306:30pm. Meditation offers a great opportunity to start to get real with ourselves and life! Plus across the Highlands Cluster Uniting Church there are many events coming up that you are welcome to be part of. Check out our webpage for more details: w w w. highlandsclusteruca.org.au happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear ?? happy birthday to you who’s turning 21 in December? The Mixed Bag of Christmas For some people Christmas is a time to look forward to. It can be a time to reconnect with family and friends to share in celebrating together. For others it can be a really difficult time. The pain of losing a loved one or the grief of broken dreams can be almost overwhelming in this season. For others Christmas can simply be stressful, as people struggle to try to find the extra time and money to put together a celebration that they think will be good enough. There can be so much pressure on us all to pretend we are having a fabulous time. However the irony of this is, that in the Christian stories, which are the basis of the celebration of Christmas, all of these diverse human realities are present… Whilst there is celebration in the sacred Christmas stories: a baby is born and even angels celebrate in this, there is also deep grief. This baby is born out of wedlock; Mary could have been legally put to death in her culture for this. As well, in one of the stories there is the extreme pressure of there being no room for this family amidst the busyness of events in town and they are forced to birth the new life of Jesus in a sheep shed. I am sure that this was not a tiny bit as romantic as the carols would have us believe! Celebration, grief, and stress are all part of the original story and realising this is liberating. Despite all the pressure to be ‘happy’ and to put perfect dinners together, despite all the sickly sweet Christmas cards, it would seem the God of Christian faith is actually about being real. The Christmas story confronts us with the God who enters the gritty reality of our living, and who calls us to take some time in our own lives to be real as well. There is gift in this. For here there is space for each of us to be honest, at least with ourselvesand maybe with God- about how we are really travelling. Whatever Christmas holds for you this year, I pray that you will know something of the presence of the Divine who is with us in the not so perfect realities of each of our lives and who loves us all the same. Blessings ~ Rev. Sally Douglas Highlands Cluster Uniting Church BLACKWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOLS EDUCATION CENTRE 17th ANNUAL SUPER RIDE The 17th Annual Blackwood Super Ride was wet & a few of the campers needed extra clothes but was once again a great success. 19 Victorian Special Schools were represented by 114 students & 48 staff Everyone accepted the weather by simply pitching in & challenging themselves through the hills of the Wombat State Forest – a fantastic achievement for all involved. Max Woolcock was honoured by the Centre this year when he unveiled two unique honour boards in his name. Max created both the Super Ride & the Alpine Ride – which is conducted along the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail out of Myrtleford in Northern Victoria. Two fantastic events – that have challenged thousands of students with special needs over the past 17 years. Why are the honour boards unique? They are mountain bikes. Thanks to the ingenuity of Owen Byers we have mounted 2 mountain bikes on the wall & replaced the front wheels with wooden honour boards. The motto on the honour board plaque reads:- ‘I will persist until I succeed.’ (Og Mandino)– a very appropriate motto for the riders – especially in this years weather. The Centre would like to thank the following people for their continued support – you have helped to create a successful event once again:• The Australian Defence Forces School of Catering • St John’s • Blackwood & Trentham CFA Volunteers • Victoria Police–in vehicle & on Mountain Bikes • Geoff’s Mobile Showers & Toilets • Blackwood Crown Reserve • Tim Marsh & Mary Rummery • Volunteer Marshals from Blackwood see photos of the bike ride on page 19 Max Woolcock founder of the Annual Super Bike ride 4 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 EDWARD (JOHN) HILL – DISCOVERER OF THE BLACKWOOD GOLDFIELD Edward (Ted) Hill, left, and his brother Joseph Hill who were sons of the pioneer Edward Hill at the New Sultan Mine, Simmons Reef. c.1907 - photographer, George Hill. (Photo courtesy of the late Edgar Williams) In 1854 Edward Hill, together with his mate Isaac Povey, left their home in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, bound for New South Wales. In October 1854, Hill came to Melbourne for the purpose of fitting out to prospect the Mount Blackwood Ranges, being induced to do so from reading a course of lectures which particularly mentioned that Mount Blackwood, from its geological formation, would be a likely place for gold. Hill applied to Captain Buckley at the Survey Office for permission to take a tracing of the district for the purpose of using it in prospecting that area and was allowed to do so. Hill left from Ballan with prospecting equipment, and on January 4th, 1855, Hill first found gold. Until the latter part of February, Hill persevered in prospecting about the Ranges. Hill struck gold at what was named after him, Hill’s Tent, Ballan Flat. This area became known as Red Hill, and was one of the principal camps at Blackwood. Officially, Edward (John) Hill who successfully applied for a claim as the discoverer of the Blackwood goldfield, was credited with discovering gold on the January 4th, 1855 in Blackwood and he received the £300 reward from the Government for the discovery of a new goldfield. From records obtained, John Hill was married to Hannah Cox on 24th September 1835 at Handsworth, Saint Mary’s, Staffordshire. The children of John Hill and his wife Hannah were all christened at All Saints, West Bromwich, Churchfield parish, Staffordshire, the children were - John (James)-1835, Sarah–1838, Helena–1839, John–1841, Edward-1844, Joshua-1846, Joseph-1848. On March 12th, 1891 the Bacchus Marsh Express reported the ‘death at Simmons Reef of Mr. E. Hill, the discoverer of the Mount Blackwood Goldfield, who subsequently successfully claimed a £300 reward for its discovery. A goodly number of people were said to have followed his remains to their last resting place in the Blackwood cemetery. Mr. Dredge, the Wesleyan minister, conducted the funeral service and gave a lengthy and stirring address to the assembled on the life of the pioneer.’ On obtaining a copy of Hill’s death certificate, it states his name was John Hill but from records he went under the name of Edward Hill. He died age 78 years of Simmons Reef Hill’s descendants remained in Blackwood and were still mining in the area until the early 1900’s. The last of the mining Hill’s, Charlie Hill, died in 1976 aged 85 years. The Cann’s, Matheson’s, Williams’ and Skinner families of Tudor Roses Timeless Threads Fabric, Threads, Haberdashery, Kits, Quilting & hand-dyed fabrics 41 Park Street, Trentham. 3458 Studio open most Fridays’ & Saturdays’ and anytime by appointment, please call Tamara on 54241 475: Mobile 0429 339600 Blackwood are related to Edward Hill. To mark the significance of Edward (John) Hill as being the discoverer of the Blackwood Goldfield, Phillip Skinner, a member of the Blackwood and District Historical Society, and who is also related to Edward Hill, has recently put a headstone with a memorial marker on Edward Hill’s grave in the Blackwood Cemetery. © A monument near where Edward Hill first found gold has been erected by the Moorabool Shire Council and can to be seen to the right at te top of the car park before the Sports Ground, at Simmons Reef, Blackwood. The monument sign says – ‘Edward Hill – the discoverer of the Blackwood Goldfield first struck gold on January 4th 1855. He died in 1891 at Simmons Reef.’ Ballan Shire - Historical Marker - Erected for the Bi-centenary year 1788-1988 ~ Researched by Margot Hitchcock, Historian, for the Blackwood & District Historical Society. Oct. 2008 The new headstone on the grave of Edward Hill. The marker is in front of Rogers Vault. photo courtesy of Margot Hitchcock Bullarto Primary School “Where the forest meets the school and the children meet the future” Currently accepting enrolments for 2009 academic year. Make an appointment for a tour of our beautiful school and meet teachers and students by phoning principal Sue Beel on 53485559 business cards | logos | stationary | web design | dvds cds invitations | brochures | pricelists | menus | html emails signage | branding | stationary | booklets | newsletters | labels FLUX New Media Solutions ph 03 9687 3744 or 03 5368 6444 www.fluxnewmedia.com.au December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 5 Blackwood Social alBum ... Mike Allen auctioning at the Fire Fair Trentham artist Carol Morris with her favorite work in her October exhibition at Lerdies Celebrating Melbourne Cup at the Blackwood Hotel 2008 Ronnies Relics play the current team - photo courtesy JOC The Myrniong Primary School is an extremely busy place at the moment. The students are enjoying an action packed term full of interesting activities. After school care is now offered at the Myrniong School. Many parents are taking advantage of the new facility by being able to have their children cared for before and after school operating hours. Sharon and Liz welcome any other children who require supervision between 6:30am and 9:00am in the morning and 3:30pm and 6:00pm in the afternoon. We are excited to have the 2009 preps visiting the school every Friday morning this term to prepare them for entering school life next year. The children enjoy visiting Mrs Van and learning about school life. If there are any prep students for the 2009 year who have not enrolled at a school, please feel free to visit the MyrnIong PrIMary School Myrniong School. We welcome any new enrolments. The Myrniong Primary School is again pleased to be a participant of the ‘Getting Dirty’ program where students are encouraged to partake in outdoor activities. This is a great example of our school being part of a community program where both the school and the community benefit. As the weather improves, we are taking the opportunity to start our walking club. Every lunch time, students are encouraged to walk laps of the Myrniong Nature Reserve oval for 20 minutes. Over 30 students regularly participate and their laps are recorded to The Myrniong Primary School Bush Dance is to be held on Friday the 21st of November at the Myrniong Hall. All proceeds will go towards the Myrniong Primary School. Information about the event is available at the school office. Over 150 students have completed this year’s swimming program at Melton Waves. Myrniong Primary School teacher Mr Greg Kitchen was rapt so many children had enrolled. Melton Waves said our school is always on eof the best behaved and organised schools they deal with. Leading up to the Melbourne Cup, Myrniong Primary School has our own Myrniong Cup. Students and teacher get into the festive spirit by dressing for the races. Highlights of the day include a fashion parade and the running of the Myrniong Cup where teachers are given horse names and compete in a very competitive and fun filled race. This year’s winner was Miss Lewis. ~ Cameron Crilly, Myrniong Primary School weddings, parties, anything! hire the Blackwood Hall kitchen, stage, meeting room very reasonable rates phone 5368 6551 a blackwood news community service notice Blackwood Art Show Gala Night 6 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 Community Group Updates BLACKWOOD SENIOR CITIZEN’S CENTRE INC. Hello once again from the Blackwood Senior Cits - our last report for 2008! It’s hard to believe that Xmas is only a few weeks away - they say the older you get, the faster time goes - I really believe that this time! We were delighted to be informed that the club has been awarded a $5000 council grant, so it will not be very long & we will have a PA system in the hall - not only for our own use but it will benefit the whole community. We thank Manda McDermott (council) for her assistance in enabling us to be successful with this project. Greg Byrne (Rawleighs Products) attended the club, enjoyed lunch & then had quite a lot of his products on display - the members had quite a buy up, so Greg had a profitable day. Good to have these well known items in our medicine cupboards. The club held our Annual Garage Sale in the secretary’s back yard on the long weekend in November - the weather was kind to us & with a lot of people in town we raised a nice sum of money - I thank Fred Moore & Jenny Darwen for their assistance on that day & another thank-you to Brian Moore for his continuing help when we have any problems up at the hall & he gives his time usually free of charge. We can’t forget Lou (our ranger) for his readiness to be of assistance at any time - his promptness at removal of any garbage & any little odd job - I know I only have to call Lou & he will be there! How fortunate we are to live in a community like this - & what would we do without Betty Dwyss, she is one of our oldest members but she is the first one in the kitchen after afternoon tea - washing up & tidying the kitchen - thanks Betty. After being in touch with Dot Williams we were sorry to hear that her treatment is not going well - we are all praying that all will be well & that she will be back cooking for us in the New Year. In the meantime Kerryn Whiffen is filling in & doing an excellent job. Our Xmas dinner will be held on Dec 10 (enquiries Barb Sweet 5368 6551) then we have a 5 week break to resume again in the New Year. At the closure of this report I would like to thank our club members for their generosity & support over the last 12 months, it has made my position as secretary very rewarding to be surrounded by such great people week after week. No more news for now but I wish everyone a Merry Xmas & a happy & safe New Year. ~ Barbara Sweet, (Hon) secretary BLACKWOOD CROWN LANDS COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT Over the winter period we have been working on the re-design of the caravan park to allow better access for caravans. Thankyou to Lou who worked hard to get it back to normal & to Owen Byers & Darren Sweet for doing the grates. The hall is about to have a kitchen upgrade as a new rangehood & cupboard doors were requested by the Health Inspector on a visit to Senior Citizens. These jobs will be done thanks to Brian Rainford & Steve Empey. A great job by Brendan, our ‘grants organiser’ who got a grant of $8850 for the Caravan Park to help out with our account of $17,000. On a sad note, condolences from all the members of Crown Reserves to our Treasurer on the sad loss of his lovely wife Jackie. From all at Crown Reserves, may we wish everyone a Happy Christmas, a great holiday & safe travel. ~ Elizabeth Hall, secretary BLACKWOOD PROGRESS ASSOCIATION no report this issue BLACKWOOD & DISTRICT COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) no report this issue BLACKWOOD RURAL FIRE BRIGADE Welcome to another long hot summer. The 2008-2009 fire danger period officially started on 17 November 2008. This summer is expected to be a difficult one as the bush is already tinder dry due to lower than average rainfall in October and November and higher than average spring temperatures. This means that whilst DSE has conducted several burns around the perimeter of Blackwood over the last two years, risks to our town will remain high and all residents are urged to exercise extreme caution in any activity that could cause an ignition. Please be aware of the following fire restrictions that will remain in force through to April 2009: • During the fire danger period, all fires including incinerators are prohibited in the open air without a permit. • Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit but must be lit in a constructed fireplace taking into consideration wind and clearance perimeters and the fire must be supervised at all times. In the interest of general community safety, Blackwood Brigade is adopting a zero tolerance policy and the police will be called to any fire lit without a permit. Please note that penalties for illegally lit fires are severe. Moorobool Council permits can be obtained by calling 5366 7100 and further information on the fire danger period is available on the web at www.cfa.vic.gov.au. The Brigade has had several callouts in the past weeks, including numerous out of control or unreported burn offs, a completely destroyed home in Thompsons Rd and a fatal motor accident. The Brigade also stewarded a meeting between members from Blackwood, Greendale & Trentham, CFA Region 15 and DSE to discuss manning of towers in the fire district. DSE advised that no decision has been made yet to close any towers in the district, but that manning levels will remain the same as last season so Blue Mount will again be unmanned. DSE are exploring other options such as aerial reconnaissance and will engage CFA in ongoing discussions on the matter. Whilst the key community focus as we head into summer is on bush fire risks, it is worthwhile making a timely reminder to install and maintain smoke detectors in your homes. If you have not already done so, please check and/or replace your batteries. Remember, smoke detectors must be in working order to save lives. As we head into the festive season, the Brigade would like to thank all the community for its support during the year and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Interested in joining CFA? Please contact Captain Ian Stewart or Secretary James Hadwen at the station any Sunday during the fire danger period. ~ James Hadwen BLACKWOOD DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY At Blackwood District Historical Society’s Annual General Meeting in November, President Allan Hall’s introductory sentence “We have completed a busy year with only fifteen members”, succinctly depicts the aims, team work, commitment and achievements of these very dedicated people. At our Open Day on Sun Nov 2, we welcomed a steady flow of visitors who came to see our display or purchase publications such as “Some History of Simmons Reef” @ $13, our first publication, “The Story of Blackwood” @$4 & “Aspects of Early Blackwood” @$13. Conversely, some visitors were advising us of other history we should publish. December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 7 Except for New Year, our meetings are held on the 1st Sat of each month from 10.30am until 12.30pm. when our publications are on sale. Our annual membership fee is $10. New members are welcome. Enquiries 03) 5368 6678 ~ Pat.Liffman, secretary Correction from Frances Dillon to Margot Hitchcock - re ‘History of the Early Blackwood Post Office’ Blackwood News vol 1.issue 2 p4 The date of the Post Office moving into the general store is wrong - the date should be 1938 as the Post Office moved into the general store in 1938 after Mum (Nell Matheson) had stopped running it at Mrs. Collins’ house next to the General Store- not in the 1950’s as was in the article - Mrs Collins’ house burnt down in the 1950’s. LANDCARE October rainfall at Barry’s Reef: 13 mms. Rainfall at Barry’s Reef to November 14: 36 mms. Moorafest: If only to admire Ian Hunter’s “Welcome to Country”, Moorabool Shire’s Moorafest is always worth a visit. Moorafest 2008, sited in the educational environs of Ecolinc, Labilliere Street, Bacchus Marsh, with programs for visitors of all ages, especially “for the kids”, was absolutely brilliant. Weeds: In 2005, rural councils informed Victoria’s State Government that they could no longer afford to manage weed eradication on Council roads. October 2007, Agriculture Minister, Joe Helper announced that his Department of Primary Industry would take control of weed and pest funding in Victoria. With the Department of Primary Industry’s announcement to fund gorse control in priority areas selected by DPI and only a small section of Moorabool in a priority area, Council is now applying for a grant. Vic. Roads assumed management of the Greendale/Trentham road and its road reserves in 2005. In late November we toured the area with road manager, Frank Carland, showing him large areas of weed infested land abutting the road reserve and Hepburn’s massive display of English Broom which is spreading south towards Blackwood. ~ Pat Liffman, Secretary BLACKWOOD CEMETERY TRUST Thank you guys that attended the “Blackwood Cemetery WorkingBee” on Saturday the 15th of November - a great job was done by all. It looks fantastic - a community to be proud of. Also a couple of others that attended beforehand - they know who they are. ~ Lorraine Costa blackwood club updates BLACKWOOD JUNIOR CRICKET CLUB The 2008/09 Junior Cricket Season started well with Blackwood making 5-177 against Coomoora 4-213 at home. 7 batmen faced their full 20 balls - Daniel Bridgman (Captain) /24, Benny Whitehouse/23, Sam Matheson, Morgan Cann/21, Mitch Unstad & William Whitehouse, Corey White/21. The following week saw Blackwood put on ane of the best bowling efforts I have seen in my 7 years as coach, although it wasn’t enough to get us a win, I am looking forward to seeing how the team develops over the coming season. Kelly Matheson-Miller (Vice Captain) threw down a terrific runout & a great catch at mid on. Danieal Bridgman took 2 wickets & along with his 24 with the bat is my pick for player of the match. I would like to welcome 5 1st year players to our club - Jacob Norman, Benny Whitehouse, William Whitehouse, Corey White & Sarah Bryant. We strongly encourage & welcome any other kids aged 9-14 to come along & have a go. Please come down & support the kids when we have home games on Wednesday nights, buy a hot dog from our Barbie Girls Sam & Kath or even offer a small sponsorship to the club, any support to the only kids sports club in town is welcome. ~ Steve Hammond (coach) 5368 6794/0429 686 794 & Daryl Birdgeman (Asst Coach) BLACKWOOD CRICKET CLUB Already into round 6 of the Daylesford District Cricket Association season sees Blackwood cricketers sitting on top of the ladder with only the one loss for the season so far. With good team commitment we have had 3 wins chasing big totals (2 against last season grand finalists Hepburn and Korweinguboora) with many players doing well at this early stage of the season. A good win in the first game against Trentham after we were bowled out for 112, saw our bowlers respond with the Salmon brothers Dave and Alan and local legend Scott Unstad dismissing the opposition for 66 to get the side off to a winning start. A disappointing loss to Daylesford Colts by 16 runs followed in the second round with young Dez Hepburn leading the way with a knock of 55 not out not quite getting us over the line. Good efforts to Steve O’Brien, Dez Hepburn, Rob Whan, Darren Woodward, Alan Salmon and Brett Sullivan with the bat has seen us chase down good scores to enable us to win the last 3 games. Our next game at home will be against Newlyn on the 10th January in a one day game, so come down to support your team and cheers us on. Our Bar Bonanza 2008 Raffle draw is scheduled for the 20th of December, tickets available @ Blackwood Hotel and Lerdies................. ~ Steve O’Brien BLACKWOOD ARTS SOCIETY Inc ART SHOW UPDATE: The “Peoples Choice” was a tie between Helen Hunter & Justin Osborn Smith, both having two votes. (Justin’s father, grandfather & myself did not vote) After all running costs were paid there was approximately $1,000 left. The Blackwood Arts Society will hold back some moneys for Hall hire at the next event which will hopefully be a Craft Fair coinciding with the Wood Chopping carnival during the Easter Weekend ‘09. The rest will be divided between the CFA & CERT. I would especially like to mention the donation by Bacchus Marsh resident, Harold Rudd, of a painting by artist Loraine White, a political artist of the 1970s & 1980s who worked at RMIT as a fashion Designer for many years. After researching to establish its market value I will make arrangements to have it auctioned at a reputable Art House. Also donated were 12 Black & White photos of Melbourne in the ‘80s, by Mr. Rudd. I would like thank all those who volunteered their time especially Judy, Charles & Leslie Batcheler for manning the door over the weekend; Lou Callow for all her time & expertise in judging & hanging the art work; Marie & Norm Barr who helped put this event together; Doreen Dalrymple & Ray for filling in for me when I was occupied else where during setup; Genevieve Messenger for helping me with my speech & suppling the sound equipment on short notice. My deepest gratitude to all those who participated over the the weekend. Hope to have you on board next year. I would like to thank the judges who gave their time & support: Sue Jones, Arts coordinator for the Moorabool Shire Council & Hepburn Shire Council; Chris Moule who organised the Sutton Grange art exhibition in June this year; Tor Roxburgh who runs the Ominbus Gallery in Ballan; Lou Callow, Wombat Regional Arts society; Helen McRae of Jargon in Trentham Thankyou to the SPONSORS & their generous prize donations: Blackwood Hotel, Blackwood General Store, Erica Bear, Doreen Dalrumple Celebrant services & Arbonne, Marni Tole photographic services, Mr. Clem Mooney, St Annes Winery, Wombat regional Art Society ~ Ms Phillipa Osborn Smith President BASinc 8 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 The GARDEN of ST ERTH open 7 DAYS a WEEK Garden & Nursery 9am - 5pm Cafe 10am-4pm Fri, Sat, Sun Membership & gift vouchers available for information call St Erth on (03) 5368 6514 or visit our website www.diggers.com.au WANTED ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES cash paid on the spot ANTIQUE RESTORATIONS & REPAIRS a specialty contact PAUL 5368 6365 BLACKWOOD POST OFFICE hours (from 3 Nov ‘08) Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm Sat 10am-11am LITTLE STEPS TO SUSTAINABLE SELF SUFFICIENCY Regardless of the size of your piece of land, you can utilise it to provide you most of what you need. Apart from a few obvious exceptions; electronic items, some clothes and some foods. Sustainability is not just saving water or power, or catching public transport instead of taking the car; quite simply it is living your life ‘at one’ with nature instead of dominating and destroying it, leaving as small a footprint from your life on the planet as possible! There are 5 especially important things to consider: Water capture is the most significant as all living organisms depend on it for life. Humans are also in fact 70% water content! Food Production is needed as much as water, all organisms depend on a certain type of food source. What really is the cost of our food? Not just in dollars and cents, but to the environment? Think about it... how fresh really is your food? Waste management is crucial. We all produce waste, rubbish, sewage and emissions from most daily activities in our lives. It all has to go somewhere. The less we produce the better, but if waste must be produced, it can be minimalised, recycled or reused many times over before being trucked off and dumped. In fact water can be treated reused, treated, reused, treated..... Poisons just do not make any sense. They affect the land, pollute our waterways, kill our wildlife and are not good for human health, yet we use them on our food crops, our gardens, our bodies and on most surfaces in the home! There are many chemical free products available. Some natural products are so strong that if ingested are poisonous also; however if used in the correct manner are gifts from Mother Nature! One of the easiest ways to incorporate sustainability into your home life, is think about the affects of your actions, something as simple as turning off your computer screen can really help reduce the need for power, which means less dirty black coal is burnt therefore less emissions released which affect the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. ~ Go Natural Go Native: Kelly IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY always ring 000 & ask for an ambulance BLACKWOOD CERT will be activated automatically. Economic Security Strategy The Rudd Government is easing the financial strain for Moorabool families, pensioners and carers just in time for Christmas with the $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy. The Government is taking early action to protect our economy from the global financial crisis. Our economy is sound, but we are not immune from the global slow down. That’s why we are acting promptly. The Strategy includes: • $1,400 for single pensioners and $2,100 for couples, including Age pensioners, Carer payment recipients, Veterans’ pensioners, Disability Support Pension recipients and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. • $1,000 for people receiving the Carer Allowance. • $1,000 for each eligible child of families who receive Family Tax Benefit A. • First home owners grants of up to $21,000 (State Government bonuses additional). • Funding for 56,000 new training places. Payments to pensioners, carers and families will be deposited from 8 December 2008. You do not need to contact Centrelink to receive the payments. For more information, please contact Catherine King’s office on 1300 131 743. December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 9 No Gardener is an Island I try not to put too much stock in stereotypes – especially when it comes to the sexes – but I tidied up the reading material in our smallest room the other day and could not deny the gender divide evidence. It was there in hardcover and glossy mags: Tim: Columbus Bicycle Tubing Catalogue, Clarkson on Cars, Factory Hub Catalogue of Plant and Equipment, the Carba-Tec Catalogue, Ceeway Framebuilding Parts Catalogue and Ride Magazine, Me: five issues of Gardens Illustrated, Rhododendrons and Azaleas for Australian Gardens, The Colour Guide to Perennials, Delicious Magazine, Essential Recipes for the Picnic Hamper and, perhaps a little ironically, Conversation – a History of a Declining Art. Of course Tim and I converse about many topics other than bicycle building and flowering perennials – I just can’t think of any right now. What is wonderful about our respective interests is that neither of us can point the finger at the other and claim neglect. We each have our obsessions. In fact we support one another’s obsessions. It is because of Tim that my garden project has recently taken a massive leap forward. Six raised beds went into the kitchen garden a month ago with the help of Tim, his family and our friends. I may have helped build those beds but I didn’t cut all the wood to length. I certainly didn’t pre-drill the 144 holes required for coach screwing them together and I definitely didn’t angle grind off all the sticking out bits of screws once they were in. I can and have used an angle grinder on many an occasion – but that’s not the point. Things are better sometimes with help. Expert help is ideal. I don’t know many people who garden in isolation. Most gardeners enjoy some solitary time tending their plants and soil – but the social aspect of gardening is undeniable, particularly when it comes to expertise. I had the distinct pleasure last week of attending the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens. The thing that struck me most strongly about that experience was how generous the gardeners were with their knowledge. The most beautiful garden I visited during the festival was called Rosebank. Its creators and custodians are two gentlemen whose grace and genial good humour I tested by arriving in advance of opening hours with the bright eyed and bushy-tailed enthusiasm of someone whose baby woke them up hours ago and has never owned a watch. Peter Morris and Barry Heaysman answered all of my questions and guided me through their half-acre garden, which they have planted from scratch over the past eight years. Rosebank is a masterpiece not least because it makes what must have been some hundreds of hours of work look effortless – plantings of its namesake roses, flowering perennials, bearded irises, saucer-sized poppies, cottage plants and clematis all mingle and twine without any jarring clashes of colour or competition for attention. Flowers such as clematis Warsaw Nike, in royal purple, Rose Tatjiana – a red red that is almost holographic, and a double blue iris, ‘Richard’s Song’, provide notes of opulence. The plantings are dense – there is nothing stingy or sparse about this garden. The beds are packed with specimens, yet I was left with the impression that, like my Sunday School teacher told me, the benevolent creator (in this case, creators) know and love every one. I left much enriched by the talk as much by the garden itself and with a little cutting from a wonderful yellow bobble-headed daisy, which I cheekily requested and my hosts graciously proffered. This is just one of the wonderful encounters I have had this season: a pleasurable conversation at the Plant-Lovers Fair in Mt. Macedon resulted in the gift of twelve large pure strain Hellebores that I have planted into the bed outside my kitchen window, Our community of gardeners contributed beautiful plants to my stall at the fundraiser for a Blackwoodian whose home was lost to fire, My local ‘egg lady’ just gave me cuttings from a wonderful and thus-far nameless little spiky plant for my gravel garden. I feel that as a gardener I really am part of an extraordinary and generous community. Now I’m head down, bum up again with solitary weeding and books about borders– but much inspired, occasionally assisted and never really on my own. ~ Heather Marsh A coo-ee from the bush ... from the diaries of a foot slogging, bush bashing, orchid stalker OCTOBER & the bush is alive & well despite the lack of rain. It’s taken me 3 years but I’ve finally found that the little brown ground orchid that I remember from my childhood. It’s still to be found there in the bush & bloomin’ beautiful! Much to my surprise I’ve found other little orchids pink/white (& nameless) as well as a couple of green hooded orchids - which I didn’t know grew here. Anther new discovery for me was a patch of purple in a shaded little valley - Austal Indigo (Indigofera australis). This is an open shrub about a metre tall (covered in pink/lilac ‘pea’ flowers like the Happy Wanderer. Well, most of them were that colour but I did find one that the reference book didn’t know about - white; could it be a new sub-species - Indigifera australis blackwoodii dizzy? It is a delight to me to once again be able to access the “race” & river banks after the extensive spraying of the environmental weeds - thanks to the guys at Melbourne Water & Western Land Services in Melton. Underneath the blackberries & struggling for survival has been the most amazing array of ferns which are visible again. Yes, delicate maiden hair fern does grow wild here, in the shade amongst the moss. Also delicately waving in the wind are the first flowers of the blue Dianella. As a child I was taught that if the blue flowers were out, so were the snakes. Other childhood memories were revived with finding “belly-button” flowers; milk maids & egg & bacon flowers in bloom. So catch a memory, pull on your boots, get off your butts get off the tracks & get into the bush. Go & see what is in our beautiful part of the world... & if you perchance to see a white haired old biddy with 2 sticks, wandering around or sliding down some isolated hillside - just smile & give me a coo-ee! An invitation to share - the Lerdederg Come where the ferns & mosses grow Where the pristine Lerdederg murmers low The cool green glades are a fairy dell So come with me & sit a spell. Come to where cool breezes blow Through tall white gums that too & fro; Where flowers bloom & scent the air For a moment in time & without a care Enjoy the peace - today so rare To the bank where the Lerdederg flows ~ “Dizzy” October ‘08 in my opinion ... Extended Warranty Doesn’t Extend Here Many products are offering warranties extended up to 5 years on white goods these days. There of no value to rural customers though, because you still get billed for the travel of the repairer. If it can’t be fixed on sight you must incur the cost of delivering the item to the repair shop. Imagine a little old lady living in Blackwood having to shell out hundreds of dollars to have a removalist transport her dud fridge to Melbourne. Sorry greenies but I’m going to buy cheap and bin it at the first fault. ~ The Beak (name supplied) PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED! Can you help Blackwood News by taking photos of events in the area? please call Jinny on 5368 6444 if you can. 10 Blackwood News Tree Challenge: December 2008 - January 2009 thE InhErItEd gardEn Snakes? Did someone say snakes? It’s not because it’s spring is it? I’ve noticed some snakey types. No, not those types, you say – REAL Snakes. C’mon, real snakes in the country? You mean you can’t move to the country and have a snake free and spider free life? What about Aerogard? Doesn’t that work? Oh you mean it guards against aeroplanes or a possible air raid. Hmmmm…What about Mortein? “Oh that’s for flies.” Any way what would the Dalai Lama say, in his philosophy, killing an ant is not such good karma. I’m in trouble! So it’s Springtime and the sap is rising, people and creatures are coming out of hibernation and everyone’s wanting to stake their territory. For me that means cleaning out my garden. It was a bit overgrown like my hair cut and hairy legs, so it all needed a bit of cutting back. The Blackwood women were the ones that helped, I mentioned my grass needed mowing and whipper snipping. Out they came with their chainsaws, whips and mowers. I was in awe, I was still learning how to use the clippers! Would I ever fit in?? Jeez I wouldn’t want to mess around with these women, if their partners were the head of the family, they were the neck for sure! What started out as a lawn mow finished up to be a complete strip! Of all the unwanted branches that is. With a few local friends I managed to cull so many branches I felt like I was the CEO of ANZ! So now the dollar’s going down and food is going up, it only makes sense to look to my yard as a possible source of vegies and fruit. I got so excited when I discovered herbs. I said to my friend “look there’s some parsley!” She said straight faced, “It’s Oregano, Gen, you’ll get there.” Then I pointed out all the beautiful rose bushes once hidden under, an excess of twigs and leaves. At least I knew what plant that was! But isn’t Blackwood Beautiful in the Spring! All the color and friendly smiles, champa’s and cups of tea. I got my hands dirty, kept my mind clean, and got rid of all the dead wood. It felt so therapeutic, I didn’t have to see my therapist that week! Wow talk about gardening as a metaphor for getting rid of the unwanted weeds in your life. I’m hooked. For four days with a friend we went hammer and tongs, with spades and saws. Amazing. I was about to step out today but my neighbour knocked on my door. “Gen,” she said, “Just thought I’d tell you a black snake went under the house a couple of days ago, I nearly bloody well stepped on it!” Snakes? Did someone say Snakes? ~ By Genevieve Messenger two VoluntEErS In thE SoloMonS Ted Walker wrote this account of the time he & his wife, Kay, spent as Aussie Volunteer English teachers in the Solomon Islands, whilst living in Blackwood about 4 years ago. They taught in a very remote jungle boarding school on the small island of Makira. The book is an account of their lifestyle there and the many wonderful cultural experiences they encountered. There are descriptions of being cut off from the outside world for up to four months at a time. Their lives there were also greatly affected by the tropical weather – having 3 wide, frequently flooded, crocodile infested rivers to ford, to shop. The book tells of many adventurous canoe travels to outer islands and to a very remote volcano. Their students came in from many different islands all over the Solomons, often not seeing their families for months or even years because of travel logistics in the islands. The people were extremely poor and suffered frequently from malaria. The book tells of setting up a clinic to assist the students and local villagers. It is also an account of the couples return to Blackwood for their son Mark’s funeral. One chapter “Mark’s Legacy” is a tribute to friends who gathered container loads of clothing and books for the students and village people, in memory of Mark. This has continued over the past ten years. These days Ted & Kay are enjoying their seachange at Drysdale. The milder climate is easier for Ted’s arthritis – their decision for leaving Blackwood. Having spent 40 happy years in their home at Blackwood (serving 25 years on various committees, setting up the Blackwood Rescue Relief Committee and the Devonshire Tea rooms etc.) it still retains a large slice of our hearts. ~ Kay and Ted Walker ‘Two Volunteers in the Solomons’ will be officially launched at 2pm on Saturday December 13th at the Clifton Hills Golf Club, Clearwater Drive, Clifton Springs RSVP by 26th November, 2008 phone 03-52532509. ValEntInES day “Blackwood BohEMIa” On Valentines Day (Sat Feb 14, 2009) Moorabool Shire Council - Youth Services are planning “Blackwood Bohemia” at the Blackwood Rec Reserve. This will be a follow on event from “Bonfire Bohemia” at Mt Egerton in October this year. Given the time of year no bonfire will be at the Blackwood event. “Blackwood Bohemia” will be a youth focussed, alcohol free, family friendly event starting at about 5pm until around 9pm. Ross Macdonald, the Moorabool Shire Council Youth Worker, is keen to hear from Blackwood young people and other interested locals who wish to perform ... eg- band, dancing, painting etc. He is also keen to hear from locals wishing to sell food and non-alcoholic drinks. Dennis and Donna (Blackwood General Store) have already expressed some interest in this regard. “Blackwood Bohemia” aims to engage young people in small towns throughout Moorabool Shire and in doing so, find out what the local youth issues are. The event also acts as a positive form of entertainment/ recreation for all Blackwoodians and people in the surrounding region. For all queries/suggestions please call Ross Macdonald on 5366 7100 on Mondays and Tuesdays when Ross is based at the Ballan Hospital - feel free to drop in and see him to have a chat about this exciting upcoming Blackwood event, or email him at rmacdonald@moorabool.vic.gov.au lIonS cluB Monthly dancE PrograM. Old Time Dancing is held on 2nd Friday each month in the Trentham Mechanics Hall. Dances start at 7.30pm. Admission is $8 per person, including supper and a door prize draw. Music is provided by the “Rythmaires”. Each alternate dance is held in aid of the Trentham Historical Society. Dates for the first few dances 2009 are: • Dec 12th Charity Dance – in aid of Children with Leukemia Fund. • Jan 9th • Feb 13th • Mar 13th December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 11 Dear Pet Guru, A friend, knowing of my fondness for animals, sent me a pet. From the drawing you can see that it looks just like a large, three-handled feather duster. from Stumped, simmons Reef What your friend sent you is an ostrich with its head buried in a bucket of sand. Remove the bucket & your new pet will assume a more ornithological aspect. However, I should steer clear of your friend with the warped sense of humour lest he present you with a crocodileskin briefcase which bites. - Pet Guru Silly old Wally Louise Zanon married Ben Leong on the 6th of November this year. Louise represents the third generation of her family to be married at the Blackwood Uniting Church. Historically all three bridal parties have repaired to the family home (Blackwood House) for refreshments. In 1936 Louise’s grandparents, Nancy Terrill & Mark Walker were married. In 1976, exactly 40 years later, Mark returned to give away his daughter Robyn to Wally. Leg in plaster, Dad limped down the aisle, having recently dropped a large water pump on his foot. Deja Vu all over again: as the recent wedding loomed, Wally toppled off a ladder whilst painting & broke his left arm. The plaster was not due to come off until after the wedding. Unfortunately, Wally’s suit hire blokes, who have no respect for a good story, told him that there was no way that he would get his plastered arm into one of their sleeves. So the cast had a premature departure & the beautiful symmetry of this family’s history was broken. A note to young husband Ben Leong - you will not be obliged by family tradition to be plastered at your daughters wedding. where are they now? George Spencer grew up in Blackwood from the age of two, with his uncle and aunt, Frank and Eileen (Pansy) Dusting. He went to school here, and left in 1949, at the age of twelve. He came back to Blackwood in 1954, and worked at Melrose and Guppy sawmills, General Store butcher shop and post office. He married Sandra Skinner in 1961, and moved to Melbourne. They had three children, and now live in Tewantin, Queensland. The photo of George was taken at the Blackwood Hall in 1958 – celebrating George’s 21st, Jan Matheson’s engagement to Max Brown, and the 55th wedding anniversary of Ted and Grace Cann. Behind George is Henry Matheson and Allan Skinner (Sandra’s father).Sandra at 17 (right), and as we are now (top), celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary. DO you know someone who has had a history in Blackwood and you would like to see featured in ‘where are they now?’ POP a photo & a brief ‘then & now’ bio into the ‘drop box’ outside the general store or email to blackwood@centralvic.com.au 43a High Street Trentham 3458 5424 1000 • full prescription service & advice • photo processing $7.95 for 24 prints • Natural Health • Animal Health • Gifts & Perfume • Natio Cosmetics • Natural Instinct Range (petro-chemical free) FABULOUS GIFTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY We wish you all a healthy and happy Xmas... Ellen Kemp, B. Pharm., M.P.S., ND Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm • Sat 9.15am-12.15pm 7 8 MEDITATION: Uniting Church 9 2 Matthew Laux Peter Olivieri Sommer Hamling 4 thursday 5 6 saturday Lions Carols in the Park Darley Market TRENTHAM Ballan Lions Club Market Mrs Jackson Daylesford Farmers Market Amanda Haack T/tham Community Market Kevin O’Neill friday Senior Cits Xmas Lunch Trentham Lions Old Time Dancing Amanda Jowett Nancy Walker full moon C. Geelong Farmers Market 10 11 12 13 3 Eva Collis wednesday Ted Walker Joseph Matheson Isabell O’Neill United Church BBQ Christmas Carols term 4 ends Buninyong Farmers Market Jack Francis Allan Salmon Dave Evans Antoine Staub Tabetha Henry (18th) Dennis Kied Max Matheson Daylesford Market Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church Spirituality in the Bush Trentham Market Marty Matheson Sam Whitehouse Jacky Rees 28 29 30 31 Daylesford Market Trentham Market Ballarat Lakeside Market Talbot Farmers Market Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church christmas day new moon Lancefield Farmers Market George Stockdale Have we missed your birthday? Do you know of an event we should list? Please email us or pop the details in the DROP BOX at the General Store. boxing day 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Daylesford Market All Saints Church Service Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Daylesford Market Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church Mick Healey 1 Milly Press 1st day of summer monday tuesday december sunday 5 MEDITATION: Uniting Church Kathryn Brown monday 6 Mark DePolo tuesday 7 Jake Haack wednesday 1 8 Kathryn Jowett Erin Bridson thursday 9 2 3 10 Darley Market Ballan Lions Club Market Daylesford Farmers Market T/tham Community Market saturday Trentham Lions C. Geelong Farmers Market BBC plays Newlyn Old Time Dancing friday Donna Matheson Ross Odgers Blackwood News deadline: advertisers book space regular features & coributors Darcy Meade-SweetJason Van Druen Blackwood News deadline: features & items of interest community groups & clubs Mrs Darwen Buninyong Farmers Market Liam Aharon Gemma Hillis Russell Deeble Blackwood News deadline: News, classifieds Margaret Stockdale Jean Harrison Nicole Brown Scott Matheson Daylesford Market Ballarat Lakeside Market Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church Spirituality in the Bush new moon australia day Bryce Rees 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Blackwood News deadline: advert artwork / content Daylesford Market Trentham Market Ballarat Lakeside Market Talbot Farmers Market Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Daylesford Market Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church full moon 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Daylesford Market All Saints Church Service Trentham Uniting Church Ballan Uniting Church 4 2.15pm departs BM station 2.50pm arrives B’wood 9.05am departs B’wood 9.40am arrives BM station FRIDAY BUS SERVICE sunday january 14 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 trEnthaM Fun run BrEakS rEcordS A record field of more than 330 contested the Cool Country Classic Fun Runs held in Trentham on Sunday 16 November 2008. Starting from the Trentham Sports Ground, runners had the choice of a 5km town course or a 10km run to Little Hampton & back. One enthusiastic competitor emailed her thoughts on the 10km route to organisers –“competed in the 10km course which had challenges, a circuit route, the downhill rewards, the countryside was beautiful, the wind just enough and of course great participants who were all enthusiastic & friendly. Everyone I spoke to enjoyed the event & many had traveled distances to participate. The 10:30am start gave us a sleep-in; the fees are very reasonable & most will come back next year as the city fun runs are getting too crowded & expensive.” Australian 5000 metre champion & Olympic competitor, Craig Mottram was a surprise entrant in the 5km race & set a new race record of 13mins and 44 secs as he scorched around the town course. His appearance was a great inspiration for the many schoolchildren who participated in the Run & he generously donated his prize winner’s cheque to Loryn Savoia, the best female secondary school runner. Celebrity chef, Bill Granger ran in his first ever 10km race & performed very creditably to finish in just over an hour. His run was filmed as part of a documentary series he is making in country Victoria and Little Hampton provided a spectacular background for the film crew covering the race. The Trentham Lions Club hopes to raise more than $3000 from the event which will be distributed to deserving local causes. President, Colin Ries thanked all race sponsors & the 50 or so volunteers who worked tirelessly to stage the event. He said next year was the 10th anniversary of the Fun Run and organisers were already working on making it a very memorable event. happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear ?? happy birthday to you happy happy happy happy birthday birthday birthday birthday to you to you dear ?? to you The Marvelous and Improbable Adventures of the Crumple Horned Snorkack Lily Evans apologizes that the Snorkack has taken leave until after Christmas but here is a special treat for his adoring fans. ~ Lily Evans (with the help of Alaska Pollock) HEY KIDS: do you have a story, poem or picture you would like in BLACKWOOD NEWS? pop it in the DROP BOX at the general store or email it to us! who’s turning 16 in December? who’s turning 18 in December? attention blackwood book worms ... did you know we have a well stocked lending library in the hall? • borrowing is on an honour system • the hall is open each Wednesday 10-3pm or the key can be picked up from Barbara Sweet - 5368 6551 a blackwood news community service notice Dr Michael Bascombe (B.V.M.S.B.Sc.Dip P.H.) offers Holistic Veterinary Services and regular services for all animals including: • Homeopathy • Reiki / Energy Balancing • Bowen Massage • Human / Animal Interaction • Dietary Advise • natural vaccinations and worming • barefoot trimming Telephone 0438 309 902 or 5368 6765 Email michael@michaelbascombe.com December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 15 pop the fizz! pop the fizz! pop the fIZZ! POP THE FIZZ! BRICKBATS & BOUQUETS Bouquet to everyone who has thrown money to the ceiling of Greendale Hotel. $1325 was recently donated to Greendale CFA. ~ Greendale Hotel Bouquet to Lucy - wishing you well with your treatment & to Unita - wishes for a speedy recovery ~ Brendan, Jinny & Ellen In late October Brenda Hunter celebrated her 70th birthday in style with a party in her home with friends & family. There were not many dry eyes in the house when her daughter Louisa sang a very special song written for Brenda by her adoring husband, Robin. Ellen Coyle-Hehir made her deb with partner Glenn Kirby at the Spa Country Debutant Ball at Daylesford Town Hall in October. Guests of honour were newly wed Olympians Jared Tallent & Claire Woods. An elegant tradition from day of old. On November 8 Louise Zanon & Ben Leong were wed at the Blackwood United Church. Elegant in strapless & beaded white, the bride stood out against the black of the wedding party.. A highlight for visitors & locals alike was the bridal procession as it meandered from Blackwood House to the church. A BIG brickbat to the person who has removed the angel from Barbara’s headstone and taken the ‘gem’ part of the sculpture too. ~ name supplied To the Blackwood Community Thank-you from the bottom of my heart for the time, the truly generous donations & the care shown to me over the past month. Without them I would not have had a home. Although I have lived in Blackwood for 12 years & rarely participated in the community I, like so many others, love Blackwood for the natural beauty & place that surrounds us. The people that shape this special community are also a reflection of the generous spirit & unique history that keeps Blackwood alive. I have been truly humbled by your kindness. I would like to begin my thanks to Linda & Lorrie Byes, who have taken me & my dog into their home, enabling me to believe that I can rebuild my life here. Without their help I would have been lost & I am indebted to both for their constant generosity & kindness. Thankyou to the group of fundraisers for your support & time & to all those involved in organising such a wonderful fete day & raising such a large donation. Many thanks to the Blackwood Fire Brigade who continue to help all of us stay safe in this special place & the Stanley Singleton for being such a wonderful neighbour & always being there to help. Thank-you to the entire community for making me feel so special - I am indebted to you all & hope to be able to repay all those who have helped me through this difficult time in the future. ~ Noelle Shader & Indi (my blue heeler) Perfect, Personal Ceremonies – A memory of a lifetime - Authorised Marriage Celebrant - Funeral Celebrant - Naming Celebrant for babies 0407 013 014 Free Consultations Blackwood Summer Babe Photo by Heather Marsh Mobile: www.genevievemessenger.com.au 16 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 CHRISSY’S COUNTRY clothing & giftware open Wed-Sat 10am-5pm Hair accessories, candles, gifts, cards & wrapping Thank-you for your loyal support throughout the year. 147 Inglis Street, Ballan 9742 5722 also Tarneit & Shaws Rd, Werribee To our little fella We have your bride ready and waiting for you, but we are having trouble getting her to keep her clothes on. I think you would be much happier with her than with your mean kidnappers making you do back breaking chores... you never had to do that when you were here. No she is not a mail order bride, just a local lassie waiting patiently for you to return. We have promised her a proper wedding and have contacted Genevieve our local celebrant to perform the ceremony, just let us know when you can escape so we can plan this big event. Missing you and looking forward to seeing you again little fella From Wee Joc Dear Jill, Do you recognise the garden? Yes, it’s yours. I’m back! Those blokes who had me (you know, the Geelong supporters), they just let me go in the end, they didn’t find gnomes amusing anymore. Didn’t find anything amusing anymore. Poor buggers. So, I’m back in Blackwood, doing a little reconnoitre (gnomes do this before they say hello). Oh, & talking about saying hello, I haven’t spied that young lass you mentioned. Now, I’m not saying she doesn’t exist but I just need a little proof before I can open my poor gnomey heart again. see you soon (I hope) Norbitt A Timely Road Safety Message Statistics show that country people are not as compliant with wearing seat belts as our city cousins. For most of us, it is an automatic thing to put on the belt as soon as we get in the car. (Close the door, put on the belt and then start the car.) Some people, however, become a bit blasé through familiarity with their local environment and driving conditions and think that they will never be involved in accident. Unfortunately, a lot of people have made that fatal mistake. We urge all drivers and passengers to buckle up, even for short journeys and remember that most accidents occur within a few kilometres from home. Children in particular are parent’s responsibility and are exceptionally vulnerable in accidents. They can become projectiles in a crash and this can result in life changing injuries or death. Police get sick of hearing the responses from parents that “it was just a short trip up to the shop’ or ‘he/she does not like wearing the belt and keeps taking it off’. Parents need to educate their children from a young age that part of being an occupant of a motor vehicle is the compulsory wearing of a seat belt. ~ Sergeant Greg FALKINER, Trentham Police LOCAL TIP hours Trentham: Wed/Sat/Sun 9am-5pm Ballan: Wed-Mon 1pm-5pm a blackwood news community service notice Bacchus Marsh Community College Inc. ‘The Laurels’ Plan your education and training in 2009 Nationally Accredited Courses….. Certificate IV in Training & Assessment Certificate III in Aged Care Work Certificate I & II in Business Certificate in Retail Certificate II in Hospitality (units) Certificate II in Horticulture Certificate II in Information Technology Integration Aide Certificate (3 units) Business Certificate III in Business (units) Accounts Payable & Receivable Maintain a General Ledger Hospitality Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures Food Safety Supervisor Responsible Service of Alcohol Bar Attendant/Liquor Service First Aid First Aid Level 2 CPR Anaphylaxis Reaccreditation Level 2 Building Industry OHS – Construction Induction VCAL @ The Laurels in 2009 Are you or do you know someone who is • Over 16 years old • Wanting to gain a senior secondary school qualification • Wanting to learn in a mature and relaxed adult environment The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is an accredited senior secondary school qualification undertaken in years 10, 11, & 12. VCAL is based on hands-on learning and aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to make informed choices about pathways to work and further education. Interviews will be conducted during Term 4 for students who would like to discuss options for 2009. Check out our range of computer, art & craft and other general interest programs! Groups & Other Activities… Men’s Shed, Young Mums, Artist’s, Patchworkers, Embroiderers, Woolcraft, Garden Club, Seniors Computers for further information or to enrol Call The Laurels on 5367 1061 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh website: www.thelaurels.org.au email: enrolments@thelaurels.org.au December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS KyNEtON tIMEShArE: Just in time for summer, 1 floating week at Kyneton Bush Resort. Owning a timeshare means you can swap your weeks with resorts all over the world & if you are a local you have day access to all the facilities at Kyneton - including the pool. Great safe holidays for families $1750ono. Also have 3 weeks banked which we can sell to buyer @ $500pw negotiable. ChECK Out the resorts website at www.kynetonbushresort. com.au then call us on 5368 6607 with any questions. A new family moves into Town A family of wombats has made its home in the town centre, between the crusher & the Anzac memorial. Mum & Dad are carved from cypess, the baby is made of Blackwood. They celebrate Barbara Rosman’s good work in the community through her encouragement of local arts. Proceeds from the sales of her last pieces were used to commission Blackwood sculptor, Dusan Devcic, who installed them in time for the first anniversary of her passing. He would like children to know that these wombats enjoy being ridden. ~ Brendan Hehir photo on front page blackwoofs 17 We know Tiny is old. Norma inherited her from Di 4 years ago. Di got her m a ny ye a rs before, when Tiny was already old. Legend has it that Tiny is close to 20 years old. Also legend (in her own mind) is that she is the largest of Blackwood dogs & possesses the heart of a lion. She makes all the smaller dogs pay. Early this year, she was monstering a ‘smaller’ dog when the tables turned & suddenly she was dinner. “How did I ever fit into that little mouth?” she seemed to ask her Mum on the way to the vet. Mr. Vet was amazed, given her legendary years & the thorough chewing she had received, that Tiny had survived. Heart of a lion! So next time Tiny is yapping at you & your dog, remember you really are in the company of a legend. Moorabool Communities in Action Council and the Community working and planning in partnership to make things happen in your area In November of 2007 the Blackwood Community was visited by MCiA. During this time through a consultation process residents were asked, -What is important to you and your Community? -What is your vision for the future of your Community? Since that time the information resulting from the consultation process has been compiled and an initial Community Action Plan has been developed. Some priorities identified in the Community Action Plan by the Community members in attendance during the consultations have been included in the Capital Improvement Program process and have been submitted to Council funding approval. Other priorities have been completed whilst some are in the process of implementation The Objective of Moorabool Communities in Action is to engage the diverse communities within Moorabool in an ongoing process of consultation and communication, which seeks to: – Build the capacity to function as a community – Gain feedback on the effectiveness of current service programs provided. Moorabool Shire Council has adopted the Communities in Action Framework which provides the foundations for strengthening the partnership between Council and communities, and communications between communities. Moorabool Communities in Action will be visiting the Blackwood community in late January in order to inform the community regarding the results of the consultations and further to relate updates and to display and discuss the future development of the Blackwood Community Action Plan. For further information please feel free to contact Cyana at Council on 03 5366 7100 18 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 broadband JARGON BUSTER At the end of January it will be 2 years since Broadband came to town. With more & more image-intensive websites & heavy downloads available - streaming video, social networking, on-line games, podcasts etc Blackwoodians who signed into 24 month contracts with low limits may be considering changing plans or service providers. I find everytime I want to check I am on the best contract for my household - be it phone plans, mobile, electricity it feels like I’m stepping into a minefield trying to get through all the jargon - half the time I just give up! Here is some info I hope will help bust the jargon ... ADSL: (Asymmetric digital subscriber line) is High Speed Internet. ADSL2 & ADSL2+ are even faster but not available in the Blackwood area. CABLE broadband: If you have “cable” television in your home you can most likely access cable internet but currently cable is only offered by Bigpond and Optus. Wireless internet is broadband internet access that doesn’t use a telephone line or cable network. You connect to the internet using radio frequency bands. Understanding speed such as 256/64k or 512k/128k - the first figure is download allowance & the second is upload speed. The faster your connection, the more you pay. It should be noted that actual speeds vary due to things like your distance from the local telephone exchange, the quality of your copper phone line and broadband equipment. Monthly download or usage limit: this is how much information you can download in the given period, measured in megabytes. Many people don’t realise this includes emails & that every image on a page is measured. Below is a simple guide to help you measure the limit you may require... note that this is indicative only & will depend on things like what sites you frequent, MP3 recording quality etc usage per month Receive emails Surf the Internet Download Images Download Music files Download small video clips 300mb 10pw 10 hours pw 30 pics pm 5-10 pm 1-2 pm 10gb - 20gb 50-100 pw 15-25 hours pw 200-500 pm 50-200pm 5-10pm 30gb-60gb 100-200pw 25-35 pw 50-1000 pm 200-400 pm 10-30 pm http://www.internetchoice.com.au/faqs.php Dependent on speed - faster plans will allow you to download movies and music as well as play online games more quickly and easily than slower plans. Lighter plans are great for those who use only do basic tasks like checking email or sports scores. Medium plans allow you to download much more content, including music and movies. You can also take advantage of online gaming. Heavy plans are for those who download high volumes of music, movies and such. Some plans will split the download quotas into peak & off peak limits. These plans may be worth considering if you have older children or insomnia! It is important to understand your internet habits because once you hit your usage limit either your service or your pocket will be affected. • you may be ‘shaped’ - dropped back to a slower service - generally 64k OR • charged an excess per mb download (ie 15c per mb) When thinking about your usage remember to take into account automatic software updates such as anti-virus & windows. Before you sign up to a plan or new service, make sure you find out what the rules are if you want to change plans. A couple of final notes: • be sure to use a good anti-virus program & turn on daily updates • if your modem is wireless make sure your network is secure Happy surfing! ~ Jinny Coyle Nov ‘08 Author is ed Dealer For all your printing solutions 2/45 Chelmsford Street, Williamstown 3016 t 9397 1444 f 9397 7906 hmpress@bigpond.com.au www.hmpress.com.au Hpress i-mark group December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 19 2008 SPECIAL SCHOOLS SUPER BIKE RIDE Jessica’s Long Trek I was involved in the search for the missing 18 year old from O’Brien’s Crossing on 11/11/08. I was called to O’Brien’s by D24 at Ballarat at about 10.45pm to assist Bacchus Marsh police members search for missing Jessica WOLFENDON of Werribee. Jessica & her step sister, father & step mother were camping overnight when the two girls went for a walk along the Circuit Walk. After a while the younger sister returned to camp & Jessica kept on walking. She evidently crossed the river & got onto Ambler’s Track & walked up into the the North Blackwood area. It is not known what tracks she was on but eventually, after walking most of the night, she came out on Countess Road which she followed through to Trentham township. Jessica went to the first house that did not have a high fence or a dog in the yard & so finished up at the family home of Kym & John KELLY. John phoned the police & I was soon called out at 7.30am to go & collect Jessica & return her to her anxious family. This was of course after searching until nearly 3am. That morning. “Such is the lot of a country copper”. Jessica was fit & well & none the worse for wear apart from being cold (she had on shorts, tee shirt & thongs) & had sore feet because her thongs gave way & she walked some distance bare footed. (She has got tougher feet than mine). She actually used the thongs as a pillow whilst she slept beside one of the tracks for a few hours during the night. I estimate that Jessica walked over 25 kilometres during her ordeal. A police tracker dog was used during the search but was unable to locate Jessica due to the number of civilian searchers who had contaminated the scene with their scents prior to the dog’s arrival. SES volunteers on motorcycles also assisted in the search but none of the searchers expected there to be such a large search parameter. The concern was that, because of the number of mine shafts & cliffs & generally very rough terrain in the area, that Jessica may have fallen in the dark & injured herself. Although Jessica did not plan on going for a long walk & was therefore not equipped for an overnight stay in the bush, it is an opportunity to remind travellers, campers, walkers & riders of some basic guidelines when entering remote areas. • Take appropriate clothing for the time of day & the current or anticipated weather conditions. In particular, wear sturdy shoes or boots with non-slip type soles. • Have a plan. Allow sufficient time to complete your journey, taking into account the time of day, the distance & type of terrain likely to be encountered. • Notify somebody (friend, family, DSE, Parks Ranger or Police) of your expected route, number in party, experience & time of departure & expected time of return). Many people leave their details on a note pad at Trentham Police Station before setting off on a bush walk or hike. • Take food & particularly water with you, even for short walks. During summer, dehydration can occur very quickly, so it is important to sip water regularly. • If you become lost or fatigued or injured, do not make the situation worse by staggering around, risking injury & getting further away from your base. Particularly at night, you are best off to stay put & rest, if possible beside a track or prominent feature & let the searchers find you. Given time, we usually do. ~ Sergeant Greg FALKINER, Trentham Police 20 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 A friendly smile, a voice well versed, come chat a while, and quench your thirst NEW YEARS DAY Mick Thomas performs from 4pm $22.50 pre-buy tickets at the pub or on the door TUES Social Club Night ~ SLAB DRAW $10 per year could win you a slab a week Blackwood General Store WED $12 dinner ~ call 5368 1355 to book FRI Happy Hour 5-7pm ~ lucky chance enjoy Blackwood’s beautiful views on our warm cosy deck by the pot belly HOTEL OPEN 7 days 12pm daily GENERAL STORE OPEN Mon-Sat 8am-8pm ~ Sun 9am-8pm open Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 8.30am - 6pm • browse our antique shop • serving breakfast all day • great coffee, soups, burgers, pastries & much more • take home pesto, variety of dips, lasagne, curries & cakes - all made on the premises • catering available for all your functions phone 5368 6525 find a special treasure at the wheel spins every 20 mins during happy hour ph 5368 1355 Martin St, Blackwood 3458 ph 5368 6501 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 4 course meal with all the trimmings now taking Bookings Ph : 5368 6501 NEW YEARS EVE come & join us welcoming in the New Year Live Band antiques & bricabrac mon to sat8am-6pm sun 8.30am -6pm 21 Martin Street, Blackwood 5368 6525 Blackwood Mineral Springs Caravan Park powered & unpowered sites overnight caravans Minerals Springs Picnic Grounds, BBQ’s 600 metres from the township ph 03 5358 6539 fax 03 5368 6422 e bclcm@tpg.com.au www.blackwoodcrownreserves.websyte.com.au a blackwood news community service notice Blackwood News thanks all advertisers for their support. AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Sunday January 25 ... wear your green & gold, come as your favorite Aussie icon or just in your casuals. • special Aussie Menu • live Music SPECIALS WED PM Parma & Pot OR Seafood Special & Pot $12.00 THUR PM 2 course Chinese Meals $12.50 MEALS Wed to Mon ~12-2pm & 6-8pm Sun lunch ~ 12-2.30pm Tues ~ bar open 4-8pm (no meals) TAKE AWAY now available (not Sat night) CHECK OUT the great specials board BOOKINGS essential on weekends M O T E L R O O M S AVA I L A B L E December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS 21 Joc and Jill, Suzie, Jodi, Sommer, Rob, Lachie, Cathy would like to wish our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year • trading hours: Thurs, Fri and Sat night • bar opens at 5pm, meals from 6pm • Pizzas available to eat in or take away • Locals night Thur with $12.00 meals • blackboard menu Fri and Sat nights • menu changes each week View Cottage why isn’t your fully self contained holiday rental 3 bedroom house with views business ring Judith on 03 9315 0576 or 0408 569 367 5368 6444 • sleeps 6 • close to town • wood heater • BBQ • decking •washing machine & dryer here? HOUSE TO RENT ‘WANNAWONG’ SC 3br • sleeps 9 • modern facilities • close to township • reasonable rates • weekly or weekend call Margot 03 9455 1421 or 0439 878 062 Woodbine Cottage Luxury accommodation in a beautiful mountain village just one hour from Melbourne air conditioning, wood fire, telephone & fax, spa bath, stereo, tv & video, double carport, washing & drying machines, towelling robes, peace, privacy & absolute comfort 11 Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood 3458 ph (03) 5368 6770 for photos & more details visit ... www.woodbinecottage.com.au Country Getaways Small Group Accommodation Corporate Retreats This beautifully appointed historic private house is ideally located in the heart of Blackwood. Offering luxury accommodation for small groups sleeping up to 12 people in six ensuite rooms, or the quaint Rose Cottage for a romantic couples escape. Spectacular views, a heritage garden and lots to do — or not. info@letstalkretreats.com.au www.letstalkretreats.com.au 03 9646 4951 Please let our advertisers know you saw them in the Blackwood News 22 Blackwood News • professional hairdressing seniors discount Tues-Thur • facial treatments • eyelash & eyebrow treatments • oxygen therapy facials • manicures • pedicures December 2008 - January 2009 WE’VE MOVED to DARLEY!!! new premises - same great service • nails • waxing • mens waxing • massage spray tanning booth OPEN tues, th ur, fri, sat BY APP T ONLY success coaching call Marie 0410 341 813 3 Nelson Street, Darley 3340 p (03) 5367 2869 m 0408 107 281 www.AtoZwellbeing.com.au v white@AtoZwellbeing.com.au All environmentally friendly. For all your body needs inside & out! Bryan Rainford Electrical Contractors all domestic & commercial electrical work new homes extensions renovations underground wiring safety switches smoke detectors hot water services small & large jobs phone: 5368 6858 or 0419 310 469 Registered Electrical Contractor #7310 240 Main St Bacchus Marsh 3340 Ph. 5368 2001 Fax. 5367 0776 Please let our advertisers know you saw them in the Blackwood News 119 Inglis St Ballan 3342 Ph. 0418 518 226 jcutler@keemin.com.au December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD NEWS “Martin’s Appliance Repairs” • Washing Machines • Dishwashers • Clothes Dryers Repairs to all makes and models We come to you Qualified Technician • All Work Guaranteed 0429 678 670. Email:mglassborow@mac.com 23 Elander Carpet Cleaning Service Maintain Your Carpets Professionally. call Graham or Jenny Home office: 5367 2799 Mobile: 0425 852 611 Bacchus Marsh carpets • upholstery • leather • drapes ORIGIN ENERGY 45kg bottle gas for prompt delivery at competitive prices call GARY on ph: (03) 53681230 fax: (03) 5368 1937 119 Inglis St Ballan BRICKLAYER Brian “BUSHIE” Small no job to big or small chimney specialist including bricklaying & stonework Blackwood & district ph: 5368 6507 Think Globally Employ Locally SOL PLUMBING Fully licensed and insured. Residential and commercial Competitive rates.Free quotes. Call Simon on 0417 335 831 LIC NO 38657 0409 135 070 TREELOPPING Gerard Styles ~ experienced climber ~ limited access conditions ph: 03 5368 6678 mob: 0428 518 999 PO Box 218, Blackwood 3458 superb rates ~ ask for a FREE quote BRIAN MOORE LIC. No 22288 for all your plumbing requirements • all general plumbing • roof repairs • gas installation • hot water installation 46 Martin St, Blackwood 3458 mob: 0407 324 366 ph: 5368 6313 BACCHUS MARSH GLASS COMMERCIAL GLAZING P/L ALL GLASS REPLACEMENTS Insurance recommended repairer 5368 1599 HOTLINE 0418 330 275 Lot 1 Maddison Lane, Greendale www.commercialglazing.com.au Blackwood News thanks all advertisers for their support 24 Blackwood News December 2008 - January 2009 BLACKWOOD Blackwood Store Lifestyle Opportunity Here it is. One of the best opportunities to come on the market in years in this well kept secret township. On around one and a half acres of prime land in the centre of town this property is being offered for sale on a walk in walk out basis. Taking advantage of the spectacular views out over the Lerderderg State Park and Wombat Forest, the current operators have moved this business into a great café/ food store operation, servicing the local community, tourists and providing outside catering to the growing number of tourist related business in the surrounding area. The premises include a two bedroom residence and an additional retail premises on the main street currently used for the sale of antiques. On two titles and in a serene garden setting, this property is in the box seat to take advantage of the expected growth that will take place with the connection of the town sewerage scheme in the next year. At around one hour from Melbourne, ten minutes to Trentham and 40 minutes to Ballarat the central location makes it attractive to those who want to develop a specialist food operation. Price includes business, all fittings, fixtures and equipment. SAV. $465,000 16 Market St Trentham www.fitzgeraldproperty.com.au
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