Issue 8: Thursday 22 March 2012€¦ · MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 22 March Page 1 Published by:...

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 22 March

Published by: MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

Bow Street, Merriwa 2329 Ph: 6548 2119 Fax: 6548 2534

Email: [email protected] Online: www.merriwa-c.schools.nsw.edu.au

Issue 8Issue 8: : Thursday 22 March 2012

Merriwa Central School Business Services Student, Jade McConnell, has won the New South Wales World Skills Competition, which was held last weekend in Sydney. Jade won convincingly, with the judge commenting that the level of work was the highest she had ever seen. Jade will now head to the National Championships in August. More information in the School News section

MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 22 March 2012


MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL

PLEASE NOTEPLEASE NOTE

If you are sending in articles or advertisements by email and you do not

receive an acknowledgement of receipt from the Merriwa Ringer, please contact us by telephone to follow it up, as we may not

have received the email. Thank you

Important Dates

MARCH Friday 23 - Art Gallery Excursion Monday 26 - Willow Tree Horse Sports Tuesday 27 - Parent Teacher Evening

Primary 3.30 – 6.30pm Secondary 5.00 – 7.30pm

Wednesday 28 - Secondary Cross Country Thursday 29 - Hunter Secondary Sevens Tournament - Vaccinations Friday 30 - Year 12 Exams begin - K-6 Assembly – 2pm APRIL Monday 2 - Year 12 Exams continue - Zone Cross Country -

Primary

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Congratulations to Year 12 student Jade McConnell who was successful in winning a Gold Medal at the NSW World Skills Competition held in Sydney on the weekend. Jade competed against Business Services students from across the State to take out the title. Jade has once again demonstrated that Merriwa Central School students can achieve amazing results against students from much larger schools. Well done to Jade and Mrs Hegarty our Business Services teacher for an outstanding result. Jade will go on to compete in the national competition in August. Parent teacher interviews Parent teacher interviews will be held next Tuesday 27 March. Information has been sent home to parents. To assist with the organisation parents asked to book appointment times by calling either the primary or secondary office.

Rural Fire Cadets Program Next term secondary students have the opportunity to participate in the rural fire cadets program during sport. The program has been very popular with students in the past. It provides a great opportunity for students to learn valuable skills, and recognise the importance of volunteers to our community. Expressions of interest are due on Friday.

Darren Noonan Principal

REMINDERREMINDER

The deadline for articles and advertisements

for the Merriwa Ringer

is

12noon Monday


MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL PRIMARY NEWS

2/3 BUSY BEES

The theme for the 2/3 room this year is ‘2/3 is a buzz with learning’. We call our classroom the hive and the students are the busy worker bees. The students would like to share what they have enjoyed most about being in 2/3 this term.

The thing I have enjoyed most in 2/3 is learning Korean. Kyle Edens-Rosa

I love going to the high school to make masks. Jayden Shadlow-Walls

I love doing spelling tests. Jack Ponsford I love to be in 2/3 with Miss Willis because

she gets us lots of things for the auctions. Rhys Turner

The best thing about being in 2/3 is getting to do auction every Friday. Molly Wong

I like it when we do writing. Logan Pike I liked making masks at the high school.

Logan Dewson The best thing about 2/3 is our Science

unit ‘Melting Moments’. Mekayla Towell I like doing maths when it’s really hard.

Tamika Drury I like going to the secondary for Korean.

Nicholas Whitby I like doing really hard spelling tests.

Izabella Neale I like being in 2/3 because we learn new

maths. Joanne Hamson I like maths mentals the best because it is

fun. Andrew Harrison I like doing challenges because they are

lots of fun. Harrison Amidy I like doing measuring in maths because

we went outside. Montana Cronin

I like learning new spelling words. Emily Large

I like learning our spelling words that are hard. - Ashleigh Orton

I think being in 2/3 is cool because Miss Willis is nice. Courtney Louis-McGabe

I have enjoyed doing handwriting, we get to listen to Roald Dahl stories while we’re writing. Giaan Folpp.

I am very proud of the students in 2/3. They have settled well into class routines and are working very hard.

Miss Michelle Willis - Classroom teacher

NETBALL TRIALS

Last Friday the following 10 girls from years 3 to 6 attended the PSSA Winter Netball Trials in Muswellbrook at Karoola Park. They were Maddilyn Blackadder, Shai Blackadder, Jazzmine Orton, Teianna Taylor, Mackenzie Blackadder, Alana Smith, Paige McConnell, Elly Blackadder, Helena Renshaw and Liana Byfield. Unfortunately none of the girls were chosen to play representative Netball for the Upper Hunter, however the effort they put into their games, their overall behaviour, and sportsmanship needs to be commended. Well done girls! In addition a big thank you to the two parent drivers, Mr Neville Blackadder & Ms Grace Annand, who transported the ten girls to Muswellbrook.

Congratulations to the King Street Primary School Netball Team, who were undefeated all day!

Peta Higgins - 4/5 Teacher


PLEASE NOTEPLEASE NOTE If you are sending in articles or

advertisements by email and you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt from

the Merriwa Ringer, please contact us by telephone to follow it up, as we may not

have received the email. Thank you

REMINDERREMINDER The last Ringer for Term 1, 2012, will be

Thursday 5 April.

The Ringer will resume in Term 2 on Thursday 26 April. The deadline will be 12

noon Monday 23 April as per usual.


STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Lachlan Harrison, Emily Towell, Jack Ponsford, Damien Constable and Aaron Hamson with the great books which they were awarded with for their hard work in research, persistence, persuasive writing, learning tricky words or writing great stories! Infants children displaying their great work: William Whitby, Josie Porter, Matthew Large,

Jesse Watson, Elisha Drury, Sarah-Jane Large, and Duncan Harrison. The work included great writing and artwork.

Primary students: Abby Dewson, Sharri Speed, Celeste Proctor, Logan Dewson, Blake Tritton, Tanja Sormaz, Ashleigh Orton and Joanne Hamson all display their great work which ranged from great bushfire and tall ships artwork to displays of Korean people.

Fun Run Sponsorship Well done to all of those students who gained sponsorship for their cross-country run on Wednesday 21. Please start collecting your sponsorship money and return it to school, along with your sponsorship form before the end of Term 1. Don’t forget to clearly mark which prize you would like to receive. All students who raised $10.00 or more will go into the draw to win a family holiday to Disneyland – good luck!

Thank you to all of the parents who assisted in the running of the Cross-country and who supported their children as they completed their event. Our team to compete at the Zone Cross Country on Monday 2 April will appear in next week’s Ringer.

Ruth Hoye

MERRIWA CENTRAL SECONDARY NEWS

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Liam Cronin Liam has made a good start to the year and is working has in all his subjects. Liam in involved in activities such as the SRC and Peer Tutoring. Despite having a lot on his plate, Liam still finds the time to study and has achieved excellent results in his recent assessments including: 1st in his Maths test, 1st in his Geography test and 2nd in his Science test. For the rest of the term Liam will be looking forward to working in his TVET course in IT and continuing to excel in all his subjects. Well Done Liam!

JADE MCCONNELL WINS STATE AWARD Jade McConnell represented the Hunter Central Coast region at the State VET in Schools Business Services competition on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 March in Sydney. The competition brings together students studying the TVET Business Services course at school or TAFE from each region in the state. Students were placed first in their respective regional competitions and then were able to represent their regions at the state competition. Jade had to complete 17 separate tasks across one day which meant prioritising those tasks to fit into the time frames given. She was also given times for phone calls and fax requests that had to be slotted into her schedule. Tasks ranged from spreadsheet activities, invoices, letters, producing flyers for WH&S, advertising the business and staff information, laminating, photocopying, mail merges, proofreading and retyping letters, creating a data source and filing. All these

tasks had to be done in consultation with the Administration, Information Technology, General Manager and Tourism personnel from Aussie Futures Inc who were present on the day as judges.

The day commenced by being up at 6.00 am getting on a bus and travelling to Padstow TAFE to be ready to commence work at 9.00 am. A recess break of 15 minutes and lunch break of 45 minutes was provided on the day


ROAR Athlete Profile


Name: Liam Cronin Year Group:9 Favourite Subject: Commerce Favourite sport: Cricket Favourite team: Knights Favourite player: Andrew Johns Best personal sporting achievement: Regional for shot put Who inspires you: Mr Johnston Advice to young players: Pay attention Why is ROAR valuable?: It teaches lifelong skills that

all people can learn from. Captains Comments: “Hylt” is a steam machine! He

runs hard and takes big hits. “Hylt” puts in the most effort at all ROAR organised events.

WE GOT IN!!

After weeks of practising every lunch time, the girls filmed our dance and sent away the audition tape to the Starstruck organisers. Last week we were notified that Merriwa Central School has been accepted into Starstruck for 2012! The girls have been working very hard to get this far and should be proud of their efforts. Now the fundraising officially begins! Any sponsorship, assistance or fundraising ideas would be greatly appreciated, just contact the school on 65482119.

Miss Hopkins and Mrs Grant

and work continued until 4.30 pm when students had to clean up their work station areas and get back on a bus and travel to their accommodation. On the Saturday the trip was repeated to Padstow TAFE with a lot less traffic and students participated in a skill development session while the judges completed the marking of work submitted. The Senior judge who has marked at these competitions over the last 10 years commented that the standard of work was the highest she had seen yet. At the presentation ceremony Jade was announced as the winner and she will now go on to represent NSW at the National competition to be held in late August 2012 in Sydney. Congratulations Jade on a wonderful achievement.

Jane Hegarty VET Coordinator


CAREER NEWS Year 12 News ACTT Actors College Free Workshop and Course Information: Sessions 14 April from 10:30am - 12:30pm Main Pitt St Campus. Information http://www.actt.edu.au/course/dropact AFTRS April school holiday program: Make a film, learn screen acting skills, create a claymation film or write & film your own documentary or mockumentary. For i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t h t t p : / /w w w . o p e n p r o g r a m . a f t r s . e d u . a u /schoolholidays Lions Youth of the Year Quest. This is for 15-19 year olds and designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to undertake an active and constructive role in the community. To enter either talk to your local Lions Club or email [email protected] . National Careers and Employment Expo in Sydney. 25 - 26 May, Friday: 9am – 4pm, Saturday: 10am - 4pm Admission is free. Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Drive, Darling Harbour. For information http://www.eocexpo.com.au/sydney.asp National Youth Science Forum 2013 This is a twelve-day program for current Year 11 students who are thinking about a career in science, engineering or technology. It will be held in Canberra January 2013. Applications open on 1 April. Visit http://www.nysf.edu.au. Year 10 News Southern Cross Cultural Exchange Year 10 Scholarships. Three $5000 scholarships are available for the September 2012 semester programs to France, Germany or Italy. Apply: email your name, address, phone number, and school name to [email protected] and ask for a scholarship application kit. Applications close March 30th. Web www.scce.com.au http://www.scce.com.au/secure/downloadfile.asp?fileid=1008822

General Career news The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers. AIPT specialises in the delivery of high quality fitness education. Its unique industry focused courses combine comprehensive theory with hands on practical experience, delivered by qualified fitness professionals who coach each individual student. By sharing a passion and enthusiasm for health and fitness it understands that a career in fitness is more than a flexible, exciting and rewarding career option, it allows you to make a positive difference in your life and the lives of others. It is 100% committed to your fitness career with: • Industry-Focused Programs – Courses focus on hands on practical experience, ensuring you receive the highest level of industry experience whilst undertaking your studies, and • Flexible Study Options - Study theory and gain practical experience at your own pace via tailored online learning resources and flexible course delivery programs. An AIPT qualification can also provide the opportunity for part-time employment as a personal trainer or similar while studying at university. Visit www.aipt.com.au for more information. • More Locations Across Australia – We have the over 70 Campuses nationwide, more than any other fitness education provider. • Traineeships – We are registered to operate school based courses • Graduation rate –Our graduation rate is three times the industry average, with an 80% post-graduation employment rate Start your Personal Training career today! Call 1300 13 84 34 or visit www.aipt.com.au for further information about our courses or school based traineeships. The Music Career Wiki Provides information to anyone involved or interested in music-related careers www.musiccareer.com.au If you have any career questions please contact me at Merriwa Central School.

Jane Hegarty Careers Advisor

http://www.actt.edu.au/course/dropact




http://www.openprogram.aftrs.edu.au/schoolholidays









http://www.nysf.edu.au


MERRIWA CENTRAL SCHOOL DP REPORT

Appointments There are occasions when it is necessary to make appointments for students to attend such as to see a doctor or specialist. Where possible please endeavour to make all appointments for students outside of school hours.

World Skills Congratulations to Jade McConnell for receiving the gold medal at the State World Skills event last week. A wonderful result that now sees Jade progress to Nationals in August. It may be time for Mrs Hegarty to add "Super Coach" to her job title!

Group 21 Rugby League Schools Knockout

Last Sunday a group of 17 young men made the journey to Scone to represent our School. They did so with pride, passion and persistence. Overcoming the early start to the day and nervous chatter in the sheds, our boys took the field determined to show the St Joseph's team what we were made of! The sportsmanship and level of application was very impressive from our young and inexperienced side but we will return next year wiser and ready to once again face the challenge. Our Captain Lachlan Walmsley was named player's player with Josh Smith and John Cronin also well supported. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the parents who accompanied our team on the day and also provided transport. Without your support events like this simply would not happen. Thanks also to Mr and Mr

Grant and Miss Reiner who also gave their time to support the boys. Mr Grant should also receive due recognition for his tireless lunchtime efforts in preparing the boys - all involved respect your time and opinion, thank you Sir. Thanks also to Jay-me Taylor the 'official' Coach of the Under 14’s. Finally thank you to each of the boys who played on the day. Your efforts won you fans in the stands, respect on the field and the confidence that no matter what the competition Merriwa will always give their best.

ROAR REPORT

Our students have been focusing on the aspects of Rugby League and Rugby Union in the past week. But besides these sport specific skills we have also been working towards the realisation of a larger truth - that the actions of one impact on the group as a whole. This is a life lesson that the boys will come to see is evident in all aspects of their lives as they continue to grow. It is with this lesson in mind that ROAR hosted a Harmony Day sporting event and BBQ for Primary aged students this week. We look to provide each of our boys with the tools to become leaders, to be responsible for their behaviour and to become an active member within their community. With the support of the Coal & Allied Aboriginal Development Consultative Committee we are continuing to focus on volunteering, attendance and application to class work. Each ROAR boy must complete at least 20 hours of volunteer work across the year and to date 5 of our boys are almost half way there! ROAR boys are also required to maintain an attendance figure above 85% and a homework and assignment completion rate of at least 95%. Our program has seen some amazing growth in past members and I look forward to watching that growth continue with this year's squad.

Adam Johnston Deputy Principal

CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

What a race at Cassilis! Congratulations to all students for their behaviour, for helping to set up and clean up afterwards and for how they competed in the cross country race last Friday. I saw a lot of champion moments such as Angus H handing out some oranges to tired students after the race, Corey for stopping and helping Brady during the race when he was having troubles, Steph for not stopping helping all day, Taine for being very respectful and listening to marshals along the track and for the numerous students assisting with the canteen.

A big and successful cross country can’t happen without a great team of workers. Many t h a n k s t o

everyone who helped, from the P&C, school staff, parent helpers, the Martin family and Keith Blighton for slashing the track. Thank


CASSILIS PUBLIC SCHOOL

you to the students, staff and parents of Ulan, Martindale, Wollar, Sandy Hollow and Sacred Heart for joining us. Thank you all so much! Special mention and well done to: Thomas- 1st 9yr boys Taine- 2nd 12yr boys Sarah-2nd 10 yr girls Tarnisha- 3rd 12yr girls Steph-3rd 11yr girls Isabelle- 2rd 5yr girls Good luck for Zone Cross Country, which will be held on Monday, 2 April at Muswellbrook beginning at 9am. Student of the Week

Maddie has earned the award of student of the week for her increasingly positive approach to learning. She continues to improve the quality of her work and the time and effort she puts into making her book work neat and tidy. Maddie loves reading and sharing stories

with our class. She works co-operatively with her Cassilis school friends and is volunteering more of her time to help others. In the playground Maddie is a role model student who demonstrates how to play safely. Congratulations, Maddie and keep up the fantastic work!

Merriwa Pony Club

Congratulations to Jack and Sarah who competed over the weekend. Both have written about their experience.

Jack- ‘I got a trophy with a picture of a horse on it and then on my three ribbons there was blue, red and white. I was the under 7yrs champion and I felt good. I rode Trix and she was good.’ Sarah-‘At the pony club I came third in the pairs. In the sporting, I came fourth riding Black Jack.’

Seniors Week High Tea This week is Seniors Week and to celebrate, Cassilis would like to invite senior residents to a high tea next Monday, 26th of March. The afternoon will begin at 2:00 with some painting and drawing and our students will be serving afternoon tea to our guests.

Katie Bell Principal


ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Year 3/4 - This term year 3 and 4 have been working really hard in all areas. So what have we been doing, you ask? English - Expositions and Recounts Maths - Times tables (ask us any two or

three times tables and we'll be able to tell you the answer!), working with money and working with our ten's blocks.

Theme- Looking at the community CAPA - dot painting to represent our

journeys, learning new drama games and making our own sound scapes (telling a story using body percussion).

PDHPE - Being sun smart, disease prevention

Here's some pictures to show you all the fun (I mean work) we have been doing in 3/4.

Good work boys!! S h o w i n g t h e answer to 3 x3.

Darcy, Ty, Sam, G a b y a n d J e m m a a t swimming.

Girls warming up for cross country training (daily fitness). We celebrated St Joseph’s Day on Monday. St Joseph is the Patron of our school. The St Joseph’s Day Mass was a wonderful way for us to think once again about all the loving and caring qualities Joseph shared with Jesus. St Joseph is a great role model for us in saying “Yes” to God.

We enjoyed o u t d o o r activities after Mass to focus o n b o t h Harmony and St Joseph’s Day. The c h i l d r e n learned skills for games played around the world and practised skills


ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

of tolerance and understanding as they displayed good sportsmanship in the playing of these games. We concluded the celebrations with a shared morning tea. This too was a great experience in sharing the food brought in by various people. Just like in the world outside of school – there are always enough resources to go around. The challenge is to share what we have. A great time was had by All.

Congratulations to the following award winners. K Mikayla Telfer- for her bright happy face

at school Clayton Porter- for being very

responsible with his special job

Roy Stanley - for trying hard to listen to the teachers

1/2 Korey Halse – for working well in Maths Jorji Taaffe – for her wonderful work in

Handwriting Nicholas Morgan – for working well in

Creative Arts 3/4 Emily Ninness - for excellence in all

aspects of school life Sophie Inder – for her caring nature

towards others 5/6 Thomas Nairne – a much improved effort

in Mathematics Kasey Cassar – bringing an awesome

attitude into class each day Principal’s Awards: Clancy Martin – for his great attitude to

learning, even when the going gets tough. Gaby Nicholls - for beautiful singing

Cass Buckley and the 3/4 class.


MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL

Claim the Date: Merriwa Pre-school is Holding Professional Family Portraits - Keep the morning of Sunday 29 April 2012, free. It's the first weekend back after the school holidays. This is prior notice that Merriwa Pre-school will again host "Jaspa Photography" for the opportunity for a professional family portrait . " Jaspa" is the same photographer that we have used for a number of years. We have had very positive feedback from people who have had these portraits done in the past. Do I need to have a child attending the Pre-school ? No . Any member of our Community is welcome to book a sitting. Tell your friends. These are great photographs. Cost? $20 gives you one large shot. You probably won't be able to resist purchasing more, though! Does it help the Pre-school? Yes! We keep the $20 booking fee. How do I book ? Drop in to the Pre-school with your $20 and we'll book you a time. We'll be

filling times from morning onwards, depending on the number booked. Will they be back for Mothers' Day ? Yes! Who could resist such a personal and wonderful gift for Mum? Why not make an effort to get together for a family shot? You'll be pleased you did. We hear so often that "we don't have a current family shot." Are they black and white or colour? You choose. Can couples have their portrait done? Yes Can I purchase more ? Yes. A number of shots will be taken. This will be your choice. Any questions? Please ring. If we cannot answer, we'll pass on the number of the photographer. Merriwa Pre-school has a brand new First Years childproof gate for sale $120.00. Please see Megan at Pre-school on Wednesday or Thursday, or phone 6548 2083

Jill Martyn


MERRIWA ACTIVITY CENTRE After School and Vacation Care Catering for 5 – 12 year olds

We thought we might share with you our photo of the week. Each week we choose a photo which we think shows something fun or positive in our activities. Here is Kyle building with the much used blocks, adding them to the car track. I wonder who will be in next week.

This week we made a start on our Mother’s Day gift. It might seem a little early, but it is something that will take some time and commitment from the children, and be well worth the effort at the end.

Here we have Kyle once again working with Matthew in the kitchen. This week the children on afternoon tea duty have been making watermelon and grape skewers. They looked almost too good to eat, but eaten they were, and very much enjoyed. Afternoon tea duty is so popular that we almost have a riot on our hands if the rostered person is away, because

everyone wants to take their place. The children are learning about hygiene while doing their duty, they actually look forward to wearing the gloves while handling food. Matthew and Kyle put a lot of effort and pride into the job on Wednesday, and laid out the table beautifully. This week we welcomed Jeremy back to MAC, Jeremy who was once a regular, but we haven’t seen him for a number of years. Jeremy came back at a busy time. Yoga on Wednesday, swimming on Thursday and then on Friday, as he was our only child, afternoon tea at the bakery and a visit to the library. Gee this is a tough place to hang out.

Here’s another happy customer, Giaan, all ready for a trip to the pool on Thursday. Some of the smiles disappeared after being in t h e water for

10 minutes, except for the Harrison boys who stuck it out til the bitter end. Ac t i v i t y Cen t re CRN (Afterschool Care) is 555 014 702K and Vacation Care is 555 014 708J. There is also the potential for working mothers to receive up to 50% of the fees outlaid back in their tax returns. Did you know your child can attend MAC for as little as $3 per session? Contact Centrelink to find out your child care benefit (CCB).

Jill and Ebony


ANGLICAN NEWS Please remember that if you need to contact the Parish please call on 0429 996 769. Thought for the Week: “……But God takes great

delight , not only in putting icing on the cake of answered prayer, but also adding mountains of delicious dark chocolate swirls.” From Australian stories to Inspire the Heart. Wow ! how often do we feel the love and care of God answering our prayers? As a great lover of the odd piece of chocolate I think the verse above just about describes our blessings perfectly. Calendar of Events. 31 Men’s Breakfast Parish hall 7.30am 1 April : Passion Sunday 5 April : Monday Thursday, Washing of

the Feet Service 6pm and Seder Meal Expressions of interest are welcome for Deb Ball 2012 Church Services. Gumman Place: 11am Extended

Eucharist.

Friday: 10am Eucharist and Discussion and sharing.

The Blessing of trinity markets folk took place on Sunday. We have such wonderful dedicated helpers who ensure that the shop is inviting and all who enter are served and cared for in a loving and caring manner. To follow our theme of learning and The year of the Farmer this article came to me in the mail this week… Anglicare Prayer Points. From the Anglican news for the church in Western NSW…..For those involved in Disaster recovery, For those affected by the floods and for those who await the arrival of the flood waters and all the services who are assisting….For those involved in the conduct of the rental Accommodation Affordability Survey and for those experiencing difficulty in finding suitable places to live. For those involved in the conduct of the national Food Insecurity project, those whom are experiencing the challenges of accessing adequate food … Anglicare prayer… God grant us the compassion to care deeply for others; the wisdom to discern how best to help; the energy to transform emotion into action, and the joy of wholehearted loving service. For Christ’s sake, Amen. Now 2 more Ringers until Easter..In those 2 weeks may we be still and know the Lord.

Rosalie Drew


For Sale Office: 6548 2008 Greg Llewelyn: 0417 227 204

Megan Constable: 0428 482 663

“Jemmy’s Creek Estate’ Pembroke Rd, Merriwa

Deposit taken on 16 lots, only 23 left Jemmy’s Creek Estate is located North West from Merriwa on the Pembroke Road, approx 35mins

drive from town Various lots available ranging in size from 6 acres to 620 acres

Country ranges from creek flats to undulating and hilly country, the picturesque Jemmy’s Creek runs through the property with some lots fronting the creek.

Prices range from $19,950 to $199,950

BACON, PEA & PARMESAN FETTUCINE Ingredients 375g fettuccine 160g (1 cup) frozen peas 80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil 6 x 65g rindless bacon rashers, thinly sliced 200g button mushrooms, quartered 200g Swiss brown mushrooms, quartered 300ml pouring cream 3 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup torn basil leaves, plus extra, to

serve 80g (1 cup) finely grated parmesan, plus

extra, to serve Method Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling

salted water for 6 minutes, then add peas and cook for a further minute or until pasta is al dente and peas are tender. Drain,

return to the pan and cover to keep warm. Heat 2tbs oil in a large, deep frying pan over

high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add remaining 2tbs oil and cook mushrooms, tossing, for 3 minutes or until tender. Return bacon to the pan with cream and stir for 3 minutes or until heated through.

Working quickly, add bacon mixture to pasta mixture with eggs, basil and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine; the heat of the ingredients will cook the eggs.

Divide fettuccine among bowls and scatter with extra torn basil leaves and parmesan to serve.

www.taste.com


A LITTLE PIECE OF UNDISCOVERED HEAVEN

The Fisherman's Village at Bo Phut on Ko Sumui is fastly becoming one of my very favourite places of my trip so far. It has a quaint village ambience with it's o l d w o o d e n shops and funky seaside shops and restaurants, i nc red ib l y i t

seems each continent is represented in this little village through their cuisine. It has only sparingly been mentioned in any of the travel blogs, books or websites but with an afternoon to explore, I have experienced enough of this unique little village to appreciate that it has not yet been inundated with tourists. My hotel here - Coccooning Hotel is only a short walk from the centre of the Village, I found it at a right bargain of $15 per night. However the old saying of "you get what you pay for" definitely hold's true in this circumstance . The door's lock doesn't work at all. If you forgot the key to the place, you could easily slip a credit card in and unlock the door. Luckily for me, there is a spot on the outside of the door to padlock it shut... needless to say I will take this option when I leave the room for anything. For the night I have rigged up my own security for the door so no one will be able to open it from the outside. I am impressed with my own ingenuity! On Saturday I was taken on a bit of a hike up a mountain to see a wonderful waterfall - Nam Tok Na Muang 2. I was told that it was only a short walk of 800m to the top, little did I realise that this 800m was directly up. After about a 20 minute climb the path was ridiculously steep and was not even sure it was safe. If I hadn't been so exhausted and mortified at the path, I would have taken a photo.. I think I got about 650m of the way before it was way too steep for me. Going down took just as long. Also in true Asian

style, there were bamboo bridges over some of the gorges and streams you needed to cross. These creaked and swayed as we walked across them. An experience I will remember and hopefully one day laugh at. Speaking of experiences, today I was on a tour out to some surrounding islands - Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuang. On a nice calm day it takes about 1.5hrs to get out to the islands from Koh Samui. This time however it took near 2.5hours due to the conditions of the ocean. Now I know that I'm not the best of passenger on a boat - a slight rock and I start dreading the worst. I honestly thought at one point the boat was going to go over on it's side. I was sitting right behind the captain of the boat and had my eyes closed tight praying I make it to land and that I was actually somewhere else, even at that moment I was half wishing I was sitting at my desk at work.... almost. Eventually I see land, I have never been happier. The day goes normally, beautiful snorkelling spots and beaches to walk on. Lunch at an amazing place on Koh Tao. I would love to come back to this island for at least a week another time. On docking into the port at Koh Nang Yuang,

y o u ' v e nothing but a boardwalk of weather-bare planks to wa l k on around the island, from the re , I climbed up to the highest peak on Koh Nang Yuang and you can see a small sandbar that joins two i s l a n d s . Beautiful!!!!

Tomorrow I head North and will land in Chang Mai about lunchtime...to be continued...

Lisa Gibbs


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from the publication.

ASSOCIATION OF MINING RELATED COUNCILS TO TAKE ACTION ON STATE GOVERNMENT’S PROMISED ROYALTIES

SCHEME The Association of Mining Related Councils (AMRC), which represents 21 local government councils and their communities in NSW, is taking action in relation to the State Government’s promised “Royalties for Regions” scheme. This action was commenced prior to the release of the Government’s “Economic Assessment of Mining Affected Communities” document on 21 February, 2011. “This matter was raised as a high priority issue at the Association’s meeting held in Coonabarabran on 10 February, 2012. It was apparent that some member Councils are becoming frustrated at what they see as a lack of progress in relation to this important promised regional funding issue,” newly appointed Executive Officer Don Tydd said. Association Chairperson, Councillor Colleen Fuller said a similar scheme operates in Western Australia. “The Association met with the now Deputy Premier, the Honourable Andrew Stoner MP, when he was in opposition prior to the March 2011 State election. He promised to introduce a “Royalties for the Regions” scheme once the opposition parties were elected to government, to address identified funding shortages where mining is taking place. Many mining related councils have only a relatively short history of mining on a large scale but the affected councils are facing immediate costs in the provision of related infrastructure," she said. "The scheme discussed in 2011 would ensure 30% of mining royalties collected by the State government were returned and reinvested in regional communities each year. Almost one year on, while the Association welcomes the

Government's recent release of the document “Economic Assessment of Mining Affected Councils”, there are still a lot of issues to be addressed in relation to the provision of local infrastructure where mining is occurring or exploration is underway." "The document identifies that the Hunter Valley region has inequities in revenue returned to that area, compared to the funds received by the State Government from mining royalties. However, in the document, newer mining regions in NSW such as the North-West and Central West do not reflect the revenue from State royalties that would be required for infrastructure related to the rapidly expanding mining activities taking place in those regions”. “Local communities where mining and exploration are taking place are expected to fund facilities and improve assets and infrastructure to allow for related development and expansion of services for the resulting increases in population. This places a huge burden on the local ratepayers who are already being asked to provide ever increasing revenue for local services where costs are increasing,” Cr Fuller said. AMRC Member Councils will be bringing this matter to the attention of their local State parliamentary members, to ensure there is a united approach to this important regional funding issue. For further information contact the Chairperson Cr Colleen Fuller on 0429 420 290.

Gary Fry


MORE THAN JUST A POST OFFICE! Loan N Go cards This new Visa card from Australia Post will be just ideal for kids, overseas trips or anyone that could use a credit card without being tied to a bank or big annual fees. Just purchase the card for a one-off fee of $6.95 and then add your credit at the PO or on line at www.postbillpay.com.au or even using Pay Anyone if you have online banking. Then you can safely use the card on-line, Worldwide or anywhere that takes Visa. Which is just about everywhere. There is a tiny 9 cents transaction fee – capped at 99c per month and the usual 3% currency conversion fee if you use or buy overseas. Anyone can get the new Load N Go card – there are no ID checks or minimum age. Jelly Digital Camera Now, the ankle and knee biters can have their own real digital camera for only $19.95! Soft body, bright colours and can also be used as a videocam (no sound) or web cam. Includes CD and USB cable for downloading to computer. Just the thing for the kids to get an entry into the Ringer photo comp. That will make Candice very happy! Brother Sewing Machine Yes, we still have sewing machines and after selling out of the first batch we now have the reputable Brother brand model LS-2150 back in stock at an even cheaper price. This model is perfect for basic sewing and mending – but it does quite a bit more. Twenty three stitch functions include auto buttonholer, decorative heirloom & quilting stitches. Comes with quick bobbin winding, free arm for sleeves and cuffs, snap-on presser foot and other accessories. Great pricing, now only $129. High Def PVR for $49 It’s a whole new viewing experience if you can easily record television programmes as well as pause, rewind and FF any TV programme that’s currently on screen. A personal video recorder, or PVR will let you do just that but they have been expensive up until now. We have the Olin HD set-top-box that lets you pay TV in high definition and record to USB drive and has HDMI connectivity for best picture quality. Also has 7 day electronic programme guide and it’s only $49. Ask Mel for more details.

Olin Portable DVD Players Keep the kids (of all ages) happy in the car – or anywhere! Only $89.95 with a 9 inch swivel widescreen, compatible with most discs and files and accommodates USB & SD cards as well as MP3 files. Used the internal speakers or earphone. Comes with remote and a carry case. We also stock the 7 inch screen version for only $59.95. Microscope Set This would make a useful and educational gift for the young scientist or botanist. All metal construction and up to 900x magnification with built-in light. The microscope and 27 other pieces make up this set which is all housed in a hard shell presentation case. Only one left at $49.99. Laminator for $24.95 A big price drop means you can laminate at home or business very cheaply. The Creative A4 size hot laminator will handle up to 230mm wide sheets, and laminate photos, cards, certificates, bar codes etc. We always stock laminating pouches too – in most sizes. Digital Camera’s Come to Merriwa PO first if you’re seeking a new camera. Our selected range includes a fabulous value starter for $59.95 and a compact SLR type with viewfinder for $199. Here’s the details: Sanyo digital bargain - 12 megapixel, 3x

optical zoom, HD video, 2.7 inch colour LCD screen and more. The Sanyo VPC S1213 is small and neat and would make an ideal first digital camera. Only $59.95.

Fujifilm S2950 14 MPx SLR type camera. Look professional and get great results with this more serious digital for a seriously cheap price. You get a proper viewfinder as well as an LCD screen and more features. Only $199

Open from 8am – 5pm weekdays 9am – 11 am most Saturdays Postmasters thought for the week: Intellectual: someone who was probably educated beyond their capacity to understand.

Melism

Mel & Kerry Anne with Colleen & Kylie


Entries Close 12 Noon on Monday 26 March

This month the theme is:

The winning photo this month will receive a Hedge Trimmer donated by Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre.

The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages. The winning photo will be published in the Ringer on 29 March and will receive a prize donated by our sponsor. All entries will

be displayed at Merriwa Pharmacy after the winner is announced.

Each month will be a new competition with a new theme and prize!

Email your entries to: [email protected] or drop them into the office to be scanned.


RFS VOLUNTEERS INVITED TO HAVE THEIR SAY AT LOCAL MEETING

The NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, has initiated a series of meetings with volunteers throughout NSW to be held between now and June. The NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner, Dominic Lane, is inviting all volunteers in the Liverpool Range Zone to gather for a discussion on topics affecting local brigades. “This meeting will provide local volunteers with a chance to have a good chat about topics specific to brigades in the Upper Hunter, Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah Shir Council areas.” I would encourage all members to take advantage of this opportunity to get together with volunteers from your area and discuss a range of topics including some recent changes in the NSW RFS,” said Assistant Commissioner Dominic Lane. Some of the subjects covered will include hazard reduction, enhancement to radios and preparations for the upcoming bush fire season. “In addition to the meeting in Liverpool Range Zone, I will be travelling the whole state having

similar conversations with brigades from a range of areas.” “Every area in the state has different areas of focus depending on local weather conditions, topography, and the sort of fire emergencies they attend most”. “Insights from how brigades approach situations in other areas can often prove invaluable and I am looking forward to sharing this knowledge”. “I am keen to have an open discussion about broad range of issues and I would like to encourage as many questions and comments along the way,” concluded Assistant Commissioner Lane. The Liverpool Range Zone Meeting will be held on Friday 23 March at the Liverpool Range Zone Fire Control Centre located at 26 New England Highway, Willow Tree, commencing at 11am. For more information contact Liverpool Range Zone Office on 1800 081 166 or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Dominic Lane


FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT MERRIWA’S FESTIVAL OF THE FLEECES

Merriwa’s Annual Festival of the Fleeces has now been running for over 21 years. In the past this event has generated much needed funds for Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Merriwa and District Rescue Squad. The Festival of the Fleeces is a major family event in the Upper Hunter Region, a show casing Merriwa, which provides an invaluable representation of life on the land to the youth of today, as well as a reminder to older generations. The Festival attracts a large number of tourists from all over New South Wales and beyond. Visitors come to Merriwa to enjoy the country hospitality, to experience rural life and observe the past and present skills being demonstrated. Unfortunately the costs associated with running the Festival are continually increasing, so the importance of donations and sponsorship is critical to holding the events the Festival provide. The cost of holding the Festival in 2011 was $23,000.00 from a total income of $27,000.00 from sponsorship, donations and income generated activities with $1,545.00 held by The Festival committee as a starting fund for 2012 with the balance of $3,090.00 donated equally between the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Merriwa and District Rescue Squad. As of the Monday 19 March a total of $10,225.00 has been received through sponsorship and donations with $583.00 from fund raising activities. So if there are any businesses, organisations, and or individuals within the community that are interested in supporting the festival in anyway, whether it is a small amount or enough to host an event

please come forward now to help the Festival of the Fleeces thrive and survive in 2012.

The Festival committee works hard throughout the year to raise funds, holding street stalls, raffles and 100 clubs etc to have the money to book and pay deposits.

The costs of some of the events are. $5,500.00 plus GST, Fireworks. $1,800.00 plus GST, Petting Zoo. $500.00 plus GST, NBN Big Dog

Appearance. $4,000.00 plus GST, Jumping Castles. $600.00 plus GST, Clowns. $900.00 plus GST, Free Kids Train Rides. $1,000.00 plus GST, Blade Shearing. $1,200.00 plus GST, Opening Night. $660.00 plus GST, Whip Crakers. $500.00 plus GST, Cast Iron

Demonstration. That’s without the lollies for the lolly scramble, prizes for the children’s games, hire of portable toilets, face painting, reptile show, kid’s jeeps, stilt walkers, costume hire, major raffle prizes, working dog displays, shearing demonstra t ions , and h a v i n g S t J o h n ’ s Ambulance present, along with advertising and associated costs of holding the festival in 2012. So if funding doesn’t start to

come in shortly, the committee will have the anguishing task of having to decide which events the community and visitors will get to enjoy in 2012. So if you require any further information about the running of the Festival or would like to make a contribution contact the Merriwa Resource Centre on 6521 7046. The committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already sponsored the Festival of the Fleeces in 2012.

Tina Taylor


WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES When the focus of naval Pacific War in WW2 moved north of Borneo Australia’s navy became dependant on supplies from American sources, including food and clothing. For instance, all our work gear became American, i.e. dungarees (better known today as blue jeans), blue cotton twill shirts and black shoes, so that, if you did not know better, it was difficult, clothing wise, to distinguish an Australian cruiser from an American. The same applied in Japan, where we had virtually no shore amenities of any kind of our own except a so-called canteen at the White Ensign landing at Yokohama which had almost nothing on offer except beer and, being British, it was warm, so when ashore we mostly by-passed it and went by train to Tokyo. Much of both Yokohama and Toyo were in ruins, and the entire stretch of many kilometres or more of the industrial areas between those two great cities on Tokyo Bay had been systematically carpet bombed by the Americans in many raids till what had once been there had almost ceased to exist. It was now a wasteland of rubble and remnants of walls with big pieces of machinery standing exposed, apparently unscathed, and now rusting in the open. The Americans had set up excellent Canteens and Post Exchanges (PXs) for their Servicemen, to some extent in Yokohama but mostly in Tokyo, and these provided amenities of all kinds including food, entertainment and merchandise at very cheap prices in Japanese yen. We were welcome on the same terms as their own men, indeed the thousands of Americans in Japan were without exception friendly and generous to the “Aussies”, seemed to respect us, and would do anything they could to help us. As a result I have had a lifelong liking and respect for Americans, indeed, to coin a word, I am a “Usaphile”, since, while they are far from perfect, in my experience then and since they are not the demons so many people believe them to be. One deep impression I soon gained was that the Japanese did not seem to bear a grudge of any kind against those who had defeated them and devastated their country, in fact they were probably overjoyed to discover that the invading Americans were not the barbarians they had been told by their Government to expect. Instead, they were the reverse of barbarians and treated the Japanese firmly but

with sympathy and respect, any harsh treatment or exploitation was strictly forbidden, and the American Military Police ensured this policy was rigidly enforced. Further, I never saw any sign of resentment towards the Japanese people by any of those on the Hobart and Arunta or by any Americans in spite of what so many of them had suffered, sometimes for years, at the hands of Japanese aggression. In short, the American policies sought, by the use of humane Peace Treaties and compassionate treatment of the defeated Japanese (and also German) peoples, to transform both their countries from Warlike Dictatorships into Peace Loving Democracies. This policy succeeded admirably, and in fact it was akin to the kind of Victors’ Policy which the Americans had sought to implement after the First World War. However, they were unable to do so then because, being in a much less dominant position in 1918 than in 1945, they were overridden by Britain and, particularly, a vengeful France, with both those Colonial Powers seeking, and gaining, enormous reparations. These included annexing the Colonies of the vanquished Germans and Turks, all in accord with age old Victors’ Rights which had been the accepted custom world wide since time immemorial. Had the Americans succeeded in having their preferred policies even partly implemented after 1918 it is quite conceivable that we would have been spared Hitler and World War Two. About mid December, with the Hobart briefly in Kure, we were probably the first Australians into Hiroshima after the A bomb fell, with the exception of some Australian POWs who were slave labourers there at the time. Hiroshima was an astounding sight, not because of the almost total devastation and demolition over a huge area since this was not very different to almost anywhere in Japan, but because the city had been virtually untouched till then, and what we saw was the result of one single gigantic explosion. I was there only two or three times and since there was really little to see after the first visit, all but the first were fairly brief. This was perhaps as well since the effects of radiation exposure were little known at the time and even more so before then, indeed as we now know both Madame Curie and her husband


WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES MERRIWA NURSERY AND

IRRIGATION Depot Road, Merriwa

WE CAN SUPPLY ENGINES, GENERATORS AND PORTABLE WELDING UNITS WITH THE RIGHT GEAR AND AT THE RIGHT PRICE – HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES. Either Single or 3 Phase.

5.0 hp Honda 2000w petrol generator 11.0 hp Honda 5500w petrol generator 4.8 hp L48 Yanmar 2600w DIESEL generator 7.0 hp L70 Yanmar 4000w DIESEL generator 7.0 hp L100 Yanmar 6000w DIESEL generator 13 hp Honda 7000w petrol welder/generator 10 hp L100 Yanmar DIESEL welder/generator

ELECTRIC START MODELS AVAILABLE, ALSO LOW OIL PRESSURE/OVERHEATING SAFEGUARDS.

WOOLBROOK RURAL INDUSTRIES: Please call

Max Wurcker 6548 2150. NURSERY: Please call Jenny Lee 6548-2472

died of cancer probably caused by exposure to radium and its then unknown risks. There are other examples of such radiation leading to unforseen and deadly consequences such as a very unpleasant disease known as “fossy jaw” suffered by female workers in watch factories. They were employed to paint luminescent numbers on watch dials and had a habit of licking their brushes with very unpleasant and fatal results. I read of one case where an American engineer brought back a pump from a visit to Hiroshima and slept with it under his bed for months, again with fatal consequences. At any rate neither I or my children seem to have suffered any ill affects, nor did I hear of anyone who did under my circumstances.

Max Wurcker

Shop 1/17 Bridge Street www.jtsrealty.com.au Muswellbrook NSW 2333 [email protected] Ph: 6541 5331 Fax: 6541 0330

Cullingral Street Merriwa - $195,000 Located opposite the primary schools and in walking distance to the Main Street this is an ideal family home. There are 3 big bedrooms one with built in robes. The lounge is large and has gas heating there is a second family room at the rear of the house. The kitchen is original but in very good condition with a near new stove. The attached dining is a good size and features reverse

cycle air conditioning. At the rear of the home is a covered entertainment area overlooking the fully fenced yard. For storage there is a single lock up garage, garden shed and a green house. This is a perfect first home for a young family and is well worth the look.

1 Collins Street Merriwa - $180,000 Situated in a new sub-division and with very good tenants paying $195 a week this is a very good, easy care investment. The home has 3 good sized bedrooms the main with built in robes and one with an attached sun room. The open plan living area features reverse cycle air conditioning and polished floating floor boards. The kitchen is in excellent

condition and has plenty of space. They yard has been designed to be low maintenance and there is a carport and off street parking. This is very easy care, simple investment and well worth a look.

http://www.jtsrealty.com.au/

mailto:[email protected]


The Merriwa Community News is available to charity groups or non-funded, not for profit organisations and anyone wishing to advise of a special event (birthday/anniversary/etc). If you

would like to make use of this free service, please contact us prior to 12pm Mondays.

SHOW NEWS

We are seeking expressions of interest from people wishing to help with or take part in the Show Ball participate in Show Girls competition. If you are interested in helping with this, please contact Rob Tindall on 0427 761 159.

Emma Henderson

FIRST AID COURSE

Both Refresher Course & New Trainees first aide course will be held at Merriwa Pre-school on Tuesday 27 March 2012 from 4pm – 8pm at a cost $95.00 per person. Please pay your money to register for the course no later than Monday 26 March 2012.

Megan Moore

HAVE'A'CHAT

Merriwa cancer support group Haveachat get together the third Thursday night of the month at 6.30pm, at the Merriwa RSL Club for private and confidential support and information in all cancer related areas. One to think about. We live in the melanoma capital of the world. You know what to do.

Ray McConnell

THANK YOU Once again, our thanks must go to the Merriwa Community for supporting our recent Red Cross Calling Morning Tea held on 16-03-2012. A total of $458.85 was raised on the day and this will assist Red Cross support the many services it provides within the Australian community., e.g. Night cafes, the Foodcents Program, Living with Independence, Telecross and the Breakfast program in Australian schools, just to name a few. As always your generosity is gratefully acknowledged and appreciated. Winners of the Raffle 1st B Voysey 2nd R Witney Winner of the Lucky Door Prize Di Inder

Philomena Constable

Liaison Officer - Merriwa Red Cross

MERRIWA DISTRICT PROGRESS ASSOCIATION INC

THE GOLDEN HIGHWAY The next meeting of the Progress Association will be on Wednesday March 28 at The RSL, commencing at 6:00 pm. The principal topic will be future plans for the Golden Highway where it passes through the Shire. The guest speakers will be Joe Krsul the Acting Regional Manager for the Roads and Maritime Services (formerly the RTA) Infrastructure Services and Bede Spannagle, Manager of Upper Hunter Shire Council Roads and Bridges. Have your say about this Major Highway and what improvements you would like to see. Come along to Merriwa RSL at 6:00 pm on March 28.

Beron Arden Wood 6548 2245

CHANGE OF HOURS

Elders Merriwa will no longer be open on Saturday mornings. We apologise for the inconvenience

Nathan Barry

CONGRATULATIONS Ray and Carlita McConnell would like to congratulate Jade on her performance in winning the World Skills for Business Services at State level and wish her all the best for the Nationals later this year. We're so bloody proud!

Ray McConnell


WORLDS GREATEST SHAVE The Worlds Greatest Shave has taken place in Merriwa with Ray & Matt McConnell both having their heads shaved for the Leukaemia Foundation. The now baldy headed pair have raised over $1100.00 between them which will go towards much needed research towards blood cancers and support for patients.

Ray and Matt would like to thank all of the generous people who sponsored them in their endevours to support cancer research.

Ray McConnell

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS To the parents and carers who have children with special needs, I am a parent with special needs children. I have noticed there is very little support out in this area, not like there is in bigger towns and cities. I would like to start up a parents and carers support group were we can get together and have a cuppa and a chat. The first group meeting will be held at Chook ‘n’ Chips on Tuesday 27 March at 10.30am. I hope to see you there.

Hazel Large

ST DAVID’S UNITING CHURCH PIE DRIVE Pie drive orders close this Friday, 23 March. Delivery day is Monday 2 April. We plan on orders being ready for collection from 10.30am on delivery day, and can be picked up from St. David’s Uniting Church on the corner of Vennacher and Mackenzie Streets. This is a great opportunity to fill the freezer for Easter and the School Holidays. If anyone has been unable to access an order sheet, or have any queries, please contact me on 6548 5131

Barbara Campbell


SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING Dean Trembath is coming to Scone and Murrurundi to conduct tennis coaching in April. Scone’s coaching clinic will start on Tuesday 10 April for 4 days. Coaching will be from 9am -12.30pm with match play from 1.30pm -3.30pm. Cost is $20 per day or $70 for all 4 days. Match play alone is $12 per day. Murrurundi’s coaching will start on Wednesday 11 April and will run for 3 days. It will be conducted in the afternoons starting at 1pm. Cost will be $20 per day or $50 for 3 days (if sufficient numbers to run 3 days). To book please contact Nicky Western on 0414 806 074 or Dean Trembath on 0412 735 113.

Nicky Western

Sports Participation Officer

IN MEMORY OF STEPHEN TUDOR ENTERED GODS KINGDOM

21 MARCH 2003

We thought about you with love today But that is nothing new

We thought about you yesterday And the day before that too We think of you in silence

And often speak your name But all we have a memories

And photos in a frame God saw how you were suffering

A cure was not to be He put his arms around you

And whispered come with me Remembered always by all you loving family

Nita Tudor

TRIVIA NIGHT Baerami Memorial School of Arts Hall is hosting a Trivia Night on Saturday 24 March at Baerami Hall. Please be ready at 6.30pm for a 7pm sharp start. The cost is $10 per person with tables of 8 people. BYO drinks and nibblies. All monies raised on the night will go towards the ongoing renovations of the hall. Get your friends together and come along for a whole lot of fun and laughter, For more information or to book a table please contact Michelle on 6547 5058

Michelle Walker

THE FLU VACCINE IS NOW AVAILABLE AND COULD BE FREE FOR YOU THIS YEAR The vaccine is free if you: Are aged over 65 years, Pregnant, Diabetic, Immunity Impaired (immunosuppressant drugs, HIV, Cancer), Cardiac Disease (Coronary Heart Disease, Chronic Heart Failure, Stroke), Lung Disease (Severe Asthma, COPD), Chronic Neurological conditions, Chronic Kidney Disease, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Wishing you all a healthy season. For Bookings please contact the Surgery on 6548 2305

Dr Ramses Salama Merriwa Surgery


Top Quality local beef and pork delivered to the Upper Hunter every Friday

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS BY 5PM MONDAYS FOR FRIDAY DELIVERY

For Order Forms Ph. 65485170 or 65485008

Fax 65485181 [email protected]

www.alexanderdowns.com.au

This Weeks Special Whole T’Bones (av. 8kg) $12.90/kg Bulk Buy!

T’Bone Steak $15.50/kg Fillet Steak (Minimum 1.5kg) $21.00/kg

Delivery Friday 30.03.12 Don’t Forget our Delicious Duroc Pork for Easter!

BRINDLEY PARK LUCERNE

Small Lucerne Squares 4x4 Lucerne Rounds Haylage and Silage Transport available

Merriwa 0488 000 177

SEAFOOD FOR EASTER 2012SEAFOOD FOR EASTER 2012 ““OUTSIDE THE ROYAL HOTEL” VENNACHER STREEOUTSIDE THE ROYAL HOTEL” VENNACHER STREETT

TUESDAY AFTERNOONTUESDAY AFTERNOON, , 3 APRIL3 APRIL, , 2.30PM TILL 5.30PM 2.30PM TILL 5.30PM PH: 0413 724 232PH: 0413 724 232

EFTPOS FACILITIES AVEFTPOS FACILITIES AVAILABLEAILABLE KENT & FAMILY WISH YKENT & FAMILY WISH YOU ALL AOU ALL A HAPPY EASTERHAPPY EASTER

Merriwa Showground Saturday April 14 8:30am

Demonstration & inspection Sale to commence at 12noon

25 Eventing Horses 25 Registered and Unregistered Stock Horses & Quarter Horses

Ridden & Led Horses including brood mares Further entries are invited and anticipated

Catering available on the grounds

Entry Forms available from www.maxbailey.com.au

Roger 0427 153446 or Paula 0429 149890

UPPER HUNTER HORSE SALE

http://www.maxbailey.com.au


MERRIWA HARDWARE Brace yourselves for a bit more of Gibberish! Well our current dogalogue is almost over. It finishes this weekend so you better rush in and grab a last minute bargain. Keep an eye out for our next dogalogue, it will be titled "Paint Like a Proper Pro". Yes, you guessed it! It's all about paint. There will be 12 pages full of paints, stains and accessories. At the moment we also have a couple of paint promotions happening. You could win a Wotif travel voucher valued at $500.00 simply by purchasing some Finish paint and filling out an entry form. Competition starts 15 March 2012 and ends 16 April 2012. Win a family holiday to the Gold Coast by purchasing 4 litres of Wattyl Interior Design. Prize includes return economy airfares, 2 nights accommodation, VIP tickets and meet the Looney Toons cast! Promotion starts 1 March 2012 and ends 30 April 2012. Check them out in store for more details. Saw a you beaut ladder on TV the other night, can't remember what it was called, (funny about that), brand unknown, but the claim was that it was like having 100 and something other ladders it was that versatile. Didn't say how much it was either. Anyway, we have a ladder that looks like it does exactly the same thing. Now this brand you know, the Bailey BSX-20 Extendable ladder will go into at least 20 different positions providing a ladder for almost every need. The Bailey BSX-20 is rated at 135kg and is only $269.00. That's it for this week. Did you know? If you fart consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb.

Ray McConnell

MERRIWA COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Thanks to the support of the branch I was able to attend the annual State Agriculture and Environment Seminar in Sydney. Our excursion included an early morning tour of Flemington markets where we saw the fresh produce being sold and an amazing array of flowers at the flower market. Later in the day we visited the ‘vanishing’ market gardens in western Sydney. These produce producers who have access to some of the most fertile land in the Sydney Basin are quickly being bought up by developers and the main fresh food source for the metropolitan area is becoming suburban residential areas. On Tuesday several of our members will have faced group judging for their cooking and handicraft skills. Hopefully next week some of our members will have been rewarded with places in the competition. A reminder that our next meeting will be held on April 2 before Easter. Our street stall will be on the Thursday before Easter so come along and purchase some delicious CWA cooking to enjoy over the long weekend.

Sandra Stewart


GUMMUN PLACE HOSTEL MARKET DAY Thank you to all those who braved the weather to attend the Gummun Place Hostel Market Day. It was a very successful day with around $2,500 raised for the Hostel.

In particular I would like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their Saturday to help man the countless stalls of craft, cakes, bottles and plants. Also to those who donated goods to be sold on the day a big thank you. The following local businesses & individuals generously supported the hostel with donations of goods for the chocolate wheel: B&B on Bettington Bits and Pizzas Hair Indeed Happy Guru Margaret Witney

McConnell's This 'n' That Merriwa Auto Electrical Merriwa Chook n Chips Merriwa Hardware Merriwa Newsagency Merriwa Petroleum & Ag Supplies Merriwa Pharmacy Merriwa Post Office Merriwa Rugby League Club Merriwa Sports Club Merriwa Tyre Service Peter Davidson Pukara Estate Royal Hotel Merriwa

Thank you for your community spirit!

Phoebe Richard Community Services Officer - Merriwa


HELLO FRIENDS OF IGA Another week over and plenty of things have been going on in the world of Merriwa IGA. Its Easter specials time, there are plenty of ‘Eggcellent’ specials to be enjoyed. Over Easter IGA will be open, but different hours, so the following days and times are the Trading hours over Easter; Holy Thursday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Good Friday closed, Holy Saturday 9:00 to 3:00, Easter Sunday closed, Easter Monday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. While in store you may have noticed the signs around the Lynx Deodorant products. These signs are for a competition that is currently running, simply buy a lynx product and get an entry form in store and fill it in, you could win one of four quad bikes. This competition is Australia wide, but you can’t win unless you enter. New in store this week; we now have a new line of budget nappies in store, Helen Harper Nappies – 22’s or 26’s. This week they are only $5.99 which means that each nappy is only 23 cents to 27 cents, now that’s value. Also there is a new line in the My Dog tinned food section, we are taking delivery of 1.18kg varieties, and they are this week at an incredible $3.99. Are you always scratching around the house looking for a battery for the torch or the clock that has finally stopped, well scratch no longer because this week IGA is having a ‘Mega Battery Sale’ batteries at prices that you can be excited about, so come on down and recharge your supplies and enjoy the bargains to be had. Its time for the weekly specials, first in the Liquor. Have you seen the Giant 4.5 litre bottle of Jonnie Walker Red Label at the check out? Well its part of a competition in store, simply purchase $40 or more in liquor products- excluding beer- and ask for an entry form to fill in and put in the box, it could be yours! But in the mean time you can enjoy the following specials; 2 for $30 Multi Buy on selected wines; see in store for selected varieties. 3 for $20 Multi Buy on selected wines; see in store for selected varieties.

2 for $60 Multi Buy on selected Spirits; see in store for selected varieties. 2 for $72 Multi Buy on Tooheys Extra Dry 24 packs. Carlton Dry 24 packs and XXXX Gold 30 pack cans, $37.99 each. Bundaberg and Jonnie Walker 24 pack cubes $69.99 each. Bundaberg 700ml bottles, $32.99. Also a reminder if you purchase 6 or more bottles of wine that qualifies you for a 10% discount. The weekly specials catalogue is out in the store and runs until Sunday 25 March. Some products are marked down with up to 55% off. Thompson Seedless Grapes, $2.79 per kg. IGA Pre Packed Brushed Potatoes 4kg, $3.99 per bag. Red Delicious Apples, $2.89 per kg. Kent Pumpkin $0.79 per kg Assorted Fancy Lettuce, $1.49 each Beef T-bone steak, $14.89 per kg. Pork Spare Rib Rashers, $10.99 per kg. Lamb Loin Chops, $14.99 per kg. Premium Beef Mince, $8.99 per kg. Primo Country Style Ham off the Bone, $15.99kg. Primo Short Cut Bacon, $10.98 per kg. Cocktail and Thin Frankfurts $5.99 per kg. Easter orders for BBQ Chickens and Fresh Deli and Produce can now be placed through the friendly staff at the Deli. So come on down and check out the range, and enjoy our ‘Eggcellent Specials’. That’s how the Locals like it!

Daniel


WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN $50 TOWARDS YOUR XMAS SAVINGS THIS YEAR!

Hunter Mutual for the month of April will be promoting our Christmas club account, a great way to have enough money for Christmas….Yes, I know we just had Xmas but it is never too early to start saving, a little planning can go along way. Wouldn’t it be great, not to have to worry about paying for Xmas presents or the big spend for Xmas lunch! Anyone who opens a Christmas club account during our promotion month will go into the draw to win $50, which will be credited into your Christmas account to kick your savings off for the year! Each year thousands of the Community Mutual Group’s members experience an enjoyable and more affordable Christmas thanks to the money saved in their Christmas Club account. Great features including a competitive interest rate, unlimited deposits, no account keeping fees and restricted access ensure you are not tempted to draw on the account before it is needed. An added bonus is the ability to have funds automatically credited to the account on a regular basis using our Direct Pay Service. Open an account today and save for Christmas the easy way. Deposits of any amount can be made over the counter, by periodical payment or via direct credit. Withdrawal of funds is only allowed during the months of November or December to ensure your money is there when it is needed. Swift Access (Phone Banking) & Web Access (Internet Banking) can provide balances all year

MERRIWA CWA Street Stall - Thursday 5 April Having visitors for Easter or just maybe you don’t want to cook. Come along and support our Street Stall and fill your pantry with lots of homemade cakes preserves and vegetables. The CWA is a not for profit organisation and supports charities such as the Cancer Council, RFDS, Kids Off The Streets, & Nets to name a few. Any contributions to our stall would be very much appreciated. Thanks Many thanks to Zoi Russell and Michael Gilbey who came to our meeting last Monday and told us about their expectations and experiences on the Young Endeavour voyage from Hobart to Sydney. It was obvious it was a wonderful experience for them both and something they will never forget. Zoi and Michael are great ambassadors for our schools and community.

Robyn McAlister Secretary

round. During November and December funds can be transferred from your Christmas Club Account to other accounts using these services. Interest is calculated on the minimum monthly balance and paid to the account on the 31st October. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Trudie, Kylie & Fiona Hunter Mutual - Merriwa


MERRIWA NEWSAGENCY Your Local Newspower Store and Office Smart Agent . Check us out on l ine at www.merriwanewsagency.com.au The latest OfficeSmart catalogue is out now, so if you would like to see the latest savings in the stationary department, some in and grab one today/ Just Four Ingredients This fabulous recipe book series has decided that there are enough recipes in their catalogue to put out The Best of Just Four Ingredients. This recipe book is a great one to have as the recipes are ‘simple, uncomplicated and quick to prepare.’ This edition includes recipes from Just Four Ingredients, Just Four Ingredients Fast, and Just Four Ingredients for Friends. The recipes are perfect for the busy lifestyle or the learner cook. AWW Masterclass If you are inspired by My Restaurant Rules and Master Chef, but have no idea where to start, we have the perfect recipe book for you. Australian Women’s Weekly Masterclass step-by-step has restaurant quality and style recipes. It also has photos to follow so that you know you are doing everything correctly. Palliard of chicken with asparagus and tarragon sauce, scotch fillet with mushroom chips and bordelaise sauce, lamb rump with salsa verde and roasted shallots, and chocolate fondant with espresso anglaise are all included. Impress the parents, in-laws, kids, friends with these great recipes! Free Campsites Guide 2012 On The Road has published this magazine, which lists over 500 free campsites, including 70 reviewed campsites and informative features. This book includes sites in all states and Northern Territory. As well as a map of each state (the larger states are broken down into regions) with all of the listed sites marked. Each listing includes simple pictures to symbolise the features they have, such as toilets, fireplaces, caravans, water, accessible to 4wd only, dry weather only etc. There are also featured campsites, with a full page report on the site. There are articles designed to make your camping experience better- camping with kids, vehicle set-up, communication and safety,

etc. There is even a photo gallery that captures the spirit of camping in Australia. The Garden Guru Magazine If you are a fan of the Garden Guru team on TV, then don’t forget that the magazine is also available. It has a new look and new name but is the same trusted magazine. The current issue is full of great Autumn gardening ideas, including creating a picking garden to create vase delights, adding value to your garden with simple make-overs and landscaping, new release plants, new water saving products, herbs and health, home-made preserves and an Autumn garden diary and events. Stationary Product of the Week The A4 paper trimmer is the perfect addition to any home or office. It is guillotine style, but has safety features to stop fingers getting chopped! It also has a sturdy metal base. These paper trimmers give a professional finish to cutting, and are great for the home, office, or craft room. Colouring Competition Don’t forget that in order to be in the colouring competition, kids need to hand in their entry with their name, age and school marked in the appropriate place on the back. They can give them to the teacher or bring them directly to the newsagency. The judging will be done in time for the prizes to be given out in the last week of term. We look forward to receiving lots of colourful and imaginative entries. Phone Cards; all cards are now available including Telstra, Optus & Vodaphone Cash or Eftpos only

Neville & Leanne Hook

http://www.merriwanewsagency.com.au


YOUTH OF MERRIWA GET YOUR TEAMS OF FOUR

Decorate your Bikes & Scooters Be at the Skate Park Complex at 11am, this Sunday, for a fun day of entertainment and laughter. Challenge a Rotarian to better your time in the Scooter Egg & Spoon Race or the Orbit Challenge Course?? Get your teams together for the Relay Orbit Course and see if you can be the winning team. Teams of four in under 9 and over 9 categories. See the SRC and enter your team in this competition. Be the winner of the Best Decorated Bike/Scooter and win a prize – under 9 and over 9 categories. The Rotary Club of Merriwa invite the community of Merriwa to help us celebrate the new playground infrastructure at the Skate Park Complex. We have many sponsors to thank and want to make the day a special fun carnival atmosphere for the youth of our town.

A Jumping Castle will provide entertainment for our younger youth and thanks must go to Merriwa Cross Country Ford, Greg Llewelyn & Merriwa Petrolem & Ag, Landmark Townsend and Rotary Club of Merriwa who will split the costs to provide this entertainment. A big thank you to you all. Things don’t come cheap and it is wonderful to have people willing to share the costs as we endeavour to provide entertainment for our youth of Merriwa.

11am is the starting time for our celebrations. Our local police will judge the best dressed bike/scooter and then give a short talk to our kids on bike safety and maintenance. The District Governor of Rotary 9670, Janette Jackson, will officially open the day at noon by unveiling our new signage for the complex. At 1pm the Central School SRC will run the Egg &

Spoon Scooter competitors through their course, all individually times. Winners in under 9 and over 9 categories. 2pm will see some ‘local identities’ being put through some exercises on our Outdoor Gym pieces. Interesting ‘identities’ too, I might add. Come see who they are and how they handle an exercise routine??? Muswellbrook Fitness Centre will conduct this demonstration. Moving along to 3pm we will have the SRC conducting the Orbit Course Relay event, again on time, with four people per team, relay fashion, weaving their way through a designated course.

Of course you can’t have a day like this without providing some food. The Rotary Club with the assistance from Hunter Mutual (who are kindly donating sausages for this occasion) will man the BBQ and cook and sell steak sandwiches $3 ; sausage sandwiches $2 and chicken satay kebabs $2. We have kept the charges to cover costs, not to make a profit, so our Merriwa families can afford the day and be able to give the youth of Merriwa a fun day out. Also selling on the day will be soft drinks at $1 per can (again to cover costs only) and chips and lollies. The Merriwa CWA have kindly accepted our offer to sell Cappuccinos and cakes and slices on the day. All profits from this stall are for our CWA organization. Thank you ladies for your assistance.

So come along Merriwa to our fun day opening of the Merriwa Rotary Skate Park Complex starting at 11am. We are making it a fun day for One and All. Get involved kids and enter into all the activities. Surprises may come your way but you have to be there to be surprised.!!!

John & Elaine Sparrow


A JOINT EFFORT TO MANAGE ARTHRITIS It’s almost certain that you, someone in your family or a close friend will have some form of arthritis. Arthritis is Australia’s major cause of pain and disability. It directly affects about 4 million people and impacts indirectly on millions more. It’s an enormous economic cost burden on the community too – collectively we pay some $24 billion every year – and the extra hidden social and emotional costs are immeasurable. Arthritis is often thought of as a single disease, but it’s really an umbrella term used to describe well over 100 different medical conditions - conditions which are similar to the extent that they all involve our bones and muscles and particularly the joints where two or more of our bones meet. Arthritis Awareness Week (25 – 31 March) gives us an opportunity to reflect not only on the problem, but also, in a positive way, how we can control the symptoms and enable people with arthritis to lead normal active lives. In conjunction with Arthritis Australia (the peak pat ient support organisat ion), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has developed information and materials to help ensure arthritis can be managed effectively. These materials include three fact cards on the most common forms of arthritis – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis (OA) mainly affects the weight bearing joints: the legs, the shoulders, the knees and the lower spine. Often the hands are also affected, especially at the base of the thumb and the end joints of the fingers. Presently there is no cure of OA, so all treatment is aimed at achieving symptom control. Effective management of OA involves a combination of strategies: joint protection and energy conservation, periods of both rest and exercise, physical aids, medication – both oral and injectable and, usually as a last resort, surgery. In so far as medicines are concerned, as the primary aim of treatment is to reduce pain, simple pain relievers are the first choice for OA; and paracetamol is the best option. For optimum results paracetamol should be taken not just now and again but routinely – 3g to 4g per day. This can be either two 500mg tablets up to four times daily, or two of the

higher strength (Panadol Osteo) three times daily. As with all chronic conditions, particularly when conventional therapies are less than perfect in every case, there is plenty of interest in alternative or complementary treatments. There is some evidence from clinical trials that glucosamine sulphate (1500mg/day) decreases the pain associated with OA of the knee joint. There may be benefit for other joints as well; however, it should be noted that results from later studies have not been universally supportive of the early trials. Gout is the only form of arthritis where it is likely that some foods can aggravate the condition (check out the Gout fact card), but there is evidence that some foods will actually help other inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specifically, the beneficial foods are those rich in what we know as omega-3 fatty acids, and the best sources of the omega-3 are oily fish. Olive oils and oils and spreads from flaxseed, canola and wheat germ are also beneficial. Supplements of fish oil, and the more concentrated krill oil, are now available if fish is not a regular on your menu. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate product and the correct dose. Meanwhile, the arthritis fact cards are available from Merriwa Pharmacy. There are also a few other fact cards with helpful advice for sufferers of arthritis. These include Pain Relievers, Preventing Falls, Relaxation Techniques and Weight and Health.

Jake Blenkey, a final year pharmacy student at the University of Newcastle will be undertaking a rural pharmacy placement at Merriwa pharmacy for the next two weeks. Please say G'day and make him welcome.

Robert Smith Merriwa Pharmacy


VETERINARY NEWS WITH ANTHEA A huge congratulations to all the students who entered in our School holidays colouring in competition. We have placed the wonderful entries out the front of the surgery so everyone can see what talent we have in town from such a young age. Winners to be announced next week as Anthea will have her hands full picking a winner. So stay tuned & you will read in next weeks write up. This is the last week of Puppy Pre School it has gone so fast. We do hope that all handlers & pups had a great time, enjoying each others company. We ensure that there is a very friendly atmosphere each Wednesday afternoon. Puppy Pre School will run again later in the year. So if you are interested ensure that

they have all vaccinations up to date & leave your name with us. Due to NSW Racing commitments Anthea will be away from the surgery on Monday 9 April, but Julie will be available for any grooming & general health enquiries. This week we have a Crazy Cat Crossword. Find the missing word & let us know you win a little surprise. 8/8! Your going great guns girls. That means School Holidays are getting Closer!!!!!!

Anthea, Julie & Megan Anthea Wright Veterinary Services


MERRIWA RSL CLUB The Members Lucky Badge for $750.00 was not won on Friday at 8.30pm the number was 831, this week it jackpots to $800.00. The 7pm draw for $200.00 was not won the number was 966, this week it jackpots to $220.00. The 9pm lucky ticket draw for $1000.00 was not won the number was 57791, this week it jackpots to $10200.00. LTPS/11/04452. The Sunday Morning Badge Draw for $1850.00 was not won last week the number was 118, this week it jackpots to $1900.00 and will be drawn between 11.30am and 1.30pm and you must be present to win the money. LTPS/11/04452 Coming Events Saturday the 6 October - The Beetles & Classic Creedence Show. More details as it gets closer. Members only promotion - Starting in the bistro this Friday you will have the chance to win a

Everyone is welcome to come along to watch the MTFA Grand Final on the 30 March 2012 Juniors start at 1pm

Ladies at 7.15pm Men at 7.30pm

The presentation will follow the games with a

FREE DISCO at the Merriwa Sports Club. Everyone is welcome whether you

played touch or not

Tefal 5.5lt Slow Cooker 1st Prize or a $50 Caltex fuel card voucher 2nd prize to be drawn Friday 27 April. All you have to do is make a purchase at the bistro, write your name on your ticket and place it in the entry box. To claim the prize you must be present when drawn. In the Bistro on pension day we now have a choice of a couple of senior’s meals for $7.50, but you must show your senior’s card to be eligible. This week’s special XXXX GOLD 30 Pack Cans $40.00 WAS $45.50, from 22/3/12 to 28/3/12.

Matt Morgan Secretary/Manager


CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB Friday night fun: Twilight Bowls Please Note: No bowls until further notice. Friday night Snack Bar – The Two Ds Affordable family meals Friday night raffles - Meat trays, Vege trays, Schooner Draw, Joker Draw, Members Draw. Last weeks draws results Members Draw: $65– Jennifer Stokes -

unclaimed - $70 next week Joker Draw: $1842– Jann - unsuccessful –

even more next week (maybe 3rd time lucky Jann)

Internet - Check out our website at www.cassilisbowlingclub.com.au Facebook - The club now has it’s own Facebook Page, so please check it out and like us. Coming Events will also be advertised on this page (as soon as there is a confirmed date for them).

Coming soon: Saturday 21 April Bush Dance – 2 bands – more details later

Tai Chi Low impact exercise. Excellent for relaxation, balance and reducing high blood pressure. Gold Coin donation. Expressions of interest to Cheryl or Cecilia. See you there! Every Wednesday

Zumba Contact Candy if you are interested in sharing a regular session, or alternatively DVDs are at the club for any impromtu sessions.

Hilary Parker

MERRIWA SPORTS CLUB Saturday 17 March Saturday members Draw 305 Not won,

$300 next week. Winners Jackpot 261 Not won, $880 next

week. Free tickets - Jason Rosa Bowls Raffle - Des Snelgrove Sunday 18 March Sunday Members Draw - No484 - Not

won, $1,350 next week. $20 one off prize - No483 - not won and

& N0485 Not won. Transport service is available on Friday and Saturday. Don’t take the risk and drive when for $3 per person you can be chauffeured home. To access the transport service you must book through the Sports Club to check the availability of the service. Member and Associations! Looking for a venue to hold your meeting etc? The Sports Club may be able to assist. Please contact the club for further details. Bingo Every Thursday night, commencing at 7pm. Win Sporties Vouchers - $5, $20, $50 plus Fruit, Veg and Meat trays + Super 30 $100 IGA Gift Voucher. Sunday 25 March Smorgasboard Dinner All you can eat for $18 Saturday 18 April “Ash Mountain” Free Show

http://www.cassilisbowlingclub.com.au/


MEN’S BOWLS NEWS No bowls on Saturday due to the wet weather. On Sunday 18 Merriwa played pennants at Aberdeen Bowling Club, going down 6 - 0. On Saturday 24 March, Merriwa plays against Aberdeen Bowling Club at Merriwa. Please be ready by 12.30pm for a 1.30pm start. Teams have been posted on the board. On Sunday 25 March the District Pairs rounds start. Round 1 and 2 are played on the Merriwa Bowling Club Green. The 50 Club was not drawn on Saturday, so will be drawn on Saturday 24 March instead,

Eva Towler

Saturday 12 May “Dee Blundell” Saturday 30 June “allan Cashwell” The Sporties Chinese/Australian Restaurant Our new chef, Shan Zhu, has a new menu. Shan includes some Thai dishes and authentic Chinese as well as additional Australian meals. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, 12 noon to 2pm. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5.30pm to 9pm. Lunch Specials. Closed Mondays. Reopens 5pm Tuesdays. For bookings and take-away ring 6548 3228.

LADIES BOWLERS NEWS A very good win on Wednesday 14 march for Merle, Philomena, Pat Q and Loretta. The raffle was won by Loretta. Don’t forget Cassilis Day on Thursday 29 March. Have you given you name to Loretta? Our April meeting will be held on Monday 16, one week late due to Easter. Coming Up Wednesday 28 March - Mixed Mufti - 9.30am Thursday 29 March - Cassilis Friendship Day Wednesday 4 April - Mixed Mufti and Scone RSL Association Day Wednesday 11 April - Mixed Mufti Monday 16 April - Meeting 3pm Come along on Wednesday mornings at 9.30am to join in our Mufti bowls.

Beat & JR

GOLF NEWS On Saturday 17 March, 5 Brave Golfers (or maybe just mad), played in risky weather conditions. Well Done. The result was Daniel Walmsley winning the Max’s Country Cuts monthly mug and Paul Murray winning the Williams Putting Competition. Next Saturday, 24 March, its the Keno Mixed 4 BBB qualifying round as well as the Individual Stableford starting at 12.30pm

Andrew


* When reporting an incident to the Police, always request and record you Incident Reference Number

MERRIWA PONY CLUB Merriwa pony club held a Combined Training Day (showjumping and dressage competition) last Saturday and the Presidents Cup competition day last Sunday. Both days were a great success with all the competitors enjoying themselves immensely! Many thanks to all the parents who helped make the day a success by helping set up, run events and pack equipment away! A big thankyou to those who worked in the canteen, especially on Sunday when helpers were at an all time minimum! A big thanks to Maxine Cronin and Dianne Mitchell who spent most of Sunday in the canteen and to Dale Wesley from the Cassilis club who stepped in and helped when it was really busy!

Stay tuned in the next few weeks to hear how all our members went over the weekend!

Remember the expressions of interest regarding a two day camp in April? Please ensure you have responded to this so that decisions and preparations may be made. We look forward to hearing from our members about where they went and what they did! E m a i l m e y o u r r e s u l t s a t [email protected].

If you have any questions about pony club in Merriwa feel free to email me or phone our president Clare Martin on 6548 8510.

Upcoming events: 25 March: Zone ODE School 1 April: Singleton Ribbon Day 7 April: Cassilis Presidents Cup 8 April: Rally Day 14/15 April: State Sport & Campdraft

Zone 4 Trangie 22 April: Scone Presidents Cup 29 April: Aberdeen Presidents Cup

Tanya Ninness

MERRIWA LITTLE ATHLETICS Good day to all our Little A’s participants and parents we are drawing near to the end of our 2011/12 seasons with our last two Monday night sessions being 26 March and 2 April (week before school holiday starts). We are holding a committee meeting on the 27 March (RSL Club 6.30pm) to discuss the option of having a catch up session to be held possibly on a Saturday or Sunday. This is due to the many wet Mondays that we have missed in the second half of the Season. If you think your child would like to attend a half day session please talk to Zoe, Sally Gilbey or Jenny and let us know what your thoughts are. I would also like to thank again some of our sponsors for the 2011/12 season:- IGA Merriwa, Cross Country Merriwa for

their donation of Ice each Monday night, Merriwa Sports Club and Merriwa RSL for

their kind donation to go towards much needed equipment.

We do appreciate everyone’s help to keep this little organisation going.

Zoe Jamieson

mailto:[email protected]


LADIES GOLF NEWS We’re baaack! The lady golfers have been out on the fairways intermittently over the summer months but now the official start to the winter comp. is fast approaching more are attending. Last week almost all of our golfers attended the Aberdeen open day. It was a lovely day with a bit of early fog that cleared for a perfect, sunny golf day. Aberdeen course was in immaculate condition but quite heavy with no run for the ball. Of the seventy two players in attendance very few posted good scores indicating the difficulty of the course and the tricky pin placements. Well done to Sue who managed to be runner up in the 1st div nett and also to Jane who, on her first outing, won the encouragement award for 45 handicappers with a very good 26 points. On the home front I would like to congratulate the management committee on the presentation of the course. Some difficult decisions were made over the summer and it has resulted in both the men and lady golfers taking a more active part in the maintenance of the course. The changes in the mown areas have created much more of a challenge for all the players with accuracy required to avoid disaster. The new pin placements are also a welcome variation. Its great to see the girls out on the mower doing lovely neat work! Wonderful news for the lady golfers with it confirmed that Merriwa will be the course to hold the two day Upper Hunter Classic in August this year. This is a Newcastle Hunter district ladies golf event and can attract quite a big field of golfers. More about this later.

Our first big event for the year will be our open day which will be held on 9 May. This is a great day of golf that is well supported by the other small clubs in the district and by our regular crew of visitors from the Riverina.

Please remember ladies that we welcome anyone who is interested in playing golf to come and join us. You do not have to know how to score or what club to use you just need a willingness to walk around trying to hit a little white ball from the tee at one end of a fairway into the hole in the green at the other end. A sense of humour would be helpful too.

The Black Widow

MERRIWA ICEBERGS Last Friday morning brought down the curtain on another successful early morning swimming season. Whilst some members of the club were issued jovial “please explain” notices referring to their poor attendance record throughout the season most of the frequent flyers were present for the annual end of season breakfast.

A succulent spread of fruit salad, cereals, yoghurt and croissants and deliciously blended orange juice rewarded swimmers for their efforts throughout the season and amid much back slapping and free flowing compliments all present agreed that it had been a wonderful season and that we should do it all again come October. Thanks must go to Nick Hiles and his team for their unfaltering dedication in delivering the pool and gardens in such a beautifully clean and groomed condition every day throughout the season. Of course the question on everyone’s lips was whether Nick, our chief iceberg, will return for another season to preside over our safety and watch over the first strokes of a new generation of swimmers. I am pleased to report that initial indications are looking positive, however it should not be taken for granted, and as such it is requested that all swimmers take every opportunity to convince Nick that his ongoing presence is essential and that retirement is over-rated. Cheerio.....Until October.

Robert Smith


UPPER HUNTER VETERANS GOLF There was a record 27 Vets at Muswellbrook Golf Course for their stableford event on Tuesday, 13 March. The course is in top condition ready for the Week of Golf next week. Anyone who can give Mal a hand to weld his quad bike please give him a ring. Welcome back President George T. Smith from your time in hospital. The winner with 41 points was Graham Turvey from Peter Daunton 39. In the ball comp balls went to Paul Constable 41 (ball comp only), Graham Guest & Phil Ledgerwood 38, Bob Keating & Bruce Robinson 37, Peter Ingram, Martin Byrne, Rod Auld & Bill Hunter 35, Jock O'Connor 34 and Des Partridge 33. Nearest the Pins: 5th Bill Hunter 11th Bob Keating 17th Bruce Robinson Entries close on March 31 for the trip to Crowne Plaza on April 12. Names and $50 to Col or Max. On Tuesday, 20 March we play a stableford with putting event at Murrurundi with hit-off from 8.00 till 8.30 am. On Tuesday, 27 March we play a stroke with putting event at Aberdeen with hit-off from 8.00 till 8.30 am.

Graham Turvey

MERRIWA CRICKET CLUB Merriwa Cricket Club, committee and players would like to thank their sponsors for the 2011/2012 season: Major Sponsors - Royal Hotel, Merriwa Sports Club and Minor Sponsors - Frampton Farms, Rosto Olives, Merriwa Pharmacy and Merriwa RSL Club. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Justin Parker

REGISTRATION FOR SCONE FOOTBALL CLUB

To all boys and girls aged 5 to 16, interested in playing soccer this season: Registration this year needs to be online -

Go to www.myfootballclub.com.au and locate the Player Registration page. Then follow the prompts. Any problems, phone Lesley Whitehead on 0413 958 478.

Cost: $80.00 for players aged 5-7, or $95.00 for 8 - 16 years. This covers all soccer charges.

Training starts on Thursday March 22 at Merriwa No.2 Sports Oval, 3.30pm to 5.00pm.

Players need to bring their printed invoices (from the website) and payments with them.

Training will also be on the following Thursday, March 29, same time same place.

For more information please contact Merle Coluccio on 6548 2417.

Merle Coluccio

http://www.myfootballclub.com.au


NAME PHONE

Anthea Wright Veterinary Service

6548 2452

Boardman Peasley Pty Ltd 6543 3600

Bricklayer Block layer 6548 2591

Cassilis Bowling Club 6376 1002

Cassilis Public School 6376 1009

Colles Manufactured Homes Pty Ltd

4353 3606

Curls & Swirls 6548 2499

Curtis, Irving & Gant 6543 2433

Di’s Clothing Patch 6548 3023

Festival of the Fleeces 6521 7046

Hunter Mutual 6548 2651

Intergrated Living 1300 778 718

Merriwa Amateur Swim Club

6548 8510

Merriwa Anglican Parish 0429 996 796

MA Macdonald & Co 6548 2226

Andy Carrigan 6548 2646

CJ & JM Vero 6548 2303

CJ Kelly Funerals 02 4309 0334

Merriwa Activity Centre 6548 2082

McConnell’s This ‘n’ That 6548 2889

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

6542 4444

Craig McPherson Haulage 6548 2663

Cross Country Merriwa 6548 2106

Hanckel Hay Sales 6548 5168

Hair Indeed 6548 2666

Bates Removals 0411 530 246

NAME PHONE Merriwa Caravan Park 0418 668

402

Merriwa Catholic Parish St Vincent de Paul

6548 2086 6548 3092

Merriwa Central School Primary office Secondary office

6548 2101 6548 2119

Merriwa Cricket Club 0428 485 110

Merriwa Darts Competition

0428 899 749

Merriwa District Health Non-Emergency Medical Transport

6548 2653

Merriwa District Progress Association

6548 2245 6548 3060

Merriwa Engineering 0427 476085

Merriwa Home Hardware 6548 2077

Merriwa Healthy Environment Group

6547 6048

Merriwa Junior League & Netball

0437 482 375

Merriwa Little Athletics 0427 799 22

Merriwa Magpies Rugby League Football Club

0411 800255

Merriwa Newsagents 6548 2031

Merriwa Post Office 6548 2042

Merriwa Pre-School & Kindergarten Association

6548 2083

Merriwa RSL Club Restaurant

6548 2157 6548 2295

Merriwa Rotary Club 6548 2025

Merriwa Sports Club Restaurant

6548 2028 6548 3228

Merriwa Tennis Club 6548 2679

Merriwa Traders - IGA 6548 2315

Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre

6548 3201

Merriwa Springtime Show

0402 484 018

Merriwa Central School P&C Association

6548 2119

Merriwa Surgery 6548 2305

Merriwa Pharmacy 6548 2213

NAME PHONE

Panorama Motor Inn 4943 3144

Pitt Son & Keene Elders 6548 2307

Rockwell Livestock 6548 5100

Russell’s Earthmoving 6548 2246

Scott Witton Building 0427 761 169

St David’s Uniting Church 6548 5131

St Joseph’s Primary School 6548 2035

Stokes Dr Bronwyn After Hours

6532 5013 6532 5000

Tash Holden Communications

6548 5002

Upper Hunter Shire Council - Merriwa Branch

6521 7000

Whale, Mark 6548 2389

Woolbrook Rural Industries

6548 2150

Trinity Markets 6548 2323

Merriwa Tyre & Service Centre

6548 2078

Welderup 6548 2500

Mick Hayes Concrete Pump Hire

0417 006 640

Don’t see your listing here? Then you need to contact The Ringer to organise your sponsorship for 2012!


MARCH

Thursday 22 Seniors Taming Technology - Email, Internet & Facebook

Friday 23 St David’s Pie Drive Orders Close Seniors Taming Technology - Online Shopping & EBay

Sunday 25 Merriwa Skate Park Official Opening - 11am Smorgasboard All You Can Eat Dinner - Merriwa Sports Club

Monday 26 Entries close for “Mirrors and Reflections” Photo Comp

Wednesday 28 Celebration of Granddads at Scone Neighbourhood Centre

Thursday 29 Entries open for “Year of the Farmer” Photo Competition

Saturday 31 “Rockin’ at the Racecourse” - Coolah “Sideways” - The Royal - Merriwa Merriwa Magpies Night - Merriwa RSL

APRIL

Monday 2 St David’s Pie Drive Delivery Day

Thursday 5 Last Merriwa Ringer for Term 1 CWA Street Stall Last Day of Term 1

Friday 6 Public Holiday - Good Friday

Saturday 7 Cassilis Pony Club Presidents Cup Day

Sunday 8 Easter Sunday Easter Sunday Social Club Party - The Royal Merriwa

Monday 9 Easter Monday Public Holiday

Saturday 14 Upper Hunter Horse Sale - Merriwa Showgrounds Rotary “German Night” at Settlement Hall

Wednesday 18 Youth Rock Festival begins

Saturday 24 Trivia Night - Baerami Memorial School of Arts Hall - 6.30pm

Thursday 12 JD’s Magic Show - Merriwa Library

Saturday 21 Bush Dance - Cassilis Bowling Club Westpac Charity Horse Ride - Sandy Hollow

Monday 23 Student Free Day Entries close for “Year of the Farmer” Photo Competition

Tuesday 24 School Resumes for Term 2

Wednesday 25 ANZAC Day - Public Holiday

Thursday 26 Merriwa Ringer Resumes for Term 2

Friday 27 Scone Pony Club Presidents Cup Day

Saturday 28 Merriwa Races “Ash Mountain” - Merriwa Sports Club

Saturday 30 Merriwa Touch Football Grand Finals

$5 social club membership due by 31 March - Must be a

financial member to join the Easter party on Sunday the 8

April AUSTAR NOW CONNECTED ALL FOOTBALL NRL, AFL, &

RUGBY UNION LIVE AS WELL AS MOTORSPORTS

AND FRIDAY NIGHT BOXING. Thursday

$11 chicken schnitzel night, normal menu also available.

Friday Happy hours 5-7pm ,

Pick the joker $1,100- not claimed by Peter Steward,

jackpots to $1,200. Saturday

Publicans Punt did no good, on again this week. Punters club correction for last week Craig did win $48, Scotty collected

$30, JR’s bet on this Saturday. Happy hour 3 to 4pm, $2.70 Middies $3.70, Schooners

Social club draw $200 was not won by #170 Joanne Shepherd

on Wednesday, $250 not won by #121 Barry Williams on

Saturday, Jackpots to $300. Wednesday

Mexican night assorted dishes plus $5 Coronas, main menu

also available Sunday

$12.50 roast, baked veg and gravy, normal menu also

available. Tuesday

$11 rump night, normal menu also available Wednesday

Between 4.30 and 6.30pm Social club draw

$10 pasta night, lasagne chips & salad, spaghetti bolognaise & garlic bread, chilli garlic prawn

fettucini, Spiral pasta with creamy garlic chicken,

mushroom & onion, main menu also available

Dining room open for lunch 7 days a week, with 10

meals for $10 each. Dinner 7 nights with main menu and daily specials. Bar snacks

every day 4.30pm. 9kg gas bottles refilled for only

$29.95 bags of ice $3.50 Upcoming Entertainment

Saturday 31 March band “Sideways”

BAR, BISTRO ACCOMMODATION

PH 6548 2235

Issue 8: Thursday 22 March 2012€¦ · MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 22 March Page 1 Published by:...

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Transcript of Issue 8: Thursday 22 March 2012€¦ · MERRIWA RINGER Thursday 22 March Page 1 Published by:...